bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic communication during reproduction in the basal gobioid Amur sleeper and the putative sound production mechanism
Authors: Horvatić S. , Malavasi S. , Parmentier E. , Marčić Z. , Buj I. , Mustafić P. , Ćaleta M. , Smederevac‐Lalić M. , Skorić S. , Zanella D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGobioids (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei) are a large group of vocal fishes with four sound types documented during aggressive or reproductive interactions in 23 species. Most attention has been dedicated to sound production in Gobiidae and Gobionellidae, while acoustic communications in other phylogenetically distant gobioid groups have been neglected. Odontobutidae, a basal family within the gobioids, is a poorly studied fish assemblage, with sounds documented in only a single species. The goal of this study was to record and describe the acoustic signals produced by Perccottus glenii (Odontobutidae) under laboratory conditions, with particular focus on the reproductive phase (courtship and pre‐spawning), and to provide insight into the anatomical basis of the sound emission mechanism. We recorded two acoustically different call types, thumps and tonal sounds. Thumps were low‐frequency sounds (~95 Hz) with an irregular waveform, produced by males during both the courtship and pre‐spawning phases. Thumps were frequently organized in long trains, a thump burst, composed from approximately five thumps and lasting over 10 s. Tonal sounds were short vocalizations (~90 ms) produced only during courtship interactions, characterized by a sinusoidal oscillogram and a single frequency peak (~120 Hz). Additionally, anatomical examination focusing on the pectoral girdle identified the muscles that could be responsible for sound emission. The levator pectoralis muscle, originating on the neurocranium and attaching to the cleithral bone, is separated into three bundles: a pars lateralis superficialis, a pars lateralis profundus and a pars medialis. These results expand the knowledge about gobioid vocal behaviour and underline the importance of acoustic communication within this group of fish. Odontobutidae is a sister group to rest of the gobioids, and therefore, our results have significant impact for future comparative studies dealing with sound production.
Hepatitis C virus elimination in Indonesia: Epidemiological, cost and cost‐effectiveness modelling to advance advocacy and strategic planning
Authors: Trickey Adam , Hiebert Lindsey , Perfect Chase , Thomas Caroline , El Kaim Jean Luc , Vickerman Peter , Schȕtte Carl , Hecht Robert 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgrounds & AimsIn Indonesia 1.9 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but a national strategic plan for elimination has not yet been developed, despite the availability of low‐cost treatments which could save many lives. We used epidemiological and cost modelling to estimate targets and resource requirements of a national elimination program and explore the potential impact and cost‐effectiveness.MethodsTo model the HCV epidemic, we used a dynamic model, parameterised with Indonesia‐specific data, accounting for disease progression, injecting drug use and demographics. Future scale‐up scenarios were designed for 2018‐2050 to capture possible policy choices. Costs of an initial 5‐year national strategy and of long‐term elimination were estimated for the most feasible scenario, as agreed with government and local partners. Cost savings from reduced drug and diagnostics prices were also estimated. The cost‐effectiveness of baseline predictions and those with drug price reductions were compared to the no treatment scenario.ResultsElimination by 2045, considered the most feasible path to scale‐up, would prevent 739 000 new infections and avert 158 000 HCV‐related deaths. The costs would be $5.6 billion (USD) using baseline prices but could fall to $2.7 billion if price reductions for HCV drugs and diagnostics are secured. With these price reductions, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for a 2045 elimination program would be cost‐effective at $300 (USD) per year of life saved vs the no treatment scenario.ConclusionsThis study has underpinned advocacy efforts to secure Indonesian government commitment to HCV elimination, and provides further inputs for HCV strategic planning efforts.
