bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mammalian retromer is an adaptable scaffold for cargo sorting from endosomes
Authors: Kendall Amy K. , Xie Boyang , Xu Peng , Wang Jue , Burcham Rodger , Frazier Meredith N. , Binshtein Elad , Wei Hui , Graham Todd R. , Nakagawa Terunaga , Jackson Lauren P.
Published: May 2019

In metazoans, retromer (VPS26/VPS35/VPS29) associates with sorting nexin (SNX) proteins to form coats on endosomal tubules and sort cargo proteins to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or plasma membrane. This core complex is highly conserved from yeast to humans, but molecular mechanisms of metazoan retromer assembly remain undefined. Here we combine single particle cryo-electron microscopy with biophysical methods to uncover multiple oligomer structures formed by mammalian retromer. Two-dimensional class averages in ice reveal the retromer heterotrimer; dimers of trimers; tetramers of trimers; and flat chains. These species are further supported by biophysical studies in solution. We provide cryo-EM reconstructions of all species, including pseudo-atomic resolution detail for key sub-structures. Multi-body refinement demonstrates how retromer heterotrimers and dimers adopt a range of conformations. Our structures identify a flexible yet highly conserved electrostatic interface in dimers formed by interactions between VPS35 subunits. We generate a structure-based mutant to disrupt this key interface in vitro and introduce equivalent mutations into S. cerevisiae to demonstrate the mutant exhibits a cargo sorting defect. Together, structures and complementary functional data in budding yeast imply a conserved assembly interface across eukaryotes. These data further suggest mammalian retromer acts as an adaptable and plastic scaffold that accommodates interactions with different SNXs to sort multiple cargoes from endosomes their final destinations.
Bund removal to re-establish tidal flow, remove aquatic weeds and restore coastal wetland services – North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Abbott Brett N. , Wallace Jim , Nicholas David M. , Karim Fazlul , Waltham Nathan J.
Published: May 2019

The shallow tidal and freshwater coastal wetlands adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon provide a vital nursery and feeding complex that supports the life cycles of marine and freshwater fish, important native vegetation and vital bird habitat. Urban and agricultural development threaten these wetlands, with many of the coastal wetlands becoming lost or changed due to the construction of artificial barriers (e.g. bunds, roads, culverts and floodgates). Infestation by weeds has become a major issue within many of the wetlands that were modified (bunded) for ponded pasture growth last century. A range of expensive chemical and mechanical control methods has been used to try and restore some of these coastal wetlands, with limited success. This study describes an alternative approach to those methods, investigating the impact of tidal reinstatement after bund removal on weed infestation, associated changes in water quality, and fish biodiversity, in the Boolgooroo lagoon region of the Mungalla wetlands, East of Ingham in North Queensland. High resolution remote sensing, electrofishing and in-water logging was used to track changes over time – 1 year before and 4 years after removal of an earth bund. With tides only penetrating the wetland a few times yearly, gross changes towards a more natural system occurred within a relatively short timeframe, leading to a reduction in weed infestation, reappearance of native vegetation, improvements in water quality, and a tripling of fish diversity. Weed abundance and water quality does appear to oscillate however, dependent on summer rainfall, as changes in hydraulic pressure stops or allows tidal ingress (fresh/saline cycling). With an estimated 30% of coastal wetlands bunded in the Great Barrier Reef region, a passive remediation method such as reintroduction of tidal flow by removal of an earth bund or levee could provide a more cost effective and sustainable means of controlling freshwater weeds and improving coastal water quality into the future.
An intergenic non-coding RNA promoter required for histone modifications in the human β-globin chromatin domain
Authors: Debrand Emmanuel , Chakalova Lyubomira , Miles Joanne , Dai Yan-Feng , Goyenechea Beatriz , Dye Sandra , Osborne Cameron S. , Horton Alice , Harju-Baker Susanna , Pink Ryan C. , Caley Daniel , Carter David R. F. , Peterson Kenneth R. , Fraser Peter
Published: May 2019

Transcriptome analyses show a surprisingly large proportion of the mammalian genome is transcribed; much more than can be accounted for by genes and introns alone. Most of this transcription is non-coding in nature and arises from intergenic regions, often overlapping known protein-coding genes in sense or antisense orientation. The functional relevance of this widespread transcription is unknown. Here we characterize a promoter responsible for initiation of an intergenic transcript located approximately 3.3 kb and 10.7 kb upstream of the adult-specific human β-globin genes. Mutational analyses in β-YAC transgenic mice show that alteration of intergenic promoter activity results in ablation of H3K4 di- and tri-methylation and H3 hyperacetylation extending over a 30 kb region immediately downstream of the initiation site, containing the adult δ- and β-globin genes. This results in dramatically decreased expression of the adult genes through position effect variegation in which the vast majority of definitive erythroid cells harbor inactive adult globin genes. In contrast, expression of the neighboring ε- and γ-globin genes is completely normal in embryonic erythroid cells, indicating a developmentally specific variegation of the adult domain. Our results demonstrate a role for intergenic non-coding RNA transcription in the propagation of histone modifications over chromatin domains and epigenetic control of β-like globin gene transcription during development.
Neural tube development depends on notochord-derived Sonic hedgehog released into the sclerotome
Authors: Kahane Nitza , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: May 2019

