bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T‐cell activation by transgenic rice seeds expressing the genetically modified Japanese cedar pollen allergens
Authors: Takaishi Shinya , Saito Saburo , Endo Tomonori , Asaka Daiya , Wakasa Yuhya , Takagi Hidenori , Ozawa Kenjiro , Takaiwa Fumio , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kojima Hiromi
Published: July 2019

Transgenic rice seeds that contain genetically modified Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, the two major allergens of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar; JC), have been developed as immunotherapeutic candidates for JC pollinosis. Because the transgenic rice (TG‐rice) seeds express allergens containing whole amino acid sequences of Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 in the endosperm tissue (edible part of rice grain), they can potentially target all Cry j 1‐ and Cry j 2‐specific T‐cells. However, it was unknown whether antigenicity of Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 could be completely preserved in TG‐rice seeds. We verified the antigenicity of TG‐rice seeds to T‐cells through the analysis of the proliferative responses of T‐cells in Cry j 1‐ or Cry j 2‐immunized mice or T‐cell lines to TG‐rice seed extract. First, four mouse strains were immunized with Cry j 1 or Cry j 2. T‐cells in the immunized mice proliferated on treatment with TG‐rice seed extract, but not non‐transgenic wild‐type rice (WT‐rice) seed extract. Furthermore, T‐cell lines were established from the spleen cells of the immunized mice. Each T‐cell line resulted in a proliferative response to TG‐rice seed extract, but not to WT‐rice seed extract, suggesting that TG‐rice seeds certainly express T‐cell epitopes corresponding to T‐cell lines. Considering the modified amino acid sequences of Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 in TG‐rice seeds, the expression of specific T‐cell epitopes suggested that TG‐rice seeds express all possible T‐cell epitope repertoires of Cry j 1 and Cry j 2.
Enterprise architecture implementation as interpersonal connection: Building support and commitment
Authors: Dale Mark , Scheepers Helana
Published: July 2019

Although architects are often made responsible for enterprise architecture implementation (EAI), they are dependent on business executives to fund the technology products and technology executives to provide staff and resources to support their implementation. Moreover, existing research into EAI focuses on the technical and social conditions associated with EAI success and failure and, to a lesser extent, on the influence of interpersonal interactions between architects and their stakeholders through which the EAI is enacted. Against that backdrop, we examine EAI from the perspective of the architects and their stakeholders with a focus on how architects can build commitment to and support for implementation of the selected technology products and programmes. Specifically, we rely on communities of practice (CoP) theory to investigate two cases of EAI with a focus on practices that enabled or prevented the architects from building communities with requisite commitment to and support for their efforts. We find that whilst the involved architects were required to liaise with business and technology stakeholders, their practices did not allow them to effectively build the necessary connections, and their EAI initiatives suffered accordingly. As a result, we theorize the permeability of community boundaries around architects as key to the success of EAI: When architects prioritize what they think is important over the views and concerns of business and technology stakeholders community, a dominant intra‐CoP perspective will emerge, and boundaries around the community of architects will be reinforced, preventing stakeholders with legitimate interests in the EAI to influence the process; in contrast, when architects prioritize engaging with the viewpoints and concerns of business and technology stakeholders community, boundaries will become permeable, and an intercommunity CoP will emerge, enabling knowledge sharing and negotiations between everyone with legitimate interests in the EAI.
Serotonin system genes and obsessive‐compulsive trait dimensions in a population‐based, pediatric sample: a genetic association study
Authors: Sinopoli Vanessa M. , Erdman Lauren , Burton Christie L. , Park Laura S. , Dupuis Annie , Shan Janet , Goodale Tara , Shaheen S.‐M. , Crosbie Jennifer , Schachar Russell J. , Arnold Paul D.
Published: July 2019

Background

Serotonin system genes are commonly studied in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), but genetic studies to date have produced inconsistent results, possibly because phenotypic heterogeneity has not been adequately accounted for. In this paper, we studied candidate serotonergic genes and homogenous phenotypic subgroups as presented through obsessive‐compulsive (OC) trait dimensions in a general population of children and adolescents. We hypothesized that different serotonergic gene variants are associated with different OC trait dimensions and, furthermore, that they vary by sex.

Methods

Obsessive‐compulsive trait dimensions (Cleaning/Contamination, Counting/Checking, Symmetry/Ordering, Superstition, Rumination, and Hoarding) were examined in a total of 5,213 pediatric participants in the community using the Toronto Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (TOCS). We genotyped candidate serotonin genes (directly genotyping the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism in SLC6A4 for 2018 individuals and using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data for genes SLC6A4, HTR2A, and HTR1B for 4711 individuals). We assessed the association between variants across these genes and each of the OC trait dimensions, within males and females separately. We analyzed OC traits as both (a) dichotomized based on a threshold value and (b) quantitative scores.

Results

The [LG + S] variant in 5‐HTTLPR was significantly associated with hoarding in males (p‐value of 0.003 and 0.004 for categorical and continuous analyses, respectively). There were no significant findings for 5‐HTTLPR in females. Using SNP array data, there were significant findings for rumination in males for HTR2A SNPs (p‐value of 1.04e‐6 to 5.20e‐6).

