bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical properties of green hot pepper powders based on
drying methods and temperatures
Authors: Nam Hyun-Jin , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: March 2020

The optimal drying conditions for fresh green hot peppers (Capsicum
annuum. L) were investigated through hypobaric drying (HB) and
hot-air drying (HA). HB was performed at temperature at 35°C,
40°C, 45°C and 45°C after 80% dried at 40°C
and HA was performed at 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 50°C
after 80% dried at 50°C. HB offered a lower drying temperature and
reduced drying time. The quality of the vivid green color of the dried power was
superior for peppers dried at 35 and 40°C through HB and at 40°C
and 50°C via HA to others. Considering the drying time, 40°C HB
(42 h) and 50°C HA (23 h) were ideal compared to the other six
treatments. Through both drying methods, the flesh and seeds of the peppers
exhibited more significant brown discoloration with increasing temperature.
Epidermis whitening, which is the discoloration of green hot peppers during
drying, occurred at a higher rate at lower temperatures, resulting in a lighter
green pepper powder through 35°C HB and 40°C HA. The water
absorption index increased as the temperature lowered, but the water solubility
index did not change. The capsiacinoids concentration did not vary between the
powders undergoing 40°C HB and 50°C HA; however, the vitamin C
concentration was higher in the powder subjected to 40°C HB.
High resolution spatial transcriptome analysis by photo-isolation chemistry
Authors: Honda Mizuki , Oki Shinya , Harada Akihito , Maehara Kazumitsu , Tanaka Kaori , Meno Chikara , Ohkawa Yasuyuki
Published: March 2020

In multicellular organisms, individual cells are characterized by their gene expression profiles and the spatial interactions among cells enable the elaboration of complex functions. Expression profiling in spatially defined regions is crucial to elucidate cell interactions and functions. Here, we established a transcriptome profiling method coupled with photo-isolation chemistry (PIC) that allows the determination of expression profiles specifically from photo-irradiated regions of whole tissues. PIC uses photo-caged oligodeoxynucleotides forin situreverse transcription. After photo-irradiation of limited areas, gene expression was detected from at least 10 cells in the tissue sections. PIC transcriptome analysis detected genes specifically expressed in small distinct areas of the mouse embryo. Thus, PIC enables transcriptome profiles to be determined from limited regions at a spatial resolution up to the diffraction limit.
Naturally occurring cobalamin (B12) analogs can function as cofactors for human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase
Authors: Sokolovskaya Olga M. , Plessl Tanja , Bailey Henry , Mackinnon Sabrina , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Yue Wyatt W. , Froese D. Sean , Taga Michiko E.
Published: March 2020

Cobalamin, commonly known as vitamin B12, is an essential micronutrient for humans because of its role as an enzyme cofactor. Cobalamin is one of over a dozen structurally related compounds – cobamides – that are found in food and are produced by microorganisms in the human gut. Very little is known about how different cobamides affect B12-dependent metabolism in human cells. Here, we testin vitrohow diverse cobamide cofactors affect the function of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT), one of two cobalamin-dependent enzymes in humans. We find that, although cobalamin is the most effective cofactor for MMUT, multiple cobamides support MMUT function with differences in binding affinity (Kd), binding kinetics (kon), and concentration dependence during catalysis (KM, app). Additionally, we find that six disease-associated MMUT variants that cause cobalamin-responsive impairments in enzymatic activity also respond to other cobamides, with the extent of catalytic rescue dependent on the identity of the cobamide. Our studies challenge the exclusive focus on cobalamin in the context of human physiology, indicate that diverse cobamides can support the function of a human enzyme, and suggest future directions that will improve our understanding of the roles of different cobamides in human biology.
Insights on the taxonomy and ecogenomics of theSynechococcuscollective
Authors: Salazar Vinícius W. , Thompson Cristiane C. , Tschoeke Diogo A. , Swings Jean , Mattoso Marta , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: March 2020

The genusSynechococcus(also namedSynechococcuscollective, SC) is a major contributor to global primary productivity. It is found in a wide range of aquatic ecosystems.Synechococcusis metabolically diverse, with some lineages thriving in polar and nutrient-rich locations, and other in tropical riverine waters. Although many studies have discussed the ecology and evolution ofSynechococcus, there is a paucity of knowledge on the taxonomic structure of SC. Only a few studies have addressed the taxonomy of SC, and this issue still remains largely ignored. Our aim was to establish a new classification system for SC. Our analyses included comparing GC% content, genome size, pairwise Average Amino acid Identity (AAI) values, phylogenomics and gene cluster profiles of 170 publicly available SC genomes. All analyses were consistent with the discrimination of 11 genera, from which 2 are newly proposed (LacustricoccusandSynechospongium). The new classification is also consistent with the habitat distribution (seawater, freshwater and thermal environments) and reflects the ecological and evolutionary relationships of SC. We provide a practical and consistent classification scheme for the entireSynechococcuscollective.
Noise propagation in metabolic pathways: the role of growth-mediated feedback
Authors: Borri A. , Palumbo P. , Singh A.
Published: March 2020

Metabolic networks are known to deal with the chemical reactions responsible to fuel cellular activities with energy and carbon source and, as a matter of fact, to set the growth rate of the cell. To this end, feedback and regulatory networks play a crucial role to handle adaptation to external perturbations and internal noise. In this work, a cellular resource is assumed to be activated at the end of a metabolic pathway, by means of a cascade of transformations. Such a cascade is triggered by the catalytic action of an enzyme that promotes the first transformation. The final product is responsible for the cellular growth rate modulation. This mechanism acts in feedback at the enzymatic level, since the enzyme (as well as all species) is subject to dilution, with the dilution rate set by growth. Enzymatic production is modeled by the occurrence of noisy bursts: a Stochastic Hybrid System is exploited to model the network and to investigate how such noise propagates on growth fluctuations. A major biological finding is that, differently from other models of metabolic pathways disregarding growth-mediated feedback, fluctuations in enzyme levels do not produce only local effects, but propagate up to the final product (hence to the growth rate). Furthermore, the delay provided by the cascade length helps in reducing the impact of enzymatic noise on to growth fluctuations. Analytical results are supported by Monte Carlo simulations.
Statistical structure of the trial-to-trial timing variability in synfire chains
Authors: Obeid Dina , Zavatone-Veth Jacob A. , Pehlevan Cengiz
Published: March 2020

Timing and its variability are crucial for behavior. Consequently, neural circuits that take part in the control of timing and in the measurement of temporal intervals have been the subject of much research. Here, we provide an analytical and computational account of the temporal variability in what is perhaps the most basic model of a timing circuit, the synfire chain. First, we study the statistical structure of trial-to-trial timing variability in a reduced but analytically tractable model: a chain of single integrate-and-fire neurons. We show that this circuit’s variability is well-described by a generative model consisting of local, global, and jitter components. We relate each of these components to distinct neural mechanisms in the model. Next, we establish in simulations that these results carry over to a noisy homogeneous synfire chain. Finally, motivated by the fact that a synfire chain is thought to underlie the circuit that takes part in the control and timing of zebra finch song, we present simulations of a biologically realistic synfire chain model of the zebra finch timekeeping circuit. We find the structure of trial-to-trial timing variability to be consistent with our previous findings, and to agree with experimental observations of the song’s temporal variability. Our study therefore provides a possible neuronal account of behavioral variability in zebra finches.
Who cannot work from home? Characterizing occupations facing increased risk during the COVID-19 pandemic using 2018 BLS data
Authors: Baker Marissa G.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Not all workers are employed in occupations in which working from home is possible. These workers are at an increased risk for exposure to infectious disease during a pandemic event, and are more likely to experience events of job displacement and disruption during all types of public health emergencies. Here, I characterized which occupational sectors in the United States are most able to work from home during a public health emergency such as COVID-19.

Methods

2018 national employment and wage data maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was merged with measures from the BLS O*NET survey data. The measures utilized rank the importance of using a computer at work, and the importance of working with or performing for the public, which relate to the ability to complete work at home.

Results

About 25% (35.6 M) of the U.S. workforce are employed in occupations which could be done from home, primarily in sectors such as technology, computer, management, administrative, financial, and engineering. The remaining 75% of U.S. workers (including healthcare, manufacturing, retail and food services, et al.) are employed in occupations where working from home would be difficult.

Conclusions

The majority of U.S. workers are employed in occupations that cannot be done at home, putting 108.4 M U.S. workers at increased risk for adverse health outcomes related to working during a public health emergency. These workers tend to be lower paid than workers who can work from home. During COVID-19, this could result in a large increase in the burden of mental health disorders in the U.S., in addition to increased cases of COVID-19 due to workplace transmission. Public health guidance to “work from home” is not applicable to the majority of the U.S. workforce, emphasizing the need for additional guidance for workers during public health emergencies.
Meplazumab treats COVID-19 pneumonia: an open-labelled, concurrent controlled add-on clinical trial
Authors: Bian Huijie , Zheng Zhao-Hui , Wei Ding , Zhang Zheng , Kang Wen-Zhen , Hao Chun-Qiu , Dong Ke , Kang Wen , Xia Jie-Lai , Miao Jin-Lin , Xie Rong-Hua , Wang Bin , Sun Xiu-Xuan , Yang Xiang-Min , Lin Peng , Geng Jie-Jie , Wang Ke , Cui Hong-Yong , Zhang Kui , Chen Xiao-Chun , Tang Hao , Du Hong , Yao Na , Liu Shuang-Shuang , Liu Lin-Na , Zhang Zhe , Gao Zhao-Wei , Nan Gang , Wang Qing-Yi , Lian Jian-Qi , Chen Zhi-Nan , Zhu Ping
Published: March 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel human coronavirus, there is no specific antiviral drugs. It has been proved that host-cell-expressed CD147 could bind spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and involve in host cell invasion. Antibody against CD147 could block the infection of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of meplazumab, a humanized anti-CD147 antibody, as add-on therapy in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

All patients received recommended strategy fromChinese Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatmentsreleased by National Health Commission of China. Eligible patients were add-on administered 10 mg meplazumab intravenously at days 1, 2, and 5. Patients hospitalized in the same period were observed as concurrent control. The endpoints include virological clearance rate, case severity, chest radiographic, and laboratory test. This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Institution at the Tangdu hospital, and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 04275245.

Findings

17 patients were enrolled and assigned to meplazumab group between Feb 3, 2020 and Feb 10, 2020. 11 hospitalized patients served as concurrent control. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced across two groups. Compared to control group, meplazumab treatment significantly improved the discharged (p=0.005) and case severity (p=0.021) in patients. The time to virus negative in meplazumab group was reduced than that in control group (median 3, 95%CI[1.5-4.5] vs. 13, [6.5-19.5]; p=0.045, HR=0.374, 95%CI[0.143-0.978]). The percentages of patients recovered to the normal lymphocyte count and CRP concentration were also increased remarkably and rapidly in meplazumab group. No adverse effect was found in meplazumab-treated patients.

Interpretation

Meplazumab efficiently improved the recovery of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with a favorable safety profile. Our results support to carry out a large-scale investigation of meplazumab as a treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Funding

National Science and Technology Major Project.
CRISPR/Cpf1 mediated genome editing enhancesBombyx moriresistance to BmNPV
Authors: Dong Zhanqi , Qin Qi , Hu Zhigang , Zhang Xinling , Miao Jianghao , Huang Liang , Chen Peng , Lu Cheng , Pan Minhui
Published: March 2020

CRISPR/Cas12a (Cpf1) is a single RNA-guided endonuclease that provides new opportunities for targeted genome engineering through the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Only AsCpf1 have been developed for insect genome editing, and the novel Cas12a orthologs nucleases and editing efficiency require more study in insect. We compared three Cas12a orthologs nucleases, AsCpf1, FnCpf1, and LbCpf1, for their editing efficiencies and antiviral abilitiesin vitro. The three Cpf1 efficiently edited the BmNPV genome and inhibited BmNPV replication in BmN-SWU1 cells. The antiviral ability of the FnCpf1 system was more efficient than the SpCas9 system after infection by BmNPV. We created FnCpf1×gIE1 and SpCas9×sgIE1 transgenic hybrid lines and evaluated the gene editing efficiency of different systems at the same target site. We improved the antiviral ability using the FnCpf1 system in transgenic silkworm. This study demonstrated use of the CRISPR/Cpf1 system to achieve high editing efficiencies in the silkworm, and illustrates the use of this technology for increasing disease resistance.

Author Summary

Genome editing is a powerful tool that has been widely used in gene function, gene therapy, pest control, and disease-resistant engineering in most parts of pathogens research. Since the establishment of CRISPR/Cas9, powerful strategies for antiviral therapy of transgenic silkworm have emerged. Nevertheless, there is still room to expand the scope of genome editing tool for further application to improve antiviral research. Here, we demonstrate that three Cpf1 endonuclease can be used efficiency editing BmNPV genomein vitroandin vivofor the first time. More importantly, this Cpf1 system could improve the resistance of transgenic silkworms to BmNPV compare with Cas9 system, and no significant cocoons difference was observed between transgenic lines infected with BmNPV and control. These broaden the range of application of CRISPR for novel genome editing methods in silkworm and also enable sheds light on antiviral therapy.
Pre-school teachers’ perceptions of challenging behaviours of students with autism spectrum disorder within inclusive settings
Authors: Nah Yong-Hwee
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have challenging behaviours that can create significant teaching challenges in group settings such as in mainstream pre-school inclusive settings. This study aims to identify and understand, from the perspectives of mainstream pre-school teachers in Singapore, the type of common challenging behaviours observed in pre-schoolers (mean age = 4.5 years, SD = 1.1, range = 3-6) with ASD.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants consisted of 62 teachers (mean age = 35.8 years; SD = 10.8) teaching in mainstream pre-school centres located in Singapore completed an open-ended survey. Twelve codes were generated and served as guidelines for coding the qualitative data. Codes with similar themes were then grouped to form four construct categories: social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, attention and learning and others.

Findings

Results indicated that difficulty with change/transition and social/peer interaction were the most concerning issues across all settings, whereas “lesson time” and “circle time” were the two most common activities/settings in which the concerns were reported by teachers.

Originality/value

Findings from this paper may add to the limited research looking at the challenging behaviours exhibited by children with ASD in mainstream pre-school settings in Singapore. Understanding the type of challenging behaviours presented in pre-schoolers with ASD and the activities/settings in which these behaviours occur may help the teachers to link the difficulties to specific interventions to further support their inclusion in a mainstream pre-school setting.
How harmonious family encourages individuals to enter entrepreneurship
Authors: Zhu Weichun , Zhou Jinyi , Lau Wai Kwan (Elaine) , Welch Steve
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles of one’s original family and current family in influencing his or her entering entrepreneurial endeavors. Specifically, individuals’ original family is also crucial for entrepreneurship, which has been neglected by prior studies to a large extent. Moreover, the authors argue that a good marital relationship between two parents within the original family could facilitate an entrepreneurial spirit by providing better family support, whereas a good relationship with one’s life partner or spouse within their current family could also increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial activities through reducing work stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use two archival data sets: National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 and 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Adult Population Survey to test whether a harmonious relationship between two parents or with life partner/spouse could encourage individuals to become an entrepreneur and whether family support and work conflict mediate such a relationship.

Findings

This study found that parents’ relationship in one’s adolescence provides individuals with more support, which leads to more entrepreneurial endeavors, whereas the conflicts between two parents will reduce their likelihood of initiating entrepreneurial activities. Besides, a good relationship with one’s life partner/spouse can release his/her work stress, which is also important for entrepreneurship development.

Originality/value

Different from the extant related research that focuses more on on-site predictors of entrepreneurship, the current study proposes factors from other life domains, including those in one’s adolescence, that can also influence and change individuals’ choice of entrepreneurial activities throughout their entire life. Harmonious family relationships (i.e. fewer family conflicts) are important for one to start a business, and family conflicts can reduce the likelihood of choosing entrepreneurship as the main occupation.
Developing sustainable arrangements for “proactive” disaster risk financing in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Soetanto Robby , Hermawan Ferry , Milne Alistair , Hatmoko Jati Utomo Dwi , As'ad Sholihin , He Chusu
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Recent years saw a paradigm shift from ex post (reactive) to ex ante (proactive) approaches (e.g. insurance) to disaster risk financing for building resilience of communities in developing countries. To facilitate adoption, the approaches should be adapted so that they can be technically feasible and culturally desirable to the local context. This paper aims to report an exploratory study to elaborate the existing arrangements to deal with the impacts of disaster and the potential to shift to a more proactive disaster risk financing in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of stakeholder engagement activities in Semarang and Solo, Indonesia was conducted to ascertain the existing arrangements for disaster risk financing at local government level, the challenges/barriers to the adoption of insurance, education and policies to facilitate the transformation from reactive to proactive process. Thematic analysis was applied to transcribed conversations during interviews, focus groups and workshops. Identification of emerging issues/themes was also guided by the researchers’ notes during the events, and facilitated by qualitative analysis software, Atlas Ti®. This was complemented by an analysis of regulations and documents provided by the local stakeholders.

Findings

The local governments heavily rely on contingency fund, which is not enough and often significantly delayed to fund recovery and reconstruction of public infrastructure. The use of insurance is limited in both public and private sectors, particularly in the majority of low-income communities. Various barriers and challenges were identified under several categories, namely, institutional, cultural, affordability, lack of awareness and knowledge, insurance arrangement process and lack of trust. The findings also suggest that improving insurance education should involve multiple stakeholders, and both formal and informal routes should be pursued.

Originality/value

The research fills the gap of knowledge in disaster risk financing in the context of developing countries, specifically in local governments and communities in Indonesia. The findings may be replicable for other developing countries with low adoption of ex ante financial instruments for dealing with the impacts of disaster.
Good practices of labor welfare and environmental protection in potato crops in Colombia
Authors: Aguilar Olivera Albeiro Alberto , Salas Suárez Saúl Tomás
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the labor and environmental risks that exist in potato crops in an agricultural area of Colombia and to propose good labor and environmental welfare practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through the combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches, applying pragmatic techniques and tools such as direct observation by field journal, questionnaire survey, checklist of working conditions and a specific methodology for the risk assessment.

Findings

It is identified that the production practices carried out by the cultivators studied are rudimentary, that the agrochemicals used affect the health and safety of the farmers and their families, constituting high-risk products for people and the environment. On the other hand, it is established that the training and qualification of workers is low, they do not use protection elements, or they are not adequate, representing a considerable degree of vulnerability.

Originality/value

With the findings of this research it is expected to improve the working conditions of potato growers and sustainability of agricultural processes in the area, whose results will also be very useful for the analysis of the issue throughout the agricultural sector in general, at a national or international level. Contributing in the same way to the fulfillment of the goals of the sustainable development goals.
Improving sustainability performance through supplier relationship management in the tobacco industry
Authors: Adesanya Ayotunde , Yang Biao , Bin Iqdara Farok Wanes , Yang Ying
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how tobacco manufacturing companies can improve their sustainability performance via effective supplier relationship management (SRM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study has adopted a single case study of an international tobacco company. The primary data involved semi-structured interviews with participants from the case company who are familiar with sustainable SRM in the tobacco industry and are engaging in various techniques to improve sustainability performance.

