bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mask family proteins ANKHD1 and ANKRD17 regulate YAP nuclear import and stability
Authors: Sidor Clara , Borreguero-Munoz Nerea , Fletcher Georgina C , Elbediwy Ahmed , Guillermin Oriane , Thompson Barry J
Published: October 2019

Mask family proteins were discovered in Drosophila to promote the activity of the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie (Yki), the sole fly homolog of mammalian YAP (YAP1) and TAZ (WWTR1). The molecular function of Mask, or its mammalian homologs Mask1 (ANKHD1) and Mask2 (ANKRD17), remains unclear. Mask family proteins contain two ankyrin repeat domains that bind Yki/YAP as well as a conserved nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) and nuclear export sequence (NES), suggesting a role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. Here we show that Mask acts to promote nuclear import of Yki, and that addition of an ectopic NLS to Yki is sufficient to bypass the requirement for Mask in Yki-driven tissue growth. Mammalian Mask1/2 proteins also promote nuclear import of YAP, as well as stabilising YAP and driving formation of liquid droplets. Mask1/2 and YAP normally colocalise in a granular fashion in both nucleus and cytoplasm, and are co-regulated during mechanotransduction.
Modeling the dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in humans during malaria infection
Authors: Cao Pengxing , Collins Katharine A , Zaloumis Sophie , Wattanakul Thanaporn , Tarning Joel , Simpson Julie A , McCarthy James , McCaw James M
Published: October 2019

Renewed efforts to eliminate malaria have highlighted the potential to interrupt human-to-mosquito transmission — a process mediated by gametocyte kinetics in human hosts. Here we study the in vivo dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes by establishing a framework which incorporates improved measurements of parasitemia, a novel gametocyte dynamics model and model fitting using Bayesian hierarchical inference. We found that the model provides an excellent fit to the clinical data from 17 volunteers infected with P. falciparum (3D7 strain) and reliably predicts observed gametocytemia. We estimated the sexual commitment rate and gametocyte sequestration time to be 0.54% (95% credible interval: 0.30–1.00%) per asexual replication cycle and 8.39 (6.54–10.59) days respectively. We used the data-calibrated model to investigate human-to-mosquito transmissibility, providing a method to link within-human host infection kinetics to epidemiological-scale infection and transmission patterns.
Peptidoglycan-dependent NF-κB activation in a small subset of brain octopaminergic neurons controls female oviposition
Authors: Masuzzo Ambra , Manière Gérard , Viallat-Lieutaud Annelise , Avazeri Émilie , Zugasti Olivier , Grosjean Yaël , Kurz C Léopold , Royet Julien
Published: October 2019

When facing microbes, animals engage in behaviors that lower the impact of the infection. We previously demonstrated that internal sensing of bacterial peptidoglycan reduces Drosophila female oviposition via NF-κB pathway activation in some neurons (Kurz et al., 2017). Although we showed that the neuromodulator octopamine is implicated, the identity of the involved neurons, as well as the physiological mechanism blocking egg-laying, remained unknown. In this study, we identified few ventral nerve cord and brain octopaminergic neurons expressing an NF-κB pathway component. We functionally demonstrated that NF-κB pathway activation in the brain, but not in the ventral nerve cord octopaminergic neurons, triggers an egg-laying drop in response to infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated via calcium imaging that the activity of these neurons can be directly modulated by peptidoglycan and that these cells do not control other octopamine-dependent behaviors such as female receptivity. This study shows that by sensing peptidoglycan and hence activating NF-κB cascade, a couple of brain neurons modulate a specific octopamine-dependent behavior to adapt female physiology status to their infectious state.
Microbial community structure analysis inAcer palmatumbark and isolation of novel bacteria IAD-21 of the candidate division FBP
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuki , Aoyagi Hideki
Published: October 2019

Background

The potential of unidentified microorganisms for academic and other applications is limitless. Plants have diverse microbial communities associated with their biomes. However, few studies have focused on the microbial community structure relevant to tree bark.

Methods

In this report, the microbial community structure of bark from the broad-leaved treeAcer palmatumwas analyzed. Both a culture-independent approach using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and next generation sequencing, and bacterial isolation and sequence-based identification methods were used to explore the bark sample as a source of previously uncultured microorganisms. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on PCR-amplified 16S rDNA sequences were performed.

Results

At the phylum level,ProteobacteriaandBacteroideteswere relatively abundant in theA. palmatumbark. In addition, microorganisms from the phylaAcidobacteria,Gemmatimonadetes,Verrucomicrobia,Armatimonadetes, and candidate division FBP, which contain many uncultured microbial species, existed in theA. palmatumbark. Of the 30 genera present at relatively high abundance in the bark, some genera belonging to the phyla mentioned were detected. A total of 70 isolates could be isolated and cultured using the low-nutrient agar media DR2A and PE03. Strains belonging to the phylumActinobacteriawere isolated most frequently. In addition, the newly identified bacterial strain IAP-33, presumed to belong toAcidobacteria, was isolated on PE03 medium. Of the isolated bacteria, 44 strains demonstrated less than 97% 16S rDNA sequence-similarity with type strains. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of IAD-21 showed the lowest similarity (79%), and analyses suggested it belongs to candidate division FBP. Culture of the strain IAD-21 was deposited in Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM) and Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen (DSMZ) as JCM 32665 and DSM 108248, respectively.

