bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding neighborhood effects to increase restoration success of woody plant communities
Authors: Ibáñez Inés , Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: February 2020

Revegetation is the most common procedure in the restoration of disturbed areas; this practice usually aims at reconstructing plant communities that can last without further management. A low‐cost strategy to assist these efforts is the application of ecological knowledge in the design of the restoration. Promoting ecological processes that enhance the functioning of the restored community could result in higher restoration success. Among these processes, plant–plant interactions, e.g., facilitation and competition, can play an important role, both facilitating and impeding the development of a self‐sustaining plant community. Although these processes have been well‐studied in nature, we rarely have sufficient knowledge about the whole plant community. To develop that knowledge, we leverage on a restoration experiment that took place after a mine toxic spill, where ~15,000 woody plants from 13 species were planted and geolocated. Species were planted in three mixtures mimicking natural communities found along soil moisture gradients (xerophyte, intermediate, and hydrophyte). Plantings also varied in density. Approximately 2,600 plants were monitored for damage status, survival, and growth, for 4 yr. We analyzed growth performance of six targeted species as a function of their damage status, planted mixture, and density. Growth was also assessed on the basis of neighboring plants, accounting for the species identity and distance to the focal plant. Results show that survival among planted species was relatively high and was mostly unaffected by mixture or density of the plantings. Only very damaged plants in one species experienced a decrease in survival with increasing density. Neighborhood effects on growth show positive, neutral, and negative interactions among the tested species; these also varied depending on the type of growth performance considered (height, crown area, diameter). The species‐specific results ranged from positive to negative, varying between pair of species and growth performance metric. Results gathered from our neighborhood analyses on plant growth provide valuable information for the design of planting schemes that could enhance the performance of the target species. The methods developed can be applied to other systems and species. Given the potential impacts that facilitation and competition may have during revegetation, these interactions could be considered in restoration operations.
The effect of temporal environmental autocorrelation on eco‐evolutionary dynamics across life histories
Authors: Postuma Maarten , Schmid Max , Guillaume Frédéric , Ozgul Arpat , Paniw Maria
Published: February 2020

One of the largest causes of fluctuations in the size and structure of populations is changes in the environment. In nature, these changes are often temporally autocorrelated and the strength and direction of the autocorrelation can affect population dynamics. These effects are mediated by complex, simultaneously occurring ecological and evolutionary processes, such as phenotypic plasticity and selection. Determining how these processes interact to affect responses of different life histories to autocorrelated environmental fluctuations is of paramount importance to infer which taxa are likely to go extinct or become invasive under global change. Here, we assessed the effect of autocorrelation in environmental states on the trait and population dynamics of different life histories using an evolutionary explicit individual‐based modeling approach. We found that, in general, higher positive temporal autocorrelation caused more variation in population size. Fast life histories were more affected than slow ones as they were able to adapt more quickly to varying environmental optima and therefore experienced larger initial decreases in population size when optima changed. Including adaptive phenotypic plasticity buffered the effects of autocorrelation on population dynamics while nonadaptive plasticity amplified them, especially for slow life histories, which recovered less from maladaptation. This study highlights that integration of phenotypic plasticity, selection, and population dynamics is important to improve our understanding of how different life histories deal with autocorrelated climate variability.
Plant–soil feedback effects altered by aboveground herbivory explain plant species abundance in the landscape
Authors: Heinze Johannes , Wacker Alexander , Kulmatiski Andrew
Published: February 2020

Relatively little is known about how plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) may affect plant growth in field conditions where factors such as herbivory may be important. Using a potted experiment in a grassland, we measured PSFs with and without aboveground insect herbivory for 20 plant species. We then compared PSF values to plant landscape abundance. Aboveground herbivory had a large negative effect on PSF values. For 15 of 20 species, PSFs were more negative with herbivory than without. This occurred because plant biomass on “home” soils was smaller with herbivory than without. PSF values with herbivory were correlated with plant landscape abundance, whereas PSF values without herbivory were not. Shoot nitrogen concentrations suggested that plants create soils that increase nitrogen uptake, but that greater shoot nitrogen values increase herbivory and that the net effect of positive PSF and greater aboveground herbivory is less aboveground biomass. Results provided clear evidence that PSFs alone have limited power in explaining species abundances and that herbivory has stronger effects on plant biomass and growth on the landscape. Our results provide a potential explanation for observed differences between greenhouse and field PSF experiments and suggest that PSF experiments need to consider important biotic interactions, like aboveground herbivory, particularly when the goal of PSF research is to understand plant growth in field conditions.
A Biomimetic Synthesis of Racemic Dihydroanthracen‐1(2H)‐ones Using Sodium Borohydride in Water
Authors: Mondal Amit , Singh Shailesh Kumar , Saha Nirmal , Husain Syed Masood
Published: February 2020