Sonic hedgehog (Shh), produced in notochord and floor plate, is necessary both for neural and mesodermal development. To reach the myotome, Shh has to traverse the sclerotome. By loss and gain of Shh function, and floor plate deletions, we report that sclerotomal Shh is also necessary for neural tube development. Reducing the amount of Shh in sclerotome by membrane-tethered hedgehog-interacting protein or by Patched1, but not by dominant active Patched, decreased motoneuron numbers while also compromising myotome differentiation. These effects were a specific and direct consequence of reducing Shh. In addition, grafting notochords in a basal, but not apical location vis-a-vis the tube, profoundly affected motoneuron development, suggesting that initial ligand presentation occurs at the basal side of epithelia corresponding to the sclerotome-neural tube interface.

Collectively, our results reveal that the sclerotome is a potential site of a Shh gradient that coordinates development of mesodermal and neural progenitors.

Summary statement

Shh that transits through the sclerotome is presented to the neuroepithelium from its basal aspect to affect motoneuron development.
New Genotype Emergence of DENV are Constrained by the Double Host Selection, Reducing the Probability of Alternative Serotype Emergence
Authors: Sánchez-González Gilberto , Conde Renaud
Published: May 2019

Since their discovery and sequencing 40 years ago, the DENV genotypes have shown an extreme coherence regarding the serotype class they code for. Considering the RNA virus mutation rate, we used Timed Markov Model to explore the transmission possibilities of mutated viruses and the statistical eventualities of new serotype emergence. We find that around 1 000 years are required for a new serotype to emerge, in line with phylogenetic analysis of the Dengue serotypes. Our work provides a mechanistic explanation of the strictness and low probability of a new Dengue virus serotype occurrence.

Author summary

Recent Dengue virus global spread has drawn the attention of the Public Health Policy makers in developing countries and developed countries as well. The infection gravity and the hemorrhagic dengue syndromes have been related with the absence or presence of previous DENV immunity. Therefore, the emergence of a new DENV serotype and its spread constitute a matter of concern. Here, we constructed a mathematical model to determine the probability of such event, as well as de-entangle the mechanistic reasons behind the low serotype emergence factor of the DENV.
Bayesian network analysis incorporating genetic anchors complements conventional Mendelian randomization approaches for exploratory analysis of causal relationships in complex data
Authors: Howey Richard , Shin So-Youn , Relton Caroline , Smith George Davey , Cordell Heather J.
Published: May 2019

Mendelian randomization (MR) implemented through instrumental variables analysis is an increasingly popular causal inference tool used in genetic epidemiology. But it can have limitations for evaluating simultaneous causal relationships in complex data sets that include, for example, multiple genetic predictors and multiple potential risk factors associated with the same genetic variant. Here we use real and simulated data to investigate Bayesian network analysis (BN) with the incorporation of directed arcs, representing genetic anchors, as an alternative approach. A Bayesian network describes the conditional dependencies/independencies of variables using a graphical model (a directed acyclic graph) with an accompanying joint probability. In real data, we found BN could be used to infer simultaneous causal relationships that confirmed the individual causal relationships suggested by bi-directional MR, while allowing for the existence of potential horizontal pleiotropy (that would violate MR assumptions). In simulated data, BN with two directional anchors (mimicking genetic instruments) had greater power for a fixed type 1 error than bi-directional MR, while BN with a single directional anchor performed better than or as well as bi-directional MR. Both BN and MR could be adversely affected by violations of their underlying assumptions (such as genetic confounding due to unmeasured horizontal pleiotropy). BN with no directional anchor generated inference that was no better than by chance, emphasizing the importance of directional anchors in BN (as in MR). Under highly pleiotropic simulated scenarios, BN outperformed both MR (and its recent extensions) and two recently-proposed alternative approaches: a multi-SNP mediation intersection-union test (SMUT) and a latent causal variable (LCV) test. We conclude that BN incorporating genetic anchors is a useful complementary method to conventional MR for exploring causal relationships in complex data sets such as those generated from modern “omics” technologies