Conclusions

This represents the first genetic association study of OC trait dimensions in a community‐based pediatric sample. Our strongest results indicate that hoarding and rumination may be distinct in their association with serotonin gene variants and that serotonin gene variation may be specific to sex. Future genetic association studies in OCD should properly account for heterogeneity, using homogenous subgroups stratified by symptom dimension, sex, and age group.
Relationship between preexisting mental disorders and prognosis of gynecologic cancers: A case–control study
Authors: Tamauchi Satoshi , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Moriyama Yoshinori , Yoshihara Masato , Ikeda Yoshiki , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Nishino Kimihiro , Niimi Kaoru , Suzuki Shiro , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: July 2019

Aim

Cancer treatment involves long‐term therapy and follow‐up, with mental disorders (MD) often affecting the treatment process. Hence, in this study, we retrospectively analyze cases involving gynecologic cancer with MD and clarify the relationship between psychosis and cancer prognosis.

Methods

Patients with both gynecologic cancer and MD from January 2003 to August 2016 were recruited in this study. Cases were limited to those whose MD had been diagnosed before their cancer. Control patients without MD were also analyzed. Both cases and controls were adjusted for age, cancer type, and cancer stage.

Results

A total of 54 patients with gynecologic cancer and MD, as well as 108 controls without MD, were included. The median age of the patients was 52 years. Details regarding cancer type were as follows: 11 ovarian cancers, 26 uterine corpus cancers and 17 cervical cancers. Among these, 25 schizophrenia cases, 15 depressive disorders, 4 bipolar disorders and 10 other MD were recorded. No significant differences in the 5‐year survival rate were found between patients and controls. In advanced‐stage cervical cancer, however, the prognosis was significantly poor given the low rate of initial treatment completion. Moreover, patients with advanced‐stage cervical cancer had significantly lower chemotherapy completion rates compared to those with other gynecologic malignancies.

Conclusion

Mental disorders do not affect the prognosis of gynecologic cancers, except for advanced cervical cancer. Accordingly, improving the low rate of initial treatment completion seems to be a focal point for better prognosis in advanced cervical cancer.
Hospitalised patients with unexplained chest pain: incidence and prognosis
Authors: Egeland G. M. , Akerkar R. , Kvåle R. , Sulo G. , Tell G. S. , Bakken I. J. , Ebbing M.
Published: July 2019

Background

The prognosis of unexplained chest pain patients provides valuable information for evaluation of health services.

Objective

To examine prognosis of unexplained chest pain.

Methods

Using data from in‐ and outpatient hospital visits in Norway of patients discharged with a main diagnosis of unexplained chest pain (ICD‐10: R072–R074) in 2010–2012, the 1‐year incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), any cardio‐vascular disease (CVD) and mortality was evaluated. Cases with prior 2‐year history of CVD or chest pain were excluded. Cox proportional hazards evaluated outcomes by patient characteristics and standardized mortality ratios evaluated observed versus expected mortality.

Results

Of 59 569 patients identified (20–89 years of age), the majority (86%) were referred to hospital by out‐of‐hours emergency care centres. Subsequent CHD was noted for 12.5%, 19.5% and 25.0% of men and 7.2%, 11.0%, 14.0% of women aged 45–64, 65–74 and 75–89 years, respectively. The per cent of deaths attributed to CVD were greatest within the first 2 months of postdischarge. Total mortality rates (per 1000 person‐years) were 6.6 in men and 4.7 in women aged 45–64 and 69.2 in men and 39.5 in women aged 75–89 years. Relative to the general population, mortality was 53% and 45% higher for men and women under 65 years of age, respectively, attributed primarily to non‐CVD causes.

Conclusion

Patients in Norway discharged with unexplained chest pain are an at‐risk group in terms of incident CHD, any CVD and mortality, including non‐CVD mortality during the first‐year postdischarge. The results suggest that unexplained chest pain patients may benefit from greater healthcare coordination between medical disciplines.
Innovation climate: A systematic review of the literature and agenda for future research
Authors: Newman Alexander , Round Heather , Wang Shuanglong , Mount Matthew
Published: July 2019

Over the last two decades, we have witnessed growing empirical research on the concept of innovation climate at both the team and organizational levels. This article systematically reviews the literature surrounding the concept, focusing on its antecedents and outcomes, and empirical work where it has been treated as a moderator. Based on the review, we propose an agenda for future research that highlights the need to incorporate alternative theoretical perspectives to enhance our understanding of the innovation climate concept and its impact in driving team‐ and organizational‐level outcomes. In addition to theoretical future research strands, we also highlight opportunities for empirical advancement of the field. In particular, we highlight the need to examine the negative influence of innovation climate, adopt a more dynamic approach to examine how innovation climates develops over time, and explore the influence of cultural and institutional factors on the development of innovation climate.

Practitioner Points

Innovation is essential for organizations wishing to remain competitive and thrive in the highly competitive global marketplace.

