bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in stony sand from Black Stone Beach of Kuantan, the Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Khandaker M.U. , Garba N.N. , Rohaizad C.A.H.b.C. , Bradley D.A.
Published: July 2019

Black Stone Beach (or Pantai Batu Hitam) of Kuantan, Malaysia is a windy but unique beach located on the coastal strip, and has become an attraction for tourists from within and outside the country for many years due to its scenic dark rock formations. Considering the radiological safety of human health, a study was conducted to assess the concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the beach environment. Activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the stony sand samples collected from the beach area were assessed by using HPGe γ-ray spectrometry. The measured external gamma radiation dose rates and the activity concentrations were found to ranges 22–31 nGy.h−1 and 9.8 ± 0.6 to 12.4 ± 0.7 Bq.kg−1, 6.8 ± 0.5 to 8.8 ± 0.6 Bq.kg−1 and 209 ± 11 to 354 ± 17 Bq.kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The mean values of typical radiological indices such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and annual effective dose were found to be 17.82 Bq.kg−1 and 10.86 × 10−3 mSv.year−1 which were far below the world average values of 370 Bq.kg−1 and 2.4 mSv.year−1 set by the UNSCEAR, respectively. Present results served as an important reference for any future radiological study in Kuantan, Malaysia.
«Schmerz, du bist ein Teil meines Lebens, aber nicht der
wichtigste!»
Authors: Erhardt-Raum Gertrud
Published: July 2019

In Interviews bezeichnen Patienten mit dem Fibromyalgiesyndrom
Funktionstraining und Autogenes Training als hilfreich. Vor allem die
Unterstützung und Ablenkung durch die Gruppe werden dabei sehr geschätzt.
Auch in der Einzelbehandlung können Patienten angeleitet werden, die
Wahrnehmung weg vom Schmerz zu lenken, zum Beispiel mit Hilfe der Übung
Aufmerksamkeitsscheinwerfer.
Physiotherapie eines Chamäleons
Authors: Erhardt-Raum Gertrud
Published: July 2019

Patienten mit einem Fibromyalgiesyndrom (FMS) fühlen sich manchmal, als würden
sie in einer engen Rüstung stecken oder zu einer zähen Masse mutieren.
Strukturelle Ursachen können diese Beschwerden nicht eindeutig erklären. Die
Therapie sollte sich daher nicht nur auf rein somatische Aspekte beschränken,
sondern auch Edukation und Stressbewältigungsverfahren beinhalten.
Dielectric properties of complete oil palm trunk sample (healthy and unhealthy)
Authors: Saeidi Tale , Ismail Idris , Wen Wong Peng , Alhawari Adam R. H.
Published: July 2019

Microwave technology is utilized in many fields, especially in measuring the dielectric properties. In this study, the dielectric properties of a complete Oil Palm Trunk (OPT) log are investigated for both healthy and unhealthy (has hollow inside) samples to be used for imaging purpose (to reconstruct an image of the hollow in an unhealthy sample). An open-ended coaxial probe technique is used for measurement. Both Dielectric loss and loss tangent follow the same trend through most of the frequency band. Although the current sample is bigger than recent similar works, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss are positively harmonized with its moisture content. Furthermore, the results are more realistic than recent related works since a complete sample with all its layers is used not only the core as presented in the literature.
Māori lived experience of osteoarthritis: a qualitative study guided by Kaupapa Māori principles
Authors: McGruer Nikita , Baldwin Jennifer N. , Ruakere Brian T. , Larmer Peter J.
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONOsteoarthritis adversely affects people’s quality of life; however, the effects of osteoarthritis on Māori in New Zealand remain unknown.
AIMTo explore the Māori lived experience of osteoarthritis.
METHODSA qualitative study guided by Kaupapa Māori principles. Māori adults (≥30 years) with clinical knee or hip osteoarthritis took part in semi-structured interviews that were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis and a model of Māori health (Te Whare Tapa Whā, outlining four dimensions of wellbeing (taha tinana- physical; taha hinengaro- mental; taha wairua- spiritual; and taha whānau- family)) were used to analyse data.
RESULTSSeven Māori females aged 44–71 years participated. Physical manifestations of osteoarthritis, namely pain and limited daily activities, affected mental, spiritual and family wellbeing. Participants experienced whakamā (shame) and frustration. Cultural duties such as attending the marae were impeded, affecting spiritual wellbeing and cultural identity. Participants described drawing on the strength of their ancestors to cope with their impairments. Western medicine was commonly used, although side-effects were prominent and few participants had received information about the condition from health professionals. Both positive and negative experiences of health-care and treatments were reported.
DISCUSSIONOsteoarthritis inflicts a substantial burden on the physical, mental, spiritual and family wellbeing of Māori women. Primary care practitioners must consider spiritual and family wellbeing when providing care for Māori with osteoarthritis. Culturally sensitive education for patients and their whānau is needed.
The effect of intermittent running on biomarkers of bone turnover
Authors: Evans W. , Nevill A. , McLaren S. J. , Ditroilo M.
Published: July 2019