Discussion

Our results suggest that a variety of uncultured microorganisms exist inA. palmatumbark. Microorganisms acquirable from the bark may prove valuable for academic pursuits, such as studying microbial ecology, and the bark might be a promising source of uncultured bacterial isolates.
O CLUBE DE CIÊNCIAS E O RENDIMENTO ESCOLAR: PODEMOS APROXIMAR? / THE SCIENCE CLUB AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: CAN WE APPROACH THEM?
Authors: Silva Patrícia Do Socorrode Campos da , Santos Sonia Barbosa dos , Rôças Giselle
Published: October 2019

Os clubes de ciências surgiram objetivando introduzir o método científico e práticas laboratoriais no ensino de ciências. Ao longo do tempo esta concepção foi redirecionada para valorização da construção do conhecimento, da formação do cidadão e do processo de aprendizagem podendo interferir no rendimento escolar. Considerando estas perspectivas criamos um clube de ciências em uma escola pública no Rio de Janeiro e durante um ano acompanhamos o rendimento escolar dos clubistas. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente e indicaram que as médias dos clubistas são numericamente maiores em todas as disciplinas e estatisticamente superiores às medias dos não clubistas. Nossos resultados sugerem haver uma relação estreita entre o rendimento escolar e a participação em projetos, como um clube de ciências, pois utilizam estratégias distintas daquelas utilizadas pelo ensino formal, como a valorização da criatividade, autonomia, criticidade, experiências e conhecimentos prévios, distantes da rigidez da sala de aula e do currículo.
O TEXTO DE DIVULGAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NA ABORDAGEM DA SOCIOLOGIA DA CIÊNCIA: UM ESTUDO DA REVISTA MINAS FAZ CIÊNCIA / THE POPULAR SCIENCE TEXTS IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF SCIENCE APPROACH: A STUDY OF THE MINAS FAZ CIÊNCIA MAGAZINE
Authors: Gontijo Gabriela Belini , Oliveira Jane Raquel Silva de
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar características da sociologia da ciência em textos de divulgação científica da Minas faz Ciência, uma revista brasileira publicada por uma agência estadual de apoio à pesquisa científica. Foram selecionados doze textos dessa revista, os quais continham informações sobre a o percurso adotado pelo cientista para o desenvolvimento de sua pesquisa. Os textos selecionados foram analisados por meio da Análise Textual Discursiva, adotando-se como referenciais teóricos estudos sobre sociologia da ciência de Bruno Latour. Nas análises, identificamos as seguintes características da prática da ciência: aspectos persuasivos na ciência; ciência como construção coletiva; influência de fatores externos na construção dos fatos; dinâmica de trabalho do pesquisador; e o ciclo de credibilidade na ciência. Os resultados evidenciam que tais textos podem ser usados para abordagem de aspectos da sociologia da ciência em sala de aula.
A QUÍMICA VERDE COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM NO BRASIL / GREEN CHEMISTRY AS A TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY IN BRAZIL
Authors: Nardotto Rafael Santos , Bernardelli Marlize Spagolla
Published: October 2019

Preocupações com tecnologia limpa e processos químicos serem ambientalmente benignos passaram a ser discutidos, assim esta ideia reverberou em empresas, governos e sociedade de consumo inclusive no ensino e aprendizagem de Química. Com o objetivo de analisar a produção científica referente ao ensino e estratégias para aprendizagem com o apoio no conceito de Química Verde (QV), foi proposta, uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura de Kitchenham et al.; Pai et al. (2004), no período de 2002 a 2018 A pesquisa na plataforma Sucupira, em títulos de língua portuguesa, foram reportados 942 trabalhos em revistas e 181 nos periódicos CAPES. Contudo, mesmo ampliando-se a busca à outras línguas obtiveram-se total de 22 trabalhos relevantes. Desse modo, entender o porquê destes resultados e propor encaminhamentos futuros, desenvolver novas sequências didáticas a fim de auxiliar o árduo trabalho do professor e de propor expectativas significativas de aprendizagem.
SIGNIFICANDO O MOVIMENTO OSCILATÓRIO: UMA PROPOSTAS EXPLORATÓRIA COM O USO DE SOFTWARES LIVRES / MEANING THE OSCILLATORY MOVEMENT: AN EXPLORATORY PROPOSAL FOR THE USE OF FREE SOFTWARE
Authors: Inocêncio Thalyta De Oliveira , Cruz Frederico Alan de Oliveira
Published: October 2019

