bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-organization across scales: from molecules to organisms
Authors: Saha Tanumoy , Galic Milos
Published: April 2018

Creating ordered structures from chaotic environments is at the core of biological processes at the subcellular, cellular and organismic level. In this perspective, we explore the physical as well as biological features of two prominent concepts driving self-organization, namely phase transition and reaction–diffusion, before closing with a discussion on open questions and future challenges associated with studying self-organizing systems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
Wireless recording from unrestrained monkeys reveals motor goal encoding beyond immediate reach in frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Berger Michael , Agha Naubahar S. , Gail Alexander
Published: April 2018

System neuroscience of motor cognition regarding the space beyond immediate reach mandates free, yet experimentally controlled movements. We present an experimental environment (Reach Cage) and a versatile visuo-haptic interaction system (MaCaQuE) for investigating goal-directed whole-body movements of unrestrained monkeys. Two rhesus monkeys conducted instructed walk-and-reach movements towards targets flexibly positioned in the cage. We tracked 3D multi-joint arm and head movements using markerless motion capture. Movements show small trial-to-trial variability despite being unrestrained. We wirelessly recorded 192 broad-band neural signals from three cortical sensorimotor areas simultaneously. Single unit activity is selective for different reach and walk-and-reach movements. Walk-and-reach targets could be decoded from premotor and parietal but not motor cortical activity during movement planning. The Reach Cage allows systems-level sensorimotor neuroscience studies with full-body movements in a configurable 3D spatial setting with unrestrained monkeys. We conclude that the primate frontoparietal network encodes reach goals beyond immediate reach during movement planning.
Dissociable roles for the rTPJ and dmPFC in self-other processing: a HD-tDCS study
Authors: Martin A. K. , Huang J. , Meinzer M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Social interaction relies on the integration and distinction of self and other. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) are two regions consistently associated with social processes. Theories of rTPJ function in social cognition include self-other distinction, self-inhibition, or embodied mental rotation, whereas the dmPFC is associated with a wide range of social functions involving understanding and encoding information pertaining to others. However, to date, no study has provided causal evidence for dissociable roles of the rTPJ and dmPFC in social cognition.

Method

52 healthy young adults were stratified into two studies and received either dmPFC or rTPJ anodal HD-tDCS in a sham-controlled, double-blinded, repeated measures design. Subjects completed a social cognitive battery measuring self-other processing across an implicit and explicit level one (line-of-sight) and level two (mental rotation) visual perspective taking tasks (VPT), as well as self and other encoding effects on episodic memory in order to test the self-reference effect (SRE).

Results

Stimulation of the dmPFC selectively enhanced integration of the other perspective into self as indexed by an increase in congruency effect (incongruent-congruent) across both explicit VPT tasks. It also removed the SRE in episodic memory, indexed by increasing the recognition of other-encoded words and reducing the recognition of self-encoded words. Stimulation of the rTPJ resulted in improved inhibition of the self-perspective during level two VPT only, as indexed by a reduction of the congruency effect when taking the other perspective.

Conclusion

Our results provide the first causal evidence for dissociable roles of the dmPFC and rTPJ in social cognition. This research supports theories suggesting that rTPJ facilitates embodied mental rotation, whereas the dmPFC integrates information relevant to the other into that of the self.
Exocyst subcomplex functions in autophagosome biogenesis by regulating Atg9 trafficking
Authors: Singh Sunaina , Chinchwadkar Sarika , Aher Amol , Matheshwaran Saravanan , Manjithaya Ravi
Published: April 2018

During autophagy, double membrane vesicles called autophagosomes capture and degrade the intracellular cargo. The de novo formation of autophagosomes requires several vesicle transport and membrane fusion events which are not completely understood. We studied the involvement of Exocyst- an octameric tethering complex, which has a primary function in tethering post-Golgi secretory vesicles to plasma membrane, in autophagy. Our findings indicate not all subunits of exocyst are involved in selective and general autophagy. We show that in the absence of autophagy specific subunits, autophagy arrest is accompanied by accumulation of incomplete autophagosome-like structures. In these mutants, impaired Atg9 trafficking leads to decreased delivery of membrane to the site of autophagosome biogenesis thereby impeding the elongation and completion of the autophagosomes. The subunits of exocyst which are dispensable for autophagic function do not associate with the autophagy specific subcomplex of exocyst.
An alternative mode of epithelial polarity in the Drosophila midgut
Authors: Chen Jia , Sayadian Aram-Christopher , Lowe Nick , Lovegrove Holly E. , St Johnston Daniel
Published: April 2018

Apical-basal polarity is essential for the formation and function of epithelial tissues, whereas loss of polarity is a hallmark of tumours. Studies in Drosophila have identified conserved polarity factors that define the apical (Crumbs, Stardust, Par-6, aPKC), junctional (Baz/Par-3) and basolateral (Scribbled, Discs large, Lgl) domains of epithelial cells (1, 2). Because these conserved factors mark equivalent domains in diverse vertebrate and invertebrate epithelial types, it is generally assumed that this system organises polarity in all epithelia. Here we show that this is not the case, as none of these canonical factors are required for the polarisation of the endodermal epithelium of the Drosophila adult midgut. Furthermore, unlike other Drosophila epithelia, the midgut forms occluding junctions above adherens junctions, as in vertebrates, and requires the integrin adhesion complex for polarity (3, 4). Thus, Drosophila contains two types of epithelia that polarise by different mechanisms. Since knock-outs of canonical polarity factors often have little effect on the polarity of vertebrate epithelia, this diversity of polarity mechanisms is likely to be conserved in other animals (5-8).
Expanding the size limit of RNA viruses: Evidence of a novel divergent nidovirus in California sea hare, with a ~35.9 kb virus genome
Authors: Debat Humberto J
Published: April 2018

While RNA viruses thrive with massive structural and functional diversity, their genomes size variation is particularly low, ranging only from ~2-to-33 kb. Here, I present the characterization of RNA sequences corresponding to the first virus associated with
Aplysia californica
. Genome structure and domain architecture suggest that the identified virus is a novel member of
Nidovirales
. The proposed aplysia californica nido-like virus (AcNV), with a genome sequence of ca.35,906 nt, represents the longest ever recorded RNA virus yet. Phylogenetic insights indicate that AcNV clusters in a major phylloclade of unclassified invertebrate nidoviruses,
Roniviridae
, and
Mesoniviridae
. Basal branching in this emerging cluster could indicate that AcNV is a member of a novel divergent clade within
Nidovirales
. Further, virus RNA detection in multiple independent studies suggests that AcNV is neurotropic with a broad cell/tissue/organ tropism, supported by AcNV occurrence in diverse organs, including the first detection of a Nidovirales in single specific neurons.
Isolation, evaluation of bioactivity and structure determination of amethinol A, a prototypic amethane diterpene from Isodon amethystoides bearing a six/five/seven-membered carbon-ring system
Authors: Zhao Chen-Liang , Sarwar Md. Shahid , Ye Jiang-Hai , Ku Chuen Fai , Li Wan-Fei , Luo Guo-Yong , Zhang Jing-Jie , Xu Jun , Huang Zhao-Feng , Tsang Siu Wai , Pan Lu-Tai , Zhang Hong-Jie
Published: April 2018

We report the isolation of a novel diterpene, designated as `amethane', from Isodon amethystoides (Lamiaceae). The diterpene [amethinol A; systematic name: (4aR,4bR,7R,10aS)-4b,7-dihydroxy-7-isopropyl-1,1-dimethyl-9-oxododecahydrobenzo[a]azulene-4a(2H)-carboxylic acid], possesses a unique skeleton containing a six/five/seven-membered tricyclic system. Intermolecular O—H...O close contacts were found to the carboxyl, carbonyl and hydroxy groups, connecting molecules into a two-dimensional structure. A possible biosynthetic pathway has been proposed. In addition, the compound was evaluated for its biological activities against different disease targets, and was found to significantly attenuate RORγt-dependent autoimmune responses.
In situproteolysis of an N-terminal His tag with thrombin improves the diffraction quality of human aldo-keto reductase 1C3 crystals
Authors: Plavša Jovana J. , Řezáčová Pavlína , Kugler Michael , Pachl Petr , Brynda Jiří , Voburka Zdeněk , Ćelić Anđelka , Petri Edward T. , Škerlová Jana
Published: April 2018

Human aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) stereospecifically reduces steroids and prostaglandins and is involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. Its role in various cancers makes it a potential therapeutic target for the development of inhibitors. Recombinant AKR1C3 with a thrombin-cleavable N-terminal His6tag was expressed from a pET-28(+) vector for structural studies of enzyme–inhibitor complexes. A modifiedin situproteolysis approach was applied to specifically remove the His tag by thrombin cleavage during crystallization screening trials. This improved the morphology and diffraction quality of the crystals and allowed the acquisition of high-resolution diffraction data and structure solution. This approach may be generally applicable to other proteins expressed using the pET-28(+) vector.
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron generates diverse α-mannosidase activities through subtle evolution of a distal substrate-binding motif
Authors: Thompson Andrew J. , Spears Richard J. , Zhu Yanping , Suits Michael D. L. , Williams Spencer J. , Gilbert Harry J. , Davies Gideon J.
Published: April 2018

