bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation capabilities and performance of biotechnology firms
Authors: Stezano Federico , Oliver Espinoza Ruben
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide empirical evidence regarding the relationship between different capabilities and innovation performances in the biotechnology sector, in the case of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the aforementioned objective, this paper constructs different indicators on types of capabilities and innovative performances and, based on them, performs an econometric analysis based on a logit model. The work assumes the central assumptions of the firm's evolutionary theory and, in this sense, seeks to provide quantitative empirical evidence that explains the way in which the construction of different types of capacities determines the innovation results of Mexican firms in the biotechnology sector.

Findings

Corroborating the previous empirical evidence in analysis of firm’s capabilities in the biotechnology sector, this work empirically states that productive, absorption, technological and innovative capabilities positively influence the innovative performance of Mexican biotechnology firms.

Originality/value

This work examines a central theme linked to the current analysis of innovation and knowledge processes: the relationship between the organizational capacities of firms in the biotechnology sector and their innovative performance. Through a detailed analysis based on a national survey of Mexican biotechnology firms, this work underlines the importance of generating a new type of reflection on linkage among capabilities, innovation, paradigms and trajectories, technological opportunities, relationship dynamics among actors and modes of insertion into the biotechnology value chain.
Industry-university interaction strategies of large Brazilian pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Paranhos Julia , Perin Fernanda Steiner , Mercadante Eduardo , Soares Caroline
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategies and organizational forms used by large Brazilian pharmaceutical companies (LBPCs) in interaction with universities for the development of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the pharmaceutical industry, a science-based sector, the source of new knowledge is often outside the company environment. Thus, the search for innovation depends on the company’s strategic decisions of cooperation. This research uses the case study method, with secondary data from the 2008, 2011 and 2014 Innovation Survey (Pintec) about the innovative efforts of LBPCs, as well as primary data from semi-structured interviews with six of them.

Findings

The most recent data on innovation in Brazil show changes in the innovative efforts of LBPCs, involving the raise in the interaction with universities. The results of the field research also show that the LBPCs have differentiated innovative structures and are effectively using strategies for partnerships with universities, through the creation of radical innovation departments, the establishment of internal scientific committees and the internationalization of research and development.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature on the industry-university interactions in Brazil and in developing countries. However, this analysis cannot be generalized for the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry as it uses the case study method. Moreover, it is too early to determine if the identified strategies were successful. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that the strategies of the six interviewed companies differ greatly from the patterns of the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry and the manufacturing industry.
Human capital and entrepreneurial intentions: do entrepreneurship education and training provided by universities add value?
Authors: Aboobaker Nimitha , D. Renjini
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In the context of conflicting results in the existing literature on the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and training, this study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial training on perceived human capital and entrepreneurial intention of students. A deeper understanding of the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programs assumes significance, given the substantial policy support and budgetary spending on entrepreneurship education across the world, especially in emerging economies like India. Furthermore, the authors seek to examine if human capital mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial training and entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 330 final-year students who had undergone a mandatory course on “entrepreneurship and new venture planning” in various disciplines in science, technology and management were randomly selected as sample respondents. A self-administered and structured questionnaire that measured the attitude toward perceived effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and training, perceived human capital and the entrepreneurial intention was used to elicit responses.

Findings

Results revealed that entrepreneurial training and education are effective in eliciting an important student-level outcome of entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the study found that human capital significantly mediates the aforementioned relationship. Based on these findings, it is suggested to further the focus of entrepreneurial training programs conducted in universities and thus foster entrepreneurial outcomes among students.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of knowledge, by examining if entrepreneurial education and training provided by universities indeed yield positive results in terms of higher intentions to engage in entrepreneurial activities, with emphasis on a large developing economy like India. Entrepreneurship development is widely recognized as an effective tool for the socio-economic development of societies in developing countries. This study, by establishing the efficacy of entrepreneurship education in creating entrepreneurial intention among young students, endorses the policy focus and resource spending on entrepreneurship training and education. Also, this study is pioneering in examining the mediating role of human capital in the aforementioned relationship.
Non‐consumptive predator effects on prey population size: A dearth of evidence
Authors: Sheriff Michael J. , Peacor Scott D. , Hawlena Dror , Thaker Maria
Published: March 2020

There is a large and growing interest in non‐consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators. Diverse and extensive evidence shows that predation risk directly influences prey traits, such as behaviour, morphology and physiology, which in turn, may cause a reduction in prey fitness components (i.e. growth rate, survival and reproduction). An intuitive expectation is that NCEs that reduce prey fitness will extend to alter population growth rate and therefore population size.

However, our intensive literature search yielded only 10 studies that examined how predator‐induced changes in prey traits translate to changes in prey population size. Further, the scant evidence for risk‐induced changes on prey population size have been generated from studies that were performed in very controlled systems (mesocosm and laboratory), which do not have the complexity and feedbacks of natural settings. Thus, although likely that predation risk alone can alter prey population size, there is little direct empirical evidence that demonstrates that it does. There are also clear reasons that risk effects on population size may be much smaller than the responses on phenotype and fitness components that are typically measured, magnifying the need to show, rather than infer, effects on population size.

