bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of sustainable supply chain initiatives: Empirical evidence from the S&P 500
Authors: Sebastianelli Rose , Tamimi Nabil
Published: March 2020

Prior research on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has almost exclusively focused on environmental aspects (GSCM—green supply chain management) and the study of its external drivers and consequences. Framing our study within the “strategy‐conduct‐performance” paradigm, we consider the focal firm's role in the implementation of sustainable supply chain initiatives, social as well as environmental. We use data on the S&P 500 Index retrieved from Bloomberg, including variables for two relevant focal firm strategies: (a) reducing the environmental footprint of the supply chain and (b) reducing social risks in the supply chain (SRSS). Hierarchical logit modeling is carried out to examine the sequential impact of governance board characteristics and the focal firm's adoption of related internal policies and practices on the likelihood of implementing these initiatives along the supply chain. Controlling for industry, firm size, and resources, we find that board structure and diversity influence the implementation of sustainable supply chain initiatives by increasing organizational commitment to environmentally friendly and socially responsible policies and practices. Consequently, empirical evidence exists for the importance of strategic factors, namely a proactive corporate stance on sustainability associated with governance board characteristics, as antecedents of sustainable (environmental and social) supply chain initiatives.
Long‐term efficacy and predictive correlates of response to nivolumab in Japanese patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Kato Ken , Doki Yuichiro , Ura Takashi , Hamamoto Yasuo , Kojima Takashi , Tsushima Takahiro , Hironaka Shuichi , Hara Hiroki , Kudo Toshihiro , Iwasa Satoru , Muro Kei , Yasui Hirofumi , Minashi Keiko , Yamaguchi Kensei , Ohtsu Atsushi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: March 2020

The long‐term efficacy of nivolumab in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its association with disease biomarkers are currently not well known. Therefore, we investigated the association in Japanese patients with treatment‐refractory advanced esophageal cancer who participated in an open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter phase II study. Patients received nivolumab 3 mg/kg i.v. every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, and were followed up for 2 years after the initial dosing of the last patient. Archival tissue samples were collected before treatment and analyzed for programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) and CD8+ status of tumors and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and human leukocyte antigen class 1. Efficacy end‐points included objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), time to response, and duration of response. Of 65 enrolled patients (83% male), 64 were evaluable for efficacy and 41 (63%) for biomarkers. The ORR, median OS, and survival rate were 17.2%, 10.78 months, and 17.2%, respectively. Time to response was 1.45 months and duration of response was 11.17 months. The PD‐L1 positivity of tumor cells was possibly associated with better PFS (2.04 vs 1.41 months, cut‐off 1%) and OS (11.33 vs 6.24 months, cut‐off 1%). Median OS was prolonged in patients with a median number of TILs greater than 63.75% vs 63.75% or less (11.33 vs 7.85 months). Nivolumab showed continued long‐term efficacy, as seen by the stability of PFS and OS, in Japanese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Further investigation of PD‐L1 tumor expression and TILs as potential biomarkers for predicting patients likely to benefit from nivolumab therapy is warranted.
Airway hyperresponsiveness, remodeling and inflammation in infants with wheeze
Authors: Malmström Kristiina , Lohi Jouko , Malmberg Leo Pekka , Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen Anne , Lindahl Harry , Sarna Seppo , Pelkonen Anna S. , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: March 2020

Background

The relationship of airway hyperresponsiveness to airway remodeling and inflammation in infants with wheeze is unclear.

Objective

To investigate airway hyperresponsiveness, remodeling and inflammation in infants with wheeze and troublesome breathing.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were as follows: full‐term, 3‐23 months of age; doctor ‐diagnosed wheeze and persistent recurrent troublesome breathing; without obvious structural defect, suspicion of ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiency or specified use of corticosteroids. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was evaluated by performing a methacholine bronchial challenge test combined with whole body plethysmography and rapid thoracoabdominal compression. Endobronchial biopsies were analysed for remodeling (thickness of reticular basement membrane and amount of airway smooth muscle) and for inflammation (numbers of inflammatory cells). Correlation analyses were performed.

Results

Forty‐nine infants fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the present study. Median age was 1.06 years (IQR 0.6; 1.5). Lung function was impaired in 39/49 (80%) children, at the median age of 1.1 years. Methacholine challenge was successfully performed in 38/49 children. Impaired baseline lung function was correlated with AHR (P = .047, Spearman). In children with the most sensitive quartile of AHR, the percentage of median bronchial airway smooth muscle % and the number of bronchial mast cells in airway smooth muscle were not significantly higher compared to others (P = .057 and 0.056, respectively). No association was found between AHR and thickness of reticular basement membrane or inflammatory cells. Only a small group of children with both atopy and AHR (the most reactive quartile) had thicker airway smooth muscle area than non‐atopics with AHR (P = .031).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These findings do not support the concept that AHR in very young children with wheeze is determined by eosinophilic inflammation or clear‐cut remodeling although it is associated with impaired baseline lung function. The possible association of increased airway smooth muscle area among atopic children with AHR remains to be confirmed.
Disorders of the glucose metabolism correlate with the phenotype and the severity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: van Helden Josef , Evliyaoglu Osman , Küberl Andreas , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: March 2020

Background

Different polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes are correlated with different clinical severity levels. Insulin resistance correlates with higher severity. In a retrospective study, 130 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were examined for insulin resistance. The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between glucose metabolism and different PCOS phenotypes and to identify biomarkers or combinations thereof to obtain information on the type of metabolic disorder or the severity of PCOS.

