bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic value of circular RNA CDR1as/ciRS‐7 for solid tumours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zou Yutian , Zheng Shaoquan , Deng Xinpei , Yang Anli , Kong Yanan , Kohansal Maryam , Hu Xiaoqian , Xie Xiaoming
Published: August 2020

The circular RNA, CDR1as/ciRS‐7, functions as a vital regulator in various cancers; however, the predictive value of CDR1as remains controversial. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis for clarifying the precise diagnostic and prognostic value of CDR1as in solid tumours is needed. A literature review of several databases was conducted for identifying potential studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy variables and survival. Overall, 15 studies (1787 patients) and 11 studies (1578 patients) were included for diagnostic and prognostic outcome syntheses, respectively. Up‐regulated CDR1as expression was found to be correlated with worse clinicopathological characteristics, including the T status, N status, histological grade, TNM stage and distant metastasis. The synthesized sensitivity was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65‐0.79), and the specificity was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74‐0.86). The positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 3.70, 0.34 and 10.80, respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80‐0.87). In the pooled prognostic analysis, patients with high CDR1as expression had worse overall survival (HR = 2.40, P < 0.001) and disease‐free survival (HR = 1.74, P < 0.001). These results suggest that CDR1as is a reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker with high accuracy and efficiency, which may potentially facilitate clinical decisions on solid tumours in the future.
The microRNA miR‐134‐5p induces calcium deposition by inhibiting histone deacetylase 5 in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Choe Nakwon , Shin Sera , Joung Hosouk , Ryu Juhee , Kim Young‐Kook , Ahn Youngkeun , Kook Hyun , Kwon Duk‐Hwa
Published: August 2020

Calcium deposition in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a form of ectopic ossification in blood vessels. It can result in rigidity of the vasculature and an increase in cardiac events. Here, we report that the microRNA miR‐134‐5p potentiates inorganic phosphate (Pi)‐induced calcium deposition in VSMCs by inhibiting histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5). Using miRNA microarray analysis of Pi‐treated rat VSMCs, we first selected miR‐134‐5p for further evaluation. Quantitative RT‐PCR confirmed that miR‐134‐5p was increased in Pi‐treated A10 cells, a rat VSMC line. Transfection of miR‐134‐5p mimic potentiated the Pi‐induced increase in calcium contents. miR‐134‐5p increased the amounts of bone runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) protein and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) mRNA in the presence of Pi but decreased the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG). Bioinformatic analysis showed that the HDAC5 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) was one of the targets of miR‐134‐5p. The luciferase construct containing the 3′UTR of HDAC5 was down‐regulated by miR‐134‐5p mimic in a dose‐dependent manner in VSMCs. Overexpression of HDAC5 mitigated the calcium deposition induced by miR‐134‐5p. Our results suggest that a Pi‐induced increase of miR‐134‐5p may cause vascular calcification through repression of HDAC5.
Discontinuation of Statins in Veterans Admitted to Nursing Homes near the End of Life
Authors: Thorpe Carolyn T. , Sileanu Florentina E. , Mor Maria K. , Zhao Xinhua , Aspinall Sherrie , Ersek Mary , Springer Sydney , Niznik Joshua D. , Vu Michelle , Schleiden Loren J. , Gellad Walid F. , Hunnicutt Jacob , Thorpe Joshua M. , Hanlon Joseph T.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Geriatric guidelines recommend against statin use in older adults with limited life expectancy (LLE) or advanced dementia (AD). This study examined resident and facility factors predicting statin discontinuation after nursing home (NH) admission in veterans with LLE/AD taking statins for secondary prevention.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of Veterans Affairs (VA) bar code medication administration records, Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, and utilization records linked to Medicare claims.

SETTING

VA NHs, known as community living centers (CLCs).

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans aged 65 and older with coronary artery disease, stroke, or diabetes mellitus, type II, admitted in fiscal years 2009 to 2015, who met criteria for LLE/AD on their admission MDS and received statins in the week after admission (n = 13,110).

MEASUREMENTS

Residents were followed until statin discontinuation (ie, gap in statin use ≥14 days), death, or censoring due to discharge, day 91 of the stay, or end of the study period. Competing risk models assessed cumulative incidence and predictors of discontinuation, stratified by whether the resident had their end‐of‐life (EOL) status designated or used hospice at admission.