Intermittent exercise might be an efficient means of exercise for improving bone strength and quality. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of intermittent running on bone turnover markers using altered exercise‐to‐rest intervals. Twelve males completed one control (no exercise), and three, 45‐min intermittent protocols (5, 20, and 80 s intervals) matched for distance and speed. Fasted venous blood samples were collected at baseline, 1, 2 and 24 h post‐exercise. Carboxyterminal crosslinked telopeptide (CTX‐I) and procollagen type 1 amino‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) were used as markers of bone resorption and formation. After adjustment for baseline, CTX‐I concentration at 1 h was higher (very likely to most likely small) for 5 s (30.2%; ±90% confidence limits: 10%), 20 s (2.9.0%; ±10%) and 80 s (32.0%; ±10%) compared to control. The very likely small effect remained for 5 s at 2 h (30.2%; ±15%). The effect for 20 and 80 s was possibly trivial and possibly small/possibly trivial (∼14.5%; ±∼15%). Differences in P1NP concentrations were likely to very likely trivial (∼7.4%; ±∼7.6%). Circulating CTX‐I concentration is affected acutely by intermittent running with short‐interval (5 s) intermittent loading resulting in a prolonged attenuation in circadian rhythm of CTX‐I up to 2 h that was not demonstrated as clearly by longer intervals despite matched internal and external training load.
Israeli firm fails in private Moon landing
Authors: Dacey James
Published: July 2019

The first effort by a private organization to land a spacecraft on the Moon has ended in failure after contact with the Beresheet lander was lost just minutes before it was due to touch down.
US federal court slaps open-access publisher with $50m fine
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: July 2019

The open-access publisher OMICS Group has been ordered to pay $50.1m in damages by a US federal court for misrepresenting its publications, hiding publication fees and making misleading claims about its conferences.
QB or not QB
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: July 2019

Philosophers can learn much from a row in the physics community, says Robert P Crease
Nanoparticles home in on infectious diseases
Authors: McEntee Joe
Published: July 2019

A new wave of “bionanosensors” may make it quicker, cheaper and easier to detect harmful micro-organisms, but hurdles remain before they can enter the clinical realm, as Joe McEntee reports
Physics for sports fans
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: July 2019

When the physicist Steve Haake began his career as a “sports engineer” in the early 1990s, he was greeted by “an embarrassed silence”. But as he admits in Advantage Play: Technologies that Changed Sporting History, the "real world" was delighted.
Smartphone camera measures blood-glucose levels
Authors: Behrens Hannah
Published: July 2019

Diabetes sufferers could benefit from a new smartphone device that might replace current blood-glucose meters.
Filling the terahertz gap
Authors: Wogan Tim
Published: July 2019

Researchers at the University of Durham have developed a new imaging technique that uses a laser-excited atomic vapour to convert terahertz radiation to visible light.
sAOP: linking chemical stressors to adverse outcomes pathway networks
Authors: Aguayo-Orozco Alejandro , Audouze Karine , Siggaard Troels , Barouki Robert , Brunak Søren , Taboureau Olivier
Published: July 2019

Motivation

Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is a toxicological concept proposed to provide a mechanistic representation of biological perturbation over different layers of biological organization. Although AOPs are by definition chemical-agnostic, many chemical stressors can putatively interfere with one or several AOPs and such information would be relevant for regulatory decision-making.

Results

With the recent development of AOPs networks aiming to facilitate the identification of interactions among AOPs, we developed a stressor-AOP network (sAOP). Using the ‘cytotoxitiy burst’ (CTB) approach, we mapped bioactive compounds from the ToxCast data to a list of AOPs reported in AOP-Wiki database. With this analysis, a variety of relevant connections between chemicals and AOP components can be identified suggesting multiple effects not observed in the simplified ‘one-biological perturbation to one-adverse outcome’ model. The results may assist in the prioritization of chemicals to assess risk-based evaluations in the context of human health.

Availability and implementation

sAOP is available at http://saop.cpr.ku.dk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Design Strategies for Biocontainment Units to Reduce Risk During Doffing of High-level Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Wong Maria F , Matić Zorana , Campiglia Gabrielle C , Zimring Craig M , Mumma Joel M , Kraft Colleen S , Casanova Lisa M , Durso Francis T , Walsh Victoria L , Shah Puja Y , Shane Andi L , Jacob Jesse T , Dubose Jennifer R
Published: July 2019

Background

Few data exist to guide the physical design of biocontainment units, particularly the doffing area. This can impact the contamination risk of healthcare workers (HCWs) during doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Methods

In phase I of our study, we analyzed simulations of a standard patient care task with 56 trained HCWs focusing on doffing of high-level PPE. In phase II, using a rapid cycle improvement approach, we tested different balance aids and redesigned doffing area layouts with 38 students. In phase III, we tested 1 redesigned layout with an additional 10 trained HCWs. We assessed the effectiveness of design changes on improving the HCW performance (measured by occurrence and number of risky behaviors) and reducing the physical and cognitive load by comparing the results from phase I and phase III.

