bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome of wild olive and the evolution of oil biosynthesis
Authors: Unver Turgay , Wu Zhangyan , Sterck Lieven , Turktas Mine , Lohaus Rolf , Li Zhen , Yang Ming , He Lijuan , Deng Tianquan , Escalante Francisco Javier , Llorens Carlos , Roig Francisco J. , Parmaksiz Iskender , Dundar Ekrem , Xie Fuliang , Zhang Baohong , Ipek Arif , Uranbey Serkan , Erayman Mustafa , Ilhan Emre , Badad Oussama , Ghazal Hassan , Lightfoot David A. , Kasarla Pavan , Colantonio Vincent , Tombuloglu Huseyin , Hernandez Pilar , Mete Nurengin , Cetin Oznur , Van Montagu Marc , Yang Huanming , Gao Qiang , Dorado Gabriel , Van de Peer Yves
Published: October 2017

Significance

We sequenced the genome and transcriptomes of the wild olive (oleaster). More than 50,000 genes were predicted, and evidence was found for two relatively recent whole-genome duplication events, dated at approximately 28 and 59 Mya. Whole-genome sequencing, as well as gene expression studies, provide further insights into the evolution of oil biosynthesis, and will aid future studies aimed at further increasing the production of olive oil, which is a key ingredient of the healthy Mediterranean diet and has been granted a qualified health claim by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Staufen1 inhibits MyoD translation to actively maintain muscle stem cell quiescence
Authors: de Morrée Antoine , van Velthoven Cindy T. J. , Gan Qiang , Salvi Jayesh S. , Klein Julian D. D. , Akimenko Igor , Quarta Marco , Biressi Stefano , Rando Thomas A.
Published: October 2017

Significance

This work addresses a fundamental mechanism for the translational control of a master regulator of myogenic differentiation, MyoD, by the RNA binding protein Staufen1. We show that muscle stem cells express the MyoD transcript in the quiescent state in vivo but block its translation through direct repression by Staufen1. Loss of this translational repression leads to MyoD translation and cell cycle entry, highlighting a novel role for MyoD in regulating the exit from quiescence. This mechanism of direct translational repression enables the cells to exist poised for activation and cell cycle entry. These data provide insight in the translational control of muscle stem cell quiescence.
Content of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in cardiomyocytes is regulated by microRNA-1 in physiologic and pathologic hypertrophy
Authors: Zaglia Tania , Ceriotti Paola , Campo Antonio , Borile Giulia , Armani Andrea , Carullo Pierluigi , Prando Valentina , Coppini Raffaele , Vida Vladimiro , Stølen Tomas O. , Ulrik Wisløff , Cerbai Elisabetta , Stellin Giovanni , Faggian Giuseppe , De Stefani Diego , Sandri Marco , Rizzuto Rosario , Di Lisa Fabio , Pozzan Tullio , Catalucci Daniele , Mongillo Marco
Published: October 2017

Significance

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is the core channel subunit of the mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter complex (MCUC) and contributes to the regulation of ATP production. Here, we identify that the adaptive and maladaptive remodeling occurring in rodent and human cardiomyocytes is associated with changes in MCU content, which are inversely correlated with those of its regulator microRNA-1 (miR-1). The present study thus defines the molecular mechanism by which MCU content and, consequently, mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake are directly modified by alteration of miR-1, a key regulator affecting physiological and pathological heart growth. These findings provide evidence for the miR-1/MCU axis as a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Disruption and rescue of interareal theta phase coupling and adaptive behavior
Authors: Reinhart Robert M. G.
Published: October 2017