Author summary

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a popular method for inferring causal relationships between variables (such as between an intermediate biological factor and a disease outcome). However, MR relies on a number of assumptions that may be hard to verify, and it is not ideally suited to comparing different underlying causal scenarios. Here we propose the use of an alternative approach, Bayesian network analysis (BN), as a complementary tool to conventional MR. We use real and simulated data to investigate the performance of MR, BN and several other recently-proposed methods, and find that BN performs as well as, or better than, the other methods, particularly under complex scenarios. We conclude that BN is a useful complementary approach to conventional MR for exploring causal relationships in complex data sets.
Helix formation during the coupled binding and folding of intrinsically disordered proteins monitored by synchrotron-radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Karlsson Elin , Andersson Eva , Jones Nykola C. , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Jemth Per , Kjaergaard Magnus
Published: May 2019

Intrinsically disordered proteins organize interaction networks in the cell in many regulation and signalling processes. These proteins often gain structure upon binding to their target proteins in multi-step reactions involving the formation of both secondary and tertiary structure. To understand the interactions of disordered proteins, we need to understand the mechanisms of these coupled folding and binding reactions. We studied helix formation in the binding of the molten globule-like nuclear coactivator binding domain (NCBD) and the disordered interaction domain from activator of thyroid hormone and retinoid receptors (ACTR). We demonstrate that helix formation in a rapid binding reaction can be followed by stopped flow synchrotron-radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy, and describe the design of such a beamline. Fluorescence-monitored binding experiments of ACTR and NCBD display several kinetic phases including one concentration-independent phase, which is consistent with an intermediate stabilized at high ionic strength. Time resolved circular dichroism experiments show that almost all helicity is formed upon initial association of the proteins, or separated from the encounter complex by only a small energy barrier. Through simulation of mechanistic models, we show that the intermediate observed at high ionic strength likely involves a structural rearrangement with minor overall changes in helicity. Our experiments provide a benchmark for simulations of coupled binding reactions and demonstrate the feasibility of using synchrotron radiation circular dichroism for mechanistic studies of protein-protein interactions.
Exploring the structural landscape of 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole: high-Z′ packing polymorphism and cocrystallization with calix[4]tube
Authors: Alvarenga Meiry E. , Valdo Ana Karoline S. M. , Ribeiro Leandro , Do Nascimento Neto José Antonio , De Araujo Debora P. , Da Silva Cleiton Moreira , De Fátima Ângelo , Martins Felipe T.
Published: May 2019

We report here for the first time a cocrystal of the so-called neutral calix[4]tube, which is two tail-to-tail-arranged and partially deprotonated tetrakis(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arenes, including three sodium ions, with 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole, namely trisodium bis(carboxymethoxy)bis(carboxylatomethoxy)calix[4]arene tris(carboxymethoxy)(carboxylatomethoxy)calix[4]arene–2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole–dimethyl sulfoxide–water (1/1/2/2), 3Na+·C36H30O12
2−·C36H31O12
−·C11H7NS2·2C2H6OS·2H2O, which provides a new approach into the host–guest chemistry of inclusion complexes. Three packing polymorphs of the same benzothiazole with high Z′ (one with Z′ = 8 and two with Z′ = 4) were also discovered in the course of our desired cocrystallization. The inspection of these polymorphs and a previously known polymorph with Z′ = 2 revealed that Z′ increases as the strength of intermolecular contacts decreases. Also, these results expand the frontier of invoking calixarenes as a host for nonsolvent small molecules, besides providing knowledge on the rare formation of high-Z′ packing polymorphs of simple molecules, such as the target benzothiazole.
Analyzing project data in BIM with descriptive analytics to improve project performance
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed , Enaba Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the benefits of building information modeling (BIM) to include data analytics to analyze construction project performance. BIM is a great tool which improves communication and information flow between construction project parties. This research aims to integrate different types of data within the BIM environment, then, to perform descriptive data analytics. Data analytics helps in identifying hidden patterns and detecting relationships between different attributes in the database.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is considered to be an inductive research that starts with an observation of integrating BIM and descriptive data analytics. Thus, the project’s correspondence, daily progress reports and inspection requests are integrated within the project 5D BIM model. Subsequently, data mining comprising association analysis, clustering and trend analysis is performed. The research hypothesis is that descriptive data analytics and BIM have a great leverage to analyze construction project performance. Finally, a case study for a construction project is carried out to test the research hypothesis.

Findings

The research finds that integrating BIM and descriptive data analytics helps in improving project communication performance, in terms of integrating project data in a structured format, efficiently retrieving useful information from project raw data and visualizing analytics results within the BIM environment.

Originality/value

The research develops a dynamic model that helps in detecting hidden patterns and different progress attributes from construction project raw data.
Regulatory focus and message framing’s effects on intention to consume ethnic food in China
Authors: Cui Hong-Jing , Fam Kim-Shyan , Zhao Tai-Yang
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of regulatory focus on Chinese consumers’ intention to consume ethnic food, the mediating role of food neophobia and the moderating role of message framing with regard to regulatory focus and ethnic food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Lab experiments method was used in this paper, two studies were designed to test the relationship between regulatory focus, food neophobia, message framing and intention to eat ethnic food. Study 1 was to test the influence of regulatory focus on intention to eat ethnic food, and the mediation role of food neophobia. Study 2 was to test the moderation role of message framing.

