bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes associated with increased brain metastasis risk in non–small cell lung cancer: Comprehensive genomic profiling of 61 resected brain metastases versus primary non–small cell lung cancer (Guangdong Association Study of Thoracic Oncology 1036)
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Ou Qiuxiang , Li Delan , Qin Tao , Bao Hua , Hou Xue , Wang Kaicheng , Wang Fang , Deng Qianqian , Liang Jianzhong , Zheng Wei , Wu Xue , Wang Xiaonan , Shao Yang W. , Mou Yonggao , Chen Likun
Published: July 2019

Background

Patients with brain metastases (BMs) have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Lung cancer is the most common primary malignancy giving rise to BMs; thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind increased BM risk is essential for identifying therapeutic targets and developing effective interventions.

Methods

Sixty‐one patients who underwent surgical resection of primary non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and BMs were retrospectively studied. Comprehensive genomic profiling of primary NSCLC and matched BMs was performed with next‐generation sequencing targeting 416 cancer‐relevant genes.

Results

Mutations of major drivers, including EGFR, KRAS, TP53, and ALK, were highly concordant between primary NSCLC and matched BMs (>80%), whereas discordance suggested the unique genomic evolution and oncogenic mechanisms of NSCLC BMs. BMs also demonstrated higher levels of copy number variations in comparison with primary NSCLC. Furthermore, the alterations of genes encoding CDK4/CCND1, CDKN2A/2B, and PI3K signaling pathways were enriched in BMs, and this suggested their correlation with increased metastatic risk. Indeed, patients with activated PI3K signaling in their primary NSCLC had significantly shorter BM‐free survival (hazard ratio, 8.49; P = .0005). In addition, mutated TP53 or an activated WNT pathway via CTNNB1, APC, and AXIN2 mutations trended toward shorter BM‐free intervals but not significantly so.

Conclusions

These findings yield detailed insights into the genomic complexity and heterogeneity of primary NSCLC and matched BMs. This study highlights the significant correlation of PI3K signaling with increased metastatic risk in patients with NSCLC and identifies genomic alterations enriched in NSCLC BMs that could serve as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for treating patients with NSCLC BMs.
Catalytic Surface Specificity of Ni(OH)2‐Decorated Pt Nanocubes for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in an Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Hong Youngmin , Choi Chang Hyuck , Choi Sang‐Il
Published: July 2019

Because the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyzers is initiated by water dissociation, the hydrogen evolution kinetics are sluggish even on highly active Pt catalysts. Here, we have synthesized Ni(OH)2‐decorated Pt nanocubes as a bifunctional catalyst to enhance the HER kinetics in an alkaline medium. Electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and CO‐stripping measurements confirmed the selective deposition of Ni(OH)2 on the Pt(1 0 0) facets of nanocubes. Electrocatalytic HER activity of the Ni(OH)2‐decorated Pt nanocubes demonstrated that the bifunctional catalytic surface promotes the Volmer step kinetics and thus the Volmer/Tafel coupling dominant. As the result, catalytic surface specificity of Ni(OH)2‐decorated Pt nanocubes enhanced water dissociation, reduced contamination of OHad on Pt surface, and maintained long‐term HER performance in alkaline electrolytes.
Geographic variation in opsin expression does not align with opsin genotype in Lake Victoria cichlid populations
Authors: Wright Daniel Shane , Meijer Roy , van Eijk Roel , Vos Wicher , Seehausen Ole , Maan Martine E.
Published: July 2019

Sensory adaptation to the local environment can contribute to speciation. Aquatic environments are well suited for studying this process: The natural attenuation of light through water results in heterogeneous light environments, to which vision‐dependent species must adapt for communication and survival. Here, we study visual adaptation in sympatric Pundamilia cichlids from southeastern Lake Victoria. Species with blue or red male nuptial coloration co‐occur at many rocky islands but tend to be depth‐differentiated, entailing different visual habitats, more strongly at some islands than others. Divergent visual adaptation to these environments has been implicated as a major factor in the divergence of P. pundamilia and P. nyererei, as they show consistent differentiation in the long‐wavelength‐sensitive visual pigment gene sequence (LWS opsin). In addition to sequence variation, variation in the opsin gene expression levels may contribute to visual adaptation. We characterized opsin gene expression and LWS genotype across Pundamilia populations inhabiting turbid and clear waters, to examine how different mechanisms of visual tuning contribute to visual adaptation. As predicted, the short‐wavelength‐sensitive opsin (SWS2b) was expressed exclusively in a population from clear water. Contrary to prediction however, expression levels of the other opsins were species‐ and island‐dependent and did not align with species differences in LWS genotype. Specifically, in two locations with turbid water, the shallow‐water dwelling blue species expressed more LWS and less RH2A than the deeper‐dwelling red species, while the opposite pattern occurred in the two locations with clear water. Visual modeling suggests that the observed distribution of opsin expression profiles and LWS genotypes does not maximize visual performance, implying the involvement of additional visual tuning mechanisms and/or incomplete adaptation.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGE

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://hdl.handle.net/10411/I1IUUQ.
Omnivory does not preclude strong trophic cascades
Authors: Fahimipour Ashkaan K. , Levin David A. , Anderson Kurt E.
Published: July 2019

Omnivory has been cited as an explanation for why trophic cascades are weak in many ecosystems, but empirical support for this prediction is equivocal. Compared to predators that feed only on herbivores, top omnivores—species that feed on both herbivores and primary producers—have been observed generating cascades ranging from strong to moderate, null, and negative. To gain intuition about the sensitivity of cascades to omnivory, we analyzed models describing systems with top omnivores that display either fixed or flexible diets, two foraging strategies that are supported by empirical observations. We identified regions of parameter space, wherein omnivores following a fixed foraging strategy, with herbivores and producers comprising a constant proportion of the diet, non‐intuitively generate stronger cascades than predators that are otherwise demographically identical: (1) high productivity relative to herbivore mortality and (2) small discrepancies in producer vs. herbivore reward create conditions in which cascades are stronger with moderate omnivory. In contrast, flexible omnivores that attempt to optimize per capita growth rates during search never induce cascades that are stronger than the case of predators. Although we focus on simple models, the consistency of these general patterns together with prior empirical evidence suggests that omnivores should not be uniformly ruled out as agents of strong trophic cascades.
Controversies in free tissue transfer for head and neck cancer: A review of the literature
Authors: Abouyared Marianne , Katz Andrew P. , Ein Liliana , Ketner Jill , Sargi Zoukaa , Nicolli Elizabeth , Leibowitz Jason M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Microvascular free tissue transfer provides superior functional outcomes when reconstructing head and neck cancer defects. Careful patient selection and surgical planning is necessary to ensure success, as many preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient and technical factors may affect outcome.

Aims

To provide a concise, yet thorough, review of the current literature regarding free flap patient selection and management for the patient with head and neck.

Materials and Methods

PubMed and Cochrane databases were queried for publications pertaining to free tissue transfer management and outcomes.

Results

Malnutrition and tobacco use are modifiable patient factors that negatively impact surgical outcomes. The use of postoperative antiplatelet medications and perioperative antibiotics for greater than 24 hours have not been shown to improve outcomes, although the use of clindamycin alone has been shown to have a higher risk of flap failure. Liberal blood transfusion should be avoided due to higher risk of wound infection and medical complications.

Discussion

There is a wide range of beliefs regarding proper management of patients undergoing free tissue transfer. While there is some data to support these practices, much of the data is conflicting and common practices are often continued out of habit or dogma.

Conclusion

Free flap reconstruction remains a highly successful surgery overall despite as many different approaches to patient care as there are free flap surgeons. Close patient monitoring remains a cornerstone of surgical success.
Proteome‐based classification of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Stroggilos Rafael , Mokou Marika , Latosinska Agnieszka , Makridakis Manousos , Lygirou Vasiliki , Mavrogeorgis Emmanouil , Drekolias Dimitrios , Frantzi Maria , Mullen William , Fragkoulis Charalampos , Stasinopoulos Konstantinos , Papadopoulos Georgios , Stathouros Georgios , Lazaris Andreas C. , Makrythanasis Periklis , Ntoumas Konstantinos , Mischak Harald , Zoidakis Jerome , Vlahou Antonia
Published: July 2019

DNA/RNA‐based classification of bladder cancer (BC) supports the existence of multiple molecular subtypes, while investigations at the protein level are scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate if Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) can be stratified to biologically meaningful groups based on the proteome. Tissue specimens from 117 patients at primary diagnosis (98 with NMIBC and 19 with MIBC), were processed for high‐resolution proteomics analysis by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The proteomics output was subjected to unsupervised consensus clustering, principal component analysis (PCA) and investigation of subtype‐specific features, pathways, and gene sets. NMIBC patients were optimally stratified to three NMIBC proteomic subtypes (NPS), differing in size, clinicopathologic and molecular backgrounds: NPS1 (mostly high stage/grade/risk samples) was the smallest in size (17/98) and overexpressed proteins reflective of an immune/inflammatory phenotype, involved in cell proliferation, unfolded protein response and DNA damage response, whereas NPS2 (mixed stage/grade/risk composition) presented with an infiltrated/mesenchymal profile. NPS3 was rich in luminal/differentiation markers, in line with its pathological composition (mostly low stage/grade/risk samples). PCA revealed a close proximity of NPS1 and conversely, remoteness of NPS3 to the proteome of MIBC. Proteins distinguishing these two extreme subtypes were also found to consistently differ at the mRNA levels between high and low‐risk subtypes of the UROMOL and LUND cohorts. Collectively, our study identifies three proteomic NMIBC subtypes and following a cross‐omics validation in two independent cohorts, shortlists molecular features meriting further investigation for their biomarker or potentially therapeutic value.
An eHealth decision‐support tool to prioritize referral practices for genetic evaluation of patients with Wilms tumor
Authors: Cullinan Noelle , Villani Anita , Mourad Stephanie , Somers Gino R. , Reichman Lara , van Engelen Kalene , Stephens Derek , Weksberg Rosanna , Foulkes William D. , Malkin David , Grant Ronald , Goudie Catherine
Published: July 2019