Significance

We show that the timing of alternating-current stimulation can couple or decouple low-frequency brain rhythms between segregated frontal cortical areas in a highly selective fashion without changing other neural frequencies, synchronization across the opposite cerebral hemisphere, or local neural activity. The up- and down-regulation of interareal neural coupling caused bidirectional changes in adaptive control and learning measured behaviorally. It was even possible to induce behavioral deficits and then immediately rescue this behavior in the same individuals in a matter of minutes. The findings suggest it is possible to intervene in the neural integration between frontal cortical structures that govern complex human behavior. The development of drug-free interventions for addressing disorders of excessive and deficient cortical connectivity is implicated.
Prebiotic stereoselective synthesis of purine and noncanonical pyrimidine nucleotide from nucleobases and phosphorylated carbohydrates
Authors: Kim Hyo-Joong , Benner Steven A.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Much recent research into the origins of life focuses on the hypothesis that RNA emerged on early Earth by an abiotic process, and gave Earth its first access to Darwinian evolution. This article provides a key step in this process. Here, we show that the phosphorylated ribonucleoside building blocks for RNA can be made stereoselectively under a prebiotic plausible condition with canonical and noncanonical purines, and with one noncanonical pyrimidine. It also shows that threose nucleoside phosphates can be synthesized in a similar way. This result is significant in terms of numbers of steps, high stereo- and regiochemistry, scope, involvement of minerals, and likelihood of the prebiotic availability of its starting materials.
Cardiovascular homeostasis dependence on MICU2, a regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter
Authors: Bick Alexander G. , Wakimoto Hiroko , Kamer Kimberli J. , Sancak Yasemin , Goldberger Olga , Axelsson Anna , DeLaughter Daniel M. , Gorham Joshua M. , Mootha Vamsi K. , Seidman J. G. , Seidman Christine E.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Hypertension increases the risk for development of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a silent pathology that is prone to rupture and cause sudden cardiac death. Male gender, smoking, and hypertension appear to increase risk for development of abdominal aortic aneurysms by provoking oxidative stress responses in cardiovascular tissues. Here we uncovered unexpected linkages between the calcium-sensing regulatory subunit MICU2 of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and stress responses. We show that naiveMicu2−/−mice had abnormalities of cardiac relaxation but, with modest blood pressure elevation, developed abdominal aortic aneurysms with spontaneous rupture. These findings implicate mitochondrial calcium homeostasis as a critical pathway involved in protecting cardiovascular tissues from oxidative stress.
Ninjurin 1 has two opposing functions in tumorigenesis in a p53-dependent manner
Authors: Yang Hee Jung , Zhang Jin , Yan Wensheng , Cho Seong-Jun , Lucchesi Christopher , Chen Mingyi , Huang Eric C. , Scoumanne Ariane , Zhang Weici , Chen Xinbin
Published: October 2017

Significance

Nerve injury-induced protein 1 (Ninj1), a p53 target, forms a feedback loop with p53 by repressing p53 translation. Here, we show that cell growth was enhanced by
Ninj1
deficiency in cells carrying a mutant p53, but inhibited in cells carrying a WT p53. We also show that in WT p53 background,
Ninj1-
deficient mice were prone to systemic inflammation, but not to spontaneous tumors. Importantly, loss of
Ninj1
altered lifespan and tumor susceptibility in mutant
p53
and
p53
-null mice. Taken together, our results reveal a critical role of Ninj1 in p53-dependent tumor suppression and the Ninj1–p53 loop may be explored as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers.
Human papillomavirus oncogenes reprogram the cervical cancer microenvironment independently of and synergistically with estrogen
Authors: Spurgeon Megan E. , den Boon Johan A. , Horswill Mark , Barthakur Sonalee , Forouzan Omid , Rader Janet S. , Beebe David J. , Roopra Avtar , Ahlquist Paul , Lambert Paul F.
Published: October 2017

Significance

A subset of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) causes 5% of human cancers, including virtually all cancers of the cervix. In a mouse model of cervical cancer, estrogen is a necessary cofactor that contributes to disease by signaling through the underlying tumor microenvironment. In this study, we discovered that epithelial expression of the HPV oncoproteins reprograms the cervical tumor microenvironment and its response to estrogen. These changes involve the elicitation of paracrine-acting factors implicated in carcinogenesis, and the expression of a subset of these factors was also induced in cocultures of human cervical cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts. We hypothesize that HPV oncogenes cause cancer in part by creating a unique tumor microenvironment that synergizes with estrogen in the cervix.
Formation of most of our coal brought Earth close to global glaciation
Authors: Feulner Georg
Published: October 2017

Significance

The bulk of the coal driving the Industrial Revolution and contributing to global warming today has been deposited during the Carboniferous period (359–299 million years ago), resulting in a significant drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide at that time. In this work, a combination of climate model simulations and recent estimates for carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is used to demonstrate that the cooling due to the diminished greenhouse effect brought our planet close to the limit of global glaciation∼300 million years ago. These findings highlight the climatic importance of the fossil carbon stored in Earth’s coal deposits and thus have implications for climate policy.
Competitive network determines the direction of the diversity–function relationship
Authors: Maynard Daniel S. , Crowther Thomas W. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Diverse communities typically have higher functional potential (e.g., biomass production) because species use different resources and respond to different environmental cues. Yet, in highly competitive communities, individuals often grow less efficiently together due to intense competition for shared resources. Here, we show that the structure of the competitive network (i.e., who beats who) ultimately determines whether an increase in diversity leads to an increase or a decrease in functioning. The diversity–function relationship depended both on whether communities exhibited “rock–paper–scissors” (i.e., intransitive) dynamics, and whether they comprised strong versus weak competitors. These results highlight that knowledge of the competitive network may be integral for predicting when losses in biodiversity will have positive or negative effects on ecosystem function.
Semiconductor quantum dot-sensitized rainbow photocathode for effective photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation
Authors: Lv Hongjin , Wang Congcong , Li Guocan , Burke Rebeckah , Krauss Todd D. , Gao Yongli , Eisenberg Richard
Published: October 2017

Significance

Photochemical water splitting is the most desirable transformation in a non–carbon-based conversion of photon energy into stored chemical potential. The system described here to carry out this transformation is a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell in which CdSe quantum dots (QDs) on a NiO surface serve as light absorbers, and a metal complex in solution acts to assemble the two protons and two electrons into H
2
. The present report extends prior work significantly with the construction of a “rainbow” photocathode by spin-coating different-sized QDs in a sequentially layered manner, thereby creating an energetically favorable gradient for charge separation. The resultant rainbow photocathode exhibits enhanced light-harvesting ability under white LED light illumination and an increased photoresponse relative to a single-sized CdSe QD-sensitized photocathode.
Distinct ice patterns on solid surfaces with various wettabilities
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhu Chongqin , Liu Kai , Jiang Ying , Song Yanlin , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wang Jianjun
Published: October 2017

Significance

Ice growth is essential to the final shape of ice crystals; therefore, it is of significant relevance to rich varieties of practical applications and fundamental research. A correlation between the surface wettability and ice growth has not been established, although ice often forms on solid surfaces. We discover experimentally that ice grows along surface when the contact angle of water drops on solid surfaces is below a critical value, and ice grows off surface when the contact angle is above this critical value. Our molecular dynamics simulation analysis reveals that the presence/absence of bilayer ice on solid surfaces of different surface wettabilities dictates the ice growth and therefore provides the molecular mechanism of ice growth on solid surfaces.
Dominant negative effect of the loss-of-function γ-secretase mutants on the wild-type enzyme through heterooligomerization
Authors: Zhou Rui , Yang Guanghui , Shi Yigong
Published: October 2017

Significance

The vast majority of familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases are linked to mutations in presenilin-1 (PS1) in an autosomal dominant manner. PS1 is the catalytic component of γ-secretase, which cleaves amyloid precursor protein into Aβ peptides. It remains unclear whether the causal role of PS1 mutations in AD development is effected through γ-secretase, and if yes, whether the dominant negative effect of PS1 mutant allele is effected through the proteolytic activity of γ-secretase. In this study, we provide compelling evidence to prove a dominant negative effect by the loss-of-function γ-secretase mutants on the production of Aβ42/40 by WT γ-secretase through hetero-oligomerization. These data, together with our prior knowledge on the function of γ-secretase, have important ramifications on the two key questions listed here.
Macrophage-like nanoparticles concurrently absorbing endotoxins and proinflammatory cytokines for sepsis management
Authors: Thamphiwatana Soracha , Angsantikul Pavimol , Escajadillo Tamara , Zhang Qiangzhe , Olson Joshua , Luk Brian T. , Zhang Sophia , Fang Ronnie H. , Gao Weiwei , Nizet Victor , Zhang Liangfang
Published: October 2017

Significance

Clinical evidence has indicated that the systemic spread of endotoxins from septic infection plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacterial sepsis. However, currently there are no effective ways to manage the diverse endotoxins released by different bacterial genus, species, and strain. Herein, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of a macrophage-like nanoparticle for sepsis control through a powerful two-step neutralization process: endotoxin neutralization in the first step followed by cytokine sequestration in the second step. The biomimetic nanoparticles possess an antigenic exterior identical to macrophage cells, thus inheriting their capability to bind to endotoxins and proinflammatory cytokines. This detoxification strategy may provide a first-in-class treatment option for sepsis and ultimately improve the clinical outcome of patients.
Engineering sulfur storage in maize seed proteins without apparent yield loss
Authors: Planta Jose , Xiang Xiaoli , Leustek Thomas , Messing Joachim
Published: October 2017

Significance

Poultry feed is usually prepared as a corn–soybean mixture. Because the only essential sulfur amino acid missing in this mixture is methionine, it is chemically synthesized and added separately, increasing the cost of major food supply. It appears to be difficult to circumvent the regulatory aspects of sulfur metabolism, which is controlled at many levels, without damage to plant growth. By using tissue-specific promoters to express a bacterial enzyme that increases the efficiency of assimilative sulfate reduction, seed methionine accumulation can be increased without the concomitant accumulation of toxic metabolites. We show that even in maize inbred lines with repressed seed methionine levels, sink strength can be increased to the benefit of feed consumption efficiency in chicks.
Cultural Linguistics
Authors: Sharifian Farzad
Published: October 2017

This ground-breaking book marks a milestone in the history of the newly developed field of Cultural Linguistics, a multidisciplinary area of research that explores the relationship between language and cultural conceptualisations. The most authoritative book in the field to date, it outlines the theoretical and analytical framework of Cultural Linguistics, elaborating on its key theoretical/analytical notions of cultural cognition, cultural schema, cultural category, and cultural metaphor. In addition, it brings to light a wide array of cultural conceptualisations drawn from many different languages and language varieties. The book reveals how the analytical tools of Cultural Linguistics can produce in-depth and insightful investigations into the cultural grounding of language in several domains and subdisciplines, including embodiment, emotion, religion, World Englishes, pragmatics, intercultural communication, Teaching English as an International Language (TEIL), and political discourse analysis. By presenting a comprehensive survey of recent research in Cultural Linguistics, this book demonstrates the relevance of the cultural conceptualisations encoded in language to all aspects of human life, from the very conceptualisations of life and death, to conceptualisations of emotion, body, humour, religion, gender, kinship, ageing, marriage, and politics. This book, in short, is a must-have reference work for scholars and students interested in Cultural Linguistics.
Mortality Risk in a Sample of Emergency Department Patients who use Cocaine with Alcohol And/Or Cannabis
Authors: Gilmore Devin , Zorland Jennifer , Akin Joanna , Johnson J. Aaron , Emshoff James G. , Kuperminc Gabriel P.
Published: October 2017

