bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the dynamic chromatin landscape of nephron progenitors
Authors: Hilliard Sylvia , Song Renfang , Liu Hongbing , Chen Chao-hui , Li Yuwen , Baddoo Melody , Flemington Erik , Wanek Alanna , Kolls Jay , Saifudeen Zubaida , El-Dahr Samir S.
Published: January 2019

Six2+ cap mesenchyme cells, also called nephrons progenitor cells (NPC), are precursors of all epithelial cell types of the nephron, the filtering unit of the kidney. Current evidence indicates that perinatal “old” NPC have a greater tendency to exit the progenitor niche and differentiate into nascent nephrons than their embryonic “young” counterpart. Understanding the underpinnings of NPC aging may offer insights to rejuvenate old NPC and expand the progenitor pool. Here, we compared the chromatin landscape of young and old NPC and found common features reflecting their shared lineage but also intrinsic differences in chromatin accessibility and enhancer landscape supporting the view that old NPC are epigenetically poised for differentiation. Annotation of open chromatin regions and active enhancers uncovered the transcription factor Bach2 as a potential link between the pro-renewal MAPK/AP1 and pro-differentiation Six2/b-catenin pathways that might be of critical importance in regulation of NPC fate. Our data provide the first glimpse of the dynamic chromatin landscape of NPC and serve as a platform for future studies of the impact of genetic or environmental perturbations on the epigenome of NPC.

Summary statement

Hilliard et al. investigated the chromatin landscape of native Six2+ nephron progenitors across their lifespan. They identified age-dependent changes in accessible chromatin and regulatory regions supporting the view that old nephron progenitors are epigenetically poised for differentiation.
Precursors to Chunking Vanish as Working Memory Capacity Is Exceeded
Authors: Ershova Regina , Tarnow Eugen
Published: January 2019

It is known that working memory capacity is limited. But what exactly happens if it is exceeded? Is the excess simply dropped or does it affect the items that are within the capacity of working memory? Here we show that as the capacity of working memory is exceeded, a rudimentary type of learning vanishes, namely, the probability of pairing items in the order of presentation.

Free recall of 500 Russian college students was measured using the Tarnow Unchunkable Test (Tarnow, 2014) consisting of sets of 3 and 4 double digit items. The average working memory capacity is exceeded with four items.

In the three item test, even though items were constructed to be unchunkable, there were asymmetric associations: recalling item N was more sensitive to whether item N-1 is recalled than the other way around. These asymmetric associations are presumably precursors of “chunking” and learning.

The asymmetric associations between items 1 and 2 and items 2 and 3 were similar. As the working memory capacity is exceeded in the four item test, the asymmetric association for the subject group halved from item 1 to item 2 (p=0.32) and disappeared completely from items 2 to 3 (large effect size: η2 =0.79, p=0.001) and there were no asymmetric associations from items 3 to 4.
Activity of a long-acting injectable bedaquiline formulation in a paucibacillary mouse model of latent tuberculosis infection
Authors: Kaushik Amit , Ammerman Nicole C. , Tyagi Sandeep , Saini Vikram , Vervoort Iwan , Lachau-Durand Sophie , Nuermberger Eric , Andries Koen
Published: January 2019

The potent anti-tuberculosis activity and long half-life of bedaquiline make it an attractive candidate for long-acting/extended release formulations for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Our objective was to evaluate a long-acting injectable (LAI) bedaquiline formulation in a validated paucibacillary mouse model of LTBI. Following immunization with Mycobacterium bovis rBCG30, BALB/c mice were challenged by aerosol infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Treatment began 13 weeks after challenge infection with one of the following regimens: untreated negative control; positive controls of daily rifampin (10 mg/kg), once-weekly rifapentine (15 mg/kg) and isoniazid (50 mg/kg), or daily bedaquiline (25 mg/kg); test regimens of one, two, or three monthly doses of LAI bedaquiline at 160 mg/dose (BLAI-160); and test regimens of daily bedaquiline at 2.67 (B2.67), 5.33 (B5.33), or 8 (B8) mg/kg to deliver the same total bedaquiline as one, two, or three doses of BLAI-160, respectively. All drugs were administered orally, except for BLAI-160 (intramuscular injection). The primary outcome was the decline in M. tuberculosis lung CFU counts during 12 weeks of treatment. The negative and positive control regimens performed as expected. One, two, and three doses of BLA-160 resulted in decreases of 2.9, 3.2, and 3.5 log10 CFU/lung, respectively by week 12. Daily oral dosing with B2.67, B5.33, and B8 decreased lung CFU counts by 1.6, 2.8, and 4.1 log10, respectively. One dose of BLAI-160 exhibited activity for at least 12 weeks. The sustained activity of BLAI-160 indicates promise as a short-course LTBI treatment requiring few patient encounters to ensure treatment completion.
Persistence of traditional and emergence of new structural drivers and factors for the HIV epidemic in rural Uganda; a qualitative study
Authors: Bajunirwe Francis , Akakimpa Denis , Tumwebaze Flora P. , Abongomera George , Mugyenyi Peter N. , Kityo Cissy M.
Published: January 2019

