bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple model for glioma grading based on texture analysis applied to conventional brain MRI
Authors: Suárez-García José Gerardo , Hernández-López Javier Miguel , Moreno-Barbosa Eduardo , de Celis-Alonso Benito
Published: January 2020

Accuracy of glioma grading is fundamental for the diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis of patients. The purpose of this work was to develop a low cost and easy to implement classification model which distinguishes low grade gliomas (LGGs) from high grade gliomas (HGGs), through texture analysis applied to conventional brain MRI. Different combinations between MRI contrasts (T1Gdand T2) and one segmented glioma region (necrotic and non-enhancing tumor core (NCR/NET)) were studied. Texture features obtained from the Gray Level Size Zone Matrix (GLSZM) were calculated. An under-samplig method was proposed to divide the data into different training subsets and subsequently extract complementary information for the creation of distinct classification models. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the models were calculated. The best model was explicitly reported. The best model included only three texture features and reached a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 94.12%, 88.24% and 91.18% respectively. According to the features of the model, when the NCR/NET region was studied, HGGs had a more heterogeneous texture than LGGs in the T1Gdimages and LGGs had a more heterogeneous texture than HGGs in the T2images. These novel results partially contrast with results from literature. The best model proved to be useful for the classification of gliomas. Complementary results showed that heterogeneity of gliomas depended on the studied MRI contrast. The model presented stands out as a simple, low cost, easy to implement, reproducible and highly accurate glioma classifier. What is more important, it should be accessible to populations with reduced economic and scientific resources.
Prophylactic and therapeutic HBV vaccination by an HBs-expressing cytomegalovirus vector lacking an interferon antagonist
Authors: Huang Hongming , Rückborn Meike , Le-Trilling Vu Thuy Khanh , Zhu Dan , Yang Shangqing , Zhou Wenqing , Yang Xuecheng , Feng Xuemei , Lu Yinping , Lu Mengji , Dittmer Ulf , Yang Dongliang , Trilling Mirko , Liu Jia
Published: January 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-based vaccines show promising effects against chronic infections in non-human primates. Therefore, we examined the potential of HBV vaccines based on mouse CMV (MCMV) vectors expressing the small HBsAg. Immunological consequences of vaccine virus attenuation were addressed by either replacing the dispensable genem157(‘MCMV-HBs’) or the geneM27(‘ΔM27-HBs’), the latter encodes a potent interferon antagonist targeting the transcription factor STAT2.M27was chosen, since human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes an analogous gene product, which also induced proteasomal STAT2 degradation by exploiting Cullin RING ubiquitin ligases. Vaccinated mice were challenged with HBV through hydrodynamic injection. MCMV-HBs and ΔM27-HBs vaccination achieved accelerated HBV clearance in serum and liver as well as robust HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses. When we explored the therapeutic potential of MCMV-based vaccines, especially the combination of ΔM27-HBs prime and DNA boost vaccination resulted in increased intrahepatic HBs-specific CD8+ T cell responses and HBV clearance in persistently infected mice. Our results demonstrated that vaccines based on a replication competent MCMV attenuated through the deletion of an interferon antagonist targeting STAT2 elicit robust anti-HBV immune responses and mediate HBV clearance in mice in prophylactic and therapeutic immunization regimes.
ATG8-interacting (ATI) 1 and 2 define a plant starvation-induced ER-phagy pathway and serve as MSBP1 (MAPR5) cargo-receptors
Authors: Wu Jian , Michaeli Simon , Galili Gad , Peled-Zehavi Hadas
Published: January 2020

ER-phagy, the selective autophagy of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) components, is known to operate in eukaryotes from yeast and unicellular algae to animals and plants. Thus far, only ER-stress derived ER-phagy was reported and analyzed in plants. In this study we characterize an ER-phagy pathway inArabidopsis thalianathat is triggered by dark-induced starvation and not by ER-stress. This pathway is defined by the previously reported ATG8-interacting proteins, ATI1 and ATI2 and is regulated by the TOR signaling pathway. We further identified ER-localized Membrane Steroid Binding Protein 1 (MSBP1) as an ATI1 and 2 interacting protein and an autophagy cargo, and show that ATI1 and 2 serve as its cargo receptors. Together, these findings expand our knowledge on plants responses during energy deprivation and highlight the role of this special type of ER-phagy in this process.
Anion-directed assemblies of europium(III) coordination polymers based on 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylate: structures and luminescence properties
Authors: Zheng Wenxu , Wu Kechen
Published: January 2020