Methods

A total of 130 patients with PCOS were included in the study. Biometric data such as weight, height, cycle day and cycle length were compared with glucose metabolism parameters such as fasting glucose, insulin before and 60 and 120 minutes after 75 g glucose intake, intact proinsulin, C‐peptide and ovarian function parameters including Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and the soluble AMH receptor (sAMHR2). The parameters were correlated, and their diagnostic performance with respect to different expressions of PCOS was evaluated.

Results

The biomarkers of impaired glucose metabolism showed strong significant difference in HOMA Index, adiponectin, proinsulin and body mass index (BMI) and Insulin levels in 0‐60‐120 minutes of glucose tolerance test but also with parameters of ovarian function as AMH, AMH z‐score sAMHR2, and sAMHR2/AMH ratio. A strong correlation between sAMHR2 and adiponectin (r = .818, P < .0001) was found indicating a relationship between the degree of glucose metabolic impairment and ovarian function.

Conclusions

The parameters glucose, insulin, insulin 60 minutes after intake of 75 g glucose and adiponectin or sAMHR2 enable a biochemical classification of PCOS patients that correlates with morphological PCOS phenotypes. By determining biomarkers, it is possible to classify PCOS patients into subgroups that correlate with different PCOS phenotypes and the clinical severity.
A paternally inherited non‐sense variant c.424G>T (p.G142*) in the first exon of XLαs in an adult patient with hypophosphatemia and osteopetrosis
Authors: Chen Xiang , Meng Yang , Tang Mengjia , Wang Yan , Xie Ying , Wan Shan , Tian Haoming , Yu Xijie
Published: March 2020

XLαs, the extra‐large isoform of alpha‐subunit of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide‐binding protein (Gsα), is paternally expressed. The significance of XLαs in humans remains largely unknown. Here, we report a patient who presented with increased bone mass, hypophosphatemia, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. His serum calcium was in the lower limit of the normal range. Whole exome sequencing of this subject found a novel non‐sense variant c.424G>T (p. G142*) in the first exon of XLαs, which was inherited from his father and transmitted to his daughter. This variant was predicted to exclusively influence the expression of XLαs, while possibly having no significant effects on other gene products of this locus. Ellsworth‐Howard test revealed normal renal response to PTH in proband. Human SaOS2 cells transfected with mutant XLαs failed to generate cyclic adenosine monophosphate under PTH stimulation, indicating skeletal resistance to this hormone. This subject showed higher circulating sclerostin, dickkopf1, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, while lower receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand/OPG ratio, leading to reduced bone resorption. Our findings indicate that XLαs plays a critical role in bone metabolism and GNAS locus should be considered as a candidate gene for high bone mass.
Peri‐implant soft tissue status and crestal bone loss around immediately‐loaded narrow‐diameter implants placed in cigarette‐smokers: 6‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Alghamdi Osama , Alrabiah Mohammed , Al‐Hamoudi Nawwaf , AlKindi Mohammed , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: March 2020

Background

It is hypothesized that in the long‐term, soft tissue inflammation (reflected by increased scores of peri‐implant probing‐depth [PD]) and crestal bone loss (CBL) is higher in cigarette‐smoker than nonsmokers with narrow diameter implants (NDIs).

Purpose

The aim of the present 6‐years' follow‐up clinical observational study was to compare the peri‐implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], and PD) and CBL around immediately‐loaded NDIs placed in cigarette‐smokers and nonsmokers.

Materials and methods

In all groups, peri‐implant GI, PI and PD were measured on six sites (distolingual/palatal, mesiolingual/palatal mesiobuccal, distobuccal, midlingual/palatal, and midbuccal) per implant. The CBL was gauged on digital bitewing x‐rays, which were standardized using the long cone paralleling technique. CBL was demarcated as the vertical distance from 2 mm below the implant‐abutment connection to the most crestally‐positioned alveolar bone.

Results

All study‐participants were male. Twenty‐six cigarette smokers and twenty‐five nonsmokers were included. The mean age of cigarette‐smokers and nonsmokers was 45.5 ± 10.3 and 47.4 ± 9.4 years, respectively. Cigarette‐smokers had a smoking history of 10.6 ± 0.4 pack years. Family history of tobacco usage was more often reported by cigarette‐smokers (57.7%) than nonsmokers (20%). All cigarette‐smokers and nonsmokers were aware that smoking is a risk‐factor of loss of implant. Three (11.5%) of cigarette‐smokers reported that they have attempted to quit smoking and 76.9% of cigarette‐smokers (n = 20) reported that they had no intention to quit smoking in the future. The peri‐implant P‐I (P < .01), PD (P < .01) and mesial (P < .01), and distal (P < .01) CBL were significantly high in cigarette‐smokers compared with nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant difference in GI among the groups.

