bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Likert vs PI‐RADS v2: a comparison of two radiological scoring systems for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Khoo Christopher C. , Eldred‐Evans David , Peters Max , Bertoncelli Tanaka Mariana , Noureldin Mohamed , Miah Saiful , Shah Taimur , Connor Martin J. , Reddy Deepika , Clark Martin , Lakhani Amish , Rockall Andrea , Hosking‐Jervis Feargus , Cullen Emma , Arya Manit , Hrouda David , Qazi Hasan , Winkler Mathias , Tam Henry , Ahmed Hashim U.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the clinical validity and utility of Likert assessment and the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) v2 in the detection of clinically significant and insignificant prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

A total of 489 pre‐biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scans in consecutive patients were subject to prospective paired reporting using both Likert and PI‐RADS v2 by expert uro‐radiologists. Patients were offered biopsy for any Likert or PI‐RADS score ≥4 or a score of 3 with PSA density ≥0.12 ng/mL/mL. Utility was evaluated in terms of proportion biopsied, and proportion of clinically significant and insignificant cancer detected (both overall and on a ‘per score’ basis). In those patients biopsied, the overall accuracy of each system was assessed by calculating total and partial area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The primary threshold of significance was Gleason ≥3 + 4. Secondary thresholds of Gleason ≥4 + 3, Ahmed/UCL1 (Gleason ≥4 + 3 or maximum cancer core length [CCL] ≥6 or total CCL≥6) and Ahmed/UCL2 (Gleason ≥3 + 4 or maximum CCL ≥4 or total CCL ≥6) were also used.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 66 (60–72) years and the median (IQR) prostate‐specific antigen level was 7 (5–10) ng/mL. A similar proportion of men met the biopsy threshold and underwent biopsy in both groups (83.8% [Likert] vs 84.8% [PI‐RADS v2]; P = 0.704). The Likert system predicted more clinically significant cancers than PI‐RADS across all disease thresholds. Rates of insignificant cancers were comparable in each group. ROC analysis of biopsied patients showed that, although both scoring systems performed well as predictors of significant cancer, Likert scoring was superior to PI‐RADS v2, exhibiting higher total and partial areas under the ROC curve.

Conclusions

Both scoring systems demonstrated good diagnostic performance, with similar rates of decision to biopsy. Overall, Likert was superior by all definitions of clinically significant prostate cancer. It has the advantages of being flexible, intuitive and allowing inclusion of clinical data. However, its use should only be considered once radiologists have developed sufficient experience in reporting prostate mpMRI.
Waterjet Ablation Therapy for Endoscopic Resection of prostate tissue trial (WATER) vs WATER II: comparing Aquablation therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia in 30–80 and 80–150 mL prostates
Authors: Nguyen David‐Dan , Barber Neil , Bidair Mo , Gilling Peter , Anderson Paul , Zorn Kevin C. , Badlani Gopal , Humphreys Mitch , Kaplan Steven , Kaufman Ronald , So Alan , Paterson Ryan , Goldenberg Larry , Elterman Dean , Desai Mihir , Lingeman Jim , Roehrborn Claus , Bhojani Naeem
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the outcomes of Aquablation in 30–80 mL prostates with those in 80–150 mL prostates. Surgical options, especially with short learning curves, are limited when treating large prostates for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aquablation (AquaBeam System, PROCEPT BioRobotics Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA) could solve this issue with global reproducibility, independent of prostate volume.

Patients and Methods

Waterjet Ablation Therapy for Endoscopic Resection of prostate tissue (WATER [W‐I]; NCT02505919) is a prospective, double‐blind, multicentre, international clinical trial comparing Aquablation and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of LUTS/BPH in prostates between 30 and 80 mL. WATER II (W‐II; NCT03123250) is a prospective, multicentre, single‐arm international clinical trial of Aquablation in prostates between 80 and 150 mL. We compare baseline parameters and 12‐month outcomes in 116 W‐I and 101 W‐II study patients. Students’ t‐test or Wilcoxon tests were used for continuous variables and Fisher’s test for binary variables.

Results

The mean (SD) operative time was 33 (17) and 37 (13) min in W‐I and W‐II, respectively. Actual treatment time was 4 and 8 min in W‐I and W‐II, respectively. The mean change in the International Prostate Symptom Score was substantial averaging (at 12 months) 15.1 in W‐I and 17.1 in W‐II (P = 0.605). By 3 months, Clavien–Dindo grade ≥II events occurred in 19.8% of W‐I patients and 34.7% of W‐II patients (P = 0.468).