Two europium(III) coordination polymers (CPs), namely, poly[[diaquabis(μ4-1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylato-κ6N3:O5,O5′:O5,O6:O6′)(μ2-oxalato-κ4O1,O2:O1′,O2′)dieuropium(III)] dihydrate], {[Eu2(C9H4N2O4)2(C2O4)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n(1), and poly[(μ3-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium-5,6-dicarboxylato-κ5O5:O5′,O6:O6,O6′)(μ3-sulfato-κ3O:O′:O′′)europium(III)], [Eu(C9H5N2O4)(SO4)]n(2), have been synthesizedviathe hydrothermal method and structurally characterized. CP1shows a three-dimensional network, in which the oxalate ligand acts as a pillar, while CP2has a two-dimensional network based on a europium(III)–sulfate skeleton, further extended into a three-dimensional framework by hydrogen-bonding interactions. The structural diversity in the two compounds can be attributed to the different acidification abilities and geometries of the anionic ligands. The luminescence properties of1display the characteristic europium red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (2/3, 0.34). Interestingly, CP2shows the characteristic red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.60, 0.34) when excited at 280 nm and a near-white emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.38, 0.29) when excited at 340 nm.
Making a case for 3D printing for housing delivery in South Africa
Authors: Aghimien Douglas , Aigbavboa Clinton , Aghimien Lerato , Thwala Wellington D. , Ndlovu Lebu
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Considering the need for standard and cost-effective housing delivery in South Africa, this study aims to make a case for three-dimensional (3D) printing in housing delivery through an assessment of the inherent benefits and the factors that could acts as barriers to its adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey of construction professionals currently actively involved in a construction project in the country. Analysis of data gathered was done using a four-step analysis approach and relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted.

Findings

The study revealed through factor analysis that 3D printing in housing delivery promises better cost delivery, increased productivity and stakeholder satisfaction, socio-economic benefits, improved quality and faster housing delivery. While these benefits exist, factors such as technical and operational issues of the 3D printing itself, organizational and personnel issues as well as lack of awareness of the inherent benefits and understanding of the technology among stakeholders can prove to be barriers to the adoption of the technology.

Practical implications

In the quest to achieve standard and affordable housing which is part of its National Development Plan 2030, the government can adopt 3D printing which promises significant benefits in terms of cost, time, quality, productivity and stakeholders’ satisfaction. Property developers can also adopt the technology to improve their housing delivery, competitive advantage and the economic value of their properties.

Originality/value

The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the benefits and barriers of adopting 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discuss in the country.
Corporate real estate and corporate strategy alignment in South Africa
Authors: Ntene Tsoanelo , Azasu Samuel , Owusu-Ansah Anthony
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss whether alignment between corporate real estate strategy and corporate strategy exists for non-property companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange and what effects alignment has on the firms’ financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature, with a specific focus on non-property firms listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange. The qualitative part of the study involved the analysis of the firms’ annual reports to determine the presence and use of corporate real estate strategies and their alignment to corporate strategy and the extraction of financial indicator data. The quantitative portion of the study involved the use of multivariate analysis, to distinguish and quantify the relationship, if any, between corporate real estate strategy and the identified financial performance indicators. The independent variables were the CRE strategies employed and the dependent variable was the share price. The methods used in this study have been applied before in European and Asian studies; this assisted in ensuring that validity and reliability was achieved.

Findings

The study finds that the most used strategy by firms (47%) is that which facilitates production, operation and service delivery. The Consumer Goods, Healthcare and Telecommunications sectors appear to demonstrate the highest level of alignment. Return on Shareholder Funds has a strong significant positive correlation with share price. Flexibility as a corporate real estate strategy also has a significant positive coefficient, which indicates a positive relationship with share price.

Research limitations/implications

Although consistent with results of studies conducted in Europe and Asia, the results of this research may not be applicable to privately held non-listed firms, state-owned enterprises, non-profits and educational institutions. This study also ignores the dynamic external environment in which firms operate and the necessity of firms adjusting their corporate real estate strategy to their changing business strategy.

Practical implications

These results suggest that the incorporation of corporate real estate strategy in the firms’ corporate strategy formulation has the potential to enhance shareholder value for South African firms. Real estate developers, landlords and owner occupiers would benefit from better understanding the strategic requirements of corporations to ensure that the solutions they provide increase the likelihood of maximizing shareholder return.

Originality/value

The role of corporate real estate strategy in the firms’ corporate strategy formulation has the ability to enhance shareholder value. This research adds to the scant literature on corporate real estate management in South Africa.
A genetic algorithm with neighborhood search procedures for unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup times
Authors: Abreu Levi Ribeiro de , Prata Bruno de Athayde
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid meta-heuristic based on genetic algorithms (GAs), simulated annealing, variable neighborhood descent and path relinking for solving the variant of the unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem considering sequence-dependent setup times.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out computational experiments on literature problem instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and Arnaoutet al.(2010) to test the performance of the proposed meta-heuristic. The objective function adopted was makespan minimization, and the authors used relative deviation, average and population standard deviation as performance criteria.