Conclusion

Cigarette‐smoking enhances peri‐implant soft tissue inflammation and increases CBL around immediately‐loaded NDIs.
Ghosts of the past: how drought legacy effects shape forest functioning and carbon cycling
Authors: Kannenberg Steven A. , Schwalm Christopher R. , Anderegg William R. L.
Published: March 2020

Multi‐year lags in tree drought recovery, termed ‘drought legacy effects’, are important for understanding the impacts of drought on forest ecosystems, including carbon (C) cycle feedbacks to climate change. Despite the ubiquity of lags in drought recovery, large uncertainties remain regarding the mechanistic basis of legacy effects and their importance for the C cycle. In this review, we identify the approaches used to study legacy effects, from tree rings to whole forests. We then discuss key knowledge gaps pertaining to the causes of legacy effects, and how the various mechanisms that may contribute these lags in drought recovery could have contrasting implications for the C cycle. Furthermore, we conduct a novel data synthesis and find that legacy effects differ drastically in both size and length across the US depending on if they are identified in tree rings versus gross primary productivity. Finally, we highlight promising approaches for future research to improve our capacity to model legacy effects and predict their impact on forest health. We emphasise that a holistic view of legacy effects – from tissues to whole forests – will advance our understanding of legacy effects and stimulate efforts to investigate drought recovery via experimental, observational and modelling approaches.
miR‐29c‐3p inhibits microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by targeting NFAT5 in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wang Ruili , Li Qing , He Ya , Yang Ying , Ma Qiaoya , Li Chen
Published: March 2020

Microglial inflammation is identified as a key process associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Our previous study showed that miR‐29c‐3p (miR‐29c) exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties in PD animal and neuronal models. However, the specific role and regulatory mechanism of miR‐29c played in microglia are still unclear. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV‐2 cells were used to establish a cellular model of microglial activation for investigating PD. The results showed a decreased expression of miR‐29c in LPS‐induced BV‐2 cells. Over‐expression of miR‐29c suppressed LPS‐triggered Iba‐1 increment, pro‐inflammatory cytokine release, and NF‐кB and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Silence of miR‐29c induced similar effects with LPS on microglial inflammation. In addition, we found that NFAT5 was negatively correlated with miR‐29c. Knockdown of NFAT5 blocked the aggravated inflammation in microglia treated by miR‐29c inhibitor. Thus, these findings suggest that miR‐29c modulates NLRP3 inflammasome to impair microglial inflammatory responses by targeting NFAT5, which represents a promising therapeutic target for PD.
Preparing for patient partnership: A scoping review of patient partner engagement and evaluation in research
Authors: Bird Marissa , Ouellette Carley , Whitmore Carly , Li Lin , Nair Kalpana , McGillion Michael H. , Yost Jennifer , Banfield Laura , Campbell Elaine , Carroll Sandra L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Realizing patient partnership in research requires a shift from patient participation in ancillary roles to engagement as contributing members of research teams. While engaging patient partners is often discussed, impact is rarely measured.

Objective

Our primary aim was to conduct a scoping review of the impact of patient partnership on research outcomes. The secondary aim was to describe barriers and facilitators to realizing effective partnerships.

Search Strategy

A comprehensive bibliographic search was undertaken in EBSCO CINAHL, and Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO via Ovid. Reference lists of included articles were hand‐searched.

Inclusion Criteria

Included studies were: (a) related to health care; (b) involved patients or proxies in the research process; and (c) reported results related to impact/evaluation of patient partnership on research outcomes.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were extracted from 14 studies meeting inclusion criteria using a narrative synthesis approach.

Main Results

Patient partners were involved in a range of research activities. Results highlight critical barriers and facilitators for researchers seeking to undertake patient partnerships to be aware of, such as power imbalances between patient partners and researchers, as well as valuing of patient partner roles.

Discussion

Addressing power dynamics in patient partner‐researcher relationships and mitigating risks to patient partners through inclusive recruitment and training strategies may contribute towards effective engagement. Further guidance is needed to address evaluation strategies for patient partnerships across the continuum of patient partner involvement in research.

Conclusions

Research teams can employ preparation strategies outlined in this review to support patient partnerships in their work.
Why not to be a ‘Thomist’: A Critique of the Bañezian Reconciliation of Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom
Authors: Diem William Matthew
Published: March 2020

Thomas Osborne has asserted that ‘No one has developed an argument against premotion that works if the distinctions made by the Thomists are granted.' This article attempts to form just such an argument. Specifically, it argues that the Thomistic system – even with the distinctions it relies on having been granted – cannot account for human freedom, at least not in a sense sufficiently strong to sustain human guilt for sin. Further, it argues that the Thomists, by their own clear though tacit admission, acknowledge this insufficiency.
The immunological Warburg effect: Can a metabolic‐tumor‐stroma score (MeTS) guide cancer immunotherapy?
Authors: Siska Peter J. , Singer Katrin , Evert Katja , Renner Kathrin , Kreutz Marina
Published: March 2020