Findings

Results indicated that consumers with promotion focus have higher intention to eat ethnic food than consumers with prevention focus. Prevention-focus consumers have higher food neophobia, which leads to lower intention to eat ethnic food. Food neophobia plays the mediating role in the relationship between regulatory focus and intention to eat ethnic food. Regulatory fit can increase consumers’ intention to eat ethnic food. Promotion-focus consumers show higher eating intention in gain-framing situation, while prevention-focus consumers show higher eating intention in loss-framing situation.

Research limitations/implications

The study was undertaken in China. Further studies should include respondents living in countries other than China.

Practical implications

This research provides a venue for marketers of destination tourism, especially for ethnic food marketers to introduce and advertise ethnic foods to tourists. Regulatory fit is important for destination tourism. To improve consumers’ eating intention, this research suggests that ethnic food marketers should pay attention to regulatory focus of consumers from different regions and cultural background, and design corresponding message framing for consumers with different regulatory focus to form regulatory fit.

Originality/value

First, this study has proposed and tested regulatory focus’ effect on intention to consumer ethnic food. Food neophobia is used to explain the mechanism of relation between regulatory focus and intention to eat ethnic food. Also, message framing is introduced to define the boundary of relation between regulatory focus and intention to eat ethnic food.
Identifying the gaps in project success research
Authors: He Qinghua , Wang Ting , Chan Albert P.C. , Li Hanzhang , Chen Yangxue
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on project success in academic journals, specifically within the context of construction engineering and management (CEM). It also aims to provide a holistic picture of existing research and to identify research implications in this specific area.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an extensive literature review of a total of 164 peer-reviewed journal papers between 2007 and 2017, using a mixed bibliographic and bibliometric method that considers annual circulation, institutional and regional contributions, author contributions, citations, categories of research methods and keywords networking.

Findings

There has been an increasing research interest in CEM project success. The largest number of published studies targets the developed regions, especially in Hong Kong, whereas the papers related to the developing economies remain weak. Questionnaire, interview and case study have comprised the main data collection methods, and descriptive data analysis was performed in most of the case/field studies. The subtopic related to the critical success factors (CSFs) is considered as the most popular in the keywords network in the targeted research area. Four implications, namely, megaproject success, project success in developing countries, relationships between CSFs and success outcomes, and the influence of human factors are highlighted in future research.

Originality/value

This paper departs from earlier research by using a mixed bibliographic and bibliometric method, especially facilitating to analyze and illustrate the interlinkages between keywords effectively. Additionally, it provides a clear picture of the existing literature on CEM project success, which contributes to insights for successful construction project management. Finally, the holistic analysis identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.
The impact of technological innovation efficiency on firm growth
Authors: Martínez-Alonso Rubén , Martínez-Romero María J. , Rojo-Ramírez Alfonso A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer new insights regarding an issue that has attracted the interest of multitude academics and practitioners in business management and family firm literature: technological innovation (TI). Specifically, this study brings new knowledge regarding both the impact of TI efficiency on firm growth and the moderating role of family involvement in management on such relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a matched-pairs design and an ordinary least squares regression analysis to examine a sample of 152 Spanish manufacturing firms.

Findings

First, the authors show that firms obtaining higher TI efficiency are also those that achieve superior growth. Second, the authors reveal that as family involvement in management increases, the positive effect that TI efficiency exerts on firm growth is strengthened.

Practical implications

This study suggests that family managers should essentially consider various aspects such as tacit knowledge, social capital and long-standing collaborations with stakeholders to reinforce the relationship between TI efficiency and firm growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyses the effect of TI efficiency on firm growth, as well as, when and to what extent family involvement in management influences the TI efficiency–growth relationship. Thus, this paper provides a deeper understanding of the importance that family managers could have on firm growth deriving from TI efficiency.
Evaluation of a transition intervention in a secure setting
Authors: Liddiard Kim , Morgan Sara Louise , Davies Bronwen Elizabeth Lesley
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Transitioning is an inevitable part of being in secure settings, yet little research exists focussing on the experiences of individuals and what interventions might help them to achieve optimal transitions. This seems surprising as the very people who find themselves in secure settings often have attachment difficulties, maladaptive coping strategies and complex mental health needs, which are the factors considered most likely to disadvantage individuals when transitioning. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a repeated design to explore the effectiveness of a person-centred intervention with 18 transitioning individuals in a medium-secure hospital. Three self-report questionnaires were used to capture data relating to anxiety, coping strategies and how individuals feel about the transition pre- and post-intervention. Whole data sets were achieved in 16 cases.