Herein, we report a single step synthesis of racemic dihydroanthracenones by the reduction of anthraquinones using NaBH4 and Na2S2O4 in water. The racemic mixture is utilized to determine the enantiomeric excess for the chiral dihydroanthracenones reportedly synthesized by the chemoenzymatic reduction of anthraquinones. The results show > 99% ee for the putative biosynthetic intermediates, (R)‐configured dihydroanthracenones obtained through chemoenzymatic reduction of emodin, lunatin, and citreorosein using MdpC of Aspergillus nidulans or PHAR of Cochliobolus lunatus. This also implied for the confirmation about the optical purity of the natural products which are synthesized using chiral dihydroanthracenones.
Methodologies for detecting environmentally induced DNA damage and repair
Authors: Li Wentao , Sancar Aziz
Published: February 2020

Environmental DNA damaging agents continuously challenge the integrity of the genome by introducing a variety of DNA lesions. The DNA damage caused by environmental factors will lead to mutagenesis and subsequent carcinogenesis if they are not removed efficiently by repair pathways. Methods for detection of DNA damage and repair can be applied to identify, visualize, and quantify the DNA damage formation and repair events, and they enable us to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage formation, DNA repair pathways, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. Ever since the discovery of the double helical structure of DNA in 1953, a great number of methods have been developed to detect various types of DNA damage and repair. Rapid advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated the emergence of a variety of novel methods for detecting environmentally induced DNA damage and repair at the genome‐wide scale during the last decade. In this review, we provide a historical overview of the development of various damage detection methods. We also highlight the current methodologies to detect DNA damage and repair, especially some next generation sequencing‐based methods.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Interface Between Primary Care and Hepatology Clinics
Authors: Elangovan Harendran , Rajagopaul Sashen , Williams Suzanne M. , McKillen Benjamin , Britton Laurence , McPhail Steven M. , Horsfall Leigh U. , Valery Patricia C. , Hayward Kelly L. , Powell Elizabeth E.
Published: February 2020

Primary care physicians (PCPs) have the primary role in the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and in selecting patients for referral to a hepatologist for further evaluation. This study aimed to characterize PCP referrals for patients diagnosed with NAFLD at a major referral hospital, and to determine the severity of liver disease and patient pathway following evaluation in secondary care. New patients seen in the hepatology outpatient clinic (HOC) with a secondary care diagnosis of NAFLD were identified from the HOC scheduling database. PCP referrals for these patients were retrieved from the electronic medical records and reviewed by study clinicians, along with the hepatologists’ clinic notes and letters. Over a 14‐month period, 234 new PCP referrals received a diagnosis of NAFLD, accounting for 20.4% of the total number of new cases (n = 1,147) seen in the HOC. The 234 referrals were received from 170 individual PCPs at 135 practices. Most patients with NAFLD (88.5%) were referred for investigation of abnormal liver enzymes or other clinical concerns, including abnormal iron studies, hepatomegaly, and abdominal pain. Only 27 (11.5%) referrals included an assessment of liver disease severity. Following evaluation in the liver clinic, 175 patients (74.8%) were found to have a low risk of advanced fibrosis, and most (n = 159; 90.9%) were discharged back to their PCP for ongoing follow‐up in primary care. Conclusion: In addition to better access to noninvasive fibrosis tests, educational strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of NAFLD as a cause for many of the initial concerns prompting patient referral might improve risk stratification and increase the appropriateness of PCP referrals.
Predicting Clinical Effects of CYP3A4 Modulators on Abemaciclib and Active Metabolites Exposure Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Posada Maria M. , Morse Bridget L. , Turner P. Kellie , Kulanthaivel Palaniappan , Hall Stephen D. , Dickinson Gemma L.
Published: February 2020

Abemaciclib, a selective inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6, is metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4. Clinical studies were performed to assess the impact of strong inhibitor (clarithromycin) and inducer (rifampin) on the exposure of abemaciclib and active metabolites. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model incorporating the metabolites was developed to predict the effect of other strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers. Clarithromycin increased the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) of abemaciclib and potency‐adjusted unbound active species 3.4‐fold and 2.5‐fold, respectively. Rifampin decreased corresponding exposures 95% and 77%, respectively. These changes influenced the fraction metabolized via CYP3A4 in the model. An absolute bioavailability study informed the hepatic and gastric availability. In vitro data and a human radiolabel study determined the fraction and rate of formation of the active metabolites as well as absorption‐related parameters. The predicted AUC ratios of potency‐adjusted unbound active species with rifampin and clarithromycin were within 0.7‐ and 1.25‐fold of those observed. The PBPK model predicted 3.78‐ and 7.15‐fold increases in the AUC of the potency‐adjusted unbound active species with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors itraconazole and ketoconazole, respectively; and 1.62‐ and 2.37‐fold increases with the concomitant use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors verapamil and diltiazem, respectively. The model predicted modafinil, bosentan, and efavirenz would decrease the AUC of the potency‐adjusted unbound active species by 29%, 42%, and 52%, respectively. The current PBPK model, which considers changes in unbound potency‐adjusted active species, can be used to inform dosing recommendations when abemaciclib is coadministered with CYP3A4 perpetrators.
Synthesis and anti‐proliferative activity studies of 2‐(2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐6‐(substituted)imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐3‐yl)‐N‐(substituted)acetamide derivatives
Authors: Gaikwad Dattatraya D. , Pawar Umakant D. , Chavan Sadhana L. , Pawar Chandrakant D. , Pansare Dattatraya N. , Shelke Rohini N. , Chavan Santosh L. , Zine Ashok M.
Published: February 2020