This study consolidates the insights from prior research linking leadership and team/demographic/workplace characteristics to both the team innovation climate and the organizational innovation climate.

Understanding innovation climate provides practitioners with insight into the levers they may utilize to encourage innovation within the organization.

In addition, the outcomes of innovation climate are synthesized in this paper which provides practitioners with insight into the expected benefits of focusing on developing a climate for innovation.
Are vocalists prone to temporomandibular disorders?
Authors: van Selms Maurits K. A. , Wiegers Jetske W. , Lobbezoo Frank , Visscher Corine M.
Published: July 2019

Background

As vocalists demand high physical strains of the masticatory system, singing is frequently mentioned as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Objectives

This study investigated whether vocalists report a higher prevalence of two types of TMDs (viz., TMD pain and temporomandibular joint sounds) compared with instrumentalists who do not load their masticatory system while performing. In addition, we examined which risk indicators are associated with the presence of these TMDs among musicians.

Methods

A total of 1470 musicians from 50 different music ensembles completed a questionnaire. Of these musicians, 306 were vocalists (mean age ± SD 37.5 ± 17.7 years; 63.9% female) and 209 musicians enrolled the control group (mean age ± SD 42.7 ± 18.0 years; 40.7% female).

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported TMD pain among vocalists was 21.9%, as compared to 12.0% in the control group. 20.0% of the vocalists reported TMJ sounds versus 15.1% of the controls. The multiple regression models indicated that being a vocalist was not a risk indicator for the presence of self‐reported TMD pain nor for self‐reported TMJ sounds. Instead, it appeared that the report of TMD pain among musicians was positively associated with female gender, next to the level of physical workload, depicted as frequency of oral behaviours and the hours of daily practice. Musicians’ report of TMJ sounds was associated with oral behaviours.

Conclusion

This study shows that singing is not associated with the reports of TMD pain and TMJ sounds, after adjusting for potentially confounding variables included in the models.
Relationship of Streptococcus mutans with valvar cardiac tissue: A molecular and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Oliveira Francisco Artur Forte , Fernandes Forte Clarissa Pessoa , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros , Lopes Camile de Barros , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , dos Santos Ândrea Kely Campos Ribeiro , Mota Mário Rogério Lima , Sousa Fabrício Bitu , Alves Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes
Published: July 2019

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the presence or absence of Streptococcus mutans in oral cavity and valvular samples associating with the histomorphologic alterations of calcified aortic stenosis.

Methodology

Dental plaque and cardiac valve samples were collected from 10 patients with calcified aortic stenosis for molecular analysis of S mutans by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Healthy valve tissue was also collected from five young cadavers and analyzed for S mutans. Moreover, fragments of all valvar specimens were submitted for histomorphological analysis and immunohistochemistry (anti‐S mutans and anti‐CD61).

Results

Streptococcus mutans was present in 100% of the oral cavity samples from the patients with calcified aortic stenosis in the molecular analysis. The analysis by real‐time PCR showed that S mutans presented the same proportion in healthy valves and those with calcified aortic stenosis (80%; P = 1.000). Conversely, the immunoexpression of S mutans was 37.40 (IC95% = 1.49‐937.00) times superior in samples of patients with cardiac disease (P = .007). The immunoexpression analysis showed that CD61 was present in seven (70%) calcified aortic stenosis samples, all of which were also immunopositive for S mutans.

Conclusions

Streptococcus mutans was found in the oral cavity, healthy valve tissue, and calcified aortic stenosis samples. However, the microorganism was visualized by immunohistochemistry only in the calcified aortic stenosis samples, which may suggest viability and an increased bacterial density in this condition. The association of the presence of S mutans and positive CD61 immunoexpression suggests a probable relationship with calcified aortic stenosis.
Viscosity drives texture perception of protein beverages more than hydrocolloid type
Authors: Wagoner Ty B. , Çakır‐Fuller Esra , Shingleton Rebecca , Drake MaryAnne , Foegeding E. Allen
Published: July 2019

Hydrocolloids are added to alter rheological properties of beverages but have other properties that can contribute to overall taste and texture perception. In this study, tapioca starch and λ‐carrageenan were used to determine how hydrocolloid type, viscosity level (4–6 mPa·s, 25–30 mPa·s, and 50–60 mPa·s at 50 s−1), and complexity of the system (aqueous, skim milk, or whole milk) influence sensory taste and texture of fluids. All fluids were shear thinning; however, skim milk and whole milk solutions that contained carrageenan had much higher low shear viscosity and lower high shear viscosity than those with starch. There was a significant effect of viscosity level on sensory perception of consistency, creamy/oily, mouthcoating, and residual mouthcoating in aqueous, skim milk, and whole milk beverages, and a weak effect of hydrocolloid type. However, normalizing creamy/oily, paste, and mouthcoating against sensory consistency removed the effect of hydrocolloid type. Flavors (cream, cooked, cardboard, and melon/cardboard) were associated with the type of hydrocolloid and milk protein ingredient. Temporal dominance of sensations showed that samples exhibit similar temporal sensory profiles, although the addition of hydrocolloids enhanced dominance of creaminess even in samples without fat. Hydrocolloid type did not significantly influence mouthcoating or the persistence of astringency. Additionally, increasing viscosity from 3 to 74 mPa·s at 50 s−1 did not suppress perceived sweet or salty taste. The results suggest that in fluid systems with viscosity levels typically found in beverages, textural properties are determined by viscosity and independent of the type of hydrocolloid.
Salix kaptaraesp. nov. (Salicaceae) from Crete
Authors: Cambria Salvatore , Brullo Cristian , Brullo Salvatore
Published: July 2019

