bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does electrical capacitance represent roots in the soil?
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Vozáry Eszter , Rajkai Kálmán
Published: April 2020

The efficiency of the root capacitance method is still judged contradictorily. It was, therefore, aimed to verify that the electrical capacitance (CR) and impedance (ZR) measured between ground electrode (pushed into the soil) and plant electrode (clamped on the stem) really represented the root system present in the soil. An ‘electrode separation experiment’ and a ‘root excision experiment’ were performed on potted maize plants cultivated in arenosol. The partial electrical separation of the ground electrode (restriction of the current flow in the topsoil) caused no significant changes in the capacitance and impedance of either the soil or the plant–soil system. This suggested that the current flows through a multitude of soil solution pathways, not predominantly on the wet soil surface. The progressive excision of the main root branches caused a gradual decrease in CR (31–39% of the initial value) and an increase in ZR (4.4- to 5.2-fold that of intact plants). CR showed a much stronger correlation with root dry mass (R2 = 0.807) than with stem cross-sectional area (R2 = 0.424) in intact plants. The closeness of the latter relationship decreased further (R2 = 0.377) after whole root excision. The results clearly demonstrated that the root system dominated the measured capacitance and impedance, though the role of the stem base was not negligible. In conclusion, the capacitance method is worth considering in future studies as an adequate non-intrusive approach to evaluate root size in the soil.
Double Trouble: The Burden of Child-rearing and Working on Maternal Mortality
Authors: Bucher-Koenen Tabea , Farbmacher Helmut , Guber Raphael , Vikström Johan
Published: April 2020

We document increased old-age mortality rates among Swedish mothers of twins compared with mothers of singletons, using administrative data on mortality for 1990–2010. We argue that twins are an unplanned shock to fertility in the cohorts of older women considered. Deaths due to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart attacks—all of which are associated with stress during the life course—are significantly increased. Stratifying the sample by education and pension income shows the highest increase in mortality rates among highly educated mothers and those with above-median pension income. These results are consistent with the existence of a double burden on mothers’ health resulting from simultaneously child-rearing and working.
Bimetallic hexanuclear clusters in Ce/Zr-UiO-66 MOFs: in situ FTIR spectroscopy and modelling insights
Authors: Atzori Cesare , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Jacobsen Jannick , Stock Norbert , Damin Alessandro , Bonino Francesca , Bordiga Silvia
Published: April 2020

In situ FTIR and DFT modelling were used to study the stoichiometry of the hexanuclear clusters in Ce/Zr-UiO-66 compounds.
Immunsuppression nach Nierentransplantation
Authors: Aßfalg Volker
Published: April 2020

Der Goldstandard der Immunsuppression nach Nierentransplantation gemäß aktuellen KDIGO-Empfehlungen 1 besteht nach wie vor aus einem Calcineurininhibitor (CNI), Mycophenolsäure und Steroiden – der sog. Tripel-Therapie. Der große Durchbruch in der Langzeitüberlebensrate von Nierentransplantaten gelang erst in den 1990er-Jahren mit dem Einsatz von Ciclosporin A. Mit Einführung des ähnlich wirkenden, aber potenteren Tacrolimus 2 wurde dieser CNI in die Empfehlungen der KDIGO als Erstlinienpräparat in der de novo Immunsuppression aufgenommen 1. Vonseiten des Nebenwirkungsprofils zeigen die CNI jedoch unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen wie z. B. Nephrotoxizität, die im Rahmen der sog. CNI-Toxizität die Transplantatlangzeitfunktion einschränken und limitieren kann. Darüber hinaus findet sich ein erhöhtes Risiko für Hypertonie, Fettstoffwechselstörungen und insbesondere für Tacrolimus die Auslösung eines Post-Transplantations-Diabetes (NODAT: New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation) oder Aggravierung eines bestehenden Diabetes mellitus.
Response to Letter to the Editor Entitled: Concerning the Article by
Arezoo Maleki-Hajiagha et al. Entitled Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Level in
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and
Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maleki-Hajiagha Arezoo , Razavi Maryam , Rezaeinejad Mahroo , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Mehri Ahmad , Vesali Samira , Allameh Zahra
Published: April 2020

Dear Editor,

We thank Kunicki et al. 1 for their
interest in our paper 2 and for taking
the time to give relevant and important comments regarding the inclusion of
hirsutism or hyperandrogenism cases in our study. We agree with Kunicki et al.
that the title is not appropriate, and it was better if the title of the article
was: Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Level in Women with Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome and Hyperandrogenism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Also, we
should make some minor editing in the manuscript text.
Comparison of X-ray speckle-based imaging deflection retrieval algorithms for the optimization of radiation dose
Authors: Rouge-Labriet Helene , Quenot Laurene , Bohic Sylvain , Fayard Barbara , Paganin David M , Brun Emmanuel , Berujon Sebastien
Published: April 2020