A series of novel imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐3‐yl acetamide derivatives (9a‐9j) were synthesized from a 3,6‐dichloropyridazine. We have developed a simple strategy for the synthesis of functionally diverse imidazole, and pyridiazine derivatives were reported via a series of steps. The work involves bicyclic imidazo‐pyridazine ring formation, halogenation, cynation, hydrolysis, peptide coupling, and Buchwald reaction. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR,19F NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis, and purity is checked by HPLC. All synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against A‐549 and Du‐145 cancer cell lines by MTT assay. The preliminary bioassay suggests that most of the compounds show anti‐proliferation with different degrees; doxorubicin was used as positive control. The synthesized compound shows IC50 values in the range of 1.74μM to 16.17μM in both cell lines. The compounds 9e, 9g, and 9h were active compared with doxorubicin in both the cell lines. The compounds having cyclopentyl ring are active compared with higher and lower carbon analogues.
A 64Cu‐porphyrin‐based dual‐modal molecular probe with integrin αvβ3 targeting function for tumour imaging
Authors: Fan Di , Wang Kai , Gao Hannan , Luo Qi , Wang Xin , Li Xiaotong , Tong Wu , Zhang Xin , Luo Chuangwei , Yang Guangjie , Ai Lin , Shi Jiyun
Published: February 2020

Pyropheophorbide‐a (Pyro) is a promising multifunctional molecule for multimodal tumour imaging and photodynamic therapy, but its clinical applications are seriously restricted by the limited tumour accumulation capability. Here, we designed and synthesized a small‐molecule probe that achieved specific dual‐modal tumour imaging based on Pyro. Briefly, a novel molecule combining Pyro, an RGD dimer peptide (3PRGD2) and 64Cu, was designed and synthesized, and the obtained molecule, 64Cu‐Pyro‐3PRGD2, exhibited high tumour specificity in both positron emission tomography and optical imaging in vivo. c (RGDfk) peptide blocking significantly reduced the efficacy of the probe, which confirmed the integrin αVβ3 targeting of this molecular probe. 64Cu‐Pyro‐3PRGD2 had very low accumulation in normal organs and could be rapidly cleared through kidney metabolism, which prevented the potential damage to adjacent normal tissues. Overall, combining tumour targeting, dual‐modal imaging, and biosafety, 64Cu‐Pyro‐3PRGD2 has the potential for clinical use as a molecular imaging probe for tumour diagnosis.
Quantifying non‐fibrous carbohydrates, acid detergent fiber and cellulose of forage through an in vitro gas production technique
Authors: Miranda‐Romero Luis Alberto , Tirado‐González Deli Nazmín , Tirado‐Estrada Gustavo , Améndola‐Massiotti Ricardo , Sandoval‐González Laura , Ramírez‐Valverde Rodolfo , Salem Abdelfattah ZM
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The in vitro gas production (GP) technique has been useful for evaluating the potential degradability of feedstuffs in ruminal environments; GP is related to the components of feedstuff ingredients.

RESULTS

Linear models were generated and validated as alternatives of quantifying neutral detergent‐soluble fiber, starch (St)/hemicellulose (Hem) and cellulose (Cel) through GP. Residuals of models obtained from the peaks of GP [0–8 h (GP‐8), > 8–24 h (GP‐24), > 24–48 h (GP‐48) and > 24–81 h (GP‐81)] of 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.20 g of glucose (Glu), St and Cel respectively. The incubations were analyzed in mixtures of Glu, St and Cel. The best fitting models (r2 from 0.709 to 0.935) were tested on corn stover (CS) to quantify rapid fermentation fractions (RF; equivalent to Glu), medium fermentation fractions (MF; equivalent to St) and low fermentation fractions (LF48; equivalent to Cel); in CS, RF, MF and LF models had standardized residuals < 0.09. The analysis with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam. de Wit) and star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) consider high‐protein ingredients.

CONCLUSION

The in vitro GP of RF, MF and LF48 fractions equivalent to Glu, St and Cel are affected by maturity and harvest time even when the chemical composition remains similar, and so RF, MF and LF48 should be considered during the design of ruminant diets. In vitro GP could be used to quantify the components of some forages, although further studies are necessary. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
African Wild Dog Dispersal and Implications for Management
Authors: Cozzi Gabriele , Behr Dominik M. , Webster Hugh S. , Claase Megan , Bryce Caleb M. , Modise Boitshepho , Mcnutt John W. , Ozgul Arpat
Published: February 2020