Background

In Uganda, the HIV epidemic is now mature and generalized. Recently, there have been reports of resurgence in the incidence of HIV after several years of successful control. The causes for this resurgence are not clear but suspected to be driven by structural factors that influence large groups of people rather than individuals. The aim of this study was to describe the structural drivers of the HIV epidemic and inform the next generation of interventions.

Methodology

We conducted a total of 35 focus group discussions in 11 districts in Uganda. Focus groups consisted of men and women including opinion leaders, civil servants including teachers, police officers, religious, political leaders, shop keepers, local residents and other ordinary persons from all walks of life. The qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed manually. Texts were coded using a coding scheme which was prepared ahead of time but emerging themes and codes were also allowed.

Results

Our data indicated there is persistence of several structural drivers and factors for HIV in rural Uganda. The structural drivers of HIV were divided into three categories: Gender issues, socio-cultural, and economic drivers. The specific drivers included several gender issues, stigma surrounding illness, traditional medical practices, urbanization, alcohol and substance abuse and poverty. New drivers arising from urbanization, easy access to mobile phone, internet and technological advancement have emerged. These drivers are intertwined within an existing culture, lifestyle and the mixture is influenced by modernization.

Conclusion

The traditional structural drivers of HIV have persisted since the emergence of the HIV epidemic in Uganda and new ones have emerged. All these drivers may require combined structural interventions that are culturally and locally adapted in order to tackle the resurgence in incidence of HIV in Uganda.
Xia–Gibbs syndrome in adulthood: a case report with insight into the natural history of the condition
Authors: Murdock David R. , Jiang Yunyun , Wangler Michael , Khayat Michael M. , Sabo Aniko , Juusola Jane , McWalter Kirsty , Schatz Krista Sondergaard , Gunay-Aygun Meral , Gibbs Richard A.
Published: January 2019

A 55-yr-old male with severe intellectual disability, behavioral problems, kyphoscoliosis, and dysmorphic features was referred for a genetic evaluation. Chromosomal microarray, RASopathy gene panel, mitochondrial sequencing, and fragile X testing were all negative. Subsequent whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous, truncating variant in the AHDC1 gene, consistent with a diagnosis of Xia–Gibbs syndrome (XGS). Review of his clinical history showed many classic dysmorphic and clinical features of XGS, but no major health issues in adulthood other than intellectual disability. This individual is the oldest published XGS case to date, demonstrates the wide phenotypic spectrum of the disorder, and provides information on the condition's natural history. As more adults undergo genomic studies, we will continue to learn about the adult phenotypes of genetic conditions typically diagnosed in the pediatric setting.
Earth-to-space and high-speed “air” transportation: an aerospaceplane design
Authors: Kehayas Nikolaos
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt an aerospaceplane design with the objective of Low-Earth-Orbit-and-Return-to-Earth (LEOARTE) under the constraints of safety, low cost, reliability, low maintenance, aircraft-like operation and environmental compatibility. Along the same lines, a “sister” point-to-point flight on Earth Suborbital Aerospaceplane is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The LEOARTE aerospaceplane is based on a simple design, proven low risk technology, a small payload, an aerodynamic solution to re-entry heating, the high-speed phase of the outgoing flight taking place outside the atmosphere, a propulsion system comprising turbojet and rocket engines, an Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES) and an appropriate mission profile.

Findings

It was found that a LEOARTE aerospaceplane design subject to the specified constraints with a cost as low as 950 United States Dollars (US$) per kilogram into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) might be feasible. As indicated by a case study, a LEOARTE aerospaceplane could lead, among other activities in space, to economically viable Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). Its “sister” Suborbital aerospaceplane design could provide high-speed, point-to-point flights on the Earth.

Practical implications

The proposed LEOARTE aerospaceplane design renders space exploitation affordable and is much safer than ever before.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative approach to aerospaceplane design as a result of a new aerodynamically oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) and a, perhaps, improved ACES. This approach might initiate widespread exploitation of space and offer a solution to the high-speed “air” transportation issue.
Institutional foundations of disaster risk reduction policy
Authors: De Majo Veronica , Olsson Jan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and elaborate on how institutional conditions work to the advantage and disadvantage of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies on different levels in two countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study design is used to study empirically two countries with very different traditions when it comes to political-administrative institutions: Argentina and Sweden.