The “glycolytic switch” also known as the “Warburg effect” is a key feature of tumor cells and leads to the accumulation of lactate and protons in the tumor environment. Intriguingly, non‐malignant lymphocytes or stromal cells such as tumor‐associated macrophages and cancer‐associated fibroblasts contribute to the lactate accumulation in the tumor environment, a phenomenon described as the “Reverse Warburg effect.” Localized lactic acidosis has a strong immunosuppressive effect and mediates an immune escape of tumors. However, some tumors do not display the Warburg phenotype and either rely on respiration or appear as a mosaic of cells with different metabolic properties. Based on these findings and on the knowledge that T cell infiltration is predictive for patient outcome, we suggest a metabolic‐tumor‐stroma score to determine the likelihood of a successful anti‐tumor immune response: (a) a respiring tumor with high T cell infiltration (“hot”); (b) a reverse Warburg type with respiring tumor cells but glycolytic stromal cells; (c) a mixed type with glycolytic and respiring compartments; and (d) a glycolytic (Warburg) tumor with low T cell infiltration (“cold”). Here, we provide evidence that these types can be independent of the organ of origin, prognostically relevant and might help select the appropriate immunotherapy approach.
Seroprevalence of H7N9 infection among humans: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xu Ke , Xie Weihua , Yang Liuqing , Chen Haiyan , Shi Naiyang , Bao Changjun , Huang Haodi , Zhang Xuefeng , Liao Yilan , Jin Hui
Published: March 2020

In spring 2013, a novel avian‐origin influenza A (H7N9) virus emerged in mainland China. The burden of H7N9 infection was estimated based on systematic review and meta‐analysis. The systematic search for available literature was conducted using Chinese and English databases. We calculated the pooled seroprevalence of H7N9 infection and its 95% confidence interval by using Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. Out of 16 890 records found using Chinese and English databases, 54 articles were included in the meta‐analysis. These included studies of a total of 64 107 individuals. The pooled seroprevalence of H7N9 infection among humans was 0.122% (95% CI: 0.023, 0.275). In high‐risk populations, the highest pooled seroprevalence was observed among close contacts (1.075%, 95% CI: 0.000, 4.357). The seroprevalence among general population was (0.077%, 95% CI: 0.011, 0.180). Our study discovered that asymptomatic infection of H7N9 virus did occur, even if the seroprevalence among humans was low.
Research Review: The strength of the genetic overlap between ADHD and other psychiatric symptoms – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Andersson Anneli , Tuvblad Catherine , Chen Qi , Du Rietz Ebba , Cortese Samuele , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Larsson Henrik
Published: March 2020

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co‐occurs with other psychiatric disorders. Twin studies have established that these co‐occurrences are in part due to shared genetic risks. However, the strength of these genetic overlaps and the potential heterogeneity accounted for by type of psychiatric symptoms, age, and methods of assessment remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review to fill this gap.

Methods

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science until March 07, 2019. Genetic correlations (rg) were used as effect size measures.

Results

A total of 31 independent studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates showed that the associations between ADHD and other psychiatric symptoms were partly explained by shared genetic factors, with a pooled genetic correlation of 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.60. The genetic correlations (rg) between ADHD and externalizing (rg = .49 [0.37–0.61]), internalizing (rg = .50 [0.39–0.69]), and neurodevelopmental (rg = .56 [0.47–0.66]) symptoms were similar in magnitude. The genetic correlations in childhood and adulthood were rg = .53 (0.43–0.63) and rg = .51 (0.44–0.56), respectively. For methods of assessment, the genetic correlations were also similar in strength, self‐reports rg = .52 (0.47–0.58), other informants rg = .55 (0.41–0.69), and combined raters rg = .50 (0.33–0.65).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the co‐occurrence of externalizing, internalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms in individuals with ADHD symptoms in part is due to a shared genetic risk.
Roasting impact on the chemical and physical structure of Criollo cocoa variety (Theobroma cacao L)
Authors: Rojas S Myriam , Chejne Farid , Ciro Héctor , Montoya Jorge
Published: March 2020

This work analyzed the effect of infrared roasting at 100, 150, and 200°C on the main physical and chemical changes of cocoa. Raw and roasted cocoa were analyzed using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), SPME, and GC‐MS. Using MDSC, the fusion of fat at around 35°C, and the desolvation of water and volatile compounds were identified. TGA detected loss of mass of various groups of chemical compounds, including those present pre‐roasting and generated during roasting. The unroasted cocoa's total sugar content of 2.71% decreased to 0.64% when roasted at 200°C, whereas roasting at 200°C generated seven (7) pyrazines. Tetramethylpyrazine is the most abundant, reaching the highest concentration when roasted at 150°C, but decreases when roasted at 200°C, due to the high temperature. To obtain the maximum production of favorable pyrazines, the temperature must be controlled based on the quality objectives of the final product.

Practical applications

The process of roasting cocoa is of great importance to the chocolate and derivatives industry. Knowledge of the chemical and physical changes that occur during roasting can help to optimize the operating conditions to obtain a better‐quality product, in particular by conserving and developing the flavor and aroma of fine Criollo cocoa varieties. This will support the industrialization of fine cocoas, presenting an option for improving the economic and social development of marginalized countries and communities.
Ones and zeros: Medical education and theory in the age of intelligent machines
Authors: Hodges Brian D.
Published: March 2020

Karolinska Prize winner Brian Hodges reflects on the crisis of truth that is currently accompanying our world increasingly being defined by databases and computers.
Induction of systemic resistance to Agrobacterium tumefaciens by endophytic bacteria in grapevine
Authors: Asghari Susan , Harighi Behrouz , Ashengroph Morahem , Clement Christophe , Aziz Aziz , Esmaeel Qassim , Ait Barka Essaid
Published: March 2020

Crown gall disease of grapevine, caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, often results in severe economic loss to grape production worldwide. This study demonstrated the ability of the endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas sp. Sn48 and Pantoea sp. Sa14 isolated from domesticated and wild grapevines to induce resistance in both above‐ and belowground tissues of grapevines infected with A. tumefaciens. Our results provide evidence that both strains can colonize roots and/or shoots. We showed that the strains Pseudomonas sp. Sn48 and Pantoea sp. Sa14 are capable of inducing stilbenic phytoalexin production in grapevine tissues and to further prime plantlets for enhanced phytoalexin production after A. tumefaciens inoculation. We also showed that in the majority of treatments, polyamine accumulation remained unchanged or slightly increased in plantlets treated with Pseudomonas sp. Sn48 and Pantoea sp. Sa14 compared with the control. Our findings indicated that the levels of polyamines remain unchanged or significantly decrease in plantlets treated with endophytic bacteria after A. tumefaciens challenge compared to the control and plantlets treated with individual endophytic bacterial strains. PR1, PR2, and PR4 gene expression levels of plantlets treated with Pseudomonas sp. Sn48 and Pantoea sp. Sa14 significantly increased after A. tumefaciens inoculation. The findings revealed the efficacy of the selected endophytic bacteria in triggering grapevine resistance against A. tumefaciens and the possible use of these strains as an alternative to chemical control methods in grapevine crown gall disease management.
Utilization of peritoneal dialysis in the United States: Reasons for underutilization, specifically in New York State and the boroughs of New York City
Authors: Yap Ernie , Joseph Marcia , Sharma Shuchita , El Shamy Osama , Weinberg Alan D. , Delano Barbara G. , Uribarri Jaime , Saggi Subodh J.
Published: March 2020

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is currently underutilized in the United States (US), even within resource‐rich neighborhoods. We analyzed data from US Renal Data Service to determine PD utilization within the US, New York State (NYS), selected boroughs within New York City (NYC), and Boston, Massachusetts. We then compared the odds of selecting PD with hemodialysis (HD) and analyzed how diabetes mellitus status, age >65 years, gender, and race influenced PD utilization between 2010 and 2016. We then compared a high‐volume PD center (HVC) with a low‐volume PD center (LVC). The odds of starting PD vs HD were as follows: Brooklyn 0.30 (0.25‐0.36; <0.0001), Bronx 0.56 (0.47‐0.67; <0.0001), Queens 0.66 (0.54‐0.80; <0.0001), and Manhattan 0.61 (0.52‐0.71; <0.0001). In 2016, the odds of starting PD compared with the rest of the US were as follows: Brooklyn 0.14 (0.08‐0.22; <0.0001), Bronx 0.39 (0.27‐0.56; <0.0001), Queens 0.32 (0.23‐0.45; <0.0001), Manhattan 0.54 (0.36‐0.79; 0.002), and Boston 0.89 (0.58‐1.4; 0.624). Analysis of influencing factors showed that only age >65 significantly (<0.0001) influenced PD modality selection in Brooklyn and Boston. Differences between HVC and LVC in terms of modality transition, peritonitis rate, or provider:patient ratio were not statistically significant. Factors that influence PD utilization in urban neighborhoods are discussed and remediation measures are proposed.
The utility of wing morphometrics for assigning type specimens to cryptic bumblebee species
Authors: Gérard Maxence , Martinet Baptiste , Dehon Manuel , Rasmont Pierre , Williams Paul H. , Michez Denis
Published: March 2020

