bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity levels, its barriers, and associated factors among the patients with type 2 diabetes residing in the capital city of Bangladesh
Authors: Sadia Laila , Barua Lingkan , Banik Palash Chandra , Faruque Mithila
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of physical activity (PA), its barriers, and the associated factors among the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited 215 patients with T2DM who visited the Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences General Hospital from January to December 2019. Their PA level and its barriers were detected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Barriers to Being Active Quiz, respectively. The PA levels and their barriers were presented using descriptive statistics. The associated factors of PA were identified using the multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

Nearly one third of the study subjects (31.2%) were physically inactive. Among the active subjects (68.8%), more than half were moderately active (46%) and rest (22.8%) were engaged in vigorous PA. In the reported barriers of PA, half of the respondents considered “lack of willpower” as the major barrier followed by “lack of energy” (39.4%) and “lack of time” (36.7%). The associated factors of PA level were the occupational status (employed), monthly income, and the personal barrier “lack of time.”

Conclusion

A significant portion of Bangladeshi patients did not meet the recommended PA and several personal barriers were identified as the contributing factors of this inactivity. It demands intervention to motivate them to increase PA and their commitment to time management. Future research could clarify the current finding more precisely using the objective measurement of PA in a large sample of patients with T2DM.
Race meets bargaining in product development
Authors: Karagözoğlu Emin , Keskin Kerim , Sağlam Çağrı
Published: December 2020

We study product development in a firm, utilizing a multistage contest model (i.e., race) with an endogenous length (with one stage or two stages) between two workers. We model the payments to workers using the normatively appealing Nash bargaining solution. We analytically characterize the equilibrium effort levels of workers and describe the conditions under which a full‐fledged final product (as opposed to, say, a prototype) is developed. We also provide an answer to the firm's problem of optimal incentive provision.
The pleiotropic role of transcription factor STAT3 in oncogenesis and its targeting through natural products for cancer prevention and therapy
Authors: Garg Manoj , Shanmugam Muthu K. , Bhardwaj Vipul , Goel Akul , Gupta Rajat , Sharma Arundhiti , Baligar Prakash , Kumar Alan Prem , Goh Boon Cher , Wang Lingzhi , Sethi Gautam
Published: December 2020

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of the crucial transcription factors, responsible for regulating cellular proliferation, cellular differentiation, migration, programmed cell death, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and immune activation. In this review, we have discussed the classical regulation of STAT3 via diverse growth factors, cytokines, G‐protein‐coupled receptors, as well as toll‐like receptors. We have also highlighted the potential role of noncoding RNAs in regulating STAT3 signaling. However, the deregulation of STAT3 signaling has been found to be associated with the initiation and progression of both solid and hematological malignancies. Additionally, hyperactivation of STAT3 signaling can maintain the cancer stem cell phenotype by modulating the tumor microenvironment, cellular metabolism, and immune responses to favor drug resistance and metastasis. Finally, we have also discussed several plausible ways to target oncogenic STAT3 signaling using various small molecules derived from natural products.
A multilevel hybrid anomaly detection scheme for industrial wireless sensor networks
Authors: Gavel Shashank , Raghuvanshi Ajay Singh , Tiwari Sudarshan
Published: December 2020

Real‐time sensing plays an important role in ensuring the reliability of industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs). Sensor nodes in IWSNs have inherent limitations that give rise to different anomalies in the network. These anomalies can lead to disastrous and harmful situations or even serious system failures. This article presents a formulation to the design of an anomaly detection scheme for detecting the anomalous node along with the type of anomaly. The proposed scheme is divided into two major parts. First, spatiotemporal correlation within a cluster is obtained for the normal and anomalous behavior of sensor nodes. Second, the multilevel hybrid classifier is used by combining the sequential minimal optimization support vector machine (SMO‐SVM) as a binary classifier with optimally pruned extreme learning machine (OP‐ELM) as a multiclass classifier for detection of an anomalous node and type of anomalies, respectively. Mahalanobis distance‐based lightweight K‐Medoid clustering is used to build a new set of training datasets that represents the original training dataset, by significantly reducing the training time of a multilevel hybrid classifier. Results are analyzed using standard WSN datasets. The proposed model shows high accuracy, i.e., 94.79%and detection rate, i.e., 94.6%with a reduced false positive rate as compared to existing hybrid methods.
High-Flow Oxygen and High-Flow Air for Dyspnea in Hospitalized Patients with Cancer: A Pilot Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hui David , Hernandez Farley , Urbauer Diana , Thomas Saji , Lu Zhanni , Elsayem Ahmed , Bruera Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Background

The effect of high-flow oxygen (HFOx) and high-flow air (HFAir) on dyspnea in nonhypoxemic patients is not known. We assessed the effect of HFOx, HFAir, low-flow oxygen (LFOx), and low-flow air (LFAir) on dyspnea.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

This double-blind, 4×4 crossover clinical trial enrolled hospitalized patients with cancer who were dyspneic at rest and nonhypoxemic (oxygen saturation >90% on room air). Patients were randomized to 10 minutes of HFOx, HFAir, LFOx, and LFAir in different orders. The flow rate was titrated between 20–60 L/minute in the high-flow interventions and 2 L/minute in the low-flow interventions. The primary outcome was dyspnea numeric rating scale (NRS) “now” where 0 = none and 10 = worst.