Results

The physical load was highest when participants were removing their shoe covers without any balance aid; the use of a chair required the lowest physical effort, followed by horizontal and vertical grab bars. In the revised design (phase III), the overall performance of participants improved. There was a significant decrease in the number of HCW risky behaviors (P = .004); 5 risky behaviors were eliminated and 2 others increased. There was a significant decrease in physical load when removing disposable shoe covers (P = .04), and participants reported a similar workload in the redesigned doffing layout (P = .43).

Conclusions

Through optimizing the design and layout of the doffing space, we reduced risky behaviors of HCWs during doffing of high-level PPE.
Recurrent pulmonary embolism related with Paget–Schroetter syndrome: a case report
Authors: Sahashi Yuki , Naito Junko , Kawasaki Masanori
Published: July 2019

Background

Paget–Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is an unusual cause of venous thromboembolism, which is frequently misdiagnosed and undiagnosed in clinical settings. Although axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis is related with PSS typically presents in healthy young athletes, it is possible for this phenomenon to occur in various age settings.

Case summary

We present a case of recurrent pulmonary embolism caused by a thrombus in dilated axillary vein related with PSS. A 74-year-old man was referred to our cardiology department for chest discomfort and hypoxaemia. The contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed that he suffered from bilateral pulmonary embolism. However, we could not find the source of embolism despite other examinations such as ultrasonography of the inferior limb deep vein. Three months later, the patient complained of dyspnoea for a second time, and a contrast CT scan was subsequently performed revealing a new pulmonary embolism. Surgical resection of the giant thrombus was performed, resulting in a good clinical course without recurrence.

Discussion

We experienced a case of recurring pulmonary embolism in a patient with undiagnosed PSS, which was related to the active and vigorous movement of the right arm during his working. Although there are various treatments for PSS including anticoagulation, first rib resection, and lifestyle modification, we need to consider what is the best treatment individually.
A physiological perspective on targets of nitration in NO-based signaling networks in plants
Authors: Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Floryszak-Wieczorek Jolanta
Published: July 2019

Although peroxynitrite (ONOO−) has been well documented as a nitrating cognate of nitric oxide (NO) in plant cells, modifications of proteins, fatty acids, and nucleotides by nitration are relatively under-explored topics in plant NO research. As a result, they are seen mainly as hallmarks of redox processes or as markers of nitro-oxidative stress under unfavorable conditions, similar to those observed in human and other animal systems. Protein tyrosine nitration is the best-known nitrative modification in the plant system and can be promoted by the action of both ONOO− and related NO-derived oxidants within the cell environment. Recent progress in ‘omics’ and modeling tools have provided novel biochemical insights into the physiological and pathophysiological fate of nitrated proteins. The nitration process can be specifically involved in various cell regulatory mechanisms that control redox signaling via nitrated cGMP or nitrated fatty acids. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that nitrative modifications of nucleotides embedded in DNA and RNA can be considered as smart switches of gene expression that fine-tune adaptive cellular responses to stress. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the potential implications of biotargets in the regulation of intracellular traffic and plant biological processes.
Plant growth-regulating molecules as thermoprotectants: functional relevance and prospects for improving heat tolerance in food crops
Authors: Sharma Lomeshwar , Priya Manu , Kaushal Neeru , Bhandhari Kalpna , Chaudhary Shikha , Dhankher Om Parkash , Prasad Pv Vara , Siddique Kadambot Hm , Nayyar Harsh
Published: July 2019

Among various abiotic stresses, heat stress is one of the most damaging, threatening plant productivity and survival all over the world. Warmer temperatures due to climatic anomalies above optimum growing temperatures have detrimental impacts on crop yield potential as well as plant distribution patterns. Heat stress affects overall plant metabolism in terms of physiology, biochemistry, and gene expression. Membrane damage, protein degradation, enzyme inactivation, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species are some of the harmful effects of heat stress that cause injury to various cellular compartments. Although plants are equipped with various defense strategies to counteract these adversities, their defensive means are not sufficient to defend against the ever-rising temperatures. Hence, substantial yield losses have been observed in all crop species under heat stress. Here, we describe the involvement of various plant growth-regulators (PGRs) (hormones, polyamines, osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and other signaling molecules) in thermotolerance, through diverse cellular mechanisms that protect cells under heat stress. Several studies involving the exogenous application of PGRs to heat-stressed plants have demonstrated their role in imparting tolerance, suggesting the strong potential of these molecules in improving the performance of food crops grown under high temperature.
Identification of TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 as a temperature-sensitive negative regulator of tuberization in potato
Authors: Morris Wayne L , Ducreux Laurence J M , Morris Jennifer , Campbell Raymond , Usman Muhammad , Hedley Pete E , Prat Salomé , Taylor Mark A
Published: July 2019

TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 (StTOC1) is a temperature-responsive negative regulator of tuberization. This clock protein interacts directly with the StSP6A tuberization signal and suppresses its positive feed-forward regulation in stolons.
Outcomes in Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Infections Complicated by Respiratory Viral Infections in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Magira Eleni E , Chemaly Roy F , Jiang Ying , Tarrand Jeffrey , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P
Published: July 2019

Background

Data regarding invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) following respiratory viral infections (RVIs) in patients with leukemia and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (LHSCT) are limited.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of post-RVI IPA (2006–2016). Cases were patients who underwent LHSCT and had RVI due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus (INF), or parainfluenza virus (PIV) followed by culture-documented IPA within 6 weeks. Controls had IPA only.

