bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregate size-dependence of bacterial community separation in a full-scale membrane bioreactor plant
Authors: Zhang Shaoqing , Li Bing , Yu Zhong , Meng Fangang 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe size of bacterial aggregates can determine both nutrient removal and sludge/water separation in activated sludge processes. In this study, the bacterial community structures and network associations of different sized aggregates obtained from a full-scale membrane bioreactor plant over a one-year period were investigated. Our results showed that biodiversity of larger sized aggregates was significantly higher than that of smaller ones and that the bacterial compositions of different sized aggregates differed significantly from each other. Bacteria related to nutrient removal (e.g. denitrification, hydrolysis and fermentation) were found to be significantly more abundant in larger aggregates than smaller ones. Network analysis revealed significant difference in species–species interactions, topological roles of individual OTU and keystone populations among different sized aggregates. Moreover, the occurrence of keystone OTUs affiliated with denitrifiers (Thermomonas) in networks of large and medium aggregates may suggest that denitrification influences bacterial interactions in large and medium aggregates. Overall, our results indicate the aggregates size-dependence of bacterial community separation in activated sludge. The current findings not only can provide guidance for process design and operation optimization, but also highlight the necessity for paying more attentions to the aggregate-based community, metabolic function and gene expression of activated sludge in future studies.
Exacerbation of disease by intranasal liquid administration following influenza virus infection in mice
Authors: Lyu Yuanjun , Li Pengcheng , Yang Zifeng , Zhong Nanshan 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Although numerous studies have clarified the synergistic pathogenesis in mouse models of influenza A virus (IAV)-associated dual infections, fewer studies have investigated the influence of intranasal liquid administration on the disease. This study explored the effects of intranasal PBS administration in mouse models of mimic IAV dual infection and the infectious dose of IAV that caused equivalent pathogenesis in different dual infection models. Weights, survival rates, virus loads, lung indexes and lung pathology were compared. We demonstrated that intranasal PBS administration following H1N1 or H3N2 infection increased weight loss, mortality, virus replication and lung damage. No difference was observed if the order was reversed or PBS was given simultaneously with IAV. To induce equivalent virulence, a 20-fold difference in the infectious dose was needed when the H3N2–PBS superinfection and H3N2–PBS coinfection or PBS–H3N2 superinfection groups were compared. Our study demonstrated that the unfavourable effect of intranasal liquid administration should not be neglected and that both the strain and infectious dose of IAV should be considered to avoid an illusion of synergistic pathogenicity when establishing IAV-associated dual infection model. A 20-fold lower dose than that of coinfection may be a better choice for secondary infection following IAV.
Taste for science, academic boundary spanning, and inventive performance of scientists and engineers in industry
Authors: Arts Sam , Veugelers Reinhilde 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Matching survey data on PhD scientists and engineers currently working in an R&D job in industry with publications and patents, we study the relation between their individual motives and the rate and nature of their inventive output. We find that individuals with a strong taste for science, that is motivated by intellectual challenge, autonomy, and contribution to society, create more novel and impactful patents in industry. These individuals are also more involved in academic boundary spanning, proxied by scientific publications co-authored with academic scientists, and this boundary spanning partially mediates the effect of taste for science on impactful inventive output. In contrast, individuals with a strong taste for salary and career collaborate less with academic scientists, fully mediating the negative effect of taste for salary and career on impactful inventive output.
Vancomycin-induced ototoxicity in very-low-birthweight infants
Authors: Marissen Janina , Fortmann Ingmar , Humberg Alexander , Rausch Tanja K , Simon Arne , Stein Anja , Schaible Thomas , Eichhorn Joachim , Wintgens Jürgen , Roll Claudia , Heitmann Friedhelm , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang , Härtel Christoph ,   German Neonatal Network, Hepping Nico , Möller Jens , Emeis Michael , Böttger Ralf , Teig Norbert , Gudowius Peter , Hoehn xxx 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Vancomycin is an extensively used anti-infective drug in neonatal ICUs. However, exposure–toxicity relationships have not been clearly defined.