Changes in plasma circulating microvesicles in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis after treatment with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Campello Elena , Radu Claudia M. , Zanetto Alberto , Bulato Cristiana , Shalaby Sarah , Spiezia Luca , Franceschet Enrica , Burra Patrizia , Russo Francesco P. , Simioni Paolo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsThe eradication of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection by direct‐acting antiviral (DAAs) agents has been linked to an amelioration of liver synthesis and regression of fibrosis. Although changes in number and type of circulating microvesicles (MVs) have been reported in cirrhosis, conclusive data on the effect of DAAs treatment on MVs profile in HCV cirrhotic patients remain scarce.MethodsWe measured the levels of endothelial, platelet and hepatocyte MVs, as well as MVs‐expressing versican core protein (VCAN+) in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), at 12, 24 and 48 weeks (W) after EOT by new generation flow cytometry.ResultsFifty‐eight patients were enrolled (86% Child's A). MVs were increased at EOT vs baseline, though only platelet MVs revealed a statistically significant difference (P < .01). MV levels did not change significantly after EOT notwithstanding a steady downward trend towards baseline levels. Conversely, VCAN + MVs dropped significantly at EOT (P < .001) and remained low throughout the follow‐up. Hepatocyte MVs significantly correlated with liver stiffness (r = .40, P = .0021). Eight composite outcomes occurred during the 1‐year follow‐up: three portal vein thromboses (PVTs), two hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and three liver decompensation. Child's B, the presence of F2 oesophageal varices (OR for interaction 19.2 [95% CI 1.45‐253.7], P = .023) and platelet MVs (OR 1.026 [95% CI 1.00‐1.05, P = .023) correlated significantly with clinical outcomes.ConclusionsVCAN + MVs appear to mirror the profibrotic status of the cirrhotic disease; hepatocyte MVs correlate with liver stiffness and increased platelet MV levels could be associated with a worse clinical outcome.
Rev. John G. Lansing (1851–1906) on Preaching the Gospel to Muslims
Authors: Zdanowski Jerzy 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAt the turn of the twentieth century, the interest of American Protestant churches in foreign missions increased dramatically. “The evangelization of the world in this generation” became a powerful slogan and a new understanding of the Great Commission or the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples, was among factors that “revolutionized American missionary movement.”1 This article presents the views on Islam of Rev. John G. Lansing from the New Brunswick Seminary of the Reformed Church of America,2 and suggests that Lansing changed the view that Islam is not approachable and awakened the imagination of his disciples concerning the land of Islam and its inhabitants as people to whom the words of the gospel should be addressed. Although the Arabian Mission established by Lansing in 1889 finally failed in ensuring mass conversions of Muslims, it did result in a great discovery of Islam by the missionaries.
Exploring the Bible Through Qurʾānic Lens: An Analysis of Ibn Qutayba’s Approach in Dalāʾil Nubuwwa
Authors: Sanusi Azmi Ahmad 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPersistent disputation from non‐Muslim communities arguing against the veracity of Muḥammad’s prophethood has undoubtedly served to contribute to the steady growth of Dalāʾil literature at the formative period of Islam. Besides intensifying Dalāʾil works with evidentiary miracles to prove the authenticity of Muhammad’s prophethood, one of the popular styles of argument employed by the scholars of Islam is adducing Qurʾānic and Biblical verses and its hermeneutic to substantiate the prophethood of Muhammad. In the ninth century, Ibn Qutayba composed his Dalāʾil Nubuwwa with a unique approach in which he utilised the content of the Qurʾān to explore the meaning of the Bible. This study seeks to explore the novelty of his approach in utilising the Qurʾān to elucidate Biblical passages. The study employs a descriptive, comparative and critical approach, in which it analyses and extracts the author’s original approach in explaining the legitimacy of Muḥammad’s prophethood. The study in its finding affirms that Ibn Qutayba invented an innovative approach, exploring the meaning of scripture previously understood exclusively through Judaeo‐Christian theological methodology alone. This is where the novelty of his approach is distinguished.