Results

Seventeen patients (mean age 51 years, 58% female) completed 55 interventions in a random order. The absolute change of dyspnea NRS between 0 and 10 minutes was −1.8 (SD 1.7) for HFOx, −1.8 (2.0) for HFAir, −0.5 (0.8) for LFOx, and − 0.6 (1.2) for LFAir. In mixed model analysis, HFOx provided greater dyspnea relief than LFOx (mean difference [95% confidence interval] −0.80 [−1.45, −0.15]; p = .02) and LFAir (−1.24 [−1.90, −0.57]; p < .001). HFAir also provided significantly greater dyspnea relief than LFOx (−0.95 [−1.61, −0.30]; p = .005) and LFAir (−1.39 [−2.05, −0.73]; p < .001). HFOx was well tolerated. Seven (54%) patients who tried all interventions blindly preferred HFOx and four (31%) preferred HFAir.

Conclusion

We found that HFOx and HFAir provided a rapid and clinically significant reduction of dyspnea at rest in hospitalized nonhypoxemic patients with cancer. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02932332).

Implications for Practice

This double-blind, 4×4 crossover trial examined the effect of oxygen or air delivered at high- or low-flow rates on dyspnea in hospitalized nonhypoxemic patients with cancer. High-flow oxygen and high-flow air were significantly better at reducing dyspnea than low-flow oxygen/air, supporting a role for palliation beyond oxygenation.
Understanding the Role of pH in Protein‐Haptenation Reaction: Kinetics and Mechanisms of the Protein‐Haptenation Reactions of Selected Quinones Present in the Environment
Authors: Olusegun Olufunmilayo A. , Martincigh Bice S.
Published: December 2020

There are several xenobiotics (allergens) in the environment which may induce allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an occupational and environmental health disease. This health disease is of global concern because it has no cure and can only be managed in affected individuals by preventing them from further exposure to these allergens. The following quinones (Q) are known to be air pollutants: 1,2‐naphthoquinone (1,2‐NQ), 1,4‐naphthoquinone (1,4‐NQ), 9,10‐phenanthraquinone (PQ), and 9,10‐anthraquinone (AQ). There have been studies on the cytotoxicity of these air pollutants, but no kinetic studies have been carried out on them to determine their chemical reactivity and, more especially, their interaction with model proteins so as to ascertain if they can react with skin proteins thereby causing allergic reactions. This article provides details on the kinetics studies carried out on the protein‐haptenation reactions of these quinones with 4‐nitrobenzenethiol (NBT), a model nucleophile, as well as the mechanisms of their reactions. The NBT−Q reactions were investigated under pseudo‐first‐order conditions at various concentration ratios at a temperature of 25 °C at three different pH values by either ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) or stopped‐flow spectrophotometry, as appropriate. The reaction rate constants obtained for the NBT−Q reactions were in the following order: at pH 7.42: 1,2‐NQ>1,4‐NQ>PQ>AQ while at pH 5.65, the order was observed to be 1,2‐NQ>1,4‐NQ>PQ>AQ and at pH 8.41, it was 1,4‐NQ>PQ>AQ>1,2‐NQ. These trends for the reaction rate constants of the Q at the three pH values can be attributed to inductive effects and the position of oxo‐groups on the phenyl rings. The NBT−Q reactions were further investigated by determining the effect of ionic strength on the reaction rate constants with potassium sulphate as the background electrolyte. Our findings showed that there are no charged species at the transition state of the NBT−Q reactions. The products of the NBT−Q reactions were isolated and characterized by means of UV‐Vis and FTIR spectrophotometry and NMR and TOF‐MS spectrometry. The deduced mechanisms for the NBT−Q reactions were validated by computer simulation with “Simkine3” software.
Synthesis and Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase Inhibition Studies of Carbohydrazides Based on Benzimidazole‐Benzothiazine Skeleton
Authors: Kanwal Afshan , Ullah Saif , Ahmad Matloob , Pelletier Julie , Aslam Sana , Sultan Sadia , Sévigny Jean , Iqbal Mazhar , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: December 2020

Ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (ENPPs) are important family of ecto‐nucleotidases. There are seven members of ENPP family out of which ENPP1 and ENPP3 hydrolyze nucleotides whereas, ENPP2 preferably hydrolyzes phospholipids as compared to nucleotides. Overexpression of ENPP1 and ENPP3 has been reported to be associated with many health disorders such as diabetes, chondrocalcinosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Development of ENPP1 and −3 inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of these disorders. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potentials of the synthesized benzimidazole‐benzothiazine hybrid molecules on ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (ENPPs) enzymes. A series of benzimidazole‐benzothiazine hybrid molecules was synthesized by Gabriel–Colman rearrangement of methyl 2‐(1,1‐dioxido‐3‐oxobenzo[d]isothiazol‐2(3H)‐yl)acetate. The successfully synthesized compounds (6 a–6 m) were evaluated for ENPP1 and −3 inhibitory activities. Among the investigated compounds 6 m with an IC50 value of 0.14 μM, and 6 h with an IC50 value of 0.12 μM, were found to be the most potent inhibitors of ENPP1 and −3, respectively. Molecular docking studies of most active and selective inhibitors showed putative mode of binding interactions responsible for highest potency and selectivity of docked inhibitors. The overall in‐silico results were found to be highly correlated with in‐vitro results showed in Table 1.
Surfactant Encapsulated Iron (III) Coordinated Phosphomolybdate Hybrid: A Novel Adsorbent for the Selective Removal of Anionic Dyes
Authors: Mani Chandhru , Ramalingam Meenakshi , Manickam Sundar , Vijayakumar Bavithra , Rani Srinivasalu Kutti
Published: December 2020