Findings

The results indicate the competitivity of the proposed approach and its superiority in comparison with several other algorithms. In small instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and on small and large instances proposed by Arnaoutet al.(2010), the proposed approach presented the best results in most tested problem instances.

Practical implications

In small instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and on small and large instances proposed by Arnaoutet al.(2010), the proposed approach presented the best results in most tested problem instances.

Originality/value

The proposed approach presented high-quality results, with an innovative hybridization of a GA and neighborhood search algorithms, tested in diverse instances of literature. Furthermore, the case study demonstrated that the proposed approach is recommended for solving real-world problems.
Understanding the fate of shrimp aquaculture effluent in a mangrove ecosystem: Aiding management for coastal conservation
Authors: Hargan Kathryn E. , Williams Branwen , Nuangsaeng Bunlung , Siriwong Sarawut , Tassawad Pisut , Chaiharn Chatdanai , McAdoo Brian , Los Huertos Marc
Published: January 2020

Areas dedicated to shrimp aquaculture have increased dramatically over the last 50 years. Resultant land‐use changes directly threaten the extent of mangroves and yield conflicts on the discharge location of aquaculture effluent.

Khung Krabaen Bay (KBB), Thailand, is reforesting mangroves while increasing the efficiency of shrimp aquaculture for local farmers. In this coupled shrimp farm–mangrove system, effective management requires understanding the fate of aquaculture organic matter (OM) in the coastal environment.

We examined carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N) in primary producers and pools of particulate and sediment OM (POM, SOM) from the KKB mangrove and marine ecosystem to determine how shrimp aquaculture OM contributes to the coastal environment. Here, soy‐based shrimp feed resulted in low shrimp δ15N, similar to marine POM, and thus we focus on the use of δ13C in tracking shrimp pond effluent in the environment.

δ13C signatures of SOM varied significantly along a land‐to‐ocean gradient (–29.1‰ to –23.9‰). We found consistently depleted mangrove SOM δ13C signatures (–29.4‰ to –28.2‰) indicating that mangrove leaf litter is the primary source of OM to mangrove sediments, and there is little evidence that marine and shrimp pond OM contributes to the mangrove habitat. In contrast, relatively low δ13C values for marine SOM (–25.7‰ to –23.9‰) overlap with the δ13C of shrimp feed (–25.3‰) and Bayesian mixing models indicate that shrimp aquaculture feed and mangrove vegetation contribute the greatest OM to the marine ecosystem.

Compared to 20 years ago, marine SOM δ13C signatures are depleted by ~10‰ and similar throughout KKB, indicating a homogenization of marine SOM carbon sources from 1998 to 2018.

Synthesis and applications. The doubling of shrimp aquaculture in Khung Krabaen Bay (KKB) since 1998 led to increased discharge to the bay, swamping organic matter (OM) contributions from 13C‐enriched seagrasses and marine plankton. Because of this increase in effluent release to KKB, the chemical impact is likely to be greater for the marine ecosystem than the mangrove and should also be a focus of conservation efforts. Continued technological improvements (e.g. closed systems, better feed efficiency) and support to local aquaculture farmers will help reduce OM discharge to coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable farming practices.
Safeguarding the rare woodland species Gagea spathacea: Understanding habitat requirements is not sufficient
Authors: Fichtner Andreas , Härdtle Werner , Matthies Diethart , Arnold Volker , Erfmeier Alexandra , Hemke Tanja , Jansen Doris , Lütt Silke , Schmidt Marcus , Sturm Knut , von Oheimb Goddert , Ohse Bettina
Published: January 2020

A large proportion of temperate forest plant diversity is found in the herb layer. However, for many of its species, little is known about their autecology, which makes it difficult to assess potential threats and efficiently safeguard the diversity of understorey herbaceous communities. This also applies to Gagea spathacea (Liliaceae), a globally rare spring geophyte, which mainly occurs in deciduous forests of northern Central Europe. We investigated the causal relationships between population characteristics of G. spathacea and abiotic site conditions across different forest communities in the center of its distributional range. Leaf length (a surrogate of the species' vegetative propagation) was positively related to soil moisture and soil nitrogen. Consequently, mean leaf length was highest in moist forest communities of the alliance Alno‐Ulmion. Moreover, mean variability in leaf length was lowest in those forests, indicating a higher and more stable vegetative propagation via bulbils. We found no support for a significant relationship between leaf length and leaf density or between leaf length and flower formation. Population density varied strongly among forest sites, but was not related to soil moisture and hardly influenced by soil nitrogen. Our results suggest that soil water and nutrient supply play a vital role in determining the species' vegetative propagation, whereas the duration of habitat continuity is most likely an important determinant of population size and density. Conservation strategies therefore require a better understanding of the complex interrelationships between abiotic site conditions and the historical context‐dependency of habitats.
Spatial Distributions of Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios in Tap Water From Mexico for Region of Origin Predictions of Unidentified Border Crossers
Authors: Ammer Saskia T. M. , Bartelink Eric J. , Vollner Jennifer M. , Anderson Bruce E. , Cunha Eugénia M.
Published: January 2020

