bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain B-22, a parasitic fungus infecting Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Du Bin , Xu Yumei , Dong Hailong , Yan Li , Wang Jianming 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe characterized the parasitism by strain B-22 of Phanerochaete chrysosporium on the eggs, second stage juveniles (J2), and adult females of the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne Incognita). Strain B-22 had a strong lethal effect against M. incognita J2. The highest corrected mortality was 71.9% at 3 × 108 conidia mL−1. The estimated LC50 value was 0.96 × 108 conidia mL−1. Strain B-22 parasitized M. incognita eggs 2 days after treatment, causing the depression and dissolution of egg shells. The fungal spores parasitized J2 by gathering in the body wall, germinating to develop hyphae, and crossing the juvenile cuticle to dissolve it, thereby causing the shrinkage and deformation of the juvenile body wall. The spores and hyphae also attacked adult females, causing the shrinkage and dissolution of their bodies and leakage of contents in 5 days. Results of greenhouse experiments showed that different concentrations of P. chrysosporium effectively controlled different life stages of M. incognita and root knot symptoms in tomato plants. Moreover, the control efficacy increased with increasing conidial concentration; the best results were achieved with 3 × 108 cfu mL−1. In the roots, the highest inhibition rate was 84.61% for adult females, 78.91% for juveniles, 84.25% for the egg mass, and 79.48% for the gall index. The highest juvenile inhibition rate was 89.18% in the soil. Meanwhile, strain B-22 improved the plant growth. Thus, P. chrysosporium strain B-22 is safe for tomato plants while effectively parasitizing M. incognita, making it a promising biocontrol agent against M. incognita.
An innovative non-invasive technique for subcutaneous tumour measurements
Authors: Delgado-SanMartin Juan , Ehrhardt Beate , Paczkowski Marcin , Hackett Sean , Smith Andrew , Waraich Wajahat , Klatzow James , Zabair Adeala , Chabokdast Anna , Rubio-Navarro Leonardo , Rahi Amar , Wilson Zena 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn oncological drug development, animal studies continue to play a central role in which the volume of subcutaneous tumours is monitored to assess the efficacy of new drugs. Tumour volume is currently estimated by measuring length and width with callipers and then estimating the volume of the tumour as if it were a regular spheroid. However, this method is subjective, insufficiently traceable, and is subject to error in the accuracy of volume estimates as tumours frequently are irregular.This paper explores the extent of inconsistencies in calliper measurements by conducting a statistical review of a large dataset consisting of 2,500 tumour volume measurements from 1,600 mice by multiple operators across 6 mouse strains and 20 tumour models. We also explore the impact of six different tumour morphologies on volume estimation and the detection of treatment effects using a computational tumour growth model. Finally, we propose an alternative method to callipers for estimating volume – BioVolume™, a 3D scanning technique. BioVolume simultaneously captures both stereo RGB (Red, Green and Blue) images from different light sources and infrared thermal images of the tumour. It detects the tumour region automatically and estimates the tumour volume in under a second. BioVolume has been tested on a dataset of 297 scans from over 120 mice collected by four different operators.This work demonstrates that it is possible to record tumour measurements in a rapid, minimally invasive, morphology-independent way, and with less human-bias compared to callipers, whilst also improving data traceability. Furthermore, the images collected by BioVolume may be useful, for example, as a source of biomarkers for animal welfare and secondary drug toxicity / efficacy.
Plant A20/AN1 proteins coordinate different immune responses including RNAi pathway for antiviral immunity
Authors: Chang Li , Chang Ho-Hsiung , Chiu Yi-Shu , Chang Jui-Che , Hsu Duen-Wei , Tzean Yuh , Cheng An-Po , Lu Hsiang-Chia , Yeh Hsin-Hung 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTSalicylic acid (SA)-mediated immunity plays important roles in combating virus in plants. Two plant stress associated protein (SAPs) containing dual A20/AN1 zinc-finger domain were found to play important roles in SA-mediated immunity; however, detailed mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, another orchid homolog gene of Pha13, Pha21, was analyzed. Pha21 confers antiviral immunity in both transgenic orchid and Arabidopsis overexpressing Pha21. Expression of Pha21 is early-induced by SA treatment, and is involved in the expression of the orchid homolog of the master regulator NPR1. Pha21 but not Pha13 is involved in the expression of key RNAi-related genes, Dicer-like nuclease 4 (DCL4) and Argonaut 1 (AGO1) in orchids. The involvement of SAPs in expression of orchid DCL4 and AGO1 is not limited to orchid, as AtSAP5 also plays essential role in the expression of Arabidopsis DCL4 and AGO1. However, unlike Pha13 and AtSAP5, Pha21 does not play positive role in the expression of orchid homolog gene of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1 (RdR1), an important gene in RNAi pathway. Pha21 can be found localized in the nucleus, and confers self-E3 ligase and ubiquitin binding activities. Functional domain analysis revealed that both A20 and AN1 domains of Pha21 are required for decreasing virus accumulation, and the AN1 domain plays a more important role in the expression of orchid DCL4. Collectively, our data suggests SA regulated SAPs play important roles in antiviral immunity and is involved in delicate regulation of key genes in RNAi-mediated pathway.IMPORTANCESalicylic acid (SA)-mediated antiviral immunity plays an important role to protect plants from virus infection; however, the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. We previously demonstrated that two plant A20/AN1 proteins, orchid Pha13 and Arabidopsis AtSAP5, function similarly and serve as an important hub to regulate SA-mediated antiviral immunity. In this study, we identified another orchid A20/AN1 protein, Pha21, which is involved in SA-mediated antiviral immunity. In contrast to Pha13 and AtSAP5, Pha21 plays minor negative roles in the expression of PhaRdR1 (orchid homolog of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1). However, Pha21 and AtSAP5, but not Pha13, are involved in the expression of important players in RNAi pathway, Dicer-like nuclease 4 (DCL4) and Argonaut 1 (AGO1), in orchid and Arabidopsis. Our data demonstrates that plant A20/AN1 proteins are conserved players in SA-mediated antiviral resistance among plants, and provide links between the A20/AN1 proteins and the RNAi pathway.
Kinematic calibration of serial robot using dual quaternions
Authors: Li Guozhi , Zhang Fuhai , Fu Yili , Wang Shuguo 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an error model for serial robot kinematic calibration based on dual quaternions.

