bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable Phylogenetic Regressions for Multivariate Comparative Data: Illustration with the MANOVA and Application to the Effect of Diet on Mandible Morphology in Phyllostomid Bats
Authors: Clavel Julien , Morlon Hélène
Published: April 2019

Understanding what shapes species phenotypes over macroevolutionary time scales from comparative data requires the use of reliable phylogenetic regression techniques and associated tests (e.g. phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares, pGLS and phylogenetic analyses of variance and covariance, pANOVA, pANCOVA). While these tools are well established for univariate data, their multivariate counterparts are lagging behind. This is particularly true for high dimensional phenotypic data, such as morphometric data. Here we implement well-needed likelihood-based multivariate pGLS, pMANOVA and pMANCOVA, and use a recently-developed penalized likelihood framework to extend their application to the difficult case when the number of traitspapproaches or exceeds the number of speciesn. We then focus on the pMANOVA and use intensive simulations to assess the performance of the approach aspincreases, under various levels of phylogenetic signal and correlations between the traits, phylogenetic structure in the predictors, and under various types of phenotypic differences across species groups. We show that our approach outperforms available alternatives under all circumstances, with a greater power to detect phenotypic differences across species group when they exist, and a low risk to improperly detect inexistent differences. Finally, we provide an empirical illustration of our pMANOVA on a geometric-morphometric dataset describing mandible morphology in phyllostomid bats along with data on their diet preferences. Our approach, implemented in the R package mvMORPH, provides efficient multivariate phylogenetic regression tools for understanding what shapes phenotypic differences across species.
More than efficacy revealed by single-cell analysis of antiviral therapeutics
Authors: Liu Wu , Caglar Mehmet U. , Mao Zhangming , Woodman Andrew , Arnold Jamie J. , Wilke Claus O. , Cameron Craig E.
Published: April 2019

Development of antiviral therapeutics emphasizes minimization of the effective dose and maximization of the toxic dose, first in cell culture and later in animal models. Long-term success of an antiviral therapeutic is determined not only by its efficacy but also by the duration of time required for drug-resistance to evolve. We have developed a microfluidic device comprised of ~6000 wells, with each well containing a microstructure to capture single cells. We have used this device to characterize enterovirus inhibitors with distinct mechanisms of action. In contrast to population methods, single-cell analysis reveals that each class of inhibitor interferes with the viral infection cycle in a manner that can be distinguished by principal component analysis. Single-cell analysis of antiviral candidates reveals not only efficacy but also properties of the members of the viral population most sensitive to the drug, the stage of the lifecycle most affected by the drug, and perhaps even if the drug targets an interaction of the virus with its host.
Spatiotemporal organization of branched microtubule networks
Authors: Thawani Akanksha , Stone Howard A , Shaevitz Joshua W , Petry Sabine
Published: April 2019

To understand how chromosomes are segregated, it is necessary to explain the precise spatiotemporal organization of microtubules (MTs) in the mitotic spindle. We useXenopusegg extracts to study the nucleation and dynamics of MTs in branched networks, a process that is critical for spindle assembly. Surprisingly, new branched MTs preferentially originate near the minus-ends of pre-existing MTs. A sequential reaction model, consisting of deposition of nucleation sites on an existing MT, followed by rate-limiting nucleation of branches, reproduces the measured spatial profile of nucleation, the distribution of MT plus-ends and tubulin intensity. By regulating the availability of the branching effectors TPX2, augmin and γ-TuRC, combined with single-molecule observations, we show that first TPX2 is deposited on pre-existing MTs, followed by binding of augmin/γ-TuRC to result in the nucleation of branched MTs. In sum, regulating the localization and kinetics of nucleation effectors governs the architecture of branched MT networks.

Impact Statement

A sequential reaction pathway involving TPX2, augmin and γ-TuRC governs the assembly and architecture of branched microtubule networks.
MiR-219 deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease contributes to neurodegeneration and memory dysfunction through post-transcriptional regulation of tau-kinase network
Authors: Arnes Mercedes , Kim Yoon A. , Lannes Jerome , Alaniz Maria E. , Cho Joshua D. , McCabe Brian D. , Santa-Maria Ismael
Published: April 2019

Intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated misfolded tau proteins is one of the main neuropathological hallmarks in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Hence, knowledge and understanding of disease mechanisms altering tau proteostasis and inducing cytotoxicity is critical. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are capable of binding to and silencing many target transcripts, providing an additional level of regulation that complements canonical transcriptional pathways. Therefore, observed abnormalities in their expression patterns in neurodegeneration suggest alterations of microRNA-target networks as drivers of cellular dysfunction in the disease. Strikingly, here we have found in autopsy brain tissue that miRNA miR-219 expression levels are decreased in a brain region early affected in AD patients, the entorhinal cortex. Our bioinformatics analysis indicates miR-219 is predicted to target Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 gamma subunit (CAMK2γ), Tau tubulin kinase 1 (TTBK1) and Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which are all implicated in the generation of abnormal hyperphosphorylated tau. We reveal human proteomic data supporting dysregulation in the levels of predicted miR-219 targets in the entorhinal cortex. In mammalian cellular models, we found that downregulation of miR-219 de-repress synthesis of three tau kinases, CAMK2γ, TTBK1 and GSK3β on the post-transcriptional level resulting in tau phosphorylation and cell toxicity. Finally, we show that deficiency of miR-219in vivopromotes age dependent neurodegeneration in the adult brain, with enhanced alterations in tau proteostasis, presynaptic terminals and memory impairment. Taken together, our data implicate miRNA dysregulation central to AD etiopathogenesis and suggest potential targets for the treatment of AD and related tauopathies.
The neglected part of the microbiome: Prophage TJ1 regulates the bacterial community of the metaorganism Hydra
Authors: Lange Janina , Fraune Sebastian , Bosch Thomas C.G. , Lachnit Tim
Published: April 2019

Many multicellular organisms are closely associated with a specific bacterial community and therefore considered “metaorganisms”. Controlling the bacterial community composition is essential for the stability and function of metaorganisms, but the factors contributing to the maintenance of host specific bacterial colonization are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that in Hydra the most dominant bacterial colonizer Curvibacter sp. is associated with an intact prophage which can be induced by different environmental stressors both in vitro and in vivo. Differences in the induction capacity of Curvibacter phage TJ1 in culture (in vitro) and on Hydra (in vivo) imply that the habitat of the prokaryotic host and/or bacterial frequency dependent factors influence phage inducibility. Moreover, we show that phage TJ1 features a broad host range against other bacterial colonizer and is directly capable to affect bacterial colonization on Hydra. From these results we conclude that prophages are hidden part of the microbiome interfering with bacteria-bacteria interactions and have the potential to influence the composition of host associated bacterial communities.
Molecular changes inMesembryanthemum crystallinumguard cells underlying the C3to CAM transition
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Yoo Mi-Jeong , Noble Jerald D. , Kelley Theresa M , Li Jing , Kirst Matias , Assmann Sarah M. , Chen Sixue
Published: April 2019

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized type of photosynthesis: stomata close during the day, enhancing water conservation, and open at night, allowing CO2uptake.Mesembryanthemum crystallinum(common ice plant) is a facultative CAM species that can shift from C3photosynthesis to CAM under salt or drought stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the stress induced transition from C3to CAM remain unknown. Here we determined the transition time from C3to CAM inM. crystallinumunder salt stress. In parallel, single-cell-type transcriptomic profiling by 3’-mRNA sequencing was conducted in guard cells to determine the molecular changes in this key cell type during the transition. In total, 495 transcripts showed differential expression between control and salt-treated samples during the transition, including 285 known guard cell genes, seven CAM-related genes, 18 transcription factors, and 185 other genes previously not found to be expressed in guard cells.PEPC1andPPCK1, which encode key enzymes of CAM photosynthesis, were up-regulated in guard cells after seven days of salt treatment, indicating that guard cells themselves can transition from C3to CAM. This study provides important information towards introducing CAM stomatal behavior into C3crops to enhance water use efficiency.

Summary statement

We determined the timing of salt induced transition of common ice plant from C3to CAM and identified transcriptomic changes during the transition. The data support the notion that guard cells themselves can transition from C3to CAM.
A Single Defined Sister Chromatid Fusion Destabilizes Cell Cycle through Micronuclei Formation
Authors: Kagaya Katsushi , Noma Naoto , Yamamoto Io , Tashiro Sanki , Ishikawa Fuyuki , Hayashi Makoto T
Published: April 2019

Chromosome fusion is deleterious among oncogenic chromosome rearrangements, and has been proposed to cause multiple tumor-driving abnormalities. Conventional methodologies, however, lack the strictness of the experimental controls on the fusion such as the exact timing, the number and the types of fusion in a given cell. Here, we developed a human cell-based sister chromatid fusion visualization system (FuVis), in which a single defined sister chromatid fusion is induced by CRISPR/Cas9 concomitantly with mCitrine expression. Fused chromosome developed numerical and structural abnormalities, including chromosome fragmentation, an indicative of eventual chromothripsis. Live cell imaging and hierarchical Bayesian modeling indicated that micronucleus (MN) is generated in the first few cell cycle, and that cells with MN tend to possess cell cycle abnormalities. These results demonstrate that, although most cells can tolerate a single fusion, even a single sister chromatid fusion destabilizes cell cycle through MN formation.
Alarm tones, music and their elements: A mixed methods analysis of reported waking sounds for the prevention of sleep inertia
Authors: McFarlane Stuart J. , Garcia Jair E. , Verhagen Darrin S. , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: April 2019