Herein we break down the process of how predation risk influences prey population size into a chain of events (predation risk affects prey traits, which affect prey fitness components and population growth rate, which affect prey population size), and highlight the complexity of each transition. We illustrate how the outcomes of these transitions are not straightforward, and how environmental context strongly dictates the direction and magnitude of effects. Indeed, the high variance in prey responses is reflected in the variance of results reported in the few studies that have empirically quantified risk effects on population size. It is therefore a major challenge to predict population effects given the complexity of how environmental context interacts with predation risk and prey responses.

We highlight the critical need to appreciate risk effects at each level in the chain of events, and that changes at one level cannot be assumed to translate into changes in the next because of the interplay between risk, prey responses, and the environment. The gaps in knowledge we illuminate underscore the need for more evidence to substantiate the claim that predation risk effects extend to prey population size. The lacunae we identify should inspire future studies on the impact of predation risk on population‐level responses in free‐living animals.
Economic uncertainty, ownership structure and small and medium enterprises performance
Authors: Doan Anh‐Tuan , Le Anh‐Tuan , Tran Quan
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the effect of economic uncertainty on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over the period 2007–2016. This paper also examines the effects of ownership structure on the relation between Economic Uncertainty and firm performance. We find that an increase in economic uncertainty is negatively associated with the performance of SMEs. Our results also reveal that increased economic uncertainty is associated with a lower performance level for state‐owned SMEs, whereas foreign‐owned SMEs can better mitigate the negative impact of on their performance than domestic‐owned firms.
Photogrammetry vs CT Scan: Evaluation of Accuracy of a Low‐Cost Three‐Dimensional Acquisition Method for Forensic Facial Approximation
Authors: Donato Laura , Cecchi Rossana , Goldoni Matteo , Ubelaker Douglas H.
Published: March 2020

Photogrammetry is a three‐dimensional acquisition method potentially applicable to the forensic field. This possibility requires the verification of its accuracy. In this study, 3D volumes of skulls are generated to compare the photogrammetry versus the CT scan. In order to provide eligible material to the photogrammetric software, photographs were captured at a distance of 30 cm from the skull placed on a support 1 m in height and illuminated with diffused laboratory ceiling artificial light. A Nikon Coolpix P7100 camera was used. Photographs capture common elements with the previous and the next photograph so as to allow the photogrammetric software to recognize these common points between photographs and create a 3D puzzle. The Zephyr Lite (3DFlow©) software was employed to register the 3D volume. CT‐based skulls are taken as a metric reference. The photogrammetry‐based skulls are then enlarged according to the measurements of some landmarks or Zygion and Zygion, the distance between end of nasal and base of nasal pyramid for frontal projection, and minimum breadth of the mandibular ramus for the right lateral projection. The accuracy of the photogrammetry is compared to that of the CT scan by measuring the 3D volumes of the skulls studied. Specific landmarks are used as reference points for the measures in both frontal and lateral views. Bland–Altman graph shows homogeneity. The mean difference (1.28 mm) indicates that the measurements taken on the photogrammetry‐based skull tend to slightly overestimate compared with the measurements taken on the CT‐based skull.
Interactions among endotoxin, uric acid, and lactate in relation to the risk of type 2 diabetes: A population‐based study
Authors: Wu Muchao , Huang Xiuji , Yan Dan , Pan Hua , Li Feng , Ren Meng , Zhang Jin , Xu Mingtong
Published: March 2020

Background

Blood levels of endotoxin, uric acid (UA), or lactate (LAC) are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, we explored the interactions among blood endotoxin, UA, and LAC levels and the risk of T2DM.

Methods

This population‐based cross‐sectional study included 2520 Chinese adults. Fasting blood endotoxin, UA, and LAC levels were determined and the cut‐off values were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The study population was classified into two or four subgroups based on low or high, or both low and high levels of endotoxin, UA, and LAC, respectively.

Results

The odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM (all P < .05) were higher in the high groups than the low groups of endotoxin, UA, or LAC, respectively. Participants in the groups with high levels of both endotoxin and UA, endotoxin and LAC, or UA and LAC, had 4.71 (95% CI 3.01‐7.37), 5.13 (95% CI 3.29‐7.99), or 3.73 (95% CI 2.34‐5.94) times higher risk for T2DM compared to those in groups with low levels of both endotoxin and UA, endotoxin and LAC, or UA and LAC (all P < 0.05), respectively. In the interaction analysis, an interactive effect between endotoxin and UA (P < .05), or endotoxin and LAC (P < .05), but not UA and LAC, was observed that contributed to an increased risk of T2DM.

Conclusions

The interaction between levels of endotoxin and UA or levels of endotoxin and LAC was related to an increased risk of T2DM in the Chinese population.
High‐quality genome assembly and transcriptome of Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, an endemic Chinese cyprinid species
Authors: Zhang Hua‐Hao , Xu Min‐Rui‐Xuan , Wang Ping‐Lan , Zhu Zhi‐Guo , Nie Cheng‐Feng , Xiong Xiao‐Min , Wang Le , Xie Zhen‐Zhen , Wen Xu , Zeng Qing‐Xiang , Zhang Xiao‐Gu , Dai Fang‐Yin
Published: March 2020

Ancherythroculter nigrocauda is a cyprinid fish endemic of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China, where it is an important aquaculture and commercial species. It is also a threatened species as a result of overfishing, dam construction and water pollution. In this study, a chromosome‐level genome assembly of A. nigrocauda is reported and built using PacBio sequencing and the Hi‐C technology. The 1.04‐Gb sequenced genome of A. nigrocauda contained 2,403 contigs, with an N50 length of 3.12 Mb. Then, 1,297 contigs, which represented 54.0% of all contigs and 97.2% of the whole content of the genome nucleotide base, were assembled into 24 chromosomes. Combined with transcriptome data from 10 tissues, 27,042 (78.5%) genes were functionally annotated out of 34,414 predicted protein‐coding genes. Interestingly, high expression of many positively selected genes and expanded gene families in the brain suggested that these genes might play important roles in brain development in A. nigrocauda. Finally, we found tissue‐specific expression of 10,732 genes. Functional analyses showed that they were mainly composed of genes related to (a) environmental information processing, (b) the circulatory system, and (c) development, suggesting they might be important for adaptation to different environments and for development of A. nigrocauda. The high‐quality genome obtained in this study not only provides a valuable genomic resource for future studies of A. nigrocauda populations and conservation, but is also an important resource for further functional genomics studies of fishes.
Biotic and abiotic factors shape arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with the roots of the widespread fern Botrychium lunaria (Ophioglossaceae)
Authors: Sandoz Frédéric Alexandre , Bindschedler Saskia , Dauphin Benjamin , Farinelli Laurent , Grant Jason R. , Hervé Vincent
Published: March 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play central roles in terrestrial ecosystems by interacting with both above and belowground communities as well as by influencing edaphic properties. The AMF communities associated with the roots of the fern Botrychium lunaria (Ophioglossaceae) were sampled in four transects at 2400 m a.s.l. in the Swiss Alps and analyzed using metabarcoding. Members of five Glomeromycota genera were identified across the 71 samples. Our analyses revealed the existence of a core microbiome composed of four abundant Glomus operational taxonomic units (OTUs), as well as a low OTU turnover between samples. The AMF communities were not spatially structured, which contrasts with most studies on AMF associated with angiosperms. pH, microbial connectivity and humus cover significantly shaped AMF beta diversity but only explained a minor fraction of variation in beta diversity. AMF OTUs associations were found to be significant by both cohesion and co‐occurrence analyses, suggesting a role for fungus–fungus interactions in AMF community assembly. In particular, OTU co‐occurrences were more frequent between different genera than among the same genus, rising the hypothesis of functional complementarity among the AMF associated to B. lunaria. Altogether, our results provide new insights into the ecology of fern symbionts in alpine grasslands.
Using abnormal analyst coverage to unlock new evidence on stock price crash risk
Authors: Chowdhury Hasibul , Faff Robert , Hoang Khoa
Published: March 2020

We employ a characteristic‐based model to decompose total analyst coverage into abnormal and expected components and show that abnormal coverage contains valuable information about firm‐level ex ante crash risk (proxied by implied volatility smirk from options data). Specifically, one standard deviation increase in unexpected or abnormal coverage is associated with a 5.5 percent decrease in the ex ante crash risk. The abnormal coverage signal is more useful for firms with a more transparent information environment, proxied by lower probability of informed trading, lower financial opacity, and more comparable financial statements. Moreover, the abnormal coverage effect is stronger for firms followed by analysts who issue more accurate and less dispersed forecasts. Collectively, these results suggest that options market investors utilise abnormal coverage to identify and assess crash risk of mispriced firms.
Marine hotspots of activity inform protection of a threatened community of pelagic species in a large oceanic jurisdiction
Authors: Requena S. , Oppel S. , Bond A. L. , Hall J. , Cleeland J. , Crawford R. J. M. , Davies D. , Dilley B. J. , Glass T. , Makhado A. , Ratcliffe N. , Reid T. A. , Ronconi R. A. , Schofield A. , Steinfurth A. , Wege M. , Bester M. , Ryan P. G.
Published: March 2020

Remote oceanic islands harbour unique biodiversity, especially of species that rely on the marine trophic resources around their breeding islands. Identifying marine areas used by such species is essential to manage and limit processes that threaten these species. The Tristan da Cunha territory in the South Atlantic Ocean hosts several endemic and globally threatened seabirds, and pinnipeds; how they use the waters surrounding the islands must be considered when planning commercial activities. To inform marine management in the Tristan da Cunha Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), we identified statistically significant areas of concentrated activity by collating animal tracking data from nine seabirds and one marine mammal. We first calculated the time that breeding adults of the tracked species spent in 10 × 10 km cells within the EEZ, for each of four seasons to account for temporal variability in space use. By applying a spatial aggregation statistic over these grids for each season, we detected areas that are used more than expected by chance. Most of the activity hotspots were either within 100 km of breeding colonies or were associated with seamounts, being spatially constant across several seasons. Our simple and effective approach highlights important areas for pelagic biodiversity that will benefit conservation planning and marine management strategies.
Understanding how nature works: Five pathways towards a more ecologically literate world – A perspective
Authors: Pitman Sheryn Dee , Daniels Christopher Brian
Published: March 2020

The sustainability of human life on Earth depends upon the integrity of the relationship between humanity and nature. Natural systems support humanity, and knowledge and understanding of how nature works form the foundation of ecological literacy. It is ecological literacy, and science literacy in general, that underpins our capacity as humans to make well‐informed decisions about how to live in sustainable ways. It is of concern that levels of ecological knowledge and understanding within many contemporary human communities may be too low to enable effective decision‐making in support of sustainable human settlements. Our concern led to an exploration of the concept of ecological literacy and the assessment of a sample of South Australian adults. We found that while ecological literacy can vary significantly in correlation with a range of socio‐demographic and psychographic characteristics, no one factor is necessarily more critical than another. Based on this work, we have identified five pathways for growing eco‐literate communities. While the patterns and drivers of ecological knowledge and understanding naturally vary between cultures and communities, our findings certainly invite serious consideration for a society, and indeed a world, that aspires to cultivate informed citizenry, leadership and governance with capacity for building sustainable human settlements.
Long non‐coding RNA lnc‐DC in dendritic cells regulates trophoblast invasion via p‐STAT3‐mediated TIMP/MMP expression
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yang Mengyuan , Yu Ling , Hu Yun , Deng Yali , Liu Yang , Xiao Songyuan , Ding Yiling
Published: March 2020

Problem

Dendritic cells are the primary antigen‐presenting cells that contact trophoblasts at the beginning of pregnancy. Excessive DCs maturity is described in some pregnancy complications, such as pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, which are characterized by impaired trophoblast invasion. However, the mechanism is unclear. The long non‐coding RNA long non‐coding RNA DC (lnc‐DC) is expressed exclusively in conventional human DCs and induces DC differentiation and maturation by promoting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Our previous investigation proved lnc‐DC and p‐STAT3 are elevated in pre‐eclampsia. This research is to study the mechanism of lnc‐DC and trophoblast invasion.

Method of study

We transfected DCs with lnc‐DC shRNA or a lentivirus for lnc‐DC overexpression and cocultured these treated DCs with trophoblast under different conditions. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to detect the trophoblast invasion ability. We also tested the matured DCs and Th1 cells as well as the p‐STAT3.

Results

We found that lnc‐DC promoted DC maturation and inhibited trophoblast invasion without the involvement of CD4+T cells. And the p‐STAT3 agonist could reverse the lnc‐DC function.

Conclusion

Mature DCs may be involved in altering trophoblast invasion through the overexpression of lnc‐DC, which increases p‐STAT3 levels and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1)/matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2)/matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) ratios. Thus, lnc‐DC is a promising novel target for regulating trophoblast invasion.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients supported with the HeartWare left ventricular assist system
Authors: Al Masri Eyad , Al Shakaki Mosab , Welp Henryk , Scherer Mirela , Dell’Aquila Angelo M.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study is to report our long‐term experience with the HeartWare Ventricular Assist System (HVAD). Between July 2009 and February 2018, a total of 103 patients (mean age 50.0 ± 14.4, range 28‐74 years; 22 females) received HVAD implantation in a single center institution. A total of 26 (25.4%) patients were in cardiogenic shock preoperatively and received extracorporeal life support (ECLS) prior to HVAD implantation. The aim of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation was bridge to transplantation (BT) in 59 (57.3%), destination therapy (DT) in 28 (27.2%), and bridge to decision in 16 (15.5%). There were 211.1 total patient years of support. Mean survival was 2.05 ± 2.14 years. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed an overall survival rate of 69.7%, 56.7%, 46.0%, and 25.0% at 1, 2, 4, and 8 years, respectively. A total of 23 patients (22.3%) died during the hospital stay. Of them 65.2% (15 patients) were preoperatively in cardiogenic shock (INTERMACS 1). Sub‐analysis of the BT patients showed a mean survival of 2.45 ± 2.29 years with a survival rate of 85.1%, 75.1%, 67.2%, and 44.8% at 1, 2, 4, and 8 years, respectively. Among them, 20 patients received heart transplantation on follow‐up. Mean survival of DT patients was 2.18 ± 1.91 years with a survival rate of 67.9%, 49.0%, and 25.1% at 1, 2, and 4 years, respectively. At latest follow‐up in September 2018, 26 patients (25.24%) were still on LVAD. A total of five patients completed 6 years on LVAD, of them two were supported over 8 years. The most common adverse event reported was gastrointestinal bleeding requiring rehospitalization (0.161 EPPY). A total of 19 patients reported disabling stroke. Pump thrombosis was diagnosed in six patients (5.8%) (0.02 EPPY), of them four patients underwent pump exchange. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest experience with HVAD reported so far. Patients supported with an HVAD show a satisfactory long‐term survival. Further multicenter evaluations are needed to confirm these single‐center results.
Diabetic eye screening with variable screening intervals based on individual risk factors is safe and effective in ophthalmic practice
Authors: Estil Svein , Steinarsson Ægir Þór , Einarsson Stefan , Aspelund Thor , Stefánsson Einar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To test in a ‘real world’ diabetic eye‐screening programme, a computer‐based personal risk evaluation for progression to sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy. Screening intervals were individualized, and clinical outcomes, safety and cost‐effectiveness documented.

