bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing GABA A Receptor Trafficking Dynamics with Fluorogenic Protein Labeling
Authors: Lombardi Jacob P. , Kinzlmaier David A. , Jacob Tija C.
Published: May 2020

It is increasingly evident that neurotransmitter receptors, including ionotropic GABA A receptors (GABAARs), exhibit highly dynamic trafficking and cell surface mobility. Regulated trafficking to and from the surface is a critical determinant of GABAAR neurotransmission. Receptors delivered by exocytosis diffuse laterally in the plasma membrane, with tethering and reduced movement at synapses occurring through receptor interactions with the subsynaptic scaffold. After diffusion away from synapses, receptors are internalized by clathrin‐dependent endocytosis at extrasynaptic sites and can be either recycled back to the cell membrane or degraded in lysosomes. To study the dynamics of these key trafficking events in neurons, we have developed novel optical methods based around receptors containing a dual‐tagged γ2 subunit (γ2pHFAP) in combination with fluorogen dyes. Specifically, the GABAAR γ2 subunit is tagged with a pH‐sensitive green fluorescent protein and a fluorogen‐activating peptide (FAP). The FAP allows receptor labeling with fluorogen dyes that are optically silent until bound to the FAP. Combining FAP and fluorescent imaging with organelle labeling allows novel and accurate measurement of receptor turnover and accumulation into intracellular compartments under basal conditions in scenarios ranging from in vitro seizure models to drug exposure paradigms. Here we provide a protocol to track and quantify receptors in transit from the neuronal surface to endosomes and lysosomes. This protocol is readily applicable to cell lines and primary cells, allowing rapid quantitative measurements of receptor surface levels and postendocytic trafficking decisions. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of cortical neuronal cultures for imaging assays

Basic Protocol 2: Surface receptor internalization and trafficking to early endosomes

Basic Protocol 3: Measurement of receptor steady state surface level, synaptic level, and lysosomal targeting
Determining the Gypsum Requirement for Reclamation of Sodic and Sodium‐Impacted Soils
Authors: Dellavalle Nat B , Walworth James
Published: May 2020

Recently, one of the authors received a question about determining the gypsum requirement (GR) for reclamation of sodic and sodium‐impacted soils. The purpose of this article is to provide information to aid in understanding the laboratory procedure for determining GR and in developing and executing an effective reclamation program. Gypsum is frequently, although not always, used as part of the reclamation program. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil &Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/802.
Growing Carbon for Sustainable and Resilient Soils
Authors: Young Kelly Murray , Thomson Allison
Published: May 2020

This article is brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers' operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability, at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. Earn 1 CEU in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/800.
Sustainability cross‐sector partnerships: The strategic role of organizational structures
Authors: Ordonez‐Ponce Eduardo , Clarke Amelia
Published: May 2020

Organizations partner for strategic reasons and sustainability is a strategic opportunity. However, organizations' strategic engagement in sustainability partnerships has been mainly qualitatively studied. This research aims to determine if structures, a key component of the strategy, are implemented within organizations when joining sustainability partnerships, whether organizational structures mediate between goals and outcomes achieved from partnering, if highly structured organizations achieve highly valued outcomes, and if organizational structures differ according to the sector. Data from 224 organizations from the public, civil society, and private sectors partnering in large cross‐sector partnerships for the sustainability of four cities were collected and quantitatively analyzed finding that structures are implemented by organizations when partnering for sustainability, that is, sustainability partnerships are strategic; structures do not mediate between goals and outcomes; being highly structured is not enough for accomplishing valuable outcomes; and informal structural features are the most implemented by organizations, with public sector organizations differing from other sectors.
CSR permanency, family ownership, and firm value: Evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Noor Sana , Saeed Abubakr , Baloch Muhammad Saad , Awais Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Prior research suggests that undertaking corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities affect firm value. We extend this line of research by considering CSR activities over a longer period (a consistent CSR behavior) and examine the impact of CSR permanency on firm value. Using a cross‐country sample of 600 top‐listed firms from four leading emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) over the period 2010–2018, we find that CSR permanency positively impacts firm value after controlling for various firm and country characteristics. This effect is observed more pronounced for family‐owned firms. Additional analysis reveals that permanent CSR activities in both social and environmental dimensions positively influence firm value, however, CSR permanent activities in the social dimension exert a larger impact on firm value. Our results make important contributions to theory and practice.
Staging of porcine embryos: Comparison of Standard Event System‐based statistical clusters with a Carnegie‐based staging system
Authors: Møgeltoft Kamstrup Kristian , Markussen Bo , Hay‐Schmidt Anders , Thorup Flemming , Dybdahl Thomsen Preben
Published: May 2020

Background

Methods to compare events defined as newly occurring characters in development has advanced vertebrate developmental research but events are not easily extrapolated into traditional staging systems used in biomedical research.