In this work, Keggin type phosphomolybdate inorganic‐organic hybrid material coordinated to with iron was synthesized by hydrothermal process followed by precipitation with organic cation. The prepared hybrid was fully characterized using conventional spectroscopic techniques. The adsorption efficiencies of the hybrid were evaluated for the removal of both anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. From the studies, it was concluded that hybrid has high adsorption as well as high selectivity for anionic dyes than cationic dyes. The results from the adsorption experiments revealed that the hybrid have specific methyl orange dye removal efficiency ≥96 % for 20 mgL−1 concentration. The reaction kinetics and adsorption isotherm also discussed.
Carboxamides Bearing Sulfonamide Functionality as Potential Novel Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors
Authors: Ibezim Akachukwu , Onoabedje Efeturi A. , Adaka Ifeyinwa C. , Omeje Kingsley O. , Onoabedje Ufuoma S. , Obi Bonaventure C.
Published: December 2020

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a well‐known drug target for the treatment of inflammation‐related diseases. In this study, we reported the synthesis and biological screening of a series of new carboxamides bearing sulfonamide functionality for PLA2 inhibitory potency and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. Also, computational technique was employed to characterize the binding poses of top‐ranking derivatives. The biological assay shows that all the compounds inhibited the enzyme at percentage inhibition ranging from 5.3 to 66.4 %, while only six compounds inhibited more than 60.0 % of PLA2 activity. The six derivatives also scavenge more than 60 % of the free radical which indicates they are both potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant candidates. Analysis of the compounds’ theoretical binding poses reveals unique binding interactions exploitable in developing enhanced PLA2 inhibitors.
Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Benzimidazole Derivatives Having Norbornene/Dibenzobarrelene Skeletons and Different Functional Groups
Authors: Çapan İrfan , Servi Süleyman , Dalkılıç Semih , Dalkılıç Lütfiye Kadıoğlu
Published: December 2020

Two different anhydrides having norbornene and dibenzobarrelene skeletons were synthesized from Diels‐Alder cycloaddition reactions using dienes such as anthracene and cyclopentadiene, and dienophiles like maleic acid and maleic anhydride. New benzimidazole derivatives bearing carboxamide, guanidine, and cyclic imide functional groups were obtained from these anhydrides. The compounds were investigated for their effects on MDA‐MB‐231 (Human breast cancer), A549 (Lung cancer), Ovcar3 (Human Ovarian cancer), and Panc1 (human pancreas cancer) cell lines using the MTT assay test. Compounds4–8demonstrated critical cytotoxic action against all cell lines.
On the Oxidation of [Ge9]4− – Crystal Structures and Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of Linked Ge9 Clusters
Authors: Mayer Kerstin , Klein Wilhelm , Geier Sebastian , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: December 2020

Oxidation of Ge9 Zintl clusters can afford condensed cluster species in the form of dimers, oligomers and polymers. In this work, we present a new route for the synthesis of Ge9 tetramers present in the compound [K(18‐crown‐6)]8[Ge9=Ge9=Ge9=Ge9] ⋅ 4 pyr. The reaction of a pyridine solution of K4Ge9 with 18‐crown‐6 first leads to the formation of green needles of yet unknown composition, which convert into the reported tetramer over time. In this reaction pyridine acts as oxidation reagent. Raman studies on the green needles as well as on tetrameric and polymeric Ge9 feature complex vibrational patterns. Furthermore, we present the crystal structure of a new type of Ge9 dimer in the compound K4[K(2.2.2‐crypt)]2[Ge9−Ge9] ⋅ 4 en ⋅ 2 thf, which represents an intermediate between the two established conformers.
High-resolution mapping of Rym14Hb, a wild relative resistance gene to barley yellow mosaic disease
Authors: Pidon Hélène , Wendler Neele , Habekuβ Antje , Maasberg Anja , Ruge-Wehling Brigitte , Perovic Dragan , Ordon Frank , Stein Nils
Published: December 2020

Key message

We mapped theRym14Hbresistance locus to barley yellow mosaic disease in a 2Mbp interval. The co-segregating markers will be instrumental for marker-assisted selection in barley breeding.

