bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive identification of HSP70/HSC70 Chaperone Clients in Human Cells
Authors: Ryu Seung Woo , Stewart Rose , Pectol Chase , Ender Nicolette , Wimalarathne Oshadi , Lee Ji-Hoon , Zanini Carlos P. , Harvey Antony , Huibregtse Jon , Mueller Peter , Paull Tanya T.
Published: December 2019

The HSP70 family of chaperones are the front-line of protection from stress-induced misfolding and aggregation of polypeptides in most organisms and are responsible for promoting the stability, folding, and degradation of clients to maintain cellular protein homeostasis. Here we demonstrate quantitative identification of HSP70 and HSC70 clients using an ubiquitin-mediated proximity tagging strategy and show that, despite their high degree of similarity, these enzymes have largely non-overlapping specificities. Both proteins show a preference for association with newly synthesized polypeptides but each responds differently to changes in the stoichiometry of proteins in obligate multi-subunit complexes. In addition, expression of an ALS-associated SOD1 mutant protein induces changes in HSP70 and HSC70 client association and aggregation toward polypeptides with predicted disorder, indicating that there are global effects from a single misfolded protein that extend to many clients within chaperone networks. Together these findings show that the ubiquitin-mediated UBAIT fusion system can efficiently isolate the complex interactome of HSP chaperone family proteins under normal and stress conditions.
Perceptual detection depends on spike count integration
Authors: Cone Jackson J. , Bade Morgan L. , Masse Nicolas Y. , Page Elizabeth A. , Freedman David J. , Maunsell John H.R.
Published: December 2019

Whenever the retinal image changes some neurons in visual cortex increase their rate of firing, while others decrease their rate of firing. Linking specific sets of neuronal responses with perception and behavior is essential for understanding mechanisms of neural circuit computation. We trained mice to perform visual detection tasks and used optogenetic perturbations to increase or decrease neuronal spiking primary visual cortex (V1). Perceptual reports were always enhanced by increments in V1 spike counts and impaired by decrements, even when increments and decrements were delivered to the same neuronal populations. Moreover, detecting changes in cortical activity depended on spike count integration rather than instantaneous changes in spiking. Recurrent neural networks trained in the task similarly relied on increments in neuronal activity when activity was costly. This work clarifies neuronal decoding strategies employed by cerebral cortex to translate cortical spiking into percepts that can be used to guide behavior.
Direct RNA sequencing reveals m6A modifications on adenovirus RNA are necessary for efficient splicing
Authors: Price Alexander M. , Hayer Katharina E. , McIntyre Alexa B.R. , Gokhale Nandan S. , Abebe Jonathan S. , Della Fera Ashley N. , Mason Christopher E. , Horner Stacy M. , Wilson Angus C. , Depledge Daniel P. , Weitzman Matthew D.
Published: December 2019

Adenovirus is a nuclear replicating DNA virus reliant on host RNA processing machinery. Processing and metabolism of cellular RNAs can be regulated by METTL3, which catalyzes the addition of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) to mRNAs. While m6A-modified adenoviral RNAs have been previously detected, the location and function of this mark within the infectious cycle is unknown. Since the complex adenovirus transcriptome includes overlapping spliced units that would impede accurate m6A mapping using short-read sequencing, we profiled m6A within the adenovirus transcriptome using a combination of meRIP-seq and direct RNA long-read sequencing to yield both nucleotide and transcript-resolved m6A detection. Although both early and late viral transcripts contain m6A, depletion of m6A writer METTL3 specifically impacts viral late transcripts by reducing their splicing efficiency. These data showcase a new technique for m6A discovery within individual transcripts at nucleotide resolution, and highlight the role of m6A in regulating splicing of a viral pathogen.
Parallel siRNA screens to identify kinase and phosphatase modulators of NF-κB activity following DNA damage
Authors: Sfikas Alexandros , Banks Peter , Su Ling-I , Schlossmacher George , Perkins Neil D , Yemm Adrian I
Published: December 2019

DNA damage, such as that experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy, can directly activate NF-κB signalling which in turn can lead to resistance to genotoxic stress. NF-κB signalling is highly regulated by phosphorylation, but the enzymes required for these processes remain largely unknown. Identifying those enzymes responsible for regulating NF-κB activity may yield attractive targets for new clinical therapies, as well as provide the basis for better understanding of signalling network crosstalk. Here we present datasets from two independent RNAi screens using a stable NF-κB reporter U2OS cell line with the aim of identifying enzymes that alter NF-κB activity in response to DNA damage following etoposide and ionising radiation treatments. Although we observed high internal validity and specificity to NF-κB modulation within the screens, there was a striking dissimilarity between the results of the two different screens. These data therefore provide a cautionary lesson regarding the use of RNAi screening but also provide new candidates for kinase and phosphatase regulation of NF-κB activity in response to genotoxic stress.
A genome-wide long noncoding RNA CRISPRi screen identifies PRANCR as a novel regulator of epidermal homeostasis
Authors: Cai Pengfei , Otten Auke B.C. , Cheng Binbin , Ishii Mitsuhiro A. , Zhang Wen , Huang Beibei , Qu Kun , Sun Bryan K.
Published: December 2019