Results

First, we scored 95 porcine embryos in the age range of 15 to 33 days post conception by stereomicroscopy using to a slightly modified version of the Standard Event System (SES). Subsequent statistical clustering allowed the embryos to be grouped into 15 clusters. Staging of the same embryos in a way that generally follow the description of external features of human embryos in the Carnegie stages 10 to 23 allowed us to describe 14 stages of porcine embryonic development that correlate to the Carnegie stages of human development with minor species differences. When arranged by average age, the statistic clusters had a distribution that correlated well with the stages produced by the Carnegie‐based staging system.

Conclusions

Statistical analysis of developmental events allow grouping of porcine embryos into clusters that can be extrapolated into a Carnegie‐based staging system, thus serving the dual purpose of facilitating the use of the pig as a biomedical model animal and providing data for integrating porcine developmental events into a phylogenetic context.
Evidence of widespread topoclimatic limitation for lower treelines of the Intermountain West, United States
Authors: Urza Alexandra K. , Weisberg Peter J. , Dilts Thomas
Published: May 2020

Many forests in dry mountain regions are characterized by a lower elevational treeline. Understanding the controls on the position of lower treeline is important for predicting future forest distributional shifts in response to global environmental change. Lower treelines currently at their climate limit are expected to be more sensitive to changing climate, whereas lower treelines constrained by non‐climatic factors are less likely to respond directly to climate change but may be sensitive to other global change agents. In this study, we used existing vegetation classifications to map lower treelines for our 1.7 million km2 study region in the U. S. Intermountain West. We modeled topoclimatic drivers of lower treeline position for each of three dominant forest types to identify topoclimatically limited treelines. We then used spatial data of edaphic properties, recent fire, and land use to identify lower treelines potentially constrained above their ecophysiological limits by non‐climatic processes. We found that the lower treeline ecotone of pinyon–juniper woodlands is largely limited by topoclimate and is likely to be sensitive to increasing temperatures and associated droughts, though these effects may be heterogeneously distributed across the landscape. In contrast, dry mixed‐conifer lower treelines in the northern portion of the study area rarely reached their modeled topoclimatic limit, suggesting that non‐climatic processes, including fire and land use, constrain the lower treeline above its ecophysiological limits in this forest type. Our results suggest that much of the lower treeline in the Intermountain West is currently climate limited and will thus be sensitive to ongoing climate changes. Lower treelines in other arid or semi‐arid mountainous regions around the globe may also be strongly sensitive to climate, though treeline response to climate change will be mediated at the local scale by soil properties, biotic interactions, and natural or anthropogenic disturbances. Our regional study of lower treeline provides a framework for identifying the drivers of lower treeline formation and allows for more robust projections of future treeline dynamics, which are needed to anticipate shifting global distributions of the forest biome.
Microbe‐mediated local adaptation to limestone barrens is context dependent
Authors: Petipas Renee H. , Wruck Amy C. , Geber Monica A.
Published: May 2020

Plant‐root‐associated microbes influence plant phenotype and tolerance to environmental stress, and thus have been hypothesized to play a role in plant local adaptation. Here, we test this hypothesis with factorial experiments addressing the role of microbes in local adaptation ofHypericum perforatum(St. John’s wort) to stressful limestone barrens (alvars) compared to neighboring old‐fields. Alvar plants benefited more from microbes in early life history stages, while at later growth stages, alvar and old‐field plants benefited equally from microbes but only in the old‐field habitat. Patterns of local adaptation were changed by the presence of microbes. Alvar plants grown in association with alvar microbes outperformed old‐field plants in the alvar habitat, whereas old‐field plants showed patterns of maladaptation when grown with microbes. In this demonstration of microbe‐mediated adaptation, we show that rhizosphere microbes can be important for plant fitness and patterns of local adaptation but that those effects are dependent on life‐history stage and habitat.
Transport Properties of GdTe1.8–xAsx (x = 0, 0.04)
Authors: Poddig Hagen , Hobbis Dean , Alzahrani Noha , Doert Thomas , Nolas George S.
Published: May 2020

Phase‐pure polycrystalline samples of GdTe1.8 and GdTe1.76As0.04 were synthesized by reacting Gd2Te3 with elemental Te and As, employing a small amount of I2 as mineralizer. Polycrystalline specimens were densified by SPS for temperature dependent electrical and thermal properties investigations. The electrical properties indicate that arsenic doping leads to a change from n‐ to p‐type conduction, with an order‐of‐magnitude reduction in resistivity with As doping at room‐temperature as compared to GdTe1.8. The thermal conductivity of both specimens is low, the result of the crystal structure and atypical Te bonding in this material. The results presented are intended to expand on the research into rare‐earth polychalcogenides and advance the fundamental investigation of these materials, as well as begin to evaluate their potential for thermoelectric applications.
Easy Synthesis of a Self‐Assembled Imine‐Based Iron(II) Complex Endowed with Crown‐Ether Receptors
Authors: Capocasa Giorgio , Di Berto Mancini Marika , Frateloreto Federico , Lanzalunga Osvaldo , Olivo Giorgio , Di Stefano Stefano
Published: May 2020