Design/methodology/approach
The dual quaternions are the combination of dual-number theory and quaternion algebra, which means that they can represent spatial transformation. The dual quaternions can represent the screw displacement in a compact and efficient way, so that they are used for the kinematic analysis of serial robot. The error model proposed in this paper is derived from the forward kinematic equations via using dual quaternion algebra. The full pose measurements are considered to apply the error model to the serial robot by using Leica Geosystems Absolute Tracker (AT960) and tracker machine control (T-MAC) probe.

Findings
Two kinematic-parameter identification algorithms are derived from the proposed error model based on dual quaternions, and they can be used for serial robot calibration. The error model uses Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) notation in the kinematic analysis, so that it gives the intuitive geometrical meaning of the kinematic parameters. The absolute tracker system can measure the position and orientation of the end-effector (EE) simultaneously via using T-MAC.

Originality/value
The error model formulated by dual quaternion algebra contains all the basic geometrical parameters of serial robot during the kinematic calibration process. The vector of dual quaternion error can be used as an indicator to represent the trend of error change of robot’s EE between the nominal value and the actual value. The accuracy of the EE is improved after nearly 20 measurements in the experiment conduct on robot SDA5F. The simulation and experiment verify the effectiveness of the error model and the calibration algorithms.
Intellectual capital for exploratory and exploitative innovation
Authors: Duodu Bismark , Rowlinson Steve 
Published: April 2019

PurposeIntellectual capital (IC) has been suggested to be a means by which firms develop capabilities that enhance competitive advantage. There is, however, a paucity of empirical research linking IC with innovation in construction firms, leaving the IC–innovation link in such environments unclear. The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding of the relationships between IC components and strategic exploratory and exploitative innovation in construction contractor firms.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised 135 management personnel from construction contractor firms in Hong Kong. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey using validated scales in the literature which were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test the hypotheses while partial least squares structural equation modelling was used forpost hocanalysis.FindingsSocial capital (SC) and organisational capital (OC) each have significant positive linear effects on exploratory and exploitative innovation, while human capital (HC) has no direct linear effect on either innovation type. HC, however, affects both exploratory and exploitative innovation through SC or OC. None of the three IC dimensions has a significant quadratic effect on exploratory or exploitative innovation. The findings suggest that in construction contractor firms increases in the accumulation of SC and OC are associated with proportional increases in exploratory and exploitative innovation.Originality/valueDespite the growth of studies connecting IC to innovation, the link between IC and exploratory and exploitative innovation has focussed on linear effects in units or on radical innovation outcomes. This study makes a novel contextual contribution by exploring both linear and quadratic effects of IC dimensions on strategic exploratory and exploitative innovation processes in construction contractor firms. The insights contribute to advance knowledge on the relationship between IC and innovation categories in different industrial settings.
Mediating effect of organizational learning and moderating role of environmental dynamism on the relationship between strategic change and firm performance
Authors: Mohammad Haruna Isa 
Published: April 2019