One of the many difficulties associated with identifying undocumented border crossers stems from an inability to narrow down the search area for the region of origin and family members to obtain family reference samples for DNA comparison. While the geography of regions of origins is wide, the biological profiles of the undocumented border crossers often show strong similarities, young and male. The isotopic composition of human bones, teeth, and hair has been demonstrated to be useful biomarkers for tracing locations and movements of individuals and for aiding in the identification of human remains. Data obtained from human remains can be compared to and aligned with various reference sources, such as soils and bedrock, archaeological remains, or cultural data. Here, the spatial deficiency in isotopic reference data for Mexico, specifically for oxygen (δ18O) isotopes in tap water, is being addressed through the collection and analysis of over 150 water samples and explored with tooth enamel isotopic values from recently identified Mexican nationals. The isoscape was developed using a Spine with Barriers interpolation method and shows sufficient detail to narrow down the regions where specific isotopic values are represented. The individuals were plotted on the developed isoscape using conditional correlations. The methodology was successful in assigning the correct regions of origin for the two individuals, which shows the tremendous potential of the developed isoscape. Nonetheless, there is more research needed to further improve upon this geolocation method, including analysis of multiple isotopes in different tissues, and the development of new isotopic methods.
A multiplex PCR assay with a common primer for the detection of eleven foodborne pathogens
Authors: Tao Jing , Liu Wanwan , Ding Wei , Han Rong , Shen Qiang , Xia Yu , Zhang Yahan , Sun Wanping
Published: January 2020

Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium botulinum type A, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens Alpha toxin, and Yersinia enterocolitica are 11 common foodborne pathogens. Traditional bacterial culture methods for detecting pathogens are time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Multiplex PCR technology, which can detect multiple targets in a single tube, has been increasingly applied to microbial detection due to its high specificity, sensitivity, and fast response. This paper is to establish a multiplex PCR technology mediated by a common primer for the detection of these 11 common foodborne pathogens in order to achieve the goal of nondirectional screening for these 11 common foodborne pathogens. The specificity of the established CP‐MPCR detection system was first verified by 100 clinical isolates. The sensitivity of the CP‐MPCR detection system was then detected by using cultured bacteria preparations and has been confirmed with a high sensitivity of 103 to 104 CFU/mL, among them, the sensitivity of the CP‐MPCR for Vibrio cholerae and S. flexneri can even achieve 102 CFU/mL. Sixty anal swab samples collected from Suzhou CDC and 16 enrichment cultured solutions of food samples collected from the Suzhou Food Inspection and Testing Center were tested using the CP‐MPCR system. A total of 32 positive results were detected.

Practical Application

Food poisoning incidents occur frequently around the world, mainly because of the contamination of food by pathogenic bacteria and serious harm to human health. The method provided in this study can detect 11 foodborne pathogens in food, which can effectively prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, for the food poisoning incident that has already occurred, this method can be used for diagnosis to find out the cause.
Effects of µ‐calpain oxidation on Coregonus peled myofibrillar protein degradation in vitro
Authors: Qin Junwei , Deng Xiaorong , Lei Yongdong , Liu Pingping , Lu Shiling , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of µ‐calpain oxidation on Coregonus peled myofibrillar protein degradation. In the present study, a hydroxyl radical oxidation system was selected to investigate oxidative modification on µ‐calpain activity and its degradation on C. peled myofibrillar protein. When subjected to oxidation, the carbonyl content of µ‐calpain significantly increased with the increasing of oxidation levels, and oxidation modification promoted the µ‐calpain activity. Incubation of C. peled myofibrillar protein with oxidized µ‐calpain resulted in the enhanced degradation of myosin heavy chains, actin, and troponin T, but the degradation of desmin at higher levels of oxidation was slightly inhibited, based on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. This study suggests that oxidation treatment of µ‐calpain could accelerate myofibrillar proteolysis through regulating the enzyme activity during postmortem aging.

