bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PepN is a non-essential, cell wall-localized protein that contributes to neutrophil elastase-mediated killing ofStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Nganje Charmaine N. , Haynes Scott A. , Qabar Christine M. , Lent Rachel C. , Bou Ghanem Elsa N. , Shainheit Mara G.
Published: May 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae(Spn) is an asymptomatic colonizer of the human nasopharynx but can also cause invasive diseases in the inner ear, meninges, lung and blood. Although various mechanisms contribute to the effective clearance ofSpn, opsonophagocytosis by neutrophils is perhaps most critical. Upon phagocytosis,Spnis exposed to various degradative molecules, including a family of neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) that are stored within intracellular granules. Despite the critical importance of NSPs in killingSpn, the bacterial proteins that are degraded by NSPs leading toSpndeath are still unknown. In this report, we identify a 90kDa protein in a purified cell wall (CW) preparation, aminopeptidase N (PepN) that is degraded by the NSP, neutrophil elastase (NE). Since PepN lacked a canonical signal sequence or LPxTG motif, we created a mutant expressing a FLAG tagged version of the protein and confirmed its localization to the CW compartment. We determined that not only is PepN abona fideCW protein, but also is a substrate of NE in the context of intactSpncells. Furthermore, in comparison to wild-type TIGR4Spn, a mutant strain lacking PepN demonstrated a significant hyper-resistance phenotypein vitroin the presence of purified NE as well as in opsonophagocytic assays with purified human neutrophilsex vivo. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate that PepN is a CW-localized protein and a substrate of NE that contributes to the effective killing ofSpnby NSPs and human neutrophils.

IMPORTANCE

Neutrophils are innate immune cells needed to effectively clearStreptococcus pneumoniae(Spn). Neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) are important for killing phagocytosedSpn, however, the identity of theSpnproteins that are degraded by NSPs are unknown. This study identifies aSpncell wall protein, aminopeptidase N (PepN) that is degraded by the NSP, neutrophil elastase (NE). We demonstrate that PepN is abona fidecell wall protein and mutants lacking PepN are significantly more resistant than wild-type to killing by purified NE and human neutrophils. This study demonstrates that PepN is a NE substrate and its degradation contributes to effectiveSpnkilling. By better understanding how neutrophils killSpn, we aim to inform the development of improved therapeutic interventions.
A single N1- methyladenosine on the large ribosomal subunit rRNA impacts locally its structure and the translation of key metabolic enzymes
Authors: Sharma Sunny , Hartmann Johannes David , Watzinger Peter , Klepper Arvid , Peifer Christian , Kötter Peter , Lafontaine Denis LJ , Entian Karl-Dieter
Published: May 2018

The entire chemical modification repertoire of yeast ribosomal RNAs and the enzymes responsible for it have recently been identified. Nonetheless, in most cases the precise roles played by these chemical modifications in ribosome structure, function and regulation remain totally unclear. Previously, we demonstrated that yeast Rrp8 methylates m1A645of 25S rRNA in yeast. Here, using mung bean nuclease protection assays in combination with quantitative RP-HPLC and primer extension, we report that 25S/28S rRNA ofS. pombe,C. albicansand humans also contain a single m1A methylation in the helix 25.1. We characterized nucleomethylin (NML) as a human homolog of yeast Rrp8 and demonstrate that NML catalyzes the m1A1322methylation of 28S rRNA in humans. Ourin vivostructural probing of 25S rRNA, using both DMS and SHAPE, revealed that the loss of the Rrp8-catalyzed m1A modification alters the conformation of domain I of yeast 25S rRNA causing translation initiation defects detectable as halfmers formation, likely because of incompetent loading of 60S on the 43S-preinitiation complex. Quantitative proteomic analysis of the yeastΔrrp8mutant strain using 2D-DIGE, revealed that loss of m1A645impacts production of specific set of proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, translation and ribosome synthesis. In mouse, NML has been characterized as a metabolic disease-associated gene linked to obesity. Our findings in yeast also point to a role of Rrp8 in primary metabolism. In conclusion, the m1A modification is crucial for maintaining an optimal 60S conformation, which in turn is important for regulating the production of key metabolic enzymes.
Inhibitory Effect ofBacillus velezensison Biofilm Formation byStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Yoo Yesol , Seo Dong-Ho , Lee Hyunjin , Nam Young-Do , Seo Myung-Ji
Published: May 2018