O uso das TICs, por exemplo, abre a possibilidade de aprimoramento do ensino e potencializa a construção do conhecimento do aluno, por isso nesse trabalho é apresentada uma proposta de abordagem exploratória do movimento de um pêndulo baseada nessas ferramentas. Com o uso de dois programa gratuitos, Tracker e Graph, são apresentadas sugestões de questionamentos que devem ser colocados aos alunos com o intuito de facilitar a compreensão dos vários nuances associados ao fenômeno analisado. A ideia trazida aqui é permitir a avaliação dos parâmetros envolvidos de uma forma ativa e a partir deles perceber verdadeiramente o que está sendo analisado, mostrando que o mundo idealizado da teoria não condiz com a realidade. Além disso, não menos importantes, é que esse tipo de possa mostrar a possibilidade de uso das TICs na análise dos vários problemas presentes no dia a dia.
Radical C−H Bond Trifluoromethylation of Alkenes by High‐Valent Copper(III) Trifluoromethyl Compounds
Authors: Zhang Hao‐Ran , Xiao Chang , Zhang Song‐Lin , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: October 2019

A general and selective method is developed that allows direct vinylic C−H bond trifluoromethylation of 1,1‐diarylalkenes by a high‐valent copper(III) trifluoromethyl complex, producing biologically active trifluoromethylated alkenes (as well as trifluoromethylated carbocyclic compounds). This fundamental reactivity of Cu(III)−CF3 compounds has thus far been unknown. The presence of a tertiary amine is crucial to this reaction, acting as both a weak base and a single electron transfer (SET) promoter to abstract the vinylic hydrogen. This method starts from bulk olefins under cost‐effective conditions (without the need for external noble metal photocatalyst or stoichiometric amounts of oxidant), and thus is valuable for practical and sustainable applications.

magnified image
Modulating Myeloid Immune Cell Migration Using Multivalently Presented Monosaccharide Ligands for Advanced Immunotherapy
Authors: Tavernaro Isabella , Rodrigo Alberto Marti , Kandziora Maja , Kuntz Sabine , Dernedde Jens , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank , Blas‐Garcia Ana , Bartneck Matthias
Published: October 2019

Due to their importance for the outcome of the inflammatory response, the motile myeloid cells are a focus of novel treatment options. The interplay of selectins and their ligands with leukocytes and endothelial cells, which mediate endothelial attachment and transmigration of immune cells, can be modulated by selectin‐binding structures. Here, a library of selectin‐targeting ligands coupled to either gold, silver, iron oxide nanospheres, or quantum dots of 5–10 nm in size is used to systematically study their impact on immune cell motility. The multivalent presentation of the carbohydrate mimetics results in very low sub‐nanomolar binding to L‐selectin. Using human primary monocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages, it is shown that the ligands exhibit only minor effects on uptake, whereas the motility of leukocytes is critically affected as observed in migration assays evaluated by flow cytometry. The carbohydrate mimetic ring structure, sulfation, in particular, and the degree of ligand presentation, are constituents which cohere in this process. Specific carbohydrate ligands can thus selectively regulate leukocyte subsets. These data form the basis for advanced immunotherapy which inhibits the amplification of inflammation by restricting leukocyte influx to injured tissue sites. Furthermore, the targeting ligands may complement existing treatment options for inflammatory diseases.
Tuning Surface Structure of Pd3Pb/PtnPb Nanocrystals for Boosting the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wu Xingqiao , Jiang Yi , Yan Yucong , Li Xiao , Luo Sai , Huang Jingbo , Li Junjie , Shen Rong , Yang Deren , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2019

Developing an efficient Pt‐based electrocatalyst with well‐defined structures for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is critical, however, still remains a challenge. Here, a one‐pot approach is reported for the synthesis of Pd3Pb/PtnPb nanocubes with tunable Pt composition varying from 3.50 to 2.37 and 2.07, serving as electrocatalysts toward MOR. Their MOR activities increase in a sequence of Pd3Pb/Pt3.50Pb << Pd3Pb/Pt2.07Pb < Pd3Pb/Pt2.37Pb, which are substantially higher than that of commercial Pt/C. Specifically, Pd3Pb/Pt2.37Pb electrocatalysts achieve the highest specific (13.68 mA cm−2) and mass (8.40 A mgPt−1) activities, which are ≈8.8 and 6.8 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C, respectively. Structure characterizations show that Pd3Pb/Pt2.37Pb and Pd3Pb/Pt2.07Pb are dominated by hexagonal‐structured PtPb intermetallic phase on the surface, while the surface of Pd3Pb/Pt3.50Pb is mainly composed of face‐centered cubic (fcc)‐structured PtxPb phase. As such, hexagonal‐structured PtPb phase is much more active than the fcc‐structured PtxPb one toward MOR. This demonstration is supported by density functional theory calculations, where the hexagonal‐structured PtPb phase shows the lowest adsorption energy of CO. The decrease in CO adsorption energy and structural stability also endows Pd3Pb/PtnPb electrocatalysts with superior durability relative to commercial Pt/C.
Wide Potential Window Supercapacitors Using Open‐Shell Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers with Stable N‐Doped States
Authors: Wang Kaiping , Huang Lifeng , Eedugurala Naresh , Zhang Song , Sabuj Md Abdus , Rai Neeraj , Gu Xiaodan , Azoulay Jason D. , Ng Tse Nga
Published: October 2019