Findings

As expected, the institutional foundations of DRR policy in Sweden are shown to be more consistent and stable than in Argentina. However, this difference is of less importance when considering the crucial role of local practices. National institutional foundations can function as support – but is not a necessary condition – for building disaster preparedness on the ground. The authors argue that national governments cannot do without institutionalized praxis-based preparedness, which is vital for both effective emergency management and learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the disaster research debate by elaborating on institutional arrangements that can facilitate or hinder DRR strategies in a multi-level context. The main argument is that institutional practices on the ground are important to compensate for insufficient national institutions, either because they are weak or too distant from practical DRR. The authors also elaborate on how institutional practices can function as a source for learning and for building legitimate practical authority from the bottom up.
Marked inside and out: an exploration of perceived stigma of the tattooed in the workplace
Authors: Flanagan Jennifer L. , Lewis Vance Johnson
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain better understanding of the attitudes toward those with tattoo(s) – by both those with and without tattoos – within the workplace. Specifically, this paper works to gain better understanding of attitudes toward those within specific employment and workplace groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a self-administered Likert scaled original survey through a combined random and snowball sampling method. Results were analyzed using quantitative statistical analysis based on responses to attitudinal questions and demographic factors.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that negative attitudes toward tattoos are diminishing, and that there is an ever shrinking gap in negative attitudes between those with and those without tattoos.

Research limitations/implications

While intended to be an exploratory exercise, this study may have been limited by the participant base. Even with a high number of responses, the random and snowball sampling of the participants may have resulted in clusters of data which may not be transferable across the population. Future studies should seek more closed collection of the data within specific organizations or controlled participant groups.

Originality/value

This study makes a new contribution to the literature as it is one of the first studies to specifically ask those with tattoos how they feel about others with tattoos. It is also one of the first academic articles, rather than journalistic, which explores attitudes toward tattoos within specific organizations.
Perceived job quality, work-life interference and intention to stay
Authors: Cheng Zhiming , Nielsen Ingrid , Cutler Henry
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between aged care employees’ perceived job quality and intention to stay in current aged care facilities, mediated by work-life interference.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the nationally representative employee–employer matched data from the 2012 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey in Australia. It applies the theoretical lens of the Job Characteristics Model and a mediation analytical model that controls for a rich set of employee, employer and regional characteristics.

Findings

This paper finds that higher perceived job quality positively correlates with greater intention to stay and that work-life interference mediates the relationship between perceived job quality and intention to stay.

Research limitations/implications

This paper cannot make inference about causal relationship. Future studies on the aged care workforce should collect longitudinal data so that time-invariant unobservables can be eliminated in econometric modelling.

Practical implications

Efforts by the aged care sector to design quality jobs are likely to have significant positive correlation with the intention to stay, not only because employees are less likely to leave higher quality jobsper se, but also because higher quality jobs interfere less in the family lives of aged care workers, which itself is associated with greater intention to stay.

Originality/value

The results add to a small literature that has investigated how work-family variables can mediate between interventions that organisations put in place to improve work-life balance, and employee outcomes.
Leverage and employee compensation – the perspective of human capital
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Chu , Liang Shao-Huai , Chiu She-Chih , Chen Chieh-Yuan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the predictions in Titman (1984) and Berket al.(2010) which indicate that firms with higher leverage will pay chief executive officer (CEO) and employee more. In addition, this paper examines whether financial distressed firms utilize leverage as a bargaining tool to reduce labor costs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts ordinary least squares regression analysis to investigate: CEO compensation which represents critical employees and lower-level employee compensation which represents less critical employees. Empirical data consist of US publicly held companies during the period between 2006 and 2013.

Findings

This paper finds that firms with higher levels of leverage tend to compensate employees for their human capital risk and that financially distressed firms consider leverage a bargaining tool by which to depress labor costs, which leads to lower employee compensation as compared to that of financially healthy firms.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the importance of keeping balance between human capital and labor costs. In the case that human capital risk might not be fully compensated by firms facing financial distress, vicious cycle could occur because a failure of considering human capital might invite unrecoverable consequence. This could be done in future research.

