bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollen viability testing.
Authors: Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Dery S.
Published: September 2018

Pollen viability is essential for success in pollination. Fresh pollen shed from flowering male inflorescences has the highest viability, and it is this which is harvested and stored (Ekaratne and Senathirajah, 1983). Viability tests are carried out prior to processing pollen to ensure the harvested pollen has high viability, and again after storage to monitor viability decline with time in storage. Viability testing provides information on pollen quality and when resampling is required. It also determines the ratio of pollen:talc to be used to maximize pollination success with minimal impact on pollen stores. There are many methods that test pollen viability; the standard one described here is based on pollen germination, it is simple and inexpensive. Pollen with high viability is vital in promoting high seed set and acceptable seed numbers for oil palm breeding and commercial seed production, and various techniques have been developed to test for pollen viability (Nasution et al., 2009). Here, we provide a simple method using pollen culture and a light microscope.
Isolation of the female inflorescence.
Authors: Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Dery S.
Published: September 2018

Care is required in isolating female bunches to prevent damage. The developing inflorescence should be treated with fungicides and insecticides to prevent disease that may result in reduced viability or abortion of the inflorescence. Specialized isolation bags are equipped with a window to inspect and monitor development and through which subsequent operations (spraying and pollination) are performed. The isolation process involves insect proofing, as insects, particularly weevils, carry unwanted pollen and ruin controlled crossing. Instructions are given on the procedures used in isolating the female inflorescence that maximize success in artificial crossing. The procedures involve the use of hazardous chemicals (insecticides and fungicides) and may involve climbing tall palm trees. Guidance on health and safety procedures is given in Chapter 2 of this manual.
Introduction.
Authors: Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Osei S. A. , Amiteye S. , Ciomas J. , Hoeman S. , Jankuloski L.
Published: September 2018

A brief and general description of mutation breeding is provided. Mutation has been a successful strategy in producing over 3000 mutant cultivars in over 200 crop species worldwide. Oil palm is one of the few major crop species, and the only oil crop not to have been improved by mutation breeding. However, pioneering work in mutation breeding in oil palm did take place in Ghana in the 1970s. This produced the first M1 population in oil palm and has only recently been progressed by developing M2 populations and in discovering mutants for crop improvement.
Radio-sensitivity testing.
Authors: Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Osei S. A. , Amiteye S. , Ciomas J. , Hoeman S. , Jankuloski L.
Published: September 2018

Before physical mutagenesis can be applied for plant breeding purposes, the optimum irradiation dose needs to be determined. This is done using a radio-sensitivity test in which a range of dose treatments are applied to the target material. After irradiation treatments, the materials are grown out and recordings made for growth reduction (RD) and survival (LD). Normally, values of RD30-60 or LD30-60 are selected. Here, the target materials for radio-sensitivity testing are germinated seed.
Services in irradiation treatments.
Authors: Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Osei S. A. , Amiteye S. , Ciomas J. , Hoeman S. , Jankuloski L.
Published: September 2018

Physical mutagens, particularly gamma and X-rays, are well established in plant mutation breeding. Although gamma irradiation has been predominant, it involves the use of radioactive isotopes and requires specialist facilities (gamma cells, gamma houses and gamma fields). X-ray machines are more abundant and easier to use, and so are becoming more popular as they do not involve radioactive isotopes and therefore are not governed by the same stringent regulations as gamma emitters. A brief description and comparison of gamma and X-ray irradiation is given. Physical irradiation services are available at the international, regional and national levels. Other non-physical mutagens are discussed in relation to plant breeding and functional genomics.
FA02.02: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA: OUR EXPERIENCE ON 1000 LAPAROSCOPIC HELLER-DOR OPERATIONS
Authors: Costantini Mario , Salvador Renato , Capovilla Giovanni , Costantini Andrea , Perazzolo Anna , Briscolini Dario , Nicoletti Loredana , Valmasoni Michele , Merigliano Stefano
Published: September 2018

Background

In the past decades, Laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) progressively became the treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia. Aim of this study was to assess our 25-year experience with LHD at a single high-volume institution.

Methods

1000 patients underwent LHD from 1992–2017 by 6 staff surgeons. Patients who had already been treated with surgical or endoscopic myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium swallow, endoscopy, manometry (conventional or High Resolution) were performed, before and after surgery, while 24-hour pH monitoring was performed 6 months after surgery. Treatment failure was defined as a postoperative symptom score >10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e. >8).

