On the association between core-collapse supernovae and H II regions

Previous studies of the location of core-collapse supernovae (ccSNe) in their host galaxies have variously claimed an association with H II regions; no association or an association only with hydrogen-deficient ccSNe. Here, we examine the immediate environments of 39 ccSNe whose positions are well known in nearby (≤15 Mpc), low-inclination (≤65°) hosts using mostly archival, continuum-subtracted Hα ground-based imaging. We find that 11 out of 29 hydrogen-rich ccSNe are spatially associated with H II regions (38 ± 11 per cent), versus 7 out of 10 hydrogen-poor ccSNe (70 ± 26 per cent). Similar results from Anderson et al. led to an interpretation that the progenitors of Type Ib/c ccSNe are more massive than those of Type II ccSNe. Here, we quantify the luminosities of H II region either coincident with or nearby to the ccSNe. Characteristic nebulae are long-lived (∼20 Myr) giant H II regions rather than short-lived (∼4 Myr) isolated, compact H II regions. Therefore, the absence of an H II region from most Type II ccSNe merely reflects the longer lifetime of stars with ⪅12 M⊙ than giant H II regions. Conversely, the association of an H II region with most Type Ib/c ccSNe is due to the shorter lifetime of stars with >12 M⊙ stars than the duty cycle of giant H II regions. Therefore, we conclude that the observed association between certain ccSNe and H II provides only weak constraints upon their progenitor masses. Nevertheless, we do favour lower mass progenitors for two Type Ib/c ccSNe that lack associated nebular emission, a host cluster or a nearby giant H II region. Finally, we also reconsider the association between long gamma-ray bursts and the peak continuum light from their (mostly) dwarf hosts, and conclude that this is suggestive of very high mass progenitors, in common with previous studies

Angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer remains a significant public health problem, with limited therapeutic options in the setting of castrate-resistant metastatic disease. Angiogenesis inhibition is a relatively novel antineoplastic approach, which targets the reliance of tumor growth on the formation of new blood vessels. This strategy has been used successfully in other solid tumor types, with the FDA approval of anti-angiogenic agents in breast, lung, colon, brain, and kidney cancer. The application of anti-angiogenic therapy to prostate cancer is reviewed in this article, with attention to efficacy and toxicity results from several classes of anti-angiogenic agents. Ultimately, the fate of anti-angiogenic agents in prostate cancer rests on the eagerly anticipated results of several key phase III studies

Highlights of the DNA cutters:a short history of the restriction enzymes

In the early 1950’s, ‘host-controlled variation in bacterial viruses’ was reported as a non-hereditary phenomenon: one cycle of viral growth on certain bacterial hosts affected the ability of progeny virus to grow on other hosts by either restricting or enlarging their host range. Unlike mutation, this change was reversible, and one cycle of growth in the previous host returned the virus to its original form. These simple observations heralded the discovery of the endonuclease and methyltransferase activities of what are now termed Type I, II, III and IV DNA restriction-modification systems. The Type II restriction enzymes (e.g. EcoRI) gave rise to recombinant DNA technology that has transformed molecular biology and medicine. This review traces the discovery of restriction enzymes and their continuing impact on molecular biology and medicine

Notes for genera: basal clades of Fungi (including Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota)

Compared to the higher fungi (Dikarya), taxonomic and evolutionary studies on the basal clades of fungi are fewer in number. Thus, the generic boundaries and higher ranks in the basal clades of fungi are poorly known. Recent DNA based taxonomic studies have provided reliable and accurate information. It is therefore necessary to compile all available information since basal clades genera lack updated checklists or outlines. Recently, Tedersoo et al. (MycoKeys 13:1--20, 2016) accepted Aphelidiomycota and Rozellomycota in Fungal clade. Thus, we regard both these phyla as members in Kingdom Fungi. We accept 16 phyla in basal clades viz. Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota. Thus, 611 genera in 153 families, 43 orders and 18 classes are provided with details of classification, synonyms, life modes, distribution, recent literature and genomic data. Moreover, Catenariaceae Couch is proposed to be conserved, Cladochytriales Mozl.-Standr. is emended and the family Nephridiophagaceae is introduced

Sustainable Innovation: Drivers, Conditions, and Impact on Triple Bottom Line Performance

This dissertation investigates the role of sustainable innovation as well its drivers, conditions and impact on triple bottom line performance of firms. This research examines this phenomenon through the lens of the dynamic capabilities theory, and is secondarily informed by the organizational learning and market orientation viewpoints. This dissertation addressed the primary research question: how do firms effectively pursue sustainable innovation and how does such innovation impact triple bottom line performance? The aim was to uncover strategic, climate, leadership and market drivers of sustainable innovation, investigate the role of organizational processes such as learning and unlearning—and their impact on sustainable innovation, as well as determine the impact of sustainable innovation on triple bottom line performance and whether any boundary conditions moderate this relationship. The methodology by which the theoretical framework was tested was through an empirical survey distributed among members of various LinkedIn membership groups. The participants in the study were all situated in roles focused on sustainable innovation within their organization. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modeling via SmartPLS. The findings indicate that sustainable innovation requires an organization-wide configuration focused on behaviors and activities such as learning and unlearning. Additionally, it demonstrates that those activities are driven by an organization’s climate and the activities of its leadership. Specifically, the findings suggest that fostering an environment that is high in trust and focused on sensing the needs of its customers and stakeholders is critical to organizational learning and unlearning, which in turn leads to effective sustainable innovation. Additionally, assigning an internal sustainability champion and encouraging market-oriented behaviors also have a significant impact on the innovation process. Finally, a significant relationship between sustainable innovation and triple bottom line performance indicates that these initiatives do pay off for the firm. This research offers implications for theory and practice. With regard to theory, it offers a capabilities-based approach to understanding innovation in a new and encompassing context. For practice, it offers many guidelines for firms looking to meet the needs of their stakeholders (e.g., the local community, shareholders, and employees) by becoming more sustainable