bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial pore-forming proteins induce non-monotonic dynamics due to lipid ejection and crowding
Authors: Ilangumaran Ponmalar Ilanila , Ayappa K. G. , Basu J. K.
Published: November 2020

Developing alternate strategies against pore forming toxin (PFT) mediated bacterial virulence factors require an understanding of the target cellular response to combat rising antimicrobial resistance. Membrane-bound protein complexes involving PFTs, released by virulent bacteria are known to form pores leading to host cell lysis. However, membrane disruption and related lipid mediated active repair processes during attack by PFTs remain largely unexplored. We report counter intuitive and non-monotonic variations in lipid diffusion, measured using confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, due to interplay of lipid ejection and crowding by membrane bound oligomers of a prototypical cholesterol dependent cytolysin, Listeriolysin O (LLO). The observed protein concentration dependent dynamical cross-over is correlated with transitions of LLO oligomeric state populations from rings to arc-like pore complexes, predicted using a proposed two-state free area based diffusion model. At low PFT concentrations, a hitherto unexplored regime of increased lipid diffusivity is attributed to lipid ejection events due to a preponderance of ring-like pore states. At higher protein concentrations where membrane inserted arc-like pores dominate, lipid ejection is less efficient and the ensuing crowding results in a lowering of lipid diffusion. These variations in lipid dynamics are corroborated by macroscopic rheological response measurements of PFT bound vesicles. Our study correlates PFT oligomeric state transitions, membrane remodelling and mechanical property variations, providing unique insights into developing strategies to combat virulent bacterial pathogens responsible for several infectious diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE

Developing alternate strategies against pore forming toxin (PFT) mediated bacterial virulence factors requires understanding target cellular responses and cellular defence strategies to combat rising antimicrobial resistant strains. While it is well understood that PFTs exist in a wide variety of oligomeric states, the underlying membrane response to these states is unexplored. Using confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and a membrane free area based model we relate non-monotonic variations in the lipid diffusivity arising from an interplay of lipid ejection events and membrane crowding due to variations in concentration of membrane bound listeriolysin O. Our observations have a direct bearing on understanding cellular defense and repair mechanisms effective during initial stages of bacterial infection and intrinsically connected to the underlying membrane fluidity.
Dengue virus protease activity modulated by dynamics of protease cofactor
Authors: Lee W H , Liu W , Fan J , Yang D
Published: November 2020

The viral protease domain (NS3pro) of dengue virus is essential for virus replication and its cofactor NS2B is indispensable for the proteolytic function. Although several NS3pro-NS2B complex structures have been obtained, the dynamic property of the complex remains poorly understood. Using NMR relaxation techniques, here we found that NS3pro-NS2B exists in both closed and open conformations which are in dynamic equilibrium on a sub-millisecond timescale in aqueous solution. Our structural information indicates that the C-terminal region of NS2B is disordered in the open conformation but folded in the closed conformation. Using mutagenesis, we showed that the closed-open conformational equilibrium can be shifted by changing NS2B stability. Moreover, we revealed that the proteolytic activity of NS3pro-NS2B correlates well with the population of the closed conformation. Our results suggest that the closed-open conformational equilibrium can be used by both nature and man to control the replication of dengue virus.

Statement of Significance

The dengue virus protease is an attractive target for drug development against dengue fever as it is essential for virus replication. However, its structure-based drug development has been unsuccessful due to the shallow substrate-binding pocket. The study presented here demonstrates for the first time that the protease activity can be reduced dramatically by shifting the closed-open conformational equilibrium of the protease in complex with its cofactor from the majority of a closed conformation to the majority of an open conformation. Moreover, our work clarifies the structure of the open conformation which has been elusive for a long time. Our results also suggest an alternative method for designing protease inhibitors based on the closed-open conformational equilibrium.
Rapid generation of potent antibodies by autonomous hypermutation in yeast
Authors: Wellner Alon , McMahon Conor , Gilman Morgan S. A. , Clements Jonathan R. , Clark Sarah , Nguyen Kianna M. , Ho Ming H. , Shin Jung-Eun , Feldman Jared , Hauser Blake M. , Caradonna Timothy M. , Wingler Laura M. , Schmidt Aaron G. , Marks Debora S. , Abraham Jonathan , Kruse Andrew C. , Liu Chang C.
Published: November 2020