Sleep inertia is a potentially dangerous reduction in human alertness and occurs 0 – 4 hours after waking. The type of sound people set as their alarm for waking has been shown to reduce the effects of sleep inertia, however, the elemental musical factors that underpin these waking sounds and their relationship remain unclear. The goal of this research is to understand how a particular sound or music chosen to assist waking may counteract sleep inertia, and more specifically, what elements of these sounds may contribute to its reduction using a mix methods analysis. Through an anonymous, self-report online questionnaire, fifty participants (N = 50) reported attributes of their preferred waking sound, their feeling towards the waking sound, and symptoms of sleep inertia after waking. This data enabled the analysis and comparison between these responses to define statistically significant interactions. Our results show that there is no significant relationship between sleep inertia and the reported waking sound, nor the subject’s feeling towards this sound. However, we found that the melodicity of a chosen waking sound does effect sleep inertia. A sound that is perceived as melodic, produces less sleep inertia in comparison to a sound considered to be neutral (neither unmelodic nor melodic). Furthermore, a secondary analysis reveals that this is an important factor for waking stimulus design as it suggests that the amount of perceived rhythm will affect the perception of melody, and in turn, may influence the severity of sleep inertia on a secondary level. Our results reveal that the inclusion of detailed descriptive terms (musical elements) in addition to macro classifications (e.g. “pop music”) for stimulus testing would benefit future research and our understanding of waking audio’s effects on sleep inertia.
Seston fatty acids to quantify phytoplankton functional groups and their spatiotemporal dynamics in a highly turbid estuary
Authors: Cañavate José-Pedro , van Bergeijk Stefanie , González-Ortegón Enrique , Vílas César
Published: April 2019

Phytoplankton community composition expresses estuarine functionality and its assessment can be improved by implementing novel quantitative fatty acid based procedures. Fatty acids have similar potential to pigments for quantifying phytoplankton functional groups but have been far less applied. A recently created dataset containing vast information on fatty acids of phytoplankton taxonomic groups was used as reference to quantify phytoplankton functional groups in the yet undescribed Guadalquivir River Estuary. Twelve phytoplankton groups were quantitatively distinguished by iterative matrix factor analysis of seston fatty acid signatures in this turbid estuary. Those phytoplankton groups including species unfeasible for microscopy identification (coccoid or microflagellated cells) could be quantified when using fatty acids. Conducting monthly matrix factor analyses over a period of two years and the full salinity range of the estuary indicated that diatoms dominated about half of the phytoplankton community spatiotemporally. The abundance of Cyanobacteria and Chlorophytes was inversely related to salinity and little affected by seasonality. Euglenophytes were also more abundant at lower salinity, increasing their presence in autumn-winter. Coccolithophores and Dinophytes contributed more to phytoplankton community at higher salinity and remained little affected by seasonality. Multivariate canonical analysis indicated that the structure of the estuarine phytoplankton community was most influenced by salinity, secondly influenced by water temperature, irradiance and river flow, and unaffected by nutrients. Fatty acids are especially suited for phytoplankton community research in high turbid estuaries and generate outcomes in synergy with those derived from classical pigment assessments.
Evidence for the role of extrusomes in evading attack by the host immune system in a scuticociliate parasite
Authors: Folgueira Iria , Lamas Jesús , De Felipe Ana Paula , Ana Sueiro Rosa , Manuel Leiro José
Published: April 2019

Like other ciliates, the scuticociliate parasite of turbot,Philasterides dicentrarchi, produces only a feeding or growing stage called a trophont during its life cycle. Exposure of the trophonts to immune serum extracted from the host and containing specific antibodies that induce agglutination / immobilization leads to the production of a mucoid capsule from which the trophonts later emerge. We investigated how these capsules are generated, observing that the mechanism was associated with the process of exocytosis involved in the release of a matrix material from the extrusomes. The extruded material contains mucin-like glycoproteins that are deposited on the surface of the cell and whose expression increases with time of exposure to the turbot antibodies, at both protein expression and gene expression levels. Stimulation of the trophonts with host immune serum also causes an increase in discharge of the intracellular storage compartments of calcium necessary for the exocytosis processes in the extrusomes. The results obtained suggest thatP. dicentrarchiuses the extrusion mechanism to generate a physical barrier protecting the ciliate from attack by soluble factors of the host immune system. Data on the proteins involved and the potential development of molecules that interfere with this exocytic process could contribute to the development of glycosylated recombinant vaccines and drugs to improve the prevention and control of scuticociliatosis in turbot.
Escherichia coli’sphysiology can turn membrane voltage dyes into actuators
Authors: Mancini L , Terradot G , Tian T , Pu Y , Li Y , Lo CJ , Bai F , Pilizota T
Published: April 2019