Originality/value

This paper has three contributions. First, this paper supports the Titman (1984) and Berket al.(2010) by empirically documenting that high-leveraged firms compensate their employees for potential human capital risk. Second, this paper adds to the literature by empirically providing that human capital risk might not be fully compensated if the firms are facing financial distress. Finally, this paper contributes to the authorities by showing that employees’ interests may be sacrificed if the firm is under financial distress.
Brand Origin Recall Accuracy (BORECA): a new measure of brand origin salience
Authors: Abdellah-Kilani Fatma , Zorai Rihab
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and test a new concept named “Brand Origin RECall Accuracy” (BORECA) that assesses consumers’ ability to recall accurately the origins of brands they are aware of. It measures consumers’ brand awareness and brand origin (BO) awareness for a given product category.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the accessibility–diagnosticity model and the limitations of the brand origin recognition accuracy concept, the authors propose and test the BORECA concept focusing on one product category (apparel) in an emerging country context, i.e. Tunisia (Mena). A sample of 374 respondents were surveyed on country-of-origin (COO)-category awareness, brand awareness, BO awareness and foreign vs local brand quality evaluation. Descriptive statistics, correlation indices, MANOVA and linear regression analysis were used in data analysis.

Findings

Results show a substantial BORECA score, i.e. highly accurate awareness of the origins of the recalled brands, affected by respondents’ age, gender and education level. The average BORECA score for local brands is higher than for foreign brands. The local BORECA score seems to positively correlate to respondents’ evaluation of local brand quality and negatively to foreign (dominant COO category) brands.

Research limitations/implications

Based on an aided recall task rather than simple recognition, BORECA provides a deeper assessment of brand awareness and BO awareness. The pressure induced by the task (knowledge test + retrieval effort) may cause anxiety bias that inhibits the recall of other brands and BOs.

Practical implications

Nationalistic and ethnocentric tendencies emerging in the findings point to some branding strategies for both local and foreign companies.

Originality/value

The paper provides a good indication of BO salience in an emerging economy. It seeks to explain the impact of the BORECA score for local brands on the perceived quality of both local and foreign brands.
Customer-pulled and provider-pushed pathways for product-service system
Authors: Pereira Veridiana Rotondaro , Kreye Melanie E. , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate distinctive pathways for product-service system (PSS) development. Moreover, it investigates the contingent effect of the business ecosystem (BE) in terms of being provider-pushed or customer-pulled.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a case-based research, performed in the Brazilian and Danish healthcare industries in order to explore the subject.

Findings

The results reveal that the capital available for investments influences the pathway. The customer-pulled PSS fast evolved to become result-oriented and connected to a complex resource-dependent network in the BE. The provider-pushed PSS showed a slow evolutionary pathway, limited to product-oriented offerings with low dependence among actors in the BE.

Originality/value

The research offers various managerial implications for PSS providers, policymakers and customers of the healthcare industry.
International listed real estate returns: evidence from the global financial crisis
Authors: Coën Alain , Lecomte Patrick
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and revisit the risk and performance of publicly traded real estate companies from 14 countries over the period 2000–2015, marked by the unprecedented Global Financial Crisis, in presence of errors-in-variables (EIV) and illiquidity (measured by serial correlation, following Getmanskyet al.(2004)).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors extend the seminal work of Bondet al.(2003), and shed a new light on the relative performance of listed real estate before and after the GFC. First, the authors suggest the use of various asset pricing models (APM) including the Fama and French (2015) five-factor APM with global and country-level factors. Second, the authors implement unbiased estimators to correct for the econometric bias induced by EIV in APM. Third, the authors deal with the impact of illiquidity (measured by serial correlation) on the risk properties of international securitized real estate returns.

Findings

The findings show that post-GFC, a radical change in international listed real estate risk factors has resulted in more homogeneous markets internationally and less diversification opportunities for international investors.

Practical implications

The authors suggest the use of robust linear APM (including the Fama and French (2015) five-factor APM) to analyze the risk and performance of publicly traded real estate companies from 14 countries over the period 2000–2015.

Originality/value

The authors analyze and revisit the risk and performance of publicly traded real estate companies from 14 countries over the period 2000–2015, marked by the unprecedented Global Financial Crisis.
Psychiatric drugs: reconsidering their mode of action and the implications for service user involvement
Authors: Roberts Marc
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two competing pharmacological models that have been used to understand how psychiatric drugs work: the disease-centred model and the drug-centred model. In addition, it explores the implications of these two models for mental health service users and the degree to which they are meaningfully involved in decisions about the use of psychiatric drugs.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a conceptual review and critical comparison of two pharmacological models used to understand the mode of action of psychiatric drugs. On the basis of this analysis, the paper also provides a critical examination, supported by the available literature, of the implications of these two models for service user involvement in mental health care.

Findings

The disease-centred model is associated with a tendency to view the use of psychiatric drugs as a technical matter that is to be determined by mental health professionals. In contrast, the drug-centred model emphasises the centrality of the individual experience of taking a psychiatric drug and implies a more equitable relationship between practitioners and mental health service users.