RESULTS

Overall cumulative incidence of statin discontinuation was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30%–32%) by day 91, and it was markedly higher in those with (52%; 95% CI = 50%–55%) vs without (25%; 95% CI = 24%–26%) EOL designation/hospice. In patients with EOL designation/hospice (n = 2,374), obesity, congestive heart failure, and admission from nonhospital settings predicted decreased likelihood of discontinuation; AD, dependency in activities of daily living, greater number of medications, and geographic region predicted increased likelihood of discontinuation. In patients without EOL designation/hospice (n = 10,736), older age and several specific markers of poor prognosis predicted greater discontinuation, whereas obesity/overweight predicted decreased discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Most veterans with LLE/AD taking statins for secondary prevention do not discontinue statins following CLC admission. Designating residents as EOL status, hospice use, and individual clinical factors indicating poor prognosis may prompt deprescribing.
Neuronal mechanisms of adenosine A2A receptors in the loss of consciousness induced by propofol general anesthesia with functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Shuang , Zhou Ying , Liu Taotao , Cai Aoling , Zhang Zongze , Xu Fuqiang , Manyande Anne , Wang Jie , Peng Mian
Published: August 2020

Propofol is the most common intravenous anesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, and has been used clinically for more than 30 years. However, the mechanism by which propofol induces loss of consciousness (LOC) remains largely unknown. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) has been extensively proven to have an effect on physiological sleep. It is, therefore, important to investigate the role of A2AR in the induction of LOC using propofol. In the present study, the administration of the highly selective A2AR agonist (CGS21680) and antagonist (SCH58261) was utilized to investigate the function of A2AR under general anesthesia induced by propofol by means of animal behavior studies, resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging and c‐Fos immunofluorescence staining approaches. Our results show that CGS21680 significantly prolonged the duration of LOC induced by propofol, increased the c‐Fos expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and suppressed the functional connectivity of NAc‐dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) and NAc‐cingulate cortex (CG). However, SCH58261 significantly shortened the duration of LOC induced by propofol, decreased the c‐Fos expression in NAc, increased the c‐Fos expression in DR, and elevated the functional connectivity of NAc‐DR and NAc‐CG. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the important roles played by A2AR in the LOC induced by propofol and suggest that the neural circuit between NAc‐DR maybe controlled by A2AR in the mechanism of anesthesia induced by propofol.

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Occlusion Heightened by Metal Crown Cementation is Aggressive for Periodontal Tissues
Authors: Abdalla Henrique Ballassini , Clemente‐Napimoga Juliana Trindade , Trindade‐da‐Silva Carlos Antônio , Alves Luciane Jorge , Prats Roberta da Silva , Youssef Alexandre , Vieira dos Santos Paulo César , Buarque e Silva Wilkens Aurélio , Andrade e Silva Frederico , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate the effect of experimental traumatic occlusion (ETO) induced by metal crowns on alveolar bone loss.

Materials and Methods

Metal crowns were custom‐made for the lower first molars with occlusal discrepancy of 0.4 and 0.7 mm from the maximum intercuspation. Thirty‐six animals were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12 animals per group): 0.4‐mm hyperocclusion group, 0.7‐mm hyperocclusion group and the sham group (no metal crown). Twenty‐eight days after crown cementation, the animals were euthanized and gingival tissue was collected to assess cytokine levels of IL‐17, IL‐6, and TNF‐α using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mandibles were stained with 1% methylene blue and alveolar bone levels were quantified. Western blotting was used to quantify the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B (RANK), and its ligand (RANKL), secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells (SOFAT) and TNF‐α‐converting enzyme (TACE). Also, mandibles were histologically processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, from which the presence of osteoclast‐like cells, multinucleated cells containing ≥3 nuclei was counted at 100× magnification. The data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results

Experimental occlusal trauma for 28 consecutive days significantly increased alveolar bone loss and multinucleated cell counts (p < 0.05). RANK, RANKL, SOFAT, TACE, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were significantly higher in gingival tissues of ETO groups (p < 0.05). IL‐17 titers were unchanged among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Experimental traumatic occlusion activates and sustains bone resorption pathways in the periodontium inducing alveolar bone resorption. As the intensity of occlusal trauma increased, alternative osteoclastic pathways were activated, such as TACE and SOFAT.
Covenants and Commands
Authors: Alimi Toni
Published: August 2020

Robert Adams’s account of divine command theory argues that moral obligations are idealized versions of everyday social requirements. One type of social requirement is the ordinary demand one person makes of one another. Its idealized version is the perfect command a perfect God makes of those he loves. This paper extends Adams’s account of moral obligation by considering another kind of social requirement: promises. It argues that we can understand a divine covenant as an idealized version of a promise. Promisers take on social requirements to promisees when they make promises. Analogously, God takes on obligations to humans when God makes covenants with them. Divine command theorists might fear that this makes God subject to moral rules not of his own choosing. This paper considers these fears and argues that they are unwarranted.
Guilt and Shame, Justice and Mercy
Authors: Rothchild Jonathan
Published: August 2020

This essay argues that the criminal justice system in the United States is flawed because it focuses principally on punishment of illegal actions without considering offenders as persons in their entirety. It considers the role that constructive shame and mercy can play in addressing this flaw. The essay concludes by applying this argument to the case of shaming penalties within criminal justice.
The End(s) of Mercy
Authors: Weaver Darlene Fozard
Published: August 2020