A new species of willow from Crete, namedSalix kaptaraeCambria, C. Brullo & Brullo, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it shows close relationships with species belonging to theS. apenninagroup, mainly with respect to the leaf shape, and the hairy ovary, capsule and base of stamina filaments. Considerations on its ecology, leaf micro‐morphology and conservation status are also provided.
Effects of regulating gut microbiota on the serotonin metabolism in the chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model
Authors: Li Huawei , Wang Peng , Huang Luqiao , Li Ping , Zhang Dianliang
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study was to inspect the antidepressant‑like effect of prebiotics and probiotics, and to explore the effect of modulating gut microbiota on the serotonin (5‐HT) metabolism.

Methods

Fifty rats were separated into control and other four groups randomly. The four groups underwent the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) intervention with or without prebiotics and probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum, L. rhamnosus) treatment. After weighted, the animals underwent a series of behavioral tests comprising the sucrose preference test (SPT) and the forced swimming test (FST). Central and colonic serotonin levels and relative metabolism factors were measured and analyzed. Microbiota was examined by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.

Results

CUMS intervention caused a decrease in body weight, an increase in FST, and a decrease in SPT. Prebiotics and probiotics all ameliorated the CUMS‐induced loss of weight and depressive‐like behaviors to a certain extent, especially L. rhamnosus. Compared with the group of CUMS intervention, the rats of probiotics and probiotics treatment had a tendency to reduce colonic 5‐HT and increase 5‐HT in frontal cortex and hippocampus. However, there was no significant difference in peripheral blood 5‐HT among these groups. Furthermore, CUMS caused noteworthy gut microbiota variations at the phylum and other levels in rats. Remarkably, there were considerable relations of perturbed gut microbiota with the changed metabolism of 5‐HT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings implied that prebiotics and probiotics have antidepressive effects, and a considerable effect on the regulation of 5‐HT metabolism, especially L. rhamnosus.
Leverage Dynamics and the Burden of Debt
Authors: Juselius Mikael , Drehmann Mathias
Published: July 2019

In addition to leverage, the debt service burden of households and firms is an important link between financial and real developments at the aggregate level. Using US data from 1985 to 2017, we find that the debt service burden has sizeable negative effects on expenditure. Its interplay with leverage also explains several data puzzles, including the lack of above‐trend output growth during credit booms and the severity of ensuing recessions, without appealing to large shocks or nonlinearities. Estimating the model with data up to 2005, it predicts credit and expenditure paths that closely match actual developments before and during the Great Recession.
Weight loss effects of circuit training interventions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seo Young‐Gyun , Noh Hye‐Mi , Kim Soo Young
Published: July 2019

This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the weight loss effects of circuit training interventions in adults. A computerized search was conducted using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE online databases. The analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of circuit training interventions on body weight and body mass index in adults aged 18 years or older. Meta‐analyses were conducted using the random‐effect model to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Nine randomized controlled trials (837 participants) were included. Significant intervention effects were identified for body weight (WMD = −3.81 kg, 95% CI −5.60 to −2.02) and body mass index (WMD = −1.77 kg/m2, 95% CI −2.49 to −1.04). Subgroup analysis by body mass index status showed that the intervention effect was significant only in participants with obesity or overweight (obesity: WMD = −5.15 kg, 95% CI −8.81 to −1.50 and overweight: WMD = −3.89 kg, 95% CI −7.00 to −0.77, respectively) but not in those with normal weight. Current evidence suggests that circuit training effectively reduces body weight and body mass index in adults with overweight and obesity.
Clinical predictors of antitachycardia pacing response in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients
Authors: Harrison Joshua W. , Manola Akrivi , Kalluri Lakshmi K. , Duvall W. Lane , Giedrimiene Dalia , Kluger Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2019

Background

Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) provides safe and painless termination of reentrant ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs), improving their quality of life. Established predictors of ATP responsiveness are not well known; only longer ventricular tachycardia (VT) cycle length and higher ejection fraction have been found to predict ATP success.

Objective

To investigate clinical and ECG predictors of ATP response in ICD patients with monomorphic VT.

Methods

The ICD clinic database was searched for monomorphic VT events requiring ICD therapy in patients with ischemic or non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy. Each patient's first ICD encounter for VT was assessed. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, VT rate, and ATP responsiveness (always, sometimes, and never successful) were recorded. An ECG was analyzed for QRS morphology and duration. Data was assessed for predictors of ATP responsiveness.

