bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method to implement continuous characters in digital identification keys that estimates the probability of an annotation
Authors: Tyrrell Christopher D.
Published: May 2019

Premise

Species identification is vital to many disciplines. Digital technology has improved identification tools, but the direct use of characters with continuous states has yet to be fully realized. To achieve full use of continuous characters for identification, I propose a classifier that calculates a posterior probability (degree of belief) in possible name assignments and an estimate of the relative evidence for the candidate annotations.

Methods

A model for a species is defined using continuous morphological characters, and an algorithm for identification with a naive Bayesian classifier, using the model, is presented. A method of estimating the strength of evidence for candidate species is also described.

Results

The proposed method is applied in two example identifications: native vs. invasive Myriophyllum in North America and vegetative Rhipidocladum bamboos in Mexico. In each instance, the new method provides a probability and estimate of the strength of the probability to enhance the name assignment in situations where taxa are difficult to differentiate using discrete character states.

Discussion

Naive Bayesian classifiers take advantage of the predictive information inherent in continuous morphological characters. Application of this methodology to plant taxonomy advances our ability to leverage digital technology for improved interactive taxonomic identifications.
Wheat straw, corn stover, sugarcane, and Agave biomasses: chemical properties, availability, and cellulosic‐bioethanol production potential in Mexico
Authors: Hernández Christian , Escamilla‐Alvarado Carlos , Sánchez Arturo , Alarcón Enrique , Ziarelli Fabio , Musule Ricardo , Valdez‐Vazquez Idania
Published: May 2019

Mexico is one of the largest agricultural producers in Latin America and generates a large amount of agricultural residue. The aim of this study was to establish the usefulness of four of the main Mexican crops (corn, wheat, sugarcane, and Agave) as feedstock for lignocellulosic bioethanol production. The lignocellulosic residue ratio (RR), defined as weight of residue (in tons) per ton of product, was measured by sampling crop fields in 11 geographic regions of Mexico. The chemical composition, assessed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and structural composition (extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents), heating value, and metal content of these lignocellulosic residues were measured. Biorefinery locations, and their theoretical bioethanol production, were suggested using the gravity center method and techno‐economic criteria. The highest RR (1.1 ton of straw per ton of grain) was obtained for wheat straw followed by corn (0.8 ton of stover per ton of grain), sugar cane (0.15 ton of bagasse per ton of cane), and Agave (0.2 ton of bagasse per ton of stem). The composition of these biomasses varied significantly depending on the parental material in extractive compounds, lignocellulosic matter, ashes, hemicellulose, lignin, O‐alkyl C, aromatic C, and carboxyl C. The cellulose crystallinity index and the heating value exhibited small variations among biomasses. Copper, Zn, Cd, and Ni content in the biomasses generally exceeded the European Norm (EN‐Plus FprEN 1496 1‐2 B) for solid biofuels. In total, these agricultural biomasses could be used as feedstock for 34 biorefineries in Mexico with a total bioethanol production potential of approximately 1246 million L year–1. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Pichia pastoris as a Versatile Cell Factory for the Production of Industrial Enzymes and Chemicals: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zhu Taicheng , Sun Hongbing , Wang Meiyu , Li Yin
Published: May 2019

With nearly three decades of development, Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) has become a powerful eukaryotic protein expression system for the expression of thousands of proteins both on a laboratory and industrial scale. In addition, it has also been extensively used as a cell factory for the production of a variety of chemicals. This review summarizes the bottlenecks and solutions in achieving high‐level secretory protein expression with P. pastoris and then outlines its applications on chemical production with an emphasis on its role as whole‐cell biocatalyst. Furthermore, current challenges and future directions of this important system are also discussed.
Analysis of the need for surgery for different anatomical locations of splenic injury and radiologic intervention
Authors: Moon Jonghwan , Jung Kyoungwon , Choi Donghwan , Kang Byung H. , Huh Yo , Lee John C.‐J. , Kwon Junsik
Published: May 2019

The splenic surface can be anatomically divided into the visceral surface connected to major blood vessels and the diaphragmatic surface attached to the diaphragm. This study aimed to investigate differences in future treatment and outcomes according to the anatomical location of splenic injuries following abdominal trauma. Patients who were treated at a single trauma center between January 2011 and April 2018 were included. The presence of lacerations or hematoma on the visceral surface was evaluated via computed tomography. Differences in the location of splenic surgery between a group that underwent surgical or radiologic intervention and a group that received conservative care only were analyzed. Of 355 patients with splenic injury analyzed, the total mortality rate was 15.2%. A total of 167 patients underwent surgery and angiographic embolization, and 168 received conservative care only. Splenic injuries involved the visceral surface in 127 and 105 patients in the respective groups. Significant differences in the incidence of splenic injuries involving the visceral surface were found between the two groups in the univariate and logistic regression analyses. The likelihood of needing surgery and treatments such as embolization was higher for cases of splenic injury involving the visceral surface than for splenic injuries that did not involve the visceral surface. Through additional research, it may become possible to analyze the location of a splenic injury to determine an effective and safe method of treatment and accurately predict a prognosis. Clin. Anat. 33:516–521, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gain of the short arm of chromosome 2 (2p gain) has a significant role in drug‐resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kostopoulou Fotini , Gabillaud Clementine , Chapiro Elise , Grange Beatrice , Tran Julie , Bouzy Simon , Degaud Michael , Ghamlouch Hussein , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Maloum Karim , Choquet Sylvain , Leblond Veronique , Gabarre Jean , Lavaud Anne , Morel Veronique , Roos‐Weil Damien , Uzunov Madalina , Guieze Romain , Bernard Olivier A. , Susin Santos A. , Tournilhac Olivier , Nguyen‐Khac Florence ,   the French Innovative Leukemia Organization (FILO) group
Published: May 2019