Findings

Following the transition intervention, individuals felt more at ease with the transition ahead of them, their use of adaptive coping strategies had significantly increased and their trait anxiety had significantly lowered.

Research limitations/implications

This study revealed that using a person-centred intervention with transitioning individuals was helpful. However, the study was not able to capture the impact of this intervention over time.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of attending to how individuals experience the transition, alongside offering interventions designed to help them adjust and cope to achieve optimal transitions.

Originality/value

Very little is known about what interventions might help individuals achieve a successful transition. Therefore, the findings offer new and significant contributions to this under-researched area.
Removal methods of rigid stylets to minimise adverse force and tracheal tube movement: a mathematical and in‐vitro analysis in manikins
Authors: Kotoda M. , Oguchi T. , Mitsui K. , Hishiyama S. , Ueda K. , Kawakami A. , Matsukawa T.
Published: May 2019

This study investigated displacement of the tracheal tube caused by different methods of intubating stylet removal, using in‐vitro experiments and mathematical analysis. In the first in‐vitro experiment, we measured the distance travelled by the tube tip during stylet extraction. Then, we investigated the ideal technique for stylet extraction using mathematical analysis, which would cause minimal tube displacement. Then, using a training manikin, we measured the force applied to the vocal cords and stylet extraction force during tracheal intubation. When the stylet was extracted along a straight path towards the stylet end, the distance travelled by the tube tip significantly increased as the bending angle increased. Mathematical analysis revealed that the stylet should be diagonally extracted (in the sagittal plane) at an appropriate angle, rather than along a straight path towards the direction of the stylet end. In simulated tracheal intubation, extraction force and force applied to the vocal cords both significantly increased as the bending angle increased. Compared with the ‘hockey stick’‐shaped stylet, the arcuate‐shaped stylet resulted in reduced force. Our results indicate the potential risk for vocal cord injury when using hockey stick‐shaped stylets with large bending angles.
Lifelong learning: Formal, non‐formal and informal learning in the context of the use of problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments
Authors: Nygren H. , Nissinen K. , Hämäläinen R. , De Wever B.
Published: May 2019

The evolving technological landscape in the digital era has a crucial influence on lifelong learning and the demand for problem‐solving skills. In this paper, we identify associations between formal, non‐formal and informal learning with sufficient problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments (TRE). We focus on adults' problem‐solving skills in TRE as a novel approach to investigate formal, non‐formal and informal learning based on data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. This programme measured 16–64‐year‐old adults' proficiency in problem‐solving skills in TRE. The total sample size was 61 654 individuals from 13 European countries. Our results clearly indicate that the skill levels of more than 50% of adults aged 16–64 years old seem to be insufficient to cope effectively in TRE. The findings suggest that the learning ecologies of adults are a combination of formal, non‐formal and informal learning activities. The overall level of problem‐solving skills in TRE was higher among individuals who indicated that they have participated either formal or non‐formal learning activities, compared to those who have not. However, interestingly, the association between formal learning and problem‐solving skills in TRE was not major. Instead, our results clearly indicate that informal learning seems to be highly associated with sufficient problem‐solving skills in TRE. In practice, we outline those formal, non‐formal and informal learning activities that adults perform when applying the skills in TRE. By recognising these activities undertaken by sufficient problem solvers, we can promote lifelong learning skills. Our findings can also be used as a starting point for future studies on lifelong learning.
Does access to saltwater swimming pools reduce ear pathology and hearing loss in school children of remote arid zone aboriginal communities? A prospective 3‐year cohort study
Authors: Sanchez Linnett , Carney Andrew Simon , Esterman Adrian , Sparrow Karen , Turner David
Published: May 2019

Objective

To assess whether access to saltwater chlorinated swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities is beneficial in reducing levels of middle ear disease and hearing loss in school children.

Design

A prospective 3‐year cohort study of children in 10 remote Aboriginal communities in South Australia with (n = 4) or without (n = 6) swimming pools.

Setting

Outback Australia.

Participants

Eight hundred and thirteen school‐age children residing in remote South Australia.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of open and closed middle ear disease and prevalence of hearing loss.

Results

About 2107 ear assessments were conducted during the study period. 70.7% of children in communities with pools failed a screening test of hearing compared with 68.6% of children in non‐pool communities (P = 0.637). 32.3% of children had chronic otitis media (COM). There was no difference between pool and non‐pool communities in the frequency of either inactive (19.4% pool vs 22.6% non‐pool; P = 0.232) or active (19.8% pool vs 17.8% non‐pool; P = 0.383) COM. In children with bilateral intact tympanic membranes, 21.2% had unilateral and 20.6 had bilateral type B tympanograms. There was no difference between pool and non‐pool communities in the frequency of type B tympanometry (P = 0.465).