In philosophy and in religious ethics, accounts of mercy are typically developed in relation to justice. The essays in this focus issue each insist on an integral connection between mercy and justice, yet each reconfigures that relationship by arguing that mercy is best understood as a normative response to others in their need. Defining mercy as our response to others’ need highlights the value of mercy as an effective public virtue, grounded in realism about the human condition and focused on reparative and restorative action.
Responses of some innate immune‐genes involved in the toll‐pathway in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) to Vibrio harveyi infection and on exposure to ligands in vitro
Authors: Deepika Anand , Sreedharan Krishnan , Rajendran Kooloth Valappil
Published: August 2020

In shrimp, which rely largely on their innate immune system for defense against invading pathogens, the Toll‐pathway has been extensively studied, as it plays a crucial role in innate immune responses. Different innate immune genes in the Toll‐pathway of shrimp, Penaeus monodon viz., Toll‐Like receptor (PmToll), Myeloid differentiation factor‐88 (PmMyD88), and Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor‐6 (PmTRAF6) have been characterized and their role in immune response against white spot syndrome virus has been elucidated by real‐time PCR‐based expression analysis. In the current study, the role of these genes in the immune response against bacteria was investigated by determining the mRNA expressions of PmToll, PmMyD88, and PmTRAF6 in different tissues of P. monodon, upon experimental infection with Vibrio harveyi, using real‐time PCR. Seven tissues were selected, including hemocytes, lymphoid organ, gill, hepatopancreas, stomach, midgut, and hindgut. Significant upregulation of these genes was observed in hemocytes, lymphoid organ, and gut tissues at different time‐points after infection. Moreover, modulation of expression of the genes at different time‐points could be observed in primary cultured hemocytes in vitro upon exposure with pathogen‐mimicking ligands (lipopolysacchrides and peptidoglycans). These experimental results indicate that the Toll‐pathway plays an important role in the immune response against bacterial challenge.
How Robust Is the Evidence on the Impact of Diasporas on Institutional Quality in Home Countries?
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thi Minh , Cameron Michael P. , Poot Jacques
Published: August 2020

This paper conducts a robustness analysis of the impact of diasporas on institutional quality in home countries. Using the Database on Immigrants in OECD Countries (DIOC), we attest that the home country institutional development role of diasporas found in the literature is robust to modifications in terms of the dataset, the measurement of diasporas and the instrumental variable procedures used in our cross‐sectional and panel analyses. The novelty of this paper is that we take the heterogeneity of diasporas into account in terms of their distribution across host countries, their duration of stay, and the level of development of their home countries. As in earlier literature, we find robust evidence that diasporas enhance institutional quality in home countries. We also find that the intensity of the diffusion of advanced institutions from developed host countries to home countries through the international migration channel is weaker with diasporas characterized by shorter average duration of stay and with diasporas from developing home countries. However, this diffusion effect is not significantly related to the distribution of diasporas across OECD host countries.
Genomic and phenotypic divergence unveil microgeographic adaptation in the Amazonian hyperdominant treeEperua falcataAubl. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Brousseau Louise , Fine Paul V. A. , Dreyer Erwin , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Scotti Ivan
Published: August 2020

Plant populations can undergo very localized adaptation, allowing widely distributed populations to adapt to divergent habitats in spite of recurrent gene flow. Neotropical trees—whose large and undisturbed populations often span a variety of environmental conditions and local habitats—are particularly good models to study this process. Here, we explore patterns of adaptive divergence from large (i.e., regional) to small (i.e., microgeographic) spatial scales in the hyperdominant Amazonian treeEperua falcataAubl. (Fabaceae) under a replicated design involving two microhabitats (~300 m apart) in two study sites (~300 km apart). A three‐year reciprocal transplant illustrates that, beyond strong maternal effects and phenotypic plasticity, genetically driven divergence in seedling growth and leaf traits was detected both between seedlings originating from different regions, and between seedlings from different microhabitats. In parallel, a complementary genome scan for selection was carried out through whole‐genome sequencing of tree population pools. A set of 290 divergence outlier SNPs was detected at the regional scale (between study sites), while 185 SNPs located in the vicinity of 106 protein‐coding genes were detected as replicated outliers between microhabitats within regions. Outlier‐surrounding genomic regions are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including plant responses to stress (e.g., oxidative stress, hypoxia and metal toxicity) and biotic interactions. Together with evidence of microgeographic divergence in functional traits, the discovery of genomic candidates for microgeographic adaptive divergence represents a promising advance in our understanding of local adaptation, which probably operates across multiple spatial scales and underpins divergence and diversification in Neotropical trees.
Comparison of CAM expression, photochemistry and antioxidant responses in Sedum album and Portulaca oleracea under combined stress
Authors: Habibi Ghader
Published: August 2020