Genome-wide association studies indicate that many disease susceptibility regions reside in non-protein-coding regions of the genome. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a major component of the noncoding genome, but their biological impacts are not fully understood. Here, we performed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screen on 2263 epidermis-expressed lncRNAs and identified nine novel candidate lncRNAs regulating keratinocyte proliferation. We further characterized a top hit from the screen, progenitor renewal associated non-coding RNA (PRANCR), using RNA interference–mediated knockdown and phenotypic analysis in organotypic human tissue. PRANCR regulates keratinocyte proliferation, cell cycle progression, and clonogenicity. PRANCR-deficient epidermis displayed impaired stratification with reduced expression of differentiation genes that are altered in human skin diseases, including keratins 1 and 10, filaggrin, and loricrin. Transcriptome analysis showed that PRANCR controls the expression of 1136 genes, with strong enrichment for late cell cycle genes containing a CHR promoter element. In addition, PRANCR depletion led to increased levels of both total and nuclear CDKN1A (also known as p21), which is known to govern both keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Collectively, these data show that PRANCR is a novel lncRNA regulating epidermal homeostasis and identify other lncRNA candidates that may have roles in this process as well.
Cohesive slope failure analysis using methods combining smoothed particle hydrodynamics and response surface function
Authors: Li Liang , Chu Xuesong , Yu Guangming
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to construct a method to simulate the relationship between the parameters of soil properties and the area of sliding mass of the true slip surface of a landslide.

Design/methodology/approach

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm is used to calibrate a response surface function which is adopted to quantify the area of sliding mass of the true slip surface for each failure sample in Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed method is illustrated through a homogeneous and a heterogeneous cohesive soil slope.

Findings

The comparison of the results between the proposed method and the traditional method using the slip surface with minimum factor of safety (FSmin) to quantify the failure consequence has shown that the landslide risk tends to be attributed to a variety of risk sources, and that the use of a slip surface with FSmin to quantify the consequence of a landslide underestimates the landslide risk value. The difference of the risk value between the proposed method and the traditional method increases dramatically as the uncertainty of soil properties becomes significant.

Practical implications

A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed method to perform slope failure analysis.

Originality/value

The failure consequence of a landslide can be rationally predicted using the proposed method.
Short-term and long-term quality of service
Authors: Ojasalo Jukka
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce concepts for understanding and managing short- and long-term development of customer satisfaction related to service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on empirical qualitative research in professional business-to-business services. The data were collected from in-depth interviews of highly experienced consultants and analyzed in terms of the content of the qualitative data.

Findings

This study empirically identifies situations where the level of customer satisfaction with a single service rendered changes over time and is different in short and long term. It finds different short- and long-term quality levels both during a service process and in the post-purchase evaluation period. It finds that sometimes long-term quality can be provided only at the expense of short-term quality and vice versa.

Research limitations/implications

The concepts of short- and long-term quality provide a simple and effective conceptual tool for understanding potential short- and long-term differences in customer satisfaction as well as the reasons for it.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of considering quality dynamics at the level of a service rendered, both during the service process and in the post-purchase period. It helps in developing effective ways to understand and manage changes in customer satisfaction in the short and long term. It helps in developing strategies for communicating the overall value of a service to customers in “no pain, no gain” cases.

Social implications

This study provides concepts for analyzing wicked problems.

Originality/value

Dynamics of quality and satisfaction in services have received very little attention in research studies although the existence and relevance of the phenomenon was recognized long ago. This study introduces new concepts for understanding this phenomenon further by focusing on the short- and long-term effects of the service quality.
Quantitative impacts of mandatory integrated reporting
Authors: Conway Elaine
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the 2011 mandatory introduction of integrated reporting () on the financial performance, risk and institutional shareholding of listed companies in South Africa to assess whether there is a benefit to  and which may encourage greater adoption of it globally. It contrasts the results with two other African stock exchanges (Nigeria and Egypt with no mandatory ) and examines whether  quality also has an impact on these and on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure scores.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of multivariate ordinary least squares regressions was estimated on a range of financial, risk, institutional and ESG data from firms on the three African stock exchanges, between 2006 and 2015.

Findings

Financial performance and risk in South African firms appear to have decreased since the start of mandatory reporting, but institutional shareholding has increased. The production of higher quality reports is associated with decreased financial performance and risk, higher institutional shareholding and increased ESG scores.