The electrical membrane potential (Vm) is one of the components of the electrochemical potential of protons across the biological membrane (proton motive force), which powers many vital cellular processes, andVmalso plays a role in signal transduction. Therefore, measuring it is of great interest, and over the years a variety of techniques has been developed for the purpose. In bacteria, given their small size, Nernstian membrane voltage probes are arguably the favourite strategy, and their cytoplasmic accumulation depends onVmaccording to the Nernst equation. However, a careful calibration of Nernstian probes that takes into account the trade-offs between the ease with which the signal from the dye is observed, and the dyes’ interactions with cellular physiology, is rarely performed. Here we use a mathematical model to understand such trade-offs and, based on the knowledge gained, propose a general work-flow for the characterization of Nernstian dye candidates. We demonstrate the work-flow on the Thioflavin T dye inEscherichia coli, and identify conditions in which the dye turns from aVmprobe into an actuator.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The phospholipid bilayer of a biological membrane is virtually impermeable to charged molecules. Much like in a rechargeable battery, cells harness this property to store an electrical potential that fuels life reactions but also transduces signals. Measuring this electrical potential, also referred to as membrane voltage, is therefore of great interest and a variety of techniques have been employed for the purpose, starting as early as the 1930s. For the case of bacteria, which are smaller in size and possess a stiffer cell wall, arguably the most popular approach to measuring membrane voltage are Nernstian probes that accumulate across the bacterial membrane according to the Nernst potential. The present study characterizes the undesired effects Nernstian probes can have on cell physiology, which can be crucial for the accurate interpretation of experimental results. Using mathematical modelling and experiments, the study provides a general, simple workflow to characterise and minimise these effects.
Determinants of credit card misuse among Gen Y consumers in urban Malaysia
Authors: Zainudin Rozaimah , Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Yeap Ming-Yee
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The concept of “buy now pay later” leads Malaysian Generation Y (Gen Y) to excessively use their credit cards for spending. To gauge the extent of this worrisome scenario, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to investigate the factors, including credit attitudes, knowledge on credit card, materialism, social norm and self-efficacy, that influence credit card misuse amongst Gen Y in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have collected responses from a total of 501 respondents in two urban areas in Malaysia and estimated six multiple regression models to test five hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that credit card knowledge and self-efficacy are negatively related to credit card misuse amongst Gen Y in Malaysia. In contrast, positive relationships were found to exist between credit card attitudes, materialism and social norm and the dependent variable.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the authors limit the data collection to the two biggest urban areas in Malaysia, namely, Klang Valley and Ipoh.

Practical implications

For the regulator’s perspective, the results can be used to understand the alarming indebtedness behaviour amongst working members of Gen Y and outline appropriate and effective policies to reduce their serious indebtedness. Financial service providers, however, can collaborate with regulators to curb credit card misuse amongst Gen Y, so that the latter can avoid high bad debt from line of credit facilities and bankruptcy.

Originality/value

The study’s findings will further enrich the existing literature on the factors affecting the credit card misuse, especially for the unique Gen Y cohort in Malaysia.
Financial planning for retirement: the role of income
Authors: Vivel-Búa Milagros , Rey-Ares Lucía , Lado-Sestayo Rubén , Fernández-López Sara
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the driving forces of both the decision to participate in individual pension plans and the amount of money allocated to such plans. Moreover, this paper evaluates the potential role that income plays, which has not previously been considered in depth in the financial literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of the Spanish population over the period 2008–2015, this paper estimates probit and tobit models, using 165,791 observations. The driving forces of private retirement savings comprise demographic, financial and socio-economic characteristics.

Findings

This paper confirms the impact of socio-demographic and economic variables on participation and monetary contributions to pension plans. It also confirms that income plays a non-negligible role. Moreover, empirical evidence reveals that the effect of gender is related to the income stratum to which the individual belongs.

Originality/value

Retirement planning plays a key role in retirees’ future income and several countries have emphasised the importance of private individual savings to supplement the minimum provided by public pension schemes. The previous literature has concluded that those who plan their retirement end their working lives with three times the wealth of non-planners. Consequently, analysis of whether people are saving enough for their retirement can contribute to avoiding future wealth inequalities among retirees. Spain is one of the countries with the greatest inequality in income distribution, so this issue is of even greater interest.
Determinants of older consumers’ interest in home equity conversion products
Authors: Cosma Simona , Cosma Stefano , Peluso Alessandro M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight opportunities for the banking sector arising from the population’s aging and the expected reduction in pension incomes. Home equity conversion (HEC) instruments are a potentially useful way of restoring households’ finances and satisfying their needs, with implications for the demand for financial services.