Over 10% of children with Wilms tumor (WT) have an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS). Cognizant of increasing demand for genetic evaluation and limited resources across health care settings, there is an urgent need to rationalize genetic referrals for this population. The McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines study, a Canadian multi‐institutional initiative, aims to develop an eHealth tool to assist physicians in identifying children at elevated risk of having a CPS. As part of this project, a decisional algorithm specific to WT consisting of five tumor‐specific criteria (age <2 years, bilaterality/multifocality, stromal‐predominant histology, nephrogenic rests, and overgrowth features) and universal criteria including features of family history suspicious for CPS and congenital anomalies, was developed. Application of the algorithm generates a binary recommendation—for or against genetic referral for CPS evaluation. To evaluate the algorithm's sensitivity for CPS identification, we retrospectively applied the tool in consecutive pediatric patients (n = 180) with WT, diagnosed and/or treated at The Hospital for Sick Children (1997–2016). Odds ratios were calculated to evaluate the strengths of associations between each criterion and specific CPS subtypes. Application of the algorithm identified 100% of children with WT and a confirmed CPS (n = 27). Age <2 years, bilaterality/multifocality, and congenital anomalies were strongly associated with pathogenic variants in WT1. Presence of >1 overgrowth feature was strongly associated with Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome. Stromal‐predominant histology did not contribute to CPS identification. We recommend the incorporation of the WT algorithm in the routine assessment of children with WT to facilitate prioritization of genetic referrals in a sustainable manner.
Metastatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma treated with everolimus in a patient receiving hemodialysis: A case report
Authors: Takai Manabu , Kameyama Koji , Toyota Shohei , Kamei Shingo , Yokoi Shigeaki , Ishihara Satoshi , Deguchi Takashi
Published: July 2019

Introduction

A patient undergoing hemodialysis and being treated with everolimus for metastatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma has never been described in the literature, to our knowledge.

Case presentation

A 53‐year‐old woman who had undergone trans‐arterial embolization for epithelioid angiomyolipoma was referred with a chief complaint about right knee pain. Hemodialysis had been started after the embolization. Needle biopsy specimens of tumors obtained from behind the right kidney and in the right femur were diagnosed as epithelioid angiomyolipoma metastases. The patient underwent treatment with everolimus and achieved a partial response after 6 months of treatment without serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Everolimus might be effective for patients with metastatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma who are undergoing hemodialysis.
High‐throughput COPAS assay for screening of developmental and reproductive toxicity of nanoparticles using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim MinA , Jeong Jaeseong , Kim Heejin , Choi Jinhee
Published: July 2019

With the rapid advancement and numerous applications of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in science and technology, their effects on animal health, environment and safety should be considered carefully. However, quick assessment of their effects on developmental and reproductive health and an understanding of how they cause such adverse toxic effects remain challenging, because of the fast‐growing number of ENMs and the limitations of the different toxicity assays currently in use as well as lack of suitable animal model systems. In this study, we performed a high‐throughput complex object parametric analyzer and sorter (COPAS) assay for assessing the developmental and reproductive toxicity of ENMs using Caenorhabditis elegans and provide descriptions of the data and their subsequent analysis. The results showed significant reproductive and developmental toxicity potential of different ENMs. We assessed the usefulness of this method in terms of error‐free data, user‐friendliness and results being consistent with those of visual, molecular and cellular studies. Moreover, the COPAS Biosort system could be used on a larger scale to screen thousands of chemicals, drugs, pharmaceuticals and ENMs. This study also indicates that the COPAS‐based high‐throughput screening system is highly reliable for the assessment of toxicity and health risks of NMs.
Nonviral Transfection With Brachyury Reprograms Human Intervertebral Disc Cells to a Pro‐Anabolic Anti‐Catabolic/Inflammatory Phenotype: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Tang Shirley , Richards Justin , Khan Safdar , Hoyland Judith , Gallego‐Perez Daniel , Higuita‐Castro Natalia , Walter Benjamin , Purmessur Devina
Published: July 2019