A dominant human gut microbe, the well studied symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt), is a glyco-specialist that harbors a large repertoire of genes devoted to carbohydrate processing. Despite strong similarities among them, many of the encoded enzymes have evolved distinct substrate specificities, and through the clustering of cognate genes within operons termed polysaccharide-utilization loci (PULs) enable the fulfilment of complex biological roles. Structural analyses of two glycoside hydrolase family 92 α-mannosidases, BT3130 and BT3965, together with mechanistically relevant complexes at 1.8–2.5 Å resolution reveal conservation of the global enzyme fold and core catalytic apparatus despite different linkage specificities. Structure comparison shows that Bt differentiates the activity of these enzymes through evolution of a highly variable substrate-binding region immediately adjacent to the active site. These observations unveil a genetic/biochemical mechanism through which polysaccharide-processing bacteria can evolve new and specific biochemical activities from otherwise highly similar gene products.
Determination of Patterson group symmetry from sparse multi-crystal data sets in the presence of an indexing ambiguity
Authors: Gildea Richard J. , Winter Graeme
Published: April 2018

Combining X-ray diffraction data from multiple samples requires determination of the symmetry and resolution of any indexing ambiguity. For the partial data sets typical of in situ room-temperature experiments, determination of the correct symmetry is often not straightforward. The potential for indexing ambiguity in polar space groups is also an issue, although methods to resolve this are available if the true symmetry is known. Here, a method is presented to simultaneously resolve the determination of the Patterson symmetry and the indexing ambiguity for partial data sets.
Gender dimension of vulnerability to climate change and variability
Authors: Alhassan Suhiyini I. , Kuwornu John K.M. , Osei-Asare Yaw B.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in the northern region of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assessed the vulnerability of male-headed and female-headed farming households to climate change and variability by using the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) and tested for significant difference in their vulnerability levels by applying independent two-sample-student’st-test based on gender by using a sample of 210 smallholder farming households.

Findings

The results revealed a significant difference in the vulnerability levels of female-headed and male-headed farming households. Female–headed households were more vulnerable to livelihood strategies, socio-demographic profile, social networks, water and food major components of the LVI, whereas male-headed households were more vulnerable to health. The vulnerability indices revealed that female–headed households were more sensitive to the impact of climate change and variability. However, female-headed households have the least adaptive capacities. In all, female-headed farming households are more vulnerable to climate change and variability than male-headed farming households.

Research limitations/implications

The study recommends that female-headed households should be given priority in both on-going and new intervention projects in climate change and agriculture by empowering them through financial resource support to venture into other income-generating activities. This would enable them to diversify their sources of livelihoods to boost their resilience to climate change and variability.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examined the gender dimension of vulnerability of smallholder farmers in Ghana by using the livelihood vulnerability framework. Female subordination in northern region of Ghana has been profound to warrant a study on gender dimension in relation to climate change and variability, especially as it is a semi-arid region with unpredictable climatic conditions. This research revealed the comparative vulnerability of male- and female-headed households to climate change and variability.
Organization of teaching practice of future primary school teachers in the context of dual training system
Authors: Khan Natalia , Syzdykbayeva Aigul , Kinzhibaeva Fariza , Demesheva Gulmira , Abilova Oryngul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bare the peculiarities and challenges of the dual training (DT) of the future primary school teachers in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The above-mentioned problem is quite urgent, as the system of VET and DT is a rather new experience for Kazakhstani system of higher education. Thereby, the paper makes an effort to demonstrate the forms of organization of DT at teachers’ training university.

Design/methodology/approach

The instruments for gathering information (data) for this study were various primary school teachers’ training curricula adopted by Kazakh State Women’s Teacher Training University; in particular, curricula of teaching practice. Various types of teaching practice during the entire learning period are provided by the state educational standards of higher professional education. Therefore, the research utilized a retrospective analysis that allows identifying the nature and specifics of the primary school teachers’ training curricula.

Findings

The paper points out the necessity to strengthen practical orientation of future primary school teacher through the synthesis of academic and educational processes (in school). It also presents the differences between the organization of teaching practice based on traditional and dual approach.

Originality/value

The authors suggest project curriculum of continuous teaching practice during the entire learning process on the example of the specialty 5B010200 Pedagogy and methodology of primary education in the context of DT and some results of its implementation.
Discussing school value: an educational services viewpoint
Authors: Kitagawa Keiichi , Aoyama Atsushi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define school value and its components. This paper discusses the contents of the school’s value and the structure of the school’s value. This paper also shows findings of educational services and value in high school.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive and inclusive questions were posed about “school value” to high-school instructors. A grounded theory approach was then used to analyze the collected data.

Findings

This analysis found that school value consists of four core categories: “school,” “students,” “guardians” and “region,” which consist of 13 high-ranking categories believed to represent the substance of school value. In addition, three of the four core categories are linked in a star pattern around the core category of “school.”

Research limitations/implications

This research analyzes the value of the school using the grounded theory approach. The data used for the analysis are interview data on the value of the school. And these analyzes reveal the contents of school value and the structure of school value.

Practical implications

This study discussed school value based on hearing data of faculty members. In the analysis method of this research, each school can find its own value by changing the target and contents of interview.

Social implications

Study of this school value clarified a leader’s role and action in the creation scene of school value. This finding will enable efficient activities of school leaders. As a result, it can be expected to promote school improvement.