Conclusion

Aquablation clinically normalises outcomes between patients with 30–80 mL prostates and patients with 80–150 mL prostates treated for LUTS/BPH, with an expected increase in the risk of complications in larger prostates. Long‐term outcomes of procedure durability are needed.
Tumor‐suppressive circular RNAs: Mechanisms underlying their suppression of tumor occurrence and use as therapeutic targets
Authors: Li Zhe , Ruan Yao , Zhang Haiyan , Shen Yijing , Li Tianwen , Xiao Bingxiu
Published: October 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have a covalently closed circular conformation and are structurally stable. Those circRNAs with tumor‐suppressive properties play an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis and thus may be used as therapeutic targets of cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the classification of circRNAs and summarize the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs that have tumor‐suppressive roles in various cancers, including liver cancer (circARSP91, circADAMTS13, circADAMTS14, circMTO1, hsa_circ_0079299, and circC3P1), bladder cancer (circFNDC3B, circITCH, circHIPK3, circRNA‐3, cdrlas, and circLPAR1), gastric cancer (circLARP4, circYAP1, hsa_cric_0000096, hsa_circ_0000993, and circPSMC3), breast cancer (circ_000911, hsa_circ_0072309, and circASS1), lung cancer (hsa_circ_0000977, circPTK2, circ_0001649, hsa_circ_100395, and circ_0006916), glioma (circ_0001946, circSHPRH, and circFBXW7), and colorectal cancer (circITGA7 and hsa_circ_0014717). Thanks to their structural stability, these tumor‐suppressive circRNAs may be used as potential and potent therapeutic targets. Moreover, we propose a new method for the classification of circRNAs. Based on whether they can be translated, circRNAs can be divided into noncoding circRNAs and coding circRNAs.
Serum microRNA profile enables preoperative diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Yokoi Akira , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Tate Keisei , Yoneoka Yutaka , Shimizu Hanako , Uehara Takashi , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Takizawa Satoko , Aoki Yoshiaki , Kato Ken , Kato Tomoyasu , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: October 2019

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is the major subtype of uterine sarcoma (US) and contributes to uterine cancer deaths. Although preoperative diagnosis of US remains challenging, frequent application of laparoscopic surgery for benign uterine leiomyomas (ULM) requires precise exclusion of US. MicroRNAs are stably present in the bloodstream, and the application of circulating miRNAs as disease biomarkers has been recognized. In the present study, we aimed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for distinguishing US from ULM by focusing on circulating miRNAs. All serum samples were collected preoperatively between 2009 and 2017, and all cases were histopathologically diagnosed. Whole miRNA profiles were obtained using a miRNA microarray. By analyzing expression levels of the miRNAs, candidate miRNAs were selected based on diagnostic performance in discriminating US from ULM, and a diagnostic model was then constructed. A total of 90 serum samples were analyzed, and clustering analyses revealed that the profiles of ULMS were distinct from those of controls. Based on leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, seven miRNAs were selected as biomarker candidates. Based on model construction, the optimal model consisted of two miRNAs (miR‐1246 and miR‐191‐5p), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for identifying ULMS of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91‐1.00). In contrast, serum lactate dehydrogenase had an AUC of only 0.64 (95% CI, 0.34‐0.94). Seven serum miRNAs with high diagnostic performance for preoperative US screening were detected, and a promising diagnostic model for ULMS was generated.
A comparison of open, laparoscopic and robotic total mesorectal excision: trial sequential analysis and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng B. , Zhang X. , Wang X. , Ge L. , Wei M. , Bi L. , Deng X. , Wang Q. , Li J. , Wang Z.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer can be achieved by employing open (OpTME), laparoscopic (LaTME) and robotic (RoTME) approaches but which of these has the best outcome? The aim of present study is to identify the most effective technique for rectal cancer by comparing all outcomes.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared at least two TME strategies were identified by literature search of electronic databases of articles published to June 2018. Network meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis was performed using a frequentist approach with random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Data collection and analysis

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EmBase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved publications were independently and blindly assessed by two authors.

Results

Twenty‐two RCTs with 4882 rectal cancer patients were included in this analysis. The trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the cumulative Z‐curve crossed either the traditional boundary or the trial sequential monitoring boundaries, suggesting that OpTME resulted in a more complete TME specimen than LaTME (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.08). Network meta‐analysis showed there was no significant difference in the other comparisons. Based on the P score of completeness of the TME specimen and circumferential resection margin positivity, the best technique was OpTME, followed by RoTME and then LaTME. However, this order was reversed when complications and mortality were considered. RoTME led to better lymph node harvest.

Conclusions

Although OpTME may give better pathological specimens, minimally invasive techniques may have advantages when considering lymph node harvest, complications and mortality. More RCTs are needed to determine which technique actually gives the best chance of survival.
IL‐7–Mediated IL‐7R‐JAK3/STAT5 signalling pathway contributes to chemotherapeutic sensitivity in non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shi Lin , Xu Zhaozhong , Yang Qiong , Huang Yuanyuan , Gong Yuxin , Wang Fang , Ke Bin
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The chemotherapy drug resistance is a major challenge for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promise for cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti‐tumour efficacy of interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) combining cisplatin against NSCLC.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation was analysed using CCK‐8 assay, EdU proliferation assay and colony‐forming assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using HOECHST 33342 assay and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels were analysed by Western blot. The blocking antibody against the IL‐7 receptor and the inhibitors of STAT5 and JAK3 were used to investigate the pathway involved. A xenograft model was established to assess the anti‐tumour efficacy of IL‐7 combining cisplatin in vivo.