Background: Illicit drug use is common among emergency department (ED) patients, yet the association between drug use and subsequent mortality is not well understood. This study examines 36-month mortality rates for a sample of ED patients based on reported use of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine, both individually and in combination. Methods: Patients ( N = 1669) from 2 urban EDs were surveyed at the time of the visit. The patient survey included the Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and information on physical and mental health, health care utilization, and risk factors associated with substance use. ASSIST scores were used to categorize patients into drug risk groups. Mortality information from the National Death Index was used to calculate mortality rates from 2009 to 2012. A Cox regression model identified associations between drug risk groups and mortality while controlling for patient demographics. Results: The use of cocaine and cannabis both individually and in combination was associated with significantly higher mortality risk compared with other ED patients. Conclusions: ED patients who use cannabis and cocaine have higher mortality risks than other patients. Further research is necessary to determine whether this result is stable across racial/ethnic groups.
Heterogeneity of State Medical Marijuana Laws and Adolescent Recent use of Alcohol and Marijuana: Analysis of 45 States, 1991–2011
Authors: Johnson Julie K. , Johnson Renee M. , Hodgkin Dominic , Jones Abenaa A. , Matteucci Ann Marie , Harris Sion K.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess associations between enactment of state medical marijuana laws (MMLs), MML restrictiveness, and past-30-day youth alcohol use overall, and in relation to marijuana use.

Method

This quasi-experimental difference-in-difference designed study used state-level Youth Risk Behavior Survey data of 9th–12th grade students in 45 states from 1991–2011 (N D 715,014). We conducted bivariate (unadjusted) and multivariable (adjusted for state, year, individual characteristics) logistic regression analyses to examine the effect of MML enactment (yes/no) and less restrictive vs. more restrictive MMLs on five varying measures of past 30-day alcohol use (i.e., any use or binge) and alcohol and marijuana use behaviors.

Results

In the final adjusted analyses, MML enactment was associated with lower odds of adolescent past 30-day (1) alcohol use (OR D 0.92, [0.87, 0.97], p < .01) and (2) use of both alcohol and marijuana (OR D 0.93, [0.87, 0.99], p < .05). States with less restrictive MMLs had lower odds of past 30-day (1) alcohol use (OR D 0.94, [0.92, 0.97], p < .001), (2) binge drinking (OR D 0.96, [0.93, 0.97], p < .05), (3) alcohol use without any marijuana use (OR D 0.96, [0.93, 0.99], p < .01), and (4) use of both alcohol and marijuana (OR D 0.96, [0.92, 0.99], p < .05).

Conclusions

This study found that enactment of any MML, and of less restrictive MMLs, was associated with lower odds of past 30-day adolescent alcohol use among adolescents. With continued change in state marijuana laws, it is important to monitor the effect of their enactment and implementation, as well as their specific provisions (e.g. dispensaries, home cultivation), which may differentially affect adolescent behaviors.
Workplace chaplaincy: a literature review
Authors: Wolf Tanja , Feldbauer-Durstmüller Birgit
Published: October 2017

Interest in workplace spirituality has risen over the past few decades and it continues to garner increasing attention as evidenced by interdisciplinary scholarship and corporate interest. Workplace chaplaincy can be considered to be a special approach to spirituality in companies and
therefore is described as a growing and concrete manifestation of workplace spirituality. Workplace chaplaincy can be called a phenomenon with a long history but partial scholarly study. This specialized manifestation of workplace spirituality has not yet received adequate academic attention
and few empirical studies exist, but there are clear signs of emerging academic interest in this field of research. In this paper, we present an interdisciplinary systematic literature review focusing on the main topics in the available literature. As workplace chaplaincy is organized in different
ways in different countries, the review aims to present diverse models of chaplaincy in various states. Furthermore, the question arises of whether workplace chaplaincy represents the real integration of spirituality or if it is just exploited by instrumentality, which means that workplace
chaplaincy is solely regarded as an opportunity to improve the efficiency and performance of organizations.
LAMTOR/Ragulator is a negative regulator of Arl8b- and BORC-dependent late endosomal positioning
Authors: Filipek Przemyslaw A. , de Araujo Mariana E.G. , Vogel Georg F. , De Smet Cedric H. , Eberharter Daniela , Rebsamen Manuele , Rudashevskaya Elena L. , Kremser Leopold , Yordanov Teodor , Tschaikner Philipp , Fürnrohr Barbara G. , Lechner Stefan , Dunzendorfer-Matt Theresia , Scheffzek Klaus , Bennett Keiryn L. , Superti-Furga Giulio , Lindner Herbert H. , Stasyk Taras , Huber Lukas A.
Published: October 2017

