bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise‐induced muscle damage: What is it, what causes it and what are the nutritional solutions?
Authors: Owens Daniel J. , Twist Craig , Cobley James N. , Howatson Glyn , Close Graeme L.
Published: August 2018

Exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD) is characterized by symptoms that present both immediately and for up to 14 days after the initial exercise bout. The main consequence of EIMD for the athlete is the loss of skeletal muscle function and soreness. As such, numerous nutrients and functional foods have been examined for their potential to ameliorate the effects of EIMD and accelerate recovery, which is the purpose of many nutritional strategies for the athlete. However, the trade‐off between recovery and adaptation is rarely considered. For example, many nutritional interventions described in this review target oxidative stress and inflammation, both thought to contribute to EIMD but are also crucial for the recovery and adaptation process. This calls into question whether long term administration of supplements and functional foods used to target EIMD is indeed best practice. This rapidly growing area of sports nutrition will benefit from careful consideration of the potential hormetic effect of long term use of nutritional aids that ameliorate muscle damage. This review provides a concise overview of what EIMD is, its causes and consequences and critically evaluates potential nutritional strategies to ameliorate EIMD. We present a pragmatic practical summary that can be adopted by practitioners and direct future research, with the purpose of pushing the field to better consider the fine balance between recovery and adaptation and the potential that nutritional interventions have in modulating this balance.
Should Fair-lending Investigators Better Mix Qualitative and Quantitative Methods?
Authors: Cosans Christopher E
Published: August 2018

The author examines a controversy over the methods used by federal agencies to enforce fair-lending laws. Some hold that investigators should use primarily qualitative reviews of documents in loan files in their investigations. Others hold that the qualitative methodology of file reviews is inadequate and needs to be supplemented or replaced by quantitative statistical methods. The author argues that the methods in the federal Interagency Fair Lending Examination Procedure should be revised to use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods in a better way so that they complement each other. Investigations should rely primarily on quantitative methods to investigate institutional discrimination, but use the qualitative methods of file reviews in the investigation of individual agents for their discriminatory decisions.
Theorizing Foreign and Security Policy in an Era of State Transformation: A New Framework and Case Study of China
Authors: Jones Lee
Published: August 2018

There is growing evidence of the transformation of statehood under globalization, specifically, the fragmentation, decentralization and internationalization of state apparatuses. While most pronounced in Western Europe, these trends are observable worldwide. Foreign policy analysis (FPA) and international relations (IR) theory have fundamentally failed to keep pace with this epochal development. These traditions still largely understand states as coherent actors whose territorial borders “contain” sociopolitical relations and where identifiable “decisions” produce unified policies and strategies. This article challenges this shortcoming, offering a new theorization of foreign and security policy-making and implementation that foregrounds state transformation and the rise of regulatory statehood. The theory is developed and illustrated using the case of China, which IR/FPA scholars typically depict as the quintessential authoritarian, “Westphalian,” unitary state, but which has in fact undergone enormous state transformation since 1978. The article argues that the concept of a “Chinese-style regulatory state” can help understand and explain how Chinese foreign and security policy is actually developed and leads to outcomes that less coherent and strategic than IR scholars usually suggest.
Coupling 1D stellar evolution with 3D-hydrodynamical simulations on the fly – I. A new standard solar model
Authors: Jørgensen Andreas Christ Sølvsten , Mosumgaard Jakob Rørsted , Weiss Achim , Silva Aguirre Víctor , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen
Published: August 2018

Standard 1D stellar evolution models do not correctly reproduce the structure of the outermost layers of stars with convective envelopes. This has been a long-standing problem in stellar modelling affecting both the predicted evolutionary paths and the attributed oscillation frequencies, and indirectly biasing numerous quantities derived from stellar evolution calculations. We present a novel method that mostly eliminates these structural defects by appending mean 3D simulations of stellar envelopes. In contrast to previous attempts, we impose the complete structure derived from 3D simulations at each time-step during the entire evolution. For this purpose, we interpolate in grids of pre-computed 3D simulations and use the resulting structure as boundary conditions, in order to solve the stellar structure equations for the 1D interior at each time-step. Our method provides a continuous transition in many quantities from the interior to the imposed interpolated 3D surface layers. We present a solar calibration model and show that the obtained structure of the surface layers reliably mimics that of the underlying 3D simulations for the present Sun. Moreover, we perform a helioseismic analysis, showing that our method mostly eliminates the structural contribution to the discrepancy between model frequencies and observed p-mode frequencies.
Stewardship Incentives in Forestry: Participation Factors in Tennessee
Authors: English Burton C. , Bell Caroline D. , Wells Garland R. , Roberts Roland K.
Published: August 2018

The likely effect of cost-share incentives on participation in Tennessee's Forest Stewardship Program was estimated and contributing factors were identified. Surveys were mailed to 4,000 nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners, and a logit model was developed to examine economic, physical, and behavioral factors which affect the landowner participation decision. Data collected indicates the majority of landowners are concerned with water quality and wildlife habitat in addition to timber enhancements. Model results indicate that attitudes, experience, and knowledge of forestry programs may outweigh monetary incentives (50, 65 and 75% cost share) in the participation decision. South. J. Appl. For. 21(1):5-10.
Visualizing Glutamine Accumulation in Root Systems Involved in the Legume–Rhizobia Symbiosis by Placement on Agar Embedded with Companion Biosensor Cells
Authors: Thilakarathna Malinda S. , Raizada Manish N.
Published: August 2018

Microbial symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) occurs inside root nodules, where fixed-N (NH4+) from rhizobia is first assimilated into the amino acid glutamine (Gln). Visualization of Gln dynamics in nodulated root systems of different plant species would require re-engineering transgenic Gln reporters specific for each rhizobia/host genotype. Here we demonstrate the use of companion biosensor cells called GlnLux (Escherichia coli auxotrophic for Gln and constitutively expressing lux) to image Gln accumulation in nodulated root systems across a diversity of legume/rhizobia species. Companion GlnLux cells are embedded into agar (GlnLux agar) upon which legume root systems are placed following freeze-thawing to cause Gln leakage. Photons released from nearby activated biosensor cells are captured using a photon capture camera. Using split root systems, we demonstrate that in diverse amide-exporting legumes (alfalfa, lentil, and green pea) and a ureide-exporting legume (soybean) that GlnLux agar imaging is sufficiently sensitive to detect Gln release from individual nodules and can differentiate root systems with active nif+ from inactive nif− nodules. The assay permits visualization of both source and sink dynamics of nodule Gln, specifically, Gln import into nodules from roots (for nodule growth and/or amino acid cycling), Gln assimilated from fixed nitrogen that accumulates inside nodules, and Gln export from nodules into roots from this assimilatory-N. GlnLux agar-based imaging is thus a new research tool to localize the accumulation and transfer of a critical amino acid required for rhizobia symbionts within legume phytobiomes. We discuss the ability of this technology to open new frontiers in basic research and its limitations.
Synthesizing and tuning stochastic chemical reaction networks with specified behaviours
Authors: Murphy Niall , Petersen Rasmus , Phillips Andrew , Yordanov Boyan , Dalchau Neil
Published: August 2018

Methods from stochastic dynamical systems theory have been instrumental in understanding the behaviours of chemical reaction networks (CRNs) arising in natural systems. However, considerably less attention has been given to the inverse problem of synthesizing CRNs with a specified behaviour, which is important for the forward engineering of biological systems. Here, we present a method for generating discrete-state stochastic CRNs from functional specifications, which combines synthesis of reactions using satisfiability modulo theories and parameter optimization using Markov chain Monte Carlo. First, we identify candidate CRNs that have the
possibility
to produce correct computations for a given finite set of inputs. We then optimize the parameters of each CRN, using a combination of stochastic search techniques applied to the chemical master equation, to improve the
probability
of correct behaviour and rule out spurious solutions. In addition, we use techniques from continuous-time Markov chain theory to analyse the expected termination time for each CRN. We illustrate our approach by synthesizing CRNs for probabilistically computing majority, maximum and division, producing both known and previously unknown networks, including a novel CRN for probabilistically computing the maximum of two species. In future, synthesis techniques such as these could be used to automate the design of engineered biological circuits and chemical systems.
Leader of the SAC: molecular mechanisms of Mps1/TTK regulation in mitosis
Authors: Pachis Spyridon T. , Kops Geert J. P. L.
Published: August 2018

Discovered in 1991 in a screen for genes involved in spindle pole body duplication, the monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1) kinase has since claimed a central role in processes that ensure error-free chromosome segregation. As a result, Mps1 kinase activity has become an attractive candidate for pharmaceutical companies in the search for compounds that target essential cellular processes to eliminate, for example, tumour cells or pathogens. Research in recent decades has offered many insights into the molecular function of Mps1 and its regulation. In this review, we integrate the latest knowledge regarding the regulation of Mps1 activity and its spatio-temporal distribution, highlight gaps in our understanding of these processes and propose future research avenues to address them.
A Brücke–Bartley effect for contrast
Authors: Solomon Joshua A. , Tyler Christopher W.
Published: August 2018

