bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Insights into CpG DNA and IL-15 Synergy in Promoting B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Clonal Expansion
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Yan Xiao J. , Barrientos Jacqueline , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Allen Steven L. , Rai Kanti , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Mongini Patricia K. A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Malignant cell growth within patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is largely restricted to lymphoid tissues, particularly lymph nodes. The recent in vitro finding that TLR-9 ligand (oligodeoxynucleotide [ODN]) and IL-15 exhibit strong synergy in promoting B-CLL growth may be particularly relevant to growth in these sites. This study shows IL-15–producing cells are prevalent within B-CLL–infiltrated lymph nodes and, using purified B-CLL cells from blood, investigates the mechanism for ODN and IL-15 synergy in driving B-CLL growth. ODN boosts baseline levels of phospho-RelA(S529) in B-CLL and promotes NF-κB–driven increases in IL15RA and IL2RB mRNA, followed by elevated IL-15Rα and IL-2/IL-15Rβ (CD122) protein. IL-15→CD122 signaling during a critical interval, 20 to 36–48 h following initial ODN exposure, is required for optimal induction of the cycling process. Furthermore, experiments with neutralizing anti–IL-15 and anti-CD122 mAbs indicate that clonal expansion requires continued IL-15/CD122 signaling during cycling. The latter is consistent with evidence of heightened IL2RB mRNA in the fraction of recently proliferated B-CLL cells within patient peripheral blood. Compromised ODN+IL-15 growth with limited cell density is consistent with a role for upregulated IL-15Rα in facilitating homotypic trans IL-15 signaling, although there may be other explanations. Together, the findings show that ODN and IL-15 elicit temporally distinct signals that function in a coordinated manner to drive B-CLL clonal expansion.
ERK Signaling Controls Innate-like CD8+ T Cell Differentiation via the ELK4 (SAP-1) and ELK1 Transcription Factors
Authors: Maurice Diane , Costello Patrick , Sargent Mathew , Treisman Richard 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In mouse thymocyte development, signaling by the TCR through the ERK pathway is required for positive selection of conventional naive T cells. The Ets transcription factor ELK4 (SAP-1), an ERK-regulated cofactor of the SRF transcription factor, plays an important role in positive selection by activating immediate-early genes such as the Egr transcription factor family. The role of ELK4–SRF signaling in development of other T cell types dependent on ERK signaling has been unclear. In this article, we show that ELK4, and its close relative ELK1, act cell autonomously in the thymus to control the generation of innate-like αβ CD8+ T cells with memory-like characteristics. Mice lacking ELK4 and ELK1 develop increased numbers of innate-like αβ CD8+ T cells, which populate the periphery. These cells develop cell autonomously rather than through expansion of PLZF+ thymocytes and concomitantly increased IL-4 signaling. Their development is associated with reduced TCR-mediated activation of ELK4–SRF target genes and can be partially suppressed by overexpression of the ELK4–SRF target gene EGR2. Consistent with this, partial inhibition of ERK signaling in peripheral CD8+T cells promotes the generation of cells with innate-like characteristics. These data establish that low-level ERK signaling through ELK4 (and ELK1) promotes innate-like αβ CD8+ T cell differentiation, tuning conventional versus innate-like development.
Cutting Edge: Glycolytic Metabolism and Mitochondrial Metabolism Are Uncoupled in Antigen-Activated CD8+ Recent Thymic Emigrants
Authors: Cunningham Cody A. , Hoppins Suzanne , Fink Pamela J. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are peripheral T cells that have most recently completed selection and thymic egress and constitute a population that is phenotypically and functionally distinct from its more mature counterpart. Ag-activated RTEs are less potent effectors than are activated mature T cells, due in part to reduced aerobic glycolysis (correctable by exogenous IL-2), which in turn impacts IFN-γ production. Mitochondria serve as nodal regulators of cell function, but their contribution to the unique biology of RTEs is unknown. In this study, we show that activated mouse RTEs have impaired oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of exogenous IL-2. This altered respiratory phenotype is the result of decreased CD28 signaling, reduced glutaminase induction, and diminished mitochondrial mass in RTEs relative to mature T cells. These results suggest an uncoupling whereby IL-2 tunes the rate of RTE glycolytic metabolism, whereas the unique profile of RTE mitochondrial metabolism is “hard wired.”
Communication channels in the host community market adopted by Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs
Authors: Ndoro Tinashe T.R. , Louw Lynette , Kanyangale MacDonald 
Published: August 2018