Practical Application

Endogenous proteases, especially µ‐calpain, are reported to be involved in fish softening during early postmortem storage, which is critical to muscle quality. The cysteine residues of proteins are particularly sensitive to oxidation. The investigation of the effect of oxidation on µ‐calpain (a cysteine protease) activity allows for the monitoring of its role in the postmortem proteolysis of fish myofibrils and the associated softening of fish meat, in an attempt to minimize this softening.
hyperoverlap: Detecting biological overlap in n‐dimensional space
Authors: Brown Matilda J. M. , Holland Barbara R. , Jordan Greg J.
Published: January 2020

Comparative biological studies often investigate the morphological, physiological or ecological divergence (or overlap) between entities such as species or populations. Here we discuss the weaknesses of using existing methods to analyse patterns of phenotypic overlap and present a novel method to analyse co‐occurrence in multidimensional space.

We propose a ‘hyperoverlap’ framework to detect qualitative overlap (or divergence) between point datasets and present the hyperoverlap r package which implements this framework, including functions for visualization. hyperoverlap uses support vector machines (SVMs) to train a classifier based on point data (such as morphological or ecological data) for two entities. This classifier finds the optimal boundary between the two sets of data and compares the predictions to the original labels. Misclassification is an evidence of overlap between the two entities. We demonstrate the theoretical and practical advantages of this method compared to existing approaches (e.g. single‐entity hypervolume models) using the bioclimatic data extracted from global occurrence records of conifers.

We find that there are instances where single‐entity hypervolume models predict overlap, but there are no observations of either entity in the shared hypervolume. In these instances, hyperoverlap reports nonoverlap. We show that our method is stable and less likely to be affected by sampling biases than current approaches. We also find that hyperoverlap is particularly effective for situations involving entities with a small number of data points (e.g. narrowly endemic species) for which single‐entity models cannot be reliably constructed.

We argue that overlap can be reliably detected using hyperoverlap, particularly for descriptive studies. The method proposed here is a valuable tool for studying patterns of overlap in a multidimensional space.
Understanding the effects of the bovine POLLED variants
Authors: Aldersey J. E. , Sonstegard T. S. , Williams J. L. , Bottema C. D. K.
Published: January 2020

Horns are paired appendages on the head of bovine species, comprising an inner bony core and outer keratin sheath. The horn bud forms during early fetal development but ossification of the developing horn does not occur until approximately 1 month after birth. Little is known about the genetic pathways that lead to horn growth. Hornless, or polled, animals are found in all domestic bovids. Histological studies of bovine fetuses have shown that the horn bud does not form in polled individuals. There are currently four known genetic variants for polledness in cattle on BTA1. All of the variants are intergenic, but probably affect regulation of nearby genes or long non‐coding RNAs. Transcriptomic studies suggest that the expression of two nearby long non‐coding RNAs are affected by the Celtic POLLED variant, but further studies are required to confirm these data. Candidate genes located elsewhere in the genome are involved in regulating bone formation and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Expression of one of these candidate genes, RXFP2, appears to be reduced in the fetal horn bud of polled animals carrying the Celtic variant compared with horned individuals. Investigating horn ontogenesis and the genetic pathway by which the POLLED variants prevent horn development has implications for cattle breeding. If the genetic basis of horn bud formation and polledness is better understood, then new targets may be identified for precision genome editing to create polled individuals.
Reading in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy was related to functional connectivity in cognitive control regions
Authors: Kraus Dror , Vannest Jennifer , Arya Ravindra , Hutton John S. , Leach James L. , Mangano Francesco T. , Tenney Jeffrey R. , Byars Anna W. , DeWitt Thomas G. , Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study aimed to define whether individuals with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy also used regions related to cognitive control to facilitate reading.

Methods

We focused on patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy in 2011‐2014, who were aged 8‐20 years and were being treated at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA. They performed a verb generation functional magnetic resonance imaging task known to involve language and cognitive control, as well as a formal reading assessment. The reading scores were correlated with functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using seed‐to‐voxel analysis.

Results

There were 81 potential patients and 13 (seven females) met the inclusion criteria. Their age at seizure onset was 0‐13 years, and they had a mean age of 12.66 ± 3.17 years at the time of the study. Individuals with epilepsy demonstrated average intelligence and word reading ability. Their reading scores were positively correlated with functional connectivity between the ACC and regions related to emotional processing (right amygdala), learning and language processing (left cerebellum) and visual processing.

Conclusion

Our results support the role that the ACC plays in proficient reading among children with drug‐resistant epilepsy, even in those with epileptogenic foci in areas related to language.
Systematic review on retinal microvasculature, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and adiposity in children and adolescents
Authors: Sousa‐Sá Eduarda , Zhang Zhiguang , Pereira João R. , Wright Ian M. , Okely Anthony D. , Santos Rute
Published: January 2020

Aim

As retinal microvasculature (RMV) can be assessed non‐invasively, it presents an opportunity to examine the health and disease of the human microcirculation, as RMV alterations have been recognised as one of the earliest signs of cardiovascular risk. This review summarises current literature on the associations between physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and/or adiposity and RMV in children and adolescents aged 0‐18 years.

