bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ropivacaine inhibits proliferation, invasion, migration and promotes apoptosis of papillary thyroid cancer cells via regulating ITGA2 expression
Authors: Qin Aichun , Liu Qiong , Wang Jingfang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the roles of Ropivacaine in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and identify the possible mechanisms. The expression of integrin alpha‐2 (ITGA2) in TC cell lines was tested using Western blotting and RT‐qPCR. Subsequently, the level of ITGA2 in human PTC cell line (TPC‐1) was measured following intervention with a series of concentrations of Ropivacaine. Then, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and colony formation assay were executed for detecting proliferation of cells after transfection with ITGA2 pcDNA3.1. The expression of proliferation‐related protein was determined by Western blotting. Additionally, the abilities of TPC‐1 cell invasion and migration were examined using Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay. Apoptosis of TPC‐1 cells was analyzed using TUNEL assay and the expressions of apoptosis‐related proteins were tested via West blotting. The results suggested that ITGA2 was highly expressed in TC cell lines, especially in TPC‐1 cells. Ropivacaine decreased the expression of ITGA2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, after treatment with Ropivacaine, cell proliferation was inhibited accompanied by changes of proliferation‐related protein expressions, which was reversed following co‐transfection with ITGA2 pcDNA3.1. Furthermore, Ropivacaine concentration‐dependently suppressed invasion and migration of TPC‐1 cells, whereas these inhibitory effects were attenuated after ITGA2 overexpression. Furthermore, apoptosis was promoted, coupled with a decrease of Bcl‐2 expression and increases of Bax, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9 expression, in Ropivacaine‐treated TPC‐1 cells, which was restored following ITGA2 overexpression. These findings demonstrated that Ropivacaine could suppress proliferation, invasion, migration, and accelerate apoptosis of PTC cells via regulating ITGA2 expression.
Reducing uncertainty in species management: forecasting secondary spread with expert opinion and mechanistic models
Authors: Chenery Emily S. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Mandrak Nicholas E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPredicting the spatial and temporal dynamics of invasive species is critical for successful management intervention, yet substantial uncertainty exists about how species will interact with human pathways when introduced to new ecosystems. We demonstrate a novel approach for quantifying uncertainty when predicting the uptake, movement, and establishment of invasive species by combining mechanistic modeling of the spread process with expert opinion of the demographic factors that govern species performance. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using a case study involving the transfer potential of nonindigenous species (NIS) in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin (GLB). A survey using structured expert judgment was completed by 24 North American taxonomic experts, covering 60 species ofNISestablished in theGLB. Experts estimated species‐specific demographic parameters describing population growth and establishment potential, which were incorporated into an existing mechanistic model of human‐mediated spread via ballast water with species‐specific spread rates (number of ports or lakes invaded/year) as outputs. Expert judgments within each group varied widely, indicating that generalizable rates of spread across taxa are unlikely and highlighting the value of cross‐taxon comparisons. Most species were predicted to establish throughout theGLBwithin 10 yr, assuming status quo management conditions. Sensitivity analysis for expert performance‐based weighting demonstrated that most model outputs were insensitive to weighting (<1% difference over baseline) and shows the robustness of the joint model. Overall, the joint expert opinion and predictive modeling method demonstrates a novel means of handling sparse data when forecasting invasion dynamics. Divergent estimates resulted in a range of likely spread rates, but improved upon traditional best‐guess approaches. Incorporating joint methods into ecological decision‐making frameworks has clear implications for invasive species management but may also inform other ecological scenarios where data are scarce and conservation action is urgent.
Teaching R in the undergraduate ecology classroom: approaches, lessons learned, and recommendations
Authors: Auker Linda A. , Barthelmess Erika L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLearning ecology requires training in data management and analysis. Because of its transparent and flexible nature, R is increasingly used for data management and analysis in the field of ecology. Consequently, job postings targeting candidates with a bachelor's degree and a required knowledge of R have increased over the past ten years. In this paper, we begin by presenting data from the last ten years demonstrating the increase in the use of R, an open‐source programming environment, in ecology and its prevalence as a required skill in job descriptions. We then discuss our experiences teaching undergraduates R in two advanced ecology classes using different approaches. One approach, in a course with a field laboratory, focused on collecting, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis. The other approach, in a course without a field laboratory, focused on analyzing existing datasets and applying the results to content discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Our experiences determined that each approach had strengths and weaknesses. We recommend that above all, instructors of ecology and related subjects should be encouraged to include R in their coursework. Furthermore, instructors should be aware of the following: Learning R is a separate skill from learning statistics; writing R assignments is a significant time commitment for course preparation; and there is a tradeoff between teaching R and teaching content. Determining how one's course fits into the curriculum and identifying resources outside of the classroom for students’ continued practice will ensure that R training is successful and will extend beyond a one‐semester course.