The different types of drug resistance encountered in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cannot be fully accounted for by the 17p deletion (and/or TP53 mutation), a complex karyotype (CK), immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable region genes (IGHV) status and gene mutations. Hence, we sought to assess the associations between recurrent genomic abnormalities in CLL and the disease's development and outcome. To this end, we analyzed 64 samples from patients with CLL and gain of the short arm of chromosome 2 (2p+), which is frequent in late‐stage and relapsed/refractory CLL. We found that fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab (a common first‐line treatment in CLL) is not effective in removing the 2p+ clone ‐ even in samples lacking a CK, the 17p deletion or unmutated IGHV. Our results suggest strongly that patients with CLL should be screened for 2p+ (using karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization) before a treatment option is chosen. Longer follow‐up is now required to evaluate bendamustine‐rituximab, ibrutinib, and idelalisib‐rituximab treatments.
Hybrid Amorphous/Crystalline FeNi (Oxy) Hydroxide Nanosheets for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Kong Qingquan , Feng Wei , Zhang Qi , Zhang Peng , Sun Yan , Yin Yichun , Wang Qingyuan , Sun Chenghua
Published: May 2019

Electrons released from surface reactions need to be transferred quickly to avoid the inhibition for following reactions. Herein, a novel strategy has been demonstrated to achieve outstanding catalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), specifically removing interfacial charges through an optimized hybrid amorphous/crystalline FeNi (Oxy)hydroxides. Such hybrid structure offers an overpotential of only 215 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 50.9 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH, together with outstanding stability. The superior catalytic activity and stability can be attributed to the unique amorphous/crystalline microstructure, leading to optimized reactivity and excellent conductivity.
Micromixer‐Assisted Co‐Precipitation Method for Fast Synthesis of Layered Ni‐Rich Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Liu Na , Tan Jing , Su Yuefeng , Deng Wensheng , Chen Lai , Xue Ruixue , Zhang Qiyu
Published: May 2019

Uniform element distribution is a key factor that influences the performance of Ni‐rich cathode materials. Herein, the Ni‐rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material has been synthesized with the assistance of a micromixer, which provides ultrafast and homogeneous mixing environments to endow the products with uniform composition distribution. As‐prepared LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 188.5 mAh g−1 at a 0.2 C rate with a 4.3 V cut‐off potential and reached 95.4 % capacity retention after 50 cycles. LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 and LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 synthesized through this method also exhibited reasonable electrochemical performances, which indicates the feasibility of this novel micromixer‐assisted co‐precipitation method in the synthesis of layered cathode materials. Moreover, the reaction time had been reduced from 12 h to only seconds with the assistance of the micromixers when compared to the traditional co‐precipitation method.
Synthesis of Benzothiophene‐Fused Oxa[6.6.5]tricyclic Skeletons through a Cinchonidine‐ or NaOH‐Promoted Quadruple Domino Sequence
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Liang , Yu Aimin , Zhu Lingli , Zhang Lei , Gu Yingchun , Meng Xiangtai
Published: May 2019

Two base‐promoted quadruple domino reactions between thioaurones and allylic phosphonium salts have been developed to synthesize benzothiophene‐fused oxa[6.6.5]tricyclic skeletons in moderate to good yields with excellent stereoselectivity and broad functional‐group tolerance. This is a simple and useful protocol for the rapid construction of the umbrella‐like oxa[6.6.5]tricyclic skeleton.
The biological activities of prothioconazole enantiomers and their toxicity assessment on aquatic organisms
Authors: Zhai Wangjing , Zhang Linlin , Cui Jingna , Wei Yimu , Wang Peng , Liu Donghui , Zhou Zhiqiang
Published: May 2019