Methods

Six databases were searched (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO and CINAHL), through to December 11, 2019. English, Portuguese, French, Spanish or Dutch were the languages searched. Meta‐analyses were performed using the meta‐analyst software.

Results

A total of 6796 studies were screened, and 26 studies were included, representing 24 448 participants, from 12 different countries. Studies reporting results on weight status were twenty‐three, PA was assessed in six studies, and SB was assessed in three studies. Four studies examined weight status and PA/SB. Meta‐analysis was performed for two studies and showed that children with obesity have smaller retinal arterioles (−2.38 µm difference, 95% CI 0.62, 4.15 µm) and larger retinal venules (2.74 µm difference, 95% CI −4.78, −0.72 µm) than children without obesity.

Conclusion

Results showed that adiposity was associated with microvascular alterations in children and adolescents. Increased adiposity, lack of PA and high levels of SB were negatively correlated with vessel width parameters.
Endothelial cell and T‐cell crosstalk: Targeting metabolism as a therapeutic approach in chronic inflammation
Authors: Certo Michelangelo , Elkafrawy Hagar , Pucino Valentina , Cucchi Danilo , Cheung Kenneth C.P. , Mauro Claudio
Published: January 2020

The role of metabolic reprogramming in the coordination of the immune response has gained increasing consideration in recent years. Indeed, it has become clear that changes in the metabolic status of immune cells can alter their functional properties. During inflammation, T cells need to generate sufficient energy and biomolecules to support growth, proliferation, and effector functions. Therefore, T cells need to rearrange their metabolism to meet these demands. A similar metabolic reprogramming has been described in endothelial cells, which have the ability to interact with and modulate the function of immune cells. In this overview, we will discuss recent insights in the complex crosstalk between endothelial cells and T cells as well as their metabolic reprogramming following activation. We highlight key components of this metabolic switch that can lead to the development of new therapeutics against chronic inflammatory disorders.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc
Friendly compensation committees and pay‐for‐luck asymmetry: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Pan Hunghua , Liao Yi‐Ping , Hsu Chia‐Wei
Published: January 2020

Research Question/Issue

The study examines whether the presence of social ties between compensation committee members and executives explains pay‐for‐luck asymmetry in compensation, which means that the compensation contracts reward executives with higher pay for good luck but minimally penalize them with lower pay for bad luck.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that half of our sample firms have a friendly compensation committee, defined as the majority of the committee members having at least two social ties with executives. For firms with a friendly compensation committee, executives tend to be rewarded for good luck but not be penalized for bad luck, which indicates the presence of pay‐for‐luck asymmetry. For firms without a friendly compensation committee, their executive compensation is not associated with good luck or bad luck.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The higher homophily due to social ties between compensation committee members and executives induces the committee to be more mentally close to or loosen the monitoring intensity over executives, and to be less likely to make an unfavorable design of compensation toward executives in the presence of bad luck. We complement existing studies by clearly demonstrating the channel through which executives influence the committee members. We also highlight the decisive role of the compensation committee in examining pay‐for‐luck asymmetry research issues.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings inform practitioners that social ties between compensation committee members and executives may impair the monitoring intensity of the committee, and hence, regulators should take measures to mandate or at least encourage firms to provide social ties information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL9iGjERnRo&feature=youtu.be
What's the score? A comparison of deceased donor kidney scoring systems and correlation with graft outcome
Authors: Jackson Kyle R. , Munivenkatappa Raghava B. , Wesson Russell N. , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline , Massie Allan , Philosophe Benjamin
Published: January 2020

Background

A number of deceased donor kidney scoring systems have been developed to predict post‐transplant graft failure. However, studies comparing the predictive ability of these scoring systems to each other are lacking.

Methods

We used single‐center histopathologic and UNOS data from 140 marginal deceased donor kidneys and transplant recipients to compare the predictive accuracy of the Maryland Aggregate Pathology Index (MAPI), Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI), Remuzzi, and Nyberg scoring systems for 2‐year graft survival using time‐dependent receiver operating curves and Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Results

MAPI had the highest predictive accuracy (area under curve [AUC] = 0.81) compared to KDRI (AUC = 0.45), Remuzzi (AUC = 0.59), and Nyberg (AUC = 0.63) for 2‐year graft survival. Furthermore, when analyzing each score according to its pre‐defined risk strata, MAPI was the only scoring system for which 2‐year graft survival was significantly different across strata (84.3% for low risk, 56.5% for intermediate risk, and 50% for high risk, P < .001). Additionally, MAPI was the only risk score significantly associated with 2‐year graft survival (hazard ratio per point: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.23, P = .03).