Originality/value

Although infrequently articulated, assumptions about how psychiatric drugs work have important consequences for service user involvement in mental health care. Critical consideration of these assumptions is an important aspect of seeking to maximise service user involvement in decisions about the use of psychiatric drugs as a response to their experience of mental distress.
Synthesis and characterization of ricinoleic acid derived monomer and its application in aqueous emulsion and paints thereof
Authors: Mhadeshwar Nikita , Wazarkar Kunal , Sabnis Anagha S.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare acrylic functional ricinoleic acid monomer and incorporate it in conventional miniemulsion polymerization. Subsequently, paints were formulated to study the variation in final coating properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Synthesis process involved the esterification of ricinoleic acid with 2-hydroxy methyl methacrylate in the presence of FASCAT-4100 catalyst. The final product of the reaction, methacrylated ricinoleic acid (MRA), was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and determining acid and iodine value. Further, MRA was incorporated in various concentrations (1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) along with methyl acrylate and butyl acrylate in conventional miniemulsion polymerization and paints were formulated thereof.

Findings

It was observed that with the addition of MRA monomer, flexibility of emulsion films increased as indicated by glass transition temperature and elongation value (percentage). Moreover, with the addition of MRA monomer, improvement in mechanical and chemical properties of the coatings was observed.

Research limitations/implications

Even a low concentration MRA monomer (as low as 3 per cent) caused a significant reduction in the glass transition temperature of emulsion films. Thus, it can be efficiently used in applications such as adhesives and elastomeric coatings.

Originality/value

The acrylic functional monomer derived from ricinoleic acid is unique and not yet incorporated in miniemulsion polymerization. The synthesized monomer can be used in coatings where low Tg emulsions are required.
Improved camouflage through ontogenetic colour change confers reduced detection risk in shore crabs
Authors: Nokelainen Ossi , Maynes Ruth , Mynott Sara , Price Natasha , Stevens Martin
Published: January 2019

Animals from many taxa, from snakes and crabs to caterpillars and lobsters, change appearance with age, but the reasons why this occurs are rarely tested.

We show the importance that ontogenetic changes in coloration have on the camouflage of the green shore crabs (Carcinus maenas), known for their remarkable phenotypic variation and plasticity in colour and pattern.

In controlled conditions, we reared juvenile crabs of two shades, pale or dark, on two background types simulating different habitats for 10 weeks.

In contrast to expectations for reversible colour change, crabs did not tune their background match to specific microhabitats, but instead, and regardless of treatment, all developed a uniform dark green phenotype. This parallels changes in shore crab appearance with age observed in the field.

Next, we undertook a citizen science experiment at the Natural History Museum London, where human subjects (“predators”) searched for crabs representing natural colour variation from different habitats, simulating predator vision.

In concert, crabs were not hardest to find against their original habitat, but instead, the dark green phenotype was hardest to detect against all backgrounds.

The evolution of camouflage can be better understood by acknowledging that the optimal phenotype to hide from predators may change over the life history of many animals, including the utilization of a generalist camouflage strategy.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Finer‐scale habitat predicts nest survival in grassland birds more than management and landscape: A multi‐scale perspective
Authors: Shew Justin J. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Sparling Donald W.
Published: January 2019

Birds may respond to habitat at multiple scales, ranging from microhabitat structure to landscape composition. North American grassland bird distributions predominantly reside on private lands, and populations have been consistently declining. Many of these lands are enrolled in U.S. federal conservation programmes, and properly guided management policies could alleviate declines. However, more evaluative research is needed on the effects of management policies juxtaposed with other multi‐scale habitat features. Furthermore, research focused on nest survival is arguably more valuable because habitat associations with avian densities can sometimes be deceptive.

We investigated nest survival of a grassland facultative (red‐winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus) and obligate species (dickcissel Spiza americana), and two nesting communities (ground and above‐ground nesters) relative to management and multi‐scale habitat (nest‐site characteristics, in‐field microhabitat, patch metrics, and landscape context). Our study was conducted on private lands in Illinois (2011–2014) and directly linked to policy‐based management (discing, herbicidal spraying, spray/interseeding) and landowner decisions.

Multi‐scale models explained more variation in nest survival compared to single scales or management in three of four analyses (blackbirds, dickcissels, and above‐ground nesters). Finer‐scale habitat variables, such as nest‐site characteristics, were more often in top and among the competitive models relative to landscape factors.

Compared with other management types, discing (i.e., tractor‐pulled disc harrows removed approximately 50% of vegetation) displayed distinct effects and positively influenced nest survival in above‐ground nesters. Also, greater proportions of a field managed cumulatively and yearly, regardless of type, generally improved nest survival for dickcissels and above‐ground nesters. All groups except above‐ground nesters had generally higher nest survival in native‐grass dominated fields.