Chiral fungicide prothioconazole has a wide range of antifungal spectrum; however, little research has been conducted to evaluate prothioconazole on an enantiomeric level. Five target pathogens and three common aquatic organisms were tested for the enantioselective bioactivity and toxicity of prothioconazole in this work. The antifungal activity of the enantiomers against wheat phytoalexin, rice blast fungus, exserohilum turcicum, Alternaria triticina, and Fusarium avenaceum was determined, and it was found that (−)‐prothioconazole were 85 to 2768 times more active than (+)‐prothioconazole toward these target organisms. In order to reflect the risk to aquatic ecosystem, the acute toxicity of the enantiomers to Daphnia magna, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, and Lemna minor L. was assessed. It was observed that the toxicity of (−)‐prothioconazole to D. magna was 2.2 times higher than (+)‐prothioconazole, but it was lower to C. pyrenoidosa and L. minor L. The toxicities of (+)‐enantiomer and (−)‐enantiomer to D. magna and C. pyrenoidosa were synergy, indicating that the racemate had higher threat to the organisms. It could be concluded that the effects of prothioconazole on target organisms and the acute toxicity to nontarget species were enantioselective with (−)‐enantiomer possessing higher efficiency and lower toxicity. Such enantiomeric differences should be taken into consideration when assessing the performance of prothioconazole.
Season Effects on Subsurface Constructed Wetlands Performance: Role of Radial Oxygen Loss of Phragmites australis
Authors: Wang Qian , Cao Zhenfeng , Hu Yanbiao , Kong Qiang , Xu Fei , Du Yuanda , Zhao Congcong
Published: May 2019

Radial oxygen loss (ROL) in plants plays an important role in the oxygen supply of subsurface‐flow constructed wetlands (SSF CWs). In this research, two types of microcosm, Phragmites australis‐planted wetlands (PA) and unplanted wetlands as the control (CT), are set up to investigate seasonal variations in ROL and their effects on pollutant removal. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH4+‐N removal efficiency are detected, and the oxygen contributions produced by ROL are calculated for different seasons. The results show that the removal efficiency differences between PA and CT are significant in autumn and winter. The oxygen obtained from ROL is considerable in spring (120.12 ± 8.85% mg m−3 per day) and summer (1663.3 ± 36.4% mg m−3 per day), followed by autumn (494.32 ± 60.7% mg m−3 per day) and winter (27.95 ± 9.84% mg m−3 per day) and is positively correlated with the removal efficiency of COD (r = 0.786, p < 0.01) and NH4+‐N (r = 0.758, p < 0.01). Investigations of plant growth and physiological indexes showed that ROL is positively correlated with dry weight (DW), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and especially root porosity (r = 0.731, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with plant height. These results indicate that the oxygen produced by ROL in CWs is considerable throughout the year, even in winter, and that root porosity has an important impact on seasonal variation in ROL.
Tunneling nanotubes: A bridge for heterogeneity in glioblastoma and a new therapeutic target?
Authors: Venkatesh Varun Subramaniam , Lou Emil
Published: May 2019

Background

The concept of tumour heterogeneity is not novel but is fast becoming a paradigm by which to explain part of the highly recalcitrant nature of aggressive malignant tumours. Glioblastoma is a prime example of such difficult‐to‐treat, invasive, and incurable malignancies. With the advent of the post‐genomic age and increased access to next‐generation sequencing technologies, numerous publications have described the presence and extent of intratumoural and intertumoural heterogeneity present in glioblastoma. Moreover, there have been numerous reports more directly correlating the heterogeneity of glioblastoma to its refractory, reoccurring, and inevitably terminal nature. It is therefore prudent to consider the different forms of heterogeneity seen in glioblastoma and how to harness this understanding to better strategize novel therapeutic approaches. One of the most central questions of tumour heterogeneity is how these numerous different cell types (both tumour and non‐tumour) in the tumour mass communicate.

Recent findings

This chapter provides a brief review on the variable heterogeneity of glioblastoma, with a focus on cellular heterogeneity and on modalities of communication that can induce further molecular diversity within the complex and ever‐evolving tumour microenvironment. We provide particular emphasis on the emerging role of actin‐based cellular conduits called tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) and tumour microtubes (TMs) and outline the perceived current problems in the field that need to be resolved before pharmacological targeting of TNTs can become a reality.

Conclusions

We conclude that TNTs and TMs provide a new and exciting avenue for the therapeutic targeting of glioblastoma and that numerous inroads have already made into TNT and TM biology. However, to target TMs and TNTs, several advances must be made before this aim can become a reality.
Towards a conceptual understanding of sustainability‐driven entrepreneurship
Authors: Haldar Stuti
Published: May 2019

In common discourse, economic activities run by profit‐oriented managers and entrepreneurs are considered to be at the root of social and ecological crisis and hence, hamper sustainable development. With this perspective, government, policymaking institutions, and civil societies take the center stage in shaping a sustainability‐oriented industry by using the tools of command and control to curb the negative environmental and social impacts of business. However, this view not only overestimates the role of legal regulations and policies but also underestimates and, in a sense, distorts the relationship between innovative entrepreneurial activities and sustainable development. With growing impetus in the domain of sustainable entrepreneurship since the early 1990s, researchers have increasingly advocated sustainability‐driven entrepreneurs and managers as the core movers of sustainable production and consumption. Presently, sustainable entrepreneurship remains an extremely relevant yet under researched area of investigation. Debates regarding semantic and practical approaches to sustainability‐oriented entrepreneurs impede empirical and theoretical developments in this area. Hence, in the context of the existent gap in literature, this study adopts a qualitative approach to conceptualize sustainable entrepreneurship, by building upon a typology of this phenomenon. In doing so, the overlapping yet conceptually distinct terms, “green” entrepreneurship, “social” entrepreneurship, and “institutional” entrepreneurship are incorporated to understand how entrepreneurs induce sustainable innovations to meet the objectives of social benefits and profit maximization in the context of changing market indicators. The relevance of the study lies in its theoretical as well as practical implications as it attempts to develop a framework to identify, under which specific conditions a particular firm is most likely to adopt sustainable innovations, hence, indicating the need to refine and extend the existing models of sustainable entrepreneurship with respect to motivations for sustainability innovations.
Can Brexit Improve Our Understanding of “Wicked Problems”? Reflections on Policy and Political Order
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: May 2019