Methods

The RETINARISK algorithm was used in an ophthalmology clinic in Norway. The diabetes cohort was divided on voluntary basis into two groups: one with variable screening intervals based on their personal risk profile and the other group with conventional fixed interval diabetic eye screening. Compliance, clinical outcomes, safety and health economics were evaluated. A total of 843 diabetic patients participated in the program 2014–2019. A total of 63 had type 1 and 780 type 2 diabetes. A total of 671 patients had no diabetic retinopathy at baseline and 171 had retinopathy.

Results

A total of 444 (53%) diabetic patients were included in the personal risk profile program and 399 in the fixed interval group. The RETINARISK algorithm calculated 563 screening intervals for the variable interval group, which was 23 ± 16 months (mean ± SD), compared to 14 ± 5 months for the group with fixed screening intervals. Due to selection bias, the two groups could not be directly compared. We did not experience any delay in detecting diabetic retinal changes when using the personal risk profile program.

Conclusion

The RETINARISK algorithm was safe and effective in a diabetic screening program in an ophthalmology clinic over 5 years. The use of the program reduces the mean frequency of screening visits and liberates valuable time in ophthalmic practice to be used on high‐risk diabetic patients or other patient groups.
Amplification of acidic protease virulence gene (aprV2) in samples from footrot lesions did not help in diagnosis of clinical virulent footrot in affected sheep flocks in New South Wales
Authors: Collins AM , Bowring BG
Published: March 2020

Objective

Ovine footrot is a contagious bacterial disease that reduces meat and wool production and can trigger on‐farm quarantine in New South Wales. Field diagnosis is based on the prevalence and severity of foot lesions, environmental conditions and flock history. The study evaluated whether a PCR assay or gelatin gel test for virulence in Dichelobacter nodosus isolated from hoof material could aid in the clinical diagnosis of virulent footrot.

Methods

A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) used for diagnosis of virulent footrot in some Australian states was evaluated on 218 hoof swabs taken from 44 sheep flocks from 36 NSW properties, quantifying both the aprV2 positive and aprB2 positive acidic protease genotypes of D. nodosus.

Design

The same flocks/swabs were used to evaluate test agreement between the aprV2/B2 qPCR and the gelatin gel test, and a multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors critical for field diagnosis of virulent footrot.

Results

Only fair to moderate agreement (kappa test) and significant disagreement (McNemar's) was shown between the gelatin gel test and the ratio of aprV2 positive to total D. nodosus. The proportion of aprV2 positive D. nodosus was not significantly different between foot lesions scores of increasing severity. Field diagnosis of virulent footrot was best explained by the prevalence of score 4 and 5 lesions, wet and warm environmental conditions, and recent footrot diagnosis.

Conclusion

Although the apr2 gene could differentiate between benign and virulent strains of D. nodosus, the apr2 qPCR was of minimal use for field diagnosis of virulent footrot, where disease expression relies on host genetics, immunity and environmental conditions.
Using Mesoproterozoic sedimentary geochemistry to reconstruct basin tectonic geography and link organic carbon productivity to nutrient flux from a Northern Australian large igneous Province
Authors: Yang Bo , Collins Alan S. , Cox Grant M. , Jarrett Amber J. M. , Denyszyn Steven , Blades Morgan L. , Farkaš Juraj , Glorie Stijn
Published: March 2020

The Beetaloo Sub‐basin, northern Australia, is considered the main depocentre of the 1,000‐km scale Mesoproterozoic Wilton package of the greater McArthur Basin – the host to one of the oldest hydrocarbon global resources. The ca. 1.40–1.31 Ga upper Roper Group and the latest Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic unnamed group of the Beetaloo Sub‐basin, together, record ca. 500 million years of depositional history within the North Australia Craton. Whole‐rock shale Sm–Nd and Pb isotope data from these sediments reveal sedimentary provenance and their evolution from ca. 1.35 to 0.85 Ga. Furthermore, these data, together with shale major/trace elements data from this study and pyrolysis data from previous publications, are used to develop a dynamic tectonic geography model that links the organic carbon production and burial to an enhanced weathering of nutrients from a large igneous province. The ca. 1.35–1.31 Ga Kyalla Formation of the upper Roper Group is composed of isotopically evolved sedimentary detritus that passes up, into more isotopically juvenile Pb values towards the top of the formation. The increase in juvenile compositions coincides with elevated total organic carbon (TOC) contents of these sediments. The coherently enriched juvenile compositions and TOC the upper portions of the Kyalla Formation are interpreted to reflect an increase in nutrient supply associated with the weathering of basaltic sources (e.g. phosphorous). Possible, relatively juvenile, basaltic sources include the Wankanki Supersuite in the western Musgraves and the Derim Derim–Galiwinku large igneous province (LIP). The transition into juvenile, basaltic sources directly before a supersequence‐bounding unconformity is here interpreted to reflect uplift and erosion of the Derim Derim–Galiwinku LIP, rather than an influx of southern Musgrave sources. A new baddeleyite crystallisation age of 1,312.9 ± 0.7 Ma provides both a tight constraint on the age of this LIP, along with its associated magmatic uplift, as well as providing a minimum age constraint for Roper Group deposition. The unconformably overlying lower and upper Jamison sandstones are at least 300 million years younger than the Kyalla Formation and were sourced from the Musgrave Province. An up‐section increase in isotopically juvenile compositions seen in these rocks is interpreted to document the progressive exhumation of the western Musgrave Province. The overlying Hayfield mudstone received detritus from both the Musgrave and Arunta regions, and its isotopic geochemistry reveals affinities with other early Neoproterozoic basins (e.g. Amadeus, Victoria and Officer basins), indicating the potential for inter‐basin correlations.
Gene rearrangements of MLL and RUNX1 sporadically occur in normal CD34+ cells under cytokine stimulation
Authors: Harada Yuka , Shingai Naoki , Ding Ye , Sadato Daichi , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Masaki , Okuyama Yoshiki , Shimoyama Tatsu , Ohashi Kazuteru , Harada Hironori
Published: March 2020

Gene rearrangements of MLL/KMT2A or RUNX1 are the major cause of therapy‐related leukemia. Moreover, MLL rearrangements are the major cause of infant leukemia, and RUNX1 rearrangements are frequently detected in cord blood. These genes are sensitive to topoisomerase II inhibitors, and various genes have been identified as potential fusion partners. However, fetal exposure to these inhibitors is rare. Therefore, we postulated that even a proliferation signal itself might induce gene rearrangements in hematopoietic stem cells. To test this hypothesis, we detected gene rearrangements in etoposide‐treated or non–treated CD34+ cells cultured with cytokines using inverse PCR. In the etoposide‐treated cells, variable‐sized rearrangement bands were detected in the RUNX1 and MLL genes at 3 hours of culture, which decreased after 7 days. However, more rearrangement bands were detected in the non–treated cells at 7 days of culture. Such gene rearrangements were also detected in peripheral blood stem cells mobilized by cytokines for transplantation. However, none of these rearranged genes encoded the leukemogenic oncogene, and the cells with rearrangements did not expand. These findings suggest that MLL and RUNX1 rearrangements, which occur with very low frequency in normal hematopoietic progenitor cells, may be induced under cytokine stimulation. Most of the cells with gene rearrangements are likely eliminated, except for leukemia‐associated gene rearrangements, resulting in the low prevalence of leukemia development.
SETTING THE ODDS OF WINNING THE JACKPOT: ON THE ECONOMICS OF (RE) DESIGNING LOTTERY GAMES
Authors: Díaz Alejandro , Pérez Levi
Published: March 2020

In many jurisdictions, domestic lotto games have experienced a decline in sales revenue due to the introduction of new products and the absence of appealing jackpots. To reverse this trend, operators worldwide have conducted major reforms to the design of games. In this paper, we focus on Spain's largest domestic lottery game, which was redesigned in 2012 by significantly reduced the odds of winning the jackpot to produce more frequent and larger rollovers. Findings show overall negative results of such reform, as players seem to no longer react to large jackpots, and the declining trend in sales has even worsened. (JEL D12, H27, L83)
The Bedouins in the Palestinian–Zionist struggle at the beginning of the British Mandate: 1920–1929
Authors: Suwaed Muhammad
Published: March 2020

This article presents the causal factors behind the Arab riots of the 1920s and the reasons some of the Bedouin tribes joined that struggle. It provides an overview of the “Events,” as Zionist historiographers termed the riots—the developing conflict between the Palestinians and the Jews, the methods and resources used by both parties, as well as the responses of the British authorities—from the local, national, and regional perspectives, especially in the political arena. It investigates the political stances that emerged among the local Bedouin tribes regarding the Zionist–Palestinian struggle and the reasons for the diversity of stances: while some tribes took an active part in the events on the Palestinian side, others remained neutral and a few tribes even chose to ally with the Jews, or at least warn them of forthcoming attacks. These different stances consolidated during this period, affecting the events and outcomes of the Great Palestinian revolt that took place in 1936–1939, as well as the conduct of these groups during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
Treatment of avulsed immature permanent teeth in Beijing China: A retrospective comparison between 2008 and 2015
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Xin , Gong Yi
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

The diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma are developing rapidly in China. Therapeutic methods used to treat immature avulsed teeth remain a unique challenge in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the survival rate and management of avulsed teeth over two distinct periods.