Generation of a multiplex mutagenesis population via pooled CRISPR‐Cas9 in soya bean
Authors: Bai Mengyan , Yuan Juehui , Kuang Huaqin , Gong Pingping , Li Suning , Zhang Zhihui , Liu Bo , Sun Jiafeng , Yang Maoxiang , Yang Lan , Wang Dong , Song Shikui , Guan Yuefeng 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe output of genetic mutant screenings in soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has been limited by its paleopolypoid genome. CRISPR‐Cas9 can generate multiplex mutants in crops with complex genomes. Nevertheless, the transformation efficiency of soya bean remains low and, hence, remains the major obstacle in the application of CRISPR‐Cas9 as a mutant screening tool. Here, we report a pooled CRISPR‐Cas9 platform to generate soya bean multiplex mutagenesis populations. We optimized the key steps in the screening protocol, including vector construction, sgRNA assessment, pooled transformation, sgRNA identification and gene editing verification. We constructed 70 CRISPR‐Cas9 vectors to target 102 candidate genes and their paralogs which were subjected to pooled transformation in 16 batches. A population consisting of 407 T0 lines was obtained containing all sgRNAs at an average mutagenesis frequency of 59.2%, including 35.6% lines carrying multiplex mutations. The mutation frequency in the T1 progeny could be increased further despite obtaining a transgenic chimera. In this population, we characterized gmric1/gmric2 double mutants with increased nodule numbers and gmrdn1‐1/1‐2/1‐3 triple mutant lines with decreased nodulation. Our study provides an advanced strategy for the generation of a targeted multiplex mutant population to overcome the gene redundancy problem in soya bean as well as in other major crops.
Aquaculture of marine ornamental fish: overview of the production trends and the role of academia in research progress
Authors: Pouil Simon , Tlusty Michael F. , Rhyne Andrew L. , Metian Marc 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe marine ornamental fish trade is expanding and still largely relies on wild fish from tropical coral reef ecosystems. There are unknowns in the wild harvest so that the sustainability of marine ornamental fish trade can therefore be questioned with aquaculture being perceived as a responsible alternative for the procurement of these ornamental marine fish. However, there are still many technical constraints that hinder its development. These blocks require additional coordination with the outcome being an accelerated development of ornamental marine fish production. The main objective of this review was to better identify, understand and discuss the role and the impacts of academic research in the production of marine ornamental fish through qualitative and quantitative approaches. To do so, 222 selected scientific publications (including peer‐reviewed articles, conferences articles, thesis and reports) from the literature available to date were analysed and outcomes were framed in perspective of the total number of captive‐bred species. Results of the meta‐analyses indicate that academic research has led to significant advances in the breeding of some of the more difficult to breed species. While it has a leading role in conservation, its advance of techniques still lags behind private companies and hobbyists. Partnerships promoting synergistic activities between academic research institutes and the private sector (aquaculture farms and public aquariums) are important to optimize future ornamental marine fish production.
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: The problem of “Abrahamic religions” and the possibilities of comparison
Authors: Boyd Samuel L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractJudaism, Christianity, and Islam have long been known as “Abrahamic religions,” and the comparative study of these three religious traditions has occupied scholars focusing on a variety of time periods from antiquity to modernity. Recent research has begun to question, or at least to complicate, the label “Abrahamic religions,” opening up a host of new avenues of inquiry when examining the history and development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this article, I explore the relationship between popular and scholarly modes of understanding these religions. I examine the role of religious competition as a framework through which to research Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. I offer concluding thoughts regarding why this framework is beneficial not only to scholars of religion but also to lay readers for understanding why this field of comparative scholarship matters to them.
The governance of risk management: The importance of directors’ independence and financial knowledge
Authors: Dionne Georges , Chun Olfa Maalaoui , Triki Thouraya 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe test the effects of the independence and financial knowledge of directors on risk management and firm value in the gold mining industry. Our original hand‐collected database on directors’ financial education, accounting background, and financial experience allows us to measure the effect of financial knowledge on risk management activities. We show that directors’ financial knowledge increases firm value through the risk management channel. This effect is strengthened by the independence of the directors on the board and on the audit committee. Extending the dimension of education, we show that, following unexpected shocks to gold prices, firms with financially educated directors are more effective in hedging than average firms in the industry. Firms that hedge more also attracts highly educated directors on their board and audit committee. As a policy implication, our results suggest adding the experience and education dimensions to the 2002 Sarbanes–Oxley Act and New York Stock Exchange requirements for better governance.