Results

We identified 54 cases and 142 controls. Among cases, 29 (54%) had PIV infection, 14 (26%) had INF infection, and 11 (20%) had RSV infection. The median time to IPA after RVI was 7 days. A greater percentage of cases (37 [69%]) than controls (52 [37%]) underwent allogeneic HSCT (P < .0001). Cases were more likely to be nonneutropenic (33 [61%] vs 56 [39%]; P = .009) and in hematologic remission (27 [50%] vs 39 [27%]; P = .003) before IPA. Cases were more likely to have monocytopenia (45 [83%] vs 99 [70%]; P = .05) and less likely to have severe neutropenia (21 [39%] vs 86 [61%]; P = .007) at IPA diagnosis. Prior use of an Aspergillus-active triazole was more common in cases (27 of 28 [96%] vs 50 of 74 [68%]; P = .0017). Median time to empirical antifungal therapy initiation was 2 days in both groups. Crude 42-day mortality rates did not differ between cases (22%) and controls (27%), but the 42-day mortality rate was higher among cases with IPA after RSV infection (45%) than among those with IPA following INF or PIV infection (13%; P = .05).

Conclusions

IPA had comparable outcomes when it followed RVI in patients who underwent LHSCT, and post-RVI IPA occurred more frequently in patients with prior allogeneic HSCT and was associated with leukemia relapse and neutropenia.
In silico screening of GMQ-like compounds reveals guanabenz and sephin1 as new allosteric modulators of acid-sensing ion channel 3
Authors: Callejo Gerard , Pattison Luke A. , Greenhalgh Jack C. , Chakrabarti Sampurna , Andreopoulou Evangelia , Hockley James R. F. , St. John Smith Ewan , Rahman Taufiq
Published: July 2019

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage-independent cation channels that detect decreases in extracellular pH. Dysregulation of ASICs underpins a number of pathologies. Of particular interest is ASIC3, which is recognised as a key sensor of acid-induced pain and is instrumental in the establishment of pain arising from inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the identification of new ASIC3 modulators and the mechanistic understanding of how these compounds modulate ASIC3 could be important for the development of new strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of dysregulated ASIC3 activity in inflammation. Here, we report the identification of novel ASIC3 modulators based on the ASIC3 agonist, 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ). Through a GMQ-guided in silico screening of Food and Drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs, 5 compounds were selected and tested for their modulation of rat ASIC3 (rASIC3) using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Of the chosen drugs, guanabenz (GBZ), an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, produced similar effects to GMQ on rASIC3, activating the channel at physiological pH (pH 7.4) and potentiating its response to mild acidic (pH 7) stimuli. Sephin1, a GBZ derivative that lacks α2-adrenoceptor activity, has been proposed to act as a selective inhibitor of a regulatory subunit of the stress-induced protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1R15A) with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, we found that like GBZ, sephin1 activates rASIC3 at pH 7.4 and potentiates its response to acidic stimulation (pH 7), i.e. sephin1 is a novel modulator of rASIC3. Furthermore, docking experiments showed that, like GMQ, GBZ and sephin1 likely interact with the nonproton ligand sensor domain of rASIC3. Overall, these data demonstrate the utility of computational analysis for identifying novel ASIC3 modulators, which can be validated with electrophysiological analysis and may lead to the development of better compounds for targeting ASIC3 in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
A NanoBRET-based binding assay for Smoothened allows real time analysis of small-molecule ligand binding and distinction of two separate ligand binding sites for BODIPY-cyclopamine
Authors: Kozielewicz Paweł , Bowin Carl-Fredrik , Schulte Gunnar
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Smoothened (SMO) is a GPCR that mediates hedgehog signaling. Hedgehog binds the Patched, which in turn regulates SMO activation. Overactive SMO signaling is oncogenic and is therefore a clinically established drug target. Here, we establish a nanoluciferase bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET)-based ligand binding assay for SMO providing a sensitive and high throughput-compatible addition to the toolbox of GPCR pharmacologists.

Experimental Approach

In the NanoBRET-based binding assay, SMO is N terminally tagged with nanoluciferase (Nluc) and binding of BODIPY-cyclopamine is assessed by quantifying resonance energy transfer between receptor and ligand. The assay allows kinetic analysis of ligand-receptor binding in living HEK293 cells and competition binding experiments using commercially available SMO ligands (SANT-1, cyclopamine-KAAD, SAG1.3 and purmorphamine).

Key Results

The NanoBRET binding assay for SMO is sensitive and superior to purely fluorescence-based binding assays. BODIPY-cyclopamine showed complex binding parameters suggesting separate binding sites.