Originality/value

This study is first to test the quantitative effects of  and  quality on a broad range of financial performance and risk measures and the level of institutional shareholding. It also adds to the literature by assessing how the quality of  can impact the ESG scoring of the business. Hence, this study is of interest to firms looking to adopt  for its benefits and to regulatory bodies considering the mandatory adoption of  in support of achievement of national social and environmental goals.
Expression of OPN3 in lung adenocarcinoma promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis
Authors: Xu Chao , Wang Ruixia , Yang Yanfang , Xu Tongyi , Li Yan , Xu Jie , Jiang Zhansheng
Published: December 2019

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common pathological lung cancer and an important cause of cancer‐related death. Metastasis is a major underlying reason for poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Opsin3 (OPN3), a member of the guanine nucleotide‐binding protein‐coupled receptor superfamily, has been identified to affect the apoptosis of hepatoma cells by modulating the phosphorylation of Akt and Bcl2/Bax. However, the expression and role of OPN3 in lung adenocarcinoma remains unclear.

Methods

Opsin3 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was detected by western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Changes in cell migration and invasion ability resulting from the change of OPN3 expression level were detected by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Changes in the markers of epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation were detected by western blot and qPCR.

Results

Opsin3 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was higher than that in normal lung tissues. Patients with high expression of OPN3 had lower survival rates. Owing to overexpression of OPN3, the HCC827 cells showed enhanced invasion and migration ability in vitro. Upon decreasing the expression of OPN3, the invasion and migration ability of the A549 cells decreased.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated for the first time that OPN3 gene enhanced the metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma, and its overexpression promoted epithelial‐mesenchymal transition.

Key points

A significant finding of the study was that OPN3 acted an oncogene in promoting lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. Our study complemented the research on the expression and function of OPN3 in lung adenocarcinoma.
Influence of tumor characteristics on correction differences between cone‐beam computed tomography‐guided patient setup strategies in stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung cancer
Authors: Jang Seong Soon , Park Suk Young , Cho Eun Youn , Yang Po Song , Huh Gil Ja , Yang Young Jun
Published: December 2019

Background

To evaluate the correction differences between vertebra and tumor matching as cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐guided setup strategies in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and the correlations with tumor characteristics such as size, mobility, and location.

Methods

The manual registrations for 33 lung tumors treated with SBRT were retrospectively performed by matching thoracic vertebrae for vertebra matching and then by matching CBCT‐visualized tumors within the internal target volume obtained from a four‐dimensional CT dataset for tumor matching.

Results

The mean correction difference between the two matching methods during the SBRT fractions was larger in the anterior‐posterior direction (2.7 mm) than in the superior‐inferior (2.1 mm) and left‐right (1.4 mm) directions, with differences of less than 5 mm in 90% of the total 134 CBCT fractions. The X‐axis and direct distances from the central axis to the tumor had significant correlations with the correction differences in all three directions, while the mobility‐related parameters were correlated only in the superior‐inferior direction. The absolute differences in lung‐dose parameters after applying the margins (3.4–6.5 mm) required for the setup errors from vertebra matching relative to tumor matching were mild, with values of 1.95 Gy for the mean lung dose and 3.9% for V20.

Conclusion

The setup differences between vertebra and tumor matching in the CBCT‐guided setup without rotation correction were increased in tumors located long distances from the central axis. The additional safety margins of 3.4–6.5 mm were required for the setup errors from vertebra matching.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

The correction difference between the vertebra and tumor matching as CBCT‐guided setup strategies was the largest in the anterior‐posterior direction and significantly correlated with the X‐axis and direct distances from the central axis to the tumor.

What this study adds

Setup differences between vertebra and tumor matching in the CBCT‐guided setup were increased in tumors located long distances from the central axis.

The additional safety margins of 3.4–6.5 mm were required for the setup errors from vertebra matching.
Knowledge of vitamin A deficiency and crop adoption: Evidence from a field experiment in Mozambique
Authors: Caeiro Rute M. , Vicente Pedro C.
Published: December 2019

Vitamin A deficiency is a widespread public health problem in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This paper analyzes the impact of an intervention fighting vitamin A deficiency through the promotion of production and consumption of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). We conducted a randomized evaluation of OFSP‐related training to female farmers in Mozambique, who were also the primary caretakers of preschool children. The treatment consisted of group and individual‐level training where basic knowledge about nutrition was taught, and planting and cooking skills related specifically to OFSP were developed. We find considerable increases in nutrition‐related knowledge, as well as knowledge about cooking and planting OFSP, which persist after more than a year. We also observe clear evidence of adoption of OFSP for production in the short‐ and medium‐run, which spreads through social networks.
“The Fear is Palpable”: Service Providers’ Perceptions of Mandatory Reporting Policies for Sexual Assault in Higher Education
Authors: Holland Kathryn J. , Cipriano Allison E. , Huit T. Zachary
Published: December 2019