Synthesis and applications. Habitat practitioners can improve nest survival for certain grassland birds by directly affecting in‐field microhabitat vegetation and structure. However, characteristics associated with specific nest locations often drive nest survival. We suggest habitat managers and agency staff promote native grass practices and management, such as discing, to enhance nest survival of grassland bird populations. Management will likely be most effective in favourable unfragmented grassland landscapes with less surrounding forested areas, which also promote other important responses (e.g., colonization and persistence) of target species.
Potential of soil seed banks for vegetation recovery following deer exclusions under different periods of chronic herbivory in a beech forest in eastern Japan
Authors: Tamura Atsushi
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the potential for vegetation recovery from buried seed banks following exclusion of deer after different periods of chronic herbivory in a beech forest. Using the seedling emergence method, I surveyed the floor vegetation, buried seed banks and compared survey results with that of past flora. The study areas were an area within two deer exclosure fences, one established in 1997 and the other in 2003, and the area outside the fences. With regard to floor vegetation, species diversity and dominance of vulnerable (VUL) species were higher in F1997 than in F2003, and species frequency was different among the three plots. In the soil seed banks, species richness, seed density and life form composition were different among the three plots. However, when I excluded Rubus illecebrosus, which is a VUL shrub species, seed density of VUL species was not greatly different among the plots. In addition, the species composition of soil seed banks compared with that of past flora was similar among the plots. This may be because almost no VUL herb species formed the buried seed banks. In contrast, invulnerable (INV) species formed numerous seed banks. These results demonstrate that chronic deer herbivory causes a negative effect on the composition of floor vegetation through VUL herb species, and a positive effect on the seed density of soil seed banks through INV species. Conservation measures are needed while there are still plant organs remaining aboveground.
Genetic and ecological conservation issues for oceanic island birds, revealed by a combination of the latest molecular techniques and conventional field work
Authors: Ando Haruko
Published: January 2019

Oceanic island ecosystems are vulnerable to artificial disturbances, and many island endemics are at risk of extinction. Conservation of island endemics is a high priority for reducing biodiversity loss, but fundamental studies on many species remain lacking due to the small population size and limited accessibility to island habitats. In this review, I explored conservation issues of endangered bird species in oceanic island habitat, which have been revealed by the latest molecular techniques with a combination of conventional field work. Recent genetic studies revealed low genetic diversity of endangered island endemics. Analyses of genetic structure have revealed the gene flow of endemic birds among islands according to their flying abilities. Seasonal inter‐island movement of Columbiformes and some finches have been observed, which might be related to fluctuating food resource availability among island habitats. Dietary analyses based on DNA metabarcoding for Columba janthina nitens revealed frequent consumption of introduced plants by this bird. This review may provide a new perspective for conservation biology in oceanic island ecosystems. That is, (a) appropriate management of genetic diversity within and outside of habitat before serious population declines occur, (b) detection of meaningful evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) considering flying ability of birds among islands and management of total habitat range within each ESU and (c) introduced species eradication designed to not to cause a negative impact on endangered species that may depend on introduced species for their food.
Heritabilities of lateral and vertical herkogamy in Lysimachia arvensis
Authors: Jiménez‐López Francisco Javier , Arista Montserrat , Talavera María , Pannell John R. , Ortiz Pedro L.
Published: January 2019

Herkogamy, spatial separation between stigma and anthers within a flower, is important in regulating plant‐mating systems. We studied phenotypic variation and heritability of herkogamy traits in Lysimachia arvensis (=Anagallis arvensis) that show both lateral and vertical herkogamy in the same flower, a rare strategy in flowering plants. Both lateral and vertical herkogamy showed continuous variation in 15 natural populations. Lateral herkogamy, measured as the angle between style and stamens, ranged from 5.6 to 66.5°; vertical herkogamy ranged from reverse to approach herkogamy. Herkogamy traits were constant within plants but variable among plants and populations. Flowers with marked lateral herkogamy showed mainly reverse herkogamy, whereas flowers with low lateral herkogamy showed mainly approach herkogamy. Both herkogamy traits showed a high degree of narrow sense heritability (h2 = 0.843 for lateral and h2 = 0.635 for vertical herkogamy). We discuss the possibility that variation in both herkogamy traits among populations of L. arvensis is a consequence of differential selective pressures under different pollination environments.
Consistent pollination services to Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense (Orchidaceae) by Bombus pseudobaicalensis
Authors: Sugiura Naoto
Published: January 2019