Supercapacitors have emerged as an important energy storage technology offering rapid power delivery, fast charging, and long cycle lifetimes. While extending the operational voltage is improving the overall energy and power densities, progress remains hindered by a lack of stable n‐type redox‐active materials. Here, a new Faradaic electrode material comprised of a narrow bandgap donor−acceptor conjugated polymer is demonstrated, which exhibits an open‐shell ground state, intrinsic electrical conductivity, and enhanced charge delocalization in the reduced state. These attributes afford very stable anodes with a coulombic efficiency of 99.6% and that retain 90% capacitance after 2000 charge–discharge cycles, exceeding other n‐dopable organic materials. Redox cycling processes are monitored in situ by optoelectronic measurements to separate chemical versus physical degradation mechanisms. Asymmetric supercapacitors fabricated using this polymer with p‐type PEDOT:PSS operate within a 3 V potential window, with a best‐in‐class energy density of 30.4 Wh kg−1 at a 1 A g−1 discharge rate, a power density of 14.4 kW kg−1 at a 10 A g−1 discharge rate, and a long cycle life critical to energy storage and management. This work demonstrates the application of a new class of stable and tunable redox‐active material for sustainable energy technologies.
C−H Functionalization of Indoles by 3d Transition‐Metal Catalysis
Authors: Jagtap Rahul A. , Punji Benudhar
Published: October 2019

Over the past decade, the use of 3d transition metal for the regioselective C−H bond functionalization of indoles has significantly increased. Particularly, advances in manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper catalysis have demonstrated the selective C(2)−H and C(3)−H arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation and alkylation to a greater extent. Similarly, the C−O and C−N bond‐forming reactions are manifested via direct C−H bond activation by these earth‐abundant metals. The emergence of 3d metals in selective functionalization of the biologically relevant indoles and related heteroarenes would make this protocol more attractive for practical applications. Herein, we provide a brief overview of 3d transition metal‐catalyzed (mostly Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) C−H functionalization of indoles and related heteroarenes.
Association of air pollutants, airborne occupational exposures, and chronic rhinosinusitis disease severity
Authors: Velasquez Nathalia , Moore John A. , Boudreau Robert M. , Mady Leila J. , Lee Stella E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Previous work has shown that chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) severity may be associated with particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) in CRS patients without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Data regarding occupational exposures, however, are lacking. We assessed the impact of PM2.5, BC, as well as occupational airborne exposure on CRS disease severity.

Methods

Patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), CRSsNP, and aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) were identified from an institutionwide database. Spatial modeling from 37 pollutant monitoring sites in Allegheny County was used to estimate exposures. Patient occupations using the 2010 Standard Occupation Classification (SOC10) and airborne occupation exposures to vapors, gases, dusts, fumes, fibers and mists (VGDFFiM) or diesel fumes were recorded. Disease severity was measured by modified Lund‐Mackay score (LMS), systemic corticosteroid therapy, and incidence of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Results

Two hundred thirty‐four patients were included (CRSwNP, n = 113; CRSsNP, n = 96; AERD, n = 25). The prevalence of AERD among those with CRSwNP was 18%. Patients exposed to VGDFFiM or diesel fumes required higher steroid doses vs nonexposed patients (p = 0.015 and p = 0.03, respectively); patients with VGDFFiM levels >5% were more likely to undergo FESS vs nonexposed patients (p = 0.0378). There was no difference in PM2.5 and BC with regard to disease severity and FESS between CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and AERD patients. Steroid use was significantly higher in CRSwNP and AERD vs CRSsNP (p = 0.001). LMS was significantly higher in AERD as compared with CRSwNP and CRSsNP (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Occupational airborne exposure to VGDFFiM correlated with increased prevalence of FESS and need for corticosteroids in CRS patients. There was no difference in PM2.5 and BC levels and disease severity outcome measures between CRS subtypes in this subset.
Preparation and characterization of nano‐Co‐[4‐chlorophenyl‐salicylaldimine‐methyl pyranopyrazole]Cl2 as a new Schiff base complex and catalyst for the solvent‐free synthesis of 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols
Authors: Moosavi‐Zare Ahmad Reza , Goudarziafshar Hamid , Nooraei Fatemeh
Published: October 2019

By the reaction of 4‐chlorobenzaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate, malononitrile, and hydrazine hydrate, 6‐amino‐4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carbonitrile was prepared and then reacted with salicylaldehyde and CoCl2·6H2O to produce nano‐Co‐[4‐cholorophenyl‐salicylaldimine‐methylpyranopyrazole]Cl2 (nano‐[Co‐4CSMP]Cl2). The prepared nano‐Schiff base complex was reported for the first time and fully characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunner–Emmett–Teller analyses and applied as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of some 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthol derivatives.
Assessment of the Environmental and Physical Ergonomic Conditions of ORs in Turkey
Authors: Yasak Kübra , Vural Fatma
Published: October 2019