Previous studies of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway during stress have been directed at individual drought and salinity stress, here, we studied the effects of a combination of drought and salt on CAM expression, chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidant parameters in the C3‐CAM facultative Sedum album and C4‐CAM facultative Portulaca oleracea plants. While salinity alone was not able to induce functional CAM expression in P. oleracea leaves, we showed that salinity induced low level of nocturnal acid accumulation in S. album species. After 20 d of exposure to the combination of simultaneous salt and drought stress, P. oleracea plants exhibited more resistance to photoinhibition as compared to S. album plants. The decrease of maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) in S. album leaves under combined stress was in parallel with the largest suppression of CAM expression of >50%, probably displaying the withdrawal of functional CAM back to C3 pathway. However, under drought treatment alone, S. album plants exhibited higher photosynthetic flexibility, which was associated with the up‐regulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and maintenance of glutathione (GSH) pool, and consequently higher photochemical functioning. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) correlated well with CAM expression, which was observed only in S. album, suggesting that NO acts in a different way in C3 and C4 species during CAM induction. Additionally, in both species, over the course of CAM induction, the changes in CAM expression parameters exhibited a similar pattern to that of antioxidant capacity and photochemical functioning parameters.
Disputed Policy Change: The Role of Events, Policy Learning, and Negotiated Agreements
Authors: Sandström Annica , Morf Andrea , Fjellborg Daniel
Published: August 2020

This paper explores policy change in Swedish coastal and marine conservation, identifying advocacy coalition factors—focusing internal and external events, policy learning, and negotiated agreements—that explain divergent outcomes in disputed national park planning processes. A longitudinal study, covering three decades of three planning processes, indicates that all factors matter. External and internal events, combined with policy learning or negotiated agreements, constituted the main change pathways. We noted that events' influence on learning and agreements was facilitated by policy brokers and mediated through new venues and altered actor strategies. The findings indicated that competing coalitions' policy beliefs influenced the specific routes taken and underlined the centrality of governmental actors to different outcomes. The study illustrates how political conflicts occur and are addressed in environmental governance, generates insights critical to implementing international and national conservation policy, and builds theoretical knowledge of pathways to policy change in disputed policy processes.
An evaluation of the amyloid cascade model using in vivo positron emission tomographic imaging
Authors: Yasuno Fumihiko , Nakamura Akinori , Kato Takashi , Iwata Kaori , Sakurai Takashi , Arahata Yutaka , Washimi Yukihiko , Hattori Hideyuki , Ito Kengo
Published: August 2020

Aim

The amyloid cascade hypothesis posits that the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) is the triggering factor for Alzheimer's disease, which consecutively induces aggregation of tau, synaptic loss, and cell death. Most experimental and clinical evidence supports this model, but the available data are largely qualitative. Here, we tested the amyloid cascade hypothesis by using in vivo evaluation of positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Path analysis was used to estimate the relationships among Aβ accumulation (PiB standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR)), tau aggregation and its related neuroinflammation (THK5351 SUVR), grey matter atrophy in the medial temporal region, and memory function in Aβ‐positive subjects. We also performed additional regression analyses to evaluate the effect of Aβ on the toxicity of tau aggregation/neuroinflammation.

Results

Path analysis supported our hypothesized model: Aβ accumulation affected tau aggregation/neuroinflammation in the medial temporal region, and these pathological changes caused of the grey matter atrophy and memory dysfunction. In separate regression analyses, THK5351 SUVR had a significant effect on grey matter atrophy only in PiB‐positive subjects. The analysis of the interaction effect showed that the effects of THK5351 SUVR on grey matter atrophy were significantly different between PiB‐positive and PiB‐negative groups. When we included the effect of being an apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier as a covariate, the interaction effect remained significant.

Conclusion

Our in vivo evaluation of positron emission tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging data supported the amyloid cascade hypothesis. In addition, it indicated that Aβ not only accelerates tau aggregation/neuroinflammation but promotes its toxicity. Our findings showed the importance of understanding the role and therapeutic potential of the interaction between amyloid and tau aggregation/neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
Smart Technology and the Emergence of Algorithmic Bureaucracy: Artificial Intelligence in UK Local Authorities
Authors: Vogl Thomas M. , Seidelin Cathrine , Ganesh Bharath , Bright Jonathan
Published: August 2020

In recent years, local authorities in the UK have begun to adopt a variety of “smart” technological changes to enhance service delivery. These changes are having profound impacts on the structure of public administration. Focusing on the particular case of artificial intelligence, specifically autonomous agents and predictive analytics, a combination of desk research, a survey questionnaire, and interviews were used to better understand the extent and nature of these changes in local government. Findings suggest that local authorities are beginning to adopt smart technologies and that these technologies are having an unanticipated impact on how public administrators and computational algorithms become imbricated in the delivery of public services. This imbrication is described as algorithmic bureaucracy, and it provides a framework within which to explore how these technologies transform both the socio‐technical relationship between workers and their tools, as well as the ways that work is organized in the public sector.
Daughters’ experiences of shared caregiving to a parent with dementia
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M. , Nguyen Lily , Elane Genalyn , Wasilewski Marina Bastawrous , Rittenberg Nira , Cameron Jill I.
Published: August 2020

Background

Siblings often share in the care of parents with dementia, but little is known about how care is shared. Research suggests that in comparison with their brothers, sisters provide the majority of care to a parent with dementia and this can contribute to the sisters experiencing poorer health outcomes. There is limited knowledge about how to guide siblings who share in the care of a parent with dementia.

