bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pex11β knockdown decreases peroxisome abundance and reverses the inhibitory effect of palmitate on pancreatic beta-cell function
Authors: Blair Helen R , Tomas Cara , Brown Audrey E , Miwa Satomi , Health Alan , Russell Alison , Ginkel Michael-van , Gunn David , Walker Mark 
Published: April 2020

AimsReactive oxygen species generated by the peroxisomes and mitochondria contribute to lipotoxicity in pancreatic beta-cells. Through targetedPex11β knockdown and peroxisome depletion, our aim was to investigate the specific contribution of peroxisomes to palmitate mediated pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction.MethodsMIN6 cells were transfected with probes targeted againstPex11β, a regulator of peroxisome abundance, or with scrambled control probes. Peroxisome abundance was measured by PMP-70 protein expression. 48hrs post transfection, cells were incubated with or without 250μM palmitate for a further 48hrs before measurement of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial respiratory function, and glucose stimulated insulin secretion.ResultsPex11β knockdown decreased target gene expression by more than 80% compared with the scrambled control (P<0.001), leading to decreased PMP-70 expression (p<0.01).Pex11β knockdown decreased palmitate mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (P<0.001), but with no effect on mitochondrial respiratory function. At 25mM glucose, palmitate treatment decreased insulin secretion in the control cells (2.54±0.25 vs 7.07±0.83 [mean±SEM] ng/hr/μg protein; P<0.001), with a similar pattern in thePex11β knockdown cells. However, in the presence of palmitate, insulin secretion was significantly higher in thePex11β knockdown versus control cells (4.04±0.46 vs 2.54±0.25 ng/hr/μg protein; p<0.05).ConclusionPex11β knockdown decreased peroxisome abundance, decreased palmitate mediated ROS generation, and reversed the inhibitory effect of palmitate on insulin secretion. These findings highlight a specific and independent role for peroxisomes in pancreatic beta-cell lipotoxicity.
UltraPrep is a scalable, cost-effective, bead-based method for purifying cell free DNA
Authors: Raymond Christopher K. , Raymond Fenella C. , Hill Kay 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUltraPrep is an open-source, two-step method for purification of cell-free DNA that entails extraction of total DNA followed by size-selective enrichment of the smaller fragments that are characteristic of DNA originating from fragmentation between nucleosome. The advantages of the method are that it can easily accommodate a wide range of sample input volumes, it relies on simple, magnetic bead-based technology, the yields of cfDNA are directly comparable to the most popular methods for cfDNA purification, and it dramatically reduces the cost of cfDNA isolation relative to currently available commercial methods. We provide a framework for physical and molecular quality analysis of purified cfDNA and demonstrate that the cfDNA generated by UltraPrep meets or exceeds the quality metrics of the most commonly used procedure. Our method removes high molecular weight genomic DNA that can interfere with downstream assay results, thereby addressing one of the primary concerns for preanalytical collection of blood samples.
Multi-trait regressor stacking increased genomic prediction accuracy of sorghum grain composition
Authors: Sapkota Sirjan , Boatwright Jon Lucas , Jordan Kathleen , Boyles Richard , Kresovich Stephen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCereal grains, primarily composed of starch, protein, and fat, are major source of staple for human and animal nutrition. Sorghum, a cereal crop, serves as a dietary staple for over half a billion people in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and South Asia. Genomic prediction has enabled plant breeders to estimate breeding values of unobserved genotypes and environments. Therefore, the use of genomic prediction will be extremely valuable for compositional traits for which phenotyping is labor-intensive and destructive for most accurate results. We studied the potential of Bayesian multi-output regressor stacking (BMORS) model in improving prediction performance over single trait single environment (STSE) models using a grain sorghum diversity panel (GSDP) and a biparental recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population. A total of five highly correlated grain composition traits: amylose, fat, gross energy, protein and starch, with genomic heritability ranging from 0.24 to 0.59 in the GSDP and 0.69 to 0.83 in the RILs were studied. Average prediction accuracies from the STSE model were within a range of 0.4 to 0.6 for all traits across both populations except amylose (0.25) in the GSDP. Prediction accuracy for BMORS increased by 41% and 32% on average over STSE in the GSDP and RILs, respectively. Predicting whole environments by training with remaining environments in BMORS yielded higher average prediction accuracy than from STSE model. Our results show regression stacking methods such as BMORS have potential to accurately predict unobserved individuals and environments, and implementation of such models can accelerate genetic gain.