Soliciting feedback on the wards: a peer‐to‐peer workshop
Authors: Yau Bernice N , Chen Alissa S , Ownby Allison R , Hsieh Peggy , Ford Christine D 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundFor medical students, soliciting feedback is a critical but difficult skill that merits proper training. This skill may be taught effectively by peers who have experienced challenges with feedback on the wards.MethodsTwo medical students developed and taught a workshop on feedback skills. The workshop was presented to 248 third‐year students. The workshop trained students in soliciting, receiving and responding to feedback through interactive discussions of case scenarios. Students were given pre‐ and post‐surveys to assess changes in their confidence in and attitudes towards the feedback process.ResultsThere were statistically significant increases in students' likeliness to solicit feedback and confidence in their ability to solicit feedback. Students' view on the importance of feedback did not change. The most commonly cited barriers to feedback were time constraints, fear of negative feedback, emotions and skills when asking for feedback, and student–mentor relationship. The content the students valued the most was management of internal triggers to negative feedback. Students noted that the peer‐to‐peer format, case scenarios, and interactive questions were strengths of the workshop.DiscussionAlthough medical students recognise the importance of feedback, they often lack the confidence and skills to obtain quality feedback. A peer‐to‐peer workshop on soliciting, receiving, and responding to feedback can be an effective method to improve students' confidence and skills in this area. More research needs to be done to conclude if this workshop increases the instances of students soliciting high‐quality feedback on the wards and improves clinical performance.
Higher expression of the strawberry xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 accelerates fruit ripening
Authors: Witasari Lucia D. , Huang Fong‐Chin , Hoffmann Thomas , Rozhon Wilfried , Fry Stephen C. , Schwab Wilfried 
Published: August 2019

SummaryFruit softening in Fragaria (strawberry) is proposed to be associated with the modification of cell wall components such as xyloglucan by the action of cell wall‐modifying enzymes. This study focuses on the in vitro and in vivo characterization of two recombinant xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) from Fragaria vesca, FvXTH9 and FvXTH6. Mining of the publicly available F. vesca genome sequence yielded 28 putative XTH genes. FvXTH9 showed the highest expression level of all FvXTHs in a fruit transcriptome data set and was selected with the closely related FvXTH6 for further analysis. To investigate their role in fruit ripening in more detail, the coding sequences of FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 were cloned into the vector pYES2 and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 displayed xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) activity towards various acceptor substrates using xyloglucan as the donor substrate. Interestingly, FvXTH9 showed activity of mixed‐linkage glucan:xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (MXE) and cellulose:xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (CXE). The optimum pH of both FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 was 6.5. The prediction of subcellular localization suggested localization to the secretory pathway, which was confirmed by localization studies in Nicotiana tabacum. Overexpression showed that Fragaria × ananassa fruits infiltrated with FvXTH9 and FvXTH6 ripened faster and showed decreased firmness compared with the empty vector control pBI121. Thus FvXTH9 and also FvXTH6 might promote strawberry fruit ripening by the modification of cell wall components.