Findings

The drivers for sustainable SRM commonly identified in literature are observable within the case company. There is also clear evidence of integrating sustainability in its SRM processes. However, the perception of sustainability as a requirement to meet stringent regulations limits its scope and drive in pursuing sustainable SRM. It has also limited supplier sustainability evaluation and performance metrics. Furthermore, the findings of this paper reinforce the importance of a procurement team’s ability to work with other functional teams in implementing sustainable SRM. The findings also contribute to the emerging literature on the impact of sustainability on supplier segmentation and multi-tier supplier management.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insight into the varying SRM methods used in the tobacco industry to ensure compliance and improve sustainability performance. However, further research is required to explore the generalisability of the findings of this study derived from a single case study.

Originality/value

The tobacco industry is an under-researched industry, particularly in terms of sustainable operations and supply chain management practices. The findings of this study seem to be relevant to those comparable industries with stringent regulations as well.
Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and the acquisition of private targets
Authors: Bhabra Gurmeet S. , Bhabra Harjeet S. , Hossain Ashrafee T.
Published: March 2020

Using a sample of private targets of public acquirers in the US, we find that after the passage of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, acquirer announcement returns are lower, targets are larger, suffer from lower valuation discounts, and receive higher acquisition premiums relative to similar acquisitions pre‐SOX. In addition, acquirer returns are negatively related to proxies for the private target's readiness to comply with SOX Section 404 (quality of internal controls). Our evidence suggests that post‐SOX, private targets are less opaque, have lower valuation uncertainty, and enjoy stronger bargaining position resulting from tighter internal controls around reporting and disclosure.
Risk factor assessment for fetal growth restriction, are we providing best care?
Authors: Selvaratnam Roshan John , Wallace Euan Morrison , Flenady Vicki , Davey Mary‐Ann
Published: March 2020

Serial third trimester ultrasound examinations for fetal biometry are recommended for women with risk factors of fetal growth restriction (FGR). We conducted a retrospective cohort study on all singleton births in Victoria from 2009 to 2017 to assess how many women with major risk factors for FGR had serial third trimester biometry. Only 19.5% of women with at least one major risk factor for FGR had evidence of serial third trimester ultrasound assessments. The development and implementation of a state‐wide or nationwide guideline for early pregnancy risk factor assessment in FGR may be beneficial.
Lipiodol visibility under ultrasound
Authors: Zen Monica , Kirby Adrienne , Dowthwaite Sarah , Gibson Rowena , Mizia Karen
Published: March 2020

Background

Lipiodol is an oil‐based solution commonly used in hysterosalpingogram (HSG), but not hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy). In women with unexplained infertility, evidence suggests that tubal flushing with Lipiodol results in improved fertility post‐procedure. We propose that Lipiodol can be visualised under ultrasound similar to commonly used saline, and hence utilised for HyCoSy, allowing the benefit of an oil‐based tubal flushing to occur with HyCoSy.

Aims

To examine whether Lipiodol is visible sonographically, assess optimal agitated Lipiodol mix and ultrasound settings for visibility, and compare visibility to agitated saline, routinely used for HyCoSy.

Materials and Methods

Two separate sonographers with identical ultrasound machines and model pelvises recorded images with varying degrees of agitated Lipiodol and ultrasound settings, in addition to capturing images with no fluid and agitated saline. Each test was performed in quadruplicate and in random order. Images were read by 47 blinded reporters and visibility reported on a scale of one (not visible) to five (clearly visible).

Results

The mean visibility score for images captured where the Lipiodol sample was agitated five times prior to injection to allow the formation of air microbubbles, regardless of ultrasound setting, were higher than or not different from that for agitated saline (all P > 0.7 when not different, <0.001 when higher).

Conclusions

Sonographic visualisation of agitated Lipiodol is similar or better than that of agitated saline. Lipiodol may therefore present a possibility for use with HyCoSy, with the added benefit of oil‐based tubal flushing, avoiding the radiation exposure of HSG and concurrently providing pelvic soft‐tissue evaluation.
Youth’s Sibling Relationships Across the Course of a Parent’s Military Deployment: Trajectories and Implications
Authors: Whiteman Shawn D. , Hamwey Meghan K. , Topp Dave , MacDermid Wadsworth Shelley
Published: March 2020

The present exploratory study explored the trajectories and implications of at‐home (military unaffiliated) parents’ perceptions of youth’s sibling relationships across the course of a parent’s military deployment. Participants included 109 families with at least two siblings (older sibling and younger siblings age: M = 10.85, SD = 3.92 and M = 7.89, SD = 3.58, respectively) and one parent serving in the National Guard. Data were collected via in‐home interviews, at six time points across the deployment cycle. A series of multilevel models revealed increases in sibling disharmony during the months a deployed parent was away, but showed signs of recovery in the year after they returned. Increases in sibling disharmony were positively associated with increases in youth’s externalizing behaviors above and beyond the effects of parenting.
Knowledge exchange, foster care and early education: Introducing treasure baskets to foster carers of young children
Authors: Cameron Claire , Meetoo Veena , Johansen Thure , Jackson Sonia
Published: March 2020