The predominant approach for antibody generation remains animal immunization, which can yield exceptionally selective and potent antibody clones owing to the powerful evolutionary process of somatic hypermutation. However, animal immunization is inherently slow, has poor compatibility with certain antigens (e.g., integral membrane proteins), and suffers from self-tolerance and immunodominance, which limit the functional spectrum of antibodies that can be obtained. Here, we describeAutonomousHypermutation yEast surfAceDisplay (AHEAD), a synthetic recombinant antibody generation technology that imitates somatic hypermutation inside engineered yeast. In AHEAD, antibody fragments are encoded on an error-prone orthogonal DNA replication system, resulting inSaccharomyces cerevisiaepopulations that continuously mutate surface-displayed antibody repertoires. Simple cycles of yeast culturing and enrichment for antigen binding drive the evolution of high-affinity antibody clones in a readily parallelizable process that takes as little as 2 weeks. We applied AHEAD to generate nanobodies against the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein, a GPCR, and other targets. The SARS-CoV-2 nanobodies, concurrently evolved from an open-source naïve nanobody library in 8 independent experiments, reached subnanomolar affinities through the sequential fixation of multiple mutations over 3-8 AHEAD cycles that saw ∼580-fold and ∼925-fold improvements in binding affinities and pseudovirus neutralization potencies, respectively. These experiments highlight the defining speed, parallelizability, and effectiveness of AHEAD and provide a template for streamlined antibody generation at large with salient utility in rapid response to current and future viral outbreaks.
DUSP11-mediated control of 5′-triphosphate RNA regulates RIG-I sensitivity
Authors: Choi Joon H. , Burke James M. , Szymanik Kayla H. , Nepal Upasana , Battenhouse Anna , Lau Justin T. , Stark Aaron , Lam Victor , Sullivan Christopher S.
Published: November 2020

Deciphering the mechanisms that regulate the sensitivity of pathogen recognition receptors is imperative to understanding infection and inflammation. Here we demonstrate that the RNA triphosphatase dual-specificity phosphatase 11 (DUSP11) acts on both host and virus-derived 5′-triphosphate RNAs rendering them less active in inducing a RIG-I-mediated immune response. Reducing DUSP11 levels alters host triphosphate RNA packaged in extracellular vesicles and induces enhanced RIG-I activation in cells exposed to extracellular vesicles. Virus infection of cells lacking DUSP11 results in a higher proportion of triphosphorylated viral transcripts and attenuated virus replication, which is rescued by reducing RIG-I expression. Consistent with the activity of DUSP11 in the cellular RIG-I response, mice lacking DUSP11 display lower viral loads, greater sensitivity to triphosphorylated RNA, and a signature of enhanced interferon activity in select tissues. Our results reveal the importance of controlling 5′-triphosphate RNA levels to prevent aberrant RIG-I signaling and demonstrate DUSP11 as a key effector of this mechanism.
Development of specialized sensory neurons engages a nuclear receptor required for functional plasticity
Authors: Rossillo Mary , Ringstad Niels
Published: November 2020

During development, the nervous system generates neurons that serve highly specialized roles and, accordingly, possess unique functional attributes. The chemosensory BAG neurons of C. elegans are striking exemplars of this. BAGs sense the respiratory gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and, in a context-dependent manner, switch from mediating avoidance of CO2 to supporting CO2 attraction. To determine mechanisms that support the physiology and plasticity of BAG neurons, we used tandem ChIP-seq and cell targeted RNA-seq to identify gene targets of the transcription factor ETS-5, which is required for BAG development. A functional screen of ETS-5 targets revealed that NHR-6, the sole C. elegans NR4A-type nuclear receptor, is required for BAG-mediated avoidance of CO2 and regulates expression of a subset of BAG-specific genes. Unlike ets-5 mutants, which are defective for both attraction to and avoidance of CO2, nhr-6 mutants are fully competent for attraction. These data indicate that the remarkable ability of BAGs to adaptively assign positive or negative valence to a chemosensory stimulus requires a gene-regulatory program supported by an evolutionarily conserved type of nuclear receptor. We suggest that NHR-6 might be an example of a developmental mechanism for modular encoding of functional plasticity in the nervous system.
Straight eye for the queer ad: attitudes, skepticism, inferences of manipulative intent and willingness to buy
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Teah Min , Lee Sean , Davies Zachary
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide a conceptual framework to investigate the effects of consumer attitudes toward brands and attitudes toward a series of fashion oriented print advertisements with and without homosexual themes, on consumer willingness to buy from brands. The influence of consumer skepticism and inferences of manipulative intent (IMI) as moderators between these variables is also investigated. This study also closes various research gaps identified within the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey instrument was designed using established scales to collect data through an online questionnaire. Fashion advertisements namely one advertisement representing homosexual content and one heterosexual advertisement were used in the study within subjects (e.g. male and female) design. Statistical techniques, specifically factor analysis, regressions and multiple regressions are used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings indicate significant and positive relationships between attitude toward the brand and advertisement as well as willingness to buy for both males and females. The moderation analyses noted that consumer skepticism enhanced the relationship between attitude toward the brand and attitude toward the advertisement, but weakened the relationship between attitude toward the advertisement and willingness to buy, only for the female cohort. Similarly, a weakening effect of IMI was noted on the relationship between attitude toward the advertisement and willingness to buy.