Design/methodology/approach

By using an ordered probit regression model, the paper analyzes data obtained from a survey of 2,000 Italian households.

Findings

The main finding of this paper is that individuals with greater familiarity with consumer credit, a cognitive and decision-making approach favorable to use of credit, and an internal locus of control show greater interest in various forms of equity conversion.

Originality/value

This paper extends the analysis of the determinants of individuals’ interest in HEC products. It focuses more closely than the existing literature on households’ credit behaviors, attitudes toward credit and locus of control. The paper helps identify the potential targets of marketing campaigns and commercial proposals, and highlights the levers that the banks can focus on in communicating with customers and future prospects. Moreover, this paper suggests that there is a need to develop greater awareness on the part of people who could be interested in these products. Therefore, appropriate financial education projects should be implemented to develop a better “credit” culture, with due appreciation of the usefulness of credit as a means of supporting household budgets.
Indian shopper motivation to use artificial intelligence
Authors: Chopra Komal
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand motivation of young consumers to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as chatbots, voice assistants and augmented reality in shopping by generating Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation using grounded theory approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded theory approach has been used to develop the Vroom’s expectancy theory. Initially data were collected through participant interviews using theoretical sampling. These data were analyzed and coded using the three step process, i.e. open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The categories created during coding were integrated to generate Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation.

Findings

The findings indicate that Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation can be used to explain motivation of young consumers to use AI tools as an aid in taking shopping decisions. The motivation may be intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation or force choice motivation. Expectancy represents the ease of using the tools, instrumentality represents competence of tools in performing desired tasks while valence represents satisfaction, rewarding experience and trust in using of tools.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are based on grounded theory approach which is an inductive approach. Alternate research methodologies, both inductive and deductive, need to be employed to strengthen the external validity and generalize the results. The study is limited to shopping motives of young consumers in India. A comparison with other consumer motivational studies has not been done. Hence no claim is made regarding the advantage of Vroom’s theory over other motivational theories.

Practical implications

The study has strong implications for retailers in developing countries which are seen as an emerging market for retail and have introduced AI tools in recent years. The Vroom’s expectancy theory will help retailers to understand consumer motivation in using AI tools or shopping.

Originality/value

Vroom’s expectancy theory to understand consumer motivation to use AI tools in shopping was generated using the grounded theory approach.
The role of start-up incubators in cooperation networks from the perspective of resource dependence and interlocking directorates
Authors: Galvão Anderson , Marques Carla , Franco Mário , Mascarenhas Carla
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Based on resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, the purpose of this paper is to understand the importance of networks for start-ups and the role incubators play in these companies’ networking processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with the entrepreneurs responsible for three start-ups and the heads of their incubators. The interview data were subjected to content analysis using NVivo software.

Findings

The results indicate that start-ups often resort to networks to overcome their weak reputations and scarce resources. Incubators play a quite important role in this process since they promote events that encourage the creation of partnerships and networks either between start-ups within the same incubator or with external institutions. In addition, the results reveal that most cooperation networks are informal and that they fulfil needs that start-ups are not yet able to meet themselves, for example, when they compete for public tenders.

Practical implications

The present study explored this topic from two perspectives (i.e. start-ups and incubators). This approach facilitated the identification of the main features upon which start-ups depend, the entities to which these companies turn for help, the kind of communication in which they usually engage, the primary advantages of establishing cooperation networks and the main types of support given by incubators.

Originality/value

Most studies of cooperation networks are based on transaction cost economics, a resource-based perspective and/or institutional theory. In contrast, this study innovated by applying resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, which provided an alternative explanation regarding cooperation networks’ importance to start-ups and incubators’ roles in these companies’ networking processes.
Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya
Authors: Momanyi Dorah Kwamboka , Owino Willis O. , Makokha Anselimo , Evang Esther , Tsige Habte , Krawinkel Michael
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to describe food insecurity status, food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kitui and Kilifi counties of Kenya. It also explores associations between these and household socio-demographic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design was performed with a sample of 216 caregiver/child pairs interviewed. Tablet-based semi-structured questions were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of children (6-13 years) and caregivers. Food insecurity status was assessed using the household food insecurity experience scale. Information on food consumption was obtained from qualitative 24-h recall as a basis for calculating a household dietary diversity score. Data were also obtained from a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children and caregivers’ height and weight were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and WHO AnthroPlus 1.0.4.