Barley yellow mosaic disease is caused by Barley yellow mosaic virus and Barley mild mosaic virus and leads to severe yield losses in barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Central Europe and East-Asia. Several resistance loci are used in barley breeding. However, cases of resistance-breaking viral strains are known, raising concerns about the durability of those genes.Rym14Hbis a dominant major resistance gene on chromosome 6HS, originating from barley’s secondary genepool wild relativeHordeum bulbosum. As such, the resistance mechanism may represent a case of non-host resistance, which could enhance its durability. A susceptible barley variety and a resistantH. bulbosumintrogression line were crossed to produce a large F2mapping population (n = 7500), to compensate for a ten-fold reduction in recombination rate compared to intraspecific barley crosses. After high-throughput genotyping, theRym14Hblocus was assigned to a 2Mbp telomeric interval on chromosome 6HS. The co-segregating markers developed in this study can be used for marker-assisted introgression of this locus into barley elite germplasm with a minimum of linkage drag.
An efficient triangle mesh slicing algorithm for all topologies in additive manufacturing
Authors: King Bethany , Rennie Allan , Bennett Graham
Published: December 2020

To date, slicing algorithms for additive manufacturing is the most effective for favourable triangular mesh topologies; worst-case models, where a large percentage of triangles intersect each slice plane, take significantly longer to slice than a like-for-like file. In larger files, this results in a significant slicing duration, when models are both worst cases and contain more than 100,000 triangles. The research presented here introduces a slicing algorithm which can slice worst-case large models effectively. A new algorithm is implemented utilising an efficient contour construction method, with further adaptations, which make the algorithm suitable for all model topologies. Edge matching, which is an advanced sorting method, decreases the number of sorts per edge from n total number of intersections to two, alongside additional micro-optimisations that deliver the enhanced efficient contour construction algorithm. The algorithm was able to slice a worst-case model of 2.5 million triangles in the 1025s. Maximum improvement was measured as 9400% over the standard efficient contour construction method. Improvements were also observed in all parts in excess of 1000 triangles. The slicing algorithm presented offers novel methods that address the failings of other algorithms described in literature to slice worst-case models effectively.
Cytochrome P450 expression, induction and activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids and comparison with primary human intestinal epithelial cells and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Janssen Aafke W. F. , Duivenvoorde Loes P. M. , Rijkers Deborah , Nijssen Rosalie , Peijnenburg Ad A. C. M. , van der Zande Meike , Louisse Jochem
Published: December 2020

Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) are a promising in vitro model consisting of different intestinal cell types with a 3D microarchitecture resembling native tissue. In the current study, we aimed to assess the expression of the most common intestinal CYP enzymes in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived HIO model, and the suitability of that model to study chemical-induced changes in CYP expression and activity. We compared this model with the commonly used human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 and with a human primary intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-based model, closely resembling in vivo tissue. We optimized an existing protocol to differentiate hiPSCs into HIOs and demonstrated that obtained HIOs contain a polarized epithelium with tight junctions consisting of enterocytes, goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells and Paneth cells. We extensively characterized the gene expression of CYPs and activity of CYP3A4/5, indicating relatively high gene expression levels of the most important intestinal CYP enzymes in HIOs compared to the other models. Furthermore, we showed thatCYP1A1andCYP1B1were induced by β-naphtoflavone in all three models, whereasCYP3A4was induced by phenobarbital and rifampicin in HIOs, in the IEC-based model (although not statistically significant), but not in Caco-2 cells. Interestingly,CYP2B6expression was not induced in any of the models by the well-known liver CYP2B6 inducer phenobarbital. In conclusion, our study indicates that hiPSC-based HIOs are a useful in vitro intestinal model to study biotransformation of chemicals in the intestine.
The effect of heavy metals on thiocyanate biodegradation by an autotrophic microbial consortium enriched from mine tailings
Authors: Shafiei Farhad , Watts Mathew P. , Pajank Lukas , Moreau John W.
Published: December 2020

Bioremediation systems represent an environmentally sustainable approach to degrading industrially generated thiocyanate (SCN−), with low energy demand and operational costs and high efficiency and substrate specificity. However, heavy metals present in mine tailings effluent may hamper process efficiency by poisoning thiocyanate-degrading microbial consortia. Here, we experimentally tested the tolerance of an autotrophic SCN−-degrading bacterial consortium enriched from gold mine tailings for Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and As. All of the selected metals inhibited SCN− biodegradation to different extents, depending on concentration. At pH of 7.8 and 30 °C, complete inhibition of SCN− biodegradation by Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr occurred at 20, 5, 10, and 6 mg L−1, respectively. Lower concentrations of these metals decreased the rate of SCN− biodegradation, with relatively long lag times. Interestingly, the microbial consortium tolerated As even at 500 mg L−1, although both the rate and extent of SCN− biodegradation were affected. Potentially, the observed As tolerance could be explained by the origin of our microbial consortium in tailings derived from As-enriched gold ore (arsenopyrite). This study highlights the importance of considering metal co-contamination in bioreactor design and operation for SCN− bioremediation at mine sites.

Key points

• Both the efficiency and rate of SCN−biodegradation were inhibited by heavy metals, to different degrees depending on type and concentration of metal.