The main purpose of this article is to improve the wicked problem framework by incorporating the problem of political order, as it appears in the context of Brexit. The first part specifies what is meant by political order and highlights two core meanings: settled order, and orderliness as the presence or absence of rules. Thereafter, the article specifies what is meant by wicked problem and shows that this body of literature has not really engaged with the problem of political order. In the third section, the focus is on how and in what sense Brexit constitutes a wicked problem with reference to a set of criteria for delineating wicked problems. As part of that, it is made clear where and how matters of political order appear. In the conclusion, I discuss how we can improve the wicked problem framework by including questions of political order.
Effect of leadership style and organizational climate on employees' food safety and hygiene behaviors in the institutional food service of schools
Authors: Ko Wen‐Hwa , Kang Hsiu‐yu
Published: May 2019

This study took the employees working in the institutional food service of schools in northern Taiwan as subjects to explore the influences of leadership style and organizational climate on food safety and hygiene behaviors. In this study, 400 questionnaires were distributed and 324 valid questionnaires were collected, for a valid return rate of 81%. The results showed that leadership style and organizational climate positively correlate with employees' behaviors with respect to food safety and hygiene. Transactional and transformational leadership have a significantly positive effect on organizational climate. Organizational climate has a significantly positive impact on employees' food safety and hygiene behaviors. Transactional and transformational leadership have a significantly positive effect on employees' food safety and hygiene behaviors, but the difference between the two factors is not obvious. Organizational climate has a complete mediating effect on the process of transactional and transformational leadership affecting food safety and hygiene behaviors.
Intensity‐related distribution of sweet and bitter taste fMRI responses in the insular cortex
Authors: Canna Antonietta , Prinster Anna , Cantone Elena , Ponticorvo Sara , Russo Andrea Gerardo , Di Salle Francesco , Esposito Fabrizio
Published: May 2019

The human gustatory cortex analyzes the chemosensory properties of tastants, particularly the quality, intensity, and affective valence, to determine whether a perceived substance should be ingested or rejected. Among previous studies, the spatial distribution of taste intensity‐related activations within the human insula has been scarcely addressed. To spatially characterize a specialized or distributed nature of the cortical responses to taste intensities, a functional magnetic resonance imaging study was performed at 3 T in 44 healthy subjects where sweet and bitter tastants were administered at five increasing concentrations and cortex‐based factorial and parametric analyses were performed. Two clusters in the right middle‐posterior and left middle insula were found specialized for taste intensity processing, exhibiting a highly nonlinear profile across concentrations. Multiple clusters were found activated by sweet and bitter taste stimuli at most concentrations, in the anterior, middle‐posterior, and inferior portion of the bilateral insula. Across these clusters, respectively, for the right and left insula, a superior‐to‐inferior and an anterior‐to‐posterior spatial gradient for high‐to‐low concentrations were observed for the most responsive intensity of both tastes. These findings may gather new insights regarding how the gustatory cortex is spatially organized during the perceptual processing of taste intensity for two basic tastants.
Open partial horizontal laryngectomy using CO2 fiber laser
Authors: Crosetti Erika , Fantini Marco , Maldi Elena , Balmativola Davide , Succo Giovanni
Published: May 2019

Background

The application of CO2 fiber laser technology to ENT surgery has led to new interesting scenarios, both in endoscopic and in open surgical approaches.

Methods

The current video shows three examples of open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) performed using CO2 fiber laser for resection procedures.

Results

CO2 fiber laser helped the surgeon in improving the accuracy of resection and the quality of surgical margins on specimen. The low thermal damage on tissues resulted in minor postoperative edema and a fast recovery of laryngeal function.

Conclusions

In our experience, the application of CO2 fiber laser showed some very useful features for performing OPHLs: a high cutting precision with very low tissue damage, the possibility of delivering energy without touching the organ, a modulable power for the various surgical steps, a very good maneuverability of the fine fiber holder during the procedure allowing the surgeon to “draw” the resection with a great accuracy.
Dual‐Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation–Regulated Kinase 3 Loss Activates Purine Metabolism and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhu Yuekun , Liu Xing , Zhou Qingxin , Hong Xuehui , Qu Chao , Feng Xing , Zhang Yiyun , Ding Qingbin , Zhao Jiabao , Hou Jingjing , Zhong Mengya , Zhuo Huiqin , Zhong Lifeng , Ye Zhijian , Xie Wen , Liu Yu , Xiong Yubo , Chen Hongwei , Piao Daxun , Sun Bei , Gao Zhi , Li Qinghua , Zhang Zhen , Qiu Xingfeng , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