Originality/value

The authors identified the categories forming “school value” and their relative relationships. “School value” emphasizes results co-created by stakeholders.
High school-university disconnect: a complex issue in Malaysia
Authors: Terpstra-Tong Jane Lai Yee , Ahmad Adlina
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major transition issues experienced by first-year students in Malaysia. In so doing, the authors compare the findings to those drawn from western contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a focus group method, conducting seven focus groups with a total of 35 business students.

Findings

This study identified five skills that are central to quick adaptation to university learning: independent learning, research, time management, English and critical thinking. Unlike findings in the western literature, the findings of this study do not indicate social aspect as a major adjustment issue.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the study’s small sample size. To overcome this, future researchers should consider a national study using a survey-based research method. To test whether students in a relationship-based culture are less prone to challenges related to social aspects in their transitions into university, cross-national or cross-cultural studies are needed.

Practical implications

The study’s findings point to the need for Malaysia’s universities to strengthen their transition programmes, and proactively form closer relationships with high schools to help their students identify suitable courses and develop their curricula.

Originality/value

This study highlights the inadequacy of private education in bridging the gap between high schools and private university education in Malaysia. As most first-year-experience studies have used western samples, this study provides much needed data addressing the development of higher education and its relationship with the school systems of developing countries.
Integrating video technology and administrative practice in policing
Authors: Piccorelli Justin T. , Elias Maria Veronica
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that philosophic and administrative thought have enframed (Heidegger, 1977) us to unconsciously accept technology in public administration and the bureaucracy.

Design/methodology/approach

It builds on literature in phenomenology.

Findings

It discusses the implications of this phenomenon for organizational decision-making, management, and governance more broadly.

Practical implications

It questions whether we should utilize video technology in policing, and examine technology as good or bad before implementing it.

Originality/value

Most of the critiques of technology were in the early 1990s. This paper attempts to explain why we implicitly accept technology, links the philosophy of Immanuel Kant to Herbert Simon, and articulates how technology shapes our thinking.
Impulse buying behaviour: an online-offline comparative and the impact of social media
Authors: Aragoncillo Laura , Orus Carlos
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the phenomenon of impulse buying in the fashion industry. The online and offline channels are compared to determine which is perceived as leading to more impulsive buying.

Design/methodology/approach

As the result of the literature review, three research questions are proposed and examined through an online self-administered survey with 212 valid responses.

Findings

Results show that the offline channel is slightly more encouraging of impulse buying than the online channel; factors that encourage online impulse buying explain this behaviour to a greater extent than do discouraging factors; social networks can have a big impact on impulse buying.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited by the sampling plan, the sample size and the measurement of some of the variables; only one product type is analysed. Further research is needed to confirm that shipping-refund costs and delayed gratification (traditionally, discouraging factors of online buying) encourage online impulse buying; clarify contradictory results regarding the role of online privacy and convenience. This research contributes to the validation of a scale to measure the influence of social media on impulse buying behaviour.

Practical implications

Offline companies can trigger the buying impulse to a greater extent than online retailers. Managers must carefully select social networks to encourage impulse buying, Facebook and Instagram being the most influential; Twitter has the least impact.

Originality/value

This study compares the impulse buying phenomenon in both the physical store and the internet. Moreover, the influence of social networks on impulse buying is also explored.
Pseudopropionibacterium rubrum sp. nov., a novel red‐pigmented species isolated from human gingival sulcus
Authors: Saito Masanori , Shinozaki‐Kuwahara Noriko , Tsudukibashi Osamu , Hashizume‐Takizawa Tomomi , Kobayashi Ryoki , Kurita‐Ochiai Tomoko
Published: April 2018

In this study, sStrain SK‐1T, a novel gram‐positive, pleomorphic, rod‐shaped, non‐spore forming, non‐motile organism, designated SK‐1T, was isolated from human gingival sulcus and found to produce acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid as end products of glucose fermentation. Strain SK‐1T is most closely related to Pseudopropionibacterium (Propionibacterium) propionicum with sequence homologies of the 16S rRNA and RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB) genes of 96.6% and 93.1%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content of the isolate was 61.8 mol%. On the basis of the sequence data of the 16S rRNA and housekeeping (rpoB) genes, a novel taxon is here proposed, Pseudopropionibacterium rubrum sp. nov. (type strain SK‐1T = JCM 31317T = DSM 100122T). The 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequences of strain SK‐1T have been deposited in the DDBJ under the accession numbers LC002971 and LC102236, respectively.
Effects of tephra falls on vegetation: A Late‐Quaternary record from southern Italy
Authors: Allen Judy R. M. , Huntley Brian
Published: April 2018

Impacts of tephra deposition on vegetation are recorded in a series of 10 high temporal resolution absolute pollen diagrams from Lago Grande di Monticchio, each diagram spanning a single tephra deposition event during the last glacial–interglacial cycle.

Sediment accumulation rates determined by counting and measurement of annual laminations (“varves”) provide an accurate and precise chronology, enabling the minimum recovery time after a tephra fall to be determined.

In most cases, pollen accumulation rate was reduced after the tephra fall, indicating reduced vegetation productivity. Tephra deposition events also led to changes in vegetation composition, although these varied in magnitude.

The magnitude and duration of the impacts upon the vegetation were related to the thickness of the tephra layer deposited, the thickest layers examined (>250 mm) having minimum recovery times of up to a century and thicker layers generally having greater impacts upon pollen productivity and vegetation composition.

Tephra chemistry also influenced the persistence of the impact.

The nature of the prevailing vegetation prior to the tephra fall influenced the degree and persistence of the impact. Tephra layers <30 mm thick had minimum recovery times of up to 90 years when they fell on wooded steppe vegetation, whereas cold steppe recovered much more quickly, as did forest.

The relative sensitivity of wooded steppe was contrary to our expectations.

Of individual pollen taxa, Cupressaceae emerged as particularly sensitive to tephra deposition.

Synthesis. Applying absolute pollen analytical methods to a sediment record with a well‐supported and precise chronology obtained from a lake in a volcanic region where the vegetation has been subject to numerous tephra deposition events enabled us to explore the impacts of such events. Our results provide evidence of differential impacts upon individual plant taxa and of differential sensitivity of three vegetation types that have prevailed in the region during the last glacial–interglacial cycle. The influences of tephra thickness and chemistry on minimum recovery time were substantial. Our results are relevant to forecasting the potential impacts upon ecosystems of volcanic eruptions.
Community and functional shifts in ammonia oxidizers across terrestrial and marine (soil/sediment) boundaries in two coastal Bay ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Li‐Mei , Duff Aoife M. , Smith Cindy J.
Published: April 2018

Terrestrial–marine boundaries are significant sites of biogeochemical activity with delineated gradients from land to sea. While niche differentiation of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) driven by pH and nitrogen is well known, the patterns and environmental drivers of AOA and AOB community structure and activity across soil‐sediment boundaries have not yet been determined. In this study, nitrification potential rate, community composition and transcriptional activity of AOA and AOB in soil, soil/sediment interface and sediments of two coastal Bays were characterized using a combination of field investigations and microcosm incubations. At DNA level, amoA gene abundances of AOA were significantly greater than AOB in soil, while in sediments AOB were significantly more abundant than AOA, but at the soil/sediment interface there were equal numbers of AOA and AOB amoA genes. Microcosm incubations provided further evidence, through qPCR and DGGE‐sequencing analysis of amoA transcripts, that AOA were active in soil, AOB in sediment and both AOA and AOB were active at the soil/sediment interface. The AOA and AOB community composition shifted across the coastal soil‐interface‐sediment gradient with salinity and pH identified as major environmental drivers.
Phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid and soil moisture influence biofilm development and turnover of rhizobacterial biomass on wheat root surfaces
Authors: LeTourneau Melissa K. , Marshall Matthew J. , Cliff John B. , Bonsall Robert F. , Dohnalkova Alice C. , Mavrodi Dmitri V. , Devi S. Indira , Mavrodi Olga V. , Harsh James B. , Weller David M. , Thomashow Linda S.
Published: April 2018

Phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) is produced by rhizobacteria in dryland but not in irrigated wheat fields of the Pacific Northwest, USA. PCA promotes biofilm development in bacterial cultures and bacterial colonization of wheat rhizospheres. However, its impact upon biofilm development has not been demonstrated in the rhizosphere, where biofilms influence terrestrial carbon and nitrogen cycles with ramifications for crop and soil health. Furthermore, the relationships between soil moisture and the rates of PCA biosynthesis and degradation have not been established. In this study, expression of PCA biosynthesis genes was upregulated relative to background transcription, and persistence of PCA was slightly decreased in dryland relative to irrigated wheat rhizospheres. Biofilms in dryland rhizospheres inoculated with the PCA‐producing (PCA+) strain Pseudomonas synxantha 2‐79RN10 were more robust than those in rhizospheres inoculated with an isogenic PCA‐deficient (PCA‐) mutant strain. This trend was reversed in irrigated rhizospheres. In dryland PCA+ rhizospheres, the turnover of 15N‐labelled rhizobacterial biomass was slower than in the PCA‐ and irrigated PCA+ treatments, and incorporation of bacterial 15N into root cell walls was observed in multiple treatments. These results indicate that PCA promotes biofilm development in dryland rhizospheres, and likely influences crop nutrition and soil health in dryland wheat fields.
Seagrass rhizosphere microenvironment alters plant‐associated microbial community composition
Authors: Brodersen Kasper Elgetti , Siboni Nachshon , Nielsen Daniel A. , Pernice Mathieu , Ralph Peter J. , Seymour Justin , Kühl Michael
Published: April 2018

The seagrass rhizosphere harbors dynamic microenvironments, where plant‐driven gradients of O2and dissolved organic carbon form microhabitats that select for distinct microbial communities. To examine how seagrass‐mediated alterations of rhizosphere geochemistry affect microbial communities at the microscale level, we applied 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of artificial sediments surrounding the meristematic tissues of the seagrassZostera muelleritogether with microsensor measurements of the chemical conditions at the basal leaf meristem (BLM). Radial O2loss (ROL) from the BLM led to ∼ 300 µm thick oxic microzones, wherein pronounced decreases in H2S and pH occurred. Significantly higher relative abundances of sulphate‐reducing bacteria were observed around the meristematic tissues compared to the bulk sediment, especially around the root apical meristems (RAM; ∼ 57% of sequences). Within oxic microniches, elevated abundances of sulphide‐oxidizing bacteria were observed compared to the bulk sediment and around the RAM. However, sulphide oxidisers within the oxic microzone did not enhance sediment detoxification, as rates of H2S re‐oxidation here were similar to those observed in a pre‐sterilized root/rhizome environment. Our results provide novel insights into how chemical and microbiological processes in the seagrass rhizosphere modulate plant‐microbe interactions potentially affecting seagrass health.
Metal contaminations impact archaeal community composition, abundance and function in remote alpine lakes
Authors: Compte‐Port Sergi , Borrego Carles M. , Moussard Hélène , Jeanbille Mathilde , Restrepo‐Ortiz Claudia Ximena , de Diego Alberto , Rodriguez‐Iruretagoiena Azibar , Gredilla Ainara , Fdez‐Ortiz de Vallejuelo Silvia , Galand Pierre E. , Kalenitchenko Dimitri , Rols Jean‐Luc , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Gonzalez Aridane G. , Camarero Lluis , Muñiz Selene , Navarro‐Navarro Enrique , Auguet Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2018

Using the 16S rRNA and mcrA genes, we investigated the composition, abundance and activity of sediment archaeal communities within 18 high‐mountain lakes under contrasted metal levels from different origins (bedrock erosion, past‐mining activities and atmospheric depositions). Bathyarchaeota, Euryarchaeota and Woesearchaeota were the major phyla found at the meta‐community scale, representing 48%, 18.3% and 15.2% of the archaeal community respectively. Metals were equally important as physicochemical variables in explaining the assemblage of archaeal communities and their abundance. Methanogenesis appeared as a process of central importance in the carbon cycle within sediments of alpine lakes as indicated by the absolute abundance of methanogen 16S rRNA and mcrA gene transcripts (105 to 109 copies g−1). We showed that methanogen abundance and activity were significantly reduced with increasing concentrations of Pb and Cd, two indicators of airborne metal contaminations. Considering the ecological importance of methanogenesis in sediment habitats, these metal contaminations may have system wide implications even in remote area such as alpine lakes. Overall, this work was pioneer in integrating the effect of long‐range atmospheric depositions on archaeal communities and indicated that metal contamination might significantly compromise the contribution of Archaea to the carbon cycling of the mountain lake sediments.
The role of segmental and tonal information in visual word recognition with learners of Chinese
Authors: Li Chuchu , Wang Min , Davis Joshua A. , Guan Connie Qun
Published: April 2018

The present study investigated the representation and processing of segmental and tonal information in visual Chinese word recognition in native and non‐native Chinese readers. Two experiments using homophone judgement paradigm were conducted. When judging two Chinese characters (Experiment 1), both groups showed difficulties when the segmental but not tonal information was shared (i.e., S+T− condition), with stronger interference for non‐native readers. When judging a Pinyin and a Chinese character (Experiment 2), non‐native readers' S+T− disadvantage was significantly reduced. Finally, when their L1s share the Latin alphabets with Pinyin, the participants showed stronger segmental reliance compared with the native readers. These findings suggest that while both native and non‐native readers rely more on segmental information in Chinese visual word recognition, this reliance is stronger among non‐native readers. Furthermore, the alphabetic nature of the Pinyin orthography may help non‐native readers' phonological representation and processing in a nonalphabetic writing system.
Laparoscopic management of choledochal cysts in infants and children: A review of current practice
Authors: Chan Edwin Kin‐Wai , Lee Kim‐Hung , Wong Vicky Hei‐Yi , Tsui Bess Siu‐Yan , Wong Sammi Yuen‐Shan , Pang Kristine Kit‐Yi , Mou Jennifer Wai‐Cheung , Tam Peter Yuk‐Him
Published: April 2018

Aim

Choledochal cyst is characterized by congenital dilatation of the biliary system. Patients with choledochal cyst tend to be symptomatic in their childhood. The aim of this study was to review the current practice in laparoscopic management of choledochal cyst in infants and children.

Patients and Methods

A PubMed database search was performed for all the studies on children who underwent laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst. Additional literature was cited second hand from the first‐tier literatures.

Results

Studies on i) laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy in children; ii) laparoscopic management of choledochal cyst in antenatally detected choledochal cyst; iii) single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in children with choledochal cyst; iv) robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery in children with choledochal cyst and v) hepaticoduodenostomy in children with choledochal cyst were reviewed.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy remains safe and feasible in children and infants. In centers experienced in MIS, SILS and robotic–assisted laparoscopy in the management of children with choledochal cyst were reported to be an alternative approach. The debate on hepaticoduodenostomy versus hepaticojejunostomy in biliary reconstruction will continue until a longterm outcome is available in the future.
Accuracy of the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity score and the Nottingham risk score in hip fracture patients in Sweden — A prospective observational study
Authors: Jonsson M. H. , Bentzer P. , Turkiewicz A. , Hommel A.
Published: April 2018

Background

Little is known about accuracy of common risk prediction scores in elderly patients suffering from hip fractures. The objective of this study was to investigate accuracy of the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) score, Portsmouth‐POSSUM (P‐POSSUM) score and the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) for prediction of mortality and morbidity in this patient group.

Methods

This was a prospective single centre observational study on 997 patients suffering out‐of‐hospital cervical, trochanteric or subtrochanteric fracture of the neck of the femur. Calibration and discrimination was assessed by calculating the ratio of observed to expected events (O:E) and areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC).

Results

The 30‐day mortality was 6.2% and complications, as defined by POSSUM, occurred in 41% of the patients. Overall O:E ratios for POSSUM, P‐POSSUM and NHFS scores for 30‐day mortality were 0.90, 0.98, and 0.79 respectively. The models underestimated mortality in the lower risk bands and overestimated mortality in the higher risk bands. In contrast, POSSUM predicted morbidity well with O:E ratios close to unity in most risk bands. The areas under the ROC curves for the scoring systems was 0.60‐0.67.

Conclusion

The POSSUM score and NHFS show moderate calibration and poor discrimination in this cohort. The results suggest that mortality and morbidity in hip fracture patients are largely dependent on factors that are not included in these scores.
Health‐related quality of life after general surgical intensive care
Authors: Vogel G. , Forinder U. , Sandgren A. , Svensen C. , Joelsson‐Alm E.
Published: April 2018

Background

Impaired mental and physical health are common complications after intensive care that could influence the patient's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Earlier research has mainly focused on HRQoL in mixed surgical and medical ICU populations. This study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with HROoL after discharge from a general surgical ICU.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in a general surgical ICU in Sweden between 2005 and 2012. Adult patients (≥18 years) with an ICU length of stay ≥96 hours were included. HRQoL was measured at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge from the ICU using a questionnaire (SF‐36). A linear mixed model was used to analyze changes over time and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare the 12‐months results to an age and gender matched reference population in Sweden. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore the impact on HRQoL from background variables.

Results

Of 447 patients eligible for the study, 276 patients (62%) answered SF‐36 at least once at 3, 6 or 12 months after ICU care and were included in the study. HRQoL improved over time but was still significantly lower at 12 months compared to the reference population. Female gender, age <75 years, living single, and ICU‐stay of more than 14 days were associated with lower HRQoL.

Conclusion

General surgical ICU patients reports low HRQoL 1 year after ICU stay. The impaired HRQoL could be a long‐lasting problem with major consequences for the individual, family, and society.
Sleep in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis or COPD
Authors: Boyko Y. , Jennum P. , Oerding H. , Lauridsen J. T. , Nikolic M. , Toft P.
Published: April 2018

Background

The standard method for scoring polysomnographic (PSG) sleep is insufficient in the intensive care unit (ICU). A modified classification has been proposed, but has not been tested in specific groups of ICU patients. We aimed firstly to (1) use the modified classification to describe sleep in two groups of ICU patients: a severe sepsis group and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group, and (2) to compare sleep stage distribution in the groups; secondly to compare the PSG findings with nurses’ sleep evaluation.

Methods

Non‐sedated mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis or COPD completed up to 20‐hours PSG recording in each patient. A modified classification for scoring sleep in ICU was used for scoring the PSGs. Sleep assessment by nurses was done at 15 minutes intervals.

Results

We included 16 patients with severe sepsis and 17 patients with COPD. Half of the patients in the severe sepsis group and 59% in the COPD group had atypical sleep. We found significantly different sleep stage distribution in the two groups, with the COPD group having a higher proportion of atypical sleep (54.4% vs 48.7%, P < .0001). No correlation between nurse sleep assessment and PSG was found in cases of atypical sleep (P < .0001).