Successful conservation of species that roam and disperse over large areas requires detailed understanding of their movement patterns and connectivity between subpopulations. But empirical information on movement, space use, and connectivity is lacking for many species, and data acquisition is often hindered when study animals cross international borders. The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) exemplifies such species that require vast undisturbed areas to support viable, self‐sustaining populations. To study wild dog dispersal and investigate potential barriers to movements and causes of mortality during dispersal, between 2016 and 2019 we followed the fate of 16 dispersing coalitions (i.e., same‐sex group of ≥1 dispersing African wild dogs) in northern Botswana through global positioning system (GPS)‐satellite telemetry. Dispersing wild dogs covered ≤54 km in 24 hours and traveled 150 km to Namibia and 360 km to Zimbabwe within 10 days. Wild dogs were little hindered in their movements by natural landscape features, whereas medium to densely human‐populated landscapes represented obstacles to dispersal. Human‐caused mortality was responsible for >90% of the recorded deaths. Our results suggest that a holistic approach to the management and conservation of highly mobile species is necessary to develop effective research and evidence‐based conservation programs across transfrontier protected areas, including the need for coordinated research efforts through collaboration between national and international conservation authorities. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Massachusetts Senate sees opportunity for true reform of mental health system
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2020

The Massachusetts state Senate this month unanimously approved comprehensive legislation that leading proponents consider a first step toward true system reform in the state. One particular target of the legislation is a long‐standing promise of insurance parity protections that advocates say has gone largely unrealized.
Generalized convexity and integral inequalities
Authors: Dragomir Silvestru , Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: February 2020

Three types of convex functions with respect to another function are introduced, and certain properties related to these functions are proved. Moreover, for each type of convexity, new inequalities of Hermite‐Hadamard type are derived.
Instantaneous blow‐up for a fractional‐in‐time evolution equation arising in plasma theory
Authors: Jleli Mohamed
Published: February 2020

We consider a fractional‐in‐time evolution equation arising in the theory of ion‐sound waves in plasma, where the spatial variable varies on the half‐line. We first provide sufficient conditions for which there exist no global‐in‐time weak solutions and obtain an upper bound of the lifespan. Next, we find a class of initial data for which local‐in‐time weak solutions do not exist, that is, an instantaneous blow‐up of weak solutions occurs. The proofs of our results are based on some integral inequalities and the test function method.
Effects of increased scrotal temperature on semen quality and seminal plasma proteins in Brahman bulls
Authors: Boe‐Hansen Gry Brandt , Rêgo João Paulo A. , Satake Nana , Venus Bronwyn , Sadowski Pawel , Nouwens Amanda , Li Yutao , McGowan Michael
Published: February 2020

Environmental temperature has effects on sperm quality with differences in susceptibility between cattle subspecies and breeds, but very little is known about the seminal plasma protein (SPP) changes resulting from testicular heat stress. Scrotal insulation (SI) for 48 hr was applied to Brahman (Bos indicus) bulls. Semen was collected at 3‐day intervals from before, until 74 days post‐SI. The changes in sperm morphology and motility following SI were comparable to previously reported and differences were detected in measures of sperm chromatin conformation as early as 8 days post‐SI. New proteins spots, in the SPP two‐dimensional (2‐D) gels, were apparent when comparing pre‐SI with 74 days post‐SI, and SPP identified as associated with mechanisms of cellular repair and protection. Similar trends between 2‐D gel and Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH‐MS) data was observed, with SWATH‐MS able to quantify individual SPP that otherwise were not resolved on 2‐D gel. The SPP assessment at peak sperm damage (21–24 days) showed a significant difference in 29 SPP (adjusted p < .05), and identified six proteins with change in abundance in the SI group. In conclusion both spermatozoa and SPP composition of bulls are susceptible to temperature change incurred by SI, and SPP markers for testicular heat insults may be detected.
Direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal using different axisymmetric B‐tensor encoding schemes
Authors: Afzali Maryam , Aja‐Fernández Santiago , Jones Derek K.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

It has been shown, theoretically and in vivo, that using the Stejskal‐Tanner pulsed‐gradient, or linear tensor encoding (LTE), and in tissue exhibiting a “stick‐like” diffusion geometry, the direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal at high b‐values (

) follows a power‐law, decaying as

. It has also been shown, theoretically, that for planar tensor encoding (PTE), the direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal decays as 1/b. We aimed to confirm this theoretical prediction in vivo. We then considered the direction‐averaged signal for arbitrary b‐tensor shapes and different tissue substrates to look for other conditions under which a power‐law exists.

Methods

We considered the signal decay for high b‐values for encoding geometries ranging from 2‐dimensional PTE, through isotropic or spherical tensor encoding to LTE. When a power‐law behavior was suggested, this was tested using in silico simulations and, when appropriate, in vivo using ultra‐strong (300 mT/m) gradients.

Results

Our in vivo results confirmed the predicted 1/b power law for PTE. Moreover, our analysis showed that using an axisymmetric b‐tensor a power‐law only exists under very specific conditions: (a) “stick‐like” tissue geometry and purely LTE or purely PTE waveforms; and (b) "pancake‐like" tissue geometry and a purely LTE waveform.

Conclusions

A complete analysis of the power‐law dependencies of the diffusion‐weighted signal at high b‐values has been performed. Only three specific forms of encoding result in a power‐law dependency, pure linear and pure PTE when the tissue geometry is “stick‐like” and pure LTE when the tissue geometry is "pancake‐like". The different exponents of these encodings could be used to provide independent validation of the presence of different tissue geometries in vivo.
Mechanisms underlying immobilization‐induced muscle pain in rats
Authors: Oga Satoshi , Goto Kyo , Sakamoto Junya , Honda Yuichiro , Sasaki Ryo , Ishikawa Kumiko , Kataoka Hideki , Nakano Jiro , Origuchi Tomoki , Okita Minoru
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We investigated the mechanisms underlying immobilization‐induced muscle pain in rats.