Cancer cells metabolize different energy sources to generate biomass rapidly. The purine biosynthetic pathway was recently identified as an important source of metabolic intermediates for these processes. However, very little was known about the regulatory mechanisms of purine metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We explored the role of dual‐specificity tyrosine (Y) phosphorylation–regulated kinase 3 (Dyrk3) in HCC metabolism. Dyrk3 was significantly down‐regulated in HCC compared with normal controls. Its introduction in HCC cells markedly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft tumor models. Mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites suggests that the effect of Dyrk3 on HCC occurred at least partially through down‐regulating purine metabolism, as evidenced by the fact that inhibiting purine synthesis reverted the HCC progression mediated by the loss of Dyrk3. We further provide evidence that this action of Dyrk3 knockdown requires nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCOA3), which has been shown to be a coactivator of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) to target purine pathway genes for transcriptional activation. Mechanistically, Dyrk3 directly phosphorylated NCOA3 at Ser‐1330, disrupting its binding to ATF4 and thereby causing the inhibition of ATF4 transcriptional activity. However, the phosphorylation‐resistant NCOA3‐S1330A mutant has the opposite effect. Interestingly, the promoter activity of Dyrk3 was negatively regulated by ATF4, indicating a double‐negative feedback loop. Importantly, levels of Dyrk3 and phospho‐NCOA3‐S1330 inversely correlate with the expression of ATF4 in human HCC specimens. Conclusion: Our findings not only illustrate a function of Dyrk3 in reprograming HCC metabolism by negatively regulating NCOA3/ATF4 transcription factor complex but also identify NCOA3 as a phosphorylation substrate of Dyrk3, suggesting the Dyrk3/NCOA3/ATF4 axis as a potential candidate for HCC therapy.
Postnatal nectin‐3 knockdown induces structural abnormalities of hippocampal principal neurons and memory deficits in adult mice
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Han , Wang Hong‐Li , Sun Ya‐Xin , Su Yun‐Ai , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Li Ji‐Tao , Si Tian‐Mei
Published: May 2019

The early postnatal stage is a critical period of hippocampal neurodevelopment and also a period of high vulnerability to adverse life experiences. Recent evidence suggests that nectin‐3, a cell adhesion molecule, mediates memory dysfunction and dendritic alterations in the adult hippocampus induced by postnatal stress. But it is unknown whether postnatal nectin‐3 reduction alone is sufficient to alter hippocampal structure and function in adulthood. Here, we down regulated hippocampal expression of nectin‐3 and its heterophilic adhesion partner nectin‐1, respectively, from early postnatal stage by injecting adeno‐associated virus (AAV) into the cerebral lateral ventricles of neonatal mice (postnatal day 2). We found that suppression of nectin‐3, but not nectin‐1, expression from the early postnatal stage impaired hippocampus‐dependent novel object recognition and spatial object recognition in adult mice. Moreover, AAV‐mediated nectin‐3 knockdown significantly reduced dendritic complexity and spine density of pyramidal neurons throughout the hippocampus, whereas nectin‐1 knockdown only induced the loss of stubby spines in CA3. Our data provide direct evidence that nectins, especially nectin‐3, are necessary for postnatal hippocampal development of memory functions and structural integrity.
Successful percutaneous flexible ureteroscopy for treatment of distal ureteral stones under modified Valdivia position after Cohen reimplantation
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Yamamichi Fukashi , Endo Takahito , Kaku Yasuhiro , Horikoshi Mikito , Hara Shoji , Fujisawa Masato
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Endoscopic retrograde access to the upper urinary tract after Cohen reimplantation for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children is usually difficult.

Case presentation

We experienced a case involving a few large ureteral stones in the right distal ureter after Cohen reimplantation. We initially failed retrograde access using flexible cystoscope. Therefore, we performed antegrade flexible ureteroscopy through the 10‐ to 12‐Fr access sheath from the middle calyx to treat the few ureteral stones (>1.5 cm) in the right ureter with the patient in the modified Valdivia position. This one‐stage procedure was successful. The patient achieved a stone‐free status without major complications.

Conclusion

The herein‐described approach that was implemented after Cohen reimplantation was successful. We believe that recent endourologic developments contributed to the good outcome in this case.
Sex‐specific endocrine‐disrupting effects of three halogenated chemicals in Japanese medaka
Authors: Godfrey Amy , Hooser Blair , Abdelmoneim Ahmed , Sepúlveda Maria S.
Published: May 2019