X-ray phase contrast imaging can provide improved or complementary information to traditional attenuation-based X-ray imaging, making the field a vast and rapidly evolving research subject. X-ray speckle-based imaging (SBI) is one phase-contrast imaging approach that has shown significant potential in providing both high sensitivity and high resolution while using a very simple experimental setup. With the aim of transferring such phase-contrast-based imaging techniques from synchrotron to laboratory X-ray sources, the issue of the deposited radiation dose still remains to be addressed. In this work, we experimentally and quantitatively compare the results from three different SBI phase retrieval algorithms using both phantoms and biological samples in order to infer the optimal configuration. The results obtained using a synchrotron beam suggest that the technique based on optical flow conservation achieves the most accurate retrieval from the lowest number of sample exposures. This constitutes an important step toward the possibility of transferring SBI into the clinic.
DNA sequencing via Z-shaped graphene nano ribbon field effect transistor decorated with nanoparticles using first-principle transport simulations
Authors: Wasfi Asma , Awwad Falah , Ayesh Ahmad I
Published: April 2020

DNA detection has revolutionized medical and biological research fields. It provides a wealth of medical information for each individual, which can be used in a personalized medicinal procedure in the future. Genome sequence helps to enhance our perception of inheritance, disease, and individuality. This work aims to improve DNA sequencing accuracy and the overall current signal using a novel nano pore based sensor that is developed to detect and identify the DNA bases. Herein, a novel z-shaped field effect transistor with a nano pore for the aim of DNA detection is studied, where a gate terminal is added below the center of the z-shaped graphene nano ribbon. First-principle transport calculations are used to identify the DNA bases and electronic signature. An efficient density functional theory approach combined with non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism (DFT + NEGF) are utilized to detect the transmission spectrum and current for DNA nucleo bases: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine. Using transmission current, a distinctive electronic signature is generated for each DNA base to detect each DNA sequence. Various orientations and lateral position for each DNA base are considered. Moreover, the effect of decorating the developed DNA sensor with gold and silver nanoparticles on the sensor’s electrical current and transmission spectra is studied and analyzed. The results suggest that the z-shaped sensor could achieve DNA sequencing with high accuracy. The practical implementation of this work represents the capability to anticipate and cure diseases from the genetic makeup perspective.
Low-impact land use pathways to deep decarbonization of electricity
Authors: Wu Grace C , Leslie Emily , Sawyerr Oluwafemi , Cameron D Richard , Brand Erica , Cohen Brian , Allen Douglas , Ochoa Marcela , Olson Arne
Published: April 2020

A growing number of jurisdictions are passing ambitious clean energy policies. Yet few studies have accounted for natural and agricultural land impacts of low-carbon pathways and how environmental siting constraints affect electricity costs and technology choices. To address this gap, we developed an integrated land-energy planning framework to examine the land use trade-offs of renewable energy development required to achieve ambitious clean energy goals, using the state of California as a case study. Using high-resolution ecological and agricultural datasets for 11 Western U.S. states, we modeled environmentally-constrained onshore wind, solar photovoltaic, and geothermal potential and used an electricity capacity expansion model to build generation portfolios for 2050. Here we show that California can meet its targets, but the technology mix, spatial build-out, and system costs are sensitive to land protections and availability of out-of-state renewable resources. Results suggest that failure to consider land availability in energy planning could increase uncertainties, environmental impacts, and risks in meeting subnational climate targets.
Additional cusp reconstruction does not compromise valve durability and mid-term survival after the David procedure: results from 449 patients
Authors: Liebrich Markus , Charitos Efstratios , Stadler Charlotte , Roser Detlef , Merk Denis R , Doll Nicolas , Hemmer Wolfgang , Voth Vladimir
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether additional cusp interventions and valve types affect aortic valve-related reoperation and mortality rates after the David procedure.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2018, a total of 449 patients {372 males; mean age 54.2 [standard deviation (SD) 15.2] years, range: 12.7–79.9 years} underwent elective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) for aortic regurgitation and were prospectively followed up clinically and echocardiographically.

RESULTS

The follow-up was 94% complete. Cumulative follow-up time was 2268 patient-years [mean follow-up time 5.1 (4.3 SD) years]. Thirty-day mortality was 2.2% (n = 10). Late (>30 days) survival did not differ from that of the age- and gender-matched general population. Freedom from reoperation in patients without additional cusp reconstruction was 94% [95% confidence interval (CI) 91–98] and 92% (95% CI 88–97) at 5 and 10 years, respectively, which was not significantly different (P = 1) for patients who did require additional cusp reconstruction 98% (95% CI 95–100) and 89% (95% CI 81–99). In patients with tricuspid aortic valves (n = 338), freedom from reoperation was 96% (95% CI 94–99) and 93% (95% CI 88–97) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves (n = 111) had a freedom from reoperation of 94% (95% CI 89–99) at 5 years and 88% (95% CI 79–98) at 10 years (P = 0.021 for the comparison to tricuspid aortic valve). Overall, 23 patients (5%; 1%/patient-year) required reoperation with a mean interval of 4.5 (4.8 SD) months.