Objectives
To evaluate the risk profile for hearing deficits in vancomycin-exposed very-low-birthweight infants (VLBWI).

Methods
In a large cohort study of the German Neonatal Network (GNN; n = 16 967 VLBWI) we assessed the association of vancomycin treatment and pathological hearing tests at discharge and at 5 year follow-up. We performed audits on vancomycin exposure, drug levels, dose adjustments and exposure to other ototoxic drugs in a subgroup of 1042 vancomycin-treated VLBWI.

Results
In the GNN cohort, 28% (n = 4739) were exposed to IV vancomycin therapy. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, vancomycin exposure proved to be independently associated with pathological hearing test at discharge (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.34, P = 0.016). Among vancomycin-treated infants, a cumulative vancomycin dose above the upper quartile (&gt;314 mg/kg bodyweight) was associated with pathological hearing test at discharge (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.21–3.64, P = 0.009), whereas a vancomycin cumulative dose below the upper quartile was associated with a reduced risk of pathological tone audiometry results at 5 years of age (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P = 0.02, n = 147).

Conclusions
Vancomycin exposure in VLBWI is associated with an increased, dose-dependent risk of pathological hearing test results at discharge and at 5 years of age. Prospective studies on long-term hearing impairment are needed.
HPLC-Based Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Alkaloids in Chewable Areca Products from Different Geographic Regions
Authors: Cao Mengru , Liu Yingkai , Yuan Hanwen , Qiu Yixing , Xie Qingling , Yi Pan , Tan Dianbo , Peng Yanmei , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Chewable areca products are popular in Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and China. The major alkaloids present in areca products are guvacine, arecaidine, guvacoline, and arecoline which cause carcinogenicity and addiction.

Objective
The objective of this study was the quantitative analysis of the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different countries and regions using HPLC-UV, as well as the benefit of their safety evaluation products.

Method
An HPLC-UV method was established for qualitative and quantitative analyses of 65 batches of areca chewable products from different countries and regions. Additionally, similarity evaluation of chromatographic fingerprints was applied for data analysis.

Results
These results reveal a significant variation in the levels of areca alkaloids among tested products, specifically guvacoline (0.060–1.216 mg/g), arecoline (0.376–3.592 mg/g), guvacine (0.028–1.184 mg/g), and arecaidine (0.184–1.291 mg/g). There were significant differences in the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different producing areas.

Conclusions
The method will be useful in the safety evaluation of different areca chewable products.