Results

LHD was performed on 1000 patients (M: F = 536:464); the median age was 46 (IQR 36–54), 183 (18.3%) had a history of endoscopic treatments (pneumatic dilation or botox injections, or both). The surgical procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but 7 patients (0.7%) and there was one perioperative death for heart attack. There were 25 perforations (2.5%): 22 were recognized and repaired during the operation, 3 were detected by postoperative contrast swallow. In 674 patients the manometric pattern was classified as follows: 310 (46%) pattern I, 315 (46.7%) pattern II and 49 (7.3%) pattern III. The outcome was positive in 902 patients (90.2%). In patients who had a previous treatment the failures were 25/183 (13.7%) while in the primary treatment group the failures were 73/817 (8.9%) (P = 0.055). All the 98 patients whose LHD failed underwent one or more pneumatic dilations, which ameliorated their symptoms in all but 11 patients (10 required reoperation). The overall success rate of combined LHD and dilations was 98.4%. At univariate analysis, manometric pattern (P = 0.001), absent sigmoid megaesophagus (P = 0.003) and chest pain score (P = 0.002) were the only factors predictive of the result. At multivariate analysis, these three factors were independently associated with good outcome. Postoperative 24-hour pH was abnormal in 50/590 patients (8.5%). Two patients developed an esophageal cancer during follow-up.

Conclusion

In a university tertiary referral center, LHD relieves achalasia symptoms durably. The preoperative manometric pattern, the absence of a sigmoid esophagus and the chest pain score represent the strongest predictors of outcome.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
FA02.04: LONG—TERM RESULTS OF PERORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY (POEM) FOR ACHALASIA
Authors: Rabekova Zuzana , Vackova Zuzana , Lanska Vera , Spicak Julius , Stirand Petr , Hucl Tomas , Kieslichova Eva , Martinek Jan
Published: September 2018

Background

POEM has gained trust by proved safety and short-term efficacy and at present, it is considered as a standard and safe method for treatment of achalasia. The aim of this prospective single-center case series was to assess the long-term efficacy of POEM with emphasis on post-POEM reflux and to summarize adverse events.

Methods

Since 2012 until 10/2017, a total of 223 achalatic patients underwent 233 POEMs. Follow-up visits at 3, 12, 24 and 36M were completed in 194, 144, 80 and 44 patients. Upper GI endoscopy, HRM and 24-hour pH metry were performed 3M after POEM; endoscopy was then repeated between 24–36M. Main outcomes were treatment success (Eckardt score <3), recurrence rate, post-POEM reflux and adverse events.

Results

At 3, 12, 24 and 36 months, treatment success was achieved in 97% (CI 95%; 95–100), 99% (97–100), 94% (88–100) and 93% (86–100) of patients. A total of 15 patients experienced treatment failure (n = 5) or recurrence (n = 10). The recurrences occurred most often in patients with achalasia type I (4 out of 35, 11.4%) followed by type II (5 out of 144; 3.5%) vs. none in type III (0 out of 21.0%); P = 0.022. At 3 months, reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 68/194 patients. Abnormal acid exposure was detected in 68/194 (39.7%) patients. At 24–36 months reflux esophagitis was present in 15 from 51 patients (29%). The most common adverse event was capnoperitoneum with necessity of a puncture (57.6%), subcutaneous emphysema (36.6%). A total of 3 severe adverse events occured: 2 patients required a prolonged hospitalization due to fluido- and pneumofluidothorax. One patient (67 years) experienced electromechanical dissociation with fatal cardiac arrest during the procedure, the resuscitation was not successful. The autopsy revealed severe coronary disease and pulmonary hypertension (unrecognized prior to POEM), these conditions were considered likely to be the cause of the death.

Conclusion

POEM is effective treatment modality for achalasia with treatment success of 94% at 2 and 3 years. Reflux esophagitis and abnormal acid exposure are diagnosed in almost 40% of patients; reflux is successfully manageable with PPI. Eventhough POEM is considered a safe procedure, severe (fatal) adverse events may occur.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
FA02.08: LONG FOLLOW UP OF BARRETT’S TREATMENT, CLINICAL OR SURGICAL TREATMENT, WHICH ONE BRING BETTER RESULTS TO BARRETT’S EPITHELIUM?
Authors: Szachnowicz Sergio , Duarte Andre , Bianchi Edno , Nasi Ary , Mariano Rocha Julio , Seguro Franscisco , Freitas Natalia , Sallum Rubens , Cecconello Ivan
Published: September 2018

Background

Background: Barrett’ s esophagus is a complication of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. The major concern aspect is its association to dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic surveillance of patients treated surgically or clinically allows early detection of cancer. Aim: Compare clinical and surgical treatment of Barrett's esophagus.

Methods

Methods: from January 1980 to December 2017, 565 patients with Barrett's esophagus were followed up at our service. 214 were submitted to Nissen fundoplication and 221 to clinical treatment with PPI. These 434 patients were submitted to a long follow up with routine endoscopic examination each 2 years with multiple biopsies. The statistical analysis was performed through Fisher's exact test and Propensity score regarding epidemiologic and epithelium data.