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study in hospital ORs in İzmir, Turkey, assessed the environmental and physical ergonomic conditions that may place perioperative personnel at risk for injury or illness. We used an ergonomic conditions and risk factor description form to collect data in 58 ORs in nine different hospitals. We identified that the noise level and general air quality in the ORs were within recommended levels. However, none of the ORs had a surgical smoke evacuation system, pressure‐absorbing mats, or special equipment to facilitate patient moving and lifting. Approximately 70% of the ORs had high stools to provide short periods of rest for the surgical personnel. In addition, perioperative personnel did not wear protection to prevent intraoperative radiation exposure. These results indicate that although some environmental factors were within acceptable limits, other physical ergonomic risks were not adequately addressed, thereby placing perioperative staff members at risk for health concerns.
8‐Aminoquinoline‐Assisted Synthesis and Crystal Structure Studies of Ferrocenyl Aryl Sulfones
Authors: Sattar Moh. , Kumar Nitin , Yadav Prateek , Mandhar Yogesh , Kumar Sangit
Published: October 2019

A copper‐catalyzed 8‐aminoquinoline‐directed oxidative cross‐coupling of the C−H bond of ferrocene with sodium arylsulfinates has been achieved. The robust copper catalyst tolerates a range of methyl,tert‐butyl, bromo, chloro, iodo and nitro functional groups in the phenyl ring, and set the stage for the synthesis of substituted ferrocene sulfones. Furthermore, X‐ray crystal structure study on several ferrocenyl sulfones reveals the tetrahedral geometry around sulfur; interestingly, the O‐S‐O angle is larger than the electropositive substituent C‐S‐C angle which could be explained by Bent's rule. Further, unusual intramolecular O(S)⋅⋅⋅N(amide) short contacts (2.925–3) and O(S)⋅⋅⋅C=O were also noticed in ferrocenyl sulfones.
On the use of comparison regions in visualizing stochastic uncertainty in some two‐parameter estimation problems
Authors: Eckert Maren , Vach Werner
Published: October 2019

When considering simultaneous inference for two parameters, it is very common to visualize stochastic uncertainty by plotting two‐dimensional confidence regions. This allows us to test post hoc null hypotheses about a single point in a simple manner. However, in some applications the interest is not in rejecting hypotheses on single points, but in demonstrating evidence for the two parameters to be in a convex subset of the parameter space. The specific convex subset to be considered may vary from one post hoc analysis to another. Then it is of interest to have a visualization allowing to perform corresponding analyses. We suggest comparison regions as a simple tool for this task.
Lyso‐diacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine (lyso‐DGTS) isolated from Nannochloropsis microalgae improves high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) functions
Authors: Khattib Ali , Atrahimovich Dana , Dahli Loureen , Vaya Jacob , Khatib Soliman
Published: October 2019

Many population studies have shown that blood concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are inversely correlated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, in recent studies, increasing blood HDL cholesterol concentrations failed to reduce CVD events. On the other hand, studies suggest that improving HDL quality can be a more efficient tool for assessing atherosclerotic risk than simply measuring blood HDL cholesterol concentration. Thus, improving HDL activity using natural substances might be a useful therapeutic approach to reducing CVD risk. We previously isolated a novel active compound from Nannochloropsis microalgae termed lyso‐diacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine (lyso‐DGTS), which increased activity of paraoxonase 1, the main antioxidant enzyme associated with HDL. Here we examined the effect of lyso‐DGTS on HDL quality and function. Tryptophan‐fluorescence‐quenching assay showed that lyso‐DGTS interacts spontaneously with the entire HDL lipoprotein and with apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), the major structural and functional HDL protein, with high affinity (Ka = 2.17 × 104 M−1 at 37°C). Lyso‐DGTS added to HDL and to ApoA1 increased cholesterol efflux from macrophage cells, the main antiatherogenic function of HDL, dose‐dependently, and significantly increased HDL's ability to induce nitric oxide production from endothelial cells. In‐vivo supplementation of lyso‐DGTS to the circulation of mice fed a high‐fat diet via osmotic mini‐pumps implanted subcutaneously enhanced HDL anti‐inflammatory effect significantly as compared to controls. Our findings suggest that lyso‐DGTS may have a beneficial effect in decreasing atherosclerosis risk by interacting with HDL particles and improving their quality and antiatherogenic functions.
Axillary evaluation is not warranted in patients preoperatively diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ by core needle biopsy
Authors: Si Jing , Guo Rong , Huang Naisi , Xiu Bingqiu , Zhang Qi , Chi Weiru , Wu Jiong
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by core needle biopsy (CNB) have a great chance of upstaging to invasive cancer. Positive axillary status can be found in these patients. This study sought to identify clinicopathological factors associated with upstaging and axillary metastasis in patients preoperatively diagnosed with DCIS by CNB.

Materials and Methods

This study identified 604 patients (cT1‐3N0M0) with preoperative diagnosis of pure DCIS by CNB who had undergone axillary evaluation from August 2006 to December 2015 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC). Predictors of upstaging and axillary lymph nodes metastasis were analyzed, respectively.

Results

Of all 604 patients, 121 (20.03%) and 193 (31.95%) patients were upstaged to DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM) and invasive breast cancer (IBC). Positive axillary lymph nodes were identified in 41 (6.79%) patients. Predictors of upstaging included tumor size on ultrasonography (>2 cm) (OR 1.786, P = .002) and ER+HER2+ status (OR 1.874, P = .022) in multivariate analysis. Factors associated with axillary lymph nodes metastasis included tumor size on pathology (OR 2.336, P = .038) and number of lesions (OR 3.354, P = .039) in multivariate analysis. In addition, upstaging on final pathology had a significant influence on axillary lymph nodes status (P < .001).