Results

Here we found IL‐7R was increased in A549/DDP cells compared with A549 cells. The block of IL‐7R reversed the inhibitory effects of IL‐7 combined with cisplatin and decreased the numbers of apoptosis cells induced by treatment of IL‐7 combined with cisplatin. The JAK3 inhibitor and STAT5 inhibitor were used to identify the pathway involved. The results showed that JAK3/STAT5 pathway was involved in enhancing role of cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC cells by IL‐7. In vivo, cisplatin significantly inhibited tumour growth and IL‐7 combined with cisplatin achieved the best therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

Together, IL‐7 promoted the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin via IL‐7R‐JAK3/STAT5 signalling pathway.
Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model‐Informed Dose Selection for the First‐in‐Human Study of AVB‐S6‐500
Authors: Bonifacio Laura , Dodds Michael , Prohaska David , Moss Aaron , Giaccia Amato , Tabibiazar Ray , McIntyre Gail
Published: October 2019

AVB‐S6‐500 neutralized growth arrest‐specific 6 (GAS6) protein and effectively inhibited AXL signaling in preclinical cancer models. A target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was used to select first‐in‐human (FIH) doses for AVB‐S6‐500 based on predicted target (GAS6) suppression in the clinic. The effect of TMDD on AVB‐S6‐500 clearance was incorporated into a standard two‐compartment model, providing parallel linear and nonlinear clearance. Observed AVB‐S6‐500 and GAS6 concentration data in cynomolgus monkeys and relevant interspecies differences were used to predict the PK (serum concentration)/PD (GAS6 suppression) relationship in humans. Human exposure and GAS6 suppression were simulated for the proposed FIH doses of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg. A dose of 1 mg/kg was selected to target GAS6 suppression for 2 weeks in the initial healthy volunteer study. The cynomolgus monkey:human ratios for the highest proposed FIH dose were anticipated to yield more than a 10‐fold margin to the nonclinical no observed adverse event level while maintaining > 90% GAS6 suppression. In human subjects, the first dose (1 mg/kg) model‐projected and clinically observed maximal concentration (Cmax) was within 10% of predicted; repeat dosing at 5 mg/kg was within 1% (Cmax) and 45% (area under the serum concentration‐time curve from time 0 to end of dosing interval) of predicted. Predicted GAS6 suppression duration of 14 days was accurate for the 1 mg/kg dose. A PK/PD model expedited clinical development of AVB‐S6‐500, minimized exposure of patients with cancer to subtherapeutic doses, and rationally guided the optimal dosing in patients.
First demonstration of effective spatial training for near transfer to spatial performance and far transfer to a range of mathematics skills at 8 years
Authors: Gilligan Katie A. , Thomas Michael S. C. , Farran Emily K.
Published: October 2019

There is evidence that spatial thinking is malleable, and that spatial and mathematical skills are associated (Mix et al. [2016] Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 145, 1206; Mix et al. [2017] Journal of Cognition and Development, 18, 465; Uttal et al. [2013] Psychological Bulletin, 139, 352). However, few studies have investigated transfer of spatial training gains to mathematics outcomes in children, and no known studies have compared different modes of spatial instruction (explicit vs. implicit instruction). Based on a sample of 250 participants, this study compared the effectiveness of explicit and implicit spatial instruction in eliciting near transfer (to the specific spatial skills trained), intermediate transfer (to untrained spatial skills) and far transfer (to mathematics domains) at age 8. Spatial scaling and mental rotation skills were chosen as training targets as previous studies have found, and proposed explanations for, associations between these skills and mathematics in children of this age (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 145, 2016 and 1206). In this study, spatial training led to near, intermediate and far transfer of gains. Mental visualization and proportional reasoning were proposed to explain far transfer from mental rotation and spatial scaling skills respectively. For most outcomes, except for geometry, there was no difference in the effectiveness of implicit (practice with feedback) compared to explicit instruction (instructional videos). From a theoretical perspective, the study identified a specific causal effect of spatial skills on mathematics skills in children. Practically, the results also highlight the potential of instructional videos as a method of introducing spatial thinking into the classroom.
IGFBP5 promotes angiogenic and neurogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Li Jing , Diao Shu , Yang Haoqing , Cao Yangyang , Du Juan , Yang Dongmei
Published: October 2019

Dental stem cells for dental pulp regeneration have become a new strategy for pulpitis treatment. Angiogenesis and neurogenesis play a vital role in the pulp‐dentin complex regeneration, and appropriate growth factors will promote the process of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is involved in the regulation of tooth growth and development. A previous study showed that IGFBP5 enhanced osteo/odontogenic differentiation of dental stem cells. Our research intends to reveal the function of IGFBP5 in the angiogenic and neurogenic differentiation of human dental stem cells. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were used in the present study. Lentiviral IGFBP5 shRNA was used to silence the IGFBP5. Retroviruses expressing Wild‐type IGFBP5 were used to over‐express IGFBP5. Angiogenic and neurogenic differentiation were carried out by in vitro study. Real‐time RT‐PCR and western blot results showed that over‐expression of IGFBP5 upregulated the expressions of angiogenic markers, including VEGF, PDGFA and ANG‐1, and neurogenic markers, including NCAM, TH, Nestin, βIII‐tubulin, and TH, in DPSCs. Moreover, microscope observation confirmed that over‐expression of IGFBP5 enhanced neurosphere formation in DPSCs in size and amount. Immunofluorescence staining results showed that over‐expression of IGFBP5 also prompted the percentage of Nestin and βIII‐tubulin positive neurospheres in DPSCs. While depletion of IGFBP5 downregulated the expressions of VEGF, PDGFA, ANG‐1, NCAM, TH, Nestin, βIII‐tubulin, and TH, it decreased the neurosphere formation and percentage of Nestin and βIII‐tubulin positive neurospheres in DPSCs. In conclusion, our results revealed that IGFBP5 promoted angiogenic and neurogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs in vitro and provided the possible potential target for enhancing directed differentiation of dental stem cells and dental pulp‐dentin functional regeneration.
IMPACT OF A TERTIARY ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD ON TERTIARY EDUCATION AND EARNINGS: A DISCONTINUITY APPROACH
Authors: Nordin Martin , Heckley Gawain , Gerdtham Ulf‐G.
Published: October 2019