Several halogenated chemicals are found in an array of products that can cause endocrine disruption. Human studies have shown that endocrine responses are sex specific, with females more likely to develop hypothyroidism and males more likely to have reproductive impairment. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences on thyroid and estrogenic effects after exposure of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes, SK2MC) to halogenated compounds. This strain is an excellent model for these studies as sex can be determined non‐destructively a few hours postfertilization. Medaka embryos were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate (TDCPP, 0.019 mg/L), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 4.7 mg/L) and its next generation alternative, perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA, 137 mg/L). Methimazole (inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis) and the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine served as reference controls. Fish were exposed throughout embryo development until 10 days postfertilization. Females displayed significantly larger swim bladders (which are under thyroid hormone control) after exposure to all chemicals with the exception of triiodothyronine, which caused the opposite effect. Females exposed to TDCPP and PFOA had increased expression of vitellogenin and exposure to PFOA upregulated expression of multiple thyroid‐related genes. Upregulation of estrogenic‐regulated genes after exposure to TDCPP, PFOA and methimazole was only observed in males. Overall, our results suggest that females and males show an estrogenic response when exposed to these halogenated chemicals and that females appear more susceptible to thyroid‐induced swim bladder dysfunction compared with males. These results further confirm the importance of considering sex effects when assessing the toxicity of endocrine‐disrupting compounds.
Synthesis of TiO2 on different substrates by chemical vapor deposition for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) in water
Authors: Le Minh Thang , Nguyen Hong Lien , Vu Anh‐Tuan , Nguyen Van Chuc , Wu Jeffrey C. S.
Published: May 2019

TiO2 loaded on several substrates such as carbon fiber, aluminum plate, silica plate, and glass plate was prepared using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) in water with the presence of ethanol under Ultraviolet (UV) illumination. As‐prepared samples were characterized by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalyst with TiO2 loaded on carbon fiber possessed an extremely large surface area (1,463,91 m2/g), while the other catalysts possessed small surface areas (0.05–0.21 m2/g). The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 loaded on carbon fiber, which was determined by the conversion of Cr(VI) and the degradation of chemical oxygen demand (COD), was much higher than that of other catalysts. The reusability of TiO2 loaded on carbon fiber catalyst exhibited almost the same activity as the fresh catalyst. The results indicated that TiO2 loaded on carbon fiber is feasible for practical application.
The comparability of the visual and verbal versions of the Inclusion of Community in Self scale
Authors: Folk Johanna B. , Enriquez Kaitlinn , Cebas Luis , Stuewig Jeffrey , Tangney June P. , Mashek Debra
Published: May 2019

Aims

Many factors affect the utility and practicality of measures in longitudinal studies characterized by transient participants such as those caught in the cycle of incarceration. The current study evaluated the psychometric equivalency of a visual and a verbal version of a single‐item connectedness measure; the aim was to determine whether the different formats can be used interchangeably depending on feasibility.

Methods

Participants were 133 jail inmates (49% male; 43% Black; Mage = 35 years, SD = 10 years) interviewed just before release from jail.

Results

Results provide evidence for the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity of the two ICS versions. Attempts to calibrate the verbal measure to the visual measure were moderately successful.

Conclusion

Taken together, results suggest the two formats are comparable, but not interchangeable; they map on to other variables in similar ways but cannot be used in lieu of one another.
The clinical relevance of adiposity when assessing muscle health in men treated with androgen deprivation for prostate cancer
Authors: Owen Patrick J. , Daly Robin M. , Dalla Via Jack , Mundell Niamh L. , Livingston Patricia M. , Rantalainen Timo , Fraser Steve F.
Published: May 2019

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) may prospectively decrease absolute lean mass (LM) and increase absolute fat mass (FM). Given that estimates of LM by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry may be overestimated in obese people, this study examined the influence of adiposity on muscle health in men treated with ADT for PCa.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the influence of adiposity on total and appendicular LM (ALM), muscle cross‐sectional (CSA), and muscle strength in 70 men treated with ADT [mean (standard deviation) age, 71 (6) years] for PCa compared with age‐matched PCa (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 70). Total body LM, FM and ALM, and 66% tibia and radius muscle CSA were quantified by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, respectively. ALM was further divided by height (m2) or body mass index, with muscle CSA expressed as a per cent of total limb CSA. Upper and lower body and back (three‐repetition maximum and dynamometry) muscle strength were expressed per kilogram of body weight.

Results

On average, ADT‐treated men had 4.4–6.4 kg greater FM compared with controls (P ≤ 0.014) and there were no differences in total body or ALM. Total body per cent LM and ALMBMI were 3.8–5.4% (P ≤ 0.001) and 7.8–9.4% (P ≤ 0.001) lower, respectively, in ADT‐treated men compared with both controls. Percentage muscle CSA at both sites and muscle strength (except leg) were 3.0–6.0% (P ≤ 0.031) and 15–17% (P ≤ 0.010) lower, respectively, in ADT‐treated men compared with both controls.

Conclusions

The findings from this study indicate muscle mass, size, and strength are compromised in men treated with ADT after accounting for their increased adiposity or body size.
A Humane Orientation to the Future of Leadership Theory
Authors: Newton Chad
Published: May 2019

The current paper describes a humane‐oriented approach to future leadership research. Previous organizational research revealed several themes that described dystopian workplaces. One such repetitive theme involved an emphasis on the shared desire for a change in current service‐work environments, where leaders appeared to devalue or invalidate the mental and emotional labor associated with service‐based labor.
Changing the Game: Developing a New Lexicon for Leadership
Authors: Steffensmeier Timothy , Chrislip David
Published: May 2019