Conclusion

Axillary evaluation was recommended in patients with larger tumor size (>2 cm), multifocal lesions or ER+HER2+ status. Despite of a 51.98% upstaging rate, the rate of axillary metastasis in these patients was relatively low, supporting the omission of axillary evaluation in selected patients with low risk of upstaging or axillary metastasis.
Tuning Light‐Driven Water Splitting Efficiency of Mo‐Doped BiVO4: Optimised Preparation and Impact of Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Junqueira João R. C. , Bobrowski Tim , Krysiak Olga A. , Gutkowski Ramona , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

We present airbrush spray‐coating as a reproducible method for the preparation of Mo‐doped BiVO4 (Mo : BiVO4) as photoabsorber with different layer thicknesses and Mo content. Optimisation of layer thickness is aiming on diminishing limitations by the electronic conductivity within the photoabsorber, thus increasing the incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) of the samples. Furthermore, the Mo to V ratio leading to the highest photocurrent density was determined, and the optimised Mo : BiVO4 samples were decorated with a variety of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts such as cobalt phosphate and layered double hydroxides. A mass loading gradient of Ni−Fe LDH was sprayed on top of the Mo : BiVO4 photoanode for optimisation of the OER catalyst loading. The photocurrent density was enhanced by up to 5.8 times at 0.8 V vs. RHE in comparison with the pristine Mo : BiVO4 sample in absence of any OER electrocatalyst.
New protocols of cognitive data management and sharing in cloud computing
Authors: Ogiela Lidia , Takizawa Makoto
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we shall discuss new classes of cognitive systems dedicated the tasks of dividing and managing shared information not only in simple horizontal structures but also primarily in vertical structures. An example of such a structure is a computer cloud where, from various levels of access to information, one can execute the management process, both with respect to the entire information resources, as well as to individual pieces of data, including shared information. A special type of information is a service, which, similar to various types of data, is subject to the concealment process. In this work, we shall present universal algorithms for shared data management, such that can be used in concealment protocols both for data and services. Due to the above, this paper will treat the term “service” as a special type of data, constituting the basis of their sharing and management processes. Moreover, we shall determine the impact of the proposed algorithms on the enhancement of data/service management processes in Cloud Computing as well as the impact of the service management and data sharing processes in Could Computing on decision‐taking processes in systems supporting the management processes.
Connecting earnings management and corporate social responsibility: A renewed perspective
Authors: Maglio Roberto , Rey Andrea , Agliata Francesco , Lombardi Rosa
Published: October 2019

This paper aims at discovering the association between earnings management (EM) and gender diversity in boards of directors as a predictor of the corporate social performance (CSP) of non‐smallmedium‐sized enterprises in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The existence of a broad literature on the topic allows us to assess EM and its relations with CSR. We used an OLS regression analysis and the accrual quality measure as an EM proxy to investigate our sample of 697 Italian non‐small and medium‐sized enterprises. Our main results reveal that the presence of women on boards of directors results in the adoption of fewer EM practices. Therefore, our empirical findings support the notion that boardroom gender diversity as an instrument of CSP reduces the use of EM practices. The results of this paper are of most relevance to policymakers and academic communities focused on promoting CSP and CSR.
What companies do not disclose about their environmental policy and what institutional pressures may do to respect
Authors: Cubilla‐Montilla Mitzi Isabel , Galindo‐Villardón Purificación , Nieto‐Librero Ana Belén , Vicente Galindo María Purificación , García‐Sánchez Isabel María
Published: October 2019

The information contained in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports is a controversial issue, and it has generated an important debate among academics regarding company disclosure strategies. Environmental matters are especially relevant given their impact on sustainable development. The present study has two objectives. The first is to determine which Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) environmental indicators are reported less frequently. The second is to predict the evolution of these indicators in light of the institutional pressures that companies try to resist. Specifically, the study of the environmental dimension of the GRI focusses on an analysis of the following: materials, energy, water, biodiversity, emissions, effluents and waste, products and services, compliance, transport, environmental assessment, and environmental grievance mechanisms. A content analysis of CSR reports from some of the world's largest companies reveals that the indicators least disclosed by companies relate to the environmental aspects of biodiversity. The dissemination of environmental indicators is influenced by normative, mimetic, and (to a lesser extent) coercive pressures. In addition, we observe that mimetic institutional pressures under a national and industrial vision influence the dissemination of environmental information. In terms of cultural dimensions, companies located in long‐term, feminine, and collectivist countries tend to disseminate environmental information accordingly.
1D WO3 Nanorods/2D WO3−x Nanoflakes Homojunction Structure for Enhanced Charge Separation and Transfer towards Efficient Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Li Yanting , Liu Zhifeng , Ruan Mengnan , Guo Zhengang , Li Xifei
Published: October 2019