Orientation: There is a growing prevalence of entrepreneurial activity by immigrant entrepreneurs in different sectors of various economies across the world. Immigrant entrepreneurs seek to identify opportunities to grow and sustain their businesses in hostile business markets. Immigrant entrepreneurs use an array of channels of communication to gain insight of the opportunities in the market.Research purpose: The study sought to investigate the communication channels used by Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs to identify opportunities in the host community market.Motivation for the study: The study was undertaken given the dearth of research on the role of communication channels in enabling the identification of opportunities by immigrant entrepreneurs.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design was adopted in which purposive and snowball sampling were adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs operating small businesses in the South African context.Main findings: The results indicate that the immigrant entrepreneurs identified opportunities in the business environment through establishing channels of communication that manifested as networks with family members, customers, local employees and competitors. Building relationships through networks was key for the process of identifying opportunities.Practical/managerial implications: The study provides evidence that information about opportunities in the market is identified through dynamic channels of communication characterised by networks with different stakeholders.Contribution/value-add: Communication channels are pivotal in enabling the identification of opportunities in the business environment. Immigrant entrepreneurs actively create and sustain their relationships with various stakeholders in the business environment to be able to identify opportunities in the business environment.
Exceptionally cold water days in the southern Taiwan Strait: their predictability and relation to La Niña
Authors: Cheng Yu-Hsin , Chang Ming-Huei 
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to assess the predictability of
exceptionally cold water in the Taiwan Strait (TS) and to develop a warning
system on the basis of the scientific mechanism, which is a component of the
information technology system currently under development in Taiwan to
protect aquaculture against extreme hazards. Optimum interpolation sea
surface temperature (SST) data were used to find exceptionally cold water
days from January 1995 to May 2017. We found that the SST and wind speed over
the TS are low and strong in La Niña winters, respectively. According to
tests conducted using relative operating characteristic curves, predictions
based on the Oceanic Niño Index and integrated wind speed can be employed
at lead times of 60–120 and 0–25 days, respectively. This study utilized
these two proxies to develop a possible warning mechanism and concluded four
colors of warning light: (1) blue, meaning normal (0 % occurrence
probability); (2) cyan, meaning warning (∼ 50 % occurrence
probability); (3) yellow, meaning moderate risk (∼ 60 % occurrence
probability); and (4) red, meaning high risk (∼ 75 % occurrence
probability). Hindcasting winters over the period 1995–2017 successfully
predicted the cold water hazards in the winters of 2000, 2008, and 2011 prior
to the coldest day by ∼ 20 days.
Modelo de susceptibilidad a procesos de remociones en masa en rutas cordilleranas de Chile Central: Ruta 115 CH, Paso Pehuenche, Región del Maule
Authors: Becerra Baeza César , De Rurange Espinoza Jacqueline 
Published: August 2018

Se genera e implementa modelo cualitativo-cuantitativo para determinar el nivel de susceptibilidad de remociones en masa en rutas cordilleranas de Chile central, específicamente en ruta 115 CH, Paso Pehuenche, Región del Maule. Se aplicó el modelo de susceptibilidad basándose en análisis de terreno y uso de geomática, considerando la interacción de variables físicos-naturales asociados. Se analizaron los procesos geodinámicos con trabajo de campo. Se obtuvo información geomorfológica de modelos de elevación digital (DEM), imágenes satelitales y fotos aéreas. Los resultados obtenidos establecen que existen altas susceptibilidades a deslizamientos, flujos de detritos y desprendimientos de rocas, por las condiciones de geomorfología, rocas altamente meteorizadas, fuertes pendientes, baja cobertura
de vegetación y topografía con intervención antrópica, factores óptimos para la generación de estos procesos geodinámicos. La medida de control más eficaz es la prevención, utilizando instrumentos de gestión ambiental territorial. La metodología fue validada con trabajo de terreno en los años 2014 y 2016.
The Status of Micronutrients and Sulphur in some Plantation Crops at Different Ages in an Alfisol of Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ogeh Joseph Sunday , Ipinmoroti Rotimi Rufus 
Published: August 2018