Conclusions and Implications

The NanoBRET ligand binding assay for SMO provides a fast, sensitive and reliable alternative to assess SMO ligand binding. Furthermore, this assay is sufficiently sensitive to dissect a SANT-1-sensitive and a SANT-1-insensitive cyclopamine binding site in the 7TM core, and will be important to further dissect and understand the molecular pharmacology of Class F receptors.

What is already known

Cyclopamine targets SMO as antagonist and fluorescently-labelled cyclopamine has been used for fluorescence-based binding assays for SMO. Structural analysis has suggested two binding sites on SMO, one in the receptor core and one the CRD.

What this study adds

We established a NanoBRET-based binding assay for SMO with superior sensitivity compared to fluorescence-based assays. This assay allows distinction of two separate binding sites for BODIPY-cyclopamine on SMO in live cells in real time.

What is the clinical significance

The assay is a valuable complement for drug discovery efforts and will support a better understanding of Class F GPCR pharmacology.
Growth and rapid succession of methanotrophs effectively limit methane release during lake overturn
Authors: Mayr Magdalena J. , Zimmermann Matthias , Dey Jason , Brand Andreas , Wehrli Bernhard , Bürgmann Helmut
Published: July 2019

Lakes and reservoirs contribute substantially to atmospheric concentrations of the potent greenhouse gas methane. Lacustrine sediments produce large amounts of methane, which accumulate in oxygen-depleted hypolimnia of stratified lakes. Due to climate change and progressing eutrophication, the number of lakes with hypolimnetic methane storage may increase in the future. However, whether stored methane eventually reaches the atmosphere during lake overturn is a matter of controversy and depends critically on the response of the methanotroph assemblage. We show that the methanotroph assemblage in a mixing lake underwent both a substantial bloom and ecological succession. As a result, the methane oxidation capacity of the mixed layer kept pace with the methane supplied from the hypolimnion and most of the stored methane was oxidized. This previously unknown aspect of freshwater methanotroph ecology represents an effective mechanism limiting methane transfer from lakes to the atmosphere.
Improved FRAP measurements on biofilms
Authors: Hauth J. , Chodorski J. , Wirsen A. , Ulber R.
Published: July 2019

We expand the standard FRAP model introduced by Axelrod et al. in 1976. Our goal is to capture some common artifacts observed in the fluorescence measurements obtained with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) in biofilms: 1) linear drift, 2) exponential decrease (due to bleaching during the measurements), 3) stochastic Gaussian noise, and 4) uncertainty in the exact time point of the onset of fluorescence recovery. In order to fit the resulting stochastic model to data from FRAP measurements and to estimate all unknown model parameters, we apply a suitably adapted Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. In this way, a more accurate estimation of the diffusion coefficient of the fluorophore is achieved. The method was tested on data obtained from FRAP measurements on a cultivated biofilm.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Diffusion and mass transport in biofilms is presumed to play an important role in the resistance against antimicrobial agents and the secretion thereof. FRAP measurements give insight into these transport processes. In this article, the authors expand the standard FRAP model by a blackbox part which addresses some artifacts commonly observed in the measurements. This is done in order to improve the estimations of diffusion coefficients considerably, aiming at a more comprehensive description of diffusion processes inside the biofilm. We expect that the methods are transferable to FRAP measurements on materials other than biofilms.
RecO impedes RecG-SSB binding to impair the strand annealing recombination pathway inE.coli
Authors: Pan Xuefeng , Yang Li , Jiang Nan , Chen Xifang , Li Bo , Yan Xinsheng , Dou Yu , Ding Liang , Duan Fei
Published: July 2019

Faithful duplication of genomic DNA relies not only on the fidelity of DNA replication itself, but also on fully functional DNA repair and homologous recombination machinery. We report a molecular mechanism responsible for deciding homologous recombinational repair pathways during replication dictated by binding of RecO and RecG to SSB inE.coli.Using a RecG-yfp fusion protein, we found that RecG-yfp foci appeared only in the ΔrecG, ΔrecO and ΔrecA, ΔrecO double mutants. Surprisingly, foci were not observed in wild-type ΔrecG, or double mutants whererecGand eitherrecFor, separatelyrecRwere deleted. In addition, formation of RecG-yfp foci in the ΔrecO::kanRrequired wildtypessb, asssb-113could not substitute. This suggests that RecG and RecO binding to SSB is competitive. We also found that the UV resistance ofrecO alone mutant increased to certain extent by supplementing RecG. In anssb-113mutant, RecO and RecG worked following a different pattern. Both RecO and RecG were able to participate in repairing UV damages when grown at permissive temperature, while they could also be involved in making DNA double strand breaks when grown at nonpermissive temperature. So, our results suggested that differential binding of RecG and RecO to SSB in a DNA replication fork inEscherichia coli.may be involved in determining whether the SDSA or DSBR pathway of homologous recombinational repair is used.