Accurate derivation of the psychophysical (a.k.a. transducer) function from just-notable differences requires accurate knowledge of the relationship between the mean and variance of apparent intensities. Alternatively, a psychophysical function can be derived from estimates of the average between easily discriminable intensities. Such estimates are unlikely to be biased by the aforementioned variance, but they are notoriously variable and may stem from decisional processes that are more cognitive than sensory. In this paper, to minimize cognitive pollution, we used amplitude-modulated contrast. As the spatial or temporal (carrier) frequency increased, estimates of average intensity became less variable across observers, converging on values that were closer to mean power (i.e. contrast
2
) than mean contrast. Simply put, apparent contrast increases when physical contrast flickers. This result is analogous to Brücke's finding that brightness increases when luminance flickers. It implies an expansive transduction of contrast in the same way that Brücke's finding implies an expansive transduction of luminance.
Are generalists more innovative than specialists? A comparison of innovative abilities in two wild sympatric mouse lemur species
Authors: Henke-von der Malsburg Johanna , Fichtel Claudia
Published: August 2018

The propensity to flexibly innovate behavioural variants might advantage animals when dealing with novel or modified ecological or social challenges. Interspecific innovative abilities can be predicted by the degree of ecological generalism and intraspecific variation is predicted by personality traits. To examine the effects of these factors on innovation, we compared problem-solving abilities in the generalist grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) and the more specialized Madame Berthe's mouse lemurs (Microcebus berthae) in western Madagascar. We examined personality traits by testing 54 individuals in open field and novel object tests, and we assessed problem-solving abilities by presenting an artificial feeding-box that could be opened by three different techniques. The first two techniques presented novel problems and the third technique a modified problem to the more complex second novel problem. In both species, motivation, early success and better inhibitory control characterized innovators and predicted superior problem-solving performance. Although both species performed equally well in finding a solution to the novel problems, the specialist species was more efficient in finding a novel solution to a familiar problem. Since the ecological specialist also exhibited more inhibitory control in this task than the generalist, we propose that specialists may dispose of more efficient problem-solving behaviour.
Comparisons of reproductive function and fatty acid fillet quality between triploid and diploid farm Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
)
Authors: Murray D. S. , Kainz M. J. , Hebberecht L. , Sales K. R. , Hindar K. , Gage M. J. G.
Published: August 2018

Triploidy could prevent escaped farm salmon breeding in the wild, while also improving nutrient quality within farmed fillets. Despite these potential advantages, triploid Atlantic salmon have not been widely used in aquaculture, and their reproductive function has yet to be fully evaluated. Here, we compare reproductive function and fillet composition between triploid and diploid farm salmon under standard aquaculture rearing conditions. We show that female triploids are sterile and do not develop gonads. By contrast, males produce large numbers of motile spermatozoa capable of fertilizing wild salmon eggs. However, compared with diploids, reproductive development and survival rates of eggs fertilized by triploid males were significantly reduced, with less than 1% of eggs sired by triploid males reaching late-eyed stages of development. Analyses of fillets showed that total lipid and fatty acid quantities were significantly lower in triploid than in diploid Atlantic salmon fillets. However, when fatty acids were normalized to total lipid content, triploid fillets had significantly higher relative levels of important omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results show that: (i) escaped triploid farm salmon are very unlikely to reproduce in the wild and (ii) if able to match diploid fillet lipid content, triploid farm salmon could achieve better fillet quality in terms of essential fatty acids.
Molecular dynamics simulation of aluminum nitride deposition: temperature and N : Al ratio effects
Authors: Zhang Libin , Yan Han , Zhu Guo , Liu Sheng , Gan Zhiyin
Published: August 2018

Heteroepitaxial growth of aluminum nitride (AIN) has been explored by experiments, but the corresponding growth mechanism is still unrevealed. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study effects of temperature and N : Al flux ratio on deposited AlN. When the temperature increases from 1000 K to 2000 K with an N : Al flux ratio of 2.0, the growth rate of the AlN film decreases. The crystallinity of the deposited AlN is distinctly improved as the temperature increases from 1000 K to 1800 K and it becomes saturated between 1800 K and 2000 K. The crystallinity of the deposited film at 1800 K increases with an increase in the N : Al flux ratio from 0.8 to 2.4, and this degraded a little at an N : Al flux ratio of 2.8. In addition, stoichiometry is closely related to crystallinity of deposited films. Film with good crystallinity is connected with a near 50% N fraction. Furthermore, the average mean biaxial stress and mean normal stress at 1800 K with N : Al flux ratios of 2.0, 2.4 and 2.8 are calculated, indicating that the deposited film with lowest stress has the best crystal quality and the defects appear where stresses occur.
Fabrication of the heterojunction catalyst BiVO
4
/P25 and its visible-light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Cai Heshan , Cheng Linmei , Xu Feng , Wang Hailong , Xu Weicheng , Li Fuhua
Published: August 2018

A heterojunction catalyst, BiVO
4
/P25, was successfully fabricated using a one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared composite was characterized using XRD, XPS, Raman, FT-IR, UV–vis, SEM, HRTEM and PL. The HRTEM pictures revealed that the heterostructured composite was composed of BiVO
4
and P25, and from the pictures of SEM we could see the P25 nanoparticles assembling on the surface of flower-shaped BiVO
4
nanostructures. The XPS spectra showed that the prepared catalyst consisted of Bi, V, O, Ti and C. The photocatalytic activity of BiVO
4
/P25 was evaluated by degraded methyl blue (MB) and tetracycline under visible light illumination (
λ
> 420 nm), and the results showed that BiVO
4
/P25 composite has a better photocatalytic performance compared with pure BiVO
4
and the most active c-BiVO
4
/P25 sample showed enough catalytic stability after three successive reuses for MB photodegradation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could mainly be attributed to the better optical absorption ability and good absorption ability of organic contaminants.
Subjective wet perception assessment of fabrics with different drying time
Authors: Chau Kam-Hong , Tang Ka-Po Maggie , Kan Chi-Wai
Published: August 2018

Wet perception involves a complex neurobiological mechanism and it is a crucial factor affecting the wear comfort in daily life. A subjective wet perception assessment was conducted against wetted fabrics. The assessment method was set to demonstrate the sensation felt by the wearer in recovery period after light activities, and assumes that there is no further sweat secretion. Twenty participants participated in the assessment. Participants were presented with fabrics dried with different duration for simulating garments dry during recovery period. A new fabric driver was built to simulate body movements during wear. The driver drove specimens and reference fabrics on participants' forearms. The two-arm configuration of the fabric driver helps to enhance the reliability of assessment results. The participants were asked to give wetness rating on each sample in ratio scale. We conclude that log
10
of subjective wetness rating has linear relationship with drying time of fabric (DToF) and amount of water in fabric. A novel wetness factor (WF) is developed to quantify the effects of wet perception and exposure time induced by a drying fabric. WF is the area under curve of wetness rating against DToF. A smaller WF indicates that a user suffers less from wet sensation.
Why war is a man's game
Authors: Micheletti Alberto J. C. , Ruxton Graeme D. , Gardner Andy
Published: August 2018

Interest in the evolutionary origins and drivers of warfare in ancient and contemporary small-scale human societies has greatly increased in the last decade, and has been particularly spurred by exciting archaeological discoveries that suggest our ancestors led more violent lives than previously documented. However, the striking observation that warfare is an almost-exclusively male activity remains unexplained. Three general hypotheses have been proposed, concerning greater male effectiveness in warfare, lower male costs, and patrilocality. But while each of these factors might explain why warfare is more common in men, they do not convincingly explain why women almost never participate. Here, we develop a mathematical model to formally assess these hypotheses. Surprisingly, we find that exclusively male warfare may evolve even in the absence of any such sex differences, though sex biases in these parameters can make this evolutionary outcome more likely. The qualitative observation that participation in warfare is almost exclusive to one sex is ultimately explained by the fundamentally sex-specific nature of Darwinian competition—in fitness terms, men compete with men and women with women. These results reveal a potentially key role for ancestral conditions in shaping our species' patterns of sexual division of labour and violence-related adaptations and behavioural disorders.
Transdiagnostic variations in impulsivity and compulsivity in obsessive-compulsive disorder and gambling disorder correlate with effective connectivity in cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits
Authors: Parkes Linden , Tiego Jeggan , Aquino Kevin , Braganza Leah , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Fontenelle Leonardo , Harrison Ben J. , Lorenzetti Valentina , Paton Bryan , Razi Adeel , Fornito Alex , Yücel Murat
Published: August 2018

Background

Individual differences in impulsivity and compulsivity is thought to underlie vulnerability to a broad range of disorders and are closely tied to cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) function. However, whether impulsivity and compulsivity in clinical disorders is continuous with the healthy population and explains CSTC dysfunction across different disorders remains unclear.

Methods

We characterized the relationship between CSTC effective connectivity, estimated using dynamic causal modelling of functional magnetic resonance imaging data, and dimensional phenotypes of impulsivity and compulsivity in two symptomatically distinct but phenotypically related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and gambling disorder (GD). 487 online participants provided data for modelling of dimensional phenotypes. These data were combined with 34 OCD patients, 22 GD patients, and 39 healthy controls, who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Three core dimensions were identified: disinhibition, impulsivity, and compulsivity. Patients’ scores on these dimensions were continuously distributed with the healthy participants, supporting a continuum model of psychopathology. Across all participants, higher disinhibition correlated with lower bottom-up connectivity in the dorsal circuit and increased bottom-up connectivity in the ventral circuit, and higher compulsivity correlated with reduced bottom-up connectivity in the dorsal circuit. Similar changes in effective connectivity were observed with increasing clinical severity that were not accounted for by phenotypic variation, demonstrating convergence towards behaviourally and clinically relevant changes in brain dynamics. Effective connectivity did not differ as a function of traditional diagnostic labels.

Conclusions

CSTC dysfunction across OCD and GD is better characterized by dimensional phenotypes than diagnostic comparisons, supporting investigation of quantitative liability phenotypes.
Chikungunya in Colombia: a description of an epidemic within the framework of a COPCORD study
Authors: Rueda Juan C. , Santos Ana M. , Angarita Jose-Ignacio , Giraldo Rodrigo B. , Saldarriaga Eugenia-Lucia , Muñoz Jesús Giovanny Ballesteros , Forero Elías , Valencia Hugo , Somoza Francisco , Peláez-Ballestas Ingris , Cardiel Mario H. , Pavía Paula X. , Londono John
Published: August 2018

During 2014 and 2015 the chikungunya virus reached Colombia unleashing an epidemic that spread throughout the whole territory. Concurrently, the Colombian Rheumatology Association was conducting a Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) to establish rheumatic disease prevalence in the country. Chikungunya infected patients were identified within the COPCORD population. The aim of this study was to describe the demographics, clinical characteristics and disability of patients with clinical suspicion of chikungunya infection. To confirm chikungunya infection, ELISA IgM and IgG serology was performed. From the 6528-surveyed people of the COPCORD study, 548 where included in the study because of clinical suspicion of chikungunya virus infection. Of those, 295 were positive for IgG or IgM chikungunya serology with 151 patients fulfilling WHO clinical criteria for chikungunya infection (true positives). Most patients were > 45 years (57.7%), and females (69.7%). Patients with low income and low socio-economic strata had increased risk of chikungunya infection (p = 0.00; OR: 2.36, CI: 1.47-3.77 and p = 0.00; OR: 2.81, CI: 1.90-4.17 respectively). True positive patients were associated with symmetric arthritis (p = 0.00; OR: 22.49, CI: 12.71-39.80) of ankles (p = 0.00; OR: 16.06, CI: 7.57-34.08), hands (p = 0.00; OR: 16.12, CI: 8.25-39.79), feet (p = 0.00; OR: 16.35, CI: 7.41-36.05) and elbows (p = 0.00; OR: 14.00, CI: 3.03-64.70). Most patients developed mild to moderate disability (95.2 to 100%). Our study showed that poverty and low socioeconomic status are associated with increased risk of chikungunya infection. Also, we found two distinctive phenotypes of chikungunya infection; those with positive chikungunya serology and typical clinical symptoms (true positives) and those with positive serology without clinical symptoms (false negatives). Finally, a distinctive clinical picture presented by chikungunya infected patients was found which should be considered as the hallmark for diagnostic clinical criteria.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging of Excitable Cells
Authors: Howe Carmel L. , Webb Kevin F. , Abayzeed Sidahmed A. , Anderson David J. , Denning Chris , Russell Noah A.
Published: August 2018

Surface plasmons are highly sensitive to refractive index variations adjacent to the surface. This sensitivity has been exploited successfully for chemical and biological assays. In these systems, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based sensor detects temporal variations in the refractive index at a point. SPR has also been used in imaging systems where the spatial variations of refractive index in the sample provide the contrast mechanism. A high numerical aperture objective lens has been used to design SPR microscopy systems with the ability to image adherent live cells. Addressing research questions in cell physiology and pharmacology often requires the development of a multimodal microscope where complementary information can be obtained.

In this paper, we present the development of a multimodal microscope that combines surface plasmon resonance imaging with a number of additional imaging modalities including bright-field, epi-fluorescence, total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) and SPR fluorescence microscopy. We used a high numerical aperture objective lens to achieve SPR and TIR microscopy with the ability to image adherent live cells non-invasively. The platform has been used to image live cell cultures demonstrating both fluorescent and label-free techniques. The SPR and TIR imaging systems feature a wide field of view (300 µm) that allows measurements from multiple cells while the resolution is sufficient to image fine cellular processes. The ability of the platform to perform label-free functional imaging of living cell was demonstrated by imaging the spatial variations in contraction of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. This technique has a promise for non-invasive imaging of the development of cultured cells over very long periods of time.
Microscopic and Macroscopic Response of a Cortical Neuron to an External Electric Field Computed with the Boundary Element Fast Multipole Method
Authors: Makarov Sergey N , Noetscher Gregory M , Sundaram Padmavathi
Published: August 2018

The goal of this study is to demonstrate how one can compute the activating function and surface charge density resulting from application of an external electric field to a high-resolution realistic neuronal morphology. We use the boundary element fast multipole method (BEM-FMM) on an ordinary computer to accurately perform these computations in under 2-10 minutes for a dense surface mesh of a single neuron with approximately 1.4 million triangles. Prior work used commercial finite element method (FEM) software which required creation of a volumetric tetrahedral mesh between fine neuronal arbor, potentially resulting in prohibitively large volume sizes and long mesh generation times. We used the example of a human pyramidal neuron with an externally applied E-field to show how our approach can quickly and accurately compute the induced surface charge density on the cell surface and the activating function of the cable equation. We found that the induced surface charge density perturbs the macroscopically applied E-field on a microscopic spatial scale. The strength of the perturbation depends on the conductivity contrast; the stronger the contrast, the larger the perturbation. In our example, the induced surface charge density may change the average activating function by up to 75%. We also embedded this neuron model into a detailed macroscopic human head model and simulated a realistic TMS excitation using the BEM-FMM method for the combined model. The solution obtained in this case predicted a smaller activating function error. The difference between the microscopic and the macroscopic effect of the externally applied electric field is of much interest to users of extracellular stimulation techniques and merits further study.
Using Drosophila behavioral assays to characterize terebrid venom-peptide bioactivity
Authors: Eriksson Anders , Anand Prachi , Gorson Juliette , Grijuc Corina , Hadelia Elina , Stewart James C , Holford Mandё , Claridge-Chang Adam
Published: August 2018

The number of newly discovered peptides from the transcriptomes and proteomes of animal venom arsenals is rapidly increasing, resulting in an abundance of uncharacterized peptides. There is a pressing need for a systematic, cost effective, and scalable approach to identify physiological effects of venom peptides. To address this discovery-to-function gap, we developed a sequence driven:activity-based hybrid approach for screening venom peptides that is amenable to large-venom peptide libraries with minimal amounts of peptide. Using this approach, we characterized the physiological and behavioral phenotypes of two peptides from the venom of predatory terebrid marine snails, teretoxins Tv1 from Terebra variegata and Tsu1.1 from Terebra subulata. Our results indicate that Tv1 and Tsu1.1 have distinct bioactivity. Tv1 (100 μM) had an antinociceptive effect in adult Drosophila using a thermal nociception assay to measure heat avoidance. Alternatively, Tsu1.1 (100 μM) increased food intake. These findings describe the first functional bioactivity of terebrid venom peptides in relation to pain and diet and indicate that Tv1 and Tsu1.1 may, respectively, act as antinociceptive and orexigenic agents. Tv1 and Tsu1.1 are distinct from previously identified venom peptides, expanding the toolkit of peptides that can potentially be used to investigate the physiological mechanisms of pain and diet.
Extracellular electron transfer may be an overlooked contribution to pelagic respiration in humic-rich freshwater lakes
Authors: He Shaomei , Lau Maximilian P. , Linz Alexandra M. , Roden Eric E. , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: August 2018

Humic lakes and ponds receive large amounts of terrestrial carbon and are important components of the global carbon cycle, yet how their redox cycling influences the carbon budget is not fully understood. Here we compared metagenomes obtained from a humic bog and a clearwater eutrophic lake, and found a much larger number of genes that might be involved in extracellular electron transfer (EET) for iron redox reactions and humic substance (HS) reduction in the bog than in the clearwater lake, consistent with the much higher iron and HS levels in the bog. These genes were particularly rich in the bog’s anoxic hypolimnion, and were found in diverse bacterial lineages, some of which are relatives of known iron oxidizers or iron/HS reducers. We hypothesize that HS may be a previously overlooked electron acceptor and EET-enabled redox cycling may be important in pelagic respiration and greenhouse gas budget in humic-rich freshwater lakes.
Chicago and Dovetail Hi-C proximity ligation yield chromosome length scaffolds of Ixodes scapularis genome
Authors: Nuss Andrew B. , Sharma Arvind , Gulia-Nuss Monika
Published: August 2018

A high-quality genome sequence is essential for understanding an organism on molecular level. However, the larger genomes with substantial repetitive sequences are challenging to assemble with the sequencing technologies. Hi-C technique is changing the genome architecture landscape by providing links across a variety of length scales, spanning even whole chromosomes. Ixodes scapularis haploid genome is 2.1 gbp and the current assembly consists of 369,495 scaffolds representing 57% of the genome. The fragmented genome poses challenges with functional gene analysis and an improved assembly is needed. We therefore used the Hi C technique to achieve chromosomal level assembly of tick genome. With Chicago and Dovetail Hi C assemblies, we were able to achieve 28 >10Mb sequences that correspond to 28 chromosomes in I. scapularis.
Analysis and comparison of genome editing using CRISPResso2
Authors: Clement Kendell , Rees Holly , Canver Matthew C. , Gehrke Jason M. , Farouni Rick , Hsu Jonathan Y , Cole Mitchel , Liu David R. , Keith Joung J. , Bauer Daniel E. , Pinello Luca
Published: August 2018

Genome editing technologies are rapidly evolving, and analysis of deep sequencing data from target or off-target regions is necessary for measuring editing efficiency and evaluating safety. However, no software exists to analyze base editors, perform allele-specific quantification or that incorporates biologically-informed and scalable alignment approaches. Here, we present CRISPResso2 to fill this gap and illustrate its functionality by experimentally measuring and analyzing the editing properties of six genome editing agents.
Individual and temporal variation in pathogen load predicts long-term impacts of an emerging infectious disease
Authors: Wells Konstans , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Jones Menna E. , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Storfer Andrew , McCallum Hamish I.
Published: August 2018

Emerging infectious diseases increasingly threaten wildlife populations. Most studies focus on managing short-term epidemic properties, such as controlling early outbreaks. Predicting long-term endemic characteristics with limited retrospective data is more challenging. We used individual-based modelling informed by individual variation in pathogen load and transmissibility to predict long-term impacts of a lethal, transmissible cancer on Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) populations. For this, we employed Approximate Bayesian Computation to identify model scenarios that best matched known epidemiological and demographic system properties derived from ten years of data after disease emergence, enabling us to forecast future system dynamics. We show that the dramatic devil population declines observed thus far are likely attributable to transient dynamics. Only 21% of matching scenarios led to devil extinction within 100 years following devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) introduction, whereas DFTD faded out in 57% of simulations. In the remaining 22% of simulations, disease and host coexisted for at least 100 years, usually with long-period oscillations. Our findings show that pathogen extirpation or host-pathogen coexistence are much more likely than the DFTD-induced devil extinction, with crucial management ramifications. Accounting for individual-level disease progression and the long-term outcome of devil-DFTD interactions at the population-level, our findings suggest that immediate management interventions are unlikely to be necessary to ensure the persistence of Tasmanian devil populations. This is because strong population declines of devils after disease emergence do not necessarily translate into long-term population declines at equilibria. Our modelling approach is widely applicable to other host-pathogen systems to predict disease impact beyond transient dynamics.
Evidence based learning design – the opportunities afforded by learning analytics
Authors: Cohen Jay Andrew
Published: August 2018

Purpose

As a means of better understanding learner success, higher education institutions, training providers, and corporate learning and development teams are contemplating the opportunities learning analytics affords. Simply put, learning analytics is the collection, analysis, and reporting of learner data, for the principle means of enhancing learning. It is argued that learning analytics – when available in a consistent and digestible format – not only provides educators with a clear view of the learners “footprint” but also allows for the means of navigating the broad spectrum of possible learning interventions. This brief paper outlines a clear definition of learning analytics and provides some suggestions on how learning analytics can assist in informing the decision-making relating to learning interventions for learning designers and educators via an evidence-based approach, one in which learner success is at the forefront.

Design/methodology/approach

Viewpoint paper

Findings

This paper has found that the collecting, reporting, predicting, and acting on learning analytics are more effective means of targeting adjustment to learning material, including interactive aspects, videos, text, discussion board activities, collaborative group work, assessment tasks, quizzes, branching scenarios, and teacher facilitated learning interventions.

Research limitations/implications

This is not a research paper, and as such so no limitations/implications are presented.

Practical implications

This paper explores how this is undertaken using an evidence-based approach, one in which learner success is at the forefront.

Social implications

This paper provides some practical strategies for trainers, educators, and learning designers.

Originality/value

Viewpoint paper
The Great Recession and wealth in the United States: differentials by religious affiliation
Authors: Beck Sedefka V. , Brodersen Donka Mirtcheva
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine wealth dynamics through the Great Recession along a dimension previously not studied, religious affiliation. Specifically, this paper analyzes wealth differentials and relative wealth losses among religious groups at the mean and along the wealth distribution before and after the Great Recession.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and including a wide array of control variables, the paper analyzes the impact of religious affiliation groups on wealth pre- and post-Recession, using OLS, generalized least squares and quantile regression models.

Findings

The findings show that wealth differentials among religious groups exist both before and after the Recession and that wealth disparities are greater for people at the low end of the wealth distribution, who lost disproportionately more wealth across religious groups.

Social implications

The results suggest that the Great Recession further increased wealth inequality yet along another dimension, religious affiliation. These findings imply that in order to decrease wealth inequality and minimize other harmful effects of adverse macroeconomic events, religious institutions may provide education on financial management strategies, especially to those at the low end of the wealth distribution.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to build upon two bodies of literature: the research on religion and wealth and the research on wealth losses and the Great Recession. It is also the first paper to explore the religion–wealth relationship after the Great Recession and along the wealth distribution.
Supply chain integration and its impact on sustainability
Authors: Kang Mingu , Yang Ma Ga (Mark) , Park Youngwon , Huo Baofeng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of supply chain integration (SCI) in improving sustainability management practices (SMPs) and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 931 manufacturing firms in multiple countries and regions, the authors conducted a structural equation modeling analysis to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that supplier and customer integration are vital enablers for both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs. The results also reveal that both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs are significantly and positively associated with sustainability performance (i.e. economic, environmental and social performance) and function as complements to jointly enhance environmental and social performance.

Originality/value

This study incorporates SCI into the sustainability literature, providing a new perspective on sustainability and supply chain management research.
Having a voice
Authors: Massie Rachel , Machin Richard , McCormack Fiona , Kurth Judith
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the lived experience of people who have experienced homelessness and street activity, and professional stakeholders’ views about the challenges faced by this client group. The study sought to identify measures to improve the current situation for both individuals experiencing homelessness and professionals working with them.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer researchers with lived experience of multiple and complex needs conducted semi-structured interviews/surveys with 18 participants (eight individuals experiencing homelessness and street activity and ten professional stakeholders). The authors of the paper conducted a thematic analysis of the data.

Findings

This paper offers insights into both the current challenges and assets for people who are or have been homeless in an urban setting. Key findings include the need for a coordinated partnership approach to address pathways to support, and the importance of developing opportunities for meaningful activity and building on local resources including giving homeless people a voice. These findings are discussed within the context of current policy (Housing First) and legislation (Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) and the impact on integrated care for people who have experienced homelessness.

Research limitations/implications

The views explored in this study are specific to one city centre in the West Midlands; thus, generalisability may be limited.

Originality/value

This study presents a participatory research approach with peer researchers exploring the perspective of individuals experiencing homelessness and wider stakeholders. The findings of this research are considered with reference to the provisions of the HRA 2017.
Lean production integration adaptable to dynamic conditions
Authors: Stålberg Lina , Fundin Anders
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how a continuous improvement (CI) approach like lean production (LP) integration is affected by dynamic conditions and to propose how LP integration can be adaptable to dynamic conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study has been conducted in which data were collected through participative observations, observations, documents and an in-depth semi-structured interview.

Findings

The adaptability is related to the maturity level of the LP integration, where more mature organisations are better equipped to deal with the challenges occurring due to their learning and experimentation capabilities. The main problem is that the LP integration needs to be adapted, like compromising with just-in-time. This creates challenges to more immature organisations; they do not seem to be able to adapt the LP integration since the skills are lacking.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations are associated with the research design and therefore might limit generalisation of the context studied.

Practical implications

The management needs to stay focused on the LP integration to continue building CI capability. There is a need to adapt the LP concept, which includes assessing how proposed changes and the LP concept interact in order to make them reinforce each other. This involves creating guidelines concerning adaptation and facilitating a transition from mainly single-loop learning to double-loop learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by describing challenges that have an impact on LP integration and related organisational adaptability under dynamic conditions.
Sentiment annotations for reviews: an information quality perspective
Authors: Yang Heng-Li , Chao August F.Y.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose sentiment annotation at sentence level to reduce information overloading while reading product/service reviews in the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The keyword-based sentiment analysis is applied for highlighting review sentences. An experiment is conducted for demonstrating its effectiveness.

Findings

A prototype is built for highlighting tourism review sentences in Chinese with positive or negative sentiment polarity. An experiment results indicates that sentiment annotation can increase information quality and user’s intention to read tourism reviews.

Research limitations/implications

This study has made two major contributions: proposing the approach of adding sentiment annotation at sentence level of review texts for assisting decision-making; validating the relationships among the information quality constructs. However, in this study, sentiment analysis was conducted on a limited corpus; future research may try a larger corpus. Besides, the annotation system was built on the tourism data. Future studies might try to apply to other areas.

Practical implications

If the proposed annotation systems become popular, both tourists and attraction providers would obtain benefits. In this era of smart tourism, tourists could browse through the huge amount of internet information more quickly. Attraction providers could understand what are the strengths and weaknesses of their facilities more easily. The application of this sentiment analysis is possible for other languages, especially for non-spaced languages.

Originality/value

Facing large amounts of data, past researchers were engaged in automatically constructing a compact yet meaningful abstraction of the texts. However, users have different positions and purposes. This study proposes an alternative approach to add sentiment annotation at sentence level for assisting users.