A study was conducted to assess nutrient dynamics of soils under old and young cocoa, coffee and cashew plantations and the leaf nutrient contents of the crops at Uhonmora, Edo State, Nigeria for proper cultural and soil fertility management of the plantations. Soil and crop leaf samples were collected from each plantation using random sampling technique. The samples were analyzed using standard procedures for sand, silt, clay, pH (H2O), electrical conductivity (EC), total N, available P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). Leaf samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. Data were compared with the corresponding soil and foliar critical nutrient values for each crop. Results indicated that the soils were texturally sandy clay loam and acidic. The soils varied in their nutrient contents, with soil P for the old cocoa, young coffee and cashew plantations far below critical values. The young cashew plot was low in N content but adequate for other plots. However, the soil ECEC increased with increase in calcium contents. Leaf N was below critical for all the crops. Leaf K was low for cocoa and coffee plants, leaf Ca was low for the young cashew plants, while leaf Mg was low for the young cocoa and old cashew. The high soil Mg/K ratio of 8.7- 22.3 as against the established value of 2.0 might have resulted in gross nutrient imbalance which must have affected the absorption and utilization of other nutrients. Hence, adequate soil N did not translate to availability of same to the crops. The ECEC showed that the soil needs to be improved upon for sustainable productivity. Soil nutrient content variation across the plantations with age of establishment will necessitate the need for consistent routine soil nutrient assessment for proper and balanced soil nutrient supply to the crops, for healthy crop growth and optimum yield. Management practices of soil surface mulching using organic wastes and cover crops under compatible cropping systems are needed for successful plot establishment and better growth performance of the young seedlings.Keywords: Alfisol,different ages, leaf nutrient content, micronutrient, plantation crops, soil nutrient content, soil [How to Cite: Joseph SO and RR Ipinmoroti. 2014. The Status of Micronutrient and Sulphur in Some Plantation Crops of Different Ages in an Alfisol in Southern Nigeria. J Trop Soils 19(2): 63-68. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2014.19.2.63]
Soil Quality Improvement Using Compost and its Effects on Organic-Corn Production
Authors: Riwandi . , Handajaningsih Merakati , Hasanudin . , Munawar Ali 
Published: August 2018

Intensive agriculture has been well known to cause decline in soil organic matter and nutrient content of the soils. Therefore, efforts should be taken to avoid this from happening. Addition of organic fertilizers like compost has been increasingly become more important in Indonesian agriculture in the last couple of decades. The objectives of this study were to produce high quality compost using Indore method and to investigate its effects on organic-corn production. The study was conducted in the Integrated Agriculture Zone (IAZ), University of Bengkulu for two years (2012 and 2013). The study consisted of three steps: (i) soil fertility identification, (ii) compost production, and (iii) organic-corn field production. Soil fertility identification involved physical, chemical, biological analysis of soil samples collected from less fertile and moderately fertile soils. A randomized completely block design was employed in the field study which involved five rates of compost and two levels of soil fertility with three replications. In 2012, high quality compost was black, had pH 8, fine, odorless, and sufficiently high in NPK contents. Organic-corn yielded 2.94 and 5.69 Mg ha-1 of dried kernels on less fertile and moderately fertile soils, respectively at 20 Mg ha-1 compost. Similarly, in 2013 high quality compost was black, had pH 8, moderate, odorless, and high in NPK contents. The corn yields were 3.75 and 1.93 Mg ha-1 on less fertile and moderately fertile soils, respectively at 22.50 Mg ha-1 compost. [How to Cite: Riwandi, M Handajaningsih, Hasanudin, and A Munawar. 2015. Soil Quality Improvement Using Compost and its Effects on Organic-Corn Production. J Trop Soils 19: 11-19. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2015.20.1.11][Permalink/DOI: www.dx.doi.org/10.5400/jts.2015.20.1.11]
Nutrient Status and Mycorrhizal Population on Various Food Crops Grown Following Corn Inoculated with Indigenous Mycorrhiza on Sandy Soil of North Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Astiko Wahyu , Fauzi Muhammad Taufik , Sukartono . 
Published: August 2018