CONCLUSIONS

The David procedure revealed low mid-term reoperation risk and excellent survival independent of adjunctive cusp interventions/valve morphology and is comparable with that of the age- and gender-matched general population.
Feeding an amino acid formulated milk replacer for Holstein calves
Authors: Bai Yan , Liu Ting , Hultquist Kayla , Wu Jianping , Casper David P
Published: April 2020

The milk-fed calf has a requirement for amino acids (AA) instead of crude protein (CP); however, most milk replacers (MR) are still formulated for CP concentrations. Previous work has demonstrated that feeding a modified MR (24:20; CP:fat @ 0.64 kg/d) improved calf growth performance compared with standard (20:20 @ 0.57 kg/d) and accelerated MR (26:16 @ 0.78 kg/d). The 56-d study objective was to determine if feeding an MR formulated using synthetic AA to achieve the AA concentrations of a 24:20 MR while reducing CP results in similar or enhanced growth performance and/or reduce cost compared with standard MR formulations. Eighty 3- to 5-d-old Holstein bull calves received in two lots (40) within the same week were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of four MR treatments consisting of 20:20 (20), 22:20 (22), 24:20 (24), and a 22:20 having the AA concentrations of the 24, but with reduced CP (22AA). All MR contain decoquinate and were fed at 0.57 kg/calf daily split into 2×/d feeding for 14 d via bucket, increased to 0.85 kg/calf daily in two feedings until 35 d, and then fed 1×/d at 0.41 kg/calf daily with weaning after day 42. Calves were housed in straw-bedded hutches with ad libitum access to water and pelleted calf starter (CS). All data were statistically analyzed as a randomized complete block design with block considered random with week as a repeated measurement. Initial BW was similar (P > 0.10) across all treatments (42.4 ± 2.2 kg). Calves fed 22AA MR demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) BW compared with calves fed the 24 MR, and calves fed the 20 and 22 MR being intermediate and similar (P > 0.10; 78.7, 78.8, 76.5, and 81.8 kg for 20, 22, 24, and 22AA, respectively). CS intake was greater (P < 0.05) for calves fed 22AA (0.74, 0.78, 0.65, and 0.81 kg/d) compared with calves fed the 20 and 24, but similar (P > 0.10) to calves fed 22. Calves fed 24 MR demonstrated the lowest CS intake. This study demonstrates that similar growth performance can be achieved by feeding an AA fortified MR having a lesser CP concentration, which might reduce feed costs.
Rice LecRK5 phosphorylates a UGPase to regulate callose biosynthesis during pollen development
Authors: Wang Bin , Fang Ruiqiu , Zhang Jia , Han Jingluan , Chen Faming , He Furong , Liu Yao-Guang , Chen Letian
Published: April 2020

The temporary callose layer surrounding the tetrads of microspores is critical for male gametophyte development in flowering plants, as abnormal callose deposition can lead to microspore abortion. A sophisticated signaling network regulates callose biosynthesis but these pathways are poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a rice male-sterile mutant, oslecrk5, which showed defective callose deposition during meiosis. OsLecRK5 encodes a plasma membrane-localized lectin receptor-like kinase, which can form a dimer with itself. Moreover, normal anther development requires the K-phosphorylation site (a conserved residue at the ATP-binding site) of OsLecRK5. In vitro assay showed that OsLecRK5 phosphorylates the callose synthesis enzyme UGP1, enhancing callose biosynthesis during anther development. Together, our results demonstrate that plasma membrane-localized OsLecRK5 phosphorylates UGP1 and promotes its activity in callose biosynthesis in rice. This is the first evidence that a receptor-like kinase positively regulates callose biosynthesis.
Optimizing the PBS1 Decoy System to Confer Resistance to Potyvirus Infection in Arabidopsis and Soybean
Authors: Pottinger Sarah E. , Bak Aurelie , Margets Alexandra , Helm Matthew , Tang Lucas , Casteel Clare , Innes Roger W.
Published: April 2020

The Arabidopsis resistance protein RPS5 is activated by proteolytic cleavage of the protein kinase PBS1 by the Pseudomonas syringae effector protease AvrPphB. We have previously shown that replacing seven amino acids at the cleavage site of PBS1 with a motif cleaved by the NIa protease of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) enables RPS5 activation upon TuMV infection. However, this engineered resistance conferred a trailing necrosis phenotype indicative of a cell-death response too slow to contain the virus. We theorized this could result from a positional mismatch within the cell between PBS1TuMV, RPS5, and the NIa protease. To test this, we relocalized PBS1TuMV and RPS5 to cellular sites of NIa accumulation. These experiments revealed that relocation of RPS5 away from the plasma membrane compromised RPS5-dependent cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana, even though PBS1 was efficiently cleaved. As an alternative approach, we tested whether overexpression of plasma membrane–localized PBS1TuMV could enhance RPS5 activation by TuMV. Significantly, overexpressing the PBS1TuMV decoy protein conferred complete resistance to TuMV when delivered by either agrobacterium or by aphid transmission, showing that RPS5-mediated defense responses are effective against bacterial and viral pathogens. Lastly, we have now extended this PBS1 decoy approach to soybean by modifying a soybean PBS1 ortholog to be cleaved by the NIa protease of soybean mosaic virus (SMV). Transgenic overexpression of this soybean PBS1 decoy conferred immunity to SMV, demonstrating that we can use endogenous PBS1 proteins in crop plants to engineer economically relevant disease resistant traits.
The learning and teaching area of AACSB standards: a process model framework
Authors: Kundu Goutam Kumar , Majumdar Jyoti Prakas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a process model for implementation in a business school setting, by doing a thorough analysis of the requirement of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) standards relating to the learning and teaching area.

Design/methodology/approach

The process model is developed by adopting a three-step approach. The authors have presented an articulated procedure for the development of the process model.

Findings

The process model presented in this paper offers a systemic approach to process design and implementation in a business school environment. The process model was developed and applied over the course of systematic reviews in a business school setting by aligning with the requirements of AACSB accreditation standards belonging to the learning and teaching area.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the present study is that the scope of the process model presented here is limited to the requirements of the AACSB standards belonging to the learning and teaching area only. The authors plan to develop process models for the other areas of AACSB standards in the near future.

Practical implications

It is hoped that this paper can bring a contribution to professionals as well as academics, in regards to development of process framework complying with the requirements of the AACSB standards. The process model presented in this paper comprises macro-level processes and the related activities. It will serve as a guide to develop processes in a business school setting.

Originality/value

The present study has attempted to present a process model complying with requirements of the AACSB standards belong to the learning and teaching area. The authors feel that developed process model can be used by the business schools that are planning to implement AACSB standards for accreditation or are interested in modifying their current processes following the requirements of the AACSB standards.
Politically connected boards, family business groups and firm performance
Authors: Joni Joni , Ahmed Kamran , Hamilton Jane
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between politically connected boards (both supervisory boards [SBs] and boards of directors [BODs]) and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We focus on the political connections of SBs and BODs separately and estimate a quadratic model based on 1,099 Indonesian listed firm-year observations. Additionally, we address endogeneity problem by using sample selection model, generalized method of moments (GMM), propensity score matching\ and lagged variables regression.

Findings

We find that political connections of SBs are more significantly associated with firm performance than that of BODs. Furthermore, such an association is not monotonic, in that the relationship declines after a certain level of political connections. We also find that stand-alone firms with political connections perform better than firms belonging to family business groups. Our results are robust to alternative measures and to tests for endogeneity.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature by proposing non-linear model to incorporate the rent-seeking and resource dependence arguments. Although previous studies use regression analysis (linear model) and find mixed results on the association between political connections and firm performance, our non-linear model extends our understanding of the relationship between political connections and firm performance. We extend corporate governance literature by examining the role of political supervisory boards in the dual board system and the role of family business group in Indonesia. Several limitations are addressed to interpret all the findings. We use one period of the presidency (SBY-Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) in Indonesia as our sample, but other regimes are not considered. We collect political connection and family business group information based on publicly data available. For politically connected firms, we do not have information whether they obtain connections through ruling parties or not.

Practical implications

Practitioners (such as companies and policymakers) can use our models to consider the level of political connections that can improve corporate’s performance. Additionally, they can use our findings to design corporate governance policies.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the use of the non-linear model on the association between political connections and firm performance in Indonesian dual board system.
A reduced healing protocol for sinus floor elevation in a staged approach with deproteinized bovine bone mineral alone: A randomized controlled clinical trial of a 5‐month healing in comparison to the 8‐month healing
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Jin , Chen Fei , Feng Yuan , Xie Chao , Li Dehua
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of reducing the healing time of maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) by a two‐stage approach using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) alone, based on clinical, histomorphometric, and microradiographic evaluations.

Materials and Methods

Twenty consecutive cases with an atrophic posterior edentulous maxilla were randomly assigned to two groups at a ratio of 1:1. The lateral window approach to MSFE with DBBM alone was followed by an 8‐month bone‐healing period in the control group compared to 5 months in the test group. During implant placement, bone biopsies were harvested from implant osteotomy sites for micro‐computed tomography (CT), histological, and histomorphometric evaluations. Cone beam CT (CBCT) scans were performed before and immediately after MSFE and after the bone‐healing periods. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured sequentially at implant placement and 1, 3, and 6 months thereafter.

Results

The histomorphometric and microradiographic results showed no significant differences in new bone formation on the augmented sinus floor between the two groups (all Ps > .05), except that trabecular thickness was significantly reduced and trabecular separation significantly increased in the test group (both Ps < .05). The ISQs of both groups increased continuously after implant placement, but the difference was not significant between the groups at each time point. CBCT analyses showed that the extent of volumetric loss was comparable after bone healing for 5 and 8 months (P > .05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the bone‐healing time of MSFE with DBBM alone for staged implant placement could be reduced to 5 months instead of 8 or 9 months, based on the histomorphometric, microradiographic, and clinical outcomes; however, impact on long‐term implant survival remains unknown and needs further investigation with long‐term follow‐ups.
PRIRATE 2020 guidelines for reporting randomized trials in Endodontics: explanation and elaboration
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Duncan H. F. , Bjørndal L. , Kvist T. , Priya E. , Jayaraman J. , Pulikkotil S. J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: April 2020