Findings

The majority (98.2 per cent) of the households were food insecurity despite 81.5 and 57.4 per cent in Kitui and Kilifi counties, respectively, owning baobab trees. About 32.1 per cent of the households had poor dietary diversity scores (< 4). The prevalence of stunting (28.6 per cent), wasting (11.6 per cent) and underweight (25 per cent) rates among children were high. A significant association was observed between the children stunting rates with their age (p= 0.027), and also with household’s food security status (p< 0.001). Of the caregivers, 14.8 per cent were underweight, 18.1 per cent were overweight and 8.8 per cent were obese. There was significant association between the nutrition status of the caregivers and gender of the children (p< 0.001) and also with stunting rates of children (p= 0.047).

Originality/value

The study provides data on the current food security status and food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kenya which are mostly areas of marginal agricultural potential. The findings indicate a need for appropriate dietary improvements.
Long‐term heavy reindeer grazing promotes plant phosphorus limitation in arctic tundra
Authors: Sitters Judith , Cherif Mehdi , Egelkraut Dagmar , Giesler Reiner , Olofsson Johan
Published: April 2019

The potential of large mammalian herbivores to shift plant communities between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation has received little attention so far. However, herbivores can influence the cycling of these growth‐limiting nutrients, and thereby affect plant nutrient limitation and productivity. Tundra ecosystems are nutrient‐poor and commonly grazed by large herbivores like reindeer and may thus be responsive to such changes.

Here, we examined the effect of long‐term light and heavy reindeer grazing on nutrient limitation of plant growth in a Scandinavian arctic tundra. We are the first to conduct a factorial N and P fertilization experiment across the two grazing regimes in two functionally contrasting vegetation types: heath and meadow.

Annual primary productivity (APP) showed contrasting responses to our fertilization treatments under light and heavy grazing. Under light grazing, APP increased in response to N + P additions in both the heath and meadow. Under heavy grazing, APP increased in response to N in the heath, with an additional positive effect of N + P combined, while APP increased in response to P and N + P additions in the meadow.

These results clearly show that an increase in the grazing intensity of reindeer facilitated a shift towards more P‐limited conditions in Scandinavian arctic tundra, by increasing N cycling without having a corresponding positive effect on P cycling. In the N‐poor heath, reindeer increased soil N availability at least partly due to a shift towards more N‐rich graminoids, while in the meadow, reindeer decreased soil P availability. The mechanisms behind this decrease remain unclear, but reindeer may simply export more P from the system than N due to their large P demand for the production of their antlers.

Synthesis. We conclude that heavy and long‐term reindeer grazing promoted a more P‐limited tundra, thus experimentally confirming the potential of large mammalian herbivores to influence nutrient limitation of plant growth.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Coexistence theory as a tool to understand biological invasions in species interaction networks: Implications for the study of novel ecosystems
Authors: Godoy Oscar
Published: April 2019

Questions related to understanding which characteristics of the recipient communities make them vulnerable to invasion (i.e. invasibility) are commonly formulated in such a way that they consider ecological communities as whole entities. Yet, species within recipient communities have specific responses to the introduction of exotic species.

As a consequence, little is known about the role of species interaction networks within and between trophic levels in determining the invasion likelihood of exotics introduced in previously uninvaded communities and the temporal dynamics of invaded communities.

To obtain a mature understanding of invasion processes and their impacts, I propose here to apply a structural stability approach of species coexistence to the field of biological invasions. The main aim here is to distinguish how direct and indirect species’ responses to invasion in competitive and trophic networks translate to the mechanisms determining the maintenance and stability of species diversity in multispecies and multitrophic assemblages.

This approach brings the further opportunity to integrate the field of biological invasions within a broader perspective about the study of novel ecosystems, that is, ecosystems that contain exotic species and face new introductions sometimes under abrupt environmental changes. Moreover, it can help to target specific mechanisms separating winners from losers in novel ecosystems.

Synthesis. A solid framework to predict biological invasions and understand community assembly along temporal scales under novel ecosystems can be obtained by framing species’ responses to invasion within recent theoretical and methodological advances stemming from coexistence theory, which seeks to determine how diversity is maintained.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Greek Diminutives in Gothic
Authors: Wolfe Brendan
Published: April 2019

Investigation of the outcomes of Greek diminutive nouns in the Gothic New Testament reveals a variety of translation strategies. The Gothic Version does not automatically carry over a word’s diminutive character. Most cases of Greek diminutives translated with Gothic diminutives are part of a Gothic pattern, centred on children. In other cases, the usual range of Gothic translation decisions are found, ranging from subtle discriminations to elisions of distinction.
Area Yield Index Insurance or Farm Yield Crop Insurance? Chinese Perspectives on Farmers' Welfare and Government Subsidy Effectiveness
Authors: Ye Tao , Hu Wuyang , Barnett Barry J. , Wang Jiwei , Gao Yu
Published: April 2019