Materials and Methods

Forty immature permanent avulsed teeth of 34 patients (28 boys, 6 girls) were included in this study between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 (group 1, 17 teeth), and 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 (group 2, 23 teeth). The patients’ mean age was 8.8 (range 7‐11) years. The follow‐up period ranged from 1.5 to 10 years (group 1/group 2, 1.5‐10/1.5‐3 years). Variables such as extra‐alveolar time and storage media, stage of root development, splinting type, splinting duration, endodontic treatment and management of complications were studied. The variables were analysed in relation to post‐operative pulp outcomes and periodontal healing.

Results

Pulp extirpation was performed in 36 teeth within 0‐14 weeks (mean: 1.6 + 2.0). The incidence of ankylosis‐related (replacement) resorption was 30.5% and that of infection‐related (inflammatory) resorption was 22.5%. Pulp survival rate curves differed significantly between the two periods, indicating improvement (P < .05). Splinting type had changed between the study periods to more flexible splints. The use of storage media prior to replantation had also improved. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed a cumulative survival rate of 82.5% at 3 years and 29.4% at 10 years.

Conclusion

A significant improvement was observed in the management and prognosis of avulsed teeth between 2008 and 2015.
Edaravone inhibits procaspase‐3 denitrosylation and activation through FasL‐Trx2 pathway in KA‐induced seizure
Authors: Hao Lingyun , Dong Ling , Yu Qiuxing , Shen Wen , Wei Xuewen
Published: March 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that excessive free radicals play an essential role in the initiation and progression of epilepsy and that a novel exogenous free radical scavenger edaravone (Ed) exerts some neuroprotective effects on seizure‐induced neuronal damage. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms of Ed associated with procaspase‐3 denitrosylation and activation through the FasL‐Trx2 pathway in seizures rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ed on the regulation of the combination of Fas ligand/Fas receptor and the major components of the death‐inducing signaling complex (DISC) in the hippocampus of kainic acid (KA)‐treated Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Treatment with Ed can attenuate the increased expression of FasL induced by KA and prevent procaspase‐3 denitrosylation and activation via suppression of the FasL‐Trx2 signaling pathway, which alleviates the neuronal damage in seizures. These results provide experimental evidence that Ed functions by preventing the denitrosylation and activation of procaspase‐3 and that Ed acts as a therapeutic option for epilepsy.
Mineral‐hosted biofilm communities in the continental deep subsurface, Deep Mine Microbial Observatory, SD, USA
Authors: Casar Caitlin P. , Kruger Brittany R. , Flynn Theodore M. , Masterson Andrew L. , Momper Lily M. , Osburn Magdalena R.
Published: March 2020

Deep subsurface biofilms are estimated to host the majority of prokaryotic life on Earth, yet fundamental aspects of their ecology remain unknown. An inherent difficulty in studying subsurface biofilms is that of sample acquisition. While samples from marine and terrestrial deep subsurface fluids have revealed abundant and diverse microbial life, limited work has described the corresponding biofilms on rock fracture and pore space surfaces. The recently established Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO) is a long‐term monitoring network at which we can explore the ecological role of biofilms in fluid‐filled fractures to depths of 1.5 km. We carried out in situ cultivation experiments with single minerals representative of DeMMO host rock to explore the ecological drivers of biodiversity and biomass in biofilm communities in the continental subsurface. Coupling cell densities to thermodynamic models of putative metabolic reactions with minerals suggests a metabolic relationship between biofilms and the minerals they colonize. Our findings indicate that minerals can significantly enhance biofilm cell densities and promote selective colonization by taxa putatively capable of extracellular electron transfer. In turn, minerals can drive significant differences in biodiversity between fluid and biofilm communities. Given our findings at DeMMO, we suggest that host rock mineralogy is an important ecological driver in deep continental biospheres.
H3K27me3 demethylase UTX regulates the differentiation of a subset of bipolar cells in the mouse retina
Authors: Umutoni Daisy , Iwagawa Toshiro , Baba Yukihiro , Tsuhako Asano , Honda Hiroaki , Aihara Makoto , Watanabe Sumiko
Published: March 2020