Since the beginning of taxonomy, species have been described based on morphology, but the advent of using semio‐chemicals and genetics has led to the discovery of cryptic species (i.e. morphologically similar species). When a new cryptic species is described, earlier type specimens have to be re‐evaluated, although this process can be challenging as only nondestructive methods ought to be used in order to preserve the integrity of the type specimens. Methods should allow comparison with recently collected specimens clustered based on chemical, ethological and/or genetic traits with old specimens (i.e. type specimens) where only morphological traits are available. Here we develop a method based on geometric morphometric analyses of wing shape for a taxonomically challenging group of bumblebees, the subgenus Alpinobombus Skorikov. We consider nine monophyletic taxa (including several cryptic species) to assess the accuracy of this method to discriminate the taxa based on their wing shape and then to attribute type specimens using a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation procedure. We show that, for these bees, wing shape is taxon‐specific, except for two sister taxa for which the species status is still debated. Moreover, for most of the taxa, type specimens were correctly attributed with high posterior probabilities of attribution, except for a few type specimens corresponding to the same two sister taxa where taxa delimitation based on wing shape was previously the subject of discussion. Our study highlights the potential of geometric morphometric analyses to help in the re‐attribution of type specimens when the existence of cryptic species is revealed.
The Impact of Manufacturing Variations on Performance of a Transonic Axial Compressor Rotor
Authors: Lejon Marcus , Andersson Niklas , Ellbrant Lars , Mårtensson Hans
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the impact of manufacturing variations on performance of an axial compressor rotor is evaluated at design rotational speed. The geometric variations from the design intent obtained from measurements were used to evaluate the impact of manufacturing variations on performance and the flow field in the rotor. The complete blisk is simulated using 3D computational fluid dynamics calculations, allowing for a detailed analysis of the impact of geometric variations on the flow. It is shown that the mean shift of the geometry from the design intent is responsible for the majority of the change in performance in terms of mass flow and total pressure ratio for this specific blisk. In terms of polytropic efficiency, the measured geometric scatter is shown to have a higher influence than the geometric mean deviation. The geometric scatter around the mean is shown to impact the pressure along the leading edge and the shock position. Furthermore, a blisk is analyzed with one blade deviating substantially from the design intent. It is shown that the impact of this blade on the flow is largely limited to the blade passages that it is directly a part of. It is also shown that the impact of this blade on the flow field can be represented by a simulation including three blade passages. In terms of loss, using five blade passages is shown to give a close estimate for the relative change in loss for the blade deviating substantially from the design intent and for the neighboring blades.
Effect of Post Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Nano TiC Particulate Reinforced Inconel 718 by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Wang Yachao , Shi Jing
Published: March 2020

To strengthen the metal components by selective laser melting (SLM), adding reinforcement particles and applying post treatments are generally regarded as the two effective means. However, how post heat treatment affects the properties of nano particulate reinforced metal composites obtained by laser additive manufacturing (AM) processes has rarely been studied. In this study, Inconel 718 matrix composite reinforced by 0.5 wt% nano TiC particles was prepared using SLM. To evaluate the effect of the heat treatment routines on the performance of the SLM-produced composite, two levels of solution temperature (980 and 1100 °C) were designed, and the solution treatment was followed by a standard two-step aging (720 °C for 8 h and 620 °C for 8 h). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) observations were performed to examine the microstructure, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation was conducted to characterize the morphologies of incorporated nano particles and precipitated phases. Tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the formed composites. It was found that nano particles can effectively strengthen the metal matrix under both as-built and heat-treated conditions, and the material undergoes static recrystallization during the post heat treatment. Also, it was discovered that nano TiC particles play an important role in refining the microstructure of Inconel 718 composite below 980 °C. The maximum tensile strength of 1370 MPa was observed under 980 °C + aging condition, representing a 16% increase as compared with the unreinforced Inconel 718.
Sensorless In-Hand Manipulation by An Underactuated Robot Hand
Authors: Ospina Diego , Ramirez-Serrano Alejandro
Published: March 2020

The limited dexterity that existing hand prostheses provide to users contrasts with the manipulation abilities exhibited by state-of-the-art robot hands. This paper presents an underactuated robot hand with in-hand manipulation capabilities to demonstrate the use of underactuation in the development of effective hand replacements. This paper describes a specific underactuated hand architecture, representative of many existing underactuated hand prototypes. First, the hand is modeled and its ability to manipulate objects of different geometries is analyzed. Second, a manipulation strategy suitable for prosthetic applications is proposed. The strategy enables the hand to manipulate objects in-hand without any a priori information of their geometry or physical properties. Finally, experimental tests conducted to validate the theoretical results are presented.
Epitaxial growth of high-k BaxSr1−xTiO3 thin films on SrTiO3 (001) substrates by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Le Thanh Tung , Ekerdt John G.
Published: March 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers a viable route for the growth of thin and conformal films over 3D topographies and is becoming attractive as a method to grow films thin enough, and with sufficient dielectric constants (k), for the fabrication of next-generation dynamic random memories. The authors used ALD to grow thin (≤15 nm) BaxSr1 − xTiO3 (BST) films that are epitaxially integrated to SrTiO3 (001) (STO) and Nb-doped SrTiO3 (001) (Nb:STO). Films of three compositions, which are x ∼ 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3, and thicknesses of 7.8–14.9 nm were grown at 1.05 Torr and 225 °C using barium bis(triisopropylcyclopentadienyl), strontium bis(triisopropylcyclopentadienyl), titanium tetraisopropoxide, and H2O. Film compositions were controlled by changing cycle ratios (Ba:Sr, Ba:Ti, and Sr:Ti) and confirmed by in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Films were amorphous as-deposited and required postdeposition vacuum annealing at 650–710 °C to crystallize. Epitaxy was confirmed with x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Only BST (00l) out-of-plane diffraction signals were detected. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements revealed that BST thin films grown by ALD have dielectric constant values ranging from 210 for Ba0.71Sr0.26TiO3 to 368 for Ba0.48Sr0.43TiO3.
Direct measurement of vertical forces shows correlation between mechanical activity and proteolytic ability of invadopodia
Authors: Dalaka E. , Kronenberg N. M. , Liehm P. , Segall J. E. , Prystowsky M. B. , Gather M. C.
Published: March 2020