Signaling from lysosomes controls cellular clearance and energy metabolism. Lysosomal malfunction has been implicated in several pathologies, including neurodegeneration, cancer, infection, immunodeficiency, and obesity. Interestingly, many functions are dependent on the organelle position. Lysosomal motility requires the integration of extracellular and intracellular signals that converge on a competition between motor proteins that ultimately control lysosomal movement on microtubules. Here, we identify a novel upstream control mechanism of Arl8b-dependent lysosomal movement toward the periphery of the cell. We show that the C-terminal domain of lyspersin, a subunit of BLOC-1–related complex (BORC), is essential and sufficient for BORC-dependent recruitment of Arl8b to lysosomes. In addition, we establish lyspersin as the linker between BORC and late endosomal/lysosomal adaptor and mitogen activated protein kinase and mechanistic target of rapamycin activator (LAMTOR) complexes and show that epidermal growth factor stimulation decreases LAMTOR/BORC association, thereby promoting BORC- and Arl8b-dependent lysosomal centrifugal transport.
A Ragulator–BORC interaction controls lysosome positioning in response to amino acid availability
Authors: Pu Jing , Keren-Kaplan Tal , Bonifacino Juan S.
Published: October 2017

Lysosomes play key roles in the cellular response to amino acid availability. Depletion of amino acids from the medium turns off a signaling pathway involving the Ragulator complex and the Rag guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), causing release of the inactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) serine/threonine kinase from the lysosomal membrane. Decreased phosphorylation of mTORC1 substrates inhibits protein synthesis while activating autophagy. Amino acid depletion also causes clustering of lysosomes in the juxtanuclear area of the cell, but the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are poorly understood. Herein we show that Ragulator directly interacts with BLOC-1–related complex (BORC), a multi-subunit complex previously found to promote lysosome dispersal through coupling to the small GTPase Arl8 and the kinesins KIF1B and KIF5B. Interaction with Ragulator exerts a negative regulatory effect on BORC that is independent of mTORC1 activity. Amino acid depletion strengthens this interaction, explaining the redistribution of lysosomes to the juxtanuclear area. These findings thus demonstrate that amino acid availability controls lysosome positioning through Ragulator-dependent, but mTORC1-independent, modulation of BORC.
Climate Change as an Agricultural Economics Research Topic
Authors: McCarl Bruce A , Hertel Thomas W
Published: October 2017

Climate change is not just a topic for the future—it is already producing real consequences. Economically, the issue has three principal dimensions: impacts, that is, how vulnerable are we; adaptation, that is, what can we do to reduce the impacts by altering operations; and mitigation, that is, what can we do to reduce the drivers causing climate change and thus the long‐term extent of climate change? All of these issues have economic dimensions, including appraising damages and the value of effects reducing actions, as well as the formulation of efficient policies. Thus, it is not surprising that this is both an active agricultural economic research area and one with many more research possibilities. We review the impacts, adaptation, and mitigation literature, identifying issues, summarizing main findings, commenting on methods, and pointing out research needs, with a special focus on what agricultural/applied economists have to offer.
10. Equal pay and family rights
Authors: Russell Roseanne
Published: October 2017

The Q&A series offer the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, bullet-pointed answer plans and suggested answers, author commentary and illustrative diagrams and flowcharts. This chapter presents sample exam questions about equal pay and family rights. Through a mixture of problem questions and essays, students are guided through some of the key issues on the topic of equal pay and family rights including the meaning of pay, the sex equality clause, like work, work rated as equivalent, work of equal value, comparators, material factor defence, remedies, and the right to various forms of leave including maternity and parental leave. Students are also introduced to the current key debates in the area and provided with suggestions for additional reading for those who want to take things further.
Disciplinary diversity in marine sciences: the urgent case for an integration of research
Authors: Markus Till , Hillebrand Helmut , Hornidge Anna-Katharina , Krause Gesche , Schlüter Achim
Published: October 2017