Research limitations/implications

The current study contributes to the literature on homosexual imagery in advertising. In applying the persuasion knowledge model, the current study demonstrates the applicability of the model to homosexual themes in fashion advertising while accounting for the effects of consumer skepticism and IMI.

Practical implications

The current research highlights the importance of accounting for gender differences when introducing homosexual themes in fashion advertisements. Heterosexual males and females differ in their attitudes toward homosexual themes in fashion advertising, as well as how skeptical they are with regards to the motives of the advertiser. While a great deal of acceptance is already present in today's society, these differences still need to be accounted for in future fashion advertising campaigns.

Originality/value

The present study represents an examination of consumer responses to a series of fashion advertisements in Australia and provides useful implications to marketers of fashion products. The study further contributes to the literature on consumer skepticism and IMI with regards to cause-related advertising.
Consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods
Authors: Fozouni Ardekani Zahra , Akbari Morteza , Pino Giovanni , Zúñiga Miguel Ángel , Azadi Hossein
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study investigates consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods (GM) and the role of innovation and behavioral determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

A new integrated model that expands the Health Belief Model (HBM) into the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) was developed and examined. A total of 241 consumers were selected from the capital of Iran, Tehran, through a multistage random sampling. The data were analyzed using SEM-PLS modeling.

Findings

The extended HBM model was able to predict about 84% of the variance changes in consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods. The effects of net benefit and perceived compatibility on the willingness were also significant. In addition, the mediating effect of compatibility on the relationship between net benefit/self-efficacy and willingness to adopt GM foods was also significant.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by developing the HBM into the IDT to assess consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods.
The model of evidence-based benchmarking: a more robust approach to benchmarking
Authors: Kulikowski Konrad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to propose the evidence-based benchmarking model that bridges standard benchmarking practices with evidence-based management (EBMgt) principles and lessens tensions between two opposite views of benchmarking as a useful management tool vs a management hype and fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on the critical reasoning, analysis and integration of so far largely separated research fields of benchmarking and EBMgt. The author employs a method of conceptual model building to identify connections between standard benchmarking model and EBMgt practices and to explain how a sequence of benchmarking events supplemented by EBMgt principles might lead to more reliable managerial decision-making.

Findings

The author argues that although there are no common benchmarking procedures, it is possible to identify a standard benchmarking model that resonates in most contemporary benchmarking procedures and consists of four main phases: plan, do, check and act (PDCA). The author integrated this standard model with EBMgt practices of searching for evidence in four sources of information and a six-step critical thinking process to put forward the model of evidence-based benchmarking.

Originality/value

The proposed model is a novel, comprehensive framework that puts together so far incompatible practices of benchmarking and EBMgt. The model clears up existing conceptual confusions around “casual” benchmarking and advances contemporary understanding of benchmarking practices. The model of evidence-based benchmarking might act as a practical, heuristic tool improving the quality of the managerial decisions and thus positively influencing the bottom line of business performance.
Multidimensional research on agrometeorological disasters based on grey BP neural network
Authors: Li Bingjun , Zhang Shuhua
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study to provide a reference basis for effectively managing the risk of agrometeorological disasters in Henan Province, speeding up the establishment of a scientific and reasonable system of agrometeorological disasters prevention and reduction and guaranteeing grain security.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, according to the statistical data of areas covered by natural disaster, areas affected by natural disaster, sown area of grain crops and output of grain crops from 1979 to 2018 in Henan Province, China. We have constructed an agrometeorological disaster risk assessment system for Henan province, China, which is composed of indicators such as rate covered by natural disaster, rate affected by natural disaster, disaster coefficient of variation and disaster vulnerability. The variation characteristics of agrometeorological disasters in Henan Province and their effects on agricultural production are analyzed. Secondly, the grey relational analysis method is used to analyze the relation degree between the main agrometeorological disaster factors and the output of grain crops of Henan Province. Based on the grey BP neural network, the rate covered by various natural disaster and the rate affected by various natural disaster are simulated and predicted.

Findings

The results show that: (1) the freeze injury in the study period has a greater contingency, the intensity of the disaster is also greater, followed by floods. Droughts, windstorm and hail are Henan Province normal disasters. (2) According to the degree of disaster vulnerability, the ability to resist agricultural disasters in Henan Province is weak. (3) During the study period, drought and flood are the key agrometeorological disasters affecting the grain output of Henan Province, China.

Practical implications

The systematic analysis and evaluation of agrometeorological disasters are conducive to the sustainable development of agriculture, and at the same time, it can provide appropriate and effective measures for the assessment and reduction of economic losses and risks.