Methods

In rat skeletal muscle, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured, and nerve growth factor (NGF) level, peripheral nerve fiber density, macrophage number, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) mRNA expression were examined. An NGF receptor inhibitor was injected intramuscularly to assess the relationship between PPT and NGF levels.

Results

Immobilization resulted in a decrease in PPT and increases in NGF level, C‐fiber density, M1 macrophage number, and IL‐1β mRNA expression. Injection of NGF receptor inhibitor reversed the decrease in PPT.

Discussion

NGF upregulation may be a major contributor to immobilization‐induced muscle pain. The increases in C‐fiber density, M1 macrophage number, and IL‐1β mRNA expression may be related to immobilization‐induced muscle pain.
Viral strategies predisposing to respiratory bacterial superinfections
Authors: Rossi Giovanni A. , Fanous Hani , Colin Andrew A.
Published: February 2020

Acute respiratory infections are amongst the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. Viruses are the predominant cause of such infections, but mixed etiologies with bacteria has for decades raised the question of the interplay between them in causality and determination of the outcome of such infections. In this review, we examine recent microbiological, biochemical, and immunological advances that contribute to elucidating the mechanisms by which infections by specific viruses enable bacterial infections in the airway, and exacerbate them. We analyze specific domains in which viruses play such facilitating role including enhancement of bacterial adhesion by unmasking cryptic receptors and upregulation of adhesion proteins, disruption of tight junction integrity favoring paracellular transmigration of bacteria and loss of epithelial barrier integrity, increased availability of nutrient, such as mucins and iron, alteration of innate and adaptive immune responses, and disabling defense against bacteria, and lastly, changes in airway microbiome that render the lung more vulnerable to pathogens. Separate exhaustive analysis of each domain focuses on individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), in whom viruses may play a key role in paving the way for the primary injury that leads to permanence of bacterial pathogens, viruses may then serve as triggers for “CF exacerbations”; these constituting the signature and ultimately the outcome determinants of these patients.
A synopsis of prostate organoid methodologies, applications, and limitations
Authors: Gleave Anna M. , Ci Xinpei , Lin Dong , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: February 2020

Background

Current in vitro modeling systems do not fully reflect the biologic and clinical diversity of prostate cancer (PCa). Organoids are 3D in vitro cell cultures that recapitulate disease heterogeneity, retain prostate gland architecture, and mirror parental tumor characteristics.

Methods

To make better use of organoid models in the PCa research field, we provide a review of cutting‐edge prostate organoid methodologies, applications, and limitations.

Results

We summarize methodologies for the establishment of benign prostate and PCa organoids and describe some of the model's practical applications and challenges. We highlight the patient‐derived xenograft (PDX)‐organoid interface model, which may allow for the generation of organoids from primary and rare PCa subtypes. Finally, we discuss potential future utilizations of PCa organoids in the realms of drug development and precision oncology.

Conclusions and Future Directions

Organoids represent a quasi in vivo modeling system that can be easily amenable to genetic modification and functional studies. As such, organoids may serve as an intermediate preclinical model for studying PCa. Future directions may include the refinement of culturing conditions to increase drug response fidelity in PCa organoids. The PDX‐organoid interface model may enable the future establishment of primary and rare subtype PCa organoid lines.
Capturing the Heptaniobate {Nb7O22}9– Anion by Covalent Bond Formation: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Selected Properties of {[Fe(cyclam)]3Nb7O22}· ≈ 19 H2O
Authors: Müscher‐Polzin Philipp , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

The new compound {[Fe(cyclam)]3Nb7O22}· ≈ 19 H2O (I) was synthesized at room temperature reacting aqueous solutions of K8{Nb6O19}·16 H2O, Fe(NO3)3·9 H2O and cyclam (1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane). In the crystal structure the heptaniobate {Nb7O22}9– anion is observed which is expanded by three [Fe(cyclam)]3+ complexes, thus suppressing further condensations into larger aggregates. The complexes are solely bound to the three terminal O2– anions of the NbO6 octahedron which expands the hexaniobate {Nb6O19}8– anion to form the heptaniobate cluster. The two O atoms in the FeN4O2 octahedron are in cis position leading to a severe distortion of the cyclam ligand with one of the CH2–CH2–CH2–N–CH2–CH2 fragments being rotated by about 90°. The {[Fe(cyclam)]3Nb7O22} units are arranged to form channels which host the crystal water molecules. The crystal water molecules can be removed by thermal treatment. Storing the sample on air the pristine sample is recovered.
Diagnostik der akuten Organischämie
Authors: Szasz Johannes , Noitz Matthias , Dünser Martin
Published: February 2020