This study was aimed to determine the nutrient status and population of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the second cropping cycle of corn-based cropping patterns which utilized indigenous mycorrhizal fungi on sandy soil. The experiment was conducted at the Akar-Akar village in Bayan district of North Lombok, in a Randomized Block Design, with 4 replications and 6 treatments of cropping cycles (P0 = corn-soybean as a control, in which the corn plants were not inoculated with AMF; P1 = corn-soybean, P2 = corn-peanut, P3 = corn-upland rice, P4 = corn-sorghum, and P5 = corn-corn, in which the first cycle corn plants were inoculated with AMF). Results indicated that the status of N, P, K and organic-C increased significantly up to 112%, 148%, 88%, 88% at 60 DAS and 66%, 135%, 54%, 60% at 100 DAS, respectively in the second cropping cycle of sorghum compared to control. Uptake of N, P, K and Ca the sorghum plants at 60 DAS of the second cropping cycle reached 200%; 550%; 120% and 490%, respectively a higher than in the control. Mycorrhizal populations (spore number and infection percentage) were highest in the second cycle sorghum, achieving 335% and 226% respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control.
Soil Chemical Properties and Soybean Yield Due to Application of Biochar and Compost of Plant Waste
Authors: Barus Junita 
Published: August 2018

The importance to return organic matter to the soil has been widely recognized, especially to agricultural lands that are low in organic matter and nutrients contents that will decrease the productivity of food crops. This study aimed to study the effect of biochar (rice husk and corn cob biochar) and straw compost on soil chemical properties and yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. The experiments were done in the laboratory and the field experiment at February–July 2015. The first study was laboratory test using a randomized block design with three replicates. Soil samples were ground and sieved to obtain the less than 4 mm fraction for the incubation experiment. A five kg soil was mixtured with amandement treatments (A: control; B: Rice husk biochar 10 Mg ha-1 ; C: corn cob 10 Mg ha-1; D: straw compost 10 Mg ha-1; and E. Rice husk biochar 10 Mg ha-1 + straw compost 10 Mg ha-1 ; F. corn cob biochar 10 Mg ha-1 + straw compost 10 Mg ha-1) were filled into plastic pots. The treatments were incubated for 1 and 2 months. Soil samples measured were pH, Organic-C, Total-N, P2O5 (Bray-1), K2O (Morgan), Na, Ca, Mg, S, and CEC. The field experiment was conducted at Sukaraja Nuban Village, Batanghari Nuban sub district, East Lampung Regency. The treatments (similar too laboratory experiment) were arranged in a randomized block design with four replicates. Plot size was 10 m × 20 m, and soybean as crop indicators. The parameters observed were plant heigh, number of branches , number of pods per plant , number of seeds per plant, grain weight, and stover. The results of laboratory experiment showed that application of biochar and compost improve soil fertility due to the increase in soil pH and nutrient availability for plant especially P2O5 and K2O available. The treatment of a rice husk biochar and compost mixture was better than single application to improve soil fertility and soybean yield. Apllication mixture husk biochar 10 Mg ha-1and straw compost 10 Mg ha-1 increased grain weight about 41% compost to control.Keywords: Biochar, compost, crop waste, soil chemical properties [How to Cite: Junita B, Dermiyati and H Sudarsono. 2016. Soil Chemical Properties and Soybean Yield Due to Application Biochar and Compost of Plant Waste. J Trop Soils 21: 1-7. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2015.21.1.1]
Assessment of Bone Healing During Antegrade Intramedullary Rod Femur Lengthening Using Radiographic Pixel Density
Authors: Vulcano Ettore , Markowitz Jonathan S. , Ali Shabaz , Nguyen Joseph , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert 
Published: August 2018