In many universities/colleges, employees are required to report students’ sexual assault disclosures to university officials, even if the student does not want to make a report. These “mandatory reporting” policies have been shaped by federal mandates and guidelines, including Title IX. There is a notable lack of research on the implementation and effectiveness of these policies. The current study examined formal service providers’ beliefs about university mandatory reporting policies and perceptions of three specific policy approaches (universal mandatory reporting, selective mandatory reporting, and student‐directed mandatory reporting). Focus groups were conducted with 12 service providers and these qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants had strong reservations about mandatory reporting policies, particularly universal approaches that designate all employees as reporters. Although they believed mandatory reporting may have been implemented with good intentions, they discussed how such policies may harm both survivors and employees. Lack of transparency and training in the implementation of mandatory reporting policies can create a climate of fear on campus, where neither survivors nor employees feel comfortable discussing sexual assault. Findings suggest the need for more empirically informed approaches to mandatory reporting of sexual assault in higher education and more comprehensive training for employees and students.
Epigenetics of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Jones Luke , McCarthy Peter , Bond Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Comprehensive cataloguing of the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) genome has revealed a high frequency of mutations and deletions in epigenetic factors that are frequently linked to treatment resistance and poor patient outcome. In this review, we discuss how the epigenetic mechanisms that underpin normal haematopoiesis are subverted in AML, and in particular how these processes are altered in childhood and adolescent leukaemias. We also provide a brief summary of the burgeoning field of epigenetic‐based therapies, and how AML treatment might be improved through provision of better conceptual frameworks for understanding the pleiotropic molecular effects of epigenetic disruption.
Auckland Cataract Study IV: Practical application of NZCRS cataract risk stratification to reduce phacoemulsification complications
Authors: Han Jina V. , Patel Dipika V. , Liu Kevin , Kim Bia Z. , Sherwin Trevor , McGhee Charles N. J.
Published: December 2019

Importance

Reduction of intraoperative complications in phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Background

To assess practicability of a risk stratification system, the New Zealand Cataract Risk Stratification (NZCRS) system, in a major teaching hospital service, without investigator oversight, to ascertain whether benefits identified in research studies are maintained in busy clinical practice.

Design

Prospective cohort study in a major public teaching hospital.

Participants

Five hundred cases of phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Methods

NZCRS system inserted into 621 consecutive preoperative cataract patient files. Recommendation to allocate higher‐risk cases to experienced surgeons.

Main Outcome Measures

NZCRS system uptake and adherence, appropriate identification of high risk cases and intraoperative complication rates.

Results

NZCRS scores calculated in 500 of 621 (80.5%) cases and 98 (19.6%) scored as “high risk.” Cataract surgery (N = 500) performed by: 12 Registrars (20%), 4 Fellows (7.2%), 26 Consultants (72.8%). Risk scores adhered to in 99%. Overall intraoperative complications (3.0%) included iris prolapse 1.6% and posterior capsule tear 0.8%. No statistical difference in complication rates identified between surgeon grades. Mean best‐corrected visual acuity was 6/10 (20/32). Postoperatively, cystoid macular oedema occurred in 3.2%. Rescoring by an experienced investigator noted a greater number of “high risk scores” (31.6% vs 19.6%) related to differences in subjective scoring of anterior chamber depth and cataract density.

Conclusions and Relevance

Practical uptake of cataract risk stratification was promising in this study with NZCRS calculated in 80.5% with 99% adherence to scoring recommendations. Compared to baseline studies, in the day‐to‐day clinical setting, a continued, decreasing trend in frequency and severity of intraoperative complications was noted. Subjective variability of risk scoring may be further improved by better, objective, standardization.
Skin‐related quality of life in children and adolescents with congenital melanocytic naevi – an analysis of self‐ and parent reports
Authors: Neuhaus K. , Landolt M.A. , Theiler M. , Schiestl C. , Masnari O.
Published: December 2019

Background

Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) may affect patient quality of life (QoL) due to medical complications (development of malignant melanoma or involvement of the central nervous system), skin‐related discomfort or psychosocial sequelae.

Objectives

To analyse skin‐related QoL in children and adolescents with CMN and to identify predictors of low QoL.

Methods

Worldwide recruitment of participants through patient support groups. Data collection through a Web‐based survey. QoL was assessed using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index© (CDLQI). Demographic and CMN‐related characteristics were examined as possible predictors of impaired QoL.