Conclusions

In a single‐center cohort of biopsied marginal kidneys used for transplantation, MAPI had the best predictive ability of these four scoring systems. When biopsy data are available for kidneys considered for transplantation, the MAPI score may provide additional information that could be used to better identify kidneys likely to have longer graft survival.
Cultural influences on willingness to donate organs among urban native Americans
Authors: Bongiovanni Tasce , Rawlings James E , Trompeta Joyce A , Nunez‐Smith Marcella
Published: January 2020

Background

The need for organ donation is substantial among Native Americans, driven by the disproportionate burden of ESRD. Due to the dearth of knowledge about willingness to donate (WTD) among urban Native Americans, a group that represents over half of the US Native population, we aimed to examine factors affecting donation.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample, using a questionnaire developed specifically for this study using community‐based participatory research. The questionnaire was designed to be culturally relevant to the Native community, based on questions from three previously validated instruments and developed through one‐on‐one interviews. We performed logistic regression to associate survey answers with WTD.

Results

Seventy percent of our 183 respondents stated that they would be willing to have their organs donated after death; however, only 41% were already registered as an organ donor on their driver's license. Logistic regression analysis found specific items in domains of trust of the medical community and spirituality most closely associated with WTD. Sixty‐two percent of Native Americans surveyed reported they would not donate organs because they distrust the medical community.

Discussion

Our findings suggest multiple areas of focus for increasing organ donation within this subset of the diverse Native community. Efforts to promote donation should be aimed at building trust in the medical community.
Marked differences in prediabetes‐ and diabetes‐associated comorbidities between men and women—Epidemiological results from a general population‐based cohort aged 6‐80 years—The LEAD (Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy) study
Authors: Breyer Marie‐Kathrin , Ofenheimer Alina , Altziebler Julia , Hartl Sylvia , Burghuber Otto C. , Studnicka Michael , Purin Daniela , Heinzle Christine , Drexel Heinz , Franssen Frits M. E , Wouters Emiel F. M , Harreiter Jürgen , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Breyer‐Kohansal Robab
Published: January 2020

Background

Based on biological and behavioural diversity sex and gender may affect comorbidities associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Besides evaluating the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes (using fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels), the primary aim of the study is to investigate sex and gender differences in the prevalence of comorbidities in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes and to identify possible risk factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes.

Design

This observational, population‐based cohort study included 11.014 subjects aged 6‐80 years. Examinations included blood samples, ankle‐brachial index, ECG, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan and an interviewer‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Across all ages, prevalence of prediabetes was 20.2% (male 23.6%; female 17.1%), and 5.4% for diabetes (male 7.3%; female 3.7%). The prevalence of prediabetes ranged from 4.4% (6‐<10 years) up to 40.4% (70+ years) in men and from 4.8% up to 42.3% in women. Comorbidity profile was markedly different between male and female, particularly in those with prediabetes: women more often suffered from arrhythmia, noncoronary artery disease, osteoporosis, increased systemic inflammatory biomarkers and depression, while men with prediabetes more often showed angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and media sclerosis.

Conclusions

The unexpected 4.6% prevalence of prediabetes in children aged 6‐10 underscores the need for population‐based studies across all ages and the onset of prevention of diabetes at a young age. Marked differences have been found in comorbidities as men with prediabetes and diabetes more often suffer from cardiovascular disease, while women more often show arrhythmia, noncoronary artery disease, increased systemic inflammatory biomarkers and depression.
Efficacy and safety of pixantrone for the treatment of multiply relapsed or refractory aggressive non‐Hodgkin B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Navarro Belén , Soler Campos Joan Alfons , de Oteyza Jaime Pérez , de Barrenetxea Lekue Cristina , Bregni Marco , Grasso Cicala Silvina , Spione Mario , Mombiedro Cristina , Soler Begoña , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: January 2020

Background and objective

Few treatment options exist for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who fail first‐ and second‐line therapies. Pixantrone is a novel aza‐anthracenedione agent with reduced potential for cardiotoxicity but maintained anti‐tumour activity relative to anthracyclines. The current retrospective, observational, real‐life study was undertaken in 79 patients who received pixantrone monotherapy for multiply R/R aggressive B‐cell NHL in Spain and Italy.

Results

Before pixantrone, patients had received a median of 3 prior therapies and 84.6% of them were refractory to the last regimen. Median progression‐free survival (mPFS) was 2.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1‐3.6) and median overall survival (mOS) was 4.0 months (95%CI 5.6‐7.9), with an objective response rate (ORR) of 29% (complete remission [CR]: 13.2%, partial remission [PR]: 15.2%). Patients receiving ≥2 cycles of pixantrone showed mPFS and mOS of 3.1 and 6.0 months, respectively, and an ORR of 36.8% (CR: 17.5%, PR: 19.3%). Overall, 63.3% of patients reported ≥1 adverse event (AE), most commonly haematological AEs. One patient developed grade 2 sinus tachycardia.