Aim

Our qualitative descriptive study sought to explore the experiences of adult daughters sharing care responsibilities with their siblings. The study protocol was approved by institutional (University of Toronto and Baycrest Health Sciences) research ethics boards.

Materials & methods

Thirty‐four daughters participated in an online qualitative survey. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 2006, 77) 6‐step process.

Results

In an overarching theme, daughters expected shared caregiving with their siblings. They conceptualised this to be a practice of being equitable in dividing care responsibilities and fulfilling a supportive role for a parent with dementia; however, this expectation was not met by most daughters. Two subthemes were identified: (a) factors facilitating/constraining shared caregiving and (b) consequences of sharing care. The findings highlight the importance of understanding shared caregiving among siblings when caring for a parent with dementia.

Discussion

Results from this study suggest that although shared caregiving is often the goal, factors such as gender roles, geographical proximity, caregiver expertise/skill set and work schedules affect caregivers’ abilities to share caregiving. These factors affected whether daughters viewed the caregiving situation as being shared equitably or inequitably, and this led to feelings of acceptance or resentment of their sibling’s contribution to the care of their parent.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers can utilise these findings to better support adult–child caregivers negotiating care with their siblings.
Predefined vs data‐guided training prescription based on autonomic nervous system variation: A systematic review
Authors: Düking Peter , Zinner Christoph , Reed Jennifer L. , Holmberg Hans‐Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: August 2020

Monitoring variations in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system may help personalize training of runners and provide more pronounced physiological adaptations and performance improvements. We systematically reviewed the scientific literature comparing physiological adaptations and/or improvements in performance following training based on responses of the autonomic nervous system (ie, changes in heart rate variability) and predefined training. PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched systematically in July 2019. Keywords related to endurance, running, autonomic nervous system, and training. Studies were included if they (a) involved interventions consisting predominantly of running training; (b) lasted at least 3 weeks; (c) reported pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment of running performance and/or physiological parameters; (d) included an experimental group performing training adjusted continuously on the basis of alterations in HRV and a control group; and (e) involved healthy runners. Five studies involving six interventions and 166 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Four HRV‐based interventions reduced the amount of moderate‐ and/or high‐intensity training significantly. In five interventions, improvements in performance parameters (3000 m, 5000 m, Loadmax, Tlim) were more pronounced following HRV‐based training. Peak oxygen uptake () and submaximal running parameters (eg, LT1, LT2) improved following both HRV‐based and predefined training, with no clear difference in the extent of improvement in . Submaximal running parameters tended to improve more following HRV‐based training. Research findings to date have been limited and inconsistent. Both HRV‐based and predefined training improve running performance and certain submaximal physiological adaptations, with effects of the former training tending to be greater.
Tracking the Resistance
Authors: Maresca Alex , Meyer David S.
Published: August 2020

A massive, and very diverse, oppositional movement emerged in the wake of Donald Trump's 2016 election to the presidency. “The Resistance” mobilized people across the political spectrum, who were concerned with a wide range of policy issues. The movement includes new activists and institutional actors; grassroots groups and social movement organizations; and conservatives and progressives. The range of activists, concerns, and approaches to politics poses practical and theoretical challenges for scholars studying this social movement. Drawing on the early research on this movement, this review answers four questions: who joined the Resistance, what the Resistance wants, how it employs social media and other technology, and what are its implications for social movement theory.
New Farmer Identity: The Emergence of a Post‐Productivist Agricultural Regime in China
Authors: Xie Xiaoru
Published: August 2020