This study uses a discontinuity in the Swedish tertiary eligibility requirement to estimate the probability of enrolling in tertiary education, and the payoff thereof. Regression discontinuity results, show that achieving tertiary eligibility in upper‐secondary education, increases the probability of enrolling in tertiary education by around 10–15 and 7 percentage points for students who enrolled on an academic and vocational track, respectively. For academic students, this implies 5% higher earnings for men, while for women it increases the probability of having positive incomes by 2%. Thus, academic students at the margin of tertiary education receive a substantial tertiary education payoff. (JEL I21, I26, I28)
Improved bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass by Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered for tolerance to acetic acid
Authors: Ko Ja Kyong , Enkh‐Amgalan Tseveendorj , Gong Gyeongtaek , Um Youngsoon , Lee Sun‐Mi
Published: October 2019

Lignocellulosic biomass has considerable potential for the production of fuels and chemicals as a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels. However, the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to desired products must be improved to reach economic viability. One of the main technical hurdles is the presence of inhibitors in biomass hydrolysates, which hampers the bioconversion efficiency by biorefinery microbial platforms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae in terms of both production yields and rates. In particular, acetic acid, a major inhibitor derived from lignocellulosic biomass, severely restrains the performance of engineered xylose‐utilizing S. cerevisiae strains, resulting in decreased cell growth, xylose utilization rate, and product yield. In this study, the robustness of XUSE, one of the best xylose‐utilizing strains, was improved for the efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into bioethanol under the inhibitory condition of acetic acid stress. Through adaptive laboratory evolution, we successfully developed the evolved strain XUSAE57, which efficiently converted xylose to ethanol with high yields of 0.43–0.50 g ethanol/g xylose even under 2–5 g/L of acetic stress. XUSAE57 not only achieved twofold higher ethanol yields but also improved the xylose utilization rate by more than twofold compared to those of XUSE in the presence of 4 g/L of acetic acid. During fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysate, XUSAE57 simultaneously converted glucose and xylose with the highest ethanol yield reported to date (0.49 g ethanol/g sugars). This study demonstrates that the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass by an engineered strain could be significantly improved through adaptive laboratory evolution for acetate tolerance, which could help realize the development of an economically feasible lignocellulosic biorefinery to produce fuels and chemicals.
An efficient method for the isolation of interaction‐null/impaired mutants using the yeast two‐hybrid technique
Authors: Tanaka Seiji
Published: October 2019

Protein–protein interactions are one of the most basic and critical processes underlying biological functions. Thus, identification of the interacting proteins of a protein of interest and further elucidation of the roles of the interactions is critical for understanding the related biological processes. The yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) method is a popular approach for identifying protein–protein interactions. Once interacting proteins are identified, a comparison of the phenotypes of mutants lacking the specific protein–protein interaction with those of the wild‐type strain is a powerful tool for uncovering the former interactions’ biological significance. However, isolation of such interaction‐defective mutants is often laborious. Here, I describe a novel and efficient approach for isolating such mutants that uses the Y2H technique with a modified Y2H vector, and provide an example of how this approach can be used to screen interaction‐null/impaired mutants. Because the strategy is simple and the modification of a pre‐existing Y2H vector is sufficient for the screening purpose, the same strategy can be applied to any existing two‐hybrid system.
Comparison of litchi polysaccharides extracted by four methods: composition, structure and in vitro antioxidant activity
Authors: Gao Wenhong , Zhang Peilin , Lin Pingzhou , Zeng Xin‐An , Brennan Margaret A.
Published: October 2019

Water‐soluble polysaccharides (LCPs) were extracted from litchi, wherein LPS, LPH, LPP and LPM were extracted by ultrasound, hot water, ultra‐high pressure and microwave methods, respectively. The physicochemical properties, components, structures and in vitro antioxidant activities of four LCPs were investigated. LPP was the highest in yield and purity, and most physicochemical properties of four LCPs were similar. FTIR showed that LPP, LPS and LPH had ɑ‐dominating configuration in pyranose rings. SEM showed that four LCPs were different, and LPH and LPP had relatively smooth and compact surfaces. The Mw of LPS, LPH, LPP and LPM were 79 538, 320 213, 192 891 and 200 198 Da, respectively. All four LCPs consisted of fucose, galactose, glucose and rhamnose. Except for LPS, the other three LCPs contained mannose. Based on the results of in vitro antioxidant activity, 5 mg mL−1 LPP presented the highest in DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activity, while it ranked secondly in reducing power.
A spatial production analysis of Chinese regional banks: case of urban commercial banks
Authors: Zhao Bingquan , Kenjegalieva Karligash , Wood Justine , Glass Anthony
Published: October 2019