Conclusions

Hearing loss associated with both open and closed middle ear disease remains highly prevalent in children living in remote Aboriginal communities in South Australia. Access to swimming pools in this population does not appear to significantly reduce these high levels of middle ear disease or associated hearing loss.
Non‐coding RNA MFI2‐AS1 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion through miR‐574‐5p/MYCBP axis
Authors: Li Chenglong , Tan Fengbo , Pei Qian , Zhou Zhongyi , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Lunqiang , Wang Dan , Pei Haiping
Published: May 2019

Objective

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the tumour progression. LncRNAs mostly act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by sponging miRNAs. This study aimed to study the association of a novel lncRNA MFI2‐AS1 with miR‐574‐5p/MYCBP axis in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Ninety‐four CRC tissues and paired adjacent non‐tumour tissues were included in our study. The relative expression level of MFI2‐AS1 was detected, and its relationship with clinico‐pathological factors was analysed. Then, the CRC cells lines (LoVo and RKO) were transfected with MFI2‐AS1 siRNA, miR‐574‐5p mimics and inhibitors. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle distribution and DNA damage in response to different transfection conditions were examined. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the target interactions between MFI2‐AS1 and miR‐574‐5p, miR‐574‐5p and MYCBP.

Results

LncRNA MFI2‐AS1 and MYCBP were up‐regulated in CRC tissues when compared with adjacent non‐tumour tissues. The expression levels of MFI2‐AS1 were significantly associated with tumour histological grade, lymph and distant metastasis, TNM stage and vascular invasion. Both MFI2‐AS1 siRNA and miR‐574‐5p mimics inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion in LoVo and RKO cells. The transfection of miR‐574‐5p inhibitor showed MFI2‐AS1 siRNA‐induced changes in CRC cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed target interactions between MFI2‐AS1 and miR‐574‐5p, miR‐574‐5p and MYCBP.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that lncRNA MFI2‐AS1 and MYCBP have promoting effects in CRC tissues. LncRNA MFI2‐AS1 promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion through activating MYCBP and by sponging miR‐574‐5p.
Multiple genetic loci affect place learning and memory performance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Williams‐Simon Patricka A. , Posey Christopher , Mitchell Samuel , Ng'oma Enoch , Mrkvicka James A. , Zars Troy , King Elizabeth G.
Published: May 2019

Learning and memory are critical functions for all animals, giving individuals the ability to respond to changes in their environment. Within populations, individuals vary, however the mechanisms underlying this variation in performance are largely unknown. Thus, it remains to be determined what genetic factors cause an individual to have high learning ability and what factors determine how well an individual will remember what they have learned. To genetically dissect learning and memory performance, we used the Drosophila synthetic population resource (DSPR), a multiparent mapping resource in the model system Drosophila melanogaster, consisting of a large set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that naturally vary in these and other traits. Fruit flies can be trained in a “heat box” to learn to remain on one side of a chamber (place learning) and can remember this (place memory) over short timescales. Using this paradigm, we measured place learning and memory for ~49 000 individual flies from over 700 DSPR RILs. We identified 16 different loci across the genome that significantly affect place learning and/or memory performance, with 5 of these loci affecting both traits. To identify transcriptomic differences associated with performance, we performed RNA‐Seq on pooled samples of seven high performing and seven low performing RILs for both learning and memory and identified hundreds of genes with differences in expression in the two sets. Integrating our transcriptomic results with the mapping results allowed us to identify nine promising candidate genes, advancing our understanding of the genetic basis underlying natural variation in learning and memory performance.
Difficult encounters around “monkey cheeks”: Farmers' interests and the design of flood retention areas in Thailand
Authors: Trakuldit Thanaporn , Faysse Nicolas
Published: May 2019

Flood retention areas are being increasingly promoted for flood risk management. People living in these areas will accept them if their interests are taken into account. The present study analyses the extent to which farmers' interests were taken into account in two flood retention projects in Thailand. A feasibility study was conducted in preparation for the first project which included public participation. The second project was a pilot project implemented in the same zone at a small scale. Participants in the public participation process and farmers living in proposed flood retention areas were interviewed for the purpose of the present study. Agreement could have been reached between the farmers and the public agencies concerning the flood retention areas. However, the participation process did not enable frank discussion about the conditions under which farmers would accept the project. The second project was designed without public participation and offered very little compensation to farmers. In countries marked by power imbalances in water resources management, public agencies may impose flood retention areas, but the absence of agreements with farmers can reduce the effectiveness of the measure. Reaching such agreements requires challenging the imbalanced power relationships between farmers and public agencies.
Effect of syringe size on severity of pain during local anesthesia administration
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad
Published: May 2019

Objective

To know the pain intensity experienced by the patients using the two different syringes keeping the needle size constant.