Recent events and trends in international relations are making it necessary for scientists to design their projects in ways that can integrate disciplinary perspectives and learn how to communicate their results in governance processes. Some examples of settings in which such skills would be needed are the debates about the political and legal relevance of the “Anthropocene” as a concept, the establishment and implementation of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the recent International Court of Justice’s decision on what constitutes “scientific purpose” under the Whaling Convention, and the ongoing international efforts to regulate deep seabed mining activities. These events reveal an acceleration of growing environmental, distributional, and geostrategic conflicts over ocean resources which are changing the character of marine research. For some time now marine sciences have recognized the interdependence of social and ecological systems and the cumulative effects of multiple environmental pressures. In addition, we observe that the relationship between science and policy-making is rapidly changing in a process which we refer to here as the internationalization of knowledge, and that scientific research activities and results are progressively being internationally contested. Altogether these developments constitute extrinsic constraints that render transcending disciplinary boundaries a conditio sine qua non for future marine research. Better comprehension of these trends and their implications may help us to understand marine science’s functioning in the near future, particularly the relationship between disciplines involved.
The MicroRNA miR773 Is Involved in the Arabidopsis Immune Response to Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Salvador-Guirao Raquel , Baldrich Patricia , Weigel Detlef , Rubio-Somoza Ignacio , San Segundo Blanca
Published: October 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 21- to 24-nucleotide short noncoding RNAs that trigger gene silencing in eukaryotes. In plants, miRNAs play a crucial role in a wide range of developmental processes and adaptive responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this work, we investigated the role of miR773 in modulating resistance to infection by fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana. Interference with miR773 activity by target mimics (in MIM773 plants) and concomitant upregulation of the miR773 target gene METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (MET2) increased resistance to infection by necrotrophic (Plectosphaerrella cucumerina) and hemibiotrophic (Fusarium oxysporum, Colletototrichum higginianum) fungal pathogens. By contrast, both MIR773 overexpression and MET2 silencing enhanced susceptibility to pathogen infection. Upon pathogen challenge, MIM773 plants accumulated higher levels of callose and reactive oxygen species than wild-type plants. Stronger induction of defense-gene expression was also observed in MIM773 plants in response to fungal infection. Expression analysis revealed an important reduction in miR773 accumulation in rosette leaves of plants upon elicitor perception and pathogen infection. Taken together, our results show not only that miR773 mediates pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity but also demonstrate that suppression of miR773 activity is an effective approach to improve disease resistance in Arabidopsis plants.
Nodule-Specific Cysteine-Rich Peptides Negatively Regulate Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis in a Strain-Specific Manner inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Jinge , Li Hua , Yang Shengming , Körmöczi Peter , Kereszt Attila , Zhu Hongyan
Published: October 2017

Medicago truncatula shows a high level of specificity when interacting with its symbiotic partner Sinorhizobium meliloti. This specificity is mainly manifested at the nitrogen-fixing stage of nodule development, such that a particular bacterial strain forms nitrogen-fixing nodules (Nod+/Fix+) on one plant genotype but ineffective nodules (Nod+/Fix−) on another. Recent studies have just begun to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms that control this specificity. The S. meliloti strain A145 induces the formation of Fix+nodules on the accession DZA315.16 but Fix−nodules on Jemalong A17. A previous study reported that the formation of Fix−nodules on Jemalong A17 by S. meliloti A145 was conditioned by a single recessive allele named Mtsym6. Here we demonstrate that the specificity associated with S. meliloti A145 is controlled by multiple genes in M. truncatula, including NFS1 and NFS2 that encode nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides. The two NCR peptides acted dominantly to block rather than promote nitrogen fixation by S. meliloti A145. These two NCR peptides are the same ones that negatively regulate nitrogen-fixing symbiosis associated with S. meliloti Rm41.
Temperature and Alternative Hosts InfluenceAceria tosichellaInfestation andWheat Streak Mosaic VirusInfection
Authors: Ranabhat Nar B. , Seipel Tim , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Miller Zach J. , Owen Karl E. , Menalled Fabian D. , Burrows Mary E.
Published: October 2017

Wheat streak mosaic, caused by Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV; family Potyviridae), is the most important and common viral disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Great Plains of North America. WSMV is transmitted by the wheat curl mite (WCM; Aceria tosichella). We evaluated how mean daily temperatures, cumulative growing degree-days, day of the year, and surrounding alternative host identity affected WCM infestation and WSMV infection of wheat from late summer through early autumn in Montana, United States. Cumulative growing degree-days, warm mean daily temperatures (i.e., >10°C), and surrounding alternative hosts interacted to alter risk of WCM infestation and WSMV infection. Wheat surrounded by Bromus tectorum L. and preharvest volunteer wheat had WCM infestation and WSMV infection rates of 88% in years when the mean daily temperature was 15°C in October, compared with 23% when surrounded by bare ground, and <1% when the temperature was 0°C regardless of surrounding alternative host. Mean daily temperatures in the cereal-growing regions of Montana during autumn are marginally conducive to WCM population growth and movement. As the region continues to warm, the period of WCM movement will become longer, potentially increasing the frequency of WSMV outbreaks.
Shoot Blight on Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is Caused byBipolaris oryzae
Authors: Huang Lin , Zhu Ya-Nan , Yang Ji-Yun , Li De-Wei , Li Yong , Bian Li-Ming , Ye Jian-Ren
Published: October 2017