Di‐ and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me2/3) is a critical gene repression mechanism. We previously showed that down‐regulation of the H3K27 demethylase, Jumonji domain‐containing protein 3 (JMJD3), resulted in a reduced number of protein kinase C (PKC)α‐positive rod ON‐bipolar cells. In this work, we focused on the role of another H3K27 demethylase, ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat X chromosome (UTX), in retinal development. UTX was expressed in the retinal progenitor cells of the embryonic mouse retina and was observed in the inner nuclear layer during late retinal development and in the mature retina. The short hairpin RNA‐mediated knockdown of Utx in a mouse retinal explant led to a reduced number of PKCα‐positive rod ON‐bipolar cells. However, other retinal subtypes were unaffected by this knockdown. Using a retina‐specific knockout of Utx in mice, the in vivo effects of UTX down‐regulation were examined. Again, the number of PKCα‐positive rod ON‐bipolar cells was reduced, and no other apparent phenotypes, including retinal progenitor proliferation, apoptosis or differentiation, were observed. Finally, we examined retina‐specific Utx and Jmjd3 double‐knockout mice and found that although the number of rod ON‐bipolar cells was reduced, no additional effects from the loss of Utx and Jmjd3 were observed. Taken together, our data show that UTX contributes to retinal differentiation in a lineage‐specific manner.
An innovative Azadirachta indica gum‐mediated synthesis of cocoon‐shaped nano‐AgHAp from Lamellidens marginalis shells
Authors: Ponnusamy Saravanakumar , Sadhasivam Sutha , Louis Kavitha , Periasamy Manoravi , Dhanaraj Gopi
Published: March 2020

In this work, the evaluations of noble nanoparticles for the structural and morphological characteristics are focused. The control of desired particles size and morphology for hydroxyapatite (HAp) and Ag‐substituted hydroxyapatite (AgHAp) derived from Lamellidens marginalis shells using Azadirachta Indica (AI) gum as a potential surfactant for the synthesis of stable nanoparticles are reported. The morphological change with respect to the concentration of AI gum is analyzed. The functional group (FTIR) and crystallographic (XRD) characterization of the HAp and AgHAp nanoparticles confirm the presence of HAp with desired apatite functional peaks. The morphological evaluation (FE‐SEM) exhibited the formation of cocoon‐shaped nanoparticles for the AI gum‐medicated synthesis. Higher AI gum concentration reduces the particle size along with the formation of unique surface morphology. The average diameter of the synthesized AgHAp nanoparticles was found to be ≤30 nm which is revealed from HR‐TEM. The bacterial investigation against bacterial strains substantiates the higher resistance of bacterial growth for Staphylococcus aureus was observed than Escherichia coli for the AgHAp particles. Hence, embedding silver nanoparticles in the HAp is an efficient approach to enhance the long‐term antibacterial effect of the orthopedic and dental applications.
Why income lacks to ensure household food security: Needs and challenges identified by consumers from a rural community, South Africa
Authors: de Beer Hanli , Harmse Janice , Mielmann Annchen
Published: March 2020

Inadequate supply of healthy food impacts negatively on household food consumption and consumers’ well‐being. Disproportionate income distribution in South African households results in several households that lack daily consumption of adequate healthy foods and reliance on low‐cost staple foods. Households are confronted by various challenges, and reliance on highly processed staple foods is a public health concern. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the challenges and needs experienced by households with different food security statuses. A convergent mixed methods design was employed to collect data from income‐earning households. The first quantitative phase obtained data on aspects of household food security employing interviewer‐administered questionnaires while the face‐to‐face qualitative phase aimed to gain a better understanding of the challenges participants experience with food choices. The ethical aspects followed throughout the study ensured the continued safety of participants as well as the integrity of accumulated data. Households had experienced insufficient food supply to such an extent that the household was at risk of becoming food insecure or actually insecure among medium and high‐income groups. Food insecure households indicated a significantly higher consumption of food, which they do not necessarily prefer, limited portion sizes and they borrowed money to purchase food. Households in the middle‐income group applied this coping behaviour. It is thus clear that income alone is not enough to ensure food security. Participants indicated a need for budgeting and basic food knowledge. Promoting self‐production, skills and knowledge regarding basic food needs may play a significant role to support households’ food consumption and improve household food security. Future developments must aim at sustainable intervention programmes to support household food utilization and management to enhance consumers’ well‐being through education.
Density functional theory and machine learning guided search for RE2Si2O7 with targeted coefficient of thermal expansion
Authors: Ayyasamy Mukil V. , Deijkers Jeroen A. , Wadley Haydn N.G. , Balachandran Prasanna V.
Published: March 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine learning (ML) methods are used to establish a relationship between the crystal structures of rare‐earth (RE) disilicates (RE2Si2O7) and their coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The DFT total energy data predict the presence of several energetically competing crystal structures, which is rationalized as one of the reasons for observing polymorphism. An ensemble of support vector regression models is trained to rapidly predict the CTE as a function of RE2Si2O7 crystal chemistry. Experiments subsequently validated the structure and CTE predictions for Sm2Si2O7.