Materials and Methods

The split‐scalp, single‐blind study was conducted in patients after obtaining informed consent. On half of side, 1‐mL syringe with 30‐G needle was used whereas on the other half, 3‐mL syringe with 30‐G needle was used. On each side, about 10 mL of anesthetic solution (1% Xylocaine with epinephrine in 1:100 000 dilution) at the room temperature was injected. After the injections, the patients were asked to rate the pain experienced by using the Wong‐Baker Faces pain scale. The data were analyzed statistically using Mann‐Whitney’s U test.

Results

A total of 20 patients included 16 male and 4 females. The mean age in the males was 31.6 years and 28.8 years in females. The mean pain scale with 1‐mL syringe was 2.7 anteriorly and 2.45 posteriorly (P < 0.01), whereas the mean pain score with 3‐mL syringe was 4.5 anteriorly and 4.25 posteriorly (P < 0.01).

The mean pain score with anterior injections in males was 2.5 vs 3.5 in females (1‐mL syringe) and 4.3 in males vs 5.5 in females (1‐mL syringe). Similarly, the average pain score with posterior injections was 2.4 in males vs 2.8 in females (1‐mL syringe) and 4.2 in males vs 4.5 in females (3‐mL syringe), respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The pain intensity is affected by syringe size.
Optimization of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in the date palm Phoenix dactylifera during acclimation to heat and drought
Authors: Kruse Jörg , Adams Mark , Winkler Barbro , Ghirardo Andrea , Alfarraj Saleh , Kreuzwieser Jürgen , Hedrich Rainer , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: May 2019

We studied acclimation of leaf gas exchange to differing seasonal climate and soil water availability in slow‐growing date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seedlings. We used an extended Arrhenius equation to describe instantaneous temperature responses of leaf net photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (G), and derived physiological parameters suitable for characterization of acclimation (Topt, Aopt and Tequ).

Optimum temperature of A (Topt) ranged between 20–33°C in winter and 28–45°C in summer. Growth temperature (Tgrowth) explained c. 50% of the variation in Topt, which additionally depended on leaf water status at the time of measurement. During water stress, light‐saturated rates of A at Topt (i.e. Aopt) were reduced to 30–80% of control levels, albeit not limited by CO2 supply per se.

Equilibrium temperature (Tequ), around which A/G and substomatal [CO2] are constant, remained tightly coupled with Topt. Our results suggest that acclimatory shifts in Topt and Aopt reflect a balance between maximization of photosynthesis and minimization of the risk of metabolic perturbations caused by imbalances in cellular [CO2].

This novel perspective on acclimation of leaf gas exchange is compatible with optimization theory, and might help to elucidate other acclimation and growth strategies in species adapted to differing climates.
Three modes of STEM integration for middle school mathematics teachers
Authors: Stohlmann Micah
Published: May 2019

Of the four subjects in an integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) approach, mathematics has not received enough focus. This could be in part because mathematics teachers may be apprehensive or unsure about how to implement integrated STEM education in their classrooms. There are benefits to integrated STEM in a mathematics classroom though, including increased motivation, interest, and achievement for students. This article discusses three methods that middle school mathematics teachers can utilize to integrate STEM subjects. By focusing on open‐ended problems through engineering design challenges, mathematical modeling, and mathematics integrated with technology middle school students are more likely to see mathematics as relevant and valuable. Important considerations are discussed as well as recent research with these approaches.
Axial component of the magnetic field produced by a straight solenoid: Application of the solid angle concept
Authors: Zuo Fulin
Published: May 2019