Do plant–microbe interactions support the Stress Gradient Hypothesis?
Authors: David Aaron S. , Thapa‐Magar Khum B. , Menges Eric S. , Searcy Christopher A. , Afkhami Michelle E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Stress Gradient Hypothesis (SGH), which predicts increasing ratios of facilitative:competitive interactions with increasing stress, has long been a guiding framework for conceptualizing plant–plant interactions. Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the roles of microbes in mitigating or exacerbating environmental stress for their plant hosts. As such, we might predict, based on the SGH, that beneficial microbial effects on plant performance should be positively associated with stress. Specifically, we hypothesized that support for the SGH would depend on the host plant's habitat specialization such that species that specialize in high stress habitats and thus likely coevolved with the resident microbes would exhibit stronger support for the SGH than non‐specialist plant species. We further hypothesized that support for the SGH would vary with germination frequency, since boosting germination of low‐frequency germinators is one effective means by which microbes can benefit plant species performance. Here, we explore whether plant–microbial interactions support the SGH using 12 plant species native to the Florida rosemary scrub. We conducted factorial experiments that manipulated the presence of microbes in nine soils collected along an elevational stress gradient, and recorded germination frequency and biomass. Microbes increased the germination frequency of four species, all of which had relatively low germination rates. Furthermore, we found support for the SGH in nearly one‐half of the species examined, with soil microbes facilitating germination with increasing stress for 5 of the 12 species tested, and none of the species exhibiting the opposite trend. Support for the SGH was not predicted by either the plant hosts' habitat specialization or germination frequency. In contrast to germination, biomass results showed little support for the SGH, with four of 12 species refuting and one species supporting SGH predictions. Taken together, our study documents that interactions between the soil microbial community and plant species along a stress gradient can support the SGH, but emphasizes that these effects are life‐history‐stage dependent. This work also identifies a common mechanism (germination facilitation) by which microbes can benefit plant species in stressful habitats.
Mitigating systematic error in topographic models for geomorphic change detection: accuracy, precision and considerations beyond off‐nadir imagery
Authors: James Mike R. , Antoniazza Gilles , Robson Stuart , Lane Stuart N. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry enable detailed quantification of geomorphic change. However, rigorous precision‐based change detection can be compromised by survey accuracy problems producing systematic topographic error (e.g. ‘doming’), with error magnitudes greatly exceeding precision estimates. Here, we assess survey sensitivity to systematic error, directly correcting topographic data so that error magnitudes align more closely with precision estimates. By simulating conventional grid‐style photogrammetric aerial surveys, we quantify the underlying relationships between survey accuracy, camera model parameters, camera inclination, tie point matching precision and topographic relief, and demonstrate a relative insensitivity to image overlap. We show that a current doming‐mitigation strategy of using a gently inclined (<15°) camera can reduce accuracy by promoting a previously unconsidered correlation between decentring camera lens distortion parameters and the radial terms known to be responsible for systematic topographic error. This issue is particularly relevant for the wide‐angle cameras often integrated into current‐generation, accessible UAV systems, frequently used in geomorphic research. Such systems usually perform on‐board image pre‐processing, including applying generic lens distortion corrections, that subsequently alter parameter interrelationships in photogrammetric processing (e.g. partially correcting radial distortion, which increases the relative importance of decentring distortion in output images). Surveys from two proglacial forefields (Arolla region, Switzerland) showed that results from lower‐relief topography with a 10°‐inclined camera developed vertical systematic doming errors > 0·3 m, representing accuracy issues an order of magnitude greater than precision‐based error estimates. For higher‐relief topography, and for nadir‐imaging surveys of the lower‐relief topography, systematic error was < 0·09 m. Modelling and subtracting the systematic error directly from the topographic data successfully reduced error magnitudes to values consistent with twice the estimated precision. Thus, topographic correction can provide a more robust approach to uncertainty‐based detection of event‐scale geomorphic change than designing surveys with small off‐nadir camera inclinations and, furthermore, can substantially reduce ground control requirements. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Fiscal transparency, fiscal forecasting and budget credibility in developing countries
Authors: ElBerry Nada Azmy , Goeminne Stijn 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFiscal transparency entails fiscal information disclosure, ensuring good quality of such information, public and parliamentary scrutiny, and the oversight of fiscal risks, while the concept of budget credibility involves an assessment of the extent of conformity of budgetary outturn to the planned forecasts. There are two main channels through which fiscal transparency can affect budget credibility: politicians' incentives to manipulate fiscal forecasts or deviate from the plans, and the uncertainty‐reducing effect in the light of fiscal risks. This study empirically examines the impact of the dimensions of fiscal transparency on deviations from budgetary forecasts, and hence budget credibility, in developing countries using regression analysis. The results show that an improvement in the oversight of fiscal risks arising from public sector entities plays a very significant role in decreasing the deviations from budgetary forecasts in developing countries. The study accords with the view that a relatively less important weight should be attached to the fiscal disclosure component in analyzing fiscal transparency, and it sheds light on the importance of ensuring good quality of disclosed information through more independence of audit bodies in developing countries in order to enhance the credibility of their budgets.