Originality/value

By calculating and analyzing the rate covered by natural disaster, the rate affected by natural disaster, disaster coefficient of variation and disaster vulnerability of crops in Henan Province of China and using grey BP neural network simulation projections for the rate covered by various natural disaster and the rate affected by various natural disaster, the risk assessment system of agrometeorological disasters in Henan is constructed, which provides a scientific basis for systematic analysis and evaluation of agrometeorological disasters.
Insider action research towards companywide sustainable product innovation: ecodesign transition framework
Authors: Brones Fabien , Zancul Eduardo , Carvalho Marly M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study discusses the application of Insider Action Research to the systematic integration of an environmental perspective into industrial product innovation processes and projects. Applying Insider Action Research, it aims at a broader integration between top-down and bottom-up and soft and hard perspectives in the intersection of ecodesign and innovation and project management disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on action research and specificities from Insider Action Research to capture the change and transition aspects involving two main action research cycles. The longitudinal five-year research was carried out within a Brazilian cosmetics company. The outcomes of these cycles are analysed including customisation of ecodesign tools and related application, and views of different stakeholders of the challenge for the transition.

Findings

This paper describes an action research application aiming at faster learning loops in the field of sustainable innovation management. As a second contribution, an Ecodesign Transition Framework (ETF) is proposed, combining both technical and soft sides. The proposed framework is structured in three levels (strategic, tactical and operational), with two complementary perspectives of a mature ecodesign pattern and a transition pathway.

Practical implications

The action research led to the intended outcomes both on the applied side, with increased diffusion of ecodesign in the company, and on the research side, with the ETF formulation and application. Practitioners interested in sustainable innovation can follow the ETF procedures, challenges faced, lessons learnt and conclusions.

Originality/value

The Insider Action Research addressed the literature gap to better relate the recommendations in the field to business reality. The resulting ETF brings a novel perspective for integrating environmental considerations in the product innovation process of a company. It organises the soft issues to be considered for the necessary transition towards such integration, consolidating and advancing previous theoretical views of ecodesign, with associated new practical implications.
Abandonment of mergers and acquisitions: a review and research agenda
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Sengupta Keya
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a broad understanding of the pre-completion stage and subsequent abandonment of mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 117 peer-reviewed, English language articles published in scholarly journals were considered in the review. The approach includes a descriptive evaluation of the literature, coupled with content analysis. The paper uses both positivist and constructivist approaches to qualitative research. The analysis is conducted with the help of R programming and Gephi visualization software. The authors organize the work around the event of outcome/closure of deal proposal.

Findings

It is found that earlier studies sampled on domestic M&As in developed economies (DEs). However, the interest of scholars has increased in cross-border deals and emerging economies (EEs) in the last decade. Various factors interact and facilitate the completion/abandonment of good and bad deals. The authors find that complex non-linear relationships exist, and there is a need for studies with other classification techniques focusing on predictive accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review is limited to articles available to the researcher using search terms related to M&A completion/termination. The databases accessed were: ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science. However, backward snowballing was performed to avoid the omission of relevant articles.

Originality/value

The findings and subsequent discussions familiarize researchers and practitioners with an overview of research undertaken in the field of M&A abandonment. The authors find voids within the literature and suggest future research agendas.
Information technology and marketing: an important partnership for decades
Authors: Graesch Jan Philipp , Hensel-Börner Susanne , Henseler Jörg
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The enabling technologies that emerged from information technology (IT) have had a considerable influence upon the development of marketing tools, and marketing has become digitalized by adopting these technologies over time. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impacts of these enabling technologies on marketing tools in the past and present and to demonstrate their potential future. Furthermore, it provides guidance about the digital transformation occurring in marketing and the need to align of marketing and IT.

Design/methodology/approach

This study demonstrates the impact of enabling technologies on the subsequent marketing tools developed through a content analysis of information systems and marketing conference proceedings. It offers a fresh look at marketing's digital transformation over the last 40 years. Moreover, it initially applies the findings to a general digital transformation model from another field to verify its presence in marketing.

Findings

This paper identifies four eras within the digital marketing evolution and reveals insights into a potential fifth era. This chronological structure verifies the impact of IT on marketing tools and accordingly the digital transformation within marketing. IT has made digital marketing tools possible in all four digital transformation levers: automation, customer interaction, connectivity and data.

Practical implications

The sequencing of enabling technologies and subsequent marketing tools demonstrates the need to align marketing and IT to design new marketing tools that can be applied to customer interactions and be used to foster marketing control.

Originality/value

This study is the first to apply the digital transformation levers, namely, automation, customer interaction, connectivity and data, to the marketing discipline and contribute new insights by demonstrating the chronological development of digital transformation in marketing.
Leverage and performance: do size and crisis matter?
Authors: Danso Albert , Lartey Theophilus A. , Gyimah Daniel , Adu-Ameyaw Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper contributes to the capital structure literature by examining the impact of financial leverage on firm performance and also the extent to which firm size and crisis matter in the leverage -performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 2403 Indian firms during the period 1995–2014, generating a total of 19,544 firm-year observations, panel econometric methods are employed to test the leverage-performance relationship.