Paxillin Promotes ATP-induced Activation of P2X7 Receptor and NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Wang Wenbiao , Hu Dingwen , Feng Yuqian , Wu Caifeng , Song Yunting , Liu Weiyong , Li Aixin , Wang Yingchong , Chen Keli , Tian Mingfu , Xiao Feng , Zhang Qi , Chen Weijie , Pan Pan , Wan Pin , Liu Yingle , Wu Kailang , Wu Jianguo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe stimulation of P2X7 receptor by extracellular ATP leads to activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we reveal a distinct mechanism by which Paxillin promotes ATP-induced activation of P2X7 receptor and NLRP3 inflammasome. Extracellular ATP induces Paxillin phosphorylation and facilitates Paxillin-NLRP3 interaction. Interestingly, Paxillin enhances NLRP3 deubiquitination and activates NLRP3 inflammasome upon ATP treatment and K+efflux. Moreover, we reveal that UPS13 is a key enzyme for Paxillin-mediated NLRP3 deubiquitination upon ATP treatment. Notably, extracellular ATP promotes Paxillin and NLRP3 migration from cytosol to plasma membrane and facilitates P2X7-Paxillin interaction and Paxillin-NLRP3 association, resulting in the formation of P2X7-Paxillin-NLRP3 complex. Functionally, Paxillin is essential for ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDMs and BMDCs as we as in human PBMCs and THP-1-differentiated macrophages. Thus, Paxillin plays key roles in ATP-induced activation of P2X7 receptor and NLRP3 inflammasome by facilitating the formation of the P2X7-Paxillin-NLRP3 complex.
Who are the multichannel shoppers and how can retailers use them? Evidence from the French apparel industry
Authors: Jo Wooyong , Kim Jikyung (Jeanne) , Choi Jeonghye 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study aims to identify, within the context of the French fashion industry, the characteristics of multichannel shoppers, that is, consumers who use more than one channel in a single shopping trip. We especially investigate whether consumers' focus on quality versus price affects their multichannel shopping tendency and their flexibilities in their shopping lists (basket flexibility).Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed a representative sample of 400 French shoppers regarding fashion apparel purchasing. We use a logistic regression framework to measure the probability of a shopper becoming a multichannel shopper based on the key constructs and a battery of control variables.FindingsThe analysis shows that, in fashion buying, shoppers focused on quality and those with high basket flexibility have a higher probability of becoming multichannel shoppers. The probability becomes even greater when a shopper is both quality oriented and has basket flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsWe focus on the fashion apparel market for a deeper understanding of multichannel usage of products with both experience and search features. Future research can investigate other industries for higher generalizability.Practical implicationsOur research provides insights into multichannel fashion companies whose managements aim to effectively manage high-value customers who tend to use more channels when shopping. Specifically, an omnichannel marketing strategy should focus on capturing the quality-oriented and highly basket-flexible segment of consumers.Originality/valueOur study provides evidence that for products having high experiential as well as search features, quality-oriented and highly flexible shoppers engage more in multichannel shopping. Because these characteristics are related to the long-term value of customers, we provide the link between multichannel marketing and firm profitability in the context of the fashion industry.
Successful without profits: personal factors that affect performance in NPOs
Authors: Reinhardt Andreas , Enke Susanne 
Published: April 2020

PurposeStudies on personal characteristics that influence managers' performance in their jobs and their ability to innovate focus mainly on for-profit organizations. We argue that non-profit organizations (NPOs) differ substantially from for-profit organizations in their organizational set-up and processes, so the skills they demand from their managers and employees also differ. We undertake this research to explore the personal factors that could be particularly relevant to managers' performance and innovativeness in the non-profit sector.Design/methodology/approachWe conduct a qualitative, model-building study to derive the personal factors that influence managers' intention to perform and to innovate and their behavior in that regard. The base of our analysis is 15 interviews with knowledgeable informants who either work in NPOs, provide services to them or perform research about them.FindingsWe derive 14 personal factors that can be aggregated into four categories—experience, virtues and vices, interpersonal skills and management skills—each of which affect NPO managers' individual performance and/or individual innovativeness.Originality/valueThis study adds to existing research on Ajzen's (1985) Theory of Planned Behavior by extending it to the nonprofit context, so it contributes to the literature on individuals' behavioral intentions.
The affective component of ageism needs attention
Authors: Solem Per Erik 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore responses of older workers and of managers to the call from the authorities to extend working life.Design/methodology/approachData are from the Norwegian Senior Policy Barometer with interviews with samples of about 750 managers and 1,000 workers each year from 2003. There is no panel data.FindingsOlder workers increasingly prefer to extend their working career. The preferred age for exit has increased from 61 years in 2003 to 66 years in 2018. Managers seem less interested in expanding their older workforce. A majority of managers expressed quite positive conceptions of older workers' performance, but less often they liked to recruit older workers. As an average, managers told that they would hesitate to call in applicants above 58 years of age to job interviews. Age for hesitation is only moderately correlated (r = 0.29) to managers' beliefs about older workers’ performance at work. Thus, the managers' beliefs about older workers’ performance made only a small difference for their willingness to hire older workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that counteracting stereotypes, prejudice and age discrimination in working life needs a broad approach, including attention to the affective component of ageism. For research, the measurement of the affective component needs consideration and further exploration.Originality/valueThe article brings data from a distinctive Norwegian context and approaches the rarely studied affective component of ageism in working life.
Heat-related productivity loss: benefits derived by working in the shade or work-time shifting
Authors: Morabito Marco , Messeri Alessandro , Crisci Alfonso , Bao Junzhe , Ma Rui , Orlandini Simone , Huang Cunrui , Kjellstrom Tord 
Published: April 2020

PurposeAgricultural workers represent an important part of the population exposed to high heat-related health and productivity risks. This study aims to estimate the heat-related productivity loss (PL) for moderate work activities in sun and shady areas and evaluating the economic cost locally in an Italian farm and generally in the whole province of Florence. Benefits deriving by working in the shade or work-time shifting were provided. Comparisons between PL estimated in Mediterranean (Florence, Italy) and subtropical (Guangzhou, China) areas were also carried out.Design/methodology/approachMeteorological data were collected during summers 2017–2018 through a station installed in a farm in the province of Florence and by two World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‐certified meteorological stations located at the Florence and Guangzhou airports. These data were used to calculate the wet-bulb globe temperature and to estimate the hourly PL and the economic cost during the typical working time (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and by advancing of 1 h and 2 h the working time. Significant differences were calculated through nonparametric tests.FindingsThe hourly PL and the related economic cost significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by working in the shade and by work-time shifting. Higher PL values were observed in Guangzhou than in Florence. The decrease of PL observed by work-time shifting was greater in Florence than in Guangzhou.Originality/valueUseful information to plan suitable heat-related prevention strategies to counteract the effects of heat in the workplace are provided. These findings are essential to quantify the beneficial effects due to the implementation of specific heat-related adaptation measures to counter the impending effects of climate change.