Herein we report that an imine‐based iron complex decorated with crown‐ether moieties self‐assembles in CH3CN solution from three building blocks (namely Fe(CH3CN)2(OTf)2, 2‐picolylamine and aldehyde 6a) added in the proper molar ratio (1:2:2, respectively). Aldehyde 6a, endowed with a benzocrown‐ether receptor, can be prepared in two steps from commercial materials with high yields (79 %) and no need of chromatographic separations. The self‐assembled complex is highly stable in CH3CN solution. The complex has been tested as catalyst for the oxidation of aromatic compounds endowed with primary ammonium anchoring group with H2O2. An unexpected yet moderate selectivity for remote meta over ortho hydroxylation was obtained, which is mainly due to the steric hindrance of the catalyst.
With or without you: The paradoxical role of identification in predicting joint and ingroup collective action in intergroup conflict
Authors: Hasan‐Aslih Siwar , Shuman Eric , Pliskin Ruthie , van Zomeren Martijn , Saguy Tamar , Halperin Eran
Published: May 2020

While we have a rich understanding of the motivations of disadvantaged group members to act collectively with their group, especially the important role played by identification, we know less about the disadvantaged's motivations to engage in joint action with the advantaged. This research examines the role of identification in predicting joint and ingroup collective action in intergroup conflicts. Since joint action inherently diffuses the perception of “us versus them”, we propose that identification predicts ingroup action, but not joint action. We also examine conflict intensity as a moderator, and examine how changing identification is linked to change in support for joint action. We test these hypotheses in a three‐wave longitudinal study in the Palestinian–Israeli conflict. Results support our hypotheses, demonstrating that identification positively predicts ingroup action but not necessarily joint action, and that when conflict intensifies, changes in identification are negatively related to joint action with outgroup members.
Self‐defining memories in female patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Castellon Pascaline , Sudres Jean‐Luc , Voltzenlogel Virginie
Published: May 2020

Objective

Overgeneral autobiographical memory (AM) was reported in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) using AM cueing tasks that did not directly indexes memories that are personally important to the individual, that is, self‐defining memories (SDMs). The aim of this study is to investigate characteristics of SDMs in females with AN.

Method

A total of 46 outpatients with chronic AN and 52 healthy controls (HC) were asked to recall three SDMs.

Results

Compared to HC, patients with AN presented less specific SDMs, but have preserved ability to give meaning to their memories. Patients' SDMs were associated with more negative emotions, more tension (i.e. explicit expression of discomfort, disagreement or unease) and more contamination (i.e. transformation in the memory narrative from a positive to a negative affective state). Content of SDMs differed between patients with AN and HC. Finally, no difference was found in SDMs characteristics between the two subtypes of anorexia nervosa (restricting type and binge eating / purging type).

Discussion

Patients with AN recalled overgeneral SDMs with negative content and emotions. In this context, a clinical intervention based on SDMs together with cognitive and emotional remedial therapies could help patients with AN to improve emotion processing and redefine their identity in a more positive way.
Simulation of the interactions between multiple hydraulic fractures and natural fracture network based on Discrete Element Method numerical modeling
Authors: Li Yumei
Published: May 2020

Obtaining the most Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) by forming a complex fracture network is the prerequisite for shale gas hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, a coupled DFN–DEM model is presented based on a realistic discrete fracture network from fracturing treatment, to simulate the complex interactions between a created hydraulic fracture and a natural fracture system in shale. The sensitivity analysis of numerical simulation was performed to investigate the effects of hydraulic fracture length, multi‐fracture spacing, and internal friction angle on the stimulation reservoir area. The simulation results revealed that regardless of the DFN distribution and the length of hydraulic fracture, shear failure always tracked on the existing natural fracture plane. The amount and depth of the natural fracture shear into formation increased as the hydraulic fracture grew in length. Moreover, the actual dynamic morphology of fracture network was the radial or dendritic. A drastic change of permeability along the distance from injection may stimulate the fracture networks especially near the wellbore. For the multi‐fracture, the opening of the second fracture was able to stabilize the sheared fractures at the tip of the initial fracture. The shear failure area around the second fracture tended to increase with the growth of the length of the second fracture. Fracture network connectivity in the system is better for the optimal fracture spacing, and then fluid penetration during injection will influence the permeability evolution during stimulation. The stimulation reservoir area of the fracture network and the natural fracture friction angle had a quadratic relationship. Finally, the results by the data from field measurement in Sichuan, China verified that the proposed coupled DFN–DEM model had an accuracy up to 91.7%. The research results provide a reference for predicting the development of fracture network far away for multistage fracturing treatment.
Temperature, precipitation and sunshine across China, 1912‐51: A new daily instrumental dataset
Authors: Png Ivan P.L. , Chen Yehning , Chu Junhong , Feng Yikang , Lin Elaine Kuan‐Hui , Tseng Wan‐ling
Published: May 2020

This project compiled 463,530 instrumental observations of daily temperature, precipitation and sunshine at up to 319 stations in China between 1912 and 1951. The principal sources are monthly reports of the Institute of Meteorology, Nanjing, observatories in Japanese‐occupied Manchuria, and the Japanese Army in North China. Gross errors, rounding errors and inhomogeneities are identified. The new dataset is temporally and spatially consistent with existing datasets of monthly temperature, but reports higher precipitation and sunshine.
Late‐life personality traits, cognitive impairment, and mortality in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Neuvonen Elisa , Hall Anette , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Ngandu Tiia , Rusanen Minna , Laatikainen Tiina , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Solomon Alina
Published: May 2020

Objectives

We examined longitudinal associations between late‐life personality traits and cognitive impairment, dementia, and mortality in the population‐based Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) Study.