Der Begriff Ischämie beschreibt die Minderdurchblutung oder den kompletten Durchblutungsausfall eines oder mehrerer Organe. Der Früherkennung eines Schocks, der globalen Ischämie des Körpers, kommt eine essenzielle Bedeutung in der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin zu. Die klinische Untersuchung und Point-of-care-Labordiagnostik (z. B. Laktat, Basendefizit, zentral-/gemischtvenöse Sauerstoffsättigung, venös-arterieller Kohlendioxidpartialdruckgradient) stellen die wichtigsten Methoden zur Diagnose eines Schockzustands dar. Ein Schockzustand kann auch bei Patienten mit normo- oder hypertensiven Blutdruckwerten vorhanden sein. Im Rahmen eines Schockgeschehens kommt es zur Minderdurchblutung der Vital- und Viszeralorgane. Im 2. Teil dieses Manuskripts werden klinische, laborchemische und apparative Methoden zur Diagnose der schockassoziierten Minderdurchblutung von Gehirn, Herz, Niere und Darm zusammengefasst.
Pressure fluctuations from large-scale PIV over a serrated trailing edge
Authors: Lima Pereira Lourenco T. , Ragni Daniele , Avallone Francesco , Scarano Fulvio
Published: February 2020

Measurements of distributed surface pressure fluctuations over trailing-edge serrations at a Reynolds number $${\text{Re}}_{\theta }$$Reθ = 4900 are performed with time-resolved 3D particle imaging velocimetry using helium filled soap bubbles as flow tracers. The sparse velocity vector field obtained with Lagrangian particle tracking is densely reconstructed using VIC+, a data assimilation technique based on the vortex-in-cell method. The instantaneous pressure distribution is inferred by invoking the momentum equation. Experiments are performed first over a flat plate, as assessment of the technique, where the properties of the convecting turbulent boundary layer are assessed and surface pressure fluctuations are validated against synchronous surface microphone measurements. The analysis of the flow over the trailing-edge serration focuses on the characterization of the spatial distribution and spectral coherence of surface pressure fluctuations, i.e. the flow features responsible for the acoustic scattering. Present results indicate that the measurement technique is suited to describe the spatio-temporal development of the pressure fluctuations over the serration surface at the proposed scale of the experiments.

Graphic abstract
Current understandings in treating children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Lee Jiwon M. , Kronbichler Andreas , Shin Jae Il , Oh Jun
Published: February 2020

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) remains a challenge for paediatric nephrologists. SRNS is viewed as a heterogeneous disease entity including immune-based and monogenic aetiologies. Because SRNS is rare, treatment strategies are individualized and vary among centres of expertise. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) have been effectively used to induce remission in patients with immune-based SRNS; however, there is still no consensus on treating children who become either CNI-dependent or CNI-resistant. Rituximab is a steroid-sparing agent for patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, but its efficacy in SRNS is controversial. Recently, several novel monoclonal antibodies are emerging as treatment option, but their efficacy remains to be seen. Non-immune therapies, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, have been proven efficacious in children with SRNS and are recommended as adjuvant agents. This review summarizes and discusses our current understandings in treating children with idiopathic SRNS.
On multiplicative independence of rational function iterates
Authors: Young Marley
Published: February 2020

We give lower bounds for the degree of multiplicative combinations of iterates of rational functions (with certain exceptions) over a general field, establishing the multiplicative independence of said iterates. This leads to a generalisation of Gao’s method for constructing elements in the finite field $${\mathbb {F}}_{q^n}$$Fqn whose orders are larger than any polynomial in n when n becomes large. Additionally, we discuss the finiteness of polynomials which translate a given finite set of polynomials to become multiplicatively dependent.
Finding k-shortest paths with limited overlap
Authors: Chondrogiannis Theodoros , Bouros Panagiotis , Gamper Johann , Leser Ulf , Blumenthal David B.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the computation of alternative paths between two locations in a road network. More specifically, we study the k-shortest paths with limited overlap ($$k\text {SPwLO}$$

k
SPwLO

) problem that aims at finding a set of k paths such that all paths are sufficiently dissimilar to each other and as short as possible. To compute $$k\text {SPwLO}$$

k
SPwLO

queries, we propose two exact algorithms, termed OnePass and MultiPass, and we formally prove that MultiPass is optimal in terms of complexity. We also study two classes of heuristic algorithms: (a) performance-oriented heuristic algorithms that trade shortness for performance, i.e., they reduce query processing time, but do not guarantee that the length of each subsequent result is minimum; and (b) completeness-oriented heuristic algorithms that trade dissimilarity for completeness, i.e., they relax the similarity constraint to return a result that contains exactly k paths. An extensive experimental analysis on real road networks demonstrates the efficiency of our proposed solutions in terms of runtime and quality of the result.
What is the outcome of re-recurrent vs recurrent inguinal hernia repairs? An analysis of 16,206 patients from the Herniamed Registry
Authors: Köckerling F. , Krüger C. , Gagarkin I. , Kuthe A. , Adolf D. , Stechemesser B. , Niebuhr H. , Jacob D. , Riediger H.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The proportion of recurrent repairs in the total collective of inguinal hernia repairs among men is 11.3–14.3% and among women 7.0–7.4%. The rate of re-recurrences is reported to be 2.9–9.2%. To date, no case series has been published on second and ≥ third recurrences and their treatment outcomes. Only case reports are available.