Chitosan composite hydrogels cross‐linked by multifunctional diazo resin as antibacterial dressings for improved wound healing
Authors: Gao Lilong , Zhang Hui , Yu Bing , Li Wenlong , Gao Fei , Zhang Ke , Zhang Hongbo , Shen Youqing , Cong Hailin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSkin lesions and injuries can increase the risk of pathogen infections. Developing efficacious wound dressings could effectively prevent bacterial infection and accelerate wound healing. Herein, we developed chitosan composite hydrogels cross‐linked by multifunctional diazo resin (DR) as antibacterial dressings for improved wound healing. The composite hydrogels were in situ formed by electrostatic interactions, chelation interactions, and covalent bonds between carboxylated chitosan and DR under ultraviolet assisted without small photosensitizer. The resultant hydrogels (noted as DR‐CCH) showed good stability at different DR concentrations in physiological buffers. The antibacterial assays showed the DR‐CCH could inhibit and kill Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. What is more, our hydrogels could accelerate wound healing in vivo. The present study demonstrates this composite DR‐CCH with trace zinc has potential for accelerated wound healing.
Long‐term cochlear implantation outcomes in patients following head injury
Authors: Lubner Rory J. , Knoll Renata M. , Trakimas Danielle R. , Bartholomew Ryan A. , Lee Daniel J. , Walters Brad , Nadol Joseph B. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Kozin Elliott D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn cases of a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss following head injury, the cochlear implant (CI) is the primary option for auditory rehabilitation. Few studies, however, have investigated long‐term CI outcomes in patients following head trauma, including those without temporal bone fracture (TBF). Herein, the aim of this study is to examine CI outcomes following cases of head injury with and without TBF.MethodsAudiometric outcomes of patients who received a CI due to a head injury resulting in severe to profound hearing loss at two tertiary care hospitals were analyzed. Patients were divided into those who received a CI in a fractured temporal bone (group A, n = 11 patients corresponding to 15 ears) and those who received a CI in a non‐fractured temporal bone (group B, n = 8 patients corresponding to nine ears). Primary outcomes included duration of deafness prior to CI and postoperative consonant‐nucleus‐constant whole word (CNC) scores.ResultsNineteen patients (84% male), corresponding to 24 CIs, were identified. Fifteen CI were performed on ears with TBF (group A), and nine CI were performed on ears without TBF (group B). No patients had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). The mean duration of deafness was 5.7 and 11.3 years in group A and group B, respectively. The mean duration of CI follow‐up (CI experience) was 6.5 years in group A and 2.1 years in group B. The overall mean postoperative CNC score for all subjects was 68.6% (±21.2%, n = 19 with CNC testing). There was no difference in CNC score between group A and group B (69.8% and 66% respectively, P = .639).ConclusionThe study is among the largest series examining long‐term outcomes of CI after head injury. CI is an effective method for auditory rehabilitation in patients after head injury.Level of evidenceIV.
Interaction of two strongly divergent archaellins stabilizes the structure of the Halorubrum archaellum
Authors: Pyatibratov Mikhail G. , Syutkin Alexey S. , Quax Tessa E. F. , Melnik Tatjana N. , Papke R. Thane , Gogarten Johann Peter , Kireev Igor I. , Surin Alexey K. , Beznosov Sergei N. , Galeva Anna V. , Fedorov Oleg V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHalophilic archaea from the genus Halorubrum possess two extraordinarily diverged archaellin genes, flaB1 and flaB2. To clarify roles for each archaellin, we compared two natural Halorubrum lacusprofundi strains: One of them contains both archaellin genes, and the other has the flaB2 gene only. Both strains synthesize functional archaella; however, the strain, where both archaellins are present, is more motile. In addition, we expressed these archaellins in a Haloferax volcanii strain from which the endogenous archaellin genes were deleted. Three Hfx. volcanii strains expressing Hrr. lacusprofundi archaellins produced functional filaments consisting of only one (FlaB1 or FlaB2) or both (FlaB1/FlaB2) archaellins. All three strains were motile, although there were profound differences in the efficiency of motility. Both native and recombinant FlaB1/FlaB2 filaments have greater thermal stability and resistance to low salinity stress than single‐component filaments. Functional supercoiled Hrr. lacusprofundi archaella can be composed of either single archaellin: FlaB2 or FlaB1; however, the two divergent archaellin subunits provide additional stabilization to the archaellum structure and thus adaptation to a wider range of external conditions. Comparative genomic analysis suggests that the described combination of divergent archaellins is not restricted to Hrr. lacusprofundi, but is occurring also in organisms from other haloarchaeal genera.