Methods

Anger expression and trait anger (State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory), anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), and sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale) were assessed at the 1998 CAIDE visit (1266 cognitively normal individuals, mean age 71.0 years). Totally, 582 participants had complete re‐examination in 2005‐2008 (105 mild cognitive impairment, MCI; and 29 dementia). National registers data until 2008 were also used for both participants and nonparticipants to ascertain incident dementia (96 cases) and mortality (227 died). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education, follow‐up time, cardiovascular and lifestyle factors, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Higher anxiety was associated with higher risk of MCI/dementia (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07‐2.63) and death (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08‐1.98). High sense of coherence was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45‐0.93). These associations were attenuated after accounting for depressive symptoms (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.96‐2.58 for anxiety‐MCI/dementia; HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97‐1.86 for anxiety‐mortality; and HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45‐1.04 for sense of coherence‐mortality). Trait anger was associated with higher dementia risk even after adjustments (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.14‐3.18).

Conclusions

Anxiety was linked to worse cognitive outcome and mortality and sense of coherence to lower mortality. Depressive symptoms attenuated the associations. As a novel finding, trait anger was connected to dementia risk. These findings emphasize the importance of personality‐related risk factors for dementia and mortality. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
CLIF‐C Organ Failure Score and Liver Volume Predict Prognosis in Steroid‐Treated Severe Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Ikura Akihiko , Chu Po‐sung , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Ojiro Keisuke , Taniki Nobuhito , Yoshida Aya , Shinoda Masahiro , Morikawa Rei , Yamataka Karin , Noguchi Fumie , Hoshi Hitomi , Usui Shingo , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Kitagawa Yuko , Saito Hidetsugu , Kanai Takanori
Published: May 2020

Controversies and debates remain regarding the best management of severe acute‐onset autoimmune hepatitis (SA‐AIH) due to the lack of useful outcome or complication prediction systems. We conducted this clinical practice‐based observational study to clarify whether Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Organ Failure scores (CLIF‐C OFs) and the computed tomography–derived liver volume to standard liver volume (CTLV/SLV) ratio at admission to a tertiary transplant center can predict outcomes and complications due to infection. Thirty‐four consecutive corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH from 2007 to 2018 were included. Severe hepatitis was defined as an international normalized ratio (of prothrombin time) over 1.3 any time before admission. Of the 34 corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH inclusive of 25 (73.5%) acute liver failure cases, transplant‐free survival was observed in 24 patients (70.6%). Any infection was noticed in 10 patients (29.4%). CLIF‐C OFs, at the cutoff of 9, significantly predicted survival (P = 0.0002, log‐rank test), outperformed the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease system in predicting outcome (P = 0.0325), and significantly discriminated between liver transplant and death in a competing risk analysis. SA‐AIH was characterized as having decreased CTLV/SLV, which was also predictive of survival (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, CLIF‐C OFs, especially the subscores for respiratory dysfunction, also predicted infection (P = 0.007). Conclusion: In corticosteroid‐treated patients with SA‐AIH, CLIF‐C OFs and CTLV/SLV ratios predicted both survival outcome and complications due to infection. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether making decisions based on CLIF‐C OFs or CTLV/SLV ratios is useful.
Association of HPV35 with cervical carcinogenesis among women of African ancestry: Evidence of viral‐host interaction with implications for disease intervention
Authors: Pinheiro Maisa , Gage Julia C. , Clifford Gary M. , Demarco Maria , Cheung Li C. , Chen Zigui , Yeager Meredith , Cullen Michael , Boland Joseph F. , Chen Xiaojian , Raine‐Bennett Tina , Steinberg Mia , Bass Sara , Befano Brian , Xiao Yanzi , Tenet Vanessa , Walker Joan , Zuna Rosemary , Poitras Nancy E. , Gold Michael A. , Dunn Terence , Yu Kai , Zhu Bin , Burdett Laurie , Turan Sevilay , Lorey Thomas , Castle Philip E. , Wentzensen Nicolas , Burk Robert D. , Schiffman Mark , Mirabello Lisa
Published: May 2020