In the current essay, we put forth a vision of exercising leadership that anticipates a significant shift in leader–follower relationships. We explore three interrelated dimensions: the context for leadership, leadership as a collective response to challenges, and how progress is understood and measured. Finally, we envision the role and relationship of leaders and followers and what it takes to develop leadership in this way. We see a future where the leader–follower distinction gradually disappears and is replaced by a lexicon that articulates a new set of leadership competencies. These new leadership practices emerge from a global research program that is focused on large‐scale leadership development initiatives.
Pathology and mechanisms of cochlear aging
Authors: Keithley Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2019

Presbycusis, or age‐related hearing loss (ARHL), occurs in most mammals with variations in the age of onset, rate of decline, and magnitude of degeneration in the central nervous system and inner ear. The affected cochlear structures include the stria vascularis and its vasculature, spiral ligament, sensory hair cells and auditory neurons. Dysfunction of the stria vascularis results in a reduced endocochlear potential. Without this potential, the cochlear amplification provided by the electro‐motility of the outer hair cells is insufficient, and a high‐frequency hearing‐loss results. Degeneration of the sensory cells, especially the outer hair cells also leads to hearing loss due to lack of amplification. Neuronal degeneration, another hallmark of ARHL, most likely underlies difficulties with speech discrimination, especially in noisy environments. Noise exposure is a major cause of ARHL. It is well‐known to cause sensory cell degeneration, especially the outer hair cells at the high frequency end of the cochlea. Even loud, but not uncomfortable, sound levels can lead to synaptopathy and ultimately neuronal degeneration. Even in the absence of a noisy environment, aged cells degenerate. This pathology most likely results from damage to mitochondria and contributes to degenerative changes in the stria vascularis, hair cells, and neurons. The genetic underpinnings of ARHL are still unknown and most likely involve various combinations of genes. At present, the only effective strategy for reducing ARHL is prevention of noise exposure. If future strategies can improve mitochondrial activity and reduce oxidative damage in old age, these should also bring relief.
Seasonality determinants for the main markets in Spain
Authors: Turrión‐Prats Judith , Duro Juan Antonio
Published: May 2019

Seasonality has become a key problem facing the tourist sector, constituting a major threat to sustainable growth, destination image, and loyalty, especially in regard to large‐scale, well‐established destinations. A dynamic model, combining natural and non‐natural explanatory variables, is used for a provincial panel data set over the 2006–2015 period to identify determinants of seasonality for Spain's main markets of origin. We show that the inertia factor, economic variables, and climatic variables are significant. Some of the most interesting results are the identification of common patterns across the main markets of origin. Considering, for example, high temperatures in the low season, our results show that, if they occur in the destination market, they reduce seasonality; in contrast, if they occur in the markets of origin, they increase seasonality.
Predator densities and white‐tailed deer fawn survival
Authors: Kautz Todd M. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Strickland Bronson K. , Petroelje Tyler R. , Sollmann Rahel
Published: May 2019

Predation is the dominant source of mortality for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) <6 months old throughout North America. Yet, few white‐tailed deer fawn survival studies have occurred in areas with 4 predator species or have considered concurrent densities of deer and predator species. We monitored survival and cause‐specific mortality from birth to 6 months for 100 neonatal fawns during 2013–2015 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, while simultaneously estimating population densities of deer, American black bear (Ursus americanus), coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and gray wolf (Canis lupus). We estimated fawn predation risk in response to sex, birth mass, and date of birth. Six‐month fawn survival pooled among years was 36%, and fawn mortality risk was not related to birth mass, date of birth, or sex. Estimated mean annual deer and predator densities were 334 fawns/100 km2, 25.9 black bear/100 km2, 23.8 coyotes/100 km2, 3.8 bobcat/100 km2, and 2.8 wolves/100 km2. Despite lower estimated per‐individual kill rates, coyotes and black bears were the leading sources of fawn mortality because they had greater densities relative to bobcats and wolves. Our results indicate that the presence of more predator species in a system is not entirely additive in its effect on fawn survival. © The Wildlife Society, 2019
Biogeochemistry, microbial activity, and diversity in surface and subsurface deep‐sea sediments of South China Sea
Authors: Zhuang Guang‐Chao , Xu Lei , Liang Qianyong , Fan Xibei , Xia Zhen , Joye Samantha B. , Wang Fengping
Published: May 2019

Deep‐sea environments are the largest ecosystem of the global biosphere and constitute a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles. We integrated biogeochemical and molecular ecological approaches to investigate microbial activity and diversity, with the goal of elucidating pathways and regulations of methane cycling and low molecular weight (LMW) compounds metabolism in different deep‐sea sediments of the South China Sea. We found that methanogenesis, anaerobic oxidation of methane, and sulfate reduction occurred concurrently with low rates in surface sediments of the Haima area (~ 50 cm push cores) and in subsurface sediments of the Shenhu area (~ 8 m piston core). In the presence of sulfate, methanogenesis was fueled by methylotrophic substrates, in agreement with thermodynamic calculations as well as the detection of the methylotrophic methanogenic genus Methanococcoides. Higher oxidation rates of LMW compounds than methanogenesis rates, suggested acetate, and to a lesser extent, methanol and methylamine, were predominantly utilized as an energy source by nonmethanogenic microorganisms (e.g., sulfate‐reducing bacteria). Diverse methanotrophic archaea (e.g., ANME‐1a/b and ANME‐2a/b) and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (e.g., Desulfarculaceae and Desulfobacteraceae) were observed and the abundance of mcrA and dsrA genes varied over depth and between sites. Dominant archaeal groups, such as Bathyarchaeota, Thermoplasmatale, Woesearchaeota, Lokiarchaeota, were consistently detected at both areas. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated sulfate was the most relevant environmental variable that correlated with the archaeal community composition. These results suggested that the presence of sulfate controlled methane cycling and LMW carbon metabolism pathways, and also affected the composition of the microbial community.
Cross‐Linkable Liquid‐Crystalline Biopolyesteramide as a Multifunctional Polymeric Platform Designed from Corn Oil Side‐Stream Product of Bioethanol Industry
Authors: Pin Jean‐Mathieu , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: May 2019