Genetic analyses of mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1 with giant café‐au‐lait macule, plexiform neurofibroma and multiple melanocytic nevi
Authors: Hida Tokimasa , Idogawa Masashi , Okura Masae , Sugita Shintaro , Sugawara Taro , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi , Yamashita Toshiharu , Uhara Hisashi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genodermatosis caused by heterozygous germ line variations in the NF1 gene. A second‐hit NF1 aberration results in the formation of café‐au‐lait macules, cutaneous neurofibroma and plexiform neurofibroma (PNF). Mosaic NF1 (mNF1), caused by a postzygotic NF1 mutation, is characterized by localized or generalized NF1‐related manifestations. Although NF1 and mNF1 are associated with pigmentary skin lesions, clinically recognizable melanocytic nevi that developed over PNF have not been reported. Here, we report the first case of multiple melanocytic nevi that developed on a giant café‐au‐lait macule and PNF. The PNF had biallelic NF1 deletions, a whole deletion of NF1 and a novel intragenic deletion involving exons 25–30. The deletions were not detected in the blood, which resulted in the diagnosis of mNF1. Furthermore, the nevus cells had not only biallelic NF1 deletions but also NRAS Q61R, a common mutation found in congenital melanocytic nevi. These analyses revealed the coexistence of the two different mosaic diseases, mNF1 and congenital melanocytic nevi. For a diagnosis of cases with atypical NF1‐like symptoms, genetic analyses using blood and lesional tissues are useful and aid in genetic counseling.
Population viability analysis of small population: a case study for Asian elephant in China
Authors: HE Changhuan , DU Jiaojiao , ZHU Di , ZHANG Li 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSmall populations are at risk of extinction from deterministic and stochastic factors. Less than 250 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) remain in China, and are distributed in a few isolated areas; yet, population viability analyses of this endangered population have not been conducted. Here, the current genetic status of the Pu'Er‐Mengyang Asian elephant populations in China was analyzed, and the risk of extinction was predicted over the next 500 years. Factors affecting the viability of this population were determined through simulations. The genetic diversity of the population was very low (mean allele number: 3.1; expected heterozygosity: 0.463), even though a recent population bottleneck was not detected. The effective population size was approximately 24.1 adult elephants. Enough adult breeding individuals exist to maintain population viability. VORTEX simulation model showed that this population would not go extinct in the next 500 years. However, illegal poaching and harvesting could negatively affect population size. A sensitivity analysis showed that the mean stochastic growth rate of the study population is sensitive to sex ratio, number of breeding females, mortality of females of different age classes, carrying capacity, and lethal equivalents. Based on our results, we suggest that action should be taken to alleviate inbreeding and any further loss of genetic diversity, by connecting fragmented elephant habitat or by translocating individual elephants. In addition, human–elephant conflict should be mitigated using various modern approaches, including crop guarding techniques, and by encouraging farmers to switch to crops and income sources not vulnerable to elephant raids.
Prophage encoding toxin/antitoxin system PfiT/PfiA inhibits Pf4 production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Yangmei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Tang Kaihao , Wang Weiquan , Guo Yunxue , Wang Xiaoxue 
Published: April 2020

SummaryPf prophages are ssDNA filamentous prophages that are prevalent among various Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The genomes of Pf prophages contain not only core genes encoding functions involved in phage replication, structure and assembly but also accessory genes. By studying the accessory genes in the Pf4 prophage in P. aeruginosa PAO1, we provided experimental evidence to demonstrate that PA0729 and the upstream ORF Rorf0727 near the right attachment site of Pf4 form a type II toxin/antitoxin (TA) pair. Importantly, we found that the deletion of the toxin gene PA0729 greatly increased Pf4 phage production. We thus suggest the toxin PA0729 be named PfiT for Pf4 inhibition toxin and Rorf0727 be named PfiA for PfiT antitoxin. The PfiT toxin directly binds to PfiA and functions as a corepressor of PfiA for the TA operon. The PfiAT complex exhibited autoregulation by binding to a palindrome (5′‐AATTCN5GTTAA‐3′) overlapping the ‐35 region of the TA operon. The deletion of pfiT disrupted TA autoregulation and activated pfiA expression. Additionally, the deletion of pfiT also activated the expression of the replication initiation factor gene PA0727. Moreover, the Pf4 phage released from the pfiT deletion mutant overcame the immunity provided by the phage repressor Pf4r. Therefore, this study reveals that the TA systems in Pf prophages can regulate phage production and phage immunity, providing new insights into the function of TAs in mobile genetic elements.