• The autotrophic microbial consortium was capable of tolerating high concentrations of As, potential having adapted to higher As levels derived from the tailings source.
Effects of environmental heterogeneity on phenotypic variation of the endemic plant Lilium pomponium in the Maritime and Ligurian Alps
Authors: Macrì Carmelo , Dagnino Davide , Guerrina Maria , Médail Frédéric , Minuto Luigi , Thompson John D. , Casazza Gabriele
Published: December 2020

Geographical limits of species’ distributions are assumed to be coincident with ecological margins, although this assumption might not always be true. Indeed, harsh environments such as Alpine and Mediterranean ecosystems may favour high phenotypic variability among populations, especially those in peripheral sites. Floral traits are often found to be less variable and less affected by environmental heterogeneity than vegetative traits because variation in the former may have negative effects on fitness. For this reason, it is important to quantify variation in floral traits and plant fecundity in study range limits. The objective of the study is to examine phenotypic variation and differences in reproduction in endemicLilium pomponiumin the Maritime and Ligurian Alps in relation to environmental variation across its distribution range. In this species, marginal climatic populations occur both in the peripheral and central geographical locations of the distribution range; hence, geographical and ecological gradients are not concordant. Floral trait variation is related to local environmental conditions with an array of interactions among resource availability, potential pollen limitation and population size that are differentially related to floral traits. Contrary to the general expectation, all central and peripheral populations had similar, moderate seed production with each group limited by different factors acting on different stages of the life-history strategy. Our results are in line with the idea that general expectations are confirmed only when its assumptions are met and that the differences in pollination environment along an environmental gradient may not be the main determinant of the distribution limit.
A retrospective analysis of autotransplanted teeth including an evaluation of a novel surgical technique
Authors: Raabe Clemens , Bornstein Michael M. , Ducommun Julien , Sendi Pedram , von Arx Thomas , Janner Simone F. M.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess survival rates and frequency of complications for immature and mature autotransplanted teeth after at least 1 year in function.

Materials and methods

All consecutive patients who had undergone tooth autotransplantation between 2000 and 2018 were invited to a clinical and radiographic follow-up examination. First, survival rates were calculated on the basis of a phone inquiry. A clinical follow-up examination allowed for the calculation of the success rate, i.e., absence of any potentially adverse clinical and radiographic findings of the autotransplanted teeth. Moreover, the effect of demographic, dental, and surgical variables on survival/success was analyzed statistically.

Results

Thirty-eight teeth in 35 patients were transplanted during the study period. Three teeth in 3 patients were excluded due to missing records. All other patients were successfully contacted and interviewed by phone. Out of these 35 transplants, 32 were still in function, and 3 had been extracted, yielding a 91.4% survival probability after a median follow-up of 3.4 years. Of the 32 teeth qualifying for the success analysis, 20 (62.5%) showed absence of potentially adverse findings, while 3 (9.4%) required root canal treatment (RCT). Out of the 9 mature, root-end resected transplants, 4 exhibited ongoing pulp canal obliteration, all with a single root canal. Postoperative and potentially adverse findings or failures were found more frequently in the group of mature transplants (55.6%) than immature transplants (30.4%) and for molars (72.7%) than premolars (17.6%) or canines (25%). None of the potential predictors had a statistically significant effect on survival or success.

Conclusion

Autotransplanted teeth yielded a satisfying midterm survival rate regardless of their stage of development. An additional, extraoral root-end resection of mature transplants may lead to rates of revascularization and postoperative pulp canal obliteration higher than the data reported on unmodified mature transplants.

Clinical relevance

Extraoral root-end resection of mature teeth shows promising outcomes for transplants especially with a single root canal and uncomplicated root morphology.
Long-Term Responses of Mediterranean Mountain Forests to Climate Change, Fire and Human Activities in the Northern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Morales-Molino César , Steffen Marianne , Samartin Stéphanie , van Leeuwen Jaqueline F. N. , Hürlimann Daniel , Vescovi Elisa , Tinner Willy
Published: December 2020

Fagus sylvatica (beech) dominates the montane forests of the Apennines and builds old-growth high-conservation value stands. However, recent severe drought-induced diebacks raise concern on the future persistence of these forests and of Southern European mesophilous woodlands overall, growing at their dry edge. To explore the history of Apennine beech-dominated forests, we draw on the multiproxy paleoecological record from Lago Verdarolo, which includes a robust vegetation-independent temperature reconstruction. Numerical techniques are used to investigate the drivers of long-term Mediterranean mountain forest dynamics. Specifically, we focus on disentangling the ecological factors that caused the shift from high-diversity mixed forests to beech-dominated stands and on assessing the occurrence of legacy effects on present-day forests. Abrupt climate change largely drove vegetation dynamics during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene. Species-rich mixed Abies alba (silver fir) forests dominated about 10,500—5500 years ago, under rather dry and warmer-than-today conditions (+ 1—2 °C) and limited fire occurrence. Cooler and moister summers and increasing fire activity caused declines in several fire-sensitive temperate deciduous trees (for example, Ulmus, Tilia, Fraxinus) and favored the establishment of fir-beech forests around 5500 years ago. Further enhancement of fire activity and farming around 2000 years ago led to local Abies alba extinction and forest impoverishment. We conclude that the currently widespread monospecific Apennine beech forests are the result of multi-millennial land-use intensification superimposed on Late Holocene cooling and moistening. Given their higher drought-tolerance compared to beech stands, reviving ancient species-rich mixed fir forests represents a feasible and ‘tested’ possibility to adapt forests to climate change.
Endodontic regeneration: hard shell, soft core
Authors: Widbiller Matthias , Schmalz Gottfried
Published: December 2020