Highlights
The established HPLC-UV method can be adopted for safety evaluation of areca chewable products from different countries and regions due to its general applicability.
Development and Fecundity of Orius minutus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and O. laevigatus Reared on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Rahman Md Arefur , Sarker Souvic , Ham Eunhye , Lee Jun-Seok , Lim Un Taek 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe polyphagous predator Orius species is a dominant predator of thrips, mites, and aphids. Orius laevigatus (Fieber) is a well-known commercialized and effective biological control agent, whereas Orius minutus (L.) distributed widely over the world has not been commercialized. To assess potentials of developing O. minutus as a commercial biological control agent, we compared the biological parameters of O. minutus with O. laevigatus when reared on mixed stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch at 27.5°C. Nymphal development of O. laevigatus was shorter (11.30 d) than that of O. minutus (12.25 d), but there was no significant difference in survivorship between the two species. Also, no significant difference was found in either the preoviposition or oviposition periods, lifetime fecundity, or longevity between the two species. However, O. minutus eggs had a higher hatch rate (0.77) than O. laevigatus (0.71). In life table analysis, no difference was found in any parameters, i.e., R0, rm, λ, T, and DT, between O. laevigatus and O. minutus in two-tailed t-tests. In a predation bioassay, O. minutus consumed 1.39 times more adult T. urticae in 24 h than did O. laevigatus, although the predation rate on T. urticae eggs was similar between the two species. These results suggest that O. minutus native to Korea could be developed as a biological control agent against T. urticae.
Outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy for borderline hip dysplasia in adolescent patients
Authors: Swarup Ishaan , Zaltz Ira , Robustelli Stacy , Sink Ernest 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Treatment of borderline acetabular dysplasia (lateral center edge angle ≥18°) remains controversial, and there is a paucity of literature focusing on outcomes in adolescent patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) as surgical management of borderline acetabular dysplasia in adolescent patients. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data and included patients ≤ 21 years of age that underwent PAO for borderline acetabular dysplasia. All patients had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Outcomes were assessed using modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS), Hip Outcome Scores (HOS) and international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed. This study included 33 adolescent patients (35 hips) with symptomatic, borderline acetabular dysplasia. The majority of patients was female (32 patients, 97%); half of all patients reported a history of hip pain for over 1 year; and seven patients had previous hip arthroscopy. In addition to PAO, seven hips (20%) underwent a concurrent hip arthroscopy at the time of surgery. There were significant improvements in mean mHHS, HOS-activities of daily living (ADL), HOS-Sport and iHOT-33 scores after surgery (P &lt; 0.01). Minimal clinically important difference in outcome scores was achieved for over 90% of patients at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Borderline acetabular dysplasia is a major cause of hip pain in adolescent patients. Patients with symptomatic borderline acetabular dysplasia report a significant benefit after a PAO to correct structural hip instability.
The International Criminal Court’s Selectivity and Procedural Justice
Authors: Kotecha Birju 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Prosecution selectivity is one of the most intractable dilemmas in international criminal justice. It is of little surprise, then, that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) selection of cases has long been subject to critical debate. This article contributes to the literature by analysing the ICC’s selection procedure from the perspective of affected communities. Vis-à-vis this target audience, the article critiques the procedure’s effectiveness against a measure of perceived legitimacy. Using a Rawlsian model of imperfect procedural justice, the analysis explains the specific shortcomings of the Office of the Prosecutor’s (OTP) selection procedure in being sufficiently consistent, impartial and representative. In turn, this lack of procedural fairness may reduce the likelihood that the OTP selections are perceived as legitimate within affected communities. More broadly, the article argues that the OTP is unable to reach the ‘fairest’ possible prosecutorial decisions as to situations or cases — culminating in the conclusion that its selection procedure makes a limited (if any) contribution to the Court’s perceived legitimacy. The article triggers reflection on the Court’s relationship with target audiences and concludes by making practical recommendations directed at improving the OTP’s selection procedure.
Computational Image Analysis of T-Cell Infiltrates in Resectable Gastric Cancer: Association with Survival and Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Challoner Benjamin R , von Loga Katharina , Woolston Andrew , Griffiths Beatrice , Sivamanoharan Nanna , Semiannikova Maria , Newey Alice , Barber Louise J , Mansfield David , Hewitt Lindsay C , Saito Yuichi , Davarzani Naser , Starling Naureen , Melcher Alan , Grabsch Heike I , Gerlinger Marco 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancers (GCs) frequently recur after resection, but markers to predict recurrence risk are missing. T-cell infiltrates have been validated as prognostic markers in other cancer types, but not in GC because of methodological limitations of past studies. We aimed to define and validate the prognostic role of major T-cell subtypes in GC by objective computational quantification.

Methods
Surgically resected chemotherapy-naïve GCs were split into discovery (n = 327) and validation (n = 147) cohorts. CD8 (cytotoxic), CD45RO (memory), and FOXP3 (regulatory) T-cell densities were measured through multicolor immunofluorescence and computational image analysis. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was assessed. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results
CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities statistically significantly predicted CSS in both cohorts. Stage, CD45RO-cell, and FOXP3-cell densities were independent predictors of CSS in multivariable analysis; mismatch repair (MMR) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) status were not statistically significant. Combining CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities into the Stomach Cancer Immune Score showed highly statistically significant (all P ≤ .002) CSS differences (0.9 years median CSS to not reached). T-cell infiltrates were highest in EBV-positive GCs and similar in MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient GCs.