A microscopy technique based on interference of light measures the piconewton forces that cancer cells exert during invasion.
Exploiting species specificity to understand the tropism of a human-specific toxin
Authors: Boguslawski K. M. , McKeown A. N. , Day C. J. , Lacey K. A. , Tam K. , Vozhilla N. , Kim S. Y. , Jennings M. P. , Koralov S. B. , Elde N. C. , Torres V. J.
Published: March 2020

Overcoming the species specificity of the MRSA toxin LukAB with a novel mouse model establishes a role for LukAB in vivo.
The fate of tropical forest fragments
Authors: Hansen Matthew C. , Wang Lei , Song Xiao-Peng , Tyukavina Alexandra , Turubanova Svetlana , Potapov Peter V. , Stehman Stephen V.
Published: March 2020

Tropical forest loss increases as fragment size decreases, a relationship driven by primary forest loss.
Stratification relieves constraints from steric hindrance in the generation of compact actomyosin asters at the membrane cortex
Authors: Das Amit , Bhat Abrar , Sknepnek Rastko , Köster Darius , Mayor Satyajit , Rao Madan
Published: March 2020

Stratified assembly of active components drives a tight huddle of proteins on the membrane.
Primordial formation of major silicates in a protoplanetary disc with homogeneous
26
Al/
27
Al
Authors: Gregory Timothy , Luu Tu-Han , Coath Christopher D. , Russell Sara S. , Elliott Tim
Published: March 2020

Primordial refractory silicates record evidence that aluminum-26 was efficiently mixed across different solar system sources.
Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase (IRAK) Signaling in Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Induced Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Authors: Seltzer Jedediah , Moorad Razia , Schifano Jason M. , Landis Justin T. , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: March 2020

One hundred percent of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cases are associated with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). PEL cell lines, such as BCBL-1, are the workhorse for understanding this human oncovirus and the host pathways that KSHV dysregulates. Understanding their function is important for developing new therapies as well as identifying high-risk patient groups. The myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)/interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK) pathway, which has progrowth functions in other B cell lymphomas, has not been fully explored in PEL. By performing CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) studies targeting the IRAK pathway in PEL, we were able to determine that established PEL cell lines can circumvent the loss of IRAK1, IRAK4, and MYD88; however, the deletion clones are deficient in interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. Since IL-10 suppresses T cell function, this suggests that the IRAK pathway may serve a function
in vivo
and during early-stage development of PEL.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 292, a Gram-Positive, Spore-Forming Soil Bacterium with High Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Heinze Simon , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Liebl Wolfgang , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Kornberger Petra , Zverlov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2020

Paenibacillus polymyxa
DSM 292 was originally isolated from soil in 1947 due to its ability to produce antibiotics. The low proteolytic properties of strain DSM 292 warrant its examination as a host for heterologous protein production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of DSM 292 as established by Illumina MiSeq paired-end sequencing.
Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Clone O25:H4 Sequence Type 131, Isolated from a Sudanese Patient with Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Mohamed Sofia B. , Hassan Mohamed M. , Kambal Sumaya , Munir Abdalla , Abdalla Nusiba I. , Hamad Ahmed , Mohammed Sara E. , Ahmed Fatima E. , Hamid Omnia , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal
Published: March 2020

We report here the whole-genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
NUBRI-E, a representative of
E. coli
clone O25:H4 sequence type 131 with
bla
CTX-M-15
, which was obtained from a Sudanese patient with a urinary tract infection.
Genome Sequences of vB_RleM_RL38JI and vB_RleM_RL2RES, Two Virulent Rhizobium leguminosarum Transducing Phages
Authors: Gunathilake K. M. Damitha , Bhat Supriya V. , Yost Christopher K. , Hynes Michael F.
Published: March 2020

Phages vB_RleM_RL38JI and vB_RleM_RL2RES are known to mediate generalized transduction inRhizobium leguminosarum. The RL38JI genome consists of 158,577 nucleotides and 270 predicted genes, whereas RL2RES has a 156,878-bp genome with 262 predicted genes. The two genomes are similar, with 82.88% nucleotide identity to each other.
Emergence and Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant and Aminoglycoside-Panresistant
Enterobacter cloacae
Complex Isolates Coproducing NDM-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase and 16S rRNA Methylase in Myanmar
Authors: Oshiro Satoshi , Tada Tatsuya , Watanabe Shin , Tohya Mari , Hishinuma Tomomi , Uchida Hiroki , Kuwahara-Arai Kyoko , Mya San , Zan Khin Nyein , Kirikae Teruo , Tin Htay Htay
Published: March 2020