A loss of organs or the destruction of tissue leaves wounds to which organisms and living things react differently. Their response depends on the extent of damage, the functional impairment and the biological potential of the organism. Some can completely regenerate lost body parts or tissues, whereas others react by forming scars in the sense of a tissue repair. Overall, the regenerative capacities of the human body are limited and only a few tissues are fully restored when injured. Dental tissues may suffer severe damage due to various influences such as caries or trauma; however, dental care aims at preserving unharmed structures and, thus, the functionality of the teeth. The dentin–pulp complex, a vital compound tissue that is enclosed by enamel, holds many important functions and is particularly worth protecting. It reacts physiologically to deleterious impacts with an interplay of regenerative and reparative processes to ensure its functionality and facilitate healing. While there were initially no biological treatment options available for the irreversible destruction of dentin or pulp, many promising approaches for endodontic regeneration based on the principles of tissue engineering have been developed in recent years. This review describes the regenerative and reparative processes of the dentin–pulp complex as well as the morphological criteria of possible healing results. Furthermore, it summarizes the current knowledge on tissue engineering of dentin and pulp, and potential future developments in this thriving field.
Multi-tree cut-to-length harvesting of short-rotation poplar plantations
Authors: Magagnotti Natascia , Spinelli Raffaele , Kärhä Kalle , Mederski Piotr S.
Published: December 2020

Small tree size represents the main challenge when designing a cost-effective harvesting system for European short-rotation plantations. This challenge is further complicated by the need to obtain 4-m logs for high-end products, which rules out the possibility of deploying whole-tree chipping. Both challenges can be met through mass or multi-tree handling (MTH), which must begin at the time of felling and continue uninterrupted along the whole supply chain. The objective was to: (1) gauge the productivity and the cost of CTL harvesting applied to these plantations; (2) assess log yield and capacity to match dimensional specifications; (3) determine if MTH applied to CTL technology offers a real benefit compared with conventional single-tree handling. The authors conducted a time study using a block design with a two-machine cut-to-length harvesting system (i.e. harvester and forwarder) in single- and multi-tree handling operations on the clear cutting of a hybrid poplar plantation in Poland, as well as we manually measured the produced volumes of the study. Higher productivity (+ 8%) was achieved under the multi-stem handling mode. The MTH system proved capable of containing harvesting costs below € 15 per green ton, while fulfilling set timber quality requirements in terms of value recovery and log quality specifications. A new, software-based, MTH system is recommended to be used in short-rotation poplar plantation for logs and biomass harvesting. When the coppicing season is over, the system can be deployed for the conventional thinning operations.
Genomics and Epigenomics in Parathyroid Neoplasia: from Bench to Surgical Pathology Practice
Authors: Juhlin C. Christofer , Erickson Lori A.
Published: December 2020

The majority of parathyroid disease encountered in routine practice is due to single parathyroid adenoma, of which the majority arise as sporadic tumors. This is usually a straightforward diagnosis in endocrine pathology when in the appropriate clinical setting, although subsets of cases will exhibit atypical histological features that may warrant additional immunohistochemical and genetic analyses to estimate the malignant potential. Parathyroid carcinomas on the other hand, are bona fide malignant tumors characterized by their unequivocal invasion demonstrated through routine histology or metastasis. The ultimate endpoint for any molecular marker discovered through laboratory investigations is to be introduced in clinical routine practice and guide the surgical pathologist in terms of diagnostics and prognostication. For parathyroid tumors, the two main diagnostic challenges include the distinction between parathyroid adenoma and parathyroid carcinoma, as well as the pinpointing of hereditable disease for familial screening purposes. While numerous markers on genetic, epigenetic, and protein levels have been proposed as discriminative in these aspects, this review aims to condense the scientific coverage of these enigmatic topics and to propose a focused surgical pathology approach to the subject.
Backbone and nearly complete side-chain chemical shift assignments of the human death-associated protein 1 (DAP1)
Authors: Wiedemann Christoph , Voigt Johanna , Jirschitzka Jan , Häfner Sabine , Ohlenschläger Oliver , Bordusa Frank
Published: December 2020

Death-associated protein 1 (DAP1) is a proline-rich cytoplasmatic protein highly conserved in most eukaryotes. It has been reported to be involved in controlling cell growth and migration, autophagy and apoptosis. The presence of human DAP1 is associated to a favourable prognosis in different types of cancer. Here we describe the almost complete $${{^{1}}\text {H}}$$

1

H

, $${{^{13}}\text {C}}$$

13

C

, and $${{^{15}}\text {N}}$$

15

N

chemical shift assignments of the human DAP1. The limited spectral dispersion, mainly in the $${{^{1}}\text {H}{^{\text{N}}}}$$