Introduction:
Premature full weight bearing after femur lengthening can lead to implant failure, telescopic nail shortening, and regenerate fracture. This study aimed at performing a retrospective analysis of the correlation between pixel density ratio (PDR) calculations and clinical readiness for weight bearing in patients undergoing intramedullary nail–mediated femoral distraction osteogenesis.

Methods:
Thirty-two patients who underwent antegrade femur lengthening were included in this study. The PDR was calculated on femur radiographs in a picture archiving and communication system for each cortex (ie, medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior) at each postoperative visit. These values were then correlated with subjective evaluation of bone healing by the treating physician with expertise in bone lengthening.

Results:
Bone regenerate healing was clinically declared by the treating surgeons (S.R.R. and A.T.F.) at a mean of 8.5 weeks (range, 4 to 18 weeks). No implant failure, nail shortening, or regenerate fracture was observed. The overall mean PDR corresponding to clinical bone healing was 0.90, which was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than the mean value at the previous visit (0.82), when the bone was not clinically declared to be healed. The PDR increased in all cortices at all postoperative visits.

Conclusions:
The findings of the present study suggest that there may be a correlation between the PDR and clinical bone healing. This observational pilot study should be followed by additional studies to understand the relationship between the PDR and bony union.
Patients Loyalty Framework towards Healthcare Services in Malaysia
Authors: Gohain Kastury , Thambiah Seethaletchumy , Hong Tan Chuie 
Published: August 2018

The goal of this research is to determine the components that compel the healthcare stakeholders to become loyal towards the system. With extensive literature study of previously completed work, six crucial variables has been finalized. Hence, these variables will be justified to uphold loyal patients in healthcare. The findings highlighted the importance of loyalty in medical care. The factors leading to loyalty are identified and the relationship between the distinguished variable and loyalty is reconfirmed as prior documented studies.
The Role of Intangibles in the Creation of Company Value
Authors: Sicoli Graziella 
Published: August 2018

The interest of the business economists in intangibles is growing and to this day the topic remains discussed both with reference to the nature of these resources, and to their role, their contribution in terms of value creation. Intangibles are one of the main sources of companies’ competitive advantage (Tanfous, 2013). The definition and classification of intangibles is still an open question. Among intangibles, knowledge assumes a fundamental role. As stated by Sveiby (Sveiby, 1997) intellectual capital is ‘knowledge that can be converted into value. In fact, only the value of intangibles offers a comapny the possibility of differentiating itself from its competitors, and as stated by Stewart the differences among firms is played out by the correect management of intangible resources, which allow them to overcome competitors (Stewart, 1997). The aim of this work of the work is to carry out an analysis of the literature with reference to the definitions and classifications offered both nationally and internationally, their role in the company and their contribution in terms of value creation. To understand the sources of competitive advantage that intangibles generate it is necessary to build a model based on the statement that the resources of the company are immobile and heterogeneous. (Barney, 1991). Every enterprise must create the structures that help them to accumulate knowledge capital and create intangible assets systematically and to convert it to value for their customers in order to gain a competitive edge and create long-term shareholder value (Lev, 2003). This paper confirms the theory that adequate investments in intangibles exercises a positive influence on company performance; for the future, with the purpose of creating company value, we believe it opportune to consider the good association between intangibles and the various components of immaterial resources; this association will be able to guarantee not only the creation of value for the shareholders but for all the subjects directly and indirectly involved in the life of the company as well as the survival and reputation of the company itself. The paper offers adequate points for reflection for future examination regarding the relationship between investments achieved in intangibles and the creation of company value. Moreover, it confirms what the was previously stated, that up to now, studies on intangibles have not arrived at a universally accepted definition. Therefore, we hope for this in the near future.