Streptococcus mutansplays a key role in the development of dental caries and promotes the formation of oral biofilm produced by glucosyltransferases (GTFs).Bacillus velezensisK68 was isolated from traditional fermented foods and inhibits biofilm formation mediated byS. mutans. Gene amplification results demonstrated thatB. velezensisK68 contained genes for the biosynthesis of 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), a known GTF expression inhibitor. The presence of the GabT1, Yktc1, and GutB1 genes required for 1-DNJ synthesis inB. velezensisK68 was confirmed. Supernatant fromB. velezensisK68 culture medium inhibited biofilm formation by 84% whenS. mutanswas cultured for 48 h, and inhibited it maximally when 1% glucose was added to theS. mutansculture medium as a GTF substrate. In addition, supernatant fromB. velezensisK68 medium containing 3 ppb 1- DNJ decreasedS. mutanscell surface hydrophobicity by 79.0 ± 0.8% compared with that of untreated control. The supernatant containing 1-DNJ decreasedS. mutansadherence by 99.97% and 98.83% under sugar-dependent and sugar-independent conditions, respectively.S. mutanstreated with the supernatant exhibited significantly reduced expression of the essential GTF genesgtfB,gtfC,andgtfDcompared to that in the untreated group. Thus,B. velezensisinhibits the biofilm formation, adhesion, and GTF gene expression ofS. mutansthrough 1- DNJ production.

IMPORTANCE

Dental caries is among the most common infectious diseases worldwide, and its development is closely associated with physiological factors of bacteria, such as the biofilm formation and glucosyltransferase production ofStreptococcus mutans.Biofilms are difficult to remove once they have formed due to the exopolysaccharide matrix produced by the microorganisms residing in them; thus, inhibiting biofilm formation is a current focal point of research into prevention of dental caries. This study describes the inhibitory properties ofBacillus velezensisK68, an organism isolated from traditional Korean fermented foods, against biofilm formation byS. mutans. Herein, we show thatB. velezensisinhibits the biofilm formation, adherence to surfaces, and glucosyltransferase production ofS. mutans.
LRH-1 Mitigates Intestinal Inflammatory Disease by Maintaining Epithelial Homeostasis and Cell Survival
Authors: Bayrer James R. , Wang Hongtao , Nattiv Roy , Suzawa Miyuki , Escusa Hazel S. , Fletterick Robert J. , Klein Ophir D. , Moore David D. , Ingraham Holly A.
Published: May 2018

Epithelial dysfunction and loss of intestinal crypts are defining features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, current therapies primarily target the immune system and not the epithelium. The nuclear receptor LRH-1 encoded by Nr5a2 is expressed in intestinal epithelium and is thought to contribute to epithelial renewal. Here we investigate how loss and gain of LRH-1 impacts the intestinal epithelium in healthy and inflammatory conditions. Knocking out LRH-1 in murine intestinal organoids reduces Notch signaling, increases crypt cell death and weakens the epithelial barrier. Loss of LRH-1 also distorts the cellular composition of the epithelium, resulting in an expansion of Paneth and goblet cells, and a decrease in enteroendocrine cells. Human LRH-1 (hLRH-1) not only rescues epithelial integrity, but when overexpressed, mitigates inflammatory damage in mouse and human intestinal organoids, including those from IBD patients. Finally, hLRH-1 greatly reduces disease severity in a mouse model of T cell-mediated colitis. Together with the failure of a ligand-incompetent hLRH-1 mutant to protect against TNFα-damage, these findings provide compelling evidence that hLRH-1 mediates epithelial homeostasis and is an attractive target for intestinal disease.
The Doublesex sex determination pathway regulates reproductive division of labor in honey bees
Authors: Velasque Mariana , Qiu Lijun , Mikheyev Alexander S.
Published: May 2018

Eusociality, the ultimate level of social organization, requires reproductive division of labor, and a sophisticated system of communication to maintain societal homeostasis. Reproductive division of labor is maintained by physiological differences between reproductive and sterile castes, typically dictated by pheromonal queen fertility signals that suppress worker reproduction. Intriguingly, reproduction and pheromonal signalling share regulatory machinery across insects.The gene Doublesex (Dsx) controls somatic sex determination and differentiation, including the development of ovaries and secondary sexual characteristics, such as pheromonal signalling. We hypothesized that this regulatory network was co-opted during eusocial evolution to regulate reproductive division of labor. Taking advantage of the breakdown in reproductive division of labor that occurs in honey bees when workers commence to lay eggs in the absence of a queen, we knocked down Dsx to observe effects on ovary development and fertility signal production. As expected, treated workers had lower levels of egg yolk protein, for which Dsx is a cis-regulatory enhancer in other insects, and greatly reduced ovary development. Also as expected, while control workers increased their levels of pheromonal fertility signals, treated workers did not, confirming the role of Dsx in regulating pheromone biosynthesis. We further found that Dsx is part of a large network enriched for regulatory proteins, which is also involved during early larval development, and upregulated in queen-destined larvae. Thus, the ancient developmental framework controlling sex specification and reproduction in solitary insects has been exapted for eusociality, forming the basis for reproductive division of labor and pheromonal signalling pathways.

Significance statement

Complex social insect societies rely on division of reproductive labor among their members. Reproductive individuals (‘queens’) suppress ‘worker’ reproduction using pheromonal fertility signalling. We show that an ancient regulatory network that controls specification of sex and secondary sexual characteristics in solitary insects, has been co-opted for both both pheromonal signalling and ovary inactivation in honey bees. In addition, this network is also active during caste specification that takes place during the first few days of larval life. These results show that pheromonal signalling and ovary development share a common regulatory framework, potentially explaining why fertility signalling is ‘honest.’ Furthermore, they show that higher levels of biological complexity can arise by rewiring and elaborating ancestral gene regulatory networks.
A miRNA screen identifies a transcriptional program controlling the fate of adult stem cell
Authors: Robert Jacques , Vlachavas Efstathios , Lemaître Gilles , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Puceat Michel , Delom Frederic , Fessart Delphine
Published: May 2018

The 3D cultures provide more insight into cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, better mimicking the environment where stem cells reside compared to traditional 2D cultures. Although the precise molecular pathways involved in the regulation of stem and progenitor cell fate remain unknown, it is widely accepted that transcription factors play a crucial role as intrinsic regulators in these fate decisions.

In this study, we carried out a microRNA screen to track the behaviour of adult stem/progenitor cells derived from human mammary epithelial cells grown in 3D cultures. We identified miR-106a-3p, which enriches the adult stem cell-like lineage and promotes the expansion of 3D cultures. Transcriptomic analysis showed that this miRNA regulates transcription factors such as REST, CBFB, NF-YA, and GATA3, thereby enhancing the maintenance of adult stem/progenitor cells in human epithelial cells. These data reveal a clear transcriptional program that governs the maintenance of adult stem/progenitor cells and controls their fate.
Movement responses to environment: fast inference of variation among southern elephant seals with a mixed effects model
Authors: Jonsen I. D. , McMahon C. R. , Patterson T. A. , Auger-Méthé M. , Harcourt R. , Hindell M. A. , Bestley S.
Published: May 2018

Like many species, movement patterns of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) are being influenced by long-term environmental change. These seals migrate up to 4000 km from their breeding colonies, foraging for months in a variety of Southern Ocean habitats. Understanding how movement patterns vary with environmental features and how these relationships differ among individuals employing different foraging strategies can provide insight into foraging performance at a population level. We apply new fast-estimation tools to fit mixed effects within a random walk movement model, rapidly inferring among-individual variability in southern elephant seal environment-movement relationships. We found that seals making foraging trips to the sea-ice on or near the Antarctic continental shelf consistently reduced speed and directionality (move persistence) with increasing sea ice coverage and had variable responses to chlorophyllaconcentration, whereas seals that foraged pelagically reduced move persistence in regions where circumpolar deep water shoaled. Given future climate scenarios, pelagic foragers may encounter more productive habitat but sea-ice foragers may see reduced habitat availability. Our approach is scalable to large telemetry data sets and allows flexible combinations of mixed effects to be evaluated via model selection, thereby illuminating the ecological context of animal movements that underlie habitat use.
dirHub: a trackHub configurator with directory structure projection
Authors: Kawaji Hideya
Published: May 2018

Track Data Hub is a mechanism enabling us to visualize genomics data as tracks along genome coordinates and share them over the Internet, relying on a web server hosting data files and genome browsers offering graphical representations. It requires an accessible configuration file specifying all graphical parameters and track hierarchy, in addition to the data files. Here dirHub is developed to assist generation of the configuration file by projection of a file directory structure, which makes it possible to set up trackHub visualization mostly by file operations.

Availability and implementation

It is implemented in ruby and the source code is available at https://github.com/hkawaji/dirHub/. It is tested on the UCSC Genome Browser and the Hub Track Database Definition (v2).
Scarless repair of acute and chronic kidney injury in African Spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus)
Authors: Okamura Daryl M. , Brewer Chris M. , Wakenight Paul , Bahrami Nadia , Bernardi Kristina , Tran Amy , Olson Jill , Shi Xiaogang , Piliponsky Adrian M. , Nelson Branden R. , Beier David R. , Millen Kathleen J. , Majesky Mark W.
Published: May 2018

Solid organ fibrosis is a major burden on global health and medical care costs. Muroid rodents of the genus Acomys (African Spiny mice) are terrestrial mammals that evolved remarkable abilities to regenerate severe skin wounds without scar formation. However, whether scar-free wound repair in Acomys extends beyond skin to vital internal organs is not known. Here, we used two aggressive kidney injury models known to produce severe renal fibrosis and show that despite equivalent acute kidney injury, there was rapid restoration of nephron structure and function without fibrosis in Acomys compared to extensive fibrosis leading to renal failure in Mus musculus. These results suggest Acomys species have evolved genomic adaptations for wound healing that activate regenerative repair pathways not only in skin, but also in vital internal organs. Our findings have important implications for discovering a long-sought evolutionary solution to internal organ injury and regeneration.
Targeted substrate degradation by Kelch controls the actin cytoskeleton during ring canal expansion
Authors: Hudson Andrew M. , Mannix Katelynn M. , Gerdes Julianne A. , Kottemann Molly C. , Cooley Lynn
Published: May 2018

During Drosophila oogenesis, specialized actin-based structures called ring canals form and expand to accommodate growth of the oocyte. Previous work demonstrated that Kelch and Cullin 3 function together in a Cullin 3-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL3Kelch) to organize the ring canal cytoskeleton, presumably by targeting a substrate for proteolysis. Here, we use tandem affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry to identify HtsRC as the CRL3Kelchring canal substrate. CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis of HtsRC revealed its requirement in the recruitment of the ring canal F-actin cytoskeleton. We present genetic evidence consistent with HtsRC being the CRL3Kelchsubstrate, as well as biochemical evidence indicating that HtsRC is ubiquitylated and degraded by the proteasome. Finally, we identify a short sequence motif in HtsRC that is necessary for Kelch binding. These findings uncover an unusual mechanism during development wherein a specialized cytoskeletal structure is regulated and remodeled by the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
Molecular structure, DFT studies and Hirshfeld analysis of anthracenyl chalcone derivatives
Authors: Zainuri Dian Alwani , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Arshad Suhana
Published: May 2018

The molecular and crystal structure of two new chalcone derivatives, (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, C28H25NO, (I), and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(diphenylamino)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, C35H25NO, (II), with the fused-ring system at the same position are described. In the crystals of (I) and (II), the molecules are linked via C—H...O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers, forming R
2
2(22) and R
2
2(14) ring motifs, respectively. Weak intermolecular C—H...π interactions further help to stabilize the crystal structure, forming a two-dimensional architecture. The molecular structures are optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6–311 G++(d,p) level and compared with the experimental results. The smallest HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of (I) (exp . 2.76 eV and DFT 3.40 eV) and (II) (exp . 2.70 eV and DFT 3.28 eV) indicates the suitability of these crystals in optoelectronic applications. All intermolecular contacts and weaker contributions involved in the supramolecular stabilization are investigated using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) further identifies the positive, negative and neutral electrostatic potential regions of the molecules.
Multisemiotic interaction: the CEO and stakeholders in Malaysian CEO Statements
Authors: Rajandran Kumaran
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Malaysian CEO Statements employ language and image to convey interaction between the CEO and stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines an archive of 32 Malaysian CEO Statements. The archive is analyzed with Systemic Functional Multimodal Discourse Analysis (SF-MDA), where several interpersonal systems can establish how language and image features articulate interaction. The analysis identifies who the stakeholders are, and how these stakeholders and the CEO interact.

Findings

There are four stakeholders, who are the community, customer, employee and environment, and these stakeholders are sub-categorized by type or activity. The stakeholders and the CEO share multisemiotic interaction through contact, reaction and equality. These three strategies mimic a face-to-face conversation (contact) and the CEO is depicted to reveal some positive emotions (reaction) to social equals (equality). These strategies reflect synthetic personalization, through which the CEO and stakeholders seem to interact because the CEO speaks directly to stakeholders in friendly conversation about CSR. CEO Statements are part of the quest for social legitimacy and designate corporations as agents of positive social change. Their ideology can be stated as a general principle: corporation A recognizes problem B and proposes solution C, which has positive result D for stakeholder E.

Originality/value

Previous research has not emphasized interaction in CEO Statements. The paper also utilized SF-MDA, which may enhance the discursive competence or a systematic way to decipher language and image for people who practice or teach corporate communication.
Scaffolding multimodality: writing process, collaboration and digital tools
Authors: Howell Emily
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study was conducted in ninth- and tenth-grade classrooms with the goal of studying effective scaffolding for improving argumentative writing, both conventional and digital/multimodal.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a formative experiment in two high-school classrooms to study ways teachers integrated forms of multimodal composition in their classrooms and provided associated scaffolding.

Findings

Findings regarding scaffolding included the embedding of scaffolding in the writing process to blend conventional and digital forms, the use of collaboration as a needed, though resisted, part of this scaffolding, and the consideration of digital tools that mediate students’ argumentative writing.

Originality/value

This study explored the implementation of a multimodal literacies intervention, providing empirical findings to a field that has remained largely theoretical.
(Re)conceptualizing digital literacies before and after the election of Trump
Authors: Sulzer Mark A.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

As part of a larger global phenomenon, the election of Donald Trump in the USA represents a crucial moment for the (re)conceptualization of digital literacies. The purpose of this paper is to build theory with respect to what this moment means for English education.

Design/methodology/approach

This teacher reflection focuses on what digital literacies meant for my teaching before and after the 2016 election. Using a before-and-after format, I argue that thebeforeconceptualization of digital literacies, while still relevant and useful for introducing many important ideas to English educators, was missing a direct treatment of political power. Theafterconceptualization takes up this topic.

Findings

Themes taken up in thebeforesection involve a parallel between digital literacies and disciplinary literacies and a distinction between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 interfaces. Themes in theaftersection address the propensity for governments and other well-resourced groups to occupy Web 2.0 environments for their own ends. Methods for accomplishing these ends involve restricting, surveilling and targeting flows of information and enacting three populist practices via internet trolling: aggregating the unmet demands of disparate groups, establishing popular subjectivity and dichotomizing the social space through the persistent construction of the enemy.

Research limitations/implications

A critically conscious approach to digital literacies must consider the ways in which political entities occupy digital environments.

Practical implications

Further research should be done in English education classrooms to understand the ways in which individual online meaning making becomes entangled within a nexus of political activity. Further research should investigate how online meaning making intersects with political power.

Originality/value

The role of political entities is often downplayed or ignored in discussions of digital literacies. In an age of alternative facts, fake news and echo chambers, it is important to foreground the interplay between the social, the political and the digital in contemporary meaning making. This contribution offers concepts that can be taken up and expanded, as well as a set of questions for English educators to use in framing a critically conscious conversation about digital literacies.
New approach to segmenting tourists in a German wine region
Authors: Szolnoki Gergely
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a new segmentation approach based on objective variables to calculate direct tourism-related sales volume and revenue by selling wine at a winery in the Rheingau region of Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

In the framework of a 2015 face-to-face survey in the Rheingau, 1,555 tourists were interviewed. For segmentation, two-step clustering was applied to classify survey participants into homogeneous groups. To calculate tourism-related wine sales volume and revenue, a special model based on official statistics and the survey’s results was used.

Findings

Four wine-tourist segments were identified by using cluster analysis with objective variables, such as nationality, visiting frequency and volume of wine purchased in the region: wine and Rheingau lovers who have a high interest in wine, wine-oriented tourists who do not come to the region very often, first-time tourists who came to the region mainly because of the nature and history and international tourists. With the help of calculations on tourism-related wine sales volume and revenue, it can be stated that approximately 18 per cent of total wine production will be purchased directly in the region by tourists, valued at €36m.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing wine-tourism research because a multi-dimensional segmentation model was applied using objective variables, such as nationality, visiting frequency and volume of wine purchased in the region. Using the calculation of tourism-related sales volume and revenue, winemakers in the Rheingau can gain a clear picture of tourism’s importance.
Financial productivity issues of offshore and “Made-in-USA” through reshoring
Authors: Yu Ui-Jeen , Kim Ji-Hyun
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine merchandise performance-based financial productivity of offshore vs reshore sourcing scenarios for fashion/seasonal products with higher demand uncertainty, using computer simulation software.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Sourcing SimulatorTM, the researchers generated a data set of 530 simulations concerning merchandising performance measures for offshore and reshore sourcing scenarios. Analysis of covariance was conducted for data analysis.

Findings

Results show financial productivity differs, depending on a sourcing decision between offshore and reshore sourcing scenarios as well as on the levels of volume error and assortment error. The reshore sourcing scenario through “Made-in-USA” domestic production strategy can have a better profitability, including gross margin return on inventory with service level, in cases of under-volume error and over-assortment error, than the offshore sourcing scenario.

Research limitations/implications

Findings from this study are based on simulation data, which may have a gap between simulations and reality concerning the competitive advantages of “Made-in-USA” domestic production strategy. “Made-in-USA” domestic production strategy can be more agile and responsive to the uncertainty of markets and customer demands when the supply chain systems are well-integrated and fully implemented.

Originality/value

Results from this study contribute to fill the literature gap about differences of financial productivity between offshore and reshore sourcing scenarios for apparel manufacturers and retailers. This study also offers an insight of which decision response may be better to uncertain customer demands, while satisfying financial productivity.
Exploring individual differences in the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions
Authors: Crespo Nuno Fernandes , Belchior Ricardo , Costa Edivaldo Bartolomeu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common individual entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) beliefs profiles associated with high entrepreneurial intentions (EI) and how these differ when belonging to an entrepreneurial venture team (EVTeam).

Design/methodology/approach

After a general test of the ESE theory using a structural equations modeling, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used, on a multi-dimensional ESE scale, to find empirical evidence supporting the existence of different individual ESE profiles, equally associated with high EI individuals. Dividing the sample based on the existence or not of an EVTeam (EVTeam), differences for each group are identified and possible implications are discussed.

Findings

This research corroborates ESE as an important antecedent of EI and, from a more in-depth analysis, it also suggests that the highest levels of EI are compatible with different ESE profiles, some of which may be related to having established an EVTeam, or not.

Research limitations/implications

These findings may be useful for entrepreneurs and educators to reflect upon the needed competencies for an EVTeam and the research design might also be useful for policy makers to identify cultural, educational, and institutional shortcomings of the entrepreneurial context. A greater focus should be placed in developing ESE of potential entrepreneurs for the specific entrepreneurial activities for which the lack of perceived capabilities hinders entrepreneurial behavior and success.

Practical implications

This research may be useful for entrepreneurs and educators to reflect upon the needed competencies for an EVTeam. The research design might also be useful for policy makers to identify cultural, educational, and institutional shortcomings of the entrepreneurial context.