Designing and fabricating photoelectrodes with low carrier recombination, high carrier transfer, and high light‐capture capability is of great significance for achieving effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Herein, for the first time, 2D nonstoichiometric WO3−x nanoflakes (NFs) were vertically grown by hydrothermal synthesis on 1D WO3 nanorods (NRs) obtained by a hydrothermal method and high‐temperature annealing (HTA). In this 1D HTA‐WO3/2D WO3−x photoanode, the 2D WO3−x NFs with active areas could maximize light harvesting, and the unique 1D/2D homojunction structure could improve the carrier‐separation efficiency. At the same time, the 1D WO3 NRs with high aspect ratio were more beneficial to charge transfer after HTA. As expected, the 1D HTA‐WO3/2D WO3−x photoanode yielded an enhanced photocurrent density of 0.98 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is approximately 3.16 times that of pristine WO3. The improvement could be attributed to the synergistic effect of HTA and the homojunction structure in the 1D HTA‐WO3/2D WO3−x photoanode, which could effectively improve carrier separation and transfer. Furthermore, this work may provide a promising strategy for the design and fabrication of semiconductor‐based photoelectrodes.
A lightweight IoT‐based security framework for inventory automation using wireless sensor network
Authors: Batra Isha , Verma Sahil , Kavita  , Alazab Mamoun
Published: October 2019

Internet of things (IoT) has evolved as an innovation of next generation in this world of smart devices. IoT tends to provide services for data collection, data management, and data and device security required for application development. Things or devices in IoT communicate and compute to make our lives comfortable and safe. In inventory automation, real‐time check on items, their information management, and status management, monitoring can be carried out using IoT. The huge amount of data that flows among the devices in the network demands for a security framework that ensures authentication, authorization, integrity, and confidentiality of data. The existing security solutions like SIMON or SPECK offer lightweight security solutions but are vulnerable to differential attack because of their simplicity. Moreover, existing solutions do not offer inbuilt authentication. Therefore, this research work contributes a secure and lightweight IoT‐based framework using wireless sensor network (WSN) as a technology. The existing security solutions SPECK and SIMON are compared with the proposed security approach using COOJA simulator. The results show that proposed approach outstands others by 2% reduction in number of CPU cycles, 10% less execution time, 4% less memory requirements of security approach, and with minimum 10% more security impact.
Positive interspecific associations consistent with social information use shape juvenile fish assemblages
Authors: Haak Christopher R. , Hui Francis K. C. , Cowles Geoffrey W. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: October 2019

Social information obtained from heterospecifics can enhance individual fitness by reducing environmental uncertainty, making it an important driver of mixed‐species grouping behavior. Heterospecific groups are well documented among fishes, yet are notably more prevalent among juveniles than more advanced life stages, implying that the adaptive value of joining other species is greater during this developmental period. We propose this phenomenon can be explained by the heightened ecological relevance of heterospecifically produced cues pertaining to predation risk and or resources, as body‐size uniformity inherent in early ontogeny yields greater overlap in predator and prey guild membership across juveniles of disparate taxa. To evaluate the putative role of information in shaping juvenile fish assemblages, we employed a joint species distribution model (JSDM), identifying nonrandom relationships among fishes collected in 785 seine hauls within the shallow littoral zones of a subtropical island. After accounting for species–environment relationships, which explained 39% of observed covariation in the abundance of 11 taxa, we detected high rates of positive association (84% of significant correlations) predominantly between mutual foraging guild members, consistent with assemblage patterns predicted to evolve under widespread interspecific information use. Affiliations occurred primarily between species characterized by neutral (i.e., noninteracting) or negative (i.e., predator–prey) relationships in later life stages, supporting the notion that heightened niche overlap due to body size homogeneity acted to increase the pertinence of information among juveniles. Taxa exerted varying degrees of influence on assemblage structure; howeverEucinostomusspp., a gregarious generalist with exceptional information‐production potential, had an effect several times that of all other species combined, further evidencing the likely role of information in motivating observed relationships. Co‐occurrence and qualitative behavioral data inferred from remote underwater video surveys reinforced these conclusions. Collectively, these results suggest that positive interactions linked to information exchange can be among the principal factors organizing juvenile fish assemblages at local scales, highlighting the role of ontogeny in mediating the relevance and exploitation of information across species.
A scale‐dependent framework for trade‐offs, syndromes, and specialization in organismal biology
Authors: Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: October 2019