Results

A total of 135 proxy reports for children affected by CMN aged 4–18 years (M = 9.34 years, SD = 4.16 years) and 28 self‐reports of adolescents aged 14–18 years (M = 16.3 years, SD = 1.2 years) were included. The mean CDLQI score was 4.00 (SD = 4.39) for proxy reports and 6.89 (SD = 5.85) for self‐reports. Most parents (76%) reported ‘no’ or a ‘small’ impact, 19% a ‘moderate’ and 5% a ‘very large’ or ‘extremely large’ impact on their child's QoL. In self‐reports, 46% of the adolescents reported ‘no’ or a ‘small impact’, 43% a ‘moderate’ and 11% a ‘very large’ or ‘extremely large’ impact. Visible CMN location, malignant melanoma and higher child's age were important predictors of QoL impairments.

Conclusions

Most CMN have a modest effect on QoL. However, there is large variability with a significant proportion of adolescents experiencing a moderate‐to‐large impact on QoL in contrast to children. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the predictors of QoL in children with CMN.
Why do many consumers prefer to pay now when they could pay later?
Authors: Agrawal Arvind , Gentry James W.
Published: December 2019

Payment timing is conceptualized as a payment characteristic useful in explaining motivations to prefer payment types. Cash, debit cards, and online banking represent consumers' preferences to pay now, while credit cards and loans represent the inclination to pay later. Based on a grounded theory study, a payment‐timing model is developed to theorize consumers' choices of payment types with differences in payment timing. The model presents four motivations for payment‐timing preferences: (1) the extent of rewards salience, (2) the perception of financial stress, (3) adopting heuristics for money management, and (4) the influence of perceived financial ability. Consumers choose payment‐timing options that best suit their financial strategy to manage payments in pursuit of their consumption objectives.
Low rate of new‐onset primary biliary cholangitis in a cohort of anti‐mitochondrial antibody‐positive subjects over six years of follow‐up
Authors: Zandanell S. , Strasser M. , Feldman A. , Tevini J. , Strebinger G. , Niederseer D. , Pohla‐Gubo G. , Huber‐Schönauer U. , Ruhaltinger S. , Paulweber B. , Datz C. , Felder T.K. , Aigner E.
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are closely linked to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The prevalence of AMA in the general population is low, and AMA positivity may precede PBC. We aimed to determine the natural history of subjects with positive AMA.

Methods

In total, 302 patients were tested AMA‐positive over a ten‐year period. Of these, immunoblotting confirmed specific AMA in 184 (29 male, 155 female, age 59.6 ± 14.1 years). These subjects were invited to our liver outpatient clinic for clinical and biochemical re‐evaluation. Detailed clinical history data were additionally collected from the hospital computer system and by telephone. The subsequent course with regard to mortality, liver‐related morbidity, extrahepatic co‐morbidities and effectiveness of PBC treatment was determined in 150 subjects (81.5%).

Results

After 5.8 ± 5.6 years of follow‐up (FU), of 184 AMA‐positive subjects, 28 subjects (15.2%; liver‐related mortality n = 5) were deceased, and 122 subjects (66.3%) completed FU while 34 subjects (18.5%) were not available for FU. The 122 patients who completed FU were 63 patients with established PBC, six de novo cases of PBC (10.2% of 59 initially at risk), 42 (34.4%) subjects were still AMA‐positive without PBC, and 11 (9.0%) subjects were AMA‐negative at FU.

Conclusions

Anti‐mitochondrial antibodies‐positive patients without PBC at baseline infrequently developed PBC over six years of FU. AMA positivity represented a transient serological autoimmune phenomenon in a significant proportion of subjects.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Race and Racism
Authors: Miller Andrea L. , Stern Chadly , Neville Helen A.
Published: December 2019

Racism plays a fundamental role in institutions, intergroup and interpersonal relations, and intrapersonal life. Although some areas of research in psychology have made progress toward addressing issues of race and racism, the discipline continues to grapple with questions of racial inequality. Given the persistence of racism, it seems as important as ever that researchers in psychology direct our efforts toward understanding the role of race in everyday life and reducing the impact of racism in society. This special issue brings together cutting‐edge psychological scholarship on race and racism. Collectively, these articles contribute new substantive knowledge about the nature of race and racism and their psychological consequences for individuals and society, provide recommendations for law and policy that draw on this substantive knowledge, and offer new insights into best practices in psychological science and education. In this introductory article, we outline the background and origins of this special issue and provide a summary of the articles in it.
A Motivated Defense of Meat: Biased Perceptions of Meat's Environmental Impact
Authors: Ginn Joel , Lickel Brian
Published: December 2019

Reducing meat consumption is a highly effective strategy for living sustainably, yet many consumers do not recognize the effectiveness of this strategy. While this may be due in part to a gap in awareness, consumers may be motivated to see changing meat consumption as a relatively ineffective strategy compared to other, more direct strategies. In two studies, participants who were weakly identified as “meat‐eaters” and who were more concerned about the environment were more willing to reduce their meat consumption. However, perceived effectiveness of meat reduction as a mitigation strategy mediated this relationship, suggesting that internal motivations may drive perceptions of effectiveness. Participants in a community sample also reacted negatively to a message about meat's effectiveness, though this reaction was mitigated by environmental concern.
The Impact of Organizational Supports on the Person‐Centered Health of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Friedman Carli , Rizzolo Mary C. , Spassiani Natasha A.
Published: December 2019

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have significantly poorer health than the general population. A key threat to health programs for people with IDD is commitment from stakeholders, especially service organizations. The aim of this study was to explore the role disability service organizations play in promoting the best possible physical and mental health of people with IDD. To do so, this study analyzed secondary Personal Outcome Measures® data from 1,341 people with IDD in the United States using binary logistic regressions. Our findings revealed that organizational supports can play a key role in promoting the health of people with IDD. By paying attention to all of these aspects of health and supports, especially discrepancies in supports, service organizations can work to counteract health disparities in those they support.
Characteristics of declining dissolved oxygen concentrations in Lakes Kasumigaura and Kitaura, two shallow polymictic eutrophic lakes in Japan
Authors: Fukushima Takehiko , Kitamura Tatsumi , Komuro Syunsuke , Nakagawa Keita , Nagahama Yumi , Matsumoto Syunichi , Matsushita Bunkei
Published: December 2019

To elucidate the patterns and characteristics of dissolved oxygen (DO) decline near bottom in shallow polymictic eutrophic lakes, we conducted a statistical analysis of monthly measurements for 12 years at 14 stations and hourly observation for 8 years at two stations in Lakes Kasumigaura and Kitaura. Results indicated that DO decline (hereafter, <2 mg/L) was negligible at stations with a depth of <5 m. Thus, we consider this depth to be critical depth for studying DO decline conditions in these lakes. The collected data revealed that DO decline events lasting more than 2 days occurred a few times a year. During these events, wind blew weakly (usually, <2 m/s), and diurnal stratification was formed by solar radiation. The averaged DO declining rate leading up to these events was 4.3 (±2.7) mg L−1 d−1, suggesting that within a few days, DO can fall into a declined state. The occurrence probability of DO declined events in the respective summer increased significantly with the proportion of weak wind hours (<2 m/s). Significant correlations between wind velocity and DO change rate (1 hr difference in DO) supported the importance of wind on DO changes in polymictic lakes. The influence of mean air temperature on DO decline events was insignificant.
Evaluation of the public health risk for autochthonous transmission of mosquito‐borne viruses in southern Switzerland
Authors: Ravasi D. , Parrondo Monton D. , Guidi V. , Flacio E.
Published: December 2019

Epidemics of mosquito‐borne diseases such as chikungunya and dengue fever are becoming more frequent around the world. In Switzerland, autochthonous cases have not been reported so far, although the presence of the vector Aedes albopictus in urban areas of southern Switzerland increases the risk of indigenous transmissions subsequent to imported cases. In 2018, the potential risk of an outbreak of arboviral diseases was assessed in five municipalities of southern Switzerland. The population abundance of Ae. albopictus was evaluated during the mosquito active season by the mean number of Ae. albopictus bites per day per person (estimated using the human landing collection method) and the risk of outbreak in the case of the introduction of chikungunya, dengue or Zika viruses was estimated. In the five localities investigated, no epidemic risk appeared to be present for any of the arboviruses taken into consideration in the initial months (i.e. mid‐May to end of July) of Ae. albopictus activity. In the case of the introduction of chikungunya (mutated or not), dengue (serotype 1) or Zika (African lineage) viruses during mid‐end August, an epidemic could have occurred in all the municipalities investigated. In mid‐end September, the introduction of same arboviruses could have led to an epidemic in three of the five municipalities investigated.
Cloning of four HSPA multigene family members in Haemaphysalis flava ticks
Authors: Liu L. , He X.‐M. , Feng L.‐L. , Duan D.‐Y. , Zhan Y. , Cheng T.‐Y.
Published: December 2019

The heat shock protein 70 (HSPA) family and their genes have been studied in ticks and are considered as possible antigen candidates for the development of anti‐tick vaccines. However, knowledge about their members, structure and function in ticks is incomplete. Based on our transcriptomic data, the full length of four HSPA genes in Haemaphysalis flava (Acari: Ixodidae) was cloned via rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The open reading frame of HSPA2A, HSPA2B, HSPA5 and HSPA9 was 1920, 1911, 1983 and 2088 bp in length, respectively. Three family signatures and one localization motif were in the encoding proteins. HSPA2A and HSPA2B were predicted to be located at cytoplasm/nucleus, whereas HSPA5 and HSPA9 were at endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, respectively. In silico simulation demonstrated that those proteins had distinct numbers of α‐helixes, extended strands and coils, and different antigenic epitopes. Expression of HSPA5 and HSPA9 in the salivary gland was significantly higher in partially‐engorged female adult ticks than the fully‐engorged (P < 0.01) as shown by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our data indicated that H. flava ticks had at least four HSPA genes encoding proteins with different cellular locations, structures and expression profiles, suggesting their diverse roles in tick biology.
The British class system is in great shape
Authors: Mckenzie Lisa
Published: December 2019

Why we should embrace working class solidarity not the gentrification of class politics
Understanding fall risk factors in community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Carrasco Cristina , Tomas‐Carus Pablo , Bravo Jorge , Pereira Catarina , Mendes Felismina
Published: December 2019

Aim and objective

Ageing is associated with an increased risk of falling. Identification of risk factors is crucial for the prevention of falls in older people.

Methods

A total of 508 older adults enrolled in a cross‐sectional study. For the assessment of risk factors, the research team collected basic data and health‐related information and performed morphofunctional evaluations (strength and flexibility of lower body and dynamic balance).

Results

A significantly greater proportion of women experienced fall episodes within the past year. Additionally, certain chronic diseases were significantly more prevalent in the fall subgroup compared to the non‐fall subgroup. The non‐fall subgroup showed significantly better scores of lower body strength and dynamic balance than the fall subgroup.

Conclusion

Multivariable regression analysis revealed that gender and lower body strength seem to be the main risk factors for fall event (s) within the past year in community‐dwelling older adults from the Portuguese region of Alentejo.

Implications for practice

Differences in fall risk factors due to gender, ethnicity and geography must be taken into account in clinical practice. Nurses must identify the environmental, social and individual risks that constitute health threats and trigger protective intervention programs. Nursing care for older people must also meet needs related to physical activity (e.g., strength‐training exercise), since lower body weakness is strongly associated with falls.
Species delimitation and evolutionary relationships among Phoebis New World sulphur butterflies (Lepidoptera, Pieridae, Coliadinae)
Authors: Núñez Rayner , Genaro Julio A. , Pérez‐Asso Antonio , Murillo‐Ramos Leidys , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Wahlberg Niklas , Hausmann Axel
Published: December 2019

The most accepted taxonomic treatment of the New World sulphurs of the genus Phoebis Hübner, [1819] recognizes 16 species including those in the current synonyms Aphrissa and Rhabdodryas. This total conflicts with the results of several recent pierid DNA barcode studies across the Neotropics. We used a five‐locus dataset to carry out species delimitation analyses using the coalescence‐based method implemented in bpp software. After testing the resulting species hypotheses using marginal likelihood estimates, we inferred their phylogenetic relationships and performed an ancestral range reconstruction with biogeobears. Our analyses recovered two different hypotheses, 26 and 24 species, that scored the highest marginal likelihood estimate. Differences between these two hypotheses, when reconciled with barcode clusters and morphology, indicated that 24 is the most likely number of species. Phoebis neocypris stat. rev., Phoebis rurina stat. rev., Phoebis virgo stat. rev., Phoebis marcellina stat. rev., Phoebis thalestris stat. rev., and Phoebis rorata stat. rev. are raised to the species rank. We dated the crown age of Phoebis to the mid‐Miocene, with the islands of the Greater Antilles as the most probable ancestral range. Three main clades of Phoebis diverged early in the evolutionary history of the genus, but most extant species‐level diversity arose after the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. Our analyses recovered alternate range expansions and contractions, and dispersal from the islands to the continent and back, in the three main clades. Both sympatric and allopatric speciation seem to have shaped the current species richness.
Predictive mapping with small field sample data using semi‐supervised machine learning
Authors: Du Fei , Zhu A‐Xing , Liu Jing , Yang Lin
Published: December 2019

Existing predictive mapping methods usually require a large number of field samples with good representativeness as input to build reliable predictive models. In mapping practice, however, we often face situations when only small sample data are available. In this article, we present a semi‐supervised machine learning approach for predictive mapping in which the natural aggregation (clustering) patterns of environmental covariate data are used to supplement limited samples in prediction. This approach was applied to two soil mapping case studies. Compared with field sample only approaches (decision trees, logistic regression, and support vector machines), maps using the proposed approach can better capture the spatial variation of soil types and achieve higher accuracy with limited samples. A cross validation shows further that the proposed approach is less sensitive to the specific field sample set used and thus more robust when field sample data are small.
Stability of extemporaneous sulfadiazine oral suspensions from commercially available tablets for treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis
Authors: Soares Rodrigues Costa Brunna , Pontes do Nascimento Leandro , Vítor de Paiva Amorim Marcelo , Barreto Gomes Ana Paula , Mafra Veríssimo Lourena
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To determine the physicochemical and microbiological stability of sulfadiazine suspensions (100 mg/mL) in simple syrup (A) and sorbitol (B) formulations prepared from commercially available tablets.