Functional demonstration of plant flavonoid carbocations proposed to be involved in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins
Authors: Wang Peiqiang , Liu Yajun , Zhang Lingjie , Wang Wenzhao , Hou Hua , Zhao Yue , Jiang Xiaolan , Yu Jie , Tan Huarong , Wang Yunsheng , Xie De‐Yu , Gao Liping , Xia Tao 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe plant flavonoid dogma proposes that labile plant flavonoid carbocations (PFCs) play vital roles in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins (PAs). However, whether PFCs exist in plants and how PFCs function remain unclear. Here, we report the use of an integrative strategy including enzymatic assays, mutant analysis, metabolic engineering, isotope labeling and metabolic profiling to capture PFCs and demonstrate their functions. In anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) assays, an (−)‐epicatechin conjugate was captured in protic polar nucleophilic methanol alone or methanol−HCl extracts. Tandem mass spectrum (MS/MS) analysis characterized this compound as an (−)‐epicatechin‐4‐O‐methyl (EOM) ether, which resulted from (−)‐epicatechin carbocation and the methyl group of methanol. Acid‐based catalysis of procyanidin B2 and B3 produced four compounds, which were annotated as two EOM and two (+)‐catechin‐4‐O‐methyl (COM) ethers. Metabolic profiling of seven PA pathway mutants showed an absence or reduction of two EOM ether isomers in seeds. Camellia sinensis ANRa (CsANRa), leucoanthocyanidin reductase c (CsLARc), and CsMYB5b (a transcription factor) were independently overexpressed for successful PA engineering in tobacco. The EOM ether was remarkably increased in CsANRa and CsMYB5b transgenic flowers. Further metabolic profiling for eight green tea tissues revealed two EOM and two COM ethers associated with PA biosynthesis. Moreover, an incubation of (−)‐epicatechin or (+)‐catechin with epicatechin carbocation in CsANRa transgenic flower extracts formed dimeric procyanidin B1 or B2, demonstrating the role of flavan‐3‐ol carbocation in the formation of PAs. Taken together, these findings indicated that flavan‐3‐ol carbocations exist in extracts and are involved in the biosynthesis of PAs of plants.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRIC FIELD IN EMULATED HUMAN BODY TISSUE USING WIRE MESH SENSOR
Authors: Nismayanti Anis , R. Baidillah Marlin , Al Huda Mahfudz , Prihandoko Bambang , Triwikantoro Triwikantoro , Endarko Endarko , Taruno Warsito P. 
Published: August 2019

Wire mesh sensor has been successfully fabricated and used for measurement of the electric field in emulated human body tissue. Measurement of electric field in human body tissue needs to be done, because the electric field is very useful for the treatment especially cancer treatment and also important for health. In this study, we propose a novel electric field measurement method by using wire mesh sensor (wms), that is all channels on the wire act as receivers, and each cross point of the wire are interconnected. While in existing wire mesh sensors, there are two perpendicular channels of transmitter and receiver, and each channel is unrelated, there is a distance between the two channels. At present, wire mesh sensors 3 × 3 and 8 × 8 were used to measure the value of electric field at each wire intersection point. The wire mesh sensor consists of copper wire in a cylindrical body model with diameter 14 [cm]. The emulated human body tissue were inserted in the wire mesh sensor. Furthermore, linear back propagation technique and bilinear interpolation used for image reconstruction of the electric field distribution. The result showed that the wire mesh sensor 8 × 8 has better resolution than wire mesh sensor 3 × 3. The characterisation of wire mesh sensor 8 × 8 for measurement of electric field in emulated human body tissue is obtained lower than measurement in the air with a ratio of 82%. Meanwhile, the wire mesh sensor 3 × 3 could be achieved at 61.8%. This study can be a new science in measuring electric field so that electric field-based treatment planning system can be more optimal.
THE POTENTIAL OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN. (ROSELLE) POLYPHENOL-RICH EXTRACT AS A CARDIOPROTECTIVE AGENT IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MODEL
Authors: Budin Siti Balkis , Sharifuddin Nor Anita , Jubaidi Fatin Farhana , Zainalabidin Satirah 
Published: August 2019

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of death due to interrupted blood supply to the heart. Roselle calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) is rich in polyphenols and has a potential in alleviating the risk of cardiovascular disease through its antioxidant activity. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. or roselle polyphenol-rich extract (HPE) supplementation in oxidative stress and cardiac injury biomarkers as well as cardiac histological changes following isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Twenty-one male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, MI, and HPE+MI. Normal saline or HPE (20 mg/kg BW) was given to MI and HPE+MI groups, respectively, for 14 consecutive days via force feeding. On the 15th and 16th day, 85 mg/kg body weight of ISO was administered subcutaneously to induce MI. Control group was only given normal saline throughout this 16-day duration of study. The results showed that HPE reduced the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in HPE+MI group when compared with MI group (p<0.05) while increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level reflexes the improvement in antioxidant status. Cardiac injury biomarkers analysis showed no significant difference in HPE+MI group when compared to MI group. Histological study showed that HPE managed to reduce cardiac muscle fibre damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ISO-induced MI rats. In conclusion, HPE has the potential in protecting the heart against ISO-induced MI by reducing the oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant status.