The back‐to‐the‐land migration has become an emerging phenomenon in the developing countries over recent years. In this context, more and more people go to the countryside to practice peasant‐like agriculture, which gives rise to the ‘repeasantisation’. This research aims to understand the relations between new farmer identity and an emerging agricultural regime in recent years in China. It investigates how the new farmer identity is (re)constructed in their interactions with organic farming. Drawing on identity theory and concepts of ‘post‐productivism’ and ‘new peasantry’, empirical evidence shows that by performing a new agricultural regime, farmer identity has been redefined. On the one hand, the new farmer identity is shaped by their farm as a ‘significant symbol’, and is maintained and reinforced by their interactions with the farm and consumers. On the other hand, the new farmer identity is contested by common social thoughts of ‘farmer’. However, they fashion new boundaries to differentiate themselves from traditional farmers with stereotypes and elite discourses. Contributing to the post‐productivism debates, this research argues that the shifting meanings of farmer and farming in this new agricultural movement show the emergence of a post‐productivist agricultural regime in China.
CIPK23 regulates blue light‐dependent stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Inoue Shin‐Ichiro , Kaiserli Eirini , Zhao Xiang , Waksman Thomas , Takemiya Atsushi , Okumura Masaki , Takahashi Hirotaka , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Endo Yaeta , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Kinoshita Toshinori , Zhang Xiao , Christie John M. , Shimazaki Ken‐Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Phototropins (phot1 and phot2) are plant blue light receptor kinases that function to mediate phototropism, chloroplast movement, leaf flattening, and stomatal opening in Arabidopsis. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms associated with phototropin receptor activation by light. However, the identities of phototropin signaling components are less well understood by comparison. In this study, we specifically searched for protein kinases that interact with phototropins by using an in vitro screening method (AlphaScreen) to profile interactions against an Arabidopsis protein kinase library. We found that CBL‐interacting protein kinase 23 (CIPK23) interacts with both phot1 and phot2. Although these interactions were verified by in vitro pull‐down and in vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, CIPK23 was not phosphorylated by phot1, as least in vitro. Mutants lacking CIPK23 were found to exhibit impaired stomatal opening in response to blue light but no deficits in other phototropin‐mediated responses. We further found that blue light activation of inward‐rectifying K+ (K+in) channels was impaired in the guard cells of cipk23 mutants, whereas activation of the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase was not. The blue light activation of K+in channels was also impaired in the mutant of BLUS1, which is one of the phototropin substrates in guard cells. We therefore conclude that CIPK23 promotes stomatal opening through activation of K+in channels most likely in concert with BLUS1, but through a mechanism other than activation of the H+‐ATPase. The role of CIPK23 as a newly identified component of phototropin signaling in stomatal guard cells is discussed.
Effect of simvastatin on cell proliferation and Ras activation in canine tumour cells
Authors: Kobayashi Kosuke , Baba Kenji , Kambayashi Satoshi , Okuda Masaru
Published: August 2020

Statins are inhibitors of the mevalonate cascade that is responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis and the formation of intermediate metabolites, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) used in the prenylation of proteins. Although statins are widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, recent studies suggest that they also inhibit proliferation of tumour cells by reducing prenylation of small GTP‐binding proteins, such as, Ras. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on cell proliferation and Ras activation in various canine tumour cell lines, including hemangiosarcoma (HSA), melanoma, and lymphoma cell lines. Simvastatin inhibited cell proliferation of all cell lines tested in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, but the susceptibilities were different amongst the cell lines. Simvastatin induced apoptotic cell death via activation of caspase‐3 and cell cycle arrest. The cytotoxic effects of simvastatin were attenuated by GGPP and FPP. Simvastatin decreased the amount of prenylated Ras and GTP‐bound Ras in HSA and melanoma cell lines, but not in lymphoma cell lines. These results indicate that simvastatin induces cytotoxic effects through the depletion of GGPP and FPP in a variety of canine tumour cells, whereas multiple mechanisms are involved in the effects. Further study is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of simvastatin‐induced cytotoxic effects in a variety of canine tumour cells.
Immunological response in cynomolgus macaques to porcine α‐1,3 galactosyltransferase knockout viable skin xenotransplants—A pre‐clinical study
Authors: Holzer Paul W. , Chang Elizabeth , Wicks Joan , Scobie Linda , Crossan Claire , Monroy Rod
Published: August 2020

Background

Allogeneic skin recovered from human deceased donors (HDD) has been a mainstay interim treatment for severe burns, but unfortunately risk of infectious disease and availability limitations exist. Genetically engineered ɑ‐1,3 galactosyltransferase knockout (GalT‐KO) porcine source animals for viable skin xenotransplants may provide a promising clinical alternative.

Methods

Four cynomolgus macaque recipients received full‐thickness surgical wounds to model the defects arising from excision of full‐thickness burn injury and were treated with biologically active skin xenotransplants derived from GalT‐KO, Designated Pathogen Free (DPF) miniature swine. Evaluations were conducted for safety, tolerability, and recipient immunological response.

Results

All skin xenotransplants demonstrated prolonged survival, vascularity, and persistent dermal adhesion until the study endpoint at post‐operative day 30. No adverse outcomes were observed during the study. Varying levels of epidermolysis coincided with histologic detection of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and other cellular infiltrates in the epidermis. Recipient sera IgM and IgG demonstrated significant antibody immune response to non‐α‐1,3‐galactose porcine xenoantigens. Separately, specific wound healing mediators were quantified. Neither porcine cell migration nor PERV were detected in circulation or any visceral organs.