Results

In 527 patients, characteristics associated with always successful ATP included ACE‐I/ARB therapy and slower VT rate (never successful ATP 197 ± 28 bpm, sometimes successful ATP 190 ± 27 bpm, always successful ATP 183 ± 22 bpm, P < .0001). Secondary prevention indication, amiodarone therapy, and longer QRS duration were associated with ATP failure. After multivariate analysis, only faster VT rate and amiodarone therapy were predictive of ATP failure.

Conclusions

Neither QRS morphology nor duration was predictive of ATP success. Slower VT rate was predictive of repeated ATP responsiveness. Amiodarone therapy, which is known to increase VT cycle length, interestingly was associated with ATP failure for unclear reasons. More individualized and possibly more aggressive ATP programming may be warranted in patients on amiodarone.
Osteoblasts contribute to a protective niche that supports melanoma cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Ferguson Jennifer , Wilcock Daniel J. , McEntegart Sophie , Badrock Andrew P. , Levesque Mitch , Dummer Reinhard , Wellbrock Claudia , Smith Michael P.
Published: July 2019

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer; a primary driver of this high level of morbidity is the propensity of melanoma cells to metastasize. When malignant tumours develop distant metastatic lesions the new local tissue niche is known to impact on the biology of the cancer cells. However, little is known about how different metastatic tissue sites impact on frontline targeted therapies. Intriguingly, melanoma bone lesions have significantly lower response to BRAF or MEK inhibitor therapies. Here, we have investigated how the cellular niche of the bone can support melanoma cells by stimulating growth and survival via paracrine signalling between osteoblasts and cancer cells. Melanoma cells can enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts leading to increased production of secreted ligands, including RANKL. Differentiated osteoblasts in turn can support melanoma cell proliferation and survival via the secretion of RANKL that elevates the levels of the transcription factor MITF, even in the presence of BRAF inhibitor. By blocking RANKL signalling, either via neutralizing antibodies, genetic alterations or the RANKL receptor inhibitor SPD304, the survival advantage provided by osteoblasts could be overcome.
Patient Heal Thyself: Reducing Hospital Readmissions with Technology‐Enabled Continuity of Care and Patient Activation
Authors: Queenan Carrie , Cameron Kellas , Snell Alan , Smalley Julia , Joglekar Nitin
Published: July 2019

Patients’ skills, knowledge, and motivation to actively engage in their health care are assessed with the patient activation measure (PAM). The literature on the role of PAM, when patient counseling is coupled with a technology enabled continuity of care intervention, is scant. We model the patient–health care provider feedback loop and learning through error corrections to explore the relations between continuity of care, PAM and patient readmissions. We test this model using data from a randomized, controlled field experiment. Our data show a direct effect of technology‐enabled continuity of care, together with its interaction with PAM, reduces readmissions over the base case without technology enabled continuity of care. Using exploratory analysis, we further show how a machine learning algorithm can be used to predict PAM, that can potentially furnish health care providers with useful information during the process of supporting their patients.
It's about effort: Impact of implicit affect on cardiovascular response is context dependent
Authors: Framorando David , Gendolla Guido H. E.
Published: July 2019

Based on the Implicit‐Affect‐Primes‐Effort model, we tested whether the effect of implicitly processed affect primes on cardiovascular responses is limited to settings that call for effort and in which implicit affect can inform about subjective task demand. Participants were presented with letter series and briefly flashed sadness versus happiness primes. Half of the participants were asked to memorize all occurring vowels (achievement context), while the other half merely watched the series (watching context). Responses of cardiac pre‐ejection period, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure supported the predictions. As expected, in the challenging achievement‐context condition, happiness primes led to stronger cardiovascular reactivity than sadness primes. By contrast, reactivity was modest in both affect prime conditions when the participants merely watched the stimuli. That is, the impact of affect primes on cardiovascular responses was limited to a setting that directly called for effort mobilization.
A cross‐cultural review and perspective on status striving
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Pettit Nathan C.
Published: July 2019

A significant body of research on the motives and pathways to attaining status has accumulated in the last few decades. At the same time, many of the commonly held assumptions and established findings in the status literature are drawn from research conducted in industrialized Western cultures. In this article, we review several fundamental differences between two widely studied cultures—Eastern and Western cultures—and propose that the core premises in the status literature map far more neatly onto what is known about Western cultures and less well onto what is known of Eastern cultures. More specifically, we examine cross‐cultural differences with respect to the meaning of status, motives underlying status pursuits, and the pathways that lead to status. We note how the reasons behind status pursuits may diverge among people from these two cultures, and how the behaviors that people employ when striving for status in Western cultures may not be effective in Eastern cultures. We conclude by proposing several avenues for future research.
Root endodermal barrier system contributes to defence against plant‐parasitic cyst and root‐knot nematodes
Authors: Holbein Julia , Franke Rochus B. , Marhavý Peter , Fujita Satoshi , Górecka Mirosława , Sobczak Mirosław , Geldner Niko , Schreiber Lukas , Grundler Florian M. W. , Siddique Shahid
Published: July 2019

Plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause tremendous yield losses worldwide in almost all economically important crops. The agriculturally most important PPNs belong to a small group of root‐infecting sedentary endoparasites that includes cyst and root‐knot nematodes. Both cyst and root‐knot nematodes induce specialized long‐term feeding structures in root vasculature from which they obtain their nutrients. A specialized cell layer in roots called the endodermis, which has cell walls reinforced with suberin deposits and a lignin‐based Casparian strip (CS), protects the vascular cylinder against abiotic and biotic threats. To date, the role of the endodermis, and especially of suberin and the CS, during plant–nematode interactions was largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the role of suberin and CS during interaction between Arabidopsis plants and two sedentary root‐parasitic nematode species, the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii and the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. We found that nematode infection damages the endodermis leading to the activation of suberin biosynthesis genes at nematode infection sites. Although feeding sites induced by both cyst and root‐knot nematodes are surrounded by endodermis during early stages of infection, the endodermis is degraded during later stages of feeding site development, indicating periderm formation or ectopic suberization of adjacent tissue. Chemical suberin analysis showed a characteristic suberin composition resembling peridermal suberin in nematode‐infected tissue. Notably, infection assays using Arabidopsis lines with CS defects and impaired compensatory suberization, revealed that the CS and suberization impact nematode infectivity and feeding site size. Taken together, our work establishes the role of the endodermal barrier system in defence against a soil‐borne pathogen.
Positional differences of intronic transposons in pAMT affect the pungency level in chili pepper through altered splicing efficiency
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Asano Takaya , Kanemitsu Yorika , Goto Tanjuro , Yoshida Yuichi , Yasuba Kenichiro , Misawa Yuki , Nakatani Sachie , Kobata Kenji
Published: July 2019

Capsaicinoids are unique compounds that give chili pepper fruits their pungent taste. Capsaicinoid levels vary widely among pungent cultivars, which range from low pungency to extremely pungent. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this quantitative variation have not been elucidated. Our previous study identified various loss‐of‐function alleles of the pAMT gene which led to low pungency. The mutations in these alleles are commonly defined by Tcc transposon insertion and its footprint. In this study, we identified two leaky pamt alleles (pamtL1 and pamtL2) with different levels of putative aminotransferase (pAMT) activity. Notably, both alleles had a Tcc transposon insertion in intron 3, but the locations of the insertions within the intron were different. Genetic analysis revealed that pamtL1, pamtL2 and a loss‐of‐function pamt allele reduced capsaicinoid levels to about 50%, 10% and less than 1%, respectively. pamtL1 and pamtL2 encoded functional pAMT proteins, but they exhibited lower transcript levels than the functional type. RNA sequencing analysis showed that intronic transposons disrupted splicing in intron 3, which resulted in simultaneous expression of functional pAMT mRNA and non‐functional splice variants containing partial sequences of Tcc. The non‐functional splice variants were more dominant in pamtL2 than in pamtL1. This suggested that the difference in position of the intronic transposons could alter splicing efficiency, leading to different pAMT activities and reducing capsaicinoid content to different levels. Our results provide a striking example of allelic variations caused by intronic transposons; these variations contribute to quantitative differences in secondary metabolite contents.
Radiotherapy isocenters verified by matching to bony landmarks of the canine and feline head differ when localized using volumetric versus planar imaging
Authors: Magestro Leanne M. , Cahoon Joyce Y. , Gieger Tracy L. , Nolan Michael W.
Published: July 2019

The “gold standard” for verification of patient positioning before linear accelerator‐based stereotactic radiation therapy is kilovoltage cone‐beam computed tomography (kV‐CBCT), which is not uniformly available or utilized; planar imaging is sometimes used instead. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the position of the bony skull, when used as a surrogate for isocenter verification, is different when orthogonal megavoltage (MV) portal or kilovoltage (kV/kV) radiographs are used for image guidance, rather than kV‐CBCT. A secondary aim was to determine the influence of intra‐observer variability, body size and skull conformation on positioning, as determined using these three imaging modalities. Dogs and cats receiving radiotherapy of the head were recruited for this prospective analytical study. Planar (MV portal and kV/kV images) and volumetric (kV‐CBCT) images were acquired before treatment, and manually coregistered with reference images. Differences in skull position when matched based on MV portal, kV/kV images and kV‐CBCT were compared. A total of 65 subjects and 148 unique datasets were evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to evaluate effects of transitioning between imaging modalities. When comparing magnitude of shifts in MV to kV‐CBCT, MV to kV/kV and kV/kV to kV‐CBCT, there were statistically significant differences. Results were not measurably impacted by body size, skull conformation or interobserver differences. Based on shift magnitude and direction, an isotropic setup margin of at least 1 mm should be incorporated within the planning target volume when MV or kV planar imaging is used for position verification.
Assessing transfusion practice in elective surgical patients: a baseline audit
Authors: Delaforce Alana , Moore Diana , Duff Jed , Munday Judy , Hardy Janet
Published: July 2019

Background

Externally generated hospital benchmarking data indicated that the blood transfusion rate within elective surgical orthopaedic and gastrointestinal patients at a metropolitan, tertiary healthcare facility was higher than comparable Australian hospitals. An investigation of transfusion practices was undertaken with the aim of understanding the reasons contributing to this higher incidence.