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is a significant timber species that has been broadly cultivated in southern China. A shoot blight disease on Chinese fir seedlings was discovered in Fujian, China and a fungus was then consistently associated with the symptoms. This fungus was determined to be causing this disease, among others by fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses with the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer, partial glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene, and partial 28S large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, the fungus was identified as Bipolaris oryzae. These characteristics and phylogenetic analyses clearly support that this pathogen is different from B. sacchari, which was, until now, considered to be the causal agent of a similar blight on Chinese fir in Guangdong, China. The fungus was also shown to be strongly pathogenic to rice, one of the most susceptible hosts to B. oryzae. Crop rotation involving rice is often carried out with Chinese fir in southern China, a practice that most likely increases the risk of shoot blight on C. lanceolata. To our knowledge, shoot blight caused by B. oryzae is reported for the first time in a gymnosperm species.
Dyella-Like Bacterium Isolated from an Insect as a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Grapevine Yellows
Authors: Iasur-Kruh Lilach , Zahavi Tirtza , Barkai Roni , Freilich Shiri , Zchori-Fein Einat , Naor Vered
Published: October 2017

Yellows diseases, caused by phytopathogenic bacteria of the genus Phytoplasma, are a major threat to grapevines worldwide. Because conventional applications against this pathogen are inefficient and disease management is highly challenging, the use of beneficial bacteria has been suggested as a biocontrol solution. A Dyella-like bacterium (DLB), isolated from the Israeli insect vector of grapevine yellows (Hyalesthes obsoletus), was suggested to be an endophyte. To test this hypothesis, the bacterium was introduced by spraying the plant leaves, and it had no apparent phytotoxicity to grapevine. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis showed that DLB is colonizing grapevine phloem. Because phytoplasmas inhabit the same niche, DLB interactions with this phytopathogen were examined. When the isolate was introduced to phytoplasma-infected Chardonnay plantlets, morphological disease symptoms were markedly reduced. The mode of DLB action was then tested using bioinformatics and system biology tools. DLB genome analysis suggested that the ability to reduce phytoplasma symptoms is related to inhibition of the pathogenic bacterium. These results provide the first step in examining the potential of DLB as a biological control agent against phytoplasmas in grapevine and, possibly, other agricultural crops.
Development differentially sculpts receptive fields across human visual cortex
Authors: Gomez Jesse , Natu Vaidehi , Jeska Brianna , Barnett Michael , Grill-Spector Kalanit
Published: October 2017

Receptive fields (RFs) processing information in restricted parts of the visual field are a key property of neurons in the visual system. However, how RFs develop in humans is unknown. Using fMRI and population receptive field (pRF) modeling in children and adults, we determined where and how pRFs develop across the ventral visual stream. We find that pRF properties in visual field maps, V1 through VO1, are adult-like by age 5. However, pRF properties in face- and word-selective regions develop into adulthood, increasing the foveal representation and the visual field coverage for faces in the right hemisphere and words in the left hemisphere. Eye-tracking indicates that pRF changes are related to changing fixation patterns on words and faces across development. These findings suggest a link between viewing behavior of faces and words and the differential development of pRFs across visual cortex, potentially due to competition on foveal coverage.
High-throughput fitness profiling of Zika virus E protein reveals different roles for N-linked glycosylation during infection of mammalian and mosquito cells
Authors: Gong Danyang , Zhang Tian-hao , Zhao Dawei , Du Yushen , Chapa Travis J. , Shi Yuan , Wang Laurie , Contreras Deisy , Zeng Gang , Shi Pei-yong , Wu Ting-Ting , Arumugaswami Vaithilingaraja , Sun Ren
Published: October 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes Guillain-Barré syndrome and severe birth defects. ZIKV envelope (E) protein is the major viral protein involved in cell receptor binding and entry and therefore considered one of the major determinants in ZIKV pathogenesis. Here, we report a gene-wide mapping of functional residues of ZIKV E protein using a mutant library with changes covering every nucleotide position. By comparing the replication fitness of every viral mutant between mosquito and human cells, we identified that mutations affecting N-linked glycosylation at N154 position display the most divergence. Through characterizing individual mutants, we show that, while ablation of N-linked glycosylation selectively benefits ZIKV infection of mosquito cells by enhancing cell entry, it either had little impact on ZIKV infection on certain human cells or decreased infection through entry factor DC-SIGN. In conclusion, we define the roles of individual residues of ZIKV envelope protein, which contribute to ZIKV replication fitness in human and mosquito cells.

Highlights

Gene-wide mapping of functional residues of E protein in human and mosquito cells.

Mutations affecting N-linked glycosylation display the most dramatic difference.

N-linked glycosylation decreases ZIKV entry into mosquito cells.

N-linked glycosylation is important for DC-SIGN mediated infection of human cells.
Corporate social responsibility and firm financial performance
Authors: Feng Mingming , Wang Xiaodan , Kreuze Jerry Glenn
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Despite the intensive research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm financial performance, little is known about how the linkage between CSR and firm financial performance is heterogeneous across industries and how the performance implications are differentiated among specific categories of CSR activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the association between a firm’s engagement in CSR and firm financial performance is heterogeneous across industries and CSR categories.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 17,083 firm-year observations representing 1,877 firms from the largest 3,000 US companies during years 1991 and 2011, the authors compare the association between CSR and firm financial performance across ten industry sectors defined by Global Industry Classification Standard and across the four CSR categories classified by Mandl and Dorr (2007).