Bombus pseudobaicalensis queens are known pollinators of the threatened orchid Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense. However, whether other bumblebee species also pollinate this orchid has not yet been ascertained. A 10‐year observation provided convincing evidence that B. pseudobaicalensis is the only consistent pollinator. B. beaticola moshkarareppus queens were newly found to rarely carry pollen smears of the orchid, whereas B. hypocrita sapporoensis and B. diversus queens were practically mere flower visitors. Why these three species do not equal B. pseudobaicalensis in pollination effectiveness remains unclear but differences in body size and individual abundance between B. pseudobaicalensis and the other species are considered as possible primary causes. Given the almost complete dependence of C. macranthos var. rebunense on B. pseudobaicalensis for pollination and its potential risk, conservation managers should take care not to reduce the bumblebee colonies.
QsvR integrates into quorum sensing circuit to control Vibrio parahaemolyticus virulence
Authors: Zhang Yiquan , Hu Linghui , Qiu Yue , Osei‐Adjei George , Tang Hao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Rui , Sheng Xiumei , Xu Shungao , Yang Wenhui , Yang Huiying , Yin Zhe , Yang Ruifu , Huang Xinxiang , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: January 2019

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the leading cause of seafood‐associated gastroenteritis worldwide, requires the two type‐III secretion systems (T3SS1 and T3SS2) and a thermostable direct hemolysin (encoded by tdh1 and tdh2) for full virulence. The tdh genes and the T3SS2 gene cluster constitute an 80 kb pathogenicity island known as Vp‐PAI located on the chromosome II. Expression of T3SS1 and Vp‐PAI is regulated in a quorum sensing (QS)‐dependent manner but its detailed mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we show that three factors (QS regulators AphA and OpaR and an AraC‐type transcriptional regulator QsvR) form a complex regulatory network to control the expression of T3SS1 and Vp‐PAI genes. At low cell density (LCD), whereas Vp‐PAI expression is repressed, T3SS1 genes are induced by AphA, which directly binds (an operator region of) the exsBAD‐vscBCD operon. At high cell density (HCD), the bacterium turns off T3SS1 expression by replacing AphA with OpaR, triggering the induction of Vp‐PAI. Furthermore, QsvR binds to the regulatory regions of all the tested T3SS1 and Vp‐PAI genes to activate their transcription at HCD. Taken together, our data highlight how multiple QS regulators contribute to the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus by precisely controlling the expression of major virulence determinants during different stages of growth.
The image and the meaning of the Chinese character for ‘enlightenment’
Authors: Shen Heyong
Published: January 2019

This article explores the significance of the image of the Chinese character for ‘enlightenment’. The oracle bone script form for ‘enlightenment’ is comprised of the symbol for the ‘true self’ and the symbol for the ‘heart’. In Chinese Taoist philosophy, the true self is close to Tao, a concept akin to that of the self in Analytical Psychology. The combination of the ‘self’ meeting with the ‘heart’ conveys both the aspect of inspiration and of profound meaning. The paper is composed of three parts in order to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of this Chinese character: 1) an exploration of the image and meaning of the character; 2) an exploration of the link between the self and enlightenment; and 3) reflections on the relationship between insight and enlightenment. The image of this Chinese character contains not only what enlightenment is, but also the way to enlightenment and the meaning of the way.
The Garden of the Heart and Soul: the image, the way, and the meaning
Authors: Baohong Cao , Lan Gao , Ziying Jia , Bo Wu
Published: January 2019