Biodiversity is defined by trait differences between organisms, and biologists have long sought to predict associations among ecologically important traits. Why do some traits trade off but others are coexpressed? Why might some trait associations hold across levels of organization, from individuals and genotypes to populations and species, whereas others only occur at one level? Understanding such scaling is a core biological problem, bearing on the evolution of ecological strategies as well as forecasting responses to environmental change. Explicitly considering the hierarchy of biodiversity and expectations at each scale (individual change, evolution within and among populations, and species turnover) is necessary as we work toward a predictive framework in evolutionary ecology. Within species, a trait may have an association with another trait because of phenotypic plasticity, genetic correlation, or population‐level local adaptation. Plastic responses are often adaptive and yet individuals have a fixed pool of resources; thus, positive and negative trait associations can be generated by immediate environmental needs and energetic demands. Genetic variation and covariation for traits within a population are typically shaped by varying natural selection in space and time. Although genetic correlations are infrequently long‐term constraints, they may indicate competing organismal demands. Traits are often quantitatively differentiated among populations (local adaptation), although selection rarely favors qualitatively different strategies until populations become reproductively isolated. Across species, niche specialization to particular habitats or biotic interactions may determine trait correlations, a subset of which are termed “strategic trade‐offs” because they are a consequence of adaptive specialization. Across scales, constraints within species often do not apply as new species evolve, and conversely, trait correlations observed across populations or species may not be reflected within populations. I give examples of such scale‐dependent trait associations and their causes across taxonomic groups and ecosystems, and in the final section of the paper, I specifically evaluate leaf economics spectrum traits and their associations with plant defense against herbivory. Scale‐dependent predictions emerge for understanding plant ecology holistically, and this approach can be fruitfully applied more generally in evolutionary ecology. Adaptive specialization and community context are two of the primary drivers of trade‐offs and syndromes across biological scales.
Exploring the relationship between male norm beliefs, pain‐related beliefs and behaviours: An online questionnaire study
Authors: Keogh Edmund , Boerner Katelynn E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Gender beliefs help explain the variation found in pain among men and women. Gender norms and expectations are thought to affect how men and women report and express pain. However, less is known about how such beliefs are related to pain outside of laboratory settings. The aim of this study was therefore to consider the relationship between beliefs in male role norms, pain and pain behaviours in men and women.

Methods

An online questionnaire study was conducted. A total of 468 adults (352 women), with or without pain, completed a series of self‐report measures relating to beliefs about pain and male role norms, as well as pain and general health behaviours.

Results

An experience of pain was associated with lower beliefs in traditional male norms. Endorsing stereotypical male norms was related to increased stigma associated with seeking professional help for pain in both men and women, but to a lesser extent associated with general health behaviours. There also seemed to be gender‐based beliefs associated with the expression of pain.

Conclusions

Together these findings suggest that beliefs in gender (male) norms are relevant to pain, and that there is utility in exploring the variation in pain beyond binary male–female categories.
Organisational antecedents of workplace victimisation: The role of organisational climate, culture, leadership, support, and justice in predicting junior doctors' exposure to bullying at work
Authors: Samsudin Ely Zarina , Isahak Marzuki , Rampal Sanjay , Rosnah Ismail , Zakaria Mohd Idzwan
Published: October 2019

Workplace bullying is a pervasive phenomenon among junior doctors that may negatively impact their training and abilities to deliver quality healthcare, yet evidence on the factors of bullying among them remains lacking. This study examined the role of organisational climate, culture, leadership, support, and justice in junior doctors' exposure to workplace bullying on the basis of the work environment hypothesis, which suggests that workplace psychosocial factors are the main antecedents of bullying at work. Multilevel analysis of a universal sample (n = 1074) of junior doctors working in the central zone of Malaysia, using mixed effects logistic regression, was conducted. Analysis indicates that junior doctors working in departments with neutral and positive organisational climate, moderate and high degree of clan culture, moderate and high degree of adhocracy culture, moderate degree of hierarchy culture, moderate degree of production and achievement‐oriented leadership style, moderate and high degree of organisational support, moderate degree of procedural justice, moderate and high degree of interactional justice, and high degree of distributive justice have lower odds of bullying compared with their counterparts. The results present evidence that all aspects of the organisation influence junior doctors' exposure to bullying and should be considered when developing antibullying initiatives targeted at them.
A new approach for measuring surface hydrological connectivity
Authors: Wolstenholme Joshua M. , Smith Mark W. , Baird Andy J. , Sim Thomas G.
Published: October 2019

The development of surface hydrological connectivity is a key determinant of flood magnitude in drylands. Thresholds in runoff response may be reached when isolated runoff‐generating areas connect with each other to form continuous links to river channels, enabling these areas to contribute to flood hydrographs. Such threshold behaviour explains observed nonlinearities and scale dependencies of dryland rainfall–runoff relationships and complicates attempts at flood prediction. However, field methods for measuring the propensity of a surface to transmit water downslope are lacking, and conventional techniques of infiltration measurement are often inappropriate for use on non‐agricultural drylands. Here, we argue for a reconceptualization of the dryland surface runoff process, suggesting that the downslope transfer of water should be considered alongside surface infiltration; that is, there is a need for the “aggregated” measurement of infiltration and overland flow hydraulics. Surface application of a set volume of water at a standardized rate generates runoff that travels downslope; the distance it travels downslope is determined by infiltration along the flow, integration of flow paths, and flow resistance. We demonstrate the potential of such a combined measurement system coupled with structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry to identify surface controls on runoff generation and transfer on dryland hillslopes, with vegetation, slope, surface stone cover, and surface roughness all having a significant effect. The measurement system has been used on slopes up to 37° compared with the flat surface typically required for infiltration methods. On average, the field workflow takes ~10–15 min, considerably quicker than rainfall simulation. A wider variety of surfaces can be sampled with relative ease, as the method is not restricted to stone and vegetation‐free land. We argue that this aggregated measurement represents surface connectivity and dryland runoff response better than standard hydrological approaches and can be applied on a much greater variety of dryland surfaces.