Materials and methods

In an analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes of 16,206 distinct patients who had undergone first recurrent (n = 14,172; 87.4%), second recurrent (n = 1,583; 9.8%) or ≥ third recurrent (n = 451; 2.8%) inguinal hernia repair between September 1, 2009 and July 1, 2017 were compared.

Results

The intraoperative complication rate for all recurrent repairs was between 1–2%. In the postoperative complications a continuous increase was observed (first recurrence: 3.97% vs second recurrence: 5.75% vs ≥ third recurrence 8.65%; p < 0.001). That applied equally to the complication-related reoperation rates (first recurrence: 1.50% vs second recurrence: 2.21% vs ≥ third recurrence 2.66; p = 0.020). Likewise, the re-recurrence rate rose significantly (first recurrence: 1.95% vs second recurrence: 2.72% vs ≥ third recurrence 3.77; p = 0.005). Similarly, the rate of pain requiring treatment rose highly significantly with an increasing number of recurrences (first recurrence: 5.21% vs second recurrence: 6.70% vs ≥ third recurrence 10.86; p = < 0.001).

Conclusion

The repair of re-recurrences in inguinal hernia is associated with increasingly more unfavorable outcomes. For the first recurrence the guidelines should definitely be noted. For a second and ≥ third recurrence diagnostic laparoscopy may help to select the best possible surgical technique.
Evidences for better recall of congruent items in episodic memory
Authors: Laurent X. , Estévez A. F. , Marí-Beffa P.
Published: February 2020

A focus of recent research is to understand the role of our own response goals in the selection of information that will be encoded in episodic memory. For example, if we respond to a target in the presence of distractors, an important aspect under study is whether the distractor and the target share a common response (congruent) or not (incongruent). Some studies have found that congruent objects tend to be grouped together and stored in episodic memory, whereas other studies found that targets in the presence of incongruent distractors are remembered better. Our current research seems to support both views. We used a Tulving-based definition of episodic memory to differentiate memory from episodic and non-episodic traces. In this task, participants first had to classify a blue object as human or animal (target) which appeared in the presence of a green one (distractor) that could belong to the same category as the target (congruent); to the opposite one (incongruent); or to an irrelevant one (neutral). Later they had to report the identity (What), location (Where) and time (When) of both target objects (which had been previously responded to) and distractors (which had been ignored). Episodic memory was inferred when the three scene properties (identity, location and time) were correct. The measure of non-episodic memory consisted of those trials in which the identity was correctly remembered, but not the location or time. Our results show that episodic memory for congruent stimuli is significantly superior to that for incongruent ones. In sharp contrast, non-episodic measures found superior memory for targets in the presence of incongruent distractors. Our results demonstrate that response compatibility affects the encoding of episodic and non-episodic memory traces in different ways.
Inhibition of JAK2 Suppresses Myelopoiesis and Atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− Mice
Authors: Tang Yang , Liu Wenli , Wang Wei , Fidler Trevor , Woods Britany , Levine Ross L. , Tall Alan R. , Wang Nan
Published: February 2020

Objective

Increased myelopoiesis has been linked to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD). Excessive myelopoiesis can be driven by dyslipidemia and cholesterol accumulation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) and may involve increased signaling via Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Constitutively activating JAK2 mutants drive biased myelopoiesis and promote development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) or clonal hematopoiesis, conditions associated with increased risk of ACD. JAK2 inhibitors have been developed as a therapy for MPNs. The potential for JAK2 inhibitors to protect against atherosclerosis has not been tested. We therefore assessed the impact of JAK2 inhibition on atherogenesis.

Methods

A selective JAK2 inhibitor TG101348 (fedratinib) or vehicle was given to high-fat high-cholesterol Western diet (WD)–fed wild-type (WT) or Apoe−/− mice. Hematopoietic cell profiles, cell proliferation, and atherosclerosis in WT or Apoe−/− mice were assessed.

Results

TG101348 selectively reversed neutrophilia, monocytosis, HSPC, and granulocyte-macrophage progenitor (GMP) expansion in Apoe−/− mice with decreased cellular phosphorylated STAT5 and ERK1/2 and reduced cell cycling and BrdU incorporation in HSPCs, indicating inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling and cell proliferation. Ten-week WD feeding allowed the development of marked aortic atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice which was substantially reduced by TG101348.

Conclusions

Selective JAK2 inhibition reduces atherogenesis by suppressing excessive myelopoiesis in hypercholesterolemic Apoe−/− mice. These findings suggest selective JAK2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to decrease ACD risk in patients with increased myelopoiesis and leukocytosis.
Euro area reform preferences of Central and Eastern European economic experts
Authors: Blesse Sebastian , Havlik Annika , Heinemann Friedrich
Published: February 2020

This study explores the positions of economic experts from Central and Eastern European (CEE) Member States in the euro reform debate. Given the dominant voices from French and German politicians and academics in the European discourse, there is an obvious neglect for the positions of CEE countries. Our study tries to fill this gap with a large survey among economic expert communities in all CEE countries conducted in spring 2019. We compare euro reform preferences to benchmarks of surveyed experts in France, Germany, and Italy. We discuss implications for the ongoing euro area reform with a particular focus on several non-euro members’ growing reluctance to introduce the common currency. We argue that only a balanced reform package that combines solidarity with debt self-responsibility could foster the euro’s appeal in the CEE region.
Multi-Faceted Constructs in Abnormal Psychology: Implications of the Bifactor S - 1 Model for Individual Clinical Assessment
Authors: Eid Michael
Published: February 2020