Well‐designed and properly conducted randomized clinical trials provide a true estimate of the effects of interventions and are acknowledged as the gold standard in terms of clinical study design. However, the quality of randomized clinical trials published in the field of Endodontics is suboptimal. The Preferred Reporting Items for RAndomized Trials in Endodontics (PRIRATE) 2020 guidelines were developed exclusively for Endodontics by integrating and adapting the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP) principles, through an accepted and well‐documented consensus process. Full implementation of the PRIRATE 2020 guidelines will minimize potential sources of bias and thus enhance the standard of manuscripts submitted for publication, which will ultimately improve the reporting of randomized clinical trials in Endodontics. The aim of this document is to provide an explanation for each item in the PRIRATE 2020 checklist and flowchart with examples from the literature in order to help authors understand their rationale and significance. A link to this PRIRATE 2020 explanation and elaboration document is available on the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology (PRIDE) website at http://www.pride-endodonticguidelines.org/prirate/.
FRS7 and FRS12 recruit NINJA to regulate expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes
Authors: Fernández‐Calvo Patricia , Iñigo Sabrina , Glauser Gaétan , Vanden Bossche Robin , Tang Michelle , Li Baohua , De Clercq Rebecca , Nagels Durand Astrid , Eeckhout Dominique , Gevaert Kris , De Jaeger Geert , Brady Siobhan M. , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Pauwels Laurens , Goossens Alain , Ritter Andrés
Published: April 2020

The sessile lifestyle of plants requires accurate physiology adjustments to be able to thrive in a changing environment. Plants integrate environmental timing signals to control developmental and stress responses.

Here, we identified Far1 Related Sequence (FRS) 7 and FRS12, two transcriptional repressors that accumulate in short‐day conditions, as regulators of Arabidopsis glucosinolate (GSL) biosynthesis.

Loss of function of FRS7 and FRS12 results in plants with increased amplitudes of diurnal expression of GSL pathway genes. Protein interaction analyses revealed that FRS7 and FRS12 recruit the NOVEL INTERACTOR OF JAZ (NINJA) to assemble a transcriptional repressor complex.

Genetic and molecular evidence demonstrated that FRS7, FRS12 and NINJA jointly regulate the expression of GSL biosynthetic genes, and thus constitute a molecular mechanism that modulates specialized metabolite accumulation.
Germ Tubes and Proteinase Activity Contribute to Virulence of
Candida albicans
in Murine Peritonitis
Authors: Kretschmar Marianne , Hube Bernhard , Bertsch Thomas , Sanglard Dominique , Merker Renate , Schröder Meike , Hof Herbert , Nichterlein Thomas
Published: April 2020

Peritonitis with
Candida albicans
is an important complication of bowel perforation and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. To define potential virulence factors, we investigated 50 strains of
C. albicans
in a murine peritonitis model. There was considerable variation in their virulence in this model when virulence was measured as release of organ-specific enzymes into the plasma of infected mice. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-amylase (AM) were used as parameters for damage of the liver and pancreas, respectively. The activities of ALT and AM in the plasma correlated with invasion into the organs measured in histologic sections and the median germ tube length induced with serum in vitro. When the activity of proteinases was inhibited in vivo with pepstatin A, there was a significant reduction of ALT and AM activities. This indicates that proteinases contributed to virulence in this model. Using strains of
C. albicans
with disruption of secreted aspartyl proteinase gene
SAP1
,
SAP2
,
SAP3
, or
SAP4
through
SAP6
(collectively referred to as
SAP4-6
), we showed that only a Δ
sap4-6
triple mutant induced a significantly reduced activity of ALT in comparison to the reference strain. In contrast to the Δ
sap1
, Δ
sap2
, and Δ
sap3
mutants, the ALT induced by the Δ
sap4-6
mutant could not be further reduced by pepstatin A treatment, which indicates that Sap4-6 may contribute to virulence in this model.
ctDNA Detection in Microfluidic Platform: A Promising Biomarker for Personalized Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Gauri Samla , Ahmad Mohd R.
Published: April 2020

Early detection and characterization of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can reveal mint of comprehensive biological insights from indicating the presence of tumor, identifying mutational changes of malignant cells, and allowing precision or targeted therapy together with monitoring disease progression, treatment resistance, and relapse of the disease. Apart from these, one of the greatest axiomatic implications of ctDNA detection is that it provides a new shed of light as noninvasive liquid biopsy as a replaceable procedure of surgical tumor biopsy. Despite the tremendous potential of ctDNA in cancer research, there remains a paucity of quantitative study on ctDNA detection and analysis. The majority of previously published microfluidic-based studies have focused on circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection and have failed to address the potential of ctDNA. The studies on microfluidic ctDNA detection are not consistent might be due to the complexity of ctDNA isolation as they present in low concentration in blood plasma. Researchers need to leverage the ability of microfluidic system for ctDNA analysis so that the significant enigma about cancer can be resolved effectively. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of ctDNA as cancer biomarker for liquid biopsy and provides an overview of the current laboratory as well as microfluidic techniques for ctDNA detection. This paper also attempts to show the emergence of new strands of microfluidic ctDNA detection and analysis for personalized cancer chemotherapy.
Multiparametric MR-PET Imaging Predicts Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Response to GDC-0084 in Patients with Recurrent High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Yao Jingwen , Raymond Catalina , Nathanson David A. , Chakhoyan Ararat , Simpson Jeremy , Garner James S. , Olivero Alan G. , Mueller Lars U. , Rodon Jordi , Gerstner Elizabeth , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