Conclusion
The validation of CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities as prognostic markers in GC may guide personalized follow-up or (neo)adjuvant treatment strategies. Only those 20% of GCs with the highest T-cell infiltrates showed particularly good CSS, suggesting that a small subgroup of GCs is highly immunogenic. The potential for T-cell densities to predict immunotherapy responses should be assessed. The association of high FOXP3-cell densities with longer CSS warrants studies into the biology of regulatory T cells in GC.
Representative Bureaucracy and Public Hiring Preferences: Evidence from a Conjoint Experiment among German Municipal Civil Servants and Private Sector Employees
Authors: Jankowski Michael , Prokop Christine , Tepe Markus 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDrawing on Weber, this study tests whether the normative principles of merit orientation and impartiality are more prevalent in shaping public hiring preferences among civil servants—both junior and senior—than among private sector employees. In a conjoint experiment, respondents are asked to compare two hypothetical applicants for an office job in a municipal administration and to decide which they would hire. The application profiles vary with respect to a set of meritocratic and nonmeritocratic attributes. The empirical findings suggest that first, in all three samples, hiring decisions are primarily based on meritocratic attributes. Second, there is evidence of ethnic discrimination in the private employee sample, while there is no such effect in either of the two civil servant samples. Third, private employees’ hiring preferences are influenced by personal political beliefs, while civil servants are less likely to let political attitudes affect their hiring choices. Thus, while civil servants hiring preferences are largely consistent with passive representation and nondiscrimination, support for a representative bureaucracy among citizens should be improved.
Radiation therapy combined with bone-modifying agents ameliorates local control of osteolytic bone metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Makita Chiyoko , Manabe Yuki , Kajima Miki , Matsuyama Katsuya , Matsuo Masayuki 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Bone-modifying agents (BMAs) are frequently used for the treatment of bone metastases. Both BMA and radiation therapy (RT) are effective; however, there are few studies that have evaluated the efficacy of the combination treatment. We evaluated the effectiveness of RT + BMA in breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone metastasis as compared to BMA alone. A total of 43 lesions in 25 patients were evaluated. The median follow-up period was 18 (range, 2–90) months. None of the lesions was treated with chemotherapy or molecular targeted drugs during the follow-up period for evaluating the local response. Patients with complete or partial response were considered as responders, while those with stable or progressive disease were considered as non-responders. The rate of response with RT + BMA was significantly higher than that with BMA alone (P = 0.001). The cumulative incidence rate of response at 6 months was 54.4% in the RT + BMA group and 27.5% in the BMA alone group. The median time to response was 4 (range, 2–11) months in the RT + BMA group and 6 (range, 4–16) months in the BMA alone group. The overall survival rate in the responder group (83.1% at 1 year) was significantly higher than that in the non-responder group (37.5% at 1 year) (P = 0.029). In conclusion, RT combined with BMA was found to be more effective than BMA alone for the treatment of osteolytic bone metastasis, which thereby improves the prognosis.
Preliminary survey of 3D image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer at representative hospitals in Asian countries
Authors: Okonogi Noriyuki , Wakatsuki Masaru , Mizuno Hideyuki , Fukuda Shigekazu , Cao Jianping , Kodrat Henry , Lau Fen Nee , Calaguas Miriam Joy , de los Reyes Rey H , Chansilpa Yaowalak , Uddin A F M Kamal , Adylkhanov Tasbolat , Cho Chul-Koo , Tsegmed Uranchimeg , Hoang Nguyen Cong , Ohno Tatsuya , Nakano Takashi , Kato Shingo ,   Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia
Published: April 2020