Methods

An ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic assay was developed and validated to determine the chemical stability of sulfadiazine. Three samples were prepared and stored at 5 and 25 °C and assayed at 0, 7, 14 and 30 days. Physical parameters (appearance, pH, particle size and viscosity) were also monitored. Microbiological examination was performed through the suitable counting method.

Results

The formulations presented a sulfadiazine concentration of around 95% at the beginning at both temperatures. There was some variation in pH, viscosity and particle size distribution over time. The samples met the pharmacopoeia criteria of microbiological quality over 30 days, but only sulfadiazine formulated in syrup stored at 25 °C was suitable for use after one week.

Conclusion

The sulfadiazine suspension in simple syrup was chosen as the most suitable formulation because it demonstrated stability for 14 days at room temperature, providing an alternative liquid dosage form of sulfadiazine for congenital toxoplasmosis treatment.
Metabolomics study of platelet concentrates photochemically treated with amotosalen and UVA light for pathogen inactivation
Authors: Jóhannsson Freyr , Árnason Níels Á. , Landrö Ragna , Guðmundsson Sveinn , Sigurjonsson Ólafur E. , Rolfsson Óttar
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The risk of bacterial contamination and the deterioration of platelet (PLT) quality limit the shelf‐life of platelet concentrates (PCs). The INTERCEPT pathogen inactivation system reduces the risk of pathogen transmission by inhibiting nucleic acid replication using a combination of a photo‐reactive compound and UVA illumination. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects the INTERCEPT system has on the PLT metabolome and metabolic activity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Paired units of buffy coat‐derived PCs were generated using a pool and split strategy (n = 8). The paired PCs were either treated with the INTERCEPT system or left untreated. Samples were collected on Days 1, 2, 4, and 7 of storage. Ultra‐performance chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the extra‐ and intracellular metabolomes. Constraint‐based metabolic modeling was then used to predict the metabolic activity of the stored PLTs.

RESULTS

A relatively large number of metabolites in the extracellular environment were depleted during the processing steps of the INTERCEPT system, in particular, metabolites with hydrophobic functional groups, including acylcarnitines and lysophosphatidylcholines. In the intracellular environment, alterations in glucose and glycerophospholipid metabolism and decreased levels of 2‐hydroxyglutarate were observed following the INTERCEPT treatment. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed residual amotosalen dimers present in the treated PCs. Systems‐level analysis of PLT metabolism indicated that the INTERCEPT system does not have a significant impact on the PLT energy metabolism and nutrient utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

The INTERCEPT system significantly alters the metabolome of the stored PCs without significantly influencing PLT energy metabolism.
Design Optimization of a Blended Blade and Endwall in a Compressor Cascade
Authors: Li Jiabin , Ji Lucheng , Zhou Ling
Published: December 2019

The blended blade and endwall (BBEW) contouring technology can adjust the dihedral angle between suction surface and endwall, thus reducing corner separation in compressors. Generally, the design of BBEW relies on the experiences, the effective design results may not be the optimal result. In this paper, an optimization approach based on the genetic algorithm (GA) for feature selection and parameter optimization of support vector machine (SVM) is used to obtain the optimal BBEW parameters in a compressor cascade. Based on the sensitivity analysis of the results, it is found that the maximum blended width and the axial position of the maximum blended width are the two most important design parameters. The experimental results show that the optimal BBEW cascade can stretch the spanwise area of the high loss region, and reduce the maximum value in it. The numerical studies were conducted to analyze the flow mechanism. It is shown that the BBEW cascade has a transverse pressure difference at the axial position of the maximum blended width, and magnitude of the pressure difference in proportion to the maximum blended width. The transverse pressure difference removes the low-energy fluid from the corner to the main flow, thus improving the corner separation.
Conducting Non-adaptive Experiments in a Live Setting: A Bayesian Approach to Determining Optimal Sample Size
Authors: Sudarsanam Nandan , Chandran Ramya , Frey Daniel D.
Published: December 2019

This research studies the use of predetermined experimental plans in a live setting with a finite implementation horizon. In this context, we seek to determine the optimal experimental budget in different environments using a Bayesian framework. We derive theoretical results on the optimal allocation of resources to treatments with the objective of minimizing cumulative regret, a metric commonly used in online statistical learning. Our base case studies a setting with two treatments assuming Gaussian priors for the treatment means and noise distributions. We extend our study through analytical and semi-analytical techniques which explore worst-case bounds, the presence of unequal prior distributions, and the generalization to k treatments. We determine theoretical limits for the experimental budget across all possible scenarios. The optimal level of experimentation that is recommended by this study varies extensively and depends on the experimental environment as well as the number of available units. This highlights the importance of such an approach which incorporates these factors to determine the budget.