Burns et al. (this issue) have shown that the application of the symmetrical bifactor model to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms leads to anomalous and inconsistent results across different rater groups. In contrast to the symmetrical bifactor model, applications of the bifactor S-1 model showed consistent and theoretically well-founded results. The implications of the bifactor S-1 model for individual clinical assessment are discussed. It is shown that individual factor scores of the bifactor S-1 model reveal important information about the profile of individual symptoms that is not captured by factor scores of the multidimensional model with correlated first-order factors. It is argued that for individual clinical assessment factor scores from both types of model (multidimensional model with correlated first-order factors, bifactor S -1 model) should be estimated and compared. Finally, a general strategy for choosing an appropriate model for analyzing multi-faceted constructs is presented that compares areas of applications for (1) the multidimensional model with correlated first-order factors, (2) the bifactor S-1 model with a general reference factor, and (3) the bifactor S – 1 model with a directly assessed general factor.
Enterprising Women in Southern Africa: When
Does Land Ownership Matter?
Authors: Brixiová Zuzana , Kangoye Thierry , Tregenna Fiona
Published: February 2020

Limited access to finance remains one of the major barriers for women
entrepreneurs in Africa. This paper presents a model of start-ups in which firms’ sales
and profits depend on their productivity and access to credit. However, due to the lack
of collateral assets such as land, female entrepreneurs have more constrained access to
credit than do men. Testing the model on data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys in
Eswatini, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, we find land ownership to be important for female
entrepreneurial performance in terms of sales levels. These results suggest that the
small Southern African economies would benefit from removing obstacles to female land
tenure and enabling financial institutions to lend against movable collateral. Although
land ownership is linked with higher sales levels, it is less critical for sales growth
and innovation where access to short term loans for working capital seems to be
key.
Low-temperature thermophysical and crystallographic properties of BaZrO3 perovskite
Authors: Knight K. S.
Published: February 2020

The temperature dependence of the crystallographic and thermoelastic properties of BaZrO3 perovskite in the temperature range 4.2 K and 450 K has been investigated using high-resolution time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction and literature values of the isobaric heat capacity. At all measured temperatures, BaZrO3 is cubic, space group $$Pm\overline{3} m$$Pm3¯m, with no clear evidence for diffuse scattering at critical points of the primitive cubic Brillouin zone. Simultaneous fitting of the temperature dependences of the isochoric heat capacity and unit cell volume showed the thermophysical properties of BaZrO3 were consistent with a two-term Debye model in which the cations and anions behave independently of one another with Debye temperatures of 220(2) K and 730(5) K, respectively. This model is further consistent with the temperature variations of the atomic displacement parameters fitted to a modified Debye model in which the vibrational Debye temperatures of the anion are significantly larger than those associated with the cations. The evolution of the crystallographic parameters of BaZrO3 is compared to those of BaCeO3, for barium in the cavity site, and SrZrO3, for zirconium in the octahedral site.
Homological perspective on edge modes in linear Yang–Mills and Chern–Simons theory
Authors: Mathieu Philippe , Murray Laura , Schenkel Alexander , Teh Nicholas J.
Published: February 2020

We provide an elegant homological construction of the extended phase space for linear Yang–Mills theory on an oriented and time-oriented Lorentzian manifold M with a time-like boundary $$\partial M$$∂M that was proposed by Donnelly and Freidel (JHEP 1609:102, 2016). This explains and formalizes many of the rather ad hoc constructions for edge modes appearing in the theoretical physics literature. Our construction also applies to linear Chern–Simons theory, in which case we obtain the extended phase space introduced by Geiller (Nucl Phys B 924:312, 2017).
Influenza-like illness prediction using a long short-term memory deep learning model with multiple open data sources
Authors: Yang Chao-Tung , Chen Yuan-An , Chan Yu-Wei , Lee Chia-Lin , Tsan Yu-Tse , Chan Wei-Cheng , Liu Po-Yu
Published: February 2020

The influenza problem has always been an important global issue. It not only affects people’s health problems but is also an essential topic of governments and health care facilities. Early prediction and response is the most effective control method for flu epidemics. It can effectively predict the influenza-like illness morbidity, and provide reliable information to the relevant facilities. For social facilities, it is possible to strengthen epidemic prevention and care for highly sick groups. It can also be used as a reminder for the public. This study collects information on the influenza-like illness emergency department visits to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, and the PM2.5 open-source data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration's air quality monitoring network. By using deep learning techniques, the relevance of short-term estimates and the outbreak calculation method can be determined. The techniques are published by the WHO to determine whether the influenza-like illness situation is still in a stage of reasonable control. Finally, historical data and future forecasted data are integrated on the web page for visual presentation, to show the actual regional air quality situation and influenza-like illness data and to predict whether there is an outbreak of influenza in the region.