The effect of an intervention program on the knowledge and attitudes among medical staff regarding adverse drug reaction reporting
Authors: Shchory Miri Potlog , Goldstein Lee Hilery , Arcavi Lidia , Shihmanter Renata , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Levy Amalia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeAdverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a growing important public health problem; however, underreporting of ADRs is very common. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of an intervention program on the knowledge and attitudes among physicians and nurses regarding ADRs reporting.MethodsA multicentre study consisted of three phases: filling out a questionnaire; an intervention program; filling out the same questionnaire again. The intervention program consisted of posters, lectures, and distant electronic learning. The questionnaire contained questions about personal/professional demographic variables, and statements regarding knowledge and attitudes regarding ADR reporting.ResultsThe data revealed that the intervention program significantly elevated the “Objective knowledge” (P < 0.01) and “Practical knowledge” (P < 0.02) score as compared to the control group, while no significant differences were found regarding “Acquired knowledge” (P = 0.14). Seniority (P = 0.01) and experience in internal medicine (P = 0.05) were demonstrated as significant factors determining the knowledge of the staff. Obligation was the main motive for reporting in 80% of participants.After the intervention, no differences were found in the “Attitude related to the motive for reporting” or “Attitude related to the commitment to report”, between the two groups. However, “Attitude related to the need to report” score significantly improved after the intervention (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe intervention program increased knowledge and attitudes regarding ADRs reports. Seniority had the most effect on the influence of the intervention program. The data from this study encourages the necessity to hold ongoing intervention programs in order to improve ADRs reporting rate.
Navigating the emerging market context: Performance implications of effectuation and causation for small and medium enterprises during adverse economic conditions in Russia
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy , Laskovaia Anastasiia , MahdaviMazdeh Hossein 
Published: April 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryThis study aims to broaden the understanding of effectuation and causation by investigating their effectiveness for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the emerging market context during adverse economic conditions. We embrace a holistic view of the performance implications of these behavioral logics, theorizing and empirically testing their impact not only on the level of firm performance but also on its variability. The findings suggest that emerging market conditions create significant contingencies in the relationships between effectuation, causation, and firm performance, substantively affecting their effectiveness. In particular, we demonstrate that for the firms affected by adverse conditions, causation brings marginal performance improvements while also making it highly unreliable (variable), whereas effectuation leads to performance improvements coupled with higher reliability.Managerial SummaryEntrepreneurial actions can be based on one of two behavioral logics: causation (rigorous forward‐looking analysis, relying on well‐prepared plans, pre‐defined goals, and required resources) or effectuation (leveraging the existing resources and controlling the environmental uncertainty through creating new markets, products, and opportunities). We investigate the effectiveness of these logics for Russian SMEs navigating adversity in the emerging market context. The results suggest that causation leads to performance improvements, yet these become marginal and highly unreliable if a firm finds itself in adverse conditions. Effectuation, on the other hand, is a costly and unreliable strategy in stable times, yet leads to reliable performance improvements in volatile contexts.
Eppikajutsuto (a Japanese herbal medicine) regulates mTOR and induces apoptosis in oral cancer cells
Authors: Makita Haruna , Endo Kazuhira , Shirai Akiko , Kawasaki Kanji , Mishima Rei , Kasahara Yoshiya , Ishikawa Kazuya , Ueno Takayoshi , Nakanishi Yosuke , Kondo Satoru , Wakisaka Naohiro , Yoshizaki Tomokazu , Ogawa‐Ochiai Keiko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimThe effectiveness of Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine is gradually attracting attention worldwide. It is typically known to be effective against cancer as a supportive therapy, but the antitumor effect of Kampo formulas is not fully established. We therefore evaluated the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto.MethodsWe evaluated the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto by cell viability assay, western blotting, and apoptotic cell assay using an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line OSC‐19.ResultsWe found that the administration of eppikajutsuto to OSC‐19 in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed mTOR activation.ConclusionsThe results suggested that eppikajutsuto might exhibit antitumor effect against OSC‐19 in vitro by suppressing mTOR activation. However, additional studies in vitro and in vivo are required to confirm the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto.