bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaped to kill: The evolution of siphonophore tentilla for specialized prey capture in the open ocean
Authors: Damian-Serrano Alejandro , Haddock Steven H.D. , Dunn Casey W.
Published: June 2019

Predator specialization has often been considered an evolutionary ‘dead-end’ due to the constraints associated with the evolution of morphological and functional optimizations throughout the organism. However, in some predators, these changes are localized in separate structures dedicated to prey capture. One of the most extreme cases of this modularity can be observed in siphonophores, a clade of pelagic colonial cnidarians that use tentilla (tentacle side branches armed with nematocysts) exclusively for prey capture. Here we study how siphonophore specialists and generalists evolve, and what morphological changes are associated with these transitions. To answer these questions, we: (1) measured 29 morphological characters of tentacles from 45 siphonophore species, (2) mapped these data to a phylogenetic tree, and (3) analyzed the evolutionary associations between morphological characters and prey type data from the literature. Instead of a dead-end, we found that siphonophore specialists can evolve into generalists, and that specialists on one prey type have directly evolved into specialists on other prey types. Our results show that siphonophore tentillum morphology has strong evolutionary associations with prey type, and suggest that shifts between prey types are linked to shifts in the morphology, mode of evolution, and genetic correlations of tentilla and their nematocysts. The evolutionary history of siphonophore specialization helps build a broader perspective on predatory niche diversification via morphological innovation and evolution. These findings contribute to understanding how specialization and morphological evolution have shaped present-day food webs.

Significance Statement

Predatory specialization is often associated with the evolution of modifications in the morphology of the prey capture apparatus. Specialization has been considered an evolutionary ‘dead-end’ due to the constraints associated with these morphological changes. However, in predators like siphonophores, armed with modular structures used exclusively for prey capture, this assumption is challenged. Our results show that siphonophores can evolve generalism and new prey-type specializations by modifying the morphological states, modes of evolution, and genetic correlations between the parts of their prey capture apparatus. These findings demonstrate how studying open-ocean non-bilaterian predators can reveal novel patterns and mechanisms in the evolution of specialization. Understanding these evolutionary processes is fundamental to the study of food-web structure and complexity.
Replicability of Structural Brain Alterations Associated with General Psychopathology: Evidence from a Population-Representative Birth Cohort
Authors: Romer Adrienne L. , Knodt Annchen R. , Sison Maria L. , Ireland David , Houts Renate , Ramrakha Sandhya , Poulton Richie , Keenan Ross , Melzer Tracy R. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Hariri Ahmad R.
Published: June 2019

Transdiagnostic research has identified a general psychopathology factor – often called the ‘p’ factor – that accounts for shared variation across internalizing, externalizing, and thought disorders in diverse samples. It has been argued that the p factor may reflect dysfunctional thinking present in serious mental illness. In support of this, we previously used a theory-free, data-driven multimodal neuroimaging approach to find that higher p factor scores are associated with structural alterations within a cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit (CTCC) and visual association cortex, both of which are important for monitoring and coordinating information processing in the service of executive control. Here we attempt to replicate these associations by conducting region-of-interest analyses of CTCC and visual association cortex using data from 875 members of the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, a five-decade study of a population-representative birth cohort now 45 years old. We further sought to replicate a more recent report that p factor scores can be predicted by patterns of distributed cerebellar morphology as estimated through independent component analysis. We successfully replicated associations between higher p factor scores and both reduced grey matter volume of the visual association cortex and fractional anisotropy of pontine white matter pathways within the CTCC. In contrast, we failed to replicate prior associations between cerebellar structure and p factor scores. Collectively, our findings encourage further focus on the CTCC and visual association cortex as core neural substrates and potential biomarkers of general psychopathology.
genomalicious: serving up a smorgasbord of R functions for performing and teaching population genomic analyses
Authors: Thia Joshua A.
Published: June 2019

Turning SNP data into biologically meaningful results requires considerable computational acrobatics, including importing, exporting, and manipulating data among different analytical packages and programming environments, and finding ways to visualise results for data exploration and presentation. I present GENOMALICIOUS, an R package designed to provide a selection of functions for population genomicists to simply, intuitively, and flexibly, guide SNP data through their analytical pipelines, within and outside R. At the core of the original GENOMALICIOUS workflow is the conversion of genomic variant data into adata.tableobject. This provides a useful way of storing large amounts of data in an intuitive format that can be easily manipulated using methods unique to this object class. Over time, GENOMALICIOUS has grown to cater to a range of analyses in population structure and demography, adaptive evolution, quantitative traits, and phylogenetics. Researchers using pooled allele frequencies, or individually sequenced genotypes, are sure to find functions that accommodate their tastes in GENOMALICIOUS. The simplicity and accessibility of pipelines in GENOMALICIOUS may also serve as a useful tool for teaching basic population genetics and genomics in an R environment. The source code and a series of tutorials for this package are freely available on GitHub
Neuroblast sensory quiescence depends of vascular cytoneme contacts and sensory neuronal differentiation requires initiation of blood flow
Authors: Taberner Laura , Bañón Aitor , Alsina Berta
Published: June 2019

In many organs, stem cell function depends on the communication with their niche partners. Cranial sensory neurons develop in close proximity to blood vessels, however whether vasculature is an integral component of their niches is yet unknown. Here, two separate, novel roles for vasculature in cranial sensory neurogenesis in zebrafish are uncovered. The first involves precise spatiotemporal endothelial-neuroblast cytoneme contacts and Dll4-Notch signalling to restrain neuroblast proliferation. Secondly, we find that blood flow onset triggers a transcriptional response to modify neuroblast metabolic status and is required for sensory neuron differentiation. In contrast, no role of sensory neurogenesis in vascular development is found, suggesting a unidirectional signalling from vasculature to sensory neuroblasts. Altogether, we demonstrate that the cranial vasculature constitutes a hitherto unrecognized niche component of the sensory ganglia that regulates the pace of their growth and differentiation dynamics.

Highlights

♦ Vasculature is part of the cranial sensory ganglia niche and regulates neurogenesis.

♦ Cytoneme contacts between endothelial cells and sensory neuroblasts are required for neuroblast quiescence.

♦ Endothelial Dll4 and neuroblast Notch1 signal to regulate the growth of cranial sensory ganglia.

♦ Initiation of blood flow triggers a transcriptional metabolic switch and sensory neuronal differentiation.
Building a story: coherent narrative formation relies on functional connectivity in posterior cortex and frontoparietal networks
Authors: Assouline Amir , Mendelsohn Avi
Published: June 2019

Narratives are embedded in human experience, enabling the integration and communication of large quantities of accumulated information. Despite the ubiquity of this deeply rooted ability, the neural networks involved in narrative formation are yet unclear. Building on literary and philosophical definitions of narrative, we explored brain networks that differentially coactivated while individuals were presented with either coherent or incoherent narratives. Using movie scenes presented in a functional MRI environment, either in their correct or reversed order, we found that regions in the posterior cortex and frontoparietal networks were preferentially co-activated during coherent narrative formation. Moreover, whereas coactivation patterns of posterior cortex converged across conditions over time, the frontoparietal network remained constantly higher in the coherent narrative condition. We suggest that processing and integrating accumulating information is supported by functional coupling of posterior cortical networks, whereas the frontoparietal network serves to maintain the coherence and causal relations that underpin plot comprehension.
Early alterations of RNA metabolism and splicing from adult corticospinal neurons in an ALS mouse model
Authors: Marques Christine , Fischer Mathieu , Keime Céline , Burg Thibaut , Brunet Aurore , Scekic-Zahirovic Jelena , Rouaux Caroline
Published: June 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease clinically defined as the combined degeneration of corticospinal and corticobulbar neurons (CSN), and bulbar and spinal motor neurons (MN). A growing body of evidence points to the motor cortex, where CSN are located, as the potential initiation site of ALS. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of CSN degeneration and the molecular pathways involved. Here, we show in theSod1G86Rmouse model of ALS that CSN loss precedes MN degeneration and that CSN and MN degenerations are somatotopically related, highlighting the relevance of CSN to ALS onset and progression. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms that selectively trigger CSN degeneration, we purified CSN from the motor and somatosensory cortex of adult mice and analysed their transcriptome from presymptomatic ages to disease end-stage. Significant RNA metabolism and splicing alterations, novel in the context ofSod1mutation, were identified, including mis-splicing events that largely trigger genes involved in neuronal functions. Together, the data indicate that CSN dysfunction and degeneration upon mutantSod1expression involve alterations of RNA metabolism and splicing, emphasizing shared mechanisms across various ALS-related genes.
An Automated Open-Source Workflow for Standards-Compliant Integration of Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data
Authors: Ioanas Horea-Ioan , Marks Markus , Garin Clément M. , Dhenain Marc , Yanik Mehmet Fatih , Rudin Markus
Published: June 2019

Large-scale research integration is contingent on seamless access to data in standardized formats. Standards enable researchers to understand external experiment structures, pool results, and apply homogeneous preprocessing and analysis workflows. Particularly, they facilitate these features without the need for numerous potentially confounding compatibility add-ons. In small animal magnetic resonance imaging, an overwhelming proportion of data is acquired via the ParaVision software of the Bruker Corporation. The original data structure is predominantly transparent, but fundamentally incompatible with modern pipelines. Additionally, it sources metadata from free-field operator input, which diverges strongly between laboratories and researchers. In this article we present an open-source workflow which automatically converts and reposits data from the ParaVision structure into the widely supported and openly documented Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS). Complementing this workflow we also present operator guidelines for appropriate ParaVision data input, and a programmatic walk-through detailing how preexisting scans with uninterpretable metadata records can easily be made compliant after the acquisition.
Altered EEG resting-state large-scale brain network dynamics in euthymic bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Damborská Alena , Piguet Camille , Aubry Jean-Michel , Dayer Alexandre G. , Michel Christoph M. , Berchio Cristina
Published: June 2019

Background

Neuroimaging studies provided evidence for disrupted resting-state functional brain network activity in bipolar disorder (BD). Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies found altered temporal characteristics of functional EEG microstates during depressive episode within different affective disorders. Here we investigated whether euthymic patients with BD show deviant resting-state large-scale brain network dynamics as reflected by altered temporal characteristics of EEG microstates.

Methods

We used high-density EEG to explore between-group differences in duration, coverage and occurrence of the resting-state functional EEG microstates in 17 euthymic adults with BD in on-medication state and 17 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Two types of anxiety, state and trait, were assessed separately with scores ranging from 20 to 80.

Results

Microstate analysis revealed five microstates (A-E) in global clustering across all subjects. In patients compared to controls, we found increased occurrence and coverage of microstate A that did not significantly correlate with anxiety scores.

Conclusion

Our results provide neurophysiological evidence for altered large-scale brain network dynamics in BD patients and suggest the increased presence of A microstate to be an electrophysiological trait characteristic of BD.
Evolutionary time best explains the latitudinal diversity gradient of living freshwater fish diversity
Authors: Miller Elizabeth Christina , Román-Palacios Cristian
Published: June 2019

Aim

The evolutionary causes of the latitudinal diversity gradient are debated. Hypotheses have ultimately invoked either faster rates of diversification in the tropics, or more time for diversification due to the tropical origins of higher taxa. Here we perform the first test of the diversification rate and time hypotheses in freshwater ray-finned fishes, a group comprising nearly a quarter of all living vertebrates.

Location

Global.

Time period

368–0 mya.

Major taxa studied

Extant freshwater ray-finned fishes.

Methods

Using a mega-phylogeny of actinopterygian fishes and a global database of occurrence records, we estimated net diversification rates, the number of colonizations and regional colonization times of co-occurring species in freshwater drainage basins. We used Generalized Additive Models to test whether these factors were related to latitude. We then compared the influence of diversification rates, colonization numbers, colonization times and surface area on species richness, and how these factors are related to each other.

Results

While both diversification rates and time were related to richness, time had greater explanatory power and was more strongly related to latitude than diversification rates. Other factors (basin surface area, number of colonizations) also helped explain richness but were unrelated to latitude. The world’s most diverse freshwater basins (Amazon, Congo rivers) were dominated by lineages with Mesozoic origins. The temperate groups dominant today arrived near the K-Pg boundary, leaving comparatively less time to build richness. Diversification rates and colonization times were inversely related: recently colonized basins had the fastest rates, while ancient species-rich faunas had slower rates.

Main conclusions

We concluded that time is the lead driver of latitudinal richness disparities in freshwater fish faunas. We suggest that the most likely path to building very high species richness is through diversification over long periods of time, rather than diversifying quickly.
Low-Density Granulocytes are a novel immunopathological feature in both Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Ostendorf Lennard , Mothes Ronja , van Koppen Sofie , Lindquist Randall L. , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Asseyer Susanna , Ruprecht Klemens , Alexander Tobias , Niesner Raluca A. , Hauser Anja E. , Paul Friedemann , Radbruch Helena
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate whether low-density granulocytes (LDGs) are a immunophenotypic feature of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and/or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 26 patients with NMOSD and 20 patients with MS, as well as from 18 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and 23 Healthy Donors (HD). We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with density gradient separation and stained the cells with antibodies against CD14, CD15, CD16, and CD45, and analysed the cells by flow cytometry or imaging flow cytometry. We defined LDGs as CD14-CD15high and calculated their share in total PBMC leukocytes (CD45+) as well as the share of CD16hi LDGs. Clinical data on disease course, medication, and antibody status were obtained.

Results

LDGs were significantly more common in MS and NMOSD than in HDs, comparable to SLE samples (median values HD 0.2%, MS 0.9%, NMOSD 2.1%, SLE 4.3%). 0/23 of the HDs, but 17/20 NMOSD and 11/17 MS samples as well as 13/15 SLE samples had at least 0.7 % LDGs. NMOSD patients without continuous immunosuppressive treatment had significantly more LDGs compared to their treated counterparts. LDG nuclear morphology ranged from segmented to rounded, suggesting a heterogeneity within the group.

Conclusion

LDGs are a feature of the immunophenotype in some patients with MS and NMOSD.
Microstimulation of primate neocortex targeting striosomes induces negative decision-making
Authors: Amemori Satoko , Amemori Ken-ichi , Yoshida Tomoko , Papageorgiou Georgios K. , Xu Rui , Shimazu Hideki , Desimone Robert , Graybiel Ann M.
Published: June 2019

Affective judgment and decision-making are strongly modulated by the pregenual anterior cingulate (pACC) and caudal orbitofrontal (cOFC) cortical regions. By combining MRI-guided electrical microstimulation with viral tracing methods in non-human primates, we demonstrate that circumscribed pACC and cOFC microstimulation sites that induce negative decision-making preferentially project to striosomes in the anterior striatum. These results outline a behaviorally important circuit from pACC/cOFC to striosomes causally modulating decision-making under emotional conflict.
Phase separation of TPX2 enhances and spatially coordinates microtubule nucleation
Authors: King Matthew R. , Petry Sabine
Published: June 2019

Phase separation of substrates and effectors is proposed to enhance biological reaction rates and efficiency. TPX2 is an effector of microtubule nucleation in spindles, and functions with the substrate tubulin by an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that TPX2 phase separates into a co-condensate with tubulin, which mediates microtubule nucleation in vitro and in isolated cytosol. TPX2-tubulin co-condensation preferentially occurs on pre-existing microtubules at the endogenous and physiologically relevant concentration of TPX2. Truncation and chimera versions of TPX2 directly demonstrate that TPX2-tubulin co-condensation enhances the efficiency of TPX2-mediated microtubule nucleation. Finally, the known inhibitor of TPX2, the importin-α/β heterodimer, regulates both co-condensation and activity. Our study demonstrates how regulated phase separation can simultaneously enhance reaction efficiency and spatially coordinate microtubule nucleation, which may facilitate rapid and accurate spindle formation.
Prepontine non-giant neurons drive flexible escape behavior in zebrafish
Authors: Marquart Gregory D. , Tabor Kathryn M. , Bergeron Sadie A. , Briggman Kevin L. , Burgess Harold A.
Published: June 2019

Many species execute ballistic escape reactions to avoid imminent danger. Despite fast reaction times, responses are often highly regulated, reflecting a trade-off between costly motor actions and perceived threat level. However, how sensory cues are integrated within premotor escape circuits remains poorly understood. Here we show that in zebrafish, less precipitous threats elicit a delayed escape, characterized by flexible trajectories, that are driven by a cluster of 38 prepontine neurons that are completely separate from the fast escape pathway. Whereas neurons that initiate rapid escapes receive direct auditory input and drive motor neurons, input and output pathways for delayed escapes are indirect, facilitating integration of cross-modal sensory information. Rapid decision making in the escape system is thus enabled by parallel pathways for ballistic responses and flexible delayed actions.
Compound heterozygosity of the gamma-glutamyl carboxylase mutants V255M and S300F causes pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like disease through impaired processivity
Authors: Rishavy Mark A. , Hallgren Kevin W. , Runge Kurt W. , Berkner Kathleen L.
Published: June 2019

Vitamin K-dependent (VKD) protein activities require carboxylated Glus (Glas) generated by the gamma-glutamyl carboxylase. Some carboxylase mutations cause severe bleeding, while others cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)-like associated with excessive calcification. How carboxylase mutations cause PXE-like was unknown. We analyzed two mutants (V255M and S300F) whose compound heterozygosity causes PXE-like. Substrates derived from VKD proteins important to calcification (MGP) or clotting (factor IX) were studied, which contained the Gla domain and exosite-binding domain that mediates carboxylase binding. Surprisingly, the V255M mutant was more active (4-5 fold) than wild type carboxylase, while S300F activity was low. The V255M results suggested faster substrate release, which could impact carboxylase processivity, where the carboxylase remains bound to VKD proteins throughout multiple Glu to Gla conversions. To assess mutant processivity, we performed a novel challenge assay in which MGP-carboxylase and factor IX-carboxylase complexes were reacted in the presence of excess challenge VKD peptide. Tight complexes between VKD proteins and wild type carboxylase excluded access of the challenge peptide during the carboxylation of VKD protein in the complex. In contrast, VKD protein complexes with V255M or S300F allowed promiscuous access of challenge peptide. Both mutants therefore impair processivity. Most of the V255M product was carboxylated challenge peptide, which could explain mild PXE-like observed in the proband’s mother and aunt. Both have wild type and V255M carboxylase alleles; however, higher V255M production of a potentially defective MGP product could account for their phenotype. The results are an important advance in understanding why carboxylase mutations cause the PXE-like disease.
Effect of habitat quality, microclimatic conditions and waste water contamination on diversity & distribution of Collembola community
Authors: Abbas Mohammad Jalaluddin , Parwez Hina
Published: June 2019

Soil biodiversity is undergoing dramatic changes due to human and climatic interference, habitat loss and fragmentation due to land use change, increasing pollution and degradation in terrestrial ecosystems. The overall effect of habitat loss is on the loss of soil biodiversity which might be due to negative response of substrate quality. Adverse microclimatic conditions may also be detrimental to species specific communities along with waste water contamination. Thus, an investigation has been carried out to ascertain the effect of habitat quality, microclimatic conditions and waste water contamination on diversity and distribution of Collembola community at Aligarh. For this, 4 samples have been taken monthly for a period of one year from two different study sites of Aligarh along with edapho-chemical properties. We observed that, density of Collembola (18.8 ind./sample) was always approximately three times more in agriculture site than in wasteland (7.6 ind./sample) site. Population of Collembola was statistically positive significant with reference to soil organic matter % (r = 0.621, P>0.05), SOC % (r = 0.622, P>0.05), Available nitrogen (r = 0.622, P>0.05) and Potash (r = 0.562, P>0.05) in Agriculture site whereas these all were statistically insignificant in Wasteland site. This observation suggests that quality of habitat has a direct effect on the diversity and population of Collembolans. The wasteland site which is a sewage filled from the nearby colonies also it is a dumping ground of waste building material under Municipal Corporation. Hence, the soil is highly contaminated as compared to the agricultural soil.
Cdc48/VCP and endocytosis regulate TDP-43 and FUS toxicity and turnover
Authors: Liu Guangbo , Byrd Aaron , Pei Fen , Buchanan Allison , Basha Eman , Warner Amanda , Buchan J. Ross
Published: June 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron degenerative disease. TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) and FUS (fused in sarcoma) are aggregation-prone RNA-binding proteins that in ALS can mis-localize to the cytoplasm of affected motor neuron cells, often forming cytoplasmic aggregates in the process. Such mis-localization and aggregation are implicated in ALS pathology, though the mechanisms of TDP-43 and FUS cytoplasmic toxicity remains unclear. Recently, we determined that the endocytic function aids turnover of TDP-43 and reduces TDP-43 toxicity. Here, we identified that Cdc48 and Ubx3, a Cdc48 co-factor implicated in endocytic function, regulates the turnover and toxicity of TDP-43 and FUS expressed in S. cerevisiae. Cdc48 physically interacts and co-localizes with TDP-43, as does VCP in ALS patient tissue. In yeast, FUS toxicity also depends strongly on endocytic function, but not autophagy under normal conditions. FUS expression also impairs endocytic function, as previously observed with TDP-43. Taken together, our data identifies a role for Cdc48/VCP and endocytosis function in regulating TDP-43 and FUS toxicity and turnover. Furthermore, endocytic dysfunction may be a common defect affecting cytoplasmic clearance of ALS aggregation-prone proteins and may represent a novel therapeutic target of promise.
Bioactive compounds from Chrysosporium multifidum, a fungus isolated from Hermetia illucens gut microbiota
Authors: Correa Yesenia , Cabanillas Billy , Jullian Valérie , Álvarez Daniela , Castillo Denis , Dufloer Cédric , Bustamante Beatriz , Roncal Elisa , Neyra Edgar , Sheen Patricia , Sauvain Michel
Published: June 2019

The gut microbiota of insects contains a wide range of organisms that protect them against the attack of pathogens by releasing various types of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we report the isolation and identification of the fungus Chrysosporium multifidum as a component of the microbiota from the larval gut of Hermetia illucens. Extract from the broth culture of C. multifidum showed moderate activity on a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The bioguided isolation of the extract resulted in the characterization of six α-pyrone derivatives (1-6) and one diketopiperazines (7), among them 5,6-dihydro-4-methoxy-6-(1-oxopentyl)-2H-pyran-2-one (4) showed the best activity (IC50 = 11.4 ± 0.7 µg/ml and MIC = 62.5 μg/ml).
Spatial distribution of epibionts on olive ridley sea turtles at Playa Ostional, Costa Rica
Authors: Robinson Nathan J. , Lazo-Wasem Emily , Butler Brett O. , Lazo-Wasem Eric A. , Zardus John D. , Pinou Theodora
Published: June 2019

There is a wealth of published information on the epibiont communities of sea turtles, yet many of these studies have exclusively sampled epibionts found only on the carapace. Considering that epibionts may be found on almost all body-surfaces and that it is highly plausible to expect different regions of the body to host distinct epibiont taxa, there is a need for quantitative comparative studies to investigate spatial variation in the epibiont communities of turtles. To achieve this, we measured how total epibiont abundance and biomass on olive ridley turtlesLepidochelys olivaceavaries among four body-areas of the hosts (n = 30). We show that epibiont loads on olive ridleys are higher, both in terms of number and biomass, on the skin than they are on the carapace or plastron. This contrasts with previous findings for other hard-shelled sea turtles, where epibionts are usually more abundant on the carapace. Moreover, the arguably most ubiquitous epibiont taxon for other hard-shelled sea turtles, the barnacleChelonibia spp., only occurs in relatively low numbers on olive ridleys, while the barnaclesStomatolepas elegansandPlatylepas hexastylosare far more abundant. We postulate that these differences between the epibiont communities of different sea turtle taxa could indicate that the carapaces of olive ridley turtles provide a more challenging substratum for epibionts than do the hard shells of other sea turtles. In addition, we conclude that it is important to conduct full body surveys when attempting to produce a holistic qualitative or quantitative characterization of the epibiont communities of sea turtles.
Socio-demographic correlates and clustering of non-communicable diseases risk factors among reproductive aged women of Nepal: Results from Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2016
Authors: Bista Bihungum , Dhungana Raja Ram , Chalise Binaya , Pandey Achyut Raj
Published: June 2019

Globally, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major killer diseases, majority of which are attributable to common risk factors like smoking, alcohol intake, physical inactivity and low fruits/vegetable consumption. Clustering of these risk factors increases the risk of developing NCDs. The occurrence of NCDs among women is alarmingly high, and this invites impact on upcoming generation too. So, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and clustering of selected risk factors and their socio-demographic determinants in Nepalese women using Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 data.

NDHS applied stratified multi-stage cluster sampling to reach to the individual respondent for representing the whole nation. This study included analysis of data of 6,396 women of age 15 to 49 years. Chi-square test for bivariate analysis and multiple poisson regression to calculate adjusted prevalence ratio was applied.

A total of 8.91% participants were current smoker. Similarly, 22.19% and 11.45% of participants were overweight and hypertensive respectively. Around 6.02% of participants had a co-occurrence of two NCDs risk factors. Smoking, overweight and hypertension were significantly associated with age, education, province, wealth index and ethnicity. Risk factors were more likely to cluster in women aged 40-49 years (APR=2.95, CI: 2.58-3.38), widow/separated (APR=3.09, CI: 2.24-4.28) and Dalit) (APR=1.34, CI: 1.17-1.55).

This study found that NCD risk factors were disproportionately distributed by age, education, socio-economic status and ethnicity and clustered in more vulnerable groups such as widow/separated, Dalit and Janajati.
Diversity and Life-cycle Analysis of Pacific Ocean Zooplankton by Videomicroscopy and DNA Barcoding. I. Cnidaria
Authors: Bryant Peter J. , Arehart Timothy E.
Published: June 2019

Most, but not all cnidarian species in the classes Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa and Anthozoa have a life cycle in which a colonial, asexually reproducing hydroid phase alternates with a free-swimming, sexually reproducing medusa phase that, in the hydrozoans, is usually microscopic. Hydrozoan medusae were collected by zooplankton tows in Newport Bay and the Pacific Ocean near Newport Beach, California, and hydroid colonies were collected from solid substrates in the same areas. Specimens were documented by videomicroscopy, preserved in ethanol, and sent to the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada for DNA barcoding.

Among the order Anthomedusae (athecate hydroids), DNA barcoding allowed for the discrimination between the medusae of eight putative species of Bougainvillia, and the hydroid stages were documented for two of these. The medusae of three putative species of Amphinema were identified, and the hydroid stages were identified for two of them. DNA barcodes were obtained from medusae of one species of Cladonema, one adult of the By-the wind Sailor, Velella Velella, five putative species of Corymorpha with the matching hydroid phase for one; and Coryne eximia, Turritopsis dohrnii and Turritopsis nutricula with the corresponding hydroid phases. The actinula larvae and hydroid for the pink-hearted hydroid Ectopleura crocea were identified and linked by DNA barcoding.

Among the order Leptomedusae (thecate hydroids) medusae were identified for Clytia elsaeoswaldae, Clytia gracilis and Clytia sp. 701 AC and matched with the hydroid phases for the latter two species. Medusae were matched with the hydroid phases for two species of Obelia (including O. dichotoma) and Eucheilota bakeri. Obelia geniculata was collected as a single hydroid. DNA barcodes were obtained for hydroids of Orthopyxis everta and three other species of Orthopyxis.

The medusa of one member of the family Solmarisidae, representing the order Narcomedusae, and one member (Liriope tetraphylla) of the order Trachymedusae were recognized as medusae.

In the Scyphozoa, DNA barcoding confirmed the planktonic larval stage (ephyra) of the Moon Jelly, Aurelia aurita, the adult medusa of which is occasionally common in and around Newport Bay. In the Anthozoa, antipathula larvae were identified from the Onion Anemone, Paranthus rapiformis and a cerinula larva was identified from the Tube-dwelling Anemone, Isarachnanthus nocturnus. We have yet to find the adults of these species locally.
Identification of spatial magnetic inhomogeneities by nuclear forward scattering of synchrotron radiation
Authors: Vrba Vlastimil , Procházka Vít , Miglierini Marcel
Published: June 2019

Spatially confined magnetic inhomogeneities were revealed by measuring nuclear forward scattering time spectra on the same sample in two different geometric arrangements. They differ by 180° rotation of the sample around one of the polarization axes. A basic theoretical description of this phenomenon and its relation to a spatial distribution of nuclei featuring different magnetic moments is provided. From an experimental point of view, the violation of rotational invariance was observed for an inhomogeneous Fe81Mo8Cu1B10 metallic glass. The development of magnetic inhomogeneities and their relation to the evolution of time spectra was studied during thermal annealing.
Formation of a highly dense tetra-rhenium cluster in a protein crystal and its implications in medical imaging
Authors: Brink Alice , Helliwell John R.
Published: June 2019

The fact that a protein crystal can serve as a chemical reaction vessel is intrinsically fascinating. That it can produce an electron-dense tetranuclear rhenium cluster compound from a rhenium tricarbonyl tribromo starting compound adds to the fascination. Such a cluster has been synthesized previously in vitro, where it formed under basic conditions. Therefore, its synthesis in a protein crystal grown at pH 4.5 is even more unexpected. The X-ray crystal structures presented here are for the protein hen egg-white lysozyme incubated with a rhenium tricarbonyl tribromo compound for periods of one and two years. These reveal a completed, very well resolved, tetra-rhenium cluster after two years and an intermediate state, where the carbonyl ligands to the rhenium cluster are not yet clearly resolved, after one year. A dense tetranuclear rhenium cluster, and its technetium form, offer enhanced contrast in medical imaging. Stimulated by these crystallography results, the unusual formation of such a species directly in an in vivo situation has been considered. It offers a new option for medical imaging compounds, particularly when considering the application of the pre-formed tetranuclear cluster, suggesting that it may be suitable for medical diagnosis because of its stability, preference of formation and biological compatibility.
Competitive formation between 2D and 3D metal-organic frameworks: insights into the selective formation and lamination of a 2D MOF
Authors: Oh Sojin , Park Jeehyun , Oh Moonhyun
Published: June 2019

The structural dimension of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is of great importance in defining their properties and thus applications. In particular, 2D layered MOFs are of considerable interest because of their useful applications, which are facilitated by unique structural features of 2D materials, such as a large number of open active sites and high surface areas. Herein, this work demonstrates a methodology for the selective synthesis of a 2D layered MOF in the presence of the competitive formation of a 3D MOF. The ratio of the reactants, metal ions and organic building blocks used during the reaction is found to be critical for the selective formation of a 2D MOF, and is associated with its chemical composition. In addition, the well defined and uniform micro-sized 2D MOF particles are successfully synthesized in the presence of an ultrasonic dispersion. Moreover, the laminated 2D MOF layers are directly synthesized via a modified bottom-up lamination method, a combination of chemical and physical stimuli, in the presence of surfactant and ultrasonication.
A 3D assembly model retrieval method based on assembly information
Authors: Qiao Hu , Wu Qingyun , Yu Songlin , Du Jiang , Xiang Ying
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a three-dimensional (3D) assembly model retrieval method based on assembling semantic information to address semantic mismatches, poor accuracy and low efficiency in existing 3D assembly model retrieval methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an assembly model retrieval method. First, assembly information retrieval is performed, and 3D models that conform to the design intention of the assembly are found by retrieving the code. On this basis, because there are conjugate subgraphs between attributed adjacency graphs (AAG) that have an assembly relationship, the assembly model geometric retrieval is translated into a problem of finding AAGs with a conjugate subgraph. Finally, the frequent subgraph mining method is used to retrieve AAGs with conjugate subgraphs.

Findings

The method improved the efficiency and accuracy of assembly model retrieval.

Practical implications

The examples illustrate the specific retrieval process and verify the feasibility and reasonability of the assembly model retrieval method in practical applications.

Originality/value

The assembly model retrieval method in the paper is an original method. Compared with other methods, good results were obtained.
An efficient algorithm for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem with stochastic task times
Authors: Serin Faruk , Mete Süleyman , Çelik Erkan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Changing the product characteristics and demand quantity resulting from the variability of the modern market leads to re-assigned tasks and changing the cycle time on the production line. Therefore, companies need re-balancing of their assembly line instead of balancing. The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient algorithm approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem using stochastic task times.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a genetic algorithm is proposed to solve approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem using stochastic task times.

Findings

The performance of the genetic algorithm is tested on a wide variety of data sets from literature. The task times are assumed normal distribution. The objective is to minimize total re-balancing cost, which consists of workstation cost, operating cost and task transposition cost. The test results show that proposed genetic algorithm approach for U-type assembly line re-balancing problem performs well in terms of minimizing total re-balancing cost.

Practical implications

Demand variation is considered for stochastic U-type re balancing problem. Demand change also affects cycle time of the line. Hence, the stochastic U-type re-balancing problem under four different cycle times are analyzed to present practical case.

Originality/value

As per the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time that genetic algorithm is applied to stochastic U-type re balancing problem. The large size data set is generated to analyze performance of genetic algorithm. The results of proposed algorithm are compared with ant colony optimization algorithm.
Accounting, performance management systems and accountability changes in knowledge-intensive public organizations
Authors: Grossi Giuseppe , Kallio Kirsi-Mari , Sargiacomo Massimo , Skoog Matti
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize insights from previous accounting, performance measurement (PM) and accountability research into the rapidly emerging field of knowledge-intensive public organizations (KIPOs). In so doing, it draws upon insights from previous literature and other papers included in this special issue ofAccounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews academic analysis and insights provided in the academic literature on accounting, PM and accountability changes in KIPOs, such as universities and healthcare organizations, and paves the way for future research in this area.

Findings

The literature review shows that a growing number of studies are focusing on the hybridization of different KIPOs, not only in terms of accounting tools (e.g. performance indicators, budgeting and reporting) but also in relation to individual actors (e.g. professionals and managers) that may have divergent values and thus act according to multiple logics. It highlights many areas in which further robust academic research is needed to guide developments of hybrid organizations in policy and practice.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides academics, regulators and decision makers with relevant insights into issues and aspects of accounting, PM and accountability in hybrid organizations that need further theoretical development and empirical evidence to help inform improvements in policy and practice.

Originality/value

The paper provides the growing number of academic researchers in this emerging area with a literature review and agenda upon which they can build their research.
Exploring the transformative potential of management control systems in organisational change towards sustainability
Authors: Narayanan Venkateshwaran , Boyce Gordon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of management control systems (MCS) in organisational change towards sustainability. In particular, it examines the extent to which MCS may be instrumental in transformative organisational change in this sphere.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth case study of an Australian multinational corporation in the property sector, this paper explores the possibilities for MCS to influence organisational change towards a multi-bottom-line, balanced approach to social and environmental challenges facing corporations. MCS are conceptualised using Simons’ (1995) Levers of Control framework. On the question of sustainability, the approach adopted in this paper contrasts with much of the prior literature that largely takes a predominantly pragmatist approach and equates sustainability performance with financial performance. The prior literature generally reports a positive role for MCS in organisational change efforts. By contrast, drawing on the typology developed by Hopwood et al. (2005), this paper views sustainability as requiring a balancing of economic, social and environmental concerns.

Findings

The findings indicate that although MCS are not irrelevant, they do not play a transformative role in enabling deep-seated organisational change towards sustainability. The critical literature on the nature of MCS is drawn upon to explore the reasons for the observed non-role.

Originality/value

The analysis sheds light on factors that may influence the effectiveness of conventional notions of MCS in organisational change. The findings contribute to the debate regarding the suitability of continued efforts at using conventional notions of management accounting and MCS in enabling organisational change towards greater social and environmental sustainability. The paper also highlights the value of a critical examination of the usefulness of management accounting and control practices in the context of organisational change towards sustainability.
Towards a semantics representation framework for narrative images
Authors: Li Xuhui , Wu Yanqiu , Wang Xiaoguang , Qian Tieyun , Hong Liang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a semantics representation framework for narrative images, conforming to the image-interpretation process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the essential features of semantics evolution in the process of narrative images interpretation. It proposes a novel semantics representation framework, ESImage (evolution semantics of image) for narrative images. ESImage adopts a hierarchical architecture to progressively organize the semantic information in images, enabling the evolutionary interpretation under the support of a graph-based semantics data model. Also, the study shows the feasibility of this framework by addressing the issues of typical semantics representation with the scenario of the Dunhuang fresco.

Findings

The process of image interpretation mainly concerns three issues: bottom-up description, the multi-faceted semantics representation and the top-down semantics complementation. ESImage can provide a comprehensive solution for narrative image semantics representation by addressing the major issues based on the semantics evolution mechanisms of the graph-based semantics data model.

Research limitations/implications

ESImage needs to be combined with machine learning to meet the requirements of automatic annotation and semantics interpretation of large-scale image resources.

Originality/value

This paper sorts out the characteristics of the gradual interpretation of narrative images and has discussed the major issues in its semantics representation. Also, it proposes the semantic framework ESImage which deploys a flexible and sound mechanism to represent the semantic information of narrative images.