Conclusions

These results provide a detailed analysis of vital skin xenotransplants utilizing a non‐human primate model to predict the anticipated immunological response of human patients. The lack of adverse rejection even in the presence of elevated Ig indicates this is a prospective therapeutic option. The findings reported here directly supported regulatory clearance for a first‐in‐man, Phase I xenotransplantation clinical trial.
Supporting Teachers in Times of Change: The Job Demands- Resources Model and Teacher Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sokal Laura J. , Trudel Lesley G. Eblie , Babb Jeff C.
Published: August 2020

Burnout in teachers has been broadly investigated, but no studies have investigated burnout in teachers during a pandemic. The current study is based on a survey of 1278 Canadian teachers and examined whether the Job Demands-Resources model was a useful lens for examining teacher burnout in this unprecedented context. Results supported the model in general terms in that most demands were most strongly correlated with the initial exhaustion stage of burnout. However, not all resources were most strongly associated with the later stages of burnout, suggesting that the examination of specific resources in the context of a pandemic as opposed to examining resources together as a latent variable contributes to development of a more refined model. Suggestions for supporting teachers’ welfare are provided.
Architecture and function of NMDA receptors: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Stroebel David , Paoletti Pierre
Published: August 2020

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are a major class of ligand‐gated ion channels that are widespread in the living kingdom. Their critical role in excitatory neurotransmission and brain function of arthropods and vertebrates has made them a compelling subject of interest for neurophysiologists and pharmacologists. This is particularly true for NMDA receptor (NMDARs), a subclass of iGluRs that act as central drivers of synaptic plasticity in the CNS. How and when the unique properties of NMDARs arose during evolution, and how they relate to the evolution of the nervous system, remain open questions. Recent years have witnessed a boom in both genomic and structural data, such that it is now possible to analyse the evolution of iGluR genes on an unprecedented scale and within a solid molecular framework. In this review, combining insights from phylogeny, atomic structure and physiological and mechanistic data, we discuss how evolution of NMDAR motifs and sequences shaped their architecture and functionalities. We trace differences and commonalities between NMDARs and other iGluRs, emphasizing a few distinctive properties of the former regarding ligand binding and gating, permeation, allosteric modulation and intracellular signalling. Finally, we speculate on how specific molecular properties of iGuRs arose to supply new functions to the evolving structure of the nervous system, from early metazoan to present mammals.

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Arginase 1 is involved in lacrimal hyposecretion in male NOD mice, a model of Sjögren's syndrome, regardless of dacryoadenitis status
Authors: Ohno Yuta , Satoh Keitaro , Shitara Akiko , Into Takeshi , Kashimata Masanori
Published: August 2020

Key points

Few reports have explored the possibility of involvement of non‐inflammatory factors in lacrimal hyposecretion in Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that only four genes, including arginase 1, were downregulated in the lacrimal gland of SS model male mice (NOD mice) after onset of lacrimal hyposecretion and dacryoadenitis.

Even in non‐dacryoadenitis‐type NOD mice, tear secretion and arginase 1 expression remained low.

An arginase 1 inhibitor reduced tear secretion and partially reduced saliva secretion in BALB/c mice.

The results indicate that a non‐inflammatory factor, arginase 1, is involved in lacrimal hyposecretion in male NOD mice, regardless of dacryoadenitis status.

Lacrimal fluid (tears) is important for preservation of the ocular surface, and thus lacrimal hyposecretion in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) leads to reduced quality of life. However, the cause(s) of lacrimal hyposecretion remains unknown, even though many studies have been conducted from the perspective of inflammation. Here, we hypothesized that a non‐inflammatory factor induces lacrimal hyposecretion in SS pathology, and to elucidate such a factor, we conducted transcriptome analysis of the lacrimal glands in male non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice as an SS model. The NOD mice showed inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased pilocarpine‐induced tear secretion at and after 6 weeks of age compared to age‐matched BALB/c mice. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that only four genes, including arginase 1, were downregulated, whereas many genes relating to inflammation were upregulated, in the lacrimal glands of male NOD mice after onset of lacrimal hyposecretion and dacryoadenitis (lacrimal gland inflammation). Changes in the level of arginase 1 expression were confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, non‐dacryoadenitis‐type NOD mice were used to investigate the relationships among arginase 1 expression, lacrimal hyposecretion and dacryoadenitis. Interestingly, these NOD mice retained the phenotype of dacryoadenitis with regard to tear secretion and arginase 1 expression level. An arginase 1 inhibitor reduced tear secretion and partially reduced saliva secretion in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, a non‐inflammatory factor, arginase 1, is involved in lacrimal hyposecretion in male NOD mice, regardless of dacryoadenitis status. These results shed light on the pathophysiological role of arginase 1 in SS (dry eye).
Dry etching strategy of spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory: A review
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Cui Bo , Miao Guo-Xing
Published: August 2020

The spin-based memory, spin transfer torque-magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM), has the potential to enhance the power efficiency of high density memory systems. Its desirable characteristics include nonvolatility, fast operation, and long endurance. However, dry etching of MRAM structures remains a challenge as the industry is ramping up its production. In this paper, we explore the etching strategies that have been used to etch the MRAM structures. Several etching techniques have been developed to attain optimal device performance. These are reactive ion etching, time modulated plasma etching, atomic layer etching, and ion beam etching. Sidewall profile, sidewall contamination or damage, redeposition, selectivity, and noncorrosiveness are the main factors to consider while selecting the best etching methods. This paper starts with the fundamentals of MRAM reading, writing, and storing principles and finishes with the current approaches to solve the etch challenges. For etching, the most commonly used magnetic materials such as CoFeB, CoFe, and NiFe are covered in this article.
Multichannel spectral estimation in acoustics: A state-space approach
Authors: Candy J. V. , Fisher K. A. , Case J. E. , Goodrich T. W.
Published: August 2020