Urban commercial banks are regional banks which have gained tremendous importance in the last two decades in China. There is, however, a lack of research on regional banking, especially on the Chinese regional banking industry. Therefore, using an innovative spatial approach, this paper investigates the efficiency of 65 Chinese urban commercial banks across 26 regions during 2013–2017. A key finding for our sample is the significant spatial dependence of loans of Chinese urban commercial banks with their neighbouring regions’ banks. Short‐run efficiency is increasing during the research period. For regions with less than three urban commercial banks, the average efficiencies are stable and relatively high. However, regions with more banks have both the highest and lowest efficient banks at the same time. These interesting results fit with the development process of Chinese urban commercial banking, in which the market restructuring has contributed to banks’ efficiency.
The grain‐boundary resistance of CeO2 ceramics: A combined microscopy‐spectroscopy‐simulation study of a dilute solution
Authors: Parras Jana P. , Cao Chen , Ma Zheng , Mücke Robert , Jin Lei , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal , Guillon Olivier , De Souza Roger A.
Published: October 2019

Weakly acceptor‐doped ceria ceramics were characterized structurally and compositionally with advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques and electrically with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The grain boundaries studied with TEM were found to be free of second phases. The impedance spectra, acquired in the range 703 ≤ T/K ≤ 893 in air, showed several arcs that were analyzed in terms of bulk, grain‐boundary, and electrode responses. We ascribed the grain‐boundary resistance to the presence of space‐charge layers. Continuum‐level simulations were used to calculate charge‐carrier distributions (of acceptor cations, oxygen vacancies, and electrons) in these space‐charge layers. The acceptor cations were assumed to be mobile at high (sintering) temperatures but immobile at the temperatures of the EIS measurements. Space‐charge formation was assumed to be driven by the segregation of oxygen vacancies to the grain‐boundary core. Comparisons of data from the simulations and from the EIS measurements yielded space‐charge potentials and the segregation energy of vacancies to the grain‐boundary core. The space‐charge potentials from the simulations are compared with values obtained by applying the standard, analytical (Mott–Schottky and Gouy–Chapman) expressions. The importance of modelling space‐charge layers from the thermodynamic level is demonstrated.
Impact of supportive implant therapy on peri‐implant diseases: A retrospective 7‐year study
Authors: Frisch Eberhard , Vach Kirstin , Ratka‐Krueger Petra
Published: October 2019

Aim

Few data are available regarding the long‐term impact of supportive implant therapy (SIT) on peri‐implant diseases. We present long‐term results on the possible effects of SIT on the peri‐implant tissues.

Material and methods

In a private practice, 50 consecutive patients with 101 implants had attended an SIT programme for >6 years (SIT group). A second consecutive group comprised patients without SIT compliance (C group). We assessed pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), bone loss (BL) and implant hygiene (QHI). Correlations between SIT compliance and the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases were evaluated statistically.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 48 patients with 98 implants (SIT group) and 43 patients with 121 implants (C group). SIT group: Mucositis rate 30%; mean PPD 3.76 ± 0.86 mm; bone loss 1.02 ± 0.85 mm, peri‐implantitis rate 4%. C group: Mucositis rate 68%; mean PPD 4.07 ± 1.18 mm; bone loss 1.53 ± 1.46 mm; and peri‐implantitis rate 17%. Significant associations were found between SIT compliance and reduced peri‐implant mucositis (p = .019), reduced highest PPD (p = .038) and peri‐implantitis rates (p = .027).

Conclusions

Patients under SIT were associated with lower incidence of peri‐implant diseases. Patients without regular maintenance might exhibit a 4.25‐fold increased risk for peri‐implantitis. Therefore, SIT programmes should be considered essential.
Effect of salep‐based edible coating enriched with grape seed extract on postharvest shelf life of fresh strawberries
Authors: Emamifar Aryou , Ghaderi Zeinab , Ghaderi Nasir
Published: October 2019

Effects of novel edible coatings based on salep solution (SS) enriched with grape seed extract (GSE) (1.5% SS, 1.5% SS + 0.5% GSE, 1.5% SS + 1.5% GSE, 1.5% SS + 3% GSE) on the quality characteristics of fresh strawberries were monitored after 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days of storage (1°C, 95% RH). The lowest growth of microorganisms, weight loss, softening and ascorbic acid, phenol and anthocyanin degradation was measured in strawberries coated with 1.5% SS + 3% GSE. The highest superoxide dismutase activity and the lowest peroxidase activity were determined in strawberries coated with 1.5% SS + 3% GSE. Moreover, they received the highest ranked sensory attributes. Incorporating GSE into the SS coating formulation as a new hurdle increased its antimicrobial properties and extended the shelf life of coated strawberries compared to uncoated by up to 20 days.
The texture and taste of food in the brain
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: October 2019