PurposeWith the materialization of literature on strategic change, it is clear that organizational learning and organizational dynamism have been among the most notable areas of study. The purpose of this paper is to extend the literature on strategic management by examining the mediating effects of organizational learning and the moderating role of environmental dynamism on the relationship between strategic change and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was administered to 650 respondents who were both corporate and business-level managers of 22 main deposit money banks (commercial banks) and their branches across the country. In total, 630 questionnaires were returned and 587 were used after following all the processes of data preparation. Path analysis was employed to test the hypotheses in this study using Smart PLS 3.FindingsThe study found a significant mediating effect of organizational learning on the relationship between strategic change and firm performance. Although no significant moderating role of environmental dynamism was found, the directions of the path coefficients are consistent with the hypothesis. All the relationships between the constructs are significant.Research limitations/implicationsIt is paramount for managers to understand the type of environment and learning that fits diverse kinds of strategic changes in order to improve firm performance. It is evident that changes that are not proactive and generative organizational learning may seem dangerous for a firm. However, organizations should learn to incorporate the change to be able to compete in a dynamic competitive environment.Originality/valuePrior studies on strategic change, environmental dynamism and organizational learning have mainly focused on manufacturing and construction industries in the developed countries, but less has been done in the service sector, particularly the banking organizations in developing countries. Nigeria is one of those countries. Therefore, this study focuses on the links between strategic change and firm performance, moderating role of environmental dynamism and the mediating effect of organizational learning within the context of the Nigerian deposit money banks.
Density‐dependent population dynamics of a high Arctic capital breeder, the barnacle goose
Authors: Layton‐Matthews Kate , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Hansen Brage Bremset , Coste Christophe F. D. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Grøtan Vidar 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Density regulation of the population growth rate occurs through negative feedbacks on underlying vital rates, in response to increasing population size. Here, we examine in a capital breeder how vital rates of different life‐history stages, their elasticities and population growth rates are affected by changes in population size.

We developed an integrated population model for a local population of Svalbard barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis, using counts, reproductive data and individual‐based mark–recapture data (1990–2017) to model age class‐specific survival, reproduction and number of individuals. Based on these estimates, we quantified the changes in demographic structure and the effect of population size on age class‐specific vital rates and elasticities, as well as the population growth rate.

Local density regulation at the breeding grounds acted to reduce population growth through negative effects on reproduction; however, population size could not explain substantial variation in survival rates, although there was some support for density‐dependent first‐year survival.

With the use of prospective perturbation analysis of the density‐dependent projection matrix, we show that the elasticities to different vital rates changed as population size increased. As population size approached carrying capacity, the influence of reproductive rates and early‐life survival on the population growth rate was reduced, whereas the influence of adult survival increased. A retrospective perturbation analysis revealed that density dependence resulted in a positive contribution of reproductive rates, and a negative contribution of the numbers of individuals in the adult age class, to the realised population growth rate.