Findings

Drawing insights from agency theory and using Tobin's Q (TQ) as our main measure of performance, the authors uncover that financial leverage is negatively and significantly related to firm performance. The authors also observe that the impact of financial leverage on firm performance is lower for smaller firms than larger ones. Finally, the authors show that the 2007/08 financial crisis had no significant impact on the relationship between financial leverage and firm performance.

Originality/value

The paper provides fresh evidence on the impact of leverage on performance, particularly from the Indian context. This study is also among the first studies to examine the role of firm size and financial crisis in the leverage-performance relationship.
Influence of laser parameters and Ti content on the surface morphology of L-PBF fabricated Titania
Authors: Ullah Abid , Wu HengAn , Ur Rehman Asif , Zhu YinBo , Liu Tingting , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to eliminate Part defects and enrich additive manufacturing of ceramics. Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) experiments were carried to investigate the effects of laser parameters and selective oxidation of Titanium (mixed with TiO2) on the microstructure, surface quality and melting state of Titania. The causes of several L-PBF parts defects were thoroughly analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser power and scanning speed were varied within a specific range (50–125 W and 170–200 mm/s, respectively). Furthermore, varying loads of Ti (1%, 3%, 5% and 15%) were mixed with TiO2, which was selectively oxidized with laser beam in the presence of oxygen environment.

Findings

Part defects such as cracks, pores and uneven grains growth were widely reduced in TiO2L-PBF specimens. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed shown significant improvements in the surface morphology of TiO2ceramics. The amount of Ti material was fully melted and simultaneously changed into TiO2by the application of the laser beam. The selective oxidation of Ti material also improved the melting condition, microstructure and surface quality of the specimens.

Originality/value

TiO2ceramic specimens were produced through L-PBF process. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed is an effective way to sufficiently melt the powders and reduce parts defects. Selective oxidation of Ti by a high power laser beam approach was used to improve the manufacturability of TiO2specimens.
A unifying, eco‐physiological framework for animal dormancy
Authors: Wilsterman Kathryn , Ballinger Mallory A. , Williams Caroline M.
Published: November 2020

Various animals across the tree of life express some form of programmed dormancy (e.g. hibernation, diapause) to maximize fitness in highly seasonal environments. The integrated phenotype of animals undergoing programmed dormancy is strikingly similar among diverse groups; however, research on programmed dormancy has historically been phylogenetically siloed. A broad comparative approach could clarify new angles for answering fundamental questions about programmed dormancy evolution.

To advance this approach, we present a cross‐taxonomic framework describing dimensions that distinguish animal dormancies and provide a set of core traits that animals regulate as they progress through the eco‐physiological phases of deep, programmed dormancy.

We use this universal framework to explore the ultimate drivers and evolutionary consequences of dormancy across the tree of life. Deep, programmed dormancy appears to be a predictable and repeated adaptation to highly seasonal environments that draws on a conserved suite of ancestral traits. We highlight evidence for molecular convergence in signalling pathways coordinating environmental sensing and energy metabolism in the insect and mammal lineages, separated by 700 million years of evolution and representing independent colonizations of highly seasonal environments.

Lastly, we discuss the utility of this new framework and highlight opportunities and challenges for researchers to continue advancing our understanding of dormancy through a broad, comparative lens.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Tectonic Evolution of Neotethys Ocean: Evidence of Ophiolites and Ocean Plate Stratigraphy from the Northern and Southern belts in the Western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, Tibet
Authors: LIU Fei , YANG Jingsui , LIAN Dongyang , NIU Xiaolu , FENG Guangying
Published: November 2020

The Yarlung Zangbo suture zone (YZSZ) separates Indian plate and its northern passive margin units to the south from Eurasian plate and its active continental margin units of Xigaze forearc basin and Gangdese batholith to the north (Xu et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2015). The western YZSZ in southern Tibet is divided by the Zhongba terrane into the northern belt (NB) and southern belt (SB). Ophiolites in the NB are dismembered as ophiolitic mélanges. Peridotite, cumulated gabbro, ocean plate stratigraphy (OPS) of seamount remnants and pelagic‐hemipelagic sequence as blocks in serpentinite matrix are mainly observed, from west to east, in Dajiweng, Baer, Kazhan, Cuobuzha, Zhalai, Gongzhu. Ophiolites in the SB are absent ophiolitic units of sheeted dikes and MORB‐like pillow lavas, occur as much larger peridotite massifs (i.e., Dongbo, 400 km2; Purang, 650 km2; Xiugugabu, 700 km2; Dangqiong, 300 km2) which are intruded by mafic dike swarms and overlain by volcanic sedimentary OPS (Liu et al., 2018). We propose that the SB mafic–ultramafic rocks and volcanic sedimentary OPS represent fragments of an early Cretaceous continental margin ophiolite whose magmatic evolution was influenced by 140–137 Ma plume magmatism (Liu et al., 2015; Zheng et al., 2019). Relics of Late Paleocene to very Early Eocene deep‐marine basin were developed in Saga and Gyirong (Ding, 2003; Li et al., 2018). In contract, the NB ophiolitic mélanges report a travel log of an oceanic plate ranging from Middle Triassic to Early Cretaceous.
A New Understanding on the Emplacement of Ophiolitic Mélanges and Its Tectonic Significance: Insights from the Structural Analysis of the Remnant Oceanic Basin‐Type Ophiolitic Mélanges
Authors: WANG Guocan , ZHANG Pan
Published: November 2020