Oral texture is represented in the brain areas that represent taste, including the primary taste cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the amygdala. Some neurons represent viscosity, and their responses correlate with the subjective thickness of a food. Other neurons represent fat in the mouth, and represent it by its texture not by its chemical composition, in that they also respond to paraffin oil and silicone in the mouth. The discovery has been made that these fat‐responsive neurons encode the coefficient of sliding friction and not viscosity, and this opens the way for the development of new foods with the pleasant mouth feel of fat and with health‐promoting designed nutritional properties. A few other neurons respond to free fatty acids (such as linoleic acid), do not respond to fat in the mouth, and may contribute to some “off” tastes in the mouth. Some other neurons code for astringency. Others neurons respond to other aspects of texture such as the crisp fresh texture of a slice of apple versus the same apple after blending. Different neurons respond to different combinations of these texture properties, oral temperature, taste, and in the orbitofrontal cortex to olfactory and visual properties of food. In the orbitofrontal cortex, the pleasantness and reward value of the food is represented, but the primary taste cortex represents taste and texture independently of value. These discoveries were made in macaques that have similar cortical brain areas for taste and texture processing as humans, and complementary human functional neuroimaging studies are described.
A pilot study on efficacy and tolerability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐FD) for Japanese patients with focal dystonia
Authors: Kobayashi Kei , Sakamoto Takashi , Maruo Kazushi , Shinmei Issei , Mukai Yohei , Takahashi Yuji , Horikoshi Masaru
Published: October 2019

Background

Abnormal involuntary movement disorders such as dystonia are likely to be affected by a person's psychological state. Nevertheless, reports of the literature describing investigations of psychological interventions to dystonic patients are scarce. Patients with focal dystonia (FD) are left to confront various psychosocial difficulties. Ioannou and colleagues proposed a holistic approach to seek mechanisms of the basal ganglia associated with athletic performance from the perspective of neuro‐psycho‐motor‐cognitive perspective. This viewpoint endorses that treatment is not as simple as being solitary: Rather, it must incorporate physical, psychological, and social aspects. Empirical intervention studies using psychotherapy are urgently necessary.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and tolerability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT: hereinafter, CBT‐FD) in mental health and dystonia symptoms of patients with FD. This report is the first study of Japanese patients with FD followed up for one year after CBT‐FD intervention.

Methods

We administered 8 sessions of CBT‐FD to 15 patients without history of mental disorders who had focal dystonia and a score of 14 or higher on the Beck Inventory‐II. We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of CBT‐FD.

Results

Significant improvements were found in many scales. Most improvements were sustained for one year. Improvement of dysfunction occurred independently of a decrease in depression and anxiety levels.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that CBT‐FD is effective for improving patient depression, anxiety, disability, pain, and quality of life including relation with the environment. We verified that CBT‐FD contributes safely to holistic recovery.
On the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis and Cyanobacteria
Authors: Sánchez‐Baracaldo Patricia , Cardona Tanai
Published: October 2019

Oxygenic phototrophs have played a fundamental role in Earth’s history by enabling the rise of atmospheric oxygen (O2) and paving the way for animal evolution. Understanding the origins of oxygenic photosynthesis and Cyanobacteria is key when piecing together the events around Earth’s oxygenation. It is likely that photosynthesis evolved within bacterial lineages that are not extant, so it can be challenging when studying the early history of photosynthesis. Recent genomic and molecular evolution studies have transformed our understanding about the evolution of photosynthetic reaction centres and the evolution of Cyanobacteria. The evidence reviewed here highlights some of the most recent advances on the origin of photosynthesis both at the genomic and gene family levels.
Clinical implications of immune‐mediated diseases in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Verstegen Ruud H. J. , Chang Krystal J. J. , Kusters Maaike A. A.
Published: October 2019

Children with Down syndrome have changes in their innate and adaptive immunity, which contribute to increased rates of infections, autoimmune diseases, and haematological malignancies. While improved care for congenital heart disease has decreased mortality and morbidity, complications related to immune‐mediated diseases continue to limit the life expectancy in Down syndrome. Infectious diseases are common and have a significant effect on development, behaviour and quality of life. Infection frequency and severity are influenced by various anatomical and physiological alterations in addition to immunological changes in Down syndrome. Thus, prevention of respiratory tract infections requires a multifactorial approach. This could include additional active and/or passive immunizations, prophylactic antibiotics, immunoglobulin replacement and ear, nose and throat surgical interventions. Autoimmune conditions like coeliac disease, type I diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease are classically mentioned in the context of Down syndrome. However, autoinflammatory conditions are more prevalent as well. Screening for autoimmune diseases is required and immunosuppression has to be used with caution. Future studies should address optimal screening programmes for immune‐mediated diseases in individuals with Down syndrome, as well as the effect of immune modulation, to further decrease morbidity and mortality, and improve the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome.
Soil strength influences wheat root interactions with soil macropores
Authors: Atkinson Jonathan A. , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Whalley William R. , Zhou Hu , Mooney Sacha J.
Published: October 2019