GDC-0084 is an oral, brain-penetrant small-molecule inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR. Because these two targets alter tumor vascularity and metabolism, respectively, we hypothesized multiparametric MR-PET could be used to quantify the response, estimate pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, and predict progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas.

Patients and Methods:

Multiparametric advanced MR-PET imaging was performed to evaluate physiologic response in a first-in-man, multicenter, phase I, dose-escalation study of GDC-0084 (NCT01547546) in 47 patients with recurrent malignant glioma.

Results:

Measured maximum concentration (Cmax) was associated with a decrease in enhancing tumor volume (P = 0.0287) and an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA; P = 0.0418). Posttreatment tumor volume, 18F-FDG uptake, Ktrans, and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) were all correlated with Cmax. A linear combination of change in 18F-FDG PET uptake, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), FA, Ktrans, vp, and rCBV was able to estimate both Cmax (R2 = 0.4113; P < 0.0001) and drug exposure (AUC; R2 = 0.3481; P < 0.0001). Using this composite multiparametric MR-PET imaging response biomarker to predict PK, patients with an estimated Cmax > 0.1 μmol/L and AUC > 1.25 μmol/L*hour demonstrated significantly longer PFS compared with patients with a lower estimated concentration and exposure (P = 0.0039 and P = 0.0296, respectively).

Conclusions:

Results from this study suggest composite biomarkers created from multiparametric MR-PET imaging targeting metabolic and/or physiologic processes specific to the drug mechanism of action may be useful for subsequent evaluation of treatment efficacy for larger phase II–III studies.
Drug Targeting the Actin Cytoskeleton Potentiates the Cytotoxicity of Low Dose Vincristine by Abrogating Actin-Mediated Repair of Spindle Defects
Authors: Wang Yao , Stear Jeffrey H. , Swain Ashleigh , Xu Xing , Bryce Nicole S. , Carnell Michael , Alieva Irina B. , Dugina Vera B. , Cripe Timothy P. , Stehn Justine , Hardeman Edna C. , Gunning Peter W.
Published: April 2020

Antimicrotubule vinca alkaloids are widely used in the clinic but their toxicity is often dose limiting. Strategies that enhance their effectiveness at lower doses are needed. We show that combining vinca alkaloids with compounds that target a specific population of actin filaments containing the cancer-associated tropomyosin Tpm3.1 result in synergy against a broad range of tumor cell types. We discovered that low concentrations of vincristine alone induce supernumerary microtubule asters that form transient multi-polar spindles in early mitosis. Over time these asters can be reconstructed into functional bipolar spindles resulting in cell division and survival. These microtubule asters are organized by the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA)–dynein–dynactin complex without involvement of centrosomes. However, anti-Tpm3.1 compounds at nontoxic concentrations inhibit this rescue mechanism resulting in delayed onset of anaphase, formation of multi-polar spindles, and apoptosis during mitosis. These findings indicate that drug targeting actin filaments containing Tpm3.1 potentiates the anticancer activity of low-dose vincristine treatment.

Implications:

Simultaneously inhibiting Tpm3.1-containing actin filaments and microtubules is a promising strategy to potentiate the anticancer activity of low-dose vincristine.
Health systems and global progress towards malaria elimination, 2000–2016
Authors: Sahu Maitreyi , Tediosi Fabrizio , Noor Abdisalan M. , Aponte John J. , Fink Günther
Published: April 2020

Background

As more countries progress towards malaria elimination, a better understanding of the most critical health system features for enabling and supporting malaria control and elimination is needed.

Methods

All available health systems data relevant for malaria control were collated from 23 online data repositories. Principal component analysis was used to create domain specific health system performance measures. Multiple regression model selection approaches were used to identify key health systems predictors of progress in malaria control in the 2000–2016 period among 105 countries. Additional analysis was performed within malaria burden groups.

Results

There was large heterogeneity in progress in malaria control in the 2000–2016 period. In univariate analysis, several health systems factors displayed a strong positive correlation with reductions in malaria burden between 2000 and 2016. In multivariable models, delivery of routine services and hospital capacity were strongly predictive of reductions in malaria cases, especially in high burden countries. In low-burden countries approaching elimination, primary health center density appeared negatively associated with progress while hospital capacity was positively correlated with eliminating malaria.