HPV35 has been found in only ∼2% of invasive cervical cancers (ICC) worldwide but up to 10% in Sub‐Saharan Africa, warranting further investigation and consideration of impact on preventive strategies. We studied HPV35 and ethnicity, in relation to the known steps in cervical carcinogenesis, using multiple large epidemiologic studies in the U.S. and internationally. Combining five U.S. studies, we measured HPV35 positivity and, in Northern California, observed HPV35 type‐specific population prevalence and estimated 5‐year risk of developing precancer when HPV35‐positive. HPV35 genetic variation was examined for differences in carcinogenicity in 1053 HPV35+ cervical specimens from a U.S. cohort and an international collection. African‐American women had more HPV35 (12.1% vs 5.1%, P < .001) and more HPV35‐associated precancers (7.4% vs 2.1%, P < .001) compared to other ethnicities. Precancer risks after HPV35 infection did not vary by ethnicity (global P = .52). The HPV35 A2 sublineage showed an increased association with precancer/cancer in African‐Americans (OR = 5.6 vs A1, 95% CI = 1.3‐24.8) and A2 was more prevalent among ICC in Africa than other world regions (41.9% vs 10.4%, P < .01). Our analyses support a strong link between HPV35 and cervical carcinogenesis in women of African ancestry. Current HPV vaccines cover the majority of cervical precancer/cancer across all ethnic groups; additional analyses are required to determine whether the addition of HPV35 to the already highly effective nine‐valent HPV vaccine would provide better protection for women in Africa or of African ancestry.
Three‐dimensional printing: The potential technology widely used in medical fields
Authors: Li Hongjian , Fan Wenguo , Zhu Xiao
Published: May 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is one of the hottest research fields nowadays, which has influenced the treatment methods in the medical industry. In order to explore the progress of 3D printing technology in medical applications, the authors conducted English retrieval with the keywords “three‐dimensionalprinting,” “bioprinting,” and “3D printing” in PubMed, and extracted information related to this exploration. This review firstly introduces the 3D printing materials, types of technology, and printing procedures in medical fields, then elaborates the current applications of 3D printing in medical devices, in vitro anatomical models, organ printing, implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, and the leap from 3D medical printing to four‐dimensional (4D) medical printing, finally put forward the shortage of the medical 3D/4D printing and possible solutions of them.
Collagen membranes of dermal and pericardial origin—In vivo evolvement of vascularization over time
Authors: Dau Michael , Volprich Lisann , Grambow Eberhard , Vollmar Brigitte , Frerich Bernhard , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer W.
Published: May 2020

Aim of the study was to compare the evolvement of vascularization over time of collagen membranes (CMs) of dermal and pericardial origin in an in vivo animal study. Twenty‐eight mice underwent implantation of three commercially available CM derived from porcine dermis (homogenous structure: CM1 (Control 1) and bilayer structure: CM2 [Control 2]), from porcine pericardium (CM3; Test 1) as well as CM3 sprayed with silica‐enhanced nanostructured hydroxyapatite (CM4, Test 2). After 3, 6, 9, and 12 days, intravital fluorescence microscopy was conducted for determination of capillary diameter, density, flow, and length. At Day 12, samples were examined immunohistologically for expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), CD11b, CD68, αSMA, and CD34. In all CM, intravital fluorescence microscopy over time showed increasing values for all parameters with the highest levels in CM4 and the lowest values in CM1. Significant lower amounts of FGFR4, CD11b, and CD68 were detected in CM4 when compared to CM2 (p <.05). In contrast to CM3, lower values of αSMA and higher numbers of CD34 positive‐marked vessels were observed in CM4 (p <.05). In conclusion, dermal bilayer as well as pericardial CM seem to have a higher vascularization rate than dermal homogenous CM. Additional coating of pericardial CM with a silica‐enhanced hydroxyapatite increases the speed of vascularization as well as biological remodeling processes.
Is Breast Size Related to Prevalent Thoracic Vertebral Fracture? A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Spencer Linda , McKenna Leanda , Fary Robyn , Ho Richard , Briffa Kathy
Published: May 2020

Large breasts may increase the likelihood of thoracic vertebral fractures by increasing the mechanical loading of the spine. We examined breast size as a factor associated with prevalent thoracic vertebral fractures, also considering its relationship with thoracic kyphosis and upper back extensor muscle endurance. Using a cross‐sectional study, the design measurements collected were thoracic vertebral fractures (≥20% loss in vertebral body height on lateral radiograph), breast size (bra size converted to an ordinal breast size score), BMD (g/cm2 averaged femoral neck, DXA), upper back extensor muscle endurance (isometric chest raise test), body composition (DXA), thoracic kyphosis (radiograph), and upper back pain (numerical rating scale). Correlations and multivariable logistic regression examined relationships between characteristics and their association with vertebral fracture. Participants were 117 healthy postmenopausal women. The 17 (15%) women with ≥1 thoracic vertebral fracture had larger breast size (mean difference [MD]: 2.2 sizes; 95% CI, 0.6 to 3.8 sizes), less upper back extensor muscle endurance (MD: −38.6 s; 95% CI, −62.9 to −14.3 s), and greater thoracic kyphosis (MD: 7.3°; 95% CI, 1.7° to 12.8°) than those without vertebral fracture. There were no between group differences in age, height, weight, and BMD. Breast size (r = −0.233, p = 0.012) and thoracic kyphosis (r = −0.241, p = 0.009) correlated negatively with upper back extensor muscle endurance. Breast size was unrelated to thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.057, p = 0.542). A (final) multivariable model containing breast size (OR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.10) and thoracic kyphosis (OR 2.04; 95%CI, 1.12 to 3.70) explained 18% of the variance in vertebral fracture. Breast size had a significant, but weak relationship with vertebral fracture (R2 = 0.10), which was independent of BMD and unrelated to thoracic kyphosis. Further work is needed to confirm larger breast size as a risk factor for vertebral fracture. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bisphenol A exposure disrupts aspartate transport in HepG2 cells
Authors: Jiménez‐Torres Catya , Hernández‐Kelly Luisa C. , Najimi Mustapha , Ortega Arturo
Published: May 2020