Deep rooting is critical for access to water and nutrients found in subsoil. However, damage to soil structure and the natural increase in soil strength with depth, often impedes root penetration. Evidence suggests that roots use macropores (soil cavities greater than 75 μm) to bypass strong soil layers. If roots have to exploit structures, a key trait conferring deep rooting will be the ability to locate existing pore networks; a trait called trematotropism. In this study, artificial macropores were created in repacked soil columns at bulk densities of 1.6 g cm−3 and 1.2 g cm−3, representing compact and loose soil. Near isogenic lines of wheat, Rht‐B1a and Rht‐B1c, were planted and root–macropore interactions were visualized and quantified using X‐ray computed tomography. In compact soil, 68.8% of root–macropore interactions resulted in pore colonization, compared with 12.5% in loose soil. Changes in root growth trajectory following pore interaction were also quantified, with 21.0% of roots changing direction (±3°) in loose soil compared with 76.0% in compact soil. These results indicate that colonization of macropores is an important strategy of wheat roots in compacted subsoil. Management practices to reduce subsoil compaction and encourage macropore formation could offer significant advantage in helping wheat roots penetrate deeper into subsoil.
Geometric accuracy improvement of WorldView‐2 imagery using freely available DEM data
Authors: Gašparović Mateo , Dobrinić Dino , Medak Damir
Published: October 2019

This paper provides geometric accuracy improvements for very high resolution WorldView‐2 (WV2) Ortho Ready Standard Level‐2A (ORS2A) satellite images in the panchromatic (PAN) band. The entire process can be divided into two steps: (1) sensor orientation, which was conducted on 40 ground control points (GCPs) to determine which sensor model was best depending on various numbers of GCPs; and (2) orthorectification, whose main objective was to compare the accuracy of the process when using different freely available global digital elevation models (DEMs). The research showed that a sensor model based on rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs) with a shift or zero‐order bias correction attained the best geopositioning accuracy during the orientation step with the use of seven GCPs. The highest accuracy was achieved for images orthorectified with the ALOS World 3D‐30 m DEM (AW3D30).
Phytophthora agathidicida: research progress, cultural perspectives and knowledge gaps in the control and management of kauri dieback in New Zealand
Authors: Bradshaw R. E. , Bellgard S. E. , Black A. , Burns B. R. , Gerth M. L. , McDougal R. L. , Scott P. M. , Waipara N. W. , Weir B. S. , Williams N. M. , Winkworth R. C. , Ashcroft T. , Bradley E. L. , Dijkwel P. P. , Guo Y. , Lacey R. F. , Mesarich C. H. , Panda P. , Horner I. J.
Published: October 2019

Kauri (Agathis australis), which is one of the world's largest and longest‐living conifer species, is under threat from a root and collar dieback disease caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida. The noted incidence of kauri dieback has increased in the past decade, and even trees >1000 years old are not immune. This disease has profound effects on both forest ecosystems and human society, particularly indigenous Māori, for whom kauri is a taonga or treasure of immense significance. This review brings together existing scientific knowledge about the pathogen and the devastating disease it causes, as well as highlighting important knowledge gaps and potential approaches for disease management. The life cycle of P. agathidicida is similar to those of other soilborne Phytophthora pathogens, with roles for vegetative hyphae, zoospores and oospores in the disease. However, there is comparatively little known about many aspects of the biology of P. agathidicida, such as its host range and disease latency, or about the impact on the disease of abiotic and biotic factors such as soil health and co‐occurring Phytophthora species. This review discusses current and emerging tools and strategies for surveillance, diagnostics and management, including a consideration of genomic resources, and the role these play in understanding the pathogen and how it causes this deadly disease. Key aspects of indigenous Māori knowledge, which include rich ecological and historical knowledge of kauri forests and a holistic approach to forest health, are highlighted.
Biochemical and physiological impacts of zinc sulphate, potassium phosphite and hydrogen sulphide in mitigating stress conditions in soybean
Authors: Batista Priscila Ferreira , Müller Caroline , Merchant Andrew , Fuentes David , Silva‐Filho Robson de Oliveira , da Silva Fábia Barbosa , Costa Alan Carlos
Published: October 2019

Soybean is the most widely grown oilseed in the world. It is an important source of protein and oil which are derived from its seeds. Drought stress is a major constraint to soybean yields. Finding alternative methods to mitigate the water stress for soybean is useful to maintain adequate crop yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morpho‐physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes in soybean plants in two ontogenetic stages, under exposure to water deficit and treatment with zinc sulphate (ZS), potassium phosphite (PP) or hydrogen sulphide (HS). We carried out two independent experiments in the V4 and R1 development stages consisting of the following treatments: well‐watered control (WW, 100% maximum water holding capacity, MWHC), water deficit (WD, 50% MWHC), PP + WW, PP + WD, HS + WW, HS + WD, ZS + WW and ZS + WD. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with eight treatments with five replicates. Morphological, physiological and metabolic analyses were performed 8 days after the start of the treatments for both experiments. We identified two tolerance mechanisms acting in response to compound application during water stress: the first involved the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity and the second involved the accumulation of soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline to facilitate osmotic adjustment. Both mechanisms are related to the maintenance of the photosynthetic parameters and cell membrane integrity. This report suggests the potential agricultural use of these compounds to mitigate drought effects in soybean plants.
Contemporary Presidency: Which Presidents Are Uncommonly Successful in Congress? A Trump Update
Authors: Bond Jon R.
Published: October 2019