1

H

N

region, and the lack of defined secondary structure elements, predicted based on chemical shifts, identifies human DAP1 as an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP). This work lays the foundation for further structural investigations, dynamic studies, mapping of potential interaction partners or drug screening and development.
Stereographic Reconstruction of Impact Microstructures using Optical and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Agarwal Amar , Reznik Boris , Srivastava Deepak C.
Published: December 2020

This study reconstructs the pre-impact orientation of impact-generated μm-sized microstructures. The approach is illustrated using a sample from the basement dolerites of the Lockne impact structure, Sweden. Under the polarised light microscope, the microstructure appears as alternating augite-plagioclase wedges. The top-view of the microstructure is presented in the polished thin-section using light and scanning electron microscopy, while, the side-view is observed in focused-ion-beam trenches in a field emission scanning electron microscope. The top- and side view of the wedges are projected on a stereo net, which allows the determination of their 3D orientation. The wedges are thus found to have a dip of 08° towards 280°. The stereo net projections are then used to reconstruct the orientation of pre-impact boundary between augite-plagioclase, which had a dip of 15° towards 237°. This approach of combining light and electron microscopy with FIB trenching and projecting the data on a stereo net can be especially useful for reconstructing the pre-deformed state of impact-induced or tectonic μm-sized microstructures, which cannot be adequately analysed using a light microscope.
Community-Enhanced Social Prescribing: Integrating Community in Policy and Practice
Authors: Morris David , Thomas Paul , Ridley Julie , Webber Martin
Published: December 2020

The NHS Plan is introducing social prescribing link workers into GP surgeries in England. The link workers connect people to non-health resources in the community and voluntary sector, with the aim of meeting individual needs beyond the capacity of the NHS. Social prescribing models focus on enhancing individual wellbeing, guided by the policy of universal personalised care. However, they largely neglect the capacity of communities to meet individual need, particularly in the wake of a decade of austerity. We propose a model of community enhanced social prescribing (CESP) which has the potential to improve both individual and community wellbeing. CESP combines two evidence-informed models – Connected Communities and Connecting People – to address both community capacity and individual need. CESP requires a literacy of community which recognises the importance of communities to individuals and the importance of engaging with, and investing in, communities. When fully implemented the theory of change for CESP is hypothesised to improve both individual and community wellbeing.
Predicting Tie Strength with Ego Network Structures
Authors: Stolz Simon , Schlereth Christian
Published: December 2020

Not all social media “friends” are close friends, but distinguishing them from mere acquaintances is an important task in marketing. The notion of a close friend is reflected in the metric tie strength, but the true tie strength is often unobserved in online social networks. With this research, we propose an approach that predicts real-world tie strength via online data measures of similarity, interaction, and network data. At its core, we assess ego network structures to predict tie strength, i.e., all first-degree connections and the interlinkage among them. Ego networks are easier to obtain than full networks, and researchers can process them more efficiently. We explain why bridging ego network positions could be associated with real-world tie strength and demonstrate the high discriminatory power of related network measures. In combination with measures of similarity and interaction, the precision of identifying all observed real-world strong ties is 45%. Finally, we empirically highlight the practical relevance of this finding by demonstrating that people react stronger to suggestions of a close friend compared to an acquaintance in a social advertisement experiment.
Learning by the book: manuals and handbooks in the history of science
Authors: Creager Angela N.H. , Grote Mathias , Leong Elaine
Published: December 2020

This essay offers an overview of how manuals and handbooks have contributed to the standardization, codification, transmission and revision of knowledge. These instructional and reference texts are distinct from related educational genres such as textbooks and editions due to their focus on practical knowledge. They are also notable for their appearance in diverse times and places, such as ancient Greece, early and medieval China and early modern Europe, as well as modern contexts worldwide. We are especially interested in the role of these often mundane texts in maintaining and resituating old knowledge, whose importance is discounted when scholars focus on innovation. Modern notions of authorship fit poorly with handbooks and manuals, which are generally derivative of other literature, though they often result in more commercially successful texts than their sources. This introduction draws on book history as well as history of science to offer a framework for the volume.
How can organizations foster job crafting behaviors and thriving at work?
Authors: Mansour Sari , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: December 2020

This study investigates whether the perceived opportunity to craft (POC) is related to job crafting (JC) strategies and whether these strategies are related to thriving at work, in terms of both vitality and learning. It aims to verify the mediating role of JC between POC and thriving. Data were collected from 424 accounting professionals in Canada. The structural equation modeling based on bootstrap analysis was used to test mediation. The results indicate that POC is positively related to increasing structural and social resources and challenging job demands and negatively to decreasing hindering job demands. They reveal that increasing structural and social resources enhances learning and mediates the relation between POC and vitality and learning, as do challenging job demands, whereas decreasing hindering job demands does not. This study is one of the first to confirm that POC influences vitality and learning via JC behaviors as mediators.
Pure structures or ambidextrous configurations? A grounded theory of knowledge-focused organizational design in innovative ventures
Authors: Bodolica Virginia , Spraggon Martin
Published: December 2020