Conclusions

The findings presented in this manuscript suggest that strengthening health systems can be an effective strategy for reducing malaria cases, especially in countries with high malaria burden. Potential returns appear particularly high in the area of service delivery.
Multilocus sequence typing of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Hainan, China
Authors: Chen Li , Li Na , Guo Yaqiong , Zhao Jianguo , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua
Published: April 2020

Background

Enterocytozoon bieneusiis one of common intestinal pathogens in humans and animals including non-human primates (NHPs). Many zoonotic pathogens includingE. bieneusihave been found in these animals. However, there are few studies on the population structure ofE. bieneusiin NHPs. To infer the gene diversity and population genetics ofE. bieneusi, we selected 88E. bieneusi-positive samples from crab-eating macaques for multilocus characterizations in this study.

Methods

TheE. bieneusiisolates examined belonged to three common genotypes with different host ranges by sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS): Type IV (n = 44), Macaque3 (n = 24) and Peru8 (n = 20). They were further characterized by sequence analysis at four microsatellite and minisatellite loci (MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7). DnaSP, Arlequin and LIAN were used to analyze the sequence data together with those from the ITS locus to infer the population genetics. Subpopulation structure was inferred using phylogenetic and STRUCTURE analyses.

Results

Seventy-two (81.8%), 71 (80.7%), 76 (86.4%) and 79 (89.8%) samples were amplified and sequenced successfully at the MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7 loci, respectively, with 53 having sequence data at all five MLST loci including ITS. Altogether, 33 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were produced based on concatenated sequences from the 53 samples. In phylogenetic analyses of sequences and allelic data, four major subpopulations (SPs) were observed with different ITS genotypes in each of them: Type IV and Peru8 in SP1 and SP2; Type IV, Macaque3 and Peru8 in SP3; and Type IV and Macaque3 in SP4. SP3 and SP4 were phylogenetically related and might be NHP-specific based on the fact that Macaque3 is mostly found in NHPs. A strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed among the multilocus sequences and allelic data.

Conclusions

The significant LD in the multilocus sequence analysis indicated the presence of an overall clonal population structure ofE. bieneusiin crab-eating macaques. The inconsistent segregation of MLGs among ITS genotypes suggested some occurrence of genetic recombination. These observations should improve our understanding of the population genetics ofE. bieneusiin NHPs.
A UK wide study of current prostate planning practice
Authors: Taylor Timothy , Richmond Neil
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

The objective of this work was to undertake a non-judgemental study of prostate planning practice across the UK by inviting all departments to undertake the same case.

Methods:

An invitation to take part in the study was sent to the Heads of all UK radiotherapy departments and posted on the UK Medical Physics mailbase. Individuals interested in participating were able to access a single anonymised CT dataset for download with the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, bowel, femoral heads, and penile bulb outlined. A brief patient history was also supplied. Participants were asked to create planning target volumes (PTVs) according to their local clinical protocol and plan to give 60 Gy in 20 fractions to the PTV receiving the highest dose. No guidance was given for acceptable organ at risk doses. Dicom plan and dose information was loaded back into ProKnow for analysis by contributors.

Results:

There were 102 plan submissions made to the study representing 48 different UK radiotherapy departments. Seventeen distinct methodologies for creating the prescription PTV from the prostate and seminal vesicles were identified with the ethos of the CHHIP trial protocol for margin growing followed in nearly two-thirds of cases. Positive correlations were found when assessing the doses received by the bladder and rectum against the volume of the PTV to which 60 Gy was prescribed.

Conclusions:

A national planning study whereby staff from a multitude of radiotherapy departments create plans based solely on a single dataset is feasible. The cohort of data was made available to all participants following the study to enable self-assessment and benchmarking against that of their peers.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first UK wide treatment planning study to investigate local clinical prostate planning practice. This has given UK departments the opportunity to evaluate their planning practices against those of their peers.
Eight new species and three new records of Neotropical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Venezuela

Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F
Published: April 2020

Eight new species of Neotropical cicadas from Venezuela are described and illustrated along with the first records of three additional species for the country. Ariasa venezuelaensis sp. nov., Guyalna pygmaea sp. nov., Parnisa castanepronotum sp. nov., Parnisa licina sp. nov., Calyria minutopercula sp. nov., Carineta maracayensis sp. nov., Carineta seriemaculata sp. nov., and Herrera quadroacuminata sp. nov. are described as new. The first records for Guyalna bogotana (Distant, 1892), Taphura sauliensis Boulard, 1971, and Carineta socia Uhler, 1875 and the genus Herrera Distant, 1905 are provided for Venezuela. Additional information is provided to distinguish these species from related Venezuelan cicadas. Key words: Taxonomy, Ariasa, Guyalna, Taphura, Parnisa, Calyria, Carineta, Herrera, Neotropics, South America
The situatedness of meaning construction in Wisława Szymborska’s “Cat in an Empty Apartment”
Authors: Stadnik Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