Author summary

Single strand DNA binding proteins (SSB) stabilize DNA holoenzyme and prevent single strand DNA from folding into non-B DNA structures in a DNA replication fork. It has also been revealed that SSB can also act as a platform for some proteins working in DNA repair and recombination to access DNA molecules when DNA replication fork needs to be reestablished. InEscherichia coli, several proteins working primarily in DNA repair and recombination were found to participate in DNA replication fork resumption by physically interacting with SSB, including RecO and RecG etc. However the hierarchy of these proteins interacting with SSB inEscherichia colihas not been well defined. In this study, we demonstrated a differential binding of RecO and RecG to SSB in DNA replication was used to establish a RecO-dependent pathway of replication fork repair by abolishing a RecG-dependent replication fork repair. We also show that, RecG and RecO could randomly participate in DNA replication repair in the absence of a functional SSB, which may be responsible for the generation of DNA double strand breaks in anssb-113 mutant inEscherichia coli.
How well do crop modeling groups predict wheat phenology, given calibration data from the target population?
Authors: Wallach Daniel , Palosuo Taru , Thorburn Peter , Gourdain Emmanuelle , Asseng Senthold , Basso Bruno , Buis Samuel , Crout Neil , Dibari Camilla , Dumont Benjamin , Ferrise Roberto , Gaiser Thomas , Garcia Cécile , Gayler Sebastian , Ghahramani Afshin , Hochman Zvi , Hoek Steven , Horan Heidi , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Huang Mingxia , Jabloun Mohamed , Jing Qi , Justes Eric , Kersebaum Kurt Christian , Klosterhalfen Anne , Launay Marie , Luo Qunying , Maestrini Bernardo , Mielenz Henrike , Moriondo Marco , Nariman Zadeh Hasti , Olesen Jørgen Eivind , Poyda Arne , Priesack Eckart , Pullens Johannes Wilhelmus Maria , Qian Budong , Schütze Niels , Shelia Vakhtang , Souissi Amir , Specka Xenia , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Stella Tommaso , Streck Thilo , Trombi Giacomo , Wallor Evelyn , Wang Jing , Weber Tobias K.D. , Weihermüller Lutz , de Wit Allard , Wöhling Thomas , Xiao Liujun , Zhao Chuang , Zhu Yan , Seidel Sabine J.
Published: July 2019

Predicting phenology is essential for adapting varieties to different environmental conditions and for crop management. Therefore, it is important to evaluate how well different crop modeling groups can predict phenology. Multiple evaluation studies have been previously published, but it is still difficult to generalize the findings from such studies since they often test some specific aspect of extrapolation to new conditions, or do not test on data that is truly independent of the data used for calibration. In this study, we analyzed the prediction of wheat phenology in Northern France under observed weather and current management, which is a problem of practical importance for wheat management. The results of 27 modeling groups are evaluated, where modeling group encompasses model structure, i.e. the model equations, the calibration method and the values of those parameters not affected by calibration. The data for calibration and evaluation are sampled from the same target population, thus extrapolation is limited. The calibration and evaluation data have neither year nor site in common, to guarantee rigorous evaluation of prediction for new weather and sites. The best modeling groups, and also the mean and median of the simulations, have a mean absolute error (MAE) of about 3 days, which is comparable to the measurement error. Almost all models do better than using average number of days or average sum of degree days to predict phenology. On the other hand, there are important differences between modeling groups, due to model structural differences and to differences between groups using the same model structure, which emphasizes that model structure alone does not completely determine prediction accuracy. In addition to providing information for our specific environments and varieties, these results are a useful contribution to a knowledge base of how well modeling groups can predict phenology, when provided with calibration data from the target population.
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of the two isotypic compounds (E)-1-(4-bromophenyl)-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl]diazene and (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl]diazene
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Suleymanova Gulnar T. , Babayeva Gulnare V. , Mammadova Gunay Z. , Niyazova Ayten A. , Shikhaliyeva Irada M. , Toze Flavien A. A.
Published: July 2019

In the two isotypic title compounds, C14H8BrCl2N3O2, (I), and C14H8Cl3N3O2, (II), the substitution of one of the phenyl rings is different [Br for (I) and Cl for (II)]. Aromatic rings form dihedral angles of 60.9 (2) and 64.1 (2)°, respectively. Molecules are linked through weak X...Cl contacts [X = Br for (I) and Cl for (II)], C—H...Cl and C—Cl...π interactions into sheets parallel to the ab plane. Additional van der Waals interactions consolidate the three-dimensional packing. Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structures indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing for (I) are from C...H/H...C (16.1%), O...H/H...O (13.1%), Cl...H/H...Cl (12.7%), H...H (11.4%), Br...H/H...Br (8.9%), N...H/H...N (6.9%) and Cl...C/C...Cl (6.6%) interactions, and for (II), from Cl...H / H...Cl (21.9%), C...H/H...C (15.3%), O...H/H...O (13.4%), H...H (11.5%), Cl...C/C...Cl (8.3%), N...H/H...N (7.0%) and Cl...Cl (5.9%) interactions. The crystal of (I) studied was refined as an inversion twin, the ratio of components being 0.9917 (12):0.0083 (12).
The assessment of food safety culture in small franchise restaurant in Poland
Authors: Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Czernyszewicz Eugenia , Kałuża Anna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure and assess the level of food safety culture (FSC) in the restaurant operating in the SUBWAY franchise network.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study accompanied by the questionnaire built of 38 items grouped into five areas/sections: management style/food safety (FS) policy, leadership, communication, commitment and work environment.

Findings

The level of FSC is 3.83 on a 1–5 scale. It requires further improvement and taking greater care of FS. The work environment and management style/FS policy were assessed the highest, while leadership and communication the lowest. There is a need to increase the frequency of meetings that address the issue of FS, ensure a better atmosphere of mutual trust and sharing knowledge about potential problems. It is also necessary to appreciate FS initiatives as well as review the number and suitability of existing procedures.

Research limitations/implications

In further studies, the case study accompanied by a questionnaire could be supported by additional qualitative methods, e.g. interviews with employees, observations or mystery shopping.

Practical implications

The results may help managers to verify and improve the overall FS policy in the restaurant and to encourage ongoing assessment of FSC in other franchise network entities that will take into account the critical aspects of FSC indicated in the case study.

Originality/value

In the literature, the issue of the role and meaning as well as the assessment of FSC has been undertaken for many years; however, there are no papers considering small restaurants from Central Europe. This is also the first paper in Poland that addresses the aspect of FSC and its assessment.
Effects of context on the entrepreneurial intent of female students from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Vracheva Veselina P. , Abu-Rahma Ali , Jacques Paul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which contextual factors outlined in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) affect entrepreneurial intent (EI) of female students in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a hierarchical regression analysis utilizing data from a university in the UAE.

Findings

The study indicates that prior and current family business exposure to entrepreneurship does not affect the EI of female students from the UAE. However, the family affects EI via the family norms. More exposure to business classes and the subjective norms from the university are not significant predictors of EI, and perceived behavioral control is the strongest contextual predictor of EI.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the UAE and to a small sample of female students from a single university; therefore, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Practical implications

The study points to opportunities within the university environment to design more robust curricula that offer female students opportunities to boost their confidence in the ability to start up and manage a business.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind to apply the TPB to the context of female students from the UAE.
A coalition of the (un)willing?
Authors: Amodu Tola
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The Immigration Act (2014) at Part 3 established a new regime with private landlords incurring penalties (and potentially criminal liability from 1 November 2016) if they allow a person disqualified, by reason of migration status, to reside in a property as their only or main home. Known colloquially as the “right to rent”, the provisions restrict access to accommodation and impose onerous duties on landlords to check tenants’ migration status. The purpose of this paper is to consider how a change in the emphasis of regulation introduced by the provisions, resulted in the coalescence of opposition by landlords and renters in a way that historically would have been unthinkable.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the lens of Foucault’s governmentality, it is possible to see how Government sought to shift the locus of control from itself to the landlord, which through its legislative and policy stance resulted in such fierce opposition as evidenced by the first instance challenge to the provisions in R (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants) v SS for the Home Department [2019] EWHC 452 (Admin).

Findings

The focus of regulation introduced by the provisions resulted in the coalescence of opposition by landlords and renters in a way that historically would have been unthinkable. Landlords and renters are usually thought of as being in opposition, but not so here. This may offer hope for more productive regulatory outcomes where both parties work together. It may also suggest that encroaching on the notion of private rights and interests in law could result in counterproductive consequences.

Research limitations/implications

Unlike Foucault’s notion of surveillance and control, governmentality shifts the emphasis from a hierarchical conception of government to practices including self (imposed) governance – with here, the landlord being required to act as a proxy for border agents. This suggests that there may exist boundaries beyond which, in a given context, it might be unwise for Government to step without adverse consequences. Foucault’s ideas provide a starting point, but do not give us all of the answers.

Practical implications

The coalescence of opposing actors can be a significant force to challenge government given the extent of their knowledge of the given context. It may also suggest a route to a more collaborative form of regulation.

Originality/value

A novel theoretical take on an issue of concern raised by practitioners and interest groups alike.
Phenotypic plasticity to drought in seedlings of the warm season grass Panicum coloratum is related to collection site
Authors: Giordano Mabel C. , Grimoldi Agustín A. , Tomás María A.
Published: July 2019

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of organisms to modify their phenotype in response to environmental changes. We estimated and compared the amount of phenotypic plasticity in response to drought in seedlings of different accessions of two varieties (var. makarikariense and var. coloratum) of Panicum coloratum, an allogamous warm season perennial grass, introduced and collected in sites in Argentina with different precipitation regimes. Amount of phenotypic plasticity was quantified in shoot/root biomass, blade/sheath biomass, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio (leaf area/total biomass) and mean phenotypic plasticity was estimated. The two genetically distinct varieties differed in the phenotypic plasticity of leaf area ratio (p = 0.008, F‐test), with var. makarikariense showing higher phenotypic plasticity. Accessions within varieties differed in phenotypic plasticity of leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, blade/sheath biomass and mean phenotypic plasticity (p < 0.05, F‐test). A strong relationship (r = 0.82, p < 0.01, F‐test) between mean phenotypic plasticity of each accession and precipitation variability was found. Relationships between phenotypic plasticity of blade/sheath biomass and leaf area ratio with annual mean precipitation were r = 0.86 and r = 0.75, respectively (p < 0.05; p < 0.01, F‐test, respectively). Evidence of a decoupling between phenotypic plasticity of above‐ versus belowground characters was apparent; outcomes on the interpretation of the variability in phenotypic plasticity and the potential applications of this variability are presented.
Transnational connections and anti‐colonial radicalism in the Royal Indian Navy mutiny, 1946
Authors: DAVIES ANDREW
Published: July 2019