Conclusion

Pixantrone was effective and well tolerated in a real‐world population of multiply R/R patients with aggressive B‐cell NHL, many of whom had very poor prognostic factors.
Bypass and hyperbole in soil research: A personal view on plausible causes and possible remedies
Authors: Baveye Philippe C.
Published: January 2020

The literature of the past couple of decades, related to soils, contains many instances of bypass, that is, the deliberate avoidance of part of the older literature in spite of its direct relevance to the topics being covered, and hyperbole, that is, exaggerated claims that are not supported either by existing knowledge or by experimental observations. Regardless of one's epistemological perspective, it would seem self‐evident that both of these practices are bound to be detrimental in the long term to the pursuit of scientific research, whose best chances of success are when one stands on the shoulders of those who preceded us, and when we present accurately the true extent of progress that is achieved. In the present opinion piece, I try to present my perspective on what may have encouraged researchers working on soils to resort to bypass or hyperbole. The premise of this piece is that only if one has some idea, as personal and hence subjective as it may be, of the roots of an ailment, can one hope to ever find a cure. Different avenues that could be pursued by institutions as well as individuals (even at the onset of their careers) to curb these worrisome practices are outlined.

Highlights

A broken publication and reward system may explain the extent of bypass and hyperbole in science.

An analysis is provided of specific factors that encourage bypass and hyperbole in soil research.

Several possible remedies are discussed, at individual and institutional levels.
A fuzzy‐clustering‐based hierarchical i‐vector/probabilistic linear discriminant analysis system for text‐dependent speaker verification
Authors: Laskar Mohammad Azharuddin , Laskar Rabul Hussain
Published: January 2020

In the i‐vector/probabilistic linear discriminant analysis (PLDA) technique, the PLDA backend classifier is modelled on i‐vectors. PLDA defines an i‐vector subspace that compensates the unwanted variability and helps to discriminate among speaker‐phrase pairs. The channel or session variability manifested in i‐vectors are known to be nonlinear in nature. PLDA training, however, assumes the variability to be linearly separable, thereby causing loss of important discriminating information. Besides, the i‐vector estimation, itself, is known to be poor in case of short utterances. This paper attempts to address these issues using a simple hierarchy‐based system. A modified fuzzy‐clustering technique is employed to divide the feature space into more characteristic feature subspaces using vocal source features. Thereafter, a separate i‐vector/PLDA model is trained for each of the subspaces. The sparser alignment owing to subspace‐specific universal background model and the relatively reduced dimensions of variability in individual subspaces help to train more effective i‐vector/PLDA models. Also, vocal source features are complementary to mel frequency cepstral coefficients, which are transformed into i‐vectors using mixture model technique. As a consequence, vocal source features and i‐vectors tend to have complementary information. Thus using vocal source features for classification in a hierarchy tree may help to differentiate some of the speaker‐phrase classes, which otherwise are not easily discriminable based on i‐vectors. The proposed technique has been validated on Part 1 of RSR2015 database, and it shows a relative equal error rate reduction of up to 37.41% with respect to the baseline i‐vector/PLDA system.
Are fishers poor? Getting to the bottom of marine fisheries income statistics
Authors: Teh Lydia C. L. , Ota Yoshitaka , Cisneros‐Montemayor Andrés M. , Harrington Lucy , Swartz Wilf
Published: January 2020

Fishers’ economic status is hard to assess because fisheries socio‐economic data, including earnings, are often not centrally available, standardized or accessible in a form that allows scaled‐up or comparative analyses. The lack of fishing income data impedes sound management and allows biased perceptions about fishers’ status to persist. We compile data from intergovernmental and regional data sets, as well as case‐studies, on income earned from marine wild‐capture fisheries. We explore the level and distribution of fishers’ income across fisheries sectors and geographical regions, and highlight challenges in data collection and reporting. We find that fishers generally are not the poorest of the poor based on average fishing income from 89 countries, but income levels vary widely. Fishing income in the large‐scale sector is higher than the small‐scale sector by about 2.2 times, and in high‐income versus low‐income countries by almost 9 times. Boat owners and captains earned more than double that of crew and owner‐operators, while income from fisheries is greater than that from agricultural work in 63% of countries in this study. Nonetheless, incomes are below national poverty lines in 34% of the countries with data. More detailed fishing income statistics is needed for quantitative scientific research and for supporting socio‐economic policies. Key gaps to address include the lack of a centralized database for fisheries income statistics and the coarse resolution at which economic statistics are reported internationally. A first step to close the gap is to integrate socio‐economic monitoring and reporting in fisheries management.