Study Methods

A chart audit was undertaken of every major, elective, surgical orthopaedic and gastrointestinal patient who received a blood transfusion between July and December 2017. The audit aimed to ascertain whether patients were screened and treated for preoperative anaemia and measure the clinical appropriateness of transfusions according to the National Blood Authority (NBA) Perioperative Patient Blood Management (PBM) recommendations. The key recommendations include the utilisation of restrictive transfusion thresholds (in conjunction with clinical assessment) and the administration of a single unit followed by clinical reassessment.

Results

Forty‐five patients had 72 transfusion episodes; 40% of episodes were considered inappropriate (n = 29). Of these, 76% (n = 22) did not have evidence of decompensation, and of the remaining that did (24%, n = 7), there was no evidence of clinical reassessment after transfusion. 42% (n = 19) of patients were anaemic preoperatively, of which only 21% (n = 4) had iron studies, and only one patient received intravenous iron preoperatively.

Conclusion

Opportunities exist to improve the preoperative anaemia screening processes and clinical decision‐making in transfusion practice. The baseline results of this audit will inform an improvement plan to develop interventions to enhance practice.
A Comparison of Two Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Methods With Whole-Body Analysis
Authors: Cannon Thomas , Choi JungHun
Published: July 2019

Two different methods of attaching the current leads for segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were compared. The first method was leaving the current electrodes in place at the hand and foot for all measurements, while the second method involved moving the current electrodes to be adjacent to the voltage electrodes when measuring each segment. Each method was compared to a whole-body measurement performed at the same occasion as the segmental measurements. Slight deviation from the whole-body measurement was expected, as the electrode placements resulted in small gaps that were not measured between each of the arm, trunk, and leg segments. The second method, moving the current electrodes for each segment, was found to be the closer of the two methods for whole body measurements, with errors of 2% and 5.8% at R0 and R∞, respectively, while the first method had errors of 4.2% and 6% respectively.
Machine Learning Based Adaptive Gait Phase Estimation Using Inertial Measurement Sensors
Authors: Yang Jianfu , Huang Tzu-Hao , Yu Shuangyue , Yang Xiaolong , Su Hao , Spungen Ann M. , Tsai Chung-Ying
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a portable inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion sensing system and proposed an adaptive gait phase detection approach for non-steady state walking and multiple activities (walking, running, stair ascent, stair descent, squat) monitoring. The algorithm aims to overcome the limitation of existing gait detection methods that are time-domain thresholding based for steady-state motion and are not versatile to detect gait during different activities or different gait patterns of the same activity. The portable sensing suit is composed of three IMU sensors (wearable sensors for gait phase detection) and two footswitches (ground truth measurement and not needed for gait detection of the proposed algorithm). The acceleration, angular velocity, Euler angle, resultant acceleration, and resultant angular velocity from three IMUs are used as the input training data and the data of two footswitches used as the training label data (single support, double support, swing phase). Three methods 1) Logistic Regression (LR), 2) Random Forest Classifier (RF), and 3) Artificial Neural Network (NN) are used to build the gait phase detection models. The result shows our proposed gait phase detection with Random Forest Classifier can achieve 98.94% accuracy in walking, 98.45% in running, 99.15% in stair-ascent, 99.00% in stair-descent, and 99.63% in squatting. It demonstrates that our sensing suit can not only detect the gait status in any transient state but also generalize to multiple activities. Therefore, it can be implemented in real-time monitoring of human gait and control of assistive devices.
The Development and Testing of a Fixation Apparatus for Inducing the Coaptation of the Cardiac Atrioventricular Valves
Authors: Zhingre Sanchez Jorge D. , Schinstock Emma A. , Bateman Michael G. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: July 2019

As the prevalence of mitral and tricuspid valvular disease continues to grow with the aging population [1,2], there is a growing critical need to treat high mortality risk patients using minimally invasive and/or non-surgical percutaneous procedures. However, these transcatheter procedures, especially those aimed at repairing or replacing the mitral and tricuspid valves, are mostly still in development and/or early clinical testing. Catheter delivery, prosthesis fixation, and/or demonstrating device efficacy are major challenges currently being addressed [3,4]. Although in situ animal models can assess catheter systems with clinical imaging, direct visualization of tissue-device interactions in real human heart anatomies are desired. In vitro delivery and implantations of valvular prototypes in human heart specimens can be instrumental for accurate device testing and gaining important design insights. Such investigations can be performed on a pulsatile flow apparatus, utilizing perfusion fixed human hearts with mitral and/or tricuspid valves eliciting coaptation and relative function. The employment of endoscopic cameras provides direct visualization and can be coupled with echocardiography, providing novel insights relative to these transcatheter devices in a dynamic environment. However, these investigative approaches require appropriately fixed human heart specimens that will allow for dynamic valve movement. This study discusses the design, construction, and implementation of a novel fixation apparatus to promote the coaptation of the mitral and tricuspid valves in swine and fresh human heart specimen.
A Product Design Approach to Prosthetic Design: A Case Study
Authors: Sokolowski Susan L. , Meyer Zach
Published: July 2019