All children have a right to early childhood education, but preschool‐aged fostered children are less likely than others to access formal early childhood education and care (ECEC) services such as nurseries and playgroups. The home learning environment is crucial for this group. Building on an earlier pilot study where foster carers of young children saw education as something that largely happens outside the home, this paper presents a knowledge exchange project that aimed to build foster carers' self‐concept as educators. The design of the project aimed to exchange knowledge between academic researchers and practitioners through an experientially based training programme, which focused on extending the specific ECEC practice of treasure baskets. The programme was theoretically grounded in social pedagogy, which takes an educative approach to social issues. Although there were clear difficulties in recruitment, there were promising signs that the knowledge exchange dialogic approach promoted the acquisition of new knowledge and skills and enhanced foster carers' sense of self‐confidence as educators for the young children they look after.
Thrown back: Reintegration experiences of National Guard/Reserve mothers of young children
Authors: Nicholson Juliann H. , DeVoe Ellen R.
Published: March 2020

Few studies have examined the experiences and perceptions of servicewoman mothers and their children, even as an increasing number of them have experienced deployment and combat exposure. The present paper describes a qualitative study that explored National Guard/Reserve (NG/R) mothers' experiences with mothering and co‐parenting during reintegration and their perceived priorities, supports, challenges and needs. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of seven in‐depth qualitative interviews produced themes including reunion and loneliness, the importance of time, help seeking and gendered experiences. Notably, all participants transitioned immediately back into primary caregiver roles upon homecoming, and several described how difficult it was to readjust while privately dealing with unmet mental health needs. Findings underscore the importance of a flexible suite of service options that meet key needs, most importantly, child care, social–emotional support for children and peer‐based parenting support specific to servicewoman mothers. For NG/R mothers, who may live far from base, community‐based services are essential, but as participants described, civilian social workers and other professionals must develop specialized knowledge, skills and experience to provide appropriate support.
A Man Ahead of His Time: Bill Hannon and the Founding of DMI
Authors: Tobin John
Published: March 2020

“Nothing in my design education had prepared me for the thoroughly foreign culture I found myself in.” Bill Hannon

Long before “design” became a corporate buzzword, Bill Hannon’s early—and difficult—experiences as a design manager led him to create DMI.
The Design Challenge
Authors: Peters Tom
Published: March 2020

Tom Peters was one of the first business writers to realize design's business potential.
Dynamics of a host–parasitoid interaction clarified by modelling and DNA sequencing
Authors: Mutanen Marko , Ovaskainen Otso , Várkonyi Gergely , Itämies Juhani , Prosser Sean W. J. , Hebert Paul D. N. , Hanski Ilkka
Published: March 2020

It has been hypothesised that the 2‐year oscillations in abundance of Xestia moths are mediated by interactions with 1‐year Ophion parasitoid wasps. We tested this hypothesis by modelling a 35‐year time series of Xestia and Ophion from Northern Finland. Additionally, we used DNA barcoding to ascertain the species diversity of Ophion and targeted amplicon sequencing of their gut contents to confirm their larval hosts. Modelling of the time‐series data strongly supported the hypothesised host–parasitoid dynamics and that periodic occurrence of Xestia moths is mediated by Ophion. DNA barcodes revealed that Ophion included five species rather than just one while targeted amplicon sequencing verified that Ophion does parasitise Xestia. At least one Ophion species employs 1‐year Syngrapha interrogationis as an alternate host, but it did not detectably affect Xestia–Ophion dynamics. We also demonstrate the previously unrecognised complexity of this system due to cryptic parasitoid diversity.
New prognostic model for synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Naito Sei , Kato Tomoyuki , Ichiyanagi Osamu , Narisawa Takafumi , Kurokawa Masayuki , Yagi Mayu , Ushijima Masaki , Ozawa Michinobu , Kanno Hidenori , Kurota Yuta , Fukuhara Hiroki , Kuboki Yuya , Yamagishi Atsushi , Sakurai Toshihiko , Nishida Hayato , Yamanobe Takuya , Tsuchiya Norihiko
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To create a new model for the prediction of overall survival in synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

Medical records of 158 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma diagnosed at the Yamagata University Hospital from August 2007 to February 2018 were reviewed. Among them, 77 with synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed using the univariate and multivariate analyses. A new prognostic model was constructed, followed by a bootstrap validation to estimate the model fitting. In addition, these prognostic factors were estimated in 67 metachronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.

Results

Five independent prognostic factors were identified in synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma: cT3/4, cN1, high corrected calcium, >3.6 neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and central nerve system metastasis. The number (%) and overall survival (95% confidence interval) in the favorable‐ (0 or 1 risk factor), intermediate‐ (2 risk factors) and poor‐risk (≥3 risk factors) groups were 29 (45.3%) and 67.4 (31.8–NA), 21 (32.8%) and 16.8 (10.0–27.6), and 14 (21.9%) and 9.1 (7.3–13.7) months, respectively. The C‐index was 0.72. Patients in the favorable‐risk group had better overall survival with nephrectomy than without nephrectomy (hazard ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.91 with nephrectomy). In metachronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma, these prognostic factors showed no statistical differences in the overall survival.