The magnetic field along the axial direction for a straight solenoid at an arbitrary point is shown to be directly proportional to the solid angle subtended by the current carrying surface. The result is true anywhere, i.e., on the axis or off-axis, for a finite or an infinite solenoid as long as it is straight and the current density is uniform. The geometrical relationship is applied to several special situations where surprising results are easily obtained and discussed.
Shallow water channel estimation with energy efficient transmitted signal design
Authors: Ansari Naushad , Sen Gupta Ananya , Gupta Anubha
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes channel estimation using energy efficient transmission of signal dictionaries for shallow water acoustic communications. Specifically, the multi-columned structure of the channel delay spread is exploited to design partially sampled dictionary in a two-dimensional (2-D) frequency representation of the channel. The key contribution of this work is to achieve considerable energy saving in the transmission of complex exponential signals, designed specifically for real-time shallow water channel estimation at the receiver. This is accomplished by harnessing 2-D frequency localization with compressive transmission and modified-compressive sensing with prior information to exploit the sparse structure of the rapidly fluctuating shallow water acoustic channel in real time. The proposed technique reduces demands on transmitted signal energy by harnessing the reconstruction ability of sparse sensing while retaining key non-sparse channel elements that represent important multipath phenomena. Numerical evidence based on experimental channel estimates demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed work.
Physical and Physiological Determinants of Rock Climbing
Authors: MacKenzie Robert , Monaghan Linda , Masson Robert A. , Werner Alice K. , Caprez Tansinee S. , Johnston Lynsey , Kemi Ole J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Rock climbing performance relies on many characteristics. Herein, the authors identified the physical and physiological determinants of peak performance in rock climbing across the range from lower grade to elite. Methods: Forty four male and 33 female climbers with onsight maximal climbing grades 5a–8a and 5a–7b+, respectively, were tested for physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics (independent variables) that were correlated and modeled by multiple regression and principal component analysis to identify the determinants of rock climbing ability. Results: In males, 23 of 47 variables correlated with climbing ability (P < .05, Pearson correlation coefficients .773–.340), including shoulder endurance, hand and finger strength, shoulder power endurance, hip flexibility, lower-arm grip strength, shoulder power, upper-arm strength, core-body endurance, upper-body aerobic endurance, hamstrings and lower-back flexibility, aerobic endurance, and open-hand finger strength. In females, 10 of 47 variables correlated with climbing ability (P < .05, Pearson correlation coefficients .742–.482): shoulder endurance and power, lower-arm grip strength, balance, aerobic endurance, and arm span. Principal component analysis and univariate multiple regression identified the main explanatory variables. In both sexes, shoulder power and endurance measured as maximum pull-ups, average arm crank power, and bent-arm hang, emerged as the main determinants (P < .01; adjusted R2 = .77 in males and .62 in females). In males, finger pincer (P = .07) and grip strength also had trends (P = .09) toward significant effects. Finally, in test-of-principle training studies, they trained to increase main determinants 42% to 67%; this improved climbing ability 2 to 3 grades. Conclusions: Shoulder power and endurance majorly determines maximal climbing. Finger, hand, and arm strength, core-body endurance, aerobic endurance, flexibility, and balance are important secondary determinants.
The Impact of Participation in an Outdoor Education Program on Physical Education Teacher Education Student Self-Efficacy to Teach Outdoor Education
Authors: Hovey Kate , Niland Diana , Foley John T.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Self-efficacy, having been identified as a factor influencing teacher effectiveness, combined with the increased prevalence of outdoor education (OE) content being taught within physical education contexts, warrants the need for physical education teacher education (PETE) programs to address OE outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if participation in an OE program increased self-efficacy to teach OE among PETE students. Methods: PETE students (N = 95) were taught OE content in multiple residential environments and were evaluated using the “Survey of Self-efficacy for Teaching Outdoor Education.” Results: Results indicated a significant increase in self-efficacy scores from pretest to posttest in all content areas (OE skills, group dynamic skills, and models and theories). Overall, the OE program had a large effect in changing self-efficacy scores. Conclusion: Participation in the program positively affected PETE students’ self-efficacy for teaching OE, which may improve their ability to ultimately teach this content in physical education settings.
An Examination of the Relationship Between Instruction Type and Course Outcomes in Sport Management Courses
Authors: Shreffler Megan B. , Cocco Adam R. , Shreffler Jacob R.
Published: May 2019

The number of students enrolled in online courses continues to increase as the landscape of higher education evolves to meet the needs of the student population. With the growing number of online education students, and the necessity of programs to demonstrate learning effectiveness, it is essential for higher education institutions to compare the success of online students with their traditional classroom counterparts in terms of course outcomes (final project and course grades). This study used a quasi-experimental design to examine the relationship between the instructional delivery method (online vs. traditional classroom) and the course outcomes and satisfaction of students in selected sport management courses. Differences between instructional delivery method were found in motivational factors, satisfaction, and content knowledge. However, no significant differences were found with respect to final project and course grades. The findings from this study can assist sport management programs beginning to offer online education courses or looking to expand their online course offerings. The results demonstrate that instructional delivery method does not affect a student’s course outcomes in sport management courses, leaving them the ability to choose the educational delivery method best suited for their lifestyle and motivations.
African swine fever marches across much of Asia
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: May 2019

Rampant in China, the virus invades neighboring countries, threatening food security.
Electron diffraction determines molecular absolute configuration in a pharmaceutical nanocrystal
Authors: Brázda Petr , Palatinus Lukáš , Babor Martin
Published: May 2019

Dynamical refinement spots a difference

For chiral molecules used in drugs, one isomer can have beneficial bioactivity, whereas the others are useless or even harmful. Determining the absolute configuration of molecules with chiral centers is often achieved through x-ray crystallography, but this requires relatively large crystals and high-quality data. Brázda
et al.
used electron diffraction to determine the absolute structure of an extremely radiation-sensitive crystal with micrometer dimensions (see the Perspective by Xu and Zou). In a strategy analogous to serial crystallography methods, many frames were combined to generate a complete dataset. Refinement incorporating dynamical effects differentiated the correct and incorrect molecular configuration.

Science
, this issue p.
667
; see also p.
632