Findings

The authors find that the association between the overall CSR activities and firm performance is heterogeneous across industries. CSR has significant positive implications for firms from most, but not all, industries. Comparing the performance implication of CSR practices targeting different stakeholder groups, the empirical results indicate that different types of CSR have different influences on financial performance of firms from different industry sectors.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides new angles for managers in maximizing firm performance through CSR activities and suggests an important and interesting direction for researchers who engage in CSR research. Due to its heterogeneous nature, the CSR-performance relationship needs to be examined more specifically – across industries and different CSR categories. Findings from studies incorporating both company industrial sector and CSR categories would provide more meaningful and practical implications for managers.

Practical implications

This study provides important managerial implications. First, to maximize firm performance through CSR activities, managers must interpret the linkage between CSR and firm financial performance from the perspective of a specific industrial sector and acknowledge the importance of CSR practices across different CSR categories. Second, the findings suggest that CSR practices aiming at different stakeholder groups generate different financial returns in different industries. Firms engage in CSR to satisfy different stakeholder groups. When budgets are tight, managers may give higher priority to the CSR practices that have stronger effects on firm financial performance.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding of the CSR-financial performance relationship by exploring its heterogeneous nature across industry sectors and across specific categories. To obtain the biggest gain from CSR spending, managers must have a good understanding how a specific CSR category can contribute to the financial performance of their particular company in their particular industry.
Different perspectives of public project managers on project success
Authors: Koops Leonie , van Loenhout Ceciel , Bosch-Rekveldt Marian , Hertogh Marcel , Bakker Hans
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The authors argue that public project managers do not consider the iron triangle (cost, quality and schedule) primary important in measuring the success of their projects. To investigate which success criteria are important to public project managers, the authors interviewed 26 Dutch project managers who are employed by the government and who are responsible for managing infrastructural projects. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research the Q-methodology is applied. Q-methodology helps to find for correlations between subjects across a sample of variables. Q-factor analysis reduces the individual viewpoints down to a few factors. A factor can be seen as the mathematical representation of an “average” perspective shared by a group of people.

Findings

Findings are based on the individual rankings of 19 success criteria; the authors distinguished three common perspectives: the holistic and cooperative leader, the socially engaged, ambiguous manager and the executor of a top-down assignment. In none of the perspectives the iron triangle criteria formed the top three to measure project success.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may have a national character. The way project success is perceived by public project managers may be culture dependent. For this the authors expand the research to other countries in the near future.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the understanding of the public project manager by their private collaboration partners, like consultants, engineers and contractors. This will help them to understand their client and contribute to better collaboration in projects.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the difference in work attitude and value frame in the public sector leads to a specific view on project success.
An appraisal of paradigm shifts required of competence of the Nigerian quantity surveyors
Authors: Dada Joshua Oluwasuji
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competence of Nigerian quantity surveyors with a view to identify and assess required areas of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was administered among relevant groups of respondent (quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, builders and clients) in Nigeria. The respondents were asked to give rating, on a five-point Likert scale, on the required competencies (variables) expected of Nigerian quantity surveyors. A mean item score statistical analysis was used to rank the variables and compare them within the different groups. The analysis was undertaken using the Statistical Packages for Social Science tool. In exploring the underlying relationship among the competence requirement, factor analysis statistical technique was used to categorize them into key components.

Findings

The results of the study identified required competencies and factorized them into three components. These are as follows: procurement and value management; commercial management; and communication and entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The findings provide insight into the competencies needed to be incorporated and/or intensified in the training of quantity surveyors in Nigeria.
Project procurement systems for mechanical, electrical and piping projects in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mosley Jr John C. , Bubshait Abdulaziz A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the empirical relationship between mechanical, electrical, and piping (MEP) project procurement systems and project performance in the context of the Saudi Arabian construction industry. The study plans to expand the understanding of the relationship of design-bid-build (DBB) and design-build (DB) performance with respect to change order rate, cost growth, and schedule growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper statistically analyzed 207 MEP projects. It investigates the relationship of project procurement systems and three project performance indicators. Hypotheses testing was used to assess the relationship.

Findings

The results show that projects using the DB procurement system are more likely to have less cost overrun and experience a lower change order rate compared to DBB for pricing and selection methods, yet neither procurement system had an advantage over the schedule duration based on the study’s sample.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of information identifying the cause of contract change orders limits the interpretation of the findings. Sample sizes in some of the test criteria were statistically small, thus limiting the reliability or confidence level of the analysis for those samples. Caution should be used when interpreting the results as representative of the Saudi Arabian construction industry as a whole; due to the owner’s project execution policies, procedures, and standards, the level of enforcement of those practices may differ from other owners.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills and identified the relationship between the project procurement system and MEP project performance in the context of the Saudi Arabian construction industry.