The liver is the organ responsible for bisphenol A (BPA) metabolism, an environmental chemical agent. Exposure to this toxin is associated with liver abnormalities and dysfunction. An important role played by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) of the slc1 gene family has been reported in liver injuries. To gain insight into a plausible effect of BPA exposure in the liver glutamate/aspartate transport, using the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2, we report a BPA‐dependent dynamic regulation of SLC1A3 and SLC1A2. Through the use of radioactive [3H]‐
d‐aspartate uptake experiments and immunochemical approaches, we characterized time and dose‐dependent regulation of the protein levels and function of these transporters after acute exposure to BPA. An increase in nuclear Yin Yang 1 was found. These results suggest an important involvement of the EAATs in liver physiology and its disruption after acute BPA exposure.
Differential expression and diagnostic significance of P53, MutS homologs 2, tropomyosin‐4 in alpha‐fetoprotein‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gong Xuyang , Huang Ailong
Published: May 2020

Background

Current study aimed to explore the value of P53, MutS homologs 2 (MSH2), and tropomyosin‐4 (Tm‐4) combined with inflammatory factors, life‐history traits in the differential diagnosis of alpha‐fetoprotein‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma (AFP‐Negative HCC).

Methods

A testing cohort including 280 AFP‐Negative HCC patients and 300 controls was included. Three external validation cohorts from 3 centers were used to assess the novel logistic regression model including 400 AFP‐Negative HCC patients and 400 controls.

Results

Compared with the control group, the levels of P53, MSH2, and Tm‐4 protein in si‐P53 group, si‐MSH2 group, and si‐Tm‐4 group were significantly reduced (P < .05). The P53, MSH2, Tm‐4, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocytes to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), hypersensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels, and the smoking, drinking, and occupational exposure to chemicals rates in patients were significantly higher than those in controls (P < .05). ROC analyses showed that the area under curve (AUC) of NLR, MLR, hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, P53, MSH2, Tm‐4, drinking, smoking, and occupational exposure to chemicals were 0.798, 0.803, 0.560, 0.644, 0.808, 0.681, 0.830, 0.694, 0.582, 0.581, and 0.567, respectively. A novel logistic regression model was built and has a high value in identifying AFP‐Negative HCC with AUC of 0.917, sensitivity of 85.2%, and specificity of 88.3%. In the validation cohorts, this model also showed good diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.898 with Dazu Branch cohort, AUC = 0.924 with Jinshan Branch cohort, and AUC = 0.907 with Liangping Branch cohort).

Conclusion

Current model has potential significance for the noninvasive diagnosis of AFP‐Negative HCC.
Predicting greenhouse gas benefits of improved nitrogen management in North American maize
Authors: Tonitto Christina , Woodbury Peter B. , Carter Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Farmers, food supply companies, and policymakers need practical yet scientifically robust methods to quantify how improved nitrogen (N) fertilizer management can reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. To meet this need, we developed an empirical model based on published field data for predicting N2O emission from rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) fields managed with inorganic N fertilizer in the United States and Canada. Nitrous oxide emissions ranged widely on an area basis (0.03–32.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and a yield‐scaled basis (0.006–4.8 kg N Mg−1 grain yr−1). We evaluated multiple modeling approaches and variables using three metrics of model fit (Akaike information criteria corrected for small sample sizes [AICc], RMSE, and R2). Our model explains 32.8% of the total observed variation and 50% of observed site‐level variation. Soil clay content was very important for predicting N2O emission and predicting the change in N2O emission due to a change in N balance, with the addition of a clay fixed effect explaining 37% of site‐level variation. Sites with higher clay content showed greater reductions in N2O emission for a given reduction in N balance. Therefore, high‐clay sites are particularly important targets for reducing N2O emissions. Our linear mixed model is more suitable for predicting the effect of improved N management on N2O emission in maize fields than other published models because it (a) requires only input data readily available on working farms, (b) is derived from field observations, (c) correctly represents differences among sites using a mixed modeling approach, and (d) includes soil texture because it strongly influences N2O emissions.
Optimization of enhanced microbial production of zinc bacitracin by submerged fermentation technology
Authors: Hassan Ali , Ali Shaukat , Farooq Muhammad A. , Tahir Hafiz M. , Awan Muhammad U. , Mughal Tafail A.
Published: May 2020