Spectral estimation is a necessary methodology to analyze the frequency content of noisy data sets especially in acoustic applications. Many spectral techniques have evolved starting with the classical Fourier transform methods based on the well-known Wiener-Khintchine relationship relating the covariance-to-spectral density as a transform pair culminating with more elegant model-based parametric techniques that apply prior knowledge of the data to produce a high-resolution spectral estimate. Multichannel spectral representations are a class of both nonparametric, as well as parametric, estimators that provide improved spectral estimates. In any case, classical nonparametric multichannel techniques can provide reasonable estimates when coupled with peak-peaking methods as long as the signal levels are reasonably high. Parametric multichannel methods can perform quite well in low signal level environments even when applying simple peak-picking techniques. In this paper, the performance of both nonparametric (periodogram) and parametric (state-space) multichannel spectral estimation methods are investigated when applied to both synthesized noisy structural vibration data as well as data obtained from a sounding rocket flight. It is demonstrated that for the multichannel problem, state-space techniques provide improved performance, offering a parametric alternative compared to classical methods.
Use of Acoustic Feedback to Change Gait Patterns: Implementation and Transfer to Motor Learning Theory—A Scoping Review
Authors: Linnhoff Dagmar , Alizadeh Shahab , Schaffert Nina , Mattes Klaus
Published: August 2020

Changing gait parameters through acoustic feedback is a promising approach in gait therapy. The question remains to what extent, if any, the theories and concepts of motor learning have been taken into account for acoustic feedback systems development. Fifteen studies were identified for further analysis using a scoping review framework, among which seven had individuals with disordered gait as their population and eight incorporated healthy individuals. It was found that most studies used error feedback and did not test for long-term effects on gait parameters. It can be concluded that future studies should apply motor learning theories and concepts to the development of acoustic feedback devices for gait therapy.
The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Spasticity: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study in Para-Swimmers
Authors: Puce Luca , Pallecchi Ilaria , Marinelli Lucio , May Maria , Mori Laura , Ruggeri Piero , Bove Marco
Published: August 2020

Context: Kinesio Taping (KT) produces several clinical effects, including pain relief, edema absorption, and improved muscle performance. When applied in the insertion to origin mode, it is claimed to inhibit excessive muscle contractions. Objective: Investigate whether KT applied in the insertion to origin mode could reduce the exaggerated reflex contraction of spastic muscles. Design: Randomized crossover trial, with a restricted block randomization. Setting: Clinical laboratory and swimming pool. Patients: Seven para-swimmers. Intervention: KT, applied in inhibitory mode, to investigate its effect on knee extensor spasticity. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome is stretch reflex, as compared with clinical assessment of spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale and self-perceived spasticity by numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes were Medical Research Council for strength of knee extensor muscles and chronometric swimming performance in 100-m freestyle. Results: KT significantly decreased the amplitude of stretch reflex (P < .001), whereas the placebo treatment produced no significant effects. Scores of Medical Research Council for strength and Modified Ashworth Scale did not change after KT, whereas numeric rating scale scores for spasticity significantly decreased (P = .001). The swimming performance was significantly improved after KT treatment as compared with baseline (P < .01). Conclusions: This exploratory study performed on para-athletes suggests that KT could reduce spasticity. This outcome has 3-fold implications for clinical, rehabilitation, and sport methods.
Metabolic multistability and hysteresis in a model aerobe-anaerobe microbiome community
Authors: Khazaei Tahmineh , Williams Rory L. , Bogatyrev Said R. , Doyle John C. , Henry Christopher S. , Ismagilov Rustem F.
Published: August 2020

Multistability and hysteresis is a potential mechanism to describe shifts to and persistence of aerobe-anaerobe communities.
Internal friction controls active ciliary oscillations near the instability threshold
Authors: Mondal Debasmita , Adhikari Ronojoy , Sharma Prerna
Published: August 2020

Internal friction in cilia dominates because fluid friction is small compared to elastic stresses caused by active motors.
The biophysical, molecular, and anatomical landscape of pigeon CRY4: A candidate light-based quantal magnetosensor
Authors: Hochstoeger Tobias , Al Said Tarek , Maestre Dante , Walter Florian , Vilceanu Alexandra , Pedron Miriam , Cushion Thomas D. , Snider William , Nimpf Simon , Nordmann Gregory Charles , Landler Lukas , Edelman Nathaniel , Kruppa Lennard , Dürnberger Gerhard , Mechtler Karl , Schuechner Stefan , Ogris Egon , Malkemper E. Pascal , Weber Stefan , Schleicher Erik , Keays David A.
Published: August 2020

clCRY4 has the biophysical and molecular attributes necessary to function as a light-dependent magnetosensor.