Conclusion

Normal PSG sleep characteristics as defined by standard classification are absent in many conscious, non‐sedated critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Nurse sleep evaluation does not correlate with PSG if atypical sleep is present in the PSG, which limits the reliability of subjective sleep assessment in this patient population.
Citizen science in schools: Engaging students in research on urban habitat for pollinators
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Roger Erin , Geary William L. , Meredith Floret , Welbourne Dustin J. , Bako Alex , Canavan Emily , Herro Francesca , Herron Charlotte , Hung Olivia , Kunstler Madeline , Lin Jade , Ludlow Natasha , Paton Mayling , Salt Sunny , Simpson Tallulah , Wang Ariana , Zimmerman Nikki , Drews Kalani B. , Dawson Hayley F. , Martin Lachlan W. J. , Sutton Jack B. , Webber Chiquita C. , Ritchie Amy L. , Berns Leigham D. , Winch Bella A. , Reeves Holly R. , McLennan Eiron C. , Gardner Jordan M. , Butler Charli G. , Sutton Emily I. , Couttie Max M. , Hildebrand Jake B. , Blackney Isabella A. , Forsyth Justine A. , Keating Deborah M. , Moles Angela T.
Published: April 2018

Citizen science can play an important role in school science education. Citizen science is particularly relevant to addressing current societal environmental sustainability challenges, as it engages the students directly with environmental science and gives students an understanding of the scientific process. In addition, it allows students to observe local representations of global challenges. Here, we report a citizen science programme designed to engage school‐age children in real‐world scientific research. The programme used standardized methods deployed across multiple schools through scientist–school partnerships to engage students with an important conservation problem: habitat for pollinator insects in urban environments. Citizen science programmes such as the programme presented here can be used to enhance scientific literacy and skills. Provided key challenges to maintain data quality are met, this approach is a powerful way to contribute valuable citizen science data for understudied, but ecologically important study systems, particularly in urban environments across broad geographical areas.
Top predator fish assemblages in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. What factors regulate their patterns of distribution and abundance?
Authors: Fernández María Valeria , Lallement Mailén , Rechencq Magalí , Vigliano Pablo H. , Sosnovsky Alejandro , Macchi Patricio J.
Published: April 2018

According to assemblage theory, three factors regulate fish biogeography: restriction of dispersion, environmental restrictions and biotic interactions. The first two factors act on a regional scale and delimit the area of action of the third, which operates on a local scale. Salmonid introductions began in Patagonia in 1904, and this has led to a restructuring of trophic webs and an increase in the number of top predators. This situation allowed us to evaluate, in a natural setting, how communities are formed on different geographic scales. We studied two large basins in Patagonia, situated close to each other but with different assemblages of top predatory fish. We hypothesized that differences in the structuring of the top predator assemblages between and within the basins are due to 1) environmental factors and dispersion processes facilitated by connectivity on a regional scale; and 2) biotic interaction (internal dynamics) between native perch and salmonids, the former acting as a modulator of the top predator assemblages on a local scale. To test these hypotheses, we analysed the top predator assemblages of 16 lakes and one reservoir, as well as their environmental characteristics. We performed a cluster analysis and related the resulting assembly groups to environmental factors by means of a tree model. We also analysed fish diets, using a similarities test to study biotic interactions. On regional and local scales, water basin, degree of connectivity, area, temperature and Zoogeographic integrity coefficient (ZIC) were important factors in the structuring of top predator assemblages. On a local scale, creole perch modulates the salmonid populations through feeding and the consequent distribution of resources. Our work showed that the structure of top predator assemblages was determined by a combination of local and regional factors acting in synergy, as postulated by the assemblage theory.
Videolaryngoscopy vs. fibreoptic bronchoscopy for awake tracheal intubation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alhomary M. , Ramadan E. , Curran E. , Walsh S. R.
Published: April 2018

Awake fibreoptic intubation is often considered the technique of choice when a difficult airway is anticipated. However, videolaryngoscopes are being used more commonly. We searched the current literature and performed a meta‐analysis to compare the use of videolaryngoscopy and fibreoptic bronchoscopy for awake tracheal intubation. Our primary outcome was the time needed to intubate the patient's trachea. Secondary outcomes included: failed intubation; the rate of successful intubation at the first attempt; patient‐reported satisfaction with the technique; and any complications resulting from intubation. Eight studies examining 429 patients were included in this review. The intubation time was shorter when videolaryngoscopy was used instead of fibreoptic bronchoscopy (seven trials, 408 participants, mean difference (95%CI) −45.7 (−66.0 to −25.4) s, p < 0.0001, low‐quality evidence). There was no significant difference between the two techniques in the failure rate (six studies, 355 participants, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.01 (0.24–4.35), p = 0.99, low‐quality evidence) or the first‐attempt success rate (six studies, 391 participants, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.01 (0.95–1.06), p = 0.8, moderate quality evidence). The level of patient satisfaction was similar between both groups. No difference was found in two reported adverse events: hoarseness/sore throat (three studies, 167 participants, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.07 (0.62–1.85), p = 0.81, low‐quality evidence), and low oxygen saturation (five studies, 337 participants, risk ratio (95%CI) 0.49 (0.22–1.12), p = 0.09, low‐quality evidence). In summary, videolaryngoscopy for awake tracheal intubation is associated with a shorter intubation time. It also seems to have a success rate and safety profile comparable to fibreoptic bronchoscopy.