This article updates previous research that seeks to identify which presidents won more or fewer roll‐call votes than should be expected through Trump's first two years in office. Multiple regression models estimating the effects of key contextual variables known to influence roll‐call voting in Congress (party control, public approval, and party polarization plus interactions) establish a common baseline of predicted success. The errors reveal which presidents won more or less than should be expected given the political context. Consistent with earlier studies using different model specifications analyzing earlier periods and presidents, this updated analysis is unable to reject the null hypothesis that the errors are random, and we observe no more unusual outliers than would be expected to occur by chance. Trump's high success rates in the 115th Congress are about what should be expected with cohesive Republican majorities in both chambers.
Invasive alien plants and environmental remediation: a new paradigm for sustainable restoration ecology
Authors: Rai Prabhat K. , Kim Ki‐Hyun
Published: October 2019

This article explores some fundamental aspects of ecological restoration dynamics when an ecosystem is exposed to and altered by environmental disturbances like invasive alien plants and metals/particulates. These dynamics are assessed in socioeconomic and phytoremediation terms with respect to the perspective of emerging nations (e.g. an Indo‐Burma global biodiversity hotspot). In this short report, we discussed the positive ecological uses of invasive alien plants in remediation/restoration of the contaminated environment. Therefore, the impacts of invasive alien plants on the ecosystem are analyzed as prerequisite for remediation/restoration efforts. The utility of an integrated approach is proposed as a promising option to help restore or sustain the socioecological systems from diverse disturbances.
Light verbs in verbal reduplication
Authors: Wang Chyan‐an Arthur , Wu Hsiao‐hung Iris
Published: October 2019

By drawing on new verbal reduplication data of tentative constructions in Mandarin Chinese, this paper provides an interesting argument for the conception of phases and its corollary, Phase Impenetrability Condition (Chomsky 2001, 2004, 2008). In particular, it is observed that common lexical verbs are compatible with two templatic reduplication patterns whereas an independent light verb is only allowed to occur in one reduplicative form. We demonstrate that the noted discrepancies can receive a proper characterization by admitting the special status of spelled‐out light verbvand the phase it introduces in a phase‐based model of syntax‐morphology interface computation, where it is hypothesized that derivations must proceed cyclically and locally.
The Vietnamese Version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire: Translation and Cross‐cultural Adaptation
Authors: Nguyen Thang , Cao Hoang T. K. , Quach Dung N. , Le Khanh K. , Au Sam X. , Pham Suol T. , Nguyen Thao H. , Pham Tam T. , Taxis Katja
Published: October 2019

Objective

To translate and cross‐culturally adapt the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) into Vietnamese.

Methods

We followed the guideline by Beaton et al. (2000 & 2007). Stage I: two translators (informed and uninformed) translated the questionnaires. Stage II: the translations were synthesised. Stage III: back translation was performed by two translators fluent in both Vietnamese and English but naïve to the outcome measurement. Stage IV: seven experts reached consensus on the pre‐final Vietnamese version (BIPQ‐V and BMQ‐V). Stage V: field test of the questionnaires on 16 twelve‐year‐old students and 31 Vietnamese patients. In addition, we determined the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the questionnaires in 34 Vietnamese patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Results

All experts agreed that there was semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence between the original and pre‐final Vietnamese versions of the BIPQ and BMQ. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the internal consistency were acceptable for the BMQ‐V Specific‐Necessity (0.64), BMQ‐V Specific‐Concerns (0.62) and BMQ‐V General‐Harm (0.60), with the exception of BMQ‐V General‐Overuse (0.27). Intra‐class correlation coefficients of the test–retest reliability were acceptable for the subscales of BMQ‐V (range: 0.77–0.86), and BIPQ‐V items (range: 0.62–0.85) with the exception of BIPQ‐V 1 (0.44, 95% CI −014 to 0.72) and BIPQ‐V 4 (0.57, 95% CI 0.22–0.81).

Conclusions

The Vietnamese version of BIPQ and BMQ are reliable tools to assess illness perceptions and beliefs about medicines of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Psychometric properties of these questionnaires should be tested in different patient populations.
Does foreign investment liberalisation enhance women's economic status? Micro‐evidence from urban China
Authors: Yu Linhui , Zhang Junsen , Wen Yanbing
Published: October 2019

This paper analyses the effects of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on female earnings and women's economic status in households using Chinese Urban Household Survey data from 1997 to 2008. The identification exploits the substantial relaxation of foreign investment regulations immediately after China's accession to the WTO in 2002. The difference‐in‐differences estimation results show that FDI liberalisation has improved women's economic status significantly by increasing female earnings in sectors more exposed to FDI. Further analyses indicate that foreign investment liberalisation facilitates the promotion of female employees in their career ladders and increases their skill premium, which are two important channels through which women enhance their economic independence.