The patterns of density dependence in this population of barnacle geese were different from those recorded in income breeding birds, where density regulation mainly occurs through an effect on early‐life survival. This indicates that the population dynamics of capital breeders, such as the barnacle goose, are likely to be more reproduction‐driven than is the case for income breeders.
A Method for Stabilizing the Proportion of the Reduced Form of Albumin During Cell‐Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy in Patients with Malignant Ascites
Authors: Ohashi Atsushi , Nakai Shigeru , Yamada Sachie , Kato Masao , Hasegawa Midori 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is used to treat malignant ascites. However, the qualities of albumin in malignant ascites, such as antioxidative activity, may decrease owing to oxidative stress caused by cancer cells and inflammatory reactions. We investigated the fraction percentages of mercaptalbumin (HMA%, reduced form) and non‐mercaptalbumin (HNA%, oxidized form) in malignant ascites from 21 patients who received CART and compared the HMA% in the malignant ascites and human serum albumin (HSA) preparations. HMA% of albumin in malignant ascites (22.5%) was significantly lower than that in HSA preparation (42.2%). To ensure a high HMA%, we added L‐cysteine to the paracentesis‐treated ascites followed by dialysis 1 h later. As a result, the HMA% of albumin in malignant ascites was increased to 59.1%. Our results suggest that using this method in CART will improve patient's albumin quality.
Protocolised thromboelastometric‐guided haemostatic management in patients with traumatic brain injury: a pilot study
Authors: Gratz J. , Güting H. , Thorn S. , Brazinova A. , Görlinger K. , Schäfer N. , Schöchl H. , Stanworth S. , Maegele M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryCoagulopathy in patients with traumatic brain injury is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Although timely and aggressive treatment of coagulopathy is of paramount importance, excessive transfusion of blood products has been linked with poor long‐term outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury. A point‐of‐care thromboelastometric‐guided algorithm could assist in creating a more individually tailored approach to each patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a thromboelastometric‐guided algorithm in centres that were formerly naïve to thromboelastometry. Hence, we developed such an algorithm and provided training to four centres across Europe to direct the haemostatic management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The primary outcome was adherence to the algorithm and timing of the availability of relevant results. Thirty‐two patients were included in the study. Complete adherence to the algorithm was observed in 20 out of 32 cases. The availability of thromboelastometric results after hospital admission was reported significantly earlier than conventional coagulation tests (median (IQR [range]) 33 (20–40 [14–250]) min vs. 71 (51–101 [32–290]) min; p = 0.037). Although only 5 out of 32 patients had abnormalities of conventional coagulation tests, 21 out of 32 patients had a coagulopathic baseline thromboelastometric trace. Implementing a thromboelastometric‐guided algorithm for the haemostatic therapy of traumatic brain injury is feasible in centres formerly naïve to this technology and may lead to more rapid and precise coagulation management. Further large‐scale studies are warranted to confirm the results of this pilot trial and evaluate clinical outcomes.
Child outcomes after placement of a cervical pessary in women with a multiple pregnancy: A 4‐year follow‐up of the ProTWIN trial
Authors: Simons Noor E. , van de Beek Cornelieke , van der Lee Johanna H. , Opmeer Brent C. , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis Aleid G. , van Baar Anneloes L. , Steenis Leonie , Liem Sophie , Schuit Ewoud , Bekedam Dick , Mol Ben W. J. , van‘t Hooft Janneke 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe ProTWIN trial previously showed no beneficial effect of treatment with a cervical pessary vs usual care to prevent preterm birth in women with a multiple pregnancy. However, in women with a midtrimester short cervix (<38 mm), pessary did reduce the composite outcome of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This follow‐up study evaluates the long‐term outcomes of all children born to mothers who participated in the ProTWIN trial at 4 years of age.Material and methodsParents received the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and a health questionnaire. All questionnaires were reported separately and as a combined outcome (abnormal child outcome). A linear mixed effects model was used to adjust for correlated data in twins and correction for confounders was performed. In exploratory analysis, a composite outcome of death or survival with abnormal child outcome was used by combining extrapolated data on child outcome with survival data. All data were analyzed for the total group and the subgroup of women with midtrimester short cervix.ResultsOf the original 813 women of the ProTWIN trial, we approached 579, of whom 258 participated (45%) in follow‐up. We received questionnaires of 514 children (281 pessary vs 233 control), with 119 children in the subgroup of women with midtrimester short cervix. An abnormal child outcome was found in 23% in the pessary group vs 16% in the control group (odds ratio 1.58; 95% confidence interval 0.94‐2.65). In exploratory analysis with extrapolated data on child outcome (n = 815), no difference in abnormal child outcome was seen between the pessary and control group. In the subgroup of women with a short cervix (n = 268), this composite outcome indicated a favorable outcome for children born to mothers with pessary.ConclusionsIn women with a multiple pregnancy, the use of a cervical pessary did not improve development, behavior or physical outcomes of the surviving children at age 4.
Levels of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor are decreased, but fibroblast growth factor 2 and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor are increased in the hippocampus in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Virachit Sophie , Mathews Kathryn J. , Cottam Veronica , Werry Eryn , Galli Emilia , Rappou Elisabeth , Lindholm Pӓivi , Saarma Mart , Halliday Glenda M. , Shannon Weickert Cynthia , Double Kay L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGrowth factors can facilitate hippocampus‐based learning and memory and are potential targets for treatment of cognitive dysfunction via their neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects. Dementia is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but treatment options are limited. We aimed to determine if levels of growth factors are altered in the hippocampus of patients with PD, and if such alterations are associated with PD pathology. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify seven growth factors in fresh frozen hippocampus from 10 PD and nine age‐matched control brains. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to explore cellular and inflammatory changes that may be associated with growth factor alterations. In the PD hippocampus, protein levels of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor were significantly decreased, despite no evidence of neuronal loss. In contrast, protein levels of fibroblast growth factor 2 and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor were significantly increased in PD compared to controls. Levels of the growth factors epidermal growth factor, heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor did not differ between groups. Our data demonstrate changes in specific growth factors in the hippocampus of the PD brain, which potentially represent targets for modification to help attenuate cognitive decline in PD. These data also suggest that multiple growth factors and direction of change needs to be considered when approaching growth factors as a potential treatment for cognitive decline.