In this article, I explore the spatial politics of the Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946 and call for a more maritime sense of ‘the political’. The RIN only existed from 1934 to 1950; it became the Indian Navy after independence. Its mutiny in 1946, which was caused by a number of grievances from anticolonial nationalism to more mundane challenges about the standard of food, continues to be the dominant event in this history. Leela Gandhi (2014) used the RIN mutiny to challenge the binary distinction between elite and subaltern in much Indian historiography by depicting it as an ‘anti‐colonial counterpublic’, or space in which discourses other than the dominant nationalist framings of independence were mobilized. She also regards the mutiny as a potential example of inconsequential ethics in which, instead of worrying about its causes, the mutiny can be read as an experimental space in which democratic politics occurred, rather than one in which people were striving for a ‘successful’ outcome. I argue that, while there is much to be admired in Gandhi's reading of these events, she discounts the maritime nature of the RIN mutiny. In other words, she fails to acknowledge that travelling to different international locations allowed the sailors to learn about democracy and other ideas, which in turn influenced their beliefs about what the future of India, and the RIN, should look like. As a result, I argue for the need to explore in greater depth the important connections that exist between anti‐colonialism, democratic politics and the naval/maritime experience.
Intention‐to‐treat assessment of glecaprevir + pibrentasvir combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C in the real world
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Inoue Kazuaki , Kagawa Tatehiro , Takaguchi Koichi , Nouso Kazuhiro , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Minami Masahito , Hai Hoang , Enomoto Masaru , Kawada Norifumi
Published: July 2019

Aims

We assessed the problems and efficacy of glecaprevir + pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) therapy for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the real world.

Method

A total of 423 patients infected with HCV who started treatment at eight different centers in Japan were enrolled in the study. Glecaprevir (300 mg) and pibrentasvir (120 mg) were given once daily for 8 weeks to 246 non‐cirrhotic direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐naive patients with HCV genotype (GT)‐1 or ‐2, and for 12 weeks to patients who: were DAA‐naive cirrhotic (n = 55), had experienced DAA failure (n = 78), were cirrhotic and had DAA failure (n = 37), and were other GT‐1/2 (n = 7). Anti‐HCV efficacy was defined as a sustained virologic response 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12). The evaluation was undertaken in an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population and in patients who were assessed at SVR12 (modified ITT population).

Results

In the ITT population, 220 (89%) patients on the 8‐week regimen and 164 (93%) patients on the 12‐week regimen achieved SVR12. The 30 dropout patients were predominantly men and with GT‐2. All other DAA‐naive GT‐1 patients achieved SVR12. The 12‐week regimen resulted in 100% SVR12 in 41 GT‐2 patients. Nine patients did not achieve SVR12: two DAA naive with GT‐2a, two GT‐3b patients, two GT‐1 patients with discontinuation, and three other GT‐1 patients with a history of DAA failure. Four of seven patients who discontinued treatment due to severe adverse effects were more than 75 years old.

Conclusions

Glecaprevir + pibrentasvir had a remarkable anti‐HCV effect in GT‐1 and GT‐2 patients, but not in GT‐3b patients. Although this therapy was reasonably safe, it is necessary to carefully consider elderly and dropout patients.
Effects of beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate supplementation on skeletal muscle in healthy and cirrhotic rats
Authors: Holeček Milan , Vodeničarovová Melita
Published: July 2019

Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB) is a leucine metabolite with protein anabolic effects. We examined the effects of an HMB‐enriched diet in healthy rats and rats with liver cirrhosis induced by multiple doses of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). HMB increased branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs; valine, leucine and isoleucine) in blood and BCAA and ATP in muscles of healthy animals. The effect on muscle mass and protein content was insignificant. In CCl4‐treated animals alterations characteristic of liver cirrhosis were found with decreased ratio of the BCAA to aromatic amino acids in blood and lower muscle mass and ATP content when compared with controls. In CCl4‐treated animals consuming HMB, we observed higher mortality, lower body weight, higher BCAA levels in blood plasma, higher ATP content in muscles, and lower ATP content and higher cathepsin B and L activities in the liver when compared with CCl4‐treated animals without HMB. We conclude that (1) HMB supplementation has a positive effect on muscle mitochondrial function and enhances BCAA concentrations in healthy animals and (2) the effects of HMB on the course of liver cirrhosis in CCl4‐treated rats are detrimental. Further studies examining the effects of HMB in other models of hepatic injury are needed to determine pros and cons of HMB in the treatment of subjects with liver cirrhosis.