Evidence of prosthetic use can be dated back to the second Punic War [1]. However, state-of-the-art devices have advanced very little, especially for individuals who need forearm and hand functionality, and have little financial support for high-end, custom robotic devices. This is particularly the case for military veterans. The prosthetics prescribed are thermally hot, heavy in weight, fit poorly, restrict mobility and are unattractive. This paper will review how the aforementioned design challenge was addressed through 3D body scanning and rapid prototyping technologies, for an undergraduate product design student’s capstone project.
Two species of oribatid mites of the superfamily Ameroidea (Acari: Oribatida) from Babeldaob Island of Palau
Authors: Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Shimano Satoshi
Published: July 2019

We found two species of oribatid mites from Babeldaob Island of Palau Republic, which is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. Eurhynchoribates brevisensillatus sp. nov. is proposed from mosses growing in the forest, and a diagnostic key to adults of all known species of Eurhynchoribates is provided. Another species, Basilobelba foliata Hammer, 1982 is reported for the first time from Palau, which was known previously from island of Bali, Indonesia. Following the descriptions and comparisons, we discuss aspects of the diversity, distribution and habitat ecology of species belonging to each genus.
Evaluation of the Antifungal and Wound-Healing Properties of a Novel Peptide-Based Bioadhesive Hydrogel Formulation
Authors: Sultan Ahmed S. , Vila Taissa , Hefni Eman , Karlsson Amy J. , Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann
Published: July 2019

Oral candidiasis (OC) caused by the fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
is the most common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised populations. The dramatic increase in resistance to common antifungal agents has emphasized the importance of identifying alternative therapeutic options.
Advantage of the F2:A1:B- IncF Pandemic Plasmid over IncC Plasmids in
In Vitro
Acquisition and Evolution of
bla
CTX-M
Gene-Bearing Plasmids in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mahérault Anne-Claire , Kemble Harry , Magnan Mélanie , Gachet Benoit , Roche David , Le Nagard Hervé , Tenaillon Olivier , Denamur Erick , Branger Catherine , Landraud Luce
Published: July 2019

Despite a fitness cost imposed on bacterial hosts, large conjugative plasmids play a key role in the diffusion of resistance determinants, such as CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Among the large conjugative plasmids, IncF plasmids are the most predominant group, and an F2:A1:B- IncF-type plasmid encoding a CTX-M-15 variant was recently described as being strongly associated with the emerging worldwide
Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131)-O25b:H4
H
30Rx/C2 sublineage.
Changes in the Ileal, but Not Fecal, Microbiome in Response to Increased Dietary Protein Level and Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Exposure in Pigs
Authors: Pollock Jolinda , Hutchings Michael R. , Hutchings Kate E. K. , Gally David L. , Houdijk Jos G. M.
Published: July 2019

Gut bacterial communities have been shown to play a key role in pig health and development and are strongly influenced by host diet, but studies highlighting the complex interactions between nutrition, gut infections and the microbiome tend to focus on bacterial populations in the feces and not other important gut locations. We found that alteration of dietary protein level and exposure to a pathogenic microorganism, enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC), changed bacterial populations in the distal small intestine (i.e., the ileum). We found that the most profound changes occurred in pigs fed a high-protein diet in combination with exposure to ETEC, showing a clear interaction between dietary composition and exposure to a key pathogen. These changes were not observed in the fecal samples, revealing the importance of studying biologically pertinent sites in the gut, and so the data will help to inform the development of alternative management strategies for enteric disorders.
Bile Salts Alter the Mouse Norovirus Capsid Conformation: Possible Implications for Cell Attachment and Immune Evasion
Authors: Sherman Michael B. , Williams Alexis N. , Smith Hong Q. , Nelson Christopher , Wilen Craig B. , Fremont Daved H. , Virgin Herbert W. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: July 2019

Mouse norovirus and several other members of the
Caliciviridae
have been shown to have a highly unusual structure with the receptor binding protruding (P) domain only loosely tethered to the main capsid shell. Recent studies demonstrated that bile salts enhance the intrinsic P domain/receptor affinity and is necessary for cell attachment. Presented here are the high-resolution cryo-EM structures of apo MNV, MNV/bile salt, and MNV/bile salt/receptor. Bile salts cause a 90° rotation and collapse of the P domain onto the shell surface that may increase the number of available receptor binding sites. Therefore, bile salts appear to be having several effects on MNV. Bile salts shift the structural equilibrium of the P domain toward a form that binds the receptor and away from one that binds antibody. They may also cause the entire P domain to optimize receptor binding while burying a number of potential epitopes.