We evaluate the performance of area yield crop insurance (AYCI) and farm yield crop insurance (FYCI) using farm‐level yield data from China, focusing on their effects on farmers' welfare, and their cost‐effectiveness in terms of government subsidy. Given a subsidy rate sufficient to generate a politically acceptable participation level, the price advantage of AYCI may no longer offset its higher basis risk, and consequently FYCI may be preferred by farmers. From the government's perspective, AYCI is the cheapest option to maintain reasonable farmer participation in insurance, but is not necessarily the most cost‐effective choice. Our findings suggest that, contrary to an assumption that informs many developing country agricultural insurance programmes, AYCI schemes are not necessarily preferred to FYCI. Decisions on the structure of a national agricultural insurance programme should be based on careful consideration of local conditions.
Value‐Chains in the Andes: Upgrading for Ecuador's Blackberry Producers
Authors: Alwang Jeffrey , Barrera Victor , Andrango Graciela , Dominguez Juan , Martinez Anibal , Escudero Luis , Montufar Carlos
Published: April 2019

We apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve production and marketing practices to obtain more favorable prices. Results show that general upgrading actions are associated with improved producer prices, and specific activities, such as seeking information from reputable sources can lead to substantial welfare improvements. The paper goes beyond most value chain studies which treat participation in a ‘modern’ value chain as a discrete state. Ecuador's blackberry industry is evolving incrementally with no clearly discernible ‘modern’ market chains. Instead, producers incrementally make improvements in multiple dimensions. Relatively low‐cost practices, many of which do not imply substantial risk or investment, are associated with price improvements. Obstacles to participation in incremental value chain upgrading activities are not insurmountable. In particular, scale of production is not a limiting factor: small‐scale producers are not precluded from adopting improved practices and they do not suffer in terms of price received.
Suitability of tomato leaves for larval development of Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Dekebo Aman , Aryal Sunil , Jung Chuleui
Published: April 2019

The potato tuber moth (PTM) is an important pest of the potato plant and its tuber. With the expansion of its geographic range, the PTM could be potential threat to the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a congeneric species of the potato. To assess that risk, we tested larval feeding and development of PTM on leaves of five cultivated tomato varieties namely Moneymaker, Campari, Ailsa Craig, LA3475, E6203 and one wild tomato variety S. pimpinellifolium. PTM larvae accepted all tested plant leaves and developed into adults. Larval development was fastest on the Ailsa Craig variety. Pupae developed fastest on the Moneymaker variety and slowest on LA3475. Host acceptance and survival were highest on Ailsa Craig and lowest on LA3475. The significantly highest male proportion occurred on LA3475 variety. The study showed that PTM could be a potential threat to tomato cultivation which is rapidly increasing in temperate regions owing to climate change.
Egg Yolk Phosphatidylethanolamine: Extraction Optimization, Antioxidative Activity, and Molecular Structure Profiling
Authors: Sun Na , Chen Jin , Bao Zhijie , Wang Di , An Baihui , Lin Songyi
Published: April 2019

Although phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is an important functional phospholipid, there have been very few reports on its antioxidant activity and corresponding molecular composition. Crude PE was extracted from egg yolk with various solvents, and response surface modeling was carried out to determine the optimum extraction conditions for PE, under which the PE content in extracts reached 58.94 µg/mL. The crude PE was purified using silica gel‐based column chromatography. High‐purity PE (98%), identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐evaporative light‐scattering detector, was obtained using isocratic elution with a mixed solvent (chloroform: methanol: acetic acid = 18:5:1) eluent. PE purified from egg yolk exhibited high radical‐scavenging activity, determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The result was attributed to the high unsaturated fatty acids (83.10%) content in egg yolk PE, and the unsaturated fatty acids were identified as PE‐16:0/18:1Δ9, PE‐16:0/18:2Δ9,12, PE‐16:0/20:4Δ5,8,11,14, PE‐18:0/18:1Δ9, PE‐18:0/18:2Δ9,12, and PE‐18:0/20:4Δ5,8,11,14 by MALDI‐TOF MS combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Practical Application

In this work, an attempt has been made to explore the antioxidant activity of PE that extracted and purified from egg yolk and its corresponding molecular composition. Owing to its plentiful unsaturated fatty acids (83.10%), purified PE from egg yolk exhibited a high radical‐scavenging activity that indicated that egg‐yolk PE had a strong antioxidant activity, and it might exert possible beneficial effects on the human health.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Triplophysa tibetana, a fish adapted to the harsh high‐altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Xuefen , Liu Haiping , Ma Zhihong , Zou Yu , Zou Ming , Mao Youzhi , Li Xiaomei , Wang Huan , Chen Tiansheng , Wang Weimin , Yang Ruibin
Published: April 2019