Abstract
3D image-guided brachytherapy (3D-IGBT) has become a standard therapy for cervical cancer. However, the use of 3D-IGBT is limited in East and Southeast Asia. This study aimed to clarify the current usage patterns of 3D-IGBT for cervical cancer in East and Southeast Asia. A questionnaire-based survey was performed in 11 countries within the framework of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia. The questionnaire collected the treatment information of patients with cervical cancer who underwent 3D-IGBT. The cumulative external beam radiotherapy and 3D-IGBT doses were summarized and normalized to a biological equivalent dose of 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2) using a linear-quadratic model. Of the 11 institutions representing the participating countries, six (55%) responded to the questionnaire. Overall, data of 36 patients were collected from the six institutions. Twenty-one patients underwent whole-pelvic irradiation and 15 underwent whole-pelvic irradiation with central shielding. Patients received a median of four treatment sessions of 3D-IGBT (range, 2–6). All 3D-IGBT sessions were computed tomography (CT)-based and not magnetic resonance image-based. The median doses to the high-risk clinical target volume D90, bladder D2cc, rectum D2cc and sigmoid colon D2cc were 80.9 Gy EQD2 (range, 58.9–105.9), 77.7 Gy EQD2 (range, 56.9–99.1), 68.0 Gy EQD2 (range, 48.6–90.7) and 62.0 Gy EQD2 (range, 39.6–83.7), respectively. This study elucidated the current patterns of 3D-IGBT for the treatment of cervical cancer in East and Southeast Asia. The results indicate the feasibility of observational studies of CT-based 3D-IGBT for cervical cancer in these countries.
Wing loading, not terminal velocity, is the best parameter to predict capacity of diaspores for secondary wind dispersal
Authors: Liang Wei , Liu Zhimin , Liu Minghu , Qin Xuanping , Baskin Carol C , Baskin Jerry M , Xin Zhiming , Wang Zhigang , Su Zhi , Zhou Quanlai 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLift-off velocity may be the most useful surrogate to measure the secondary dispersal capacity of diaspores. However, the most important diaspore attribute determining diaspore lift-off velocity is unclear. Furthermore, it is not known whether terminal velocity used to characterize the primary dispersal capacity of diaspores can also be used to predict their secondary wind dispersal capacity. Here, we investigate how diaspore attributes are related to lift-off velocity. Thirty-six species with diaspores differing in mass, shape index, projected area, wing loading, and terminal velocity were used in a wind tunnel to determine the relationship between diaspore attributes and lift-off velocity. We found that diaspore attributes largely explained the variation in lift-off velocity, and wing loading, not terminal velocity, was the best parameter for predicting lift-off velocity of diaspores during secondary wind dispersal. The relative importance of diaspore attributes in determining lift-off velocity was modified by both upwind and downwind slope directions and type of diaspore appendage. These findings allow us to predict diaspore dispersal behaviors using readily available diaspore functional attributes, and they indicate that wing loading is the best proxy for estimating the capacity for secondary dispersal by wind.
Ascorbate oxidation activates systemic defence against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola in rice
Authors: Singh Richard Raj , Verstraeten Bruno , Siddique Shahid , Tegene Adelahu Mekonene , Tenhaken Raimund , Frei Michael , Haeck Ashley , Demeestere Kristof , Pokhare Somnath , Gheysen Godelieve , Kyndt Tina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is the major antioxidant buffer produced in the shoot tissue of plants. Previous studies on root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne graminicola)-infected rice (Oryza sativa) plants showed differential expression of AA-recycling genes, although their functional role was unknown. Our results confirmed increased dehydroascorbate (DHA) levels in nematode-induced root galls, while AA mutants were significantly more susceptible to nematode infection. External applications of ascorbate oxidase (AO), DHA, or reduced AA, revealed systemic effects of ascorbate oxidation on rice defence versus RKN, associated with a primed accumulation of H2O2 upon nematode infection.
To confirm and further investigate these systemic effects, a transcriptome analysis was done on roots of foliar AO-treated plants, revealing activation of the ethylene (ET) response and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways in roots, which was confirmed by hormone measurements. Activation of these pathways by methyl-JA, or ethephon treatment can complement the susceptibility phenotype of the rice Vitamin C (vtc1) mutant. Experiments on the jasmonate signalling (jar1) mutant or using chemical JA/ET inhibitors confirm that the effects of ascorbate oxidation are dependent on both the JA and ET pathways. Collectively, our data reveal a novel pathway in which ascorbate oxidation induces systemic defence against RKNs.