Results

Comparing the surgical group (Group A) and the clinical group (Group B), we could observe the development of 11 Adenocarcinoma, 3 in the group A e 8 in group B. Any grade of dysplasia was observed in 9 patients of the group B, and six of them developed adenocarcinoma. The clinical group showed a tendency to develop more adenocarcioma and dysplasia than the surgical group (P = 0.38) and statistically significant increase in the development of dysplasia (P = 0032). 16% of patients in Group A showed progression in Columnar epithelium length against 20% in Group B (ns). 23,4% of the patients in group A keep symptoms and use of PPI, and 28.7 in group B (ns).

Conclusion

In our series as in many recent data in international literature, the surgical treatment for GERd in patients with Barrett's esophagus seems to be a good option to keep the columnar epithelium without progression to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma, with good control of the symptoms and the length of the Barrett's esophagus.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Plasmodium falciparum Activates CD16+ Dendritic Cells to Produce Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin-10 in Subpatent Malaria
Authors: Loughland Jessica R , Woodberry Tonia , Boyle Michelle J , Tipping Peta E , Piera Kim A , Amante Fiona H , Kenangalem Enny , Price Ric N , Engwerda Christian R , Anstey Nicholas M , McCarthy James S , Minigo Gabriela
Published: September 2018

This study identified CD16+ DCs as the only blood DC subset distinctively activated during primary blood-stage human Plasmodium infection. As TNF/IL-10 coproducers, CD16+ DCs contribute to early inflammatory processes, yet P falciparum restimulation skewed cytokine responses further towards IL-10 production.
Writing a Clinical Research Question
Authors: Ravindra Vijay M , Kestle John R W
Published: September 2018

The bar for clinical research in surgical subspecialties has been rising over the past 10 yr. It is now essential that neurosurgeons are familiar with the principles of evidence-based medicine to evaluate and conduct sound clinical research. In this review, we highlight the importance of formulating a good research question, which serves as the foundation for meaningful investigation.
Entities of Chronic and Granulomatous Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Separate or Not?
Authors: Zhou Ling-Hong , Wang Xuan , Wang Rui-Ying , Zhao Hua-Zhen , Jiang Ying-Kui , Cheng Jia-Hui , Huang Li-Ping , Chen Zhong-Qing , Wang De-Hui , Zhu Li-Ping
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic and granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis are important causes of blindness and craniocerebral complications. However, the classification of these 2 diseases remains controversial.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with chronic and granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitus in a Chinese tertiary hospital from 2009 to 2017, with a focus on classification and comparisons.

Results

Among 55 patients enrolled in our study, 11 (11/55, 20%) had granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (GIFRS) and 44 (44/55, 80%) had chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CIFRS). Aspergillus fumigatus and Dematiaceous hyphomycetes were identified in 2 patients with GIFRS. Compared with granulomatous type, CIFRS was more frequently encountered in immunocompromised patients (P = .022), and the time from onset to diagnosis was much shorter (P = .001). Proptosis and orbital apex syndrome showed no significant difference between granulomatous and CIFRS in our study. The treatment options and prognosis of both diseases also showed no significant difference.

Conclusions

Despite the consensus on histopathology, the classification of the chronic and granulomatous types may need further evaluation in clinical considerations.
Using a Positive Deviance Approach to Influence the Culture of Patient Safety Related to Infection Prevention
Authors: Sreeramoju Pranavi , Dura Lucia , Fernandez Maria E , Minhajuddin Abu , Simacek Kristina , Fomby Thomas B , Doebbeling Bradley N
Published: September 2018

Background

Health care–associated infections (HAIs) are a socio-technical problem. We evaluated the impact of a social change intervention on health care personnel (HCP), called “positive deviance” (PD), on patient safety culture related to infection prevention among HCP.

Methods

This observational study was done in 6 medical wards at an 800-bed public academic hospital in the United States. Three of these wards were randomly assigned to receive PD intervention on HCP. After a retrospective 6-month baseline period, PD was implemented over 9 months, followed by 9 months of follow-up. Patient safety culture and social networks among HCP were surveyed at 6, 15, and 24 months. Rates of HAI were measured among patients.

Results

The measured patient safety culture was steady over time at 69% aggregate percent positive responses in wards with PD vs decline from 79% to 75% in wards without PD (F statistic 10.55; P = .005). Social network maps suggested that nurses, charge nurses, medical assistants, ward managers, and ward clerks play a key role in preventing infections. Fitted time series of monthly HAI rates showed a decrease from 4.8 to 2.8 per 1000 patient-days (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1 to 3.5) in wards without PD, and 5.0 to 2.1 per 1000 patient-days (95% CI, –0.4 to 4.5) in wards with PD.

Conclusions

A positive deviance approach appeared to have a significant impact on patient safety culture among HCP who received the intervention. Social network analysis identified HCP who are likely to help disseminate infection prevention information. Systemwide interventions independent of PD resulted in HAI reduction in both intervention and control wards.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in Organic and Conventional Onion Crops in the Columbia Basin of the Pacific Northwest United States
Authors: Knerr Anne Jean’ne , Wheeler David , Schlatter Dan , Sharma-Poudyal Dipak , du Toit Lindsey J. , Paulitz Timothy C.
Published: September 2018

Onions are highly responsive to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), but little is known about AMF communities in onion crops (∼10,000 ha) in the semiarid, irrigated region of the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. AMF communities and root colonization were compared in organic and conventional onion fields, and between paired conventional fields that were fumigated or not with metam sodium. AMF were detected in all fields at all sampling times, with no differences in root colonization of onions used to bait soil from organic versus conventional and fumigated versus nonfumigated fields. However, AMF colonization of roots of onion plants sampled midsummer was greater in organic versus conventional fields (67 versus 51%) and less in fumigated versus nonfumigated conventional fields (45 versus 67%). Pyrosequencing identified four AMF genera (Glomus, Claroideoglomus, Paraglomus, and Diversispora) and four dominant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (Glomus mosseae (Funneliformis mosseae), Glomus Whitfield type 17, Claroideoglomus lamellosum, and Glomus MO_G17). AMF community structure in roots of onion plants collected from crops midsummer was different in organic versus conventional crops, with greater AMF diversity and richness in organic than conventional crops. There was no effect of organic versus conventional crops on dominant OTUs, but several low-abundance OTUs in organic fields were not detected in conventional fields. There was no consistent effect of metam sodium chemigation on AMF communities in onion crops. Overall, cropping practices in organic versus conventional onion production, and the use of metam sodium soil fumigation by center-pivot chemigation do not appear to be major drivers of AMF communities.
A comprehensive analysis of RNA sequences reveals macroscopic somatic clonal expansion across normal tissues
Authors: Yizhak Keren , Aguet Francois , Kim Jaegil , Hess Julian , Kubler Kirsten , Grimsby Jonna , Frazer Ruslana , Zhang Hailei , Haradhvala Nicholas J. , Rosebrock Daniel , Livitz Dimitri , Li Xiao , Landkof Eila-Arich , Shoresh Noam , Stewart Chip , Segre Ayelet , Branton Philip A. , Polak Paz , Ardlie Kristin , Getz Gad
Published: September 2018

Cancer genome studies have significantly advanced our knowledge of somatic mutations. However, how these mutations accumulate in normal cells and whether they promote pre-cancerous lesions remains poorly understood. Here we perform a comprehensive analysis of normal tissues by utilizing RNA sequencing data from ∼6,700 samples across 29 normal tissues collected as part of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We identify somatic mutations using a newly developed pipeline, RNA-MuTect, for calling somatic mutations directly from RNA-seq samples and their matched-normal DNA. When applied to the GTEx dataset, we detect multiple variants across different tissues and find that mutation burden is associated with both the age of the individual and tissue proliferation rate. We also detect hotspot cancer mutations that share tissue specificity with their matched cancer type. This study is the first to analyze a large number of samples across multiple normal tissues, identifying clones with genomic aberrations observed in cancer.
TheC. elegansSMOC-1 protein acts cell non-autonomously to promote bone morphogenetic protein signaling
Authors: DeGroot Melisa S. , Shi Herong , Eastman Alice , McKillop Alexandra N. , Liu Jun
Published: September 2018

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates many different developmental and homeostatic processes in metazoans. The BMP pathway is conserved inCaenorhabditis elegans, and is known to regulate body size and mesoderm development. We have identified theC. elegans smoc-1(Secreted MOdular Calcium binding protein-1) gene as a new player in the BMP pathway.smoc-1(0)null mutants have a small body size, while overexpression ofsmoc-1led to a long body size and increased expression of the RAD-SMAD BMP reporter, suggesting that SMOC-1 acts as a positive modulator of BMP signaling. Using double mutant analysis, we showed that SMOC-1 antagonizes the function of the glypican LON-2 and acts through the BMP ligand DBL-1 to regulate BMP signaling. Moreover, SMOC-1 appears to specifically regulate BMP signaling without significant involvement in a TGFβ-like pathway that regulates dauer development. We found thatsmoc-1is expressed in multiple tissues, including cells of the pharynx, intestine, and posterior hypodermis, and that the expression ofsmoc-1in the intestine is positively regulated by BMP signaling. We further established that SMOC-1 functions cell non-autonomously to regulate body size. Human SMOC1 and SMOC2 can each partially rescue thesmoc-1(0)mutant phenotype, suggesting that SMOC-1’s function in modulating BMP signaling is evolutionarily conserved. Together, our findings highlight a conserved role of SMOC proteins in modulating BMP signaling in metazoans.

ARTICLE SUMMARY

BMP signaling is critical for development and homeostasis in metazoans, and is under tight regulation. We report the identification and characterization of a Secreted MOdular Calcium binding protein SMOC-1 as a positive modulator of BMP signaling inC. elegans. We established that SMOC-1 antagonizes the function of LON-2/glypican and acts through the DBL-1/BMP ligand to promote BMP signaling. We identifiedsmoc-1-expressing cells, and demonstrated that SMOC-1 acts cell non-autonomously and in a positive feedback loop to regulate BMP signaling. We also provide evidence suggesting that the function of SMOC proteins in the BMP pathway is conserved from worms to humans.
CRISPRpic: Fast and precise analysis for CRISPR-induced mutations via prefixed index counting
Authors: Cho Seung Woo , Lee HoJoon , Chang Howard Y. , Ji Hanlee P.
Published: September 2018

Analysis of CRISPR-induced mutations at targeted loci can be achieved by PCR amplification followed by massively parallel sequencing. We developed a novel algorithm, called CRISPRpic, to analyze sequencing reads from CRISPR experiments via counting exact-matches and pattern-searching. Compared to other methods that are based on sequence alignment, CRISPRpic provides precise mutation calling and ultrafast analysis of sequencing results. The Python script for CRISPRpic is available at https://github.com/compbio/CRISPRpic.
A novel innate lymphoid cell delineates childhood autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Velasco-Herrera Martin Del Castillo , Young Matthew D , Braga Felipe A Vieira , Rosser Elizabeth C. , Miranda Elena , Marshall Lucy , Wilkinson Meredyth G LI , Mamanova Lira , Efremova Mirjana , Vento-Tormo Roser , Cagen Alex , Al-Mossawi Hussein , Teichmann Sarah , Flanagan Adrienne M , Wedderburn Lucy , Behjati Sam , Brown Chrysothemis C.
Published: September 2018

Inflammation in autoimmune disease is mediated by a complex network of interacting cells. Their identity and cross-talk are encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a chronic autoimmune arthritis of childhood, is characterised by synovial inflammation with infiltration of both innate and adaptive immune cells1. Activated T cells play a role in disease2 but the cell types that drive the recruitment and activation of immune cells within the synovium are not known. Here, we utilised droplet-based and full length single cell mRNA sequencing to obtain a quantitative map of the cellular landscape of JIA. We studied 45,715 cells from the synovial fluid of inflamed knee joints and peripheral blood. We identified a population of synovial innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), shared across patients, that exhibited a unique transcriptional profile in comparison to canonical ILC subtypes. Validation at protein-level across a spectrum of autoimmune arthritides revealed that these ILCs are pathologically expanded in a particular type of JIA. Using statistical tools to assess cellular interactions in synovial fluid, ILCs emerged as a central node of communication, expressing the full repertoire of genes required to orchestrate and maintain the inflammatory milieu. Several ILC-mediated signalling pathways may lend themselves as novel therapeutic targets. Together our findings demonstrate a distinct ILC subtype associated with a tissue-specific childhood autoimmune disease.
Cell density-dependent ferroptosis in breast cancer is induced by accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched triacylglycerides
Authors: Panzilius Elena , Holstein Felix , Dehairs Jonas , Planque Mélanie , von Toerne Christine , Koenig Ann-Christine , Doll Sebastian , Bannier-Hélaouët Marie , Ganz Hilary M. , Hauck Stefanie M. , Talebi Ali , Swinnen Johannes V. , Fendt Sarah-Maria , Angeli José P. Friedmann , Conrad Marcus , Scheel Christina H.
Published: September 2018

Ferroptosis is a regulated form of necrotic cell death caused by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. It can be induced by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the key enzyme for efficiently reducing peroxides within phospholipid bilayers. Recent data suggest that cancer cells undergoing EMT (dedifferentiation) and those resistant to standard therapy expose a high vulnerability toward ferroptosis. Although recent studies have begun to identify and characterize the metabolic and genetic determinants underlying ferroptosis, many mechanisms that dictate ferroptosis sensitivity remain unknown. Here, we show that low cell density sensitizes primary mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells to ferroptosis induced by GPX4 inhibition, whereas high cell density confers resistance. These effects occur irrespective of oncogenic signaling, cellular phenotype and expression of the fatty acid ligase acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4). By contrast, we show that a massive accumulation of neutral triacylglycerides (TAG) enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is induced at low cell density. In addition, de novo lipogenesis and desaturation pathways were found to be reduced at low cell density, indicative of increased fatty acid uptake. Our study suggests that PUFA-mediated toxicity is limited by the enrichment in TAGs that in turn might pose a vulnerability towards ferroptosis. Conclusively, cell density regulates lipid metabolism of breast epithelial and cancer cells, which results in a ferroptosis-sensitive cell state with the potential to be exploited therapeutically during metastatic dissemination.
Plant leaf tooth feature extraction
Authors: Wang Hu , Tian Di , Li Chu , Tian Yan , Zhou Haoyu
Published: September 2018

Leaf tooth can indicate several systematically informative features and is extremely useful for circumscribing fossil leaf taxa. Moreover, it can help discriminate species or even higher taxa accurately. Previous studies extract features that are not strictly defined in botany; therefore, a uniform standard to compare the accuracies of various feature extraction methods cannot be used. For efficient and automatic retrieval of plant leaves from a leaf database, in this study, we propose an image-based description and measurement of leaf teeth by referring to the leaf structure classification system in botany. First, image preprocessing is carried out to obtain a binary map of plant leaves. Then, corner detection based on the curvature scale-space (CSS) algorithm is used to extract the inflection point from the edges; next, the leaf tooth apex is extracted by screening the convex points; then, according to the definition of the leaf structure, the characteristics of the leaf teeth are described and measured in terms of number of orders of teeth, tooth spacing, number of teeth, sinus shape, and tooth shape. In this manner, data extracted from the algorithm can not only be used to classify plants, but also provide scientific and standardized data to understand the history of plant evolution. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the extraction method, we use leaf tooth features and simple linear discriminant analysis to classify leaves; the results show that the proposed method achieves high accuracy as compared to other methods.
Stress-induced cortisol hampers memory generalization
Authors: Dandolo Lisa C. , Schwabe Lars
Published: September 2018

Integrative encoding and generalization across past experiences depends largely on the hippocampus, an area known to be particularly sensitive to stress. Yet, whether stress influences the ability to generalize memories is unknown. We exposed volunteers to a stressor or a control manipulation before they completed an acquired equivalence task probing memory generalization. While stress left learning performance intact, it reduced participants’ ability to generalize and this deficit was directly linked to the cortisol response to the stressor. These findings show that stress, presumably through the action of glucocorticoids, creates rather rigid memories that are difficult to transfer to novel situations.
A patient with multisystem dysfunction carries a truncation mutation in human SLC12A2, the gene encoding the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, NKCC1
Authors: Delpire Eric , Wolfe Lynne , Flores Bianca , Koumangoye Rainelli , Schornak Cara C. , Omer Salma , Pusey Barbara , Lau Christopher , Markello Thomas , Adams David R.
Published: September 2018

This study describes a 13-yr-old girl with orthostatic intolerance, respiratory weakness, multiple endocrine abnormalities, pancreatic insufficiency, and multiorgan failure involving the gut and bladder. Exome sequencing revealed a de novo, loss-of-function allele in SLC12A2, the gene encoding the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter-1. The 11-bp deletion in exon 22 results in frameshift (p.Val1026Phefs*2) and truncation of the carboxy-terminal tail of the cotransporter. Preliminary studies in heterologous expression systems demonstrate that the mutation leads to a nonfunctional transporter, which is expressed and trafficked to the plasma membrane alongside wild-type NKCC1. The truncated protein, visible at higher molecular sizes, indicates either enhanced dimerization or misfolded aggregate. No significant dominant-negative effect was observed. K+ transport experiments performed in fibroblasts from the patient showed reduced total and NKCC1-mediated K+ influx. The absence of a bumetanide effect on K+ influx in patient fibroblasts only under hypertonic conditions suggests a deficit in NKCC1 regulation. We propose that disruption in NKCC1 function might affect sensory afferents and/or smooth muscle cells, as their functions depend on NKCC1 creating a Cl− gradient across the plasma membrane. This Cl− gradient allows the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor or other Cl− channels to depolarize the membrane affecting processes such as neurotransmission or cell contraction. Under this hypothesis, disrupted sensory and smooth muscle function in a diverse set of tissues could explain the patient's phenotype.
Signal-to-noise, spatial resolution and information capacity of coherent diffraction imaging
Authors: Gureyev Timur E. , Kozlov Alexander , Nesterets Yakov I. , Paganin David M. , Martin Andrew V. , Quiney Harry M.
Published: September 2018

It is shown that the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the three-dimensional electron-density distribution of a sample reconstructed by coherent diffractive imaging cannot exceed twice the square root of the ratio of the mean total number of scattered photons detected during the scan and the number of spatially resolved voxels in the reconstructed volume. This result leads to an upper bound on Shannon's information capacity of this imaging method by specifying the maximum number of distinguishable density distributions within the reconstructed volume when the radiation dose delivered to the sample and the spatial resolution are both fixed. If the spatially averaged SNR in the reconstructed electron density is fixed instead, the radiation dose is shown to be proportional to the third or fourth power of the spatial resolution, depending on the sampling of the three-dimensional diffraction space and the scattering power of the sample.
Towards the theoretical limitations of X-ray nanocrystallography at high intensity: the validity of the effective-form-factor description
Authors: Abdullah Malik Muhammad , Son Sang-Kil , Jurek Zoltan , Santra Robin
Published: September 2018

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) broaden horizons in X-ray crystallography. Facilitated by the unprecedented high intensity and ultrashort duration of the XFEL pulses, they enable us to investigate the structure and dynamics of macromolecules with nano-sized crystals. A limitation is the extent of radiation damage in the nanocrystal target. A large degree of ionization initiated by the incident high-intensity XFEL pulse alters the scattering properties of the atoms leading to perturbed measured patterns. In this article, the effective-form-factor approximation applied to capture this phenomenon is discussed. Additionally, the importance of temporal configurational fluctuations at high intensities, shaping these quantities besides the average electron loss, is shown. An analysis regarding the applicability of the approach to targets consisting of several atomic species is made, both theoretically and via realistic radiation-damage simulations. It is concluded that, up to intensities relevant for XFEL-based nanocrystallography, the effective-form-factor description is sufficiently accurate. This work justifies treating measured scattering patterns using conventional structure-reconstruction algorithms.
Crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization and DFT study of two new linear fused-ring chalcones
Authors: Zainuri Dian Alwani , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Arshad Suhana
Published: September 2018

The structures of two new anthracenyl chalcones, namely (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C23H15NO3, and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C23H15IO are reported. A structural comparative study between the two chalcones was performed and some effects on the geometrical parameters, such as planarity and dihedral angles, are described. The molecular geometry was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP with the 6–311++G(d,p) basis set was applied to optimize the ground-state geometry. In addition, intermolecular interactions responsible for the crystal packing were analysed. The electronic properties, such as excitation energies and HOMO–LUMO energies were calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD–DFT) and the results complement the experimental findings. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) was also investigated at the same level of theory in order to identify and quantify the possible reactive sites.
Crystal structure of fac-{5-[(hexylazaniumyl)methyl]-2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl-κ2
N,C
1}bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl-κ2
N,C
1]iridium(III) chloride
Authors: Meksawangwong Sureemas , Jiajaroen Suwadee , Chainok Kittipong , Pinyo Waraporn , Kielar Filip
Published: September 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, fac-[Ir(C11H8N)2(C18H24N2)]Cl or fac-[Ir(ppy)2(Hppy-NC6)]Cl, contains two [Ir(ppy)2(ppy-NC6)](H+) cations, two Cl− anions and disordered solvent. In each complex molecule, the IrIII ion is coordinated by two C,N-bidentate 2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl ligands and one C,N-bidentate N-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzyl]hexan-1-aminium ligand, leading to a distorted fac-octahedral coordination environment. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by N—H...Cl, C—H...π and π–π interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The hexyl group of one molecule is disordered over two orientations with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.412 (13):0.588 (13). The acetone and hexane solvent molecules were found to be highly disordered and their contribution to the scattering was masked using the solvent-masking routine smtbx.mask in OLEX2 [Rees et al. (2005). Acta Cryst. D61, 1299–1301]. These solvent molecules are not considered in the given chemical formula and other crystal data.
Development of mobile application through design-based research
Authors: Jayatilleke Buddhini Gayathri , Ranawaka Gaya R. , Wijesekera Chamali , Kumarasinha Malinda C.B.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the development and testing of an innovative mobile application using design-based research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on the process of transformation of existing printed course material into digitized content through design-based research where design, research and practice were concurrently applied through several iterations of the mobile application. For this transformation, one session each from BSc in Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences was selected. In the first phase of the design-based research, the main research question was formulated. In the second phase, a mobile learning application (OUSL MLearn) was designed and developed to address the research question. In the third phase, this application was evaluated by five groups of stakeholders: content experts to validate the content; educational technologists to check the alignment of technical and pedagogical features; novice users to check the overall effectiveness of the application; developer to develop the application, to check the ease of usage; and researchers to identify the impact of this innovation. These stakeholders were closely involved throughout the whole process which lasted over a period of four months. At the end of this development phase, the results were reflected upon and used for further enrichment.

Findings

It was observed that the developed mobile application was accessible, appealing and pedagogically constructive for users. However, optimization, development time, technical and organizational issues, workload of academics and production costs were identified as major challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on the findings of a small sample of potential users.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for designing culturally adaptive interactive mobile applications.

Originality/value

This study will benefit practitioners to design culturally sensitive mobile learning courses and researchers to conduct design-based research.
Trivalent chromium electrodeposition using a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Protsenko Vyacheslav , Bobrova Lina , Danilov Felix
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the electrolytic deposition of corrosion-resistant chromium coatings from a trivalent chromium plating bath based on deep eutectic solvent, a new generation of room temperature ionic liquids.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrolyte contained chromium (III) chloride, choline chloride and the additive of extra water. The surface morphology was estimated by means of SEM technique. The microstructure of as-deposited and annealed coatings was studied using X-ray diffraction method. The kinetics of the chromium electrodeposition and the corrosion electrochemical behavior of the coatings were investigated by cyclic voltammetry technique.

Findings

Chromium coatings with an amorphous type of microstructure are electroplated from this bath. Some carbon and oxygen are included in deposits obtained. The step-wise mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of Cr(III) ions to Cr(0) is detected. The current efficiency in this system sufficiently exceeds that typical of usual aqueous electrolytes. The coatings fabricated using plating bath based on deep eutectic solvent showed enhanced corrosion resistance in an acidic medium: there is no current peak of active dissolution in polarization curve and the corrosion potential shifts to more positive values as compared with “usual” chromium.

Originality/value

The electrodeposition of chromium coatings from an environmentally acceptable trivalent chromium electrolyte, a deep eutectic solvent containing chloride choline and extra water additive has been investigated for the first time.
Survivors’ experiences of journalists and media exposure
Authors: Englund Liselotte , Arnberg Filip K.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The media is an important part of disaster management, yet little is understood about their interplay with the disaster survivors. The purpose of this paper is to examine disaster survivors’ long-term retrospective views of their experiences with journalists and the media coverage.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 22 Swedish adult survivors (of 49 eligible) from a ferry disaster in the Baltic Sea, in which only 137 of the 989 people onboard survived, were interviewed after 15 years about their experiences of meeting journalists in the immediate aftermath and the media coverage in a long-term perspective. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Survivors from the Estonia ferry disaster described a wide array of experiences from their contacts with the disaster journalists and being exposed in the media. From their experiences, four categories were extracted. The categories were common for both their media contacts and their media exposure: strain, support, rationality and evasion. The survivors’ experiences were both negative and positive.

Research limitations/implications

These accounts of disaster survivors’ experiences from an event 15 years ago provide an interesting comparison for future studies of contemporary disasters.

Originality/value

This study provides important perspectives on the role of disaster coverage in the media and documents how disaster survivors retrospect on the media as both a burden and a resource.
The workforce adjustment strategies used by workplaces in Britain during the Great Recession
Authors: Sutherland John
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a human resource management perspective of the workforce adjustment strategies implemented at workplaces in Britain in response to the Great Recession.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses an ordered probit and a series of binomial probits to examine a micro data set from the 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Study.

Findings

Not all workplaces were affected equally by the recession. Not all workplaces chose to implement workforce adjustment strategies consequential of the recession, although the probability of a workplace taking no action decreased the greater the adverse effect of the recession on the workplace. Most workplaces used a combination of workforce adjustment strategies. Workplaces implemented strategies more compatible with labour hoarding than labour shedding, i.e., cutting/freezing wages and halting recruitment to fill vacant posts rather than making employees redundant.

Research limitations/implications

What was examined was the incidence of the workforce adjustment strategies, not the number of employees affected by the implementation of a strategy. Further, what was examined were outcomes. What is not known are the processes by which these outcomes were arrived at.

Originality/value

This paper concurs with the findings of previous economic studies that workplaces hoarded labour, cut hours and lowered pay. In so doing, however, it provides a more detailed and more informed human resource management perspective of these adjustment strategies.
Does customer satisfaction matter to managers’ earnings forecasts and stock returns?
Authors: Lee Jenny (Jiyeon) , Lim Youngdeok , Oh Hyung Il
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to management voluntary forecasts of earnings. The authors further investigate whether the market reacts to such forecasts in respect of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ econometric models are constructed from previous work in accounting to specify the effect of ACSI on the issuance and optimism of management forecasts. Our model also specifies the impact of management optimism with respect to ACSI on stock returns. The data consisting of US firms in the 2001-2010 is collated from several databases and analyzed using multiple regression procedures.

Findings

Results indicate that ACSI is positively associated with the likelihood of issuing management forecasts and boosts management optimism. It is also found that investors react negatively to management optimism that is inherent in forecasts and results from satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ research findings not only complement prior work on the linkage between customer satisfaction and firm value by incorporating a managerial perspective but also respond to the recent call for further work on how relevant marketing metrics drive organizational decisions and firms’ financial performance. It should be noted that findings are limited to firms that release both a voluntary issuance of management forecasts and ACSI.

Practical implications

The study results shed light on the justification of marketing expenditures and provide a response to the call for marketing accountability. The study results also enable managers to make better decisions about whether and when to issue a forecast. The authors’ research further calls stakeholders’ attention to the presence of management forecast optimism with respect to satisfaction.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of managers as primary information generators and disseminators in the capital markets, there appears to be little discussion on the satisfaction’s relevance to market participants, particularly in relation to the role of managers. Therefore, this investigation is the first to empirically show the relevance of ACSI to management earnings forecasts that have been ignored in the marketing literature.