Cantharidin‐loaded functional mesoporous titanium peroxide nanoparticles for non‐small cell lung cancer targeted chemotherapy combined with high effective photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zheng Kun , Chen Runze , Sun Yanxue , Tan Zhenquan , Liu Ye , Cheng Xiao , Leng Junke , Guo Zhaoming , Xu Pengcheng 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundAlthough photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy, the low reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield of the photosensitizer such as TiO2 nanoparticles has limited its application. In addition, it is difficult to achieve effective tumor treatment with a single tumor therapy.MethodsWe used TiOx nanocomposite (YSA‐PEG‐TiOX) instead of TiO2 as a photosensitizer to solve the problem of insufficient ROS generation in PDT. Benefiting from the desired mesoporous structure of TiOx, Cantharidin (CTD), one of the active components of mylabris, is loaded into TiOx for targeted combination of chemotherapy and PDT. The cellular uptake in human non‐small cell lung carcinoma cell line (A549) and human normal breast cell line (MCF 10A) was evaluated by confocal microscopy. in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The ROS was detected via a chemical probe DCFH‐DA and the photodynamic treatment effect of YSA‐PEG‐TiOx was further evaluated by a living‐dead staining. The cell apoptosis was detected by the flow cytometry.ResultsOur findings showed that the modification of YSA peptide improved the cytotoxicity of YSA‐PEG‐TiOX/CTD to EphA2 overexpressing A549 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than non‐YSA modified counterparts. In addition, TiOx generated adequate ROS under X‐ray irradiation to further kill cancer cells. Flow analysis results also proved the superiority of this combined treatment.ConclusionsYSA‐PEG‐TiOX nanoparticles could significantly increase ROS production under X‐ray exposure and provide a new drug delivery nanocarrier for CTD in combination with PDT to achieve effective NSCLC treatment.
Rapid development and rupture of a pulmonary cyst in the early postoperative period after pulmonary resection: A case report
Authors: Kawamoto Nobutaka , Okita Riki , Hayashi Masataro , Furukawa Masashi , Inokawa Hidetoshi , Okabe Kazunori 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAir leakage is a common complication after pulmonary resection, which is usually caused by direct lung damage during surgery. Herein, we describe a case in which a pulmonary cyst developed rapidly in the right lower lobe and ruptured 10 days after right upper lobectomy. A 49‐year‐old man, who was a heavy smoker, underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer. No air leakage was observed postoperatively, and the chest drain tube was removed on postoperative day 1. Although his postoperative course was uneventful for more than a week, extensive subcutaneous emphysema developed unexpectedly on postoperative day 10. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large pulmonary cyst in the right lower lobe that was not present before the right upper lobectomy. Surgery was performed on postoperative day 13, and it revealed a large thick‐walled pulmonary cyst in the right lower lobe. The cyst was filled with blood clots, and air leaks were observed inside it, suggesting that the dissection of the pulmonary parenchyma caused its development. The cyst wall was sutured together with the pulmonary parenchyma, and no air leakage was subsequently observed.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study
In patients with fragile pulmonary tissue, the pulmonary parenchyma may become dissociated after pulmonary resection and induce rapid development of a pulmonary cyst.
Risk factors for pulmonary cyst development include upper lobectomy and emphysema. Pulmonary cysts are often formed in the lower lobe.
What this study adds
In patients with pulmonary emphysema post‐upper lobectomy, the fragility of the pulmonary parenchyma and hyperinflation of the remaining lung may cause dissection of the pulmonary parenchyma, resulting in massive air leakage.