This paper begins with an explanation of the four Chinese characters that represent the project of the Garden of the Heart and Soul. This project was founded to help the psychological development of orphans, as well as to provide psychological relief for the victims of ecological disasters such as earthquakes through the use of Jungian psychology, sandplay therapy, and the psychology of the Heart. Eleven years after its founding, there are 83 work‐stations on mainland China. The authors discuss how the Chinese characters influenced the way they set up their project and the values that guide them. In addition to helping the individuation of the people they work with, their work provides a container for the collective psyche and a connection with the cultural archetypal roots.
Iron fortification of reduced‐fat bioyoghurt containing either short‐ or long‐chain inulin
Authors: Dabour Nassra , Dyab Noha , Kheadr Ehab
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding inulin, iron salts and/or their combinations on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of reduced‐fat bioyoghurt. Results revealed that iron and inulin supplementation did not affect the viable counts of the yoghurt starter microorganisms but slightly increased counts of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Iron and inulin significantly affected the textural attributes of the yoghurt, but did not modify the yoghurt flavour significantly. Also, in vitro assessments on the availability of calcium and iron were conducted and revealed that the supplementation of yoghurt with iron and inulin resulted in significant reduction in calcium and iron availability.
Low‐Volume Tidal Peritoneal Dialysis Is a Preferable Mode in Patients Initiating Urgent‐Start Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized, Open‐Label, Prospective Control Study
Authors: Xie Jianteng , Wang Huizhen , Li Sheng , Zuo Yangyang , Wang Yanhui , Zhang Yifan , Liang Tiantian , Li Jing , Wang Liping , Feng Zhonglin , Ye Zhiming , Liang Xinling , Shi Wei , Wang Wenjian
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of low‐volume tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD) and intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) in ESRD patients initiating automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) after an acute catheter insertion. Clinical outcomes of patients who received either TPD or IPD using an APD system were compared in a randomized, open‐label, prospective control study in a single‐center setting. From May 2011 to May 2013, 49 patients were enrolled and 27 patients received low‐volume TPD treatment, whereas 22 patients underwent low‐volume IPD right after Tenckhoff catheter insertion. The incidence of complications during the 14‐day APD treatment were observed. After APD treatment, all the patients were transferred to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and followed up for 2 years. The IPD group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of catheter‐related complications (omental wrapping 27.3% vs. 0% and suction pain 18.2% vs. 0%) than the TPD group after adjusting for age, gender, baseline diabetes, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and the experience of the operators. However, the short duration of APD treatment with either IPD or TPD mode did not affect the long‐time technical survival. In patients immediately after catheter insertion, low‐volume TPD mode demonstrated a lower incidence of catheter‐related complications compared to IPD. Although our results provided evidence that TPD is a preferable APD mode for this specific population, definitive conclusions about TPD benefit cannot be made, owing to early termination of the trial.
CRISPR‐Based Subtyping Using Whole Genome Sequence Data Does Not Improve Differentiation of Persistent and Sporadic Listeria monocytogenes Strains
Authors: Taylor Alexander J. , Stasiewicz Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food‐associated environments for long periods. To identify persistent strains, the subtyping method pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is being replaced by whole genome sequence (WGS)‐based subtyping. It was hypothesized that analyzing specific mobile genetic elements, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Short Repeat) spacer arrays, extracted from WGS data, could differentiate persistent and sporadic isolates within WGS‐based clades. To test this hypothesis, 175 L. monocytogenes isolates, previously recovered from retail delis, were analyzed for CRISPR spacers using CRISPRFinder. These isolates represent 23 phylogenetic clades defined by WGS‐based single nucleotide polymorphisms and closely related sporadic isolates. In 174/175 (99.4%) of isolates, at least one array with one spacer was identified. Numbers of spacers in a single array ranged from 1 to 28 spacers. Isolates were grouped into 13 spacer patterns (SPs) based on observed variability in the presence or absence of whole spacers. SP variation was consistent with WGS‐based clades forming patterns of (i) one SP to one clade, (ii) one SP across many clades, (iii) many SPs within one clade, and (iv) many SPs across many clades. Unfortunately, SPs did not appear to differentiate persistent from sporadic isolates within any WGS‐based clade. Overall, these data show that (i) CRISPR arrays are common in WGS data for these food‐associated L. monocytogenes and (ii) CRISPR subtyping cannot improve the identification of persistent or sporadic isolates from retail delis.

Practical Application

CRISPR spacer arrays are present in L. monocytogenes isolates and CRISPR spacer patterns are consistent with previous subtyping methods. These mobile genetic artifacts cannot improve the differentiation between persistent and sporadic L. monocytogenes isolates, used in this study. While CRISPR‐based subtyping has been useful for other pathogens, it is not useful in understanding persistence in L. monocytogenes. Thus, the food safety community might be able to use CRISPRs in other areas, but CRISPRs do not seem likely to improve the differentiation of persistence in L. monocytogenes isolates from retail delis.
Temperature‐mediated phylogenetic assemblage of fungal communities and local adaptation in mycorrhizal symbioses
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Cai Yaru , Li Xiaolin , Christie Peter , Zhang Junling , Gai Jingping
Published: January 2019

Recent work demonstrates that habitat conditions exert striking effects on symbiont performance by mediating trade‐offs in plants, AM fungi and environmental interactions. However, how local temperature conditions influence the functional diversity of mycorrhizal symbioses and the genetics of coexisting AM fungi at the local scale remain unclear. In the present study, we conducted a reciprocal inoculation experiment to explore the performance of sympatric associations against allopatric associations under contrasting temperatures and the AM fungal community in colonized roots. No local adaptation of plant biomass was found under both temperature conditions investigated, but a consistent local versus foreign effect was found in AM fungal performance. The temperature and the origin of the inoculum relative to the plant origin were important in explaining symbiotic function. Correspondingly, the community structure and Nearest Relatedness Index of the AM fungal community of the root symbiont varied with inoculum source, and assemblages with more closely related taxa led to a decline in plant biomass and stronger disequilibrium among AM fungi in roots. Our findings suggest that functional divergence exists in naturally coexisting communities of AM fungi from contrasting climatic origins, and fungal relatedness is an important driver of plant growth.