A tunable biopolyesteramide platform is designed from the corn oil (CnO) side‐stream product of bioethanol industry. The (trans)amidation of CnO by diethanolamine (DEA) leads to the generation of a diol monomer (MCnO). The subsequent polymerization of MCnO with maleic anhydride (MA) generated a new kind of branched and brushed amphiphilic polymer (PCnO). This explorative investigation aims to understand the relationship between the reactivity, topology, self‐organization, and photoluminescence properties of PCnO and its cross‐linked homologous (CPCnO). This strategy offers an easy, inexpensive, and versatile way to design sustainable and soft smart materials.
MARVELD1 interacting with catalase regulates reactive oxygen species metabolism and mediates the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in epithelial tumors of the reproductive system
Authors: Zhang Chunbin , Han Fang , Shi Ming , Sun Haoxiu , Li Yiqun , Ci Yanpeng , Yao Yuanfei , Dou Peng , Akhtar Muhammad luqman , Nie Huan , He Jie , Li Yu
Published: May 2019

Previous investigations have found that MARVEL domain‐containing 1 (MARVELD1) could inhibit tumor cell proliferation and enhance the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hence, it may be a valuable therapeutic target. In the study, we analyzed the responsive changes of MARVELD1 to 25 stress factors and expression of MARVELD1 in epithelial tumors of the reproductive system. We found that MARVELD1 was transferred to the cytoplasm and mitochondria under cell stress. And under cellular stress, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels decreased in MARVELD1 expressed cells while increased in the cells of MARVELD1‐specific siRNA treatment. Meanwhile, MARVELD1 overexpression significantly promoted the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation under cellular stress via affecting ROS metabolism, not cell cycle. In xenograft tumor tissues with MARVELD1 expression, the tumor growth was inhibited and accompanied by the lower ROS levels. Furthermore, we identified that MARVELD1 could interact with catalase (CAT) to enhance latter activity and maintain stability. And the enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs clearly depended on the ability of MARVELD1 scavenge the ROS in carcinoma cells of the reproductive system. Our findings clearly explain that MARVELD1 may regulate tumor cell proliferation and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs via reducing the exorbitant ROS. The mechanism was that MARVELD1 interacted with CAT to maintain latter stability, and then ensure continuous ROS scavenge.
Controllability of nonlinear fractional order integrodifferential system with input delay
Authors: Yi Yapeng , Chen Diyi , Xie Qi
Published: May 2019

This paper addressed the controllability of nonlinear fractional order integrodifferential systems with input delay. Firstly, the Caputo fractional derivatives and the Mittag‐Leffler functions are employed. Thereafter, we establish a set of sufficient and necessary conditions for the controllability of the linear fractional system. Furtherly, controllability conditions of the nonlinear integrodifferential fractional order system with input delay are acquired by utilizing Arzela‐Ascoli theorem and Schauder's fixed‐point theorem. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate our main results.
Identification and Peptidomic Profiling of Exosomes in Preterm Human Milk: Insights Into Necrotizing Enterocolitis Prevention
Authors: Wang Xingyun , Yan Xiangyun , Zhang Le , Cai Jinyang , Zhou Yahui , Liu Heng , Hu Yin , Chen Wenjuan , Xu Siliang , Liu Peipei , Chen Ting , Zhang Jun , Cao Yan , Yu Zhangbin , Han Shuping
Published: May 2019

Scope

Human breast milk has been shown to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Although exosomes have been identified in breast milk, their function and components have not been fully addressed. This study is conducted to elucidate the differences in peptidomic complexities between preterm and term milk exosomes.

Methods and results

Breast milk samples are collected from healthy lactating mothers who have delivered term and preterm infants. Exosomes are separated and quantified. The protective effects of purified exosomes against NEC are investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The peptidomic complexities in term and preterm milk exosomes are analyzed by iTRAQ LC‐MS/MS to screen differentially expressed exosomal peptides. Preterm milk exosomes administration significantly enhances proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells compared with term milk exosomes. A total of 70 peptides are found to be significantly modulated in preterm milk samples compared to term milk samples. Of these, 47 peptides are upregulated, and 23 peptides are downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis suggests several potential regulatory roles of the altered peptides in intestinal epithelial cell function.

Conclusion

These results reveal the differences for the first time in peptidomic complexities between preterm and term milk exosomes. Milk exosome administration might be a promising prevention for NEC.