Extant literature remains inconclusive with regard to optimal structural designs for sustaining effective knowledge flows, boosting innovativeness, and achieving superior performance in organizations. We contribute to the ongoing debate on formal, informal, and ambidextrous configurations in the specific context of small high-tech innovators. Adopting an inductive approach to theory building, we explore the factors that account for the variation in knowledge-focused designs across sample firms. In our study, innovative ventures rely on pure formal and informal organizational designs but also attempt to mix both, suggesting that gains from ambidexterity are not ubiquitous. Our analysis unveils that the pursuit of a given structural configuration results from a set of operating contingencies and a deliberate managerial effort to align firm idiosyncrasies with desired strategic outcomes. We advance a grounded theory of knowledge-focused organizational design in small high-tech innovators and formulate propositions that may be tested in future inquiries in the field.
Twenty-first century response of Petermann Glacier, northwest Greenland to ice shelf loss
Authors: Hill Emily A. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Carr J. Rachel , Stokes Chris R. , King Helen M.
Published: December 2020

Ice shelves restrain flow from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Climate-ocean warming could force thinning or collapse of floating ice shelves and subsequently accelerate flow, increase ice discharge and raise global mean sea levels. Petermann Glacier (PG), northwest Greenland, recently lost large sections of its ice shelf, but its response to total ice shelf loss in the future remains uncertain. Here, we use the ice flow modelÚato assess the sensitivity of PG to changes in ice shelf extent, and to estimate the resultant loss of grounded ice and contribution to sea level rise. Our results have shown that under several scenarios of ice shelf thinning and retreat, removal of the shelf will not contribute substantially to global mean sea level (<1 mm). We hypothesize that grounded ice loss was limited by the stabilization of the grounding line at a topographic high ~12 km inland of its current grounding line position. Further inland, the likelihood of a narrow fjord that slopes seawards suggests that PG is likely to remain insensitive to terminus changes in the near future.
Two-phase Stokes flow by capillarity in full 2D space: an approach via hydrodynamic potentials
Authors: Matioc Bogdan–Vasile , Prokert Georg
Published: December 2020

We study the two-phase Stokes flow driven by surface tension with two fluids of equal viscosity, separated by an asymptotically flat interface with graph geometry. The flow is assumed to be two-dimensional with the fluids filling the entire space. We prove well-posedness and parabolic smoothing in Sobolev spaces up to critical regularity. The main technical tools are an analysis of nonlinear singular integral operators arising from the hydrodynamic single-layer potential and abstract results on nonlinear parabolic evolution equations.
Complex dependence in foreign direct investment: network theory and empirical analysis
Authors: Schoeneman John , Zhu Boliang , Desmarais Bruce A.
Published: December 2020

We develop a theoretical framework that accounts for complex dependence in foreign direct investment (FDI) relationships. Conventional theories of FDI focus on firm-, industry-, country-, or dyad-level characteristics to account for cross-border capital movements. Yet, today's globalized economy is characterized by the increasing fragmentation and dispersion of production processes, which gives rise to complex dependence among production relationships. Consequently, FDI flows should be represented and theorized as a network. Specifically, we argue that FDI relationships are reciprocal and transitive. We test these hypotheses along with conventional covariate determinants of FDI using an exponential random graph model (ERGM) for weighted networks. We find that FDI networks exhibit strong reciprocity and transitivity. Our network approach to studying FDI provides new insights into cross-border investment flows and their political and economic consequences, and more generally the dynamics of globalization. In addition to our substantive findings, we offer a broad methodological contribution by introducing the ERGM for count-weighted networks in political science.
Case selection and Supreme Court pivots
Authors: Sasso Greg , Judd Gleason
Published: December 2020

How does the Rule of Four affect Supreme Court decisions? We show two effects of changing a “hearing pivot” justice who is decisive for case selection. First, a court with more extreme hearing pivots will hear cases with more moderate precedents. For example, as the conservative hearing pivot becomes more extreme, the court hears a broader range of cases with liberal status quo precedents. Second, more extreme hearing pivots shrink dispositional majorities and lead to more polarized rulings. If the median justice becomes more extreme without changing the hearing pivots, then rulings are more extreme. The effect on the range of cases heard, however, is smaller than that from changing hearing pivots. Finally, we show that case selection can also depend on non-median, non-hearing-pivot justices. Replacing an extreme justice with someone even more extreme can lead to a smaller set of heard cases, as final rulings can shift away from the binding hearing pivot, making status quo precedents more appealing.
Sharing the waterways
Authors: Keys Cathy
Published: December 2020

This research examines the role that fear of sharks has played in the history of St Helena Island Moreton Bay, Queensland through analysis of historical records, newspapers, photographs and literature. The article begins with Aboriginal histories of St Helena Island, colonial settlement of the region and the building of a quarantine station. An exploration of the ways in which settlers’ fear of sharks supported the detention of prisoners in the St Helena Island Penal Establishment follows. The research finds that the warders’ shark-proof swimming enclosure on St Helena Island (1916) records a time when Queensland communities were first seeking to manage the recreational demands of swimmers in the context of a growing public fear of sharks.