So far the cognitively-oriented study of literature has largely missed out on the cognitive conception of situatedness, which holds that human mental activity should be seen through the lens of its grounding in the physical, social and cultural milieu of the individual. Accordingly, the article shows the value of this approach in a Cognitive Linguistic analysis of Wisława Szymborska’s poem “Cat in an Empty Apartment”, setting out the ways in which situatedness underlies dynamic meaning construction in the production and reception of the work, giving rise to the singularity (Attridge 2004. The singularity of literature. London-New York: Routledge) of the poem. The paper concludes that situatedness can illuminate how the interplay of cognitive, linguistic, social and cultural factors might be brought to bear on the singularity of a literary work.
Productivity and economical appraisal of growing raspberry according to substrate for mulching under the conditions of podilia area in Ukraine
Authors: Pantsyreva H. V. , Myalkovsky R. O. , Yasinetska I. A. , Prokopchuk V. M.
Published: April 2020

Based on studies of substrates for mulching raspberry varieties Veresnevi zori revealed the following: for mulching with straw or sawdust, the onset of the phenological phases of raspberry plants occurs later, compared to the cultivation without mulching; a greater number of root shoots and shoots are provided by growing raspberries without mulching, but a higher shoot height (133.2 cm) and shoot shoots (123.9 cm) distinguishes the straw mulch variant; the maximum yield of raspberry berries of the Veresnevi zori variety is provided by mulching with sawdust - 94.5 c/ha, which is 3.1 c/ha more than straw mulching and by 16.9 c/ha the control variant. The share of ripe berries in the yield by mulching sawdust increases to 81.5%, which is 4.4% more compared to straw mulching and 9.1% more compared to the control variant; the highest average weight of berries and maximum weight of 5 berries was obtained by mulching raspberries with sawdust; for raspberry mulching with sawdust, the profitability of raspberry berries production is the highest -258.9% and 4.3% less than straw mulching. The results of the work are recommended to be used during research and in practice.
Inventory management and performance of Brazilian firms
Authors: Cardoso Guilherme , Quirós Dannie Carr , Souza Guilherme Santos , Ribeiro Karem Cristina de Sousa
Published: April 2020

Objective: The inventory management faces a trade-off which affects firms in the relationship between whether maintaining high inventories and decreasing the probability of stock-outs or keeping inventory levels lower and applying the excess cash to other investments. Thus, this paper investigates the relationship between inventory management and performance.

Method: The sample is comprised of non-financial Brazilian firms listed in the BM&FBovespa from 2010 to 2016, and due to inventory is not to be a relevant factor in the revenues of all the firms of the initial sample, it was applied a procedure to refine the sample through a simple linear regression to only comprise firms with a significant relationship between inventory and sales. To test the assumptions declared by the study, we used a quantitative approach based in a regression analysis.

Results: The results indicate that the model which considers value added measurement of performance shows that there is no relationship between inventory and performance. However, a robustness check was done using the ROA to measure the performance and, in this scenario, there was a statistically inverted U-shaped relation between the profitability, the net trade cycle and its square. This means that a non-linear relationship between the variables were found, which follows the idea of an optimal level of inventory and performance.

Contributions: To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that investigates an inflection point between inventory management and performance in Brazilian firms. The findings have relevant practical guidelines to the Brazilian firms and researchers in the analysis of the performance related to the net trade cycle, which it can be suggested that the Brazilian shareholders are not concerned about internal factors, as the inventory management, but if the firm is being managed profitable.
Riesgo de hospitalización del neonato asociado a la cesárea en una institución de alta complejidad en Bogotá, Colombia, 2018
Authors: Mora-Soto Nathalia , Villegas-Agudelo Luis Alejandro , López-Moreno Lissette Alejandra , Ramírez-Serrano Carlos Alberto , Rubio-Romero Jorge Andrés
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre parto por cesárea y hospitalización del neonato, y describir las indicaciones de cesárea según los grupos de Robson en el servicio de obstetricia de una institución general de alta complejidad. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron todos los nacimientos ocurridos entre marzo y julio de 2018 en un hospital general de enseñanza de alta complejidad en Bogotá, Colombia, mediante muestreo consecutivo. Tamaño muestral de 1040 gestantes. Se describe la frecuencia de cesárea, las indicaciones, los resultados neonatales por cada grupo de Robson y el riesgo de hospitalización neonatal por medio del odds ratio (OR) crudo y crudo y ajustado por análisis multivariado. Resultados: se incluyeron 1493 nacimientos, de los cuales 539 (36,3 %) fueron por cesárea. Las mujeres con antecedente de cicatriz uterina, programadas para cesárea electiva y las hospitalizadas para inducción aportan la mayoría de cesáreas. Las principales indicaciones para esta intervención fueron sospecha de estado fetal insatisfactorio y alteraciones del trabajo de parto. Ajustado por peso al nacer, la cesárea incrementó el riesgo global de hospitalización del neonato (OR ajustado [ORa] = 2,2; IC 99 %: 1,3-3,7). Conclusiones: en la institución se identificaron grupos de Robson susceptibles de intervención para disminuir la tasa de cesáreas ante la sospecha de estado fetal insatisfactorio y prolongación del trabajo de parto. Se encontró una asociación entre el parto por cesárea y la posterior hospitalización del recién nacido. Se requieren estudios controlados aleatorizados que determinen el beneficio de las estrategias para reducir la tasa de cesárea y validar la asociación encontrada.