Conclusions

Prognostic factors are completely different between synchronous and metachronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The new model for synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma can predict a good candidate for cytoreductive nephrectomy.
Bisphosphonates and atrial fibrillation: revisiting the controversy
Authors: Fazmin Ibrahim T. , Huang Christopher L.‐H. , Jeevaratnam Kamalan
Published: March 2020

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely prescribed drugs used to treat osteoporosis, commonly arising in postmenopausal women and in chronic glucocorticoid use. Their mechanism of action is through inhibiting osteoclast‐induced bone remodeling, and they also possess calcium sequestering properties. Common side effects involve the gastrointestinal system and rare but serious side effects, including osteonecrosis of the jaw. However, a link between BPs and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed, with early clinical trials, such as the Fracture Intervention Trial and the HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial, reporting that BPs are associated with increased risk of AF. Nevertheless, subsequent studies have reported contrasting results, ranging from no effect of BPs to antiarrhythmic effects of BPs. Preclinical and electrophysiological studies on any proarrhythmic effect of BPs are limited in scope and number, but suggest possible mechanisms that include antiangionesis‐related myocardial remodeling, calcium handling abnormalities, and inflammatory changes. Contrastingly, some studies indicate that BPs are antiarrhythmic by inhibiting fibrotic myocardial remodeling. In order to continue established clinical prescribing of BPs within absolute margins of safety, it will be necessary to systematically rule in/rule out these mechanisms. Thus, we discuss these studies and examine in detail the potential mechanistic links, with the aim of suggesting further avenues for research.
Emerging tick‐borne diseases and blood safety: summary of a public workshop
Authors: Mohan Krishna V.K. , Leiby David A.
Published: March 2020

Tick‐borne agents of disease continue to emerge and subsequently expand their geographic distribution. The threat to blood safety by tick‐borne agents is ever increasing and requires constant surveillance concomitant with implementation of appropriate intervention methods. In April 2017, the Food and Drug Administration organized a public workshop on emerging tick‐borne pathogens (excluding Babesia microti and Lyme disease) designed to provide updates on the current understanding of emerging tick‐borne diseases, thereby allowing for extended discussions to determine if decisions regarding mitigation strategies need to be made proactively. Subject matter experts and other stakeholders participated in this workshop to discuss issues of biology, epidemiology, and clinical burden of tick‐borne agents, risk of transfusion‐transmission, surveillance, and considerations for decision making in implementing safety interventions. Herein, we summarize the scientific presentations, panel discussions, and considerations going forward.
Zika virus and its implications on cord blood banking and transplantation
Authors: Stone Elizabeth F. , Shaz Beth H.
Published: March 2020

KEY IDEAS

Umbilical cord blood is an important cellular therapy product used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but the US Food and Drug Administration guidance regarding donor screening to reduce the risk of Zika transmission has decreased the number of licensed, eligible cord blood units available for transplantation.

There is a crucial need for updated travel risk assessment for Zika virus transmission, validated screening tests for Zika virus in umbilical cord blood, and further research on Zika virus transmissibility due to umbilical cord blood products to ensure that umbilical cord blood and related tissues are safe and available for transplantation.
Stability in the high-dimensional cohomology of congruence subgroups
Authors: Miller Jeremy , Nagpal Rohit , Patzt Peter
Published: March 2020

We prove a representation stability result for the codimension-one cohomology of the level-three congruence subgroup of $\mathbf{SL}_{n}(\mathbb{Z})$. This is a special case of a question of Church, Farb, and Putman which we make more precise. Our methods involve proving finiteness properties of the Steinberg module for the group $\mathbf{SL}_{n}(K)$ for $K$ a field. This also lets us give a new proof of Ash, Putman, and Sam’s homological vanishing theorem for the Steinberg module. We also prove an integral refinement of Church and Putman’s homological vanishing theorem for the Steinberg module for the group $\mathbf{SL}_{n}(\mathbb{Z})$.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of a Flexible Rotor Supported by a Journal Bearing Considering Journal Angular Motion
Authors: Koondilogpiboon Nuntaphong , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2020

The effect of bearing length to diameter (L/D) ratio and large disk position on nonlinear vibration of a flexible rotor-bearing system was investigated. The rotor consisted of a shaft modeled by one-dimensional finite elements (FEs) and disks. It was supported by a self-aligning ball bearing (BB) and an axial-groove journal bearing (JB). Two JB's L/D ratios of 0.4 and 0.6, two large disk positions of 340 and 575 mm measured from the BB, and two bearing models that consider both journal's lateral and angular motion (model A) and consider only journal's lateral motion (model B) were investigated. The degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the equation of motion (EOM) were reduced to those of the boundary DOF by real mode component mode synthesis (CMS) that retains only the first forward and backward modes of the internal DOF. Shooting method and Floquet multiplier analysis were applied to the reduced EOM to obtain limit cycles and their stability, which indicates Hopf bifurcation type. Numerical results indicated that supercritical bifurcation only occurred in the case of L/D = 0.4 and large disk position 575 mm for both bearing models. Otherwise, the subcritical bifurcation occurred except the case of L/D = 0.6 with the large disk position 575 mm that supercritical bifurcation occurred if model B was used. The experiment with the same parameters used in the calculation was conducted as verification. The experimental results showed the same bifurcation type as calculated by using model A.
Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies against the Gn and the Gc of the Andes Virus Glycoprotein Spike Complex Protect from Virus Challenge in a Preclinical Hamster Model
Authors: Duehr James , McMahon Meagan , Williamson Brandi , Amanat Fatima , Durbin Alan , Hawman David W. , Noack Danny , Uhl Skyler , Tan Gene S. , Feldmann Heinz , Krammer Florian
Published: March 2020