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributor to chronic low back pain and is characterized by decreases in cellularity and proteoglycan synthesis, upregulation of matrix degradation, and increases in pro‐inflammatory factors with neurovascular invasion. Current treatments fail to target the underlying pathology or promote tissue repair and approaches such as viral transfection raise safety concerns due to mutagenesis and unwarranted immune responses. To avoid such concerns, nonviral transfection is a viable method of gene delivery into the host cell while bypassing the caveats of viral delivery. Brachyury is expressed in the developing notochord and is associated with an immature healthy nucleus pulposus (NP). We hypothesize that Brachyury can reprogram degenerate NP cells to a healthy pro‐anabolic phenotype with increased proteoglycan content and decreased expression of catabolic, inflammatory, and neurovascular markers. NP cells obtained from human autopsy and surgical tissues were transfected with plasmids encoding for Brachyury or an empty vector control via bulk electroporation. Post transfection, cells were seeded in three‐dimensional agarose constructs cultured over 4 weeks and analyzed for viability, gene expression, and proteoglycan. Results demonstrated successful transfection of both autopsy and surgical NP cells. We observed long‐term Brachyury expression, significant increased expression of NP phenotypic markers FOXF1, KRT19, and chondrogenic marker SOX9 with decreases in inflammatory cytokines IL1‐β/IL6, NGF, and MMPs and significant increases in glycosaminoglycan accumulation. These results highlight nonviral transfection with developmental transcription factors, such as Brachyury, as a promising method to reprogram degenerate human disc cells toward a healthy NP phenotype. Clinical significance: This project proposes a novel translational approach for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration via direct reprogramming of diseased human patient‐derived IVD cells to a healthy phenotype. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2389–2400, 2019
Silicon mitigates boron deficiency and toxicity in cotton cultivated in nutrient solution
Authors: Pereira de Souza Junior Jonas , de Mello Prado Renato , Machado dos Santos Sarah Marcilene , Felisberto Guilherme
Published: July 2019

Silicon (Si) application, both via foliar application and via roots, may be promising to improve plant growth under different biotic or abiotic stresses. In the present study, we investigated whether application of Si can also mitigate the harmful effects of boron (B)‐related nutritional disorders, such as B deficiency, when the application of B is inefficient or insufficient, and B toxicity, when the soil presents high levels of B. This may enable producers to apply Si preventively, if there is a low availability of B in the environment or if B deficiency is induced during the growth season due to a water deficit reducing the plant's B absorption. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of leaf and root Si application on alleviating the harmful effects of B deficiency and toxicity in cotton. Three experiments were carried out with cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum cv. Bayer FM910®), using a soilless system. In a first experiment, we determined that highest plant Si concentrations were obtained with application of stabilized sodium and potassium silicate at concentrations of 0.8 g L−1 (foliar) and 0.056 g L−1 (roots). Experiment 2 indicated that the B concentrations in the nutrient solution associated with moderate B deficiency, sufficiency and moderate toxicity were 33.7, 83.6, and 130.5 µM B L−1, respectively. In Experiment 3 we evaluated the effect of optimum Si applications on the physiology and dry weight production of cotton plants subjected to B deficiency, sufficiency, and toxicity. Silicon mitigated the harmful effects of both B deficiency and toxicity by increasing whole‐plant biomass production and levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll, and reduced initial and maximum fluorescence, thereby improving the quantum efficiency of photosystem II. Collectively, these results indicate that the greatest benefit of Si in mitigating B deficiency occurred with foliar B application, while Si supplied via the nutrient solution was more effective against B toxicity.
Degradation of Polymer Films on Surfaces: A Model Study with Poly(sebacic anhydride)
Authors: Deng Zhuoling , Schweigerdt Alexander , Norow Alexander , Lienkamp Karen
Published: July 2019

There is compelling evidence that the degradation kinetics of thin polymer films differ significantly from bulk materials, as interfacial effects become dominant. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate these kinetics separately. Qualitative analytics of thin film degradation exist, for example, by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy, but more quantitative studies are missing. In this work, the aliphatic poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA) is used as a model system for a quantitative degradation study. The degradation of PSA films is monitored by ellipsometry, surface‐plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Two kinetic regimes are observed when plotting the relative layer thickness determined by ellipsometry and SPR against the degradation time, which corresponds to two different rates of erosion. The data obtained by FTIR show a single process corresponding to the rate of anhydride bond cleavage. Overall, the degradation rate constants of PSA determined by the different methods are consistent. They are constant for PSA films with up to 378 nm thickness. Several thicker free‐standing samples are studied gravimetrically and have a degradation rate constant that is one order of magnitude lower, thus confirming thickness‐dependent degradation rate constants for poly(sebacic anhydride).
Mapping the human brainstem: Brain nuclei and fiber tracts at 3 T and 7 T
Authors: Straub Sina , Knowles Benjamin R. , Flassbeck Sebastian , Steiger Ruth , Ladd Mark E. , Gizewski Elke R.
Published: July 2019

Structural high‐resolution imaging of the brainstem can be of high importance in clinical practice. However, ultra‐high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still restricted in use due to limited availability. Therefore, quantitative MRI techniques (quantitative susceptibility mapping [QSM], relaxation measurements [
, R1], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) and T2‐ and proton density (PD)‐weighted imaging in the human brainstem at 3 T and 7 T are compared.