Originality/value

This research tests ESE theory in Angola – a country from the African continent from which there is limited empirical evidence – and by exploring the existence of different ESE profiles, with a method that allows for conjunctural causation, new insights and empirical support for future research are provided relative to the complex ESE-EI relationship.
The Tide that lifts all boats? Acquisitions and CEO-TMT pay disparity in the Netherlands
Authors: Sahib Padma Rao , Van der Laan Gerwin , Van Ees Hans
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how firm growth, and its decomposition into acquisitive and organic growth, can serve as an antecedent to the disparity in pay between the CEO and other top management team (TMT) members.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on tournament theory, the authors argue that acquisitive and organic growth strategies have different effects on CEO-TMT pay disparity.

Findings

The authors find that acquisitive growth, measured through the number and size of acquisitions, increases CEO-TMT pay disparity while organic growth has no effect on CEO-TMT pay disparity.

Practical implications

The findings, based in the context of the Netherlands, imply that boards in their monitoring activity may need to take into account the potential incentive effects of acquisitive activity as CEOs may have a greater motivation to engage in acquisitions than their fellow TMT members.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on relative compensation and incentives and the literature on managerial compensation and firm strategy. To investigate the role of firm growth in increasing CEO-TMT pay disparity, the authors adopt a fine-grained approach along two dimensions. First, the authors disaggregate firm growth into organic and acquisition driven firm growth. Second, the authors disaggregate pay disparity in these components.
Effect of sublethal heat treatment on the later stage of germination‐to‐outgrowth of Clostridium perfringens spores
Authors: Sakanoue Hideyo , Yasugi Mayo , Miyake Masami
Published: May 2018

Sublethal heating of spores has long been known to stimulate or activate germination; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, the entire germination‐to‐outgrowth process of spores from Clostridium perfringens, an anaerobic sporeformer, was visualized at single‐cell resolution. Quantitative analysis revealed that sublethal heating significantly reduces the time from completion of germination to the beginning of the first cell division, indicating that sublethal heating of C. perfringens spores not only sensitizes the responsiveness of germinant receptors but also directly or indirectly facilitates multiple steps during the bacterial regrowth process.
Interspecific variation in ploidy as a key plant trait outlining local extinction risks and community patterns in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Plue Jan , Kimberley Adam , Slotte Tanja
Published: May 2018

Polyploidy is associated with a plethora of phenotypic and genetic changes yielding transformative effects on species' life‐history and ecology. These biological attributes can contribute to the success of species on ecological timescales, as observed in the invasion success or rapid environmental and climatic adaptation of polyploids. However, to date there has been a distinct lack of empirical evidence linking species' local extinction risk, species distributions and community structure in fragmented landscapes with interspecific variation in ploidy.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between levels of habitat fragmentation and patterns in both diversity and the frequency of species with different ploidy levels. We included additional persistence‐ and dispersal related life‐history traits, to establish the relative importance of ploidy in determining species richness and frequencies following habitat fragmentation. We therefore collected plant community presence‐absence data and landscape data from grassland fragments from south‐central Sweden.

Community‐level analysis uncovered that interspecific variation in ploidy proved the strongest predictor of plant community species richness and turn‐over across grassland fragments. Local extinction risk decreased as ploidy increased, with diploids most prone to local extinction.

In the species‐level analysis, ploidy outweighed the combined explanatory power of commonly used life‐history traits such as clonality, dispersal mechanism and mating system; key predictors of plant species distributions across fragmented landscapes.

Ploidy appears to capture parallel variation in a series of advantageous genetic and life‐history mechanisms which operate on ecological timescales, emerging as the strongest predictor of local extinction risk even after accounting for variation in other crucial life‐history traits. Our results therefore highlight the importance of genomic traits such as ploidy and total chromosome number as valuable factors explaining and predicting local extinction risk in fragmented landscapes.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
The construction of a simple portable electromagnetic vibrator from commercially available components
Authors: Dean Timothy , Nguyen Hoang , Kepic Anton , Halliday David
Published: May 2018

Since its introduction in the late 1950s, hydraulic vibrators have become the dominant source for land seismic surveys. The hydraulic vibrators typically used for commercial land seismic acquisition, however, are large, costly to operate and expensive to purchase. This inhibits their use for small‐scale and short‐duration surveys as well as Vibroseis research. In this paper we describe, in detail, the construction of a portable vibrator from commercially available components for a cost of less than $US2,000. Data shows that the vibrator is able to successfully transmit sweeps from 15 to 180 Hz with different spectral contents. The vibrator produces a stronger signal than a sledgehammer and we estimate its output to be around 1 kN. The frequency content of the data was concentrated at lower frequencies (<100 Hz) and the ground‐roll was far more energetic than that produced using a sledgehammer.
MoMip11, a MoRgs7‐interacting protein, functions as a scaffolding protein to regulate cAMP signaling and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Yin Ziyi , Zhang Xiaofang , Wang Jingzhen , Yang Lina , Feng Wanzhen , Chen Chen , Gao Chuyun , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: May 2018

The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae has eight regulators of G‐protein signaling (RGS) and RGS‐like proteins (MoRgs1 to MoRgs8) that exhibit both distinct and shared regulatory functions in the growth, differentiation and pathogenicity of the fungus. We found MoRgs7 with a unique RGS‐seven transmembrane (7‐TM) domain motif is localized to the highly dynamic tubule‐vesicular compartments during early appressorium differentiation followed by gradually degradation. To explore whether this involves an active signal perception of MoRgs7, we identified a Gbeta‐like/RACK1 protein homolog in M. oryzae MoMip11 that interacts with MoRgs7. Interestingly, MoMip11 selectively interacted with several components of the cAMP regulatory pathway, including Gα MoMagA and the high‐affinity phosphodiesterase MoPdeH. We further showed that MoMip11 promotes MoMagA activation and suppresses MoPdeH activity thereby upregulating intracellular cAMP levels. Moreover, MoMip11 is required for the response to multiple stresses, a role also shared by Gbeta‐like/RACK1 adaptor proteins. In summary, we revealed a unique mechanism by which MoMip11 links MoRgs7 and G‐proteins to reugulate cAMP signaling, stress responses and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. Our studies revealed the multitude of regulatory networks that govern growth, development and pathogenicity in this important causal agent of rice blast.
A review on polyphenols: Classification, beneficial effects and their application in dairy products
Authors: Cutrim Camila Sampaio , Cortez Marco Antonio Sloboda
Published: May 2018

Recently, the number of studies regarding the physiological activities of food‐derived bioactives and food components with functional properties has greatly increased. Many studies have emphasised the beneficial effects of polyphenols regarding their antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study highlights their application in dairy products, notes in which form they are applied and discusses the effects on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of products, although some dairy matrices remain unexploited. It was noted that the inclusion of polyphenols improves not only the antioxidant properties but also, in some cases, the sensory attributes. This review also includes the synthesis, classification and beneficial effects of polyphenols.
Evaluating the long‐term persistence of Bacillus spores on common surfaces
Authors: Enger Kyle S. , Mitchell Jade , Murali Bharathi , Birdsell Dawn N. , Keim Paul , Gurian Patrick L. , Wagner David M.
Published: May 2018

Bacillus spores resist inactivation, but the extent of their persistence on common surfaces is unclear. This work addresses knowledge gaps regarding biothreat agents in the environment to reduce uncertainty in risk assessment models. Studies were conducted to investigate the long‐term inactivation of Bacillus anthracis and three commonly used surrogate organisms – B. cereus, B. atrophaeus and B. thuringiensis on three materials: laminate countertop, stainless steel and polystyrene Petri dishes. Viable spores were measured at 1, 30, 90, 196, 304 and 1038 days. Twelve different persistence models were fit to the data using maximum likelihood estimation and compared. The study found that (1) spore inactivation was not log‐linear, as commonly modelled; (2) B. thuringiensis counts increased at 24 h on all materials, followed by a subsequent decline; (3) several experiments showed evidence of a ‘U’ shape, with spore counts apparently decreasing and then increasing between 1 and 304 days; (4) spores on polystyrene showed little inactivation; and (5) the maximum inactivation of 56% was observed for B. atrophaeus spores on steel at 196 days. Over the range of surfaces, time durations and conditions (humidity controlled vs. uncontrolled) examined, B. thuringiensis most closely matched the behaviour of B. anthracis.
Influence of nitrogen levels on bio‐agronomic and quality traits of tetraploid wheats under organic farming
Authors: Iannucci A. , Fares C. , Codianni P.
Published: May 2018

The efficient use of nitrogen by crops can minimise environmental risks and maximise returns to farmers. Under organic farming systems, this can be achieved by adjusting the fertilisation management and/or using genetic variability. Seven durum wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars and three emmer (Triticum dicoccum) cultivars were assessed under an organic farming system over a non‐consecutive 4‐year period (2005–11) in Foggia (southern Italy). The objectives were to investigate the agronomic and qualitative characteristics, and to evaluate the agronomic efficiency and adaptability according to three N fertilisation levels (0, 40, 80 kg N ha−1). A split‐plot design was used, with three replications in each year. Nine traits were investigated: heading time, plant height, seed yield, number of spikes m−2, harvest index, specific weight, 1000‐seed weight, and protein and gluten contents. Increasing N to 80 kg ha−1 increased plant height (+7.3%), seed yield (+22.1%), spike density (+16.6%), and protein (+9.8%) and gluten (+2.1%) contents. The emmer genotypes and the oldest durum wheat ‘Cappelli’ showed the highest protein and gluten contents (mean, 13.9%, 11.2%, respectively). The maximum N agronomic efficiency [AE(N)] and N recovery efficiency [RE(N)] were seen for the modern durum wheat cultivars under 40 kg ha−1 N treatment: ‘Duilio’, ‘Iride’ and ‘Varano’. The significant correlation between AE(N) and RE(N) and the year of release of the durum wheat cultivars (r = 0.53, P < 0.05, F = 4.7 for AE(N) and r = 0.57, P < 0.01, F = 5.7 for RE(N), respectively; n = 14) showed that the genetic breeding of this species for high grain yield is associated with an increase in the efficiency of N fertiliser use under organic farming. The highly significant effect for the Genotype × Environment interaction (F = 18.1, P < 0.001) of seed yield indicate the possibility to select for stable genotypes across environments. Based on the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis, and the yield stability index, the varieties ‘Iride’ and ‘Varano’ show high‐stability responses and good seed yields under all N fertiliser treatments. Therefore, these varieties can be recommended for organic farming systems in Mediterranean areas.
Postoperative laryngeal morbidity and intubating conditions using the McGRATH™ MAC videolaryngoscope with or without neuromuscular blockade: a randomised, double‐blind, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Nakanishi T. , Yoshimura M. , Sakamoto S. , Toriumi T.
Published: May 2018

Tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blockade may be associated with worse intubating conditions and increased laryngeal morbidity. We hypothesised that tracheal intubation using the McGRATH™ MAC videolaryngoscope would not increase postoperative hoarseness, even without neuromuscular blockade. In this prospective, randomised, parallel‐group, double‐blind, non‐inferiority trial, 248 patients were randomly assigned to tracheal intubation with or without neuromuscular blockade using rocuronium. Hoarseness and sore throat were evaluated at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was the incidence of hoarseness at 48 h postoperatively with a pre‐defined non‐inferiority margin of 10%. Hoarseness at 48 h did not differ between the non‐paralysed group and the paralysed group (8.1% vs. 13.6%; absolute difference: −5.4%; 95%CI: −13.3 to 2.4). Also, no significant differences were found between the two groups for hoarseness at 24 h (22.8% vs. 27.1%) or for sore throat at 24 h (12.2% vs. 9.3%) and 48 h postoperatively (1.6% vs. 0.8%). Although more patients in the non‐paralysed group showed an adducted position of the vocal cords (29.3% vs. 0%), there were no significant group differences in the ease of laryngoscopy (96.7% vs. 98.3%), Cormack grade laryngeal view 1 (97.6% vs. 96.6%) or first‐pass success rate (100% vs. 100%). We conclude that when using the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope for tracheal intubation, the incidence of postoperative hoarseness was not inferior if neuromuscular blockade was avoided.
Limitations of Current Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Configuration in Detecting Focal Cerebral Ischemia During Cardiac Surgery: An Observational Case‐Series Study
Authors: Erdoes Gabor , Rummel Christian , Basciani Reto M. , Verma Rajeev , Carrel Thierry , Banz Yara , Eberle Balthasar , Schroth Gerhard
Published: May 2018

Cerebral oximetry using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for continuous monitoring of cerebral perfusion and immediate treatment of hemodynamic perturbations. In configurations used in current clinical practice, NIRS optodes are placed on the patient`s forehead and cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) is determined in bilateral frontal cortical samples. However, focal cerebral ischemic lesions outside of the NIRS field of view may remain undetected. The objective of this observational case‐series study was to investigate ScO2 measurements in patients with acute iatrogenic stroke not located in the frontal cortical region. Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass or interventional cardiology procedures and suffering stroke in the early postoperative period were identified from the Bernese Stroke Registry and analyzed for their intraoperative ScO2 values and brain imaging data. Main outcome measures were the ScO2 values, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. In six patients, the infarct areas were localized in the vascular territories of the posterior and/or dorsal middle cerebral arteries. One patient had watershed stroke and another one excellent collaterals resulting in normal cerebral blood volume and only subtle decrease of cerebral blood flow in initially critically perfused watershed brain areas. Intraoperative ScO2 values were entirely unremarkable or nonindicative for brain damage. Our results indicate that uneventful intraoperative NIRS monitoring does not exclude severe cerebral ischemia due to the limited field of view of commercially available NIRS devices. False negative NIRS may occur as a consequence of stroke localized outside the frontal cortex.
Explanations for Not Having an Audit Committee in a ‘Comply or Explain’ Regime
Authors: Bradbury Michael E. , Ma Diandian , Scott Tom
Published: May 2018

We utilise the Australian ‘comply or explain’ corporate governance regime to examine the explanations given for not having an audit committee and whether these explanations are consistent with underlying firm characteristics. We hand‐collect explanations provided by firms, and find the most common explanations are that the firm or board size is too small or that the firm is insufficiently complex to justify an audit committee. Thus, the reasons that firms provide for not having an audit committee are focused on internal factors limiting their ability to supply an audit committee. As we find that these explanations are associated with lower total assets, smaller board size and lower leverage, they are consistent with underlying firm characteristics. Thus firms are not providing inconsistent or unrelated explanations as pretexts to avoid forming an audit committee. Documenting that the explanations given for non‐compliance are associated with related firm characteristics should be of interest to regulators and policy makers.