Bacitracin is one of the most important antibiotics used in different biomedical fields. It helps to achieve sizeable amount of foreign exchange due to its use in the poultry feed. The cheap agricultural wastes are readily available for the preparation of fermentation media used for bacitracin production. The microorganisms could be mutated with different chemicals and UV radiation to improve bacitracin production. Thus, the current study was focused on the synthesis of low‐cost and effective bacitracin by mutant strains of Bacillus licheniformis, employing the submerged fermentation technique. The bacteria were exposed to the UV irradiation for various time periods ranging from 5 to 40 min. These mutants were named as BLAA‐5–BLAA‐40. Mutant strain BLAA‐25 produced maximum bacitracin, with significantly high activity (142.81 IU/mg) against Klebsiella pneumoniae but less activity against Escherichia coli (115.19 IU/mg). Several fermentation conditions were investigated to optimize bacitracin production. The highest bacitracin yield was obtained by an inoculum size of 10%, fermentation period 48 hr, pH 7, T = 37°C, using soybean meal as a substrate. Among all substrates, cucumber peel was the substrate showing the highest minimum inhibitory concentration (2.3 mg/ml and 2.7 mg/ml against K. pneumoniae and E. coli respectively). A comparison between commercial and experimentally produced Zn bacitracin showed that commercial bacitracin has a low activity (63.2 IU/mg) as compared with experimental bacitracin. Hence, the agro wastes and mutation could be used to increase the synthesis of Zn bacitracin in B. licheniformis.
New insights into Southern Caucasian glacial–interglacial climate conditions inferred from Quaternary gastropod fauna
Authors: Richter Christiane , Wolf Daniel , Walther Frank , Meng Stefan , Sahakyan Lilit , Hovakimyan Hayk , Wolpert Tilmann , Fuchs Markus , Faust Dominik
Published: May 2020

In the present study, we performed gastropod analyses on loess–palaeosol sequences from northeast Armenia (Southern Caucasia) covering at least three glacial–interglacial cycles. The elaborated ecostratigraphy shows significant patterns of species composition related to the succession of pedocomplexes and loess, respectively. Pedocomplexes included species that can be associated with high‐grass to forest‐steppe biomes, indicating increased humidity for these sections compared to the loess layers. In contrast, loess layers that relate to glacial periods are associated with gastropod species of semidesert environments with shrub‐ and shortgrass‐steppes, indicating semiarid to arid conditions. Furthermore, the loess deposits do not show any evidence for cold‐adapted gastropod species. Therefore, we suggest that average July temperatures in the study area were above 10 °C, even during periods of loess deposition. Consequently, we propose that the limiting factor for tree growth during glacial periods was aridity, rather than temperature. In addition, we observe environmental differences between the various glacial times, with our results indicating a trend towards steadily increasing aridity in Southern Caucasia across the Middle to Late Pleistocene.
The behavioral and neoliberal foundations of randomizations
Authors: Servet Jean‐Michel , Tinel Bruno
Published: May 2020

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by behavioral economists pretend to be pragmatic and only interested in what works to solve practical problems, but in reality, they have notorious normative and ideological aspects. Behavioral RCTs ignore contexts and composition effects and reflect the biases of those who perform assessments. Behavioral randomizers presume without demonstrating that market exchanges are the most effective form of regulation for societies in all situations of social life. The positive or negative incentives (“nudges”) offered by behavioral economics aim to normalize the behavior of consumers, users, employees, or small/independent producers. They are part of a set of power devices by which individual behaviors are shaped and forced, without their knowledge, to conform to dominant class interests.
Crowdfunding innovations in emerging economies: Risk and credit control in peer‐to‐peer lending network platforms
Authors: Nisar Tahir M. , Prabhakar Guru , Torchia Mariateresa
Published: May 2020

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending has emerged as a network form of crowdfunding that facilitates the loan originations outside the traditional banking model. In China, the combination of imperfect financial development and Internet technology has led to the widespread growth of a P2P network lending market. Using the theoretical lens of information asymmetry, we identify the key sources of risks facing contemporary Chinese P2P companies. Results from our two regression models reveal several factors that can be used as predictors for risk and financial management, including marriage, income, and house property. Our findings also show that collective inference by non‐expert lenders can accurately draw an inference from soft/nonstandard information. The construction of such a predictive system is important for ensuring the good operation of P2P network lending platforms in emerging economies.
Boardroom attributes and trade credit under different ownership structures
Authors: Benkraiem Ramzi , Hamrouni Amal , Miloudi Anthony , Uyar Ali
Published: May 2020

The effects of boardroom attributes on trade credit may differ depending on the types of ownership structures. The study provides new evidence on simultaneously four categories of boardroom characteristics (i.e., the board size, independence, assiduity, gender diversity) under different ownership structures. The empirical analysis shows that board independence is positively associated with trade credit for firms with dispersed and managerial ownership, whereas it is negatively associated with trade credit for firms with concentrated ownership. Moreover, the presence of women on boards is negatively linked to trade credit regardless of the ownership structure, which suggests the risk‐averse tendency of female directors.
Microfinance and financial inclusion: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Milana Carlo , Ashta Arvind
Published: May 2020