Five healthy volunteers (mean age: 21.5 ± 1.9 years) were measured at 3 T and 7 T using multi‐echo gradient echo sequences for susceptibility mapping and
relaxometry, magnetization‐prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo sequences for R1 relaxometry, turbo‐spin echo sequences for PD‐ and T2‐weighted imaging and readout‐segmented echo planar sequences for DTI. Susceptibility maps were computed using Laplacian‐based phase unwrapping, V‐SHARP for background field removal and the streaking artifact reduction for QSM algorithm for dipole inversion. Contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) were determined at 3 T and 7 T in ten volumes of interest (VOIs).

Data acquired at 7 T showed higher CNR. However, in four VOIs, lower CNR was observed for
at 7 T. QSM was shown to be the contrast with which the highest number of structures could be identified. The depiction of very fine tracts such as the medial longitudinal fasciculus throughout the brainstem was only possible in susceptibility maps acquired at 7 T. DTI effectively showed the main tracts (crus cerebri, transverse pontine fibers, corticospinal tract, middle and superior cerebellar peduncle, pontocerebellar tract, and pyramid) at both field strengths.

Assessing the brainstem with quantitative MRI methods such as QSM,
, as well as PD‐ and T2‐weighted imaging with great detail, is also possible at 3 T, especially when using susceptibility mapping calculated from a gradient echo sequence with a wide range of echo times from 10.5 to 52.5 ms. However, tracing smallest structures strongly benefits from imaging at ultra‐high field.
Metabolomics approach based on NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis to explore the interaction between the leafminer Tuta absoluta and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: de Falco Bruna , Manzo Daniele , Incerti Guido , Garonna Antonio Pietro , Ercolano Maria , Lanzotti Virginia
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating and harmful pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops causing up to 80–100% yield losses. A large arsenal of plant metabolites is induced by the leafminer feeding including defence compounds that could differ among varieties.

Objective

To compare the metabolomic changes of different genotypes of tomato (tolerant “T”, susceptible “S” and “F1” hybrid obtained between T and S) after exposition to T. absoluta.

Methodology

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy followed by multivariate data analysis were performed to analyse the metabolic profiles of control and infested samples on three different tomato genotypes.

Results

Signals related to GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) were relatively much higher in all infested samples compared to the non‐infested plants used as control. Infested T genotype samples were the most abundant in organic acids, including fatty acids and acyl sugars, chlorogenic acid, neo‐chlorogenic acid and feruloyl quinic acid, indicating a clear link between the exposure to leafminer. Results also showed an increase of trigonelline in all tomato varieties after exposition to T. absoluta.

Conclusion

Metabolomics approach based on NMR spectroscopy followed by multivariate data analysis allowed for a detailed metabolite profile of plant defences, providing fundamental information for breeding programmes in plant crops.
Correlates between Five‐Factor Model traits and the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines dimensions in an adolescent clinical sample
Authors: Koster Nagila , Hopwood Christopher J. , Goodman Marianne , Zanarini Mary C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Extensive evidence supports the association between Five‐Factor Model (FFM) traits involving high neuroticism, low agreeableness and low conscientiousness and borderline personality disorder (BPD) characteristics, particularly among adults in community samples. However, studies supporting this link in adolescent samples are relatively limited, and few studies have examined the links between FFM traits and specific dimensions of BPD, such as those distinguished by the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB‐R). In this study, we examined associations between FFM traits and BPD characteristics in a group of clinical and non‐clinical adolescents.

Method

We evaluated the correlations between the FFM personality traits, as measured by the NEO‐Five‐Factor Inventory and BPD characteristics as measured by the DIB‐R in a sample of adolescents (N = 162).

Results

Consistent with previous research, BPD dimensions were highly associated with high neuroticism, low conscientiousness, low agreeableness and to a somewhat lesser extent with low extraversion. Specificity of associations between FFM traits and DIB‐R section scores was limited, in part because of strong intercorrelations among DIB‐R scores.

Discussion

These results imply that evidence about trait–BPD associations in adult samples generalizes well to adolescents. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Host‐dependent contributions of the Cfcdp1 protease gene to virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps fumosorosea
Authors: Huang Wenyou , Huang Yü , Hao Yongfen , Huang Song , Gao Tianni , Keyhani Nemat O , Huang Zhen
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The genomes of broad host range insect pathogenic fungi, including Cordyceps fumosorosea, encode for a suite of secreted proteases implicated in targeting, penetration, and degradation of the host exoskeleton or cuticle. These cuticle‐degrading proteases act as critical virulence factors, but their functions within the biological context, particularly in relation to host specificity, remain poorly characterized.

RESULT

A C. fumosorosea protease gene, Cfcdp1, was identified and a targeted gene‐knockout strain constructed. Minor growth defects were observed for the ΔCfcdp1 strain when compared to the wild‐type parent and complemented (ΔCfcdp1::Cfcdp1) strains, with delayed and decreased sporulation noted for the mutant. Decreased subtilisin‐like protease activity was seen for the ΔCfcdp1 strain, although total secreted protease activity was similar between the mutant and wild‐type strains. Insect bioassays using whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, and cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, showed decreased infectivity, i.e. 2.4–3.4‐fold increase in lethal dose (LC50) and an increased time to death (LT50), for the ΔCfcdp1 strain. In contrast, insect bioassays using the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, or the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, showed increased infectivity, i.e. a 3–5‐fold decrease in LC50, and a decreased LT50. Differential effects were also seen on the fecundity of B. tabaci infected by the different fungal strains.

CONCLUSION

These data reveal host‐dependent effects of a protease implicated in cuticle degradation on C. fumosorosea virulence. The implications of these findings in suggesting context‐dependent requirements of cuticle‐degrading enzymes and their potentially differential roles in mediating virulence towards different hosts are discussed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐service traps inspected by avian and terrestrial predators as a management option for rodents
Authors: Schlötelburg Annika , Plekat Alexandra , Bellingrath‐Kimura Sonoko , Jacob Jens
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, serval rodent species are major pests in agricultural landscapes. A vole‐specific tub‐trap combining trapping and natural predators was developed to minimize the migration of rodents into agricultural crops. The trap was tested in enclosures in terms of its trapability of common voles (Microtus arvalisPallas) and in the field regarding predator access and removal of voles, both in comparison to a commercially available self‐service trap (standby‐box).

RESULTS

The trapability of voles was equal for tub‐traps and standby‐boxes. The removal of voles occurred four times more often from tub‐traps by a wider variety of predators (e.g. smaller terrestrial predators, birds of prey). Visits by predators were most likely if study sites were not surrounded by artificial surfaces (70% visit probability by terrestrial predators) or if they were in areas that were more than 25% (semi)natural (95% visit probability by avian predators). Furthermore, visits by avian predators increased with time and a learning effect could be demonstrated for magpies (Pica picaL.). From the first to the fifth day, the visit probability of magpies quadrupled.

CONCLUSIONS

Visits by predators decreased with increasing cover of artificial surfaces or decreasing cover of (semi)natural areas, proving the importance of (semi)natural areas in the agricultural landscape. Long‐term trials with different baiting techniques and in landscapes characterized by organic farming should be conducted to ensure the regular removal of voles. The use of tub‐traps that are frequently visited by predators could support crop protection, which might limit the use of rodenticide and the associated exposure risk of non‐target wildlife. © 2019 The Authors.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Deep‐Subwavelength Coupling‐Induced Fano Resonances in Symmetric Terahertz Metamaterials
Authors: Karmakar Subhajit , Banerjee Sabyasachi , Kumar Deepak , Kamble Girish , Varshney Ravendra K. , Roy Chowdhury Dibakar
Published: July 2019

Fano resonances in metamaterials attract intense attention due to their sharp asymmetric spectral feature and low radiative loss channel. Typically, Fano resonances are excited in metamaterials with broken structural symmetry in a planar configuration. Herein, the excitation of Fano resonance in geometrically symmetric metamaterial structure operating in the strong, deep sub‐wavelength coupling regime at terahertz frequencies is experimentally demonstrated. The structure consists of vertically stacked symmetric resonator array separated by an ultrathin polyimide spacer. Such meta‐structures can strongly support highly localized, intense electromagnetic field confined inside the sub‐wavelength volumes. It is further shown that the resonance linewidth and the field strengths can be engineered by tailoring the near‐field coupling through the ultrathin spacer layer. Such exotic features of perfectly symmetric Fano resonators provide an ideal playing ground for strong light–matter coupling, resulting in realization of ultrasensitive sensors, slow‐light devices, and energy‐efficient ultrafast terahertz modulators.
Mentha: A genus rich in vital nutra‐pharmaceuticals—A review
Authors: Anwar Farooq , Abbas Ali , Mehmood Tahir , Gilani Anwarul‐Hassan , Rehman Najeeb‐ur
Published: July 2019

The genusMenthacomprises several aromatic species, which are cultivated world‐over due to their distinct aroma and commercial value. In addition to traditional food flavoring uses,Menthaare well recognized for their folk medicinal uses, especially to treat cold, fever, and digestive and cardiovascular disorders. A number of biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, biopesticidal, antitumor, anticancer, antiviral, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, and urease inhibitory activity have been ascribed toMentha. The traditional pharmacological attributes ofMenthaherbs can be linked to the occurrence of bioactive phytochemicals such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and antioxidant phenolics among others. A rich source of bioactives, different species ofMentha, can be explored as a promising candidate for the development of nutra‐pharmaceuticals. This review covers the nutritional, phytochemical, and traditional medicinal aspects and multiple biological activities of some commonly available species ofMenthaso as to explore their potential applications for nutra‐pharmaceutical and cosmo‐nutraceutical industry. Detailed chemical profile and pharmaceutical attributes of variousMenthaessential oils are also covered. Moreover, based on computational analysis, quantitative chemical component–antioxidant activity relationship model is reviewed to predict and correlate structure–activity relationship of potential bioactives in selectedMenthaessential oils leading to discovery and developmenmt of novel natural drugs.
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of hair, nail, and breath from tropical African human populations
Authors: Correia Maria Ana , Foley Robert , O'Connell Tamsin C. , Ramírez‐Rozzi Fernando , Mirazón Lahr Marta
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Stable isotopic analyses are increasingly used to study the diets of past and present human populations. Yet, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic data of modern human diets collected so far are biased towards Europe and North America. Here, we address this gap by reporting on the dietary isotopic signatures of six tropical African communities: El Molo, Turkana (Kerio), Luhya (Webuye), Luhya (Port Victoria), and Luo (Port Victoria) from Kenya, and Baka from Cameroon; representing four subsistence strategies: fishing, pastoralism, agriculturalism, and hunter‐gatherer.

Methods

We used an elemental analyser coupled in continuous‐flow mode to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer to measure the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of hair (n = 134) and nail (n = 80) and the carbon isotopic ratios of breath (n = 184) from these communities, as well as the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of some food samples from the Kenyan communities.

Results

We expand on the known range ofδ13C values in human hair through the hunter‐gatherer Baka, with a diet based on C3plants, and through the agriculturalist Luhya (Webuye), with a diet based on C4plants. In addition, we found that the consumption of fish from East African lakes is difficult to detect isotopically due to the combined effects of high nitrogen isotopic ratios of plants and the low nitrogen isotopic ratios of fish. Finally, we found that some of the communities studied are markedly changing their diets through increasing sedentism and urbanisation.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute substantially to the understanding of the environmental, demographic, and economic dynamics that affect the dietary landscape of different tropical populations of Africa. These results highlight the importance of studying a broader sample of human populations and their diet, with a focus on their precise context – from both isotopic and more general anthropological perspectives.
Turning Points to Becoming a Tobacco Smoker: Smoking Initiation and Identity Change among Chinese Youth
Authors: Davey Gareth , Zhao Xiang
Published: July 2019

In this study, we analyzed identity construction among young smokers in China, with three interconnected objectives: to theorize the turning points and career trajectory of smoking initiation; to account for their characteristics with interactionist processes; and to critically evaluate the applicability of classic typologies of identity change by Becker and Strauss. In‐depth interviews with 24 late adolescents (ages 18–19) revealed a smoking initiation career path of four interconnected turning points, each characterized by interactionist processes. Smoker peers played a key role in facilitating overall career progression, and shame avoidance was crucial to their social dynamics. We also conclude that classic studies of turning points in general, and substance use specifically, are sufficiently broad and flexible to elucidate tobacco smoker identity construction in China, and facilitate a comparison of commonality and divergence among different “becoming” identities. The implications of these findings for tobacco control in China are discussed.
Current State of Mixed Reality Technology for Digital Retail: A Literature Review
Authors: Jain Shubham , Werth Dirk
Published: July 2019

Immersive 3D environments have been a major research area in different scientific domains such as Human-Computer Interaction, display devices, etc. Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are one of the most interesting sections of immersive environments that have a huge potential of deployment in a diverse range of industries, Retail being one of them. Retail started from traditional physical in-store setups and has been evolving ever since. Integration of technologies gave birth to Digital and Omnichannel Retail and for efficient development and deployment of MR in Omnichannel Retail, appropriate research must be made to provide proper frameworks and guidelines to developers and managers to optimize User Experiences. This paper investigates the current state of the art of MR in Retail by reviewing the present literature in the domain. It proposes important research gaps based on the analysis and understanding to provide further researches a clear picture of the different aspects associated with optimal application of MR technology in Retail sector.
Exploring schizophrenia spectrum psychopathology in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Zandersen Maja , Parnas Josef
Published: July 2019

We have previously argued that the current borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis is over-inclusive and clinically and conceptually impossible to distinguish from the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This study involves 30 patients clinically diagnosed with BPD as their main diagnosis by three BPD dedicated outpatient treatment facilities in Denmark. The patients underwent a careful and time-consuming psychiatric evaluation involving several senior level clinical psychiatrists and researchers and a comprehensive battery of psychopathological scales. The study found that the vast majority of patients (67% in DSM-5 and 77% in ICD-10) in fact met the criteria for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, i.e., schizophrenia (20%) or schizotypal (personality) disorder (SPD). The schizophrenia spectrum group scored significantly higher on the level of disorders of core self as measured by the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experiences Scale (EASE). The BPD criterion of “identity disturbance” was significantly correlated with the mean total score of EASE. These findings are discussed in the light of changes from prototypical to polythetic diagnostic systems. We argue that the original prototypes/gestalts informing the creation of BPD and SPD have gone into oblivion during the evolution of polythetic criteria.
Institutional Perspectives on the Process of Enterprise Architecture Adoption
Authors: Dang Duong , Pekkola Samuli
Published: July 2019

Organizations often adopt enterprise architecture (EA) when planning how best to develop their information technology (IT) or businesses, for strategic management, or generally for managing change initiatives. This variety of different uses affects many stakeholders within and between organizations. Because stakeholders have dissimilar backgrounds, positions, assumptions, and activities, they respond differently to changes and the potential problems that emerge from those changes. This situation creates contradictions and conflicts between stakeholders that may further influence project activities and ultimately determine how EA is adopted. In this paper, we examine how institutional pressures influence EA adoption. Based on a qualitative case study of two cases, we show how regulative, normative, and cognitive pressures influence stakeholders’ activities and behaviors during the process of EA adoption. Our contribution thus lies in identifying roles of institutional pressures in different phases during the process of EA adoption and how it changes overtime. The results provide insights into EA adoption and the process of institutionalization, which help to explain emergent challenges in EA adoption.
Effects of deliberate reflection on diagnostic accuracy, confidence and diagnostic calibration in dermatology
Authors: Costa Filho Galileu B. , Moura Alexandre S. , Brandão Paulo R. , Schmidt Henk G. , Mamede Silvia
Published: July 2019

Background Deliberate reflection on initial diagnoses improved diagnostic accuracy in internal medicine and general practice, but it is unknown if the same occurs in specialties that rely mostly on visual perception, such as dermatology. Moreover, whether reflection influences diagnostic calibration has not been studied yet. Diagnostic calibration, the relationship between diagnostic accuracy and confidence in that accuracy, affects diagnostic performance because overconfidence tends to induce premature closure. This study evaluated the effects of deliberate reflection on diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic calibration in dermatology.

Methods Sixty-one sixth-year students from a Brazilian medical school were allocated to either a reflection group (RG) or a control group (CG). In both groups, students worked with the same 12 dermatological images, presented sequentially, providing an initial diagnosis and confidence in that diagnosis. Subsequently, RG students reflected on the case using a structured procedure, while CG students performed a time-filler activity. All students then provided a final diagnosis and confidence in that diagnosis. Outcome measurements were diagnostic accuracy, confidence, and calibration.

Results Reflection increased diagnostic accuracy relative to control (49.7 ± 12.1 vs 38.4 ± 14.6; p = 0.002) but did not affect confidence (64.3 ± 13.2 vs 58.9 ± 20.1; p = 0.228) nor calibration (0.15 ± 0.16 vs 0.20 ± 0.19, p = 0.197). Overall, case difficulty influenced calibration, with students showing more overconfidence on more difficult cases (p <0.001).

Conclusions Deliberate reflection increased diagnostic accuracy in dermatology but did not affect confidence and calibration.
Scientific activity by medical students: the relationship between academic publishing during medical school and publication careers after graduation
Authors: Waaijer Cathelijn J. F. , Ommering Belinda W. C. , Van der Wurff Lambertus J. , Van Leeuwen Thed N. , Dekker Friedo W. , NVMO Special Interest Group on Scientific Education
Published: July 2019

Introduction Engagement of clinicians in research is important for the integration of science and clinical practice. However, at this moment, there is a shortage of clinician-scientists. Success experiences can stimulate student interest in a research career. Conducting actual research leading to publication is a potential method to gain success experience. This study assessed whether publication as a medical student is associated with publication after graduation. We determined whether medical students in the Netherlands who are involved in research, as measured by publication in international journals before graduation: 1) are more likely to publish, 2) publish a greater number of papers, and 3) have higher citation impact scores after graduation.

Methods We matched 2005–2008 MD graduates (with rare names, n = 4145 in total) from all eight Dutch university medical centres to their publications indexed in the Web of Science and published between 6 years before and 6 years after graduation. For sensitivity analysis we performed both automatic assignment on the whole group and manual assignment on a 10% random sample.

Results Students who had published before graduation: 1) were 1.9 times as likely to publish, 2) published more papers, and 3) had a slightly higher citation impact after graduation.

Discussion Medical students who conducted research leading to a publication before graduation were more likely to be scientifically active after graduation. While this is not a causal relationship per se, these results cautiously suggest that successful early involvement in research could influence the long-term scientific activity of clinicians.
Short height and poor education increase the risk of dementia in Nigerian type 2 diabetic women
Authors: Oghagbon Efosa Kenneth , Giménez‐Llort Lydia
Published: July 2019

Introduction

There is urgent need to investigate type 2 diabetes and dementia crosstalk in sub‐Saharan African countries with special attention to women who have higher vulnerability. Nigeria which has the highest number of diabetics on the African continent is a good location for the investigation.

Methods

Biophysical parameters, occupation, education, burden of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular health, and cognition were evaluated in 102 type 2 diabetics and 99 controls.

Results

Short physical stature and lower level of education were hallmarks of diabetes in females. Two dementia scales (Mini–Mental State Examination and six‐item Cognitive Impairment Test) showed cognitive impairment status, with the six‐item Cognitive Impairment Test scale being more specific and sensitive. Both scales showed correlations with age, education, weight, height, and disease onset, whereas fasten blood glucose was negatively correlated with height and their blood pressure was normal.

Discussion

Height, an easy‐to‐measure parameter in Nigeria, may reveal increased risk of dementia in poorly educated female Nigerian diabetics, thus helping to improve preventive and therapeutic interventions.