Infections with New World hantaviruses are associated with high case fatality rates, and no specific vaccine or treatment options exist. Furthermore, the biology of the hantaviral GnGc complex, its antigenicity, and its fusion machinery are poorly understood. Protective monoclonal antibodies against GnGc have the potential to be developed into therapeutics against hantaviral disease and are also great tools to elucidate the biology of the glycoprotein complex.
Estimating the Timing of Early Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections: a Comparison between Poisson Fitter and BEAST
Authors: Giorgi Elena E. , Li Hui , Bhattacharya Tanmoy , Shaw George M. , Korber Bette
Published: March 2020

The inference of the time of infection is a critical parameter in testing the efficacy of clinical interventions in protecting against HIV-1 infection. For example, in clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of passively delivered antibodies (Abs) for preventing infections, accurate time of infection data are essential for discerning levels of the Abs required to confer protection, given the natural Ab decay rate in the human body. In such trials, genetic sequences from early in the infection are regularly sampled from study participants, generally prior to immune selection, when the viral population is still expanding and genetic diversity is low. In this particular setting of early viral growth, the Poisson method is superior to the alternative approach based on coalescent methods. This approach can also be applied in human vaccine trials, where accurate estimates of infection times help ascertain if vaccine-elicited immune protection wanes over time.
Metagenomic Exploration of the Marine Sponge
Mycale hentscheli
Uncovers Multiple Polyketide-Producing Bacterial Symbionts
Authors: Storey Mathew A. , Andreassend Sarah K. , Bracegirdle Joe , Brown Alistair , Keyzers Robert A. , Ackerley David F. , Northcote Peter T. , Owen Jeremy G.
Published: March 2020

Mycale hentscheli
is a marine sponge that is rich in bioactive small molecules. Here, we use direct metagenomic sequencing to elucidate highly complete and contiguous genomes for the major symbiotic bacteria of this sponge. We identify complete biosynthetic pathways for the three potent cytotoxic polyketides which have previously been isolated from
M. hentscheli
. Remarkably, and in contrast to previous studies of marine sponges, we attribute each of these metabolites to a different producing microbe. We also find that the microbiome of
M. hentscheli
is stably maintained among individuals, even over long periods of time. Collectively, our data suggest a cooperative mode of defensive symbiosis in which multiple symbiotic bacterial species cooperatively contribute to the defensive chemical arsenal of the holobiont.
Novel IncR/IncP6 Hybrid Plasmid pCRE3-KPC Recovered from a Clinical KPC-2-Producing Citrobacter braakii Isolate
Authors: Dong Dandan , Mi Ziqiang , Li Dujun , Gao Mingming , Jia Nan , Li Manli , Tong Yigang , Zhang Xianglilan , Zhu Yuanqi
Published: March 2020

Reports of human-pathogenic
C. braakii
strains, especially of strains showing resistance to carbapenems, are rare. To the best of our knowledge, our results represent the first detection of carbapenemase gene
bla
KPC-2
in
C. braakii
strains. In addition, we have studied detailed genetic characteristics of the novel IncR/IncP6 hybrid plasmid pCRE3-KPC, which was isolated from a clinical multidrug-resistant
Citrobacter braakii
CRE3 strain. Our results may provide further insight into the horizontal transfer of multidrug resistance genes in bacteria and into the genomic diversity and molecular evolution of plasmids.
Sex Bias in Gut Microbiome Transmission in Newly Paired Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Zhu Lifeng , Clayton Jonathan B. , Suhr Van Haute Mallory J. , Yang Qinnan , Hassenstab Haley R. , Mustoe Aaryn C. , Knights Dan , Benson Andrew K. , French Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2020

In this controlled study, we collected longitudinal fecal samples from 16 male and female marmoset monkeys for 2 weeks prior to and for 8 weeks after pairing in male-female dyads. We report for the first time that marmoset monkeys undergo significant changes to the gut microbiome following pairing and that these changes are sex-biased; i.e., females transmit more microbes to their social partners than males do. Marmosets exhibit pair bonding behavior such as spatial proximity, physical contact, and grooming, and sex biases in these behavioral patterns may contribute to the observed sex bias in social transmission of gut microbiomes.