The emergence of multidrug-resistant
E. cloacae
complex has become a public health threat worldwide.
E. xiangfangensis
is a recently classified species belonging to
E. cloacae
complex. Here, we report a clonal dissemination of multidrug-resistant
E. xiangfangensis
ST200 producing two types of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-type MBL), NDM-1 and -4, and three types of 16S rRNA methylases, ArmA, RmtC, and RmtE, in hospitals in Myanmar. The observation of these multidrug-resistant
E. xiangfangensis
ST200 isolates stresses the urgency to continue molecular epidemiological surveillance of these pathogens in Myanmar and in South Asian countries.
mSphere of Influence: Experimental Evolution of RNA Viruses
Authors: Moratorio Gonzalo
Published: March 2020

Gonzalo Moratorio works in the field of experimental evolution of viruses. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the papers “Virus attenuation by genome-scale changes in codon pair bias” by Coleman et al. (Science 320:1784–1787, 2008,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1155761
) and “Codon usage determines the mutational robustness, evolutionary capacity, and virulence of an RNA virus” by Lauring et al. (Cell Host Microbe 12:623–632, 2012,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2012.10.008
) made an impact on his thinking about how to employ synthetic biology to study experimental evolution of viruses.
mSphere of Influence: Comprehensive Genetic Analysis
Authors: Peters Jason M.
Published: March 2020

Jason M. Peters works in the fields of antibiotic resistance and biofuel production. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the paper “A global genetic interaction network maps a wiring diagram of cellular function” by Costanzo et al. (Science 353:aaf1420, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf1420
) has impacted his work by highlighting the power of gene networks to uncover new biology.
Cerebellar ataxia a unique initial presentation of Legionnaires’ disease
Authors: Kaloti Zaid , Bell Kendall , Khalid Mowyad , Levine Diane
Published: March 2020

We present a case of Legionnaires’ disease complicated by cerebellar ataxia. A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease by urine antigen after presenting to the hospital with a main problem of headache and gait instability. He also had a productive cough, as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Initial physical examination revealed a positive Romberg test, positive pronator drift, severely unsteady gait and bilateral upper extremity resting tremors with the remainder of cranial nerves and neurological examination being unremarkable. The patient had a prolonged hospital course requiring endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. He received 14 days of levofloxacin with resolution of the pneumonia. On repeat assessment prior to discharge, the patient’s neurological symptoms improved; however, he still had mild residual gait instability, dysdiadokinesia and difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing. Romberg test remained positive.
Unusual ureteric duplication abnormality in a child with pelvoureteric junction obstruction
Authors: Chan Kenrick Kai Chi , Ashour Khaled , Bader Mohammad
Published: March 2020

A 5-year-old girl underwent an elective left pyeloplasty for pelvoureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). At laparoscopy, two ureters were seen to be draining a left duplex kidney, with a PUJO of the lower moiety. Interestingly, however, the upper moiety ureter was bifurcating to drain both upper and lower moiety as well. All the preoperative investigations were suggestive of a single system. The ureteric bifurcation of this type has not been reported so far. It is of paramount importance to demonstrate anatomy clearly at an operation to prevent risk to the less defined ureters.
Bowel preparation agent inducing profound shock precolonoscopy
Authors: Loraine Angus
Published: March 2020

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit following vomiting and diarrhoea onset after completing oral bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy to investigate haematochezia. She had a history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn’s disease, diverticular disease, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. She was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and required epinephrine, norepinephrine and vasopressin infusions. She improved over her 4-day intensive care admission and was discharged to the general medical ward, but ultimately died 19 days after presentation.
Risk factors for subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularisation
Authors: Xiao Hu , Zhao Xiujuan , Li Songshan , Sun Limei , Xin Wen , Wang Zhirong , Zhang Aiyuan , Zhang Junyan , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess the incidence, clinical features and predictive risk factors of subretinal fibrosis after treatment of active myopic choroidal neovascularisation (mCNV) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods

This post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial included a total of 54 patients with active mCNV. The clinical data at baseline, month 3 and month 12 were used. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography at month 3 were used to determine the presence of subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy, and its incidence was calculated. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Visual Function Questionnaire−25 score, macular integrity index (MI) and their changes were compared between eyes with and without subretinal fibrosis. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the risk factors of subretinal fibrosis.

Results

Subretinal fibrosis occurred in 22 of 54 eyes with mCNV. Patients with subretinal fibrosis achieved similar BCVA improvement in comparison with those without fibrosis at 3 and 12 months after the treatment; however, they had lower visual acuity, more subfoveal CNV (p=0.002), higher CNV thickness at baseline (p=0.016), larger CNV size (p=0.030), larger leakage area (p=0.021) and higher presence of advanced myopic maculopathy (p=0.035). Age <45 years, BCVA <60 ETDRS letters, and MI index <20 at baseline were the predictors for subretinal fibrosis occurrence in a logistic regression model.

Conclusions

The incidence of subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy was 40.7% in eyes with mCNV. Age, baseline BCVA and MI index could serve as predictive risk factors of subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF treatment in patients with mCNV.