Lifting the poor from poverty through financial and social inclusion is the ultimate target and raison d'etre of microfinance. As the most recent literature has recognized, microfinance institutions have economically worked well in operating microcredit, but the aim of raising the living standard of their indigent clients has not been generally met. The expected encouragement of entrepreneurship from microcredit is still not detected in the empirical data, let alone women's social integration in working activities. The articles collected in this thematic issue bring new empirical elements of discussion pointing to many aspects of the social divides and the inequalities that plague the emerging countries. This overview article recalls the main questions that are still open and the framework of topics discussed in this thematic issue.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 reinforced hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction of free urinary biomarkers of whole grain intake followed by CE analysis
Authors: Fang Zhonghui , Gong Jiacheng , Jing Xiaofeng , Wang Tingting , Ye Jiannong , Chu Qingcui , Huang Dongping
Published: May 2020

The whole grain intake is closely associated with human health. In this work, three‐phase dynamic hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction reinforced with 0.10 mg/mL 30 nm zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 nanoparticles was introduced for purification and enrichment of free urinary metabolite biomarkers of whole grain intake. Eight milliliters of HCl (pH 3.00) and 8 μL of 300 mM NaOH solutions were used as the donor and acceptor phases, respectively. The temperature and stirring rate were kept at 25℃ and 500 rpm, and the extraction time was 40 min. The extraction process required no further desorption, and the resultant extract was directly used for electrophoretic analysis without derivatization. Based on the synergistic effect of hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction and the electrophoretic stacking, the enrichment factors of 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3‐(3,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐1‐propionic acid reached 1018–1034 times, and their limits of detection achieved 0.33–0.67 ng/mL (S/N = 3) in urine matrix. The developed method has been successfully used for urine analysis, and the sample recovery data were in the range of 97.0–103.5%. This developed method provided an attractive alternative for the determination of urinary metabolite biomarkers of whole grain intake due to its sensitive, fast, low‐cost, and environmental‐friendly features.
In‐process prepared deep eutectic solvent based homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of irgaphos 168 and irganox 1010 in polypropylene packed drinks
Authors: Naebi Maryam , Jamshidi Masoumeh Arabli , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Abolhassni Jafar , Mogaddam Mohammad Reza Afshar
Published: May 2020

In situ synthesis of a deep eutectic solvent and homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction performed in a narrow bore tube was developed for efficient extraction of irgaphos 168 and irganox 1010 in doogh and water samples packed in polypropylene packages. First, pH of the aqueous sample solutions containing the analytes is adjusted at 9. Then a hydrogen bond acceptor (choline chloride) and a hydrogen bond donor (oleic acid) are dissolved in the solution and vortexed to obtain a homogeneous solution. The solution is filled into a narrow bore tube, in which its bottom was clogged by a septum. Then hydrochloric acid solution is injected into the solution by a syringe. The tube is placed in an ultrasonic bath. During this step, the droplets of choline chloride:oleic acid deep eutectic solvent are produced. The method indicated high enrichment factor (435 for irgaphos 168 and 488 for irganox 1010), low limits of detection (0.03 and 0.09 ng/mL for irgaphos 168 and irganox 1010, respectively) and quantification (0.13 and 0.29 ng/mL for irgaphos 168 and irganox 1010), good recovery (74 and 83% for irgaphos 168 and irganox 1010, respectively), and satisfactory repeatabilities (relative standard deviations ≤12%) can be obtained using the developed method.
Nasal Airflow Changes With Bioabsorbable Implant, Butterfly, and Spreader Grafts
Authors: Brandon Bryan M. , Stepp Wesley H. , Basu Saikat , Kimbell Julia S. , Senior Brent A. , Shockley William W. , Madison Clark J.
Published: May 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Internal nasal valve compromise is a major cause of nasal obstruction, with a growing number of ways to treat this condition. In this study, we compared the effects of butterfly graft, spreader graft, and the bioabsorbable nasal implant on nasal airflow resistance.

Study Design

Cadaver study.

Methods

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were completed from nine preoperative and postoperative cadaveric subjects. Each cadaveric head underwent placement of a bioabsorbable nasal implant (BNI) (Spirox Latera; Stryker ENT, Plymouth, MN), butterfly graft, or spreader graft. Pre‐ and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to generate three‐dimensional models of the nasal airway used in steady‐state CFD simulations of airflow and heat transfer during inspiration.

Results

Butterfly graft placement resulted in a mean improvement in nasal airway resistance of 24.9% (±7.3), whereas BNI placement resulted in a 6.7% (±1.2) improvement, and spreader graft placement also resulted in a consistent improvement of 2.6% (±13.5). Pressure within the main nasal cavity was consistently lower following butterfly graft placement versus a spreader graft or BNI. Butterfly and spreader graft placement also resulted in modest improvements in airflow allocation, whereas BNI demonstrated more variation (−1% to 12%). Heat flux was not significantly different; however, a small improvement in total heat flux was seen with all three interventions.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate reduction in nasal airway resistance in all three surgical interventions, with the butterfly graft demonstrating superiority to the other two techniques. However, these data only reflect a static environment and not dynamic changes in airflow seen during respiration.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:E817–E823, 2020