Ophiolites represent on‐land fragments of paleo‐oceanic crust and have been recognized as one of the key markers of suture zones. Here, we provide new insights into the emplacement of ophiolitic mélanges based on detailed geological mapping and structural analysis in the West Junggar and Songpan‐Ganzi‐Bayan Har orogens (Fig.1 and Fig.2). The results show that some ophiolitic mélange belts cannot be regarded as suture zones. The distribution of these ophiolitic mélange belts are usually associated with the structural processes during the closure of remnant oceanic basins. After the remnant‐oceanic basin is filled with thick clastic deposit, the oceanic lithosphere material as the base of the remnant basin can be injected into the overlying sedimentary strata through various faultings under the regional compressive stress, forming the remnant oceanic basin‐type ophiolitic mélange system with dispersive distribution characteristics. Combining with previous researches, the emplacement mechanism of ophiolitic mélanges can be divided into four categories: subduction type which oceanic lithosphere subducted beneath active continental margin, obduction type which oceanic lithosphere obducted over passive continental margin, collision type between two continental lithospheres, and closure type of remnant‐oceanic basin (Fig.3). These different types of ophiolitic mélange belts will be superimposed and even re‐emplacement by the tectonic processes of post‐plate convergence, complicating their distribution. Therefore, identifying the emplacement mechanism type of ophiolitic mélange belts formed in different tectonic processes and backgrounds is of importance for understanding the process of ocean‐continental transition and the evolution of orogenic belts.
Multiple Deformation in the Northeastern Alxa Block: Implications for the Southern Central Asian Orogeny and Its Subsequent Intraplate Evolution
Authors: ZHANG Jin , QU Junfeng , ZHANG Beihang , ZHAO Heng , ZHENG Rongguo
Published: November 2020

As an important tectonic unit in the middle part of the southern Central Asian Orogeny, the Alxa Block was affected by multiple deformational events occurring in the Central Asian tectonic regime during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. The record of deformation in the Alxa Block represents the entire evolutionary process from a continental margin to an intraplate setting. In the Langshan region of the northeastern Alxa Block, four important Paleozoic‐early Mesozoic deformation events have been distinguished: (1) nearly north‐south‐striking ductile thrusting along the eastern Alxa Block in the Late Devonian; (2) nearly east‐west‐trending brittle top‐to‐the‐south thrusting in the Mid‐Late Permian; (3) nearly east‐west‐trending initially ductile then brittle dextral transtension with 30–40 km of displacement in the Late Permian; and (4) northeast‐trending ductile sinistral shearing with 120–125 km of displacement in the Mid‐Late Triassic. The ductile thrusting in the Late Devonian may have resulted from the interaction between the North China Craton and the Alxa Black, which was a peri‐eastern Gondwana block. Parallel east‐west‐trending thrusts and related folds formed in the Neoproterozoic Langshan Group due to the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean in the Mid‐Late Permian. The Late Permian east‐west‐trending and dextrally ductile transtension may have resulted from intraplate adjustment after the Central Asian Orogeny and the formation of the Ural Orogenic Belt to the west; this shear zone may have been part of a huge ductile tectonic belt developed along the whole southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). During the Early Triassic, the subduction of oceanic crust along the southern central CAOB terminated then the eastern Alxa Block was affected by the collision between the North China Craton and the Yangtze Craton to the south. Since the late Mesozoic, the Langshan region has experienced another five important deformation events, which were all far‐field tectonic effects related to plate margin tectonic activities (e.g., the closure of the Mongolian‐Okhotsk Ocean, the collision between the Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks and the India‐Eurasia collision). The large‐scale brittle and ductile strike‐slip faults in the northeastern Alxa Block all formed in intraplate settings since the late Paleozoic in response to the collisional orogenies occurring along the plate margins or the intraplate adjustment following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean.
Comparative evaluation of pulpal repair after direct pulp capping using stem cell therapy and biodentine: An animal study
Authors: Amin Laila E. , Montaser Marmar
Published: November 2020

The response of the dentin–pulp complex in rat teeth was investigated after direct capping with biodentine with or without bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMDSCs). Following mechanical exposure, pulps were randomly capped with one of the followings materials: calcium hydroxide, biodentine or 1 × 105 BMDSCs mL−1 + biodentine. Histological examination was performed by light microscopy after 1, 3 and 5 weeks. Inflammatory reaction, necrotic tissue formation and calcific bridge formation were scored. Analysis showed that compared with the effects of calcium hydroxide or biodentine, BMDSCs + biodentine substantially reduced inflammatory reaction and necrotic tissue while promoting calcified tissue formation. Therefore, the combination of biodentine and BMDSCs could potentially stimulate pulp tissue regeneration after direct pulp capping.
Pseudogene KRT17P3 drives cisplatin resistance of human NSCLC cells by modulating miR‐497‐5p/mTOR
Authors: Hou Zhibo , Wang Yi , Xia Ning , Lv Tangfeng , Yuan Xiaoqin , Song Yong
Published: November 2020

Chemoresistance is a major obstacle in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The pseudogene keratin 17 pseudogene 3 (KRT17P3) has been previously shown to be upregulated in lung cancer tissues of patients with cisplatin resistance. In the present study, RT‐qPCR was performed to evaluate KRT17P3 levels in plasma samples collected from 30 cisplatin‐resistant and 32 cisplatin‐sensitive patients. We found that the plasma level of KRT17P3 is upregulated in cisplatin‐resistant patients, and the increased expression of plasma KRT17P3 is associated with poor chemotherapy response. Functional studies demonstrated that KRT17P3 overexpression in cultured NSCLC cells increases cell viability and decreases apoptosis upon cisplatin treatment in vitro and in vivo, while KRT17P3 knockdown has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRT17P3 acts as a molecular sponge for miR‐497‐5p and relieves the binding of miR‐497‐5p to its target gene mTOR. Rescue experiments validated the functional interaction between KRT17P3, miR‐497‐5p, and mTOR. Taken together, our findings indicate that KRT17P3/miR‐497‐5p/mTOR regulates the chemosensitivity of NSCLC, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC patients. KRT17P3 may be a potential peripheral blood marker of NSCLC patients resistant to cisplatin.
Survival analysis of adhesive reattachments in permanent teeth with crown fractures after dental trauma
Authors: Bissinger Ricarda , Müller Daniel David , Hickel Reinhard , Kühnisch Jan
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim

When patients have saved tooth fragments in case of crown fractures, reattachment is considered as the treatment of choice. With respect to the need to provide clinical outcome data regarding adhesively reattached fragments, the aim of this practice‐based clinical study was to evaluate the survival of reattached fragments after crown fractures in permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods

Records from patients treated at Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University between 2004 and 2017 were analyzed to collect clinical and radiographic data regarding the management of fractured teeth that were treated with an adhesive reattachment. The study population consisted of 109 patients comprising 135 reattached fragments divided into uncomplicated (N = 84/135) and complicated (N = 51/135) crown fractures. The Kaplan‐Meier Survival estimator was used to estimate the survival probability of primary reattachments after uncomplicated and complicated crown fractures.

Results

Overall, 77.4% (N = 65/84) and 66.6% (N = 34/51) of the primarily applied reattachments in uncomplicated fractured teeth and complicated fractured teeth, respectively, survived over the period of observation. The survival rate for adhesive reattachment in all teeth was 84.4% (N = 114/135) after 608.2 days (±983.1 days). The data further suggest that in the case of a detachment, repeated reattachment might be a valuable restoration strategy.

Conclusions

Adhesive reattachment is a good first‐choice treatment option in cases of crown fractures when the fractured fragment has been saved.
Evaluating the knowledge level, attitudes, and therapeutic approaches of Greek dentists for traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Tzanetakis Giorgos N. , Tzimpoulas Nestor , Markou Maria , Papanakou Styliani I. , Gizani Sotiria , Georgopoulou Maria
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim

Greek dentists are facing a new era of a globally continuous effort to improve the first‐aid management and long‐term treatment outcome of traumatic dental injuries (TDI). In Greece, where the basic and clinical research in the field of dental trauma has been limited until recently, assessing the attitudes and therapeutic strategies of Greek dentists for dental trauma is of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge attitudes and therapeutic approaches of Greek dentists in different clinical scenarios of TDI.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 448 dentists. A questionnaire‐based survey of demographic characteristics, attitudes, and a scenario‐based knowledge test, of TDI, which was used to formulate a “Dental Trauma Knowledge Score” with a 0‐8 score range, was administered. Mann‐Whitney U tests (for two categories variables) and Kruskal‐Wallis tests (for more than two categories variables) were performed.

Results

The median knowledge score was 5.0 (IQR: 4‐7), a level considered as “Acceptable.” Knowledge scores were found to significantly differ by age group, with the younger dentists presenting the highest scores. Dentists with a self‐evaluation as “Acceptable” had significantly higher scores. Most of the dentists would refer for CBCT in severe trauma cases. A significant association was found between younger ages and on awareness of the mobile application ToothSOS. Female dentists had significantly higher scores compared to males when asked about avulsion management.

Conclusion

An acceptable level of knowledge on TDI management was revealed among dentists in Greece. Higher knowledge scores were observed among younger dentists.
Nesting microhabitat use and hybridisation of endemic Bartram's Bass in Savannah River tributaries
Authors: Judson Emily , Darden Tanya L. , Farrae Daniel , Leitner Jean , Peoples Brandon K.
Published: November 2020

Bartram's Bass Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae is a rare black bass endemic to the Savannah River of the south‐eastern United States and is threatened by habitat degradation and hybridisation with nonnative Alabama Bass Micropterus henshalli. While Bartram's Bass has been functionally extirpated from reservoirs, some populations persist in tributaries. Understanding the mechanisms affecting hybridisation in streams will help to inform conservation. Our objectives were to (a) compare spawning microhabitat use of Bartram's Bass between pure and hybridised individuals, (b) infer pure and hybridised spawning based on assessment of young‐of‐year (YOY) individuals, and (c) compare abiotic variables between sites where pure YOY Bartram's Bass were collected and where they were not collected. We snorkelled 27 sites in 2017 and 2018, recording microhabitat variables at each nest and at randomly selected paired locations. We then electrofished for YOY bass later in the summer. We found that Bartram's Bass selected for slower current velocities but not depths when spawning. Bartram's Bass nested on a variety of substrates associated with slow current velocity. Microhabitat variables did not differ between nests with pure individuals and those with hybrids; differences in tributary spawning habitat use are not likely to prevent hybridisation. We found widespread hybridisation in tributaries across the basin. Compared with sites where hybrid YOY were detected, sites with pure Bartram's Bass were in watersheds and local catchments that were more forested and less developed, and were higher in elevation with steeper gradients. Maintaining habitat integrity in locations where pure populations remain may help protect this rare species.
Effect of direct metal laser sintering build parameters on defects and ultrasonic fatigue performance of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg
Authors: Rhein Robert K. , Shi Qianying , Arjun Tekalur Srinivasan , Wayne Jones J. , Carroll Jason W.
Published: November 2020

The high cycle fatigue behaviour of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg is evaluated using ultrasonic fatigue as a means to accelerate fatigue testing. Build parameters during the additive manufacturing process are varied, and their effect on defect type, size, and distribution is determined. These defects are further found to influence fatigue behaviour, which is analysed using a Murakami
model. Finally, the ultrasonic fatigue test results are interpreted in the context of applied stress intensity factor and an optimized fatigue limit fit. Two different kinds of physical behaviour, representing Murakami dependence and a long crack regime, are found to better correlate the fatigue life behaviour than the Murakami model alone. With this information, we can tailor defect size, type and distribution, within the context of an optimized processing route, to obtain necessary high cycle fatigue properties.
Biomass production and nutritional characteristics of quinoa subjected to cutting and sowing date in the midwestern China
Authors: Liu Minguo , Yang Mei , Yang Huimin
Published: November 2020

There is an increasing demand for forage supply to feed domestic animals with the rapid development of livestock husbandry. In adverse environments where plant growth is largely restricted, new forage crops are urgently needed to provide other forage source. Quinoa has a strong potential to be a forage crop in the midwestern China. We explored the responses of quinoa to sowing and cutting date to assess its potential as a forage crop. Cutting treatments with four cutting dates were designed as cutting at bud formation, 15 days after bud formation, flowering and grain filling stages at Zhangye and Qingyang sites. For sowing date test, sowing of quinoa was performed on April 11 (Sap), June 10 (Sju) and August 11 (Sau) at Qingyang site. Dry matter yield, plant height and nutrient status under different treatments were measured. Total dry matter yield was about 7.0 t/ha at flowering stage, which was greater than those cutting at other stages and crude protein content was 16.0%. After cutting, nutrition status of quinoa tended to be improved, but the total biomass decreased significantly except that there was equaling biomass yield at Zhangye site when cutting was performed at 15 days after bud formation. Early sowing increased plant height (for Sap: 138 and 145 cm at flowering and maturity; for Sju: 119 and 113 cm) and biomass yield (7,402 kg/ha for Sap and 4,360 kg/ha for Sju at maturity), with little influence on the nutritional status of quinoa. It is suggested that quinoa has a great potential to be used as a forage crop in the midwestern China. In the practice, early sowing and cutting in late June are recommended to produce forage quinoa in these areas.