Triplophysa is an endemic fish genus of the Tibetan Plateau in China. Triplophysa tibetana, which lives at a recorded altitude of ~4,000 m and plays an important role in the highland aquatic ecosystem, serves as an excellent model for investigating high‐altitude environmental adaptation. However, evolutionary and conservation studies of T. tibetana have been limited by scarce genomic resources for the genus Triplophysa. In the present study, we applied PacBio sequencing and the Hi‐C technique to assemble the T. tibetana genome. A 652‐Mb genome with 1,325 contigs with an N50 length of 3.1 Mb was obtained. The 1,137 contigs were further assembled into 25 chromosomes, representing 98.7% and 80.47% of all contigs at the base and sequence number level, respectively. Approximately 260 Mb of sequence, accounting for ~39.8% of the genome, was identified as repetitive elements. DNA transposons (16.3%), long interspersed nuclear elements (12.4%) and long terminal repeats (11.0%) were the most repetitive types. In total, 24,372 protein‐coding genes were predicted in the genome, and ~95% of the genes were functionally annotated via a search in public databases. Using whole genome sequence information, we found that T. tibetana diverged from its common ancestor with Danio rerio ~121.4 million years ago. The high‐quality genome assembled in this work not only provides a valuable genomic resource for future population and conservation studies of T. tibetana, but it also lays a solid foundation for further investigation into the mechanisms of environmental adaptation of endemic fishes in the Tibetan Plateau.
Acceptability, Usability, and Effectiveness: A Qualitative Study Evaluating a Pediatric Telemedicine Program
Authors: Sauers‐Ford Hadley S. , Hamline Michelle Y. , Gosdin Melissa M. , Kair Laura R. , Weinberg Gary M. , Marcin James P. , Rosenthal Jennifer L.
Published: April 2019

Background

Pediatric emergency telemedicine consultations have been shown to provide support to community emergency departments treating critically ill pediatric patients. However, despite the recognized value of telemedicine, adoption has been slow. To determine why clinicians frequently do not use telemedicine when it is available for pediatric patients, as well as to learn how to improve telemedicine programs, we conducted a qualitative study using stakeholder interviews.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using grounded theory methodology, with in‐depth interviews of referring and accepting physicians and referring, transport, and transfer center nurses. We analyzed data iteratively and adapted the interview guide based on early interviews. We solicited feedback from the participants on the conceptual model.

Results

Sixteen interviews were conducted; all respondents had been involved in a telemedicine consultation at least five times, with some having used telemedicine more than 30 times. Analysis resulted in three themes: 1) recognizing and addressing telemedicine biases are central to gaining buy‐in; 2) as technology advances, telemedicine processes need to adapt accordingly; and 3) telemedicine increases collaboration among health care providers and patients/families in the patient care process.

Conclusions

To improve patient care through increased use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency consultations, processes need to be modified to address provider biases and end‐user concerns. Processes should be adapted to allow users to utilize a variety of technologies (including smartphones) and to enable more users, such as nurses, to participate. Finally, telemedicine can be used to improve the patient and family experience by including them in consultations.
Are Low‐to‐Moderate Average Alcohol Consumption and Isolated Episodes of Binge Drinking in Early Pregnancy Associated with Facial Features Related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in 5‐Year‐Old Children?
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Nygaard Siv Steffen , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Bertrand Jacquelyn , Denny Clark H. , Glidewell Alex , Astley Hemingway Susan
Published: April 2019

Background

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) typically is observed among individuals with high prenatal alcohol exposures (PAE), but exposure histories obtained in clinical diagnostic settings are often inaccurate. The present analysis used the Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study (LDPS) to assess the potential effects of low‐to‐moderate average weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on facial features associated with FAS among children 5 years of age.

Methods

The analysis is a prospective follow‐up study of 670 women and their children sampled from the LDPS cohort based on maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The 4‐Digit Code FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software was used to measure the magnitude of expression of the 3 diagnostic facial features of FAS from standardized digital photographs. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of presenting with the FAS/partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS) facial phenotypes relative to different patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Results

Ten children presented with the FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes. None of the children sampled met the central nervous system (CNS) criteria for FAS or PFAS at age 5 years. All remained at risk for PFAS since some types of CNS dysfunction associated with this diagnosis may only be assessed at older ages. The FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes were 8.5‐fold more likely among children exposed to an average of 1 to 4 drinks/wk and 2.5‐fold more likely among children with a single binge exposure in gestational weeks 3 to 4 compared to children with no such exposures. The magnitude of expression of the FAS facial phenotype was significantly correlated with all other diagnostic features of FAS: growth deficiency, microcephaly, and measures of CNS dysfunction.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that low‐to‐moderate levels of PAE or isolated binge exposures may place some fetuses at risk for FAS/PFAS. Thus, conservative advice is still for women to abstain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.