bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPCR-mediated clearance of tau in post-synaptic compartments attenuates tau pathologyin vivo
Authors: Schaler Ari W. , Runyan Avery M. , Fowler Stephanie L. , Figueroa Helen Y. , Shioda Seiji , Santa-Maria Ismael , Duff Karen E. , Myeku Natura
Published: January 2020

Accumulation of pathological tau in synapses has been identified as an early pathogenic event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and correlates strongly with cognitive decline in patients with AD. Tau is a cytosolic, axonal protein. However, in the disease condition, tau accumulates in post-synaptic compartments and pre-synaptic terminals, either due to missorting within neurons, trans-synaptic transfer between neurons or due to failure of clearance systems in synapses. Using a sub-cellular fractionation assay, we show that progressive deposition of seed competent tau occurs predominantly in post-synaptic compartments in a tau transgenic mouse and in AD patient brain, making these neuronal structures particularly vulnerable to tau toxicity. Tau-mediated post-synaptic toxicity could be further exacerbated by impaired proteasome activity which we detected by measuring the levels of polyubiquitin chains that target proteins to proteasomal degradation. To combat the accumulation of tau and proteasome impairment at the subcellular level, we devised a therapeutic strategy of proteasome-mediated clearance of tau restricted to the post-synaptic compartment. Utilizing the pharmacology of GPCRs, we show thatin vivostimulation of the PAC1R receptor by its ligand can propagate intracellular PKA signaling leading to enhanced synaptic proteasome activity and reduced tau in the post-synaptic compartment. Over time, clearance of post-synaptic tau led to reduced tauopathy and cognitive decline in rTg4510 mice. Together, these results highlight a novel therapeutic strategy of targeting GPCRs that propagate cAMP/PKA signaling as a tool to activate proteolysis restricted to synapses to prevent the accumulation of tau in the early stages of AD.
Neural differentiation is moderated by age in scene- but not face-selective cortical regions
Authors: Srokova Sabina , Hill Paul F. , Koen Joshua D. , King Danielle R. , Rugg Michael D.
Published: January 2020

The aging brain is characterized by neural dedifferentiation – an apparent decrease in the functional selectivity of category-selective cortical regions. Age-related reductions in neural differentiation have been proposed to play a causal role in cognitive aging. Recent findings suggest, however, that age-related dedifferentiation is not equally evident for all stimulus categories and, additionally, that the relationship between neural differentiation and cognitive performance is not moderated by age. In light of these findings, in the present experiment younger and older human adults (males and females) underwent fMRI as they studied words paired with images of scenes or faces prior to a subsequent memory task. Neural selectivity was measured in two scene-selective (parahippocampal place area and retrosplenial cortex) and two face-selective (fusiform and occipital face areas) regions of interest using both a univariate differentiation index and multivoxel pattern similarity analysis. Both methods provided highly convergent results which revealed evidence of age-related reductions in neural dedifferentiation in scene-selective but not face-selective cortical regions. Additionally, neural differentiation in the parahippocampal place area demonstrated a positive, age-invariant relationship with subsequent source memory performance (recall of the image category paired with each recognized test word). These findings extend prior findings suggesting that age-related neural dedifferentiation is not a ubiquitous phenomenon, and that the specificity of neural responses to scenes is predictive subsequent memory performance independently of age.

Significance Statement

Increasing age is associated with reduced neural specificity in cortical regions that are selectively responsive to a given perceptual stimulus category (age-related neural dedifferentiation), a phenomenon which has been proposed to contribute to cognitive aging. Recent findings reveal that age-related neural dedifferentiation is not present for all types of visual stimulus categories, and the factors which determine when the phenomenon arises remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that scene- but not face-selective cortical regions exhibit age-related neural dedifferentiation during an attentionally-demanding task. Additionally, we report that higher neural selectivity in the scene-selective ‘parahippocampal place area’ is associated with better memory performance after controlling for variance associated with age group, adding to evidence that neural differentiation impacts cognition across the adult lifespan.
A novel strategy for single-cell metabolic analysis highlights dynamic changes in immune subpopulations
Authors: Ahl Patricia J. , Hopkins Richard A. , Xiang Wen Wei , Au Bijin , Kaliaperumal Nivashini , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , Connolly John E.
Published: January 2020

A complex interaction of anabolic and catabolic metabolism underpins the ability of leukocytes to mount an immune response. Their capacity to respond and adapt to changing environments by metabolic reprogramming is crucial to their effector function. However, current methods lack the ability to interrogate this network of metabolic pathways at the single cell level within a heterogeneous population. Here we present Met-Flow, a novel flow cytometry-based method that captures the metabolic state of immune cells by targeting key proteins and rate-limiting enzymes across multiple pathways. We demonstrate the ability to simultaneously measure divergent metabolic profiles and dynamic remodeling in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Using Met-Flow, we discovered that glucose restriction and metabolic remodeling drive the expansion of an inflammatory central memory T cell subset. This method captures the complex metabolic state of any cell as it relates to its phenotype and function, leading to a greater understanding of the role of metabolic heterogeneity in immune responses.
Taking a landscape approach to conservation goals: designing multi-objective landscapes
Authors: Renwick Anna R. , Chauvenet Alienor L.M. , Possingham Hugh P. , Adams Vanessa M. , McGowan Jennifer , Gagic Vesna , Schellhorn Nancy A.
Published: January 2020

Designing landscapes to accommodate both humans and nature poses huge challenges, but is increasingly recognised as an essential component of conservation and land management. The land-sparing land-sharing framework has been proposed as a tool to address this challenge. However, it has been largely criticised for its simplicity. We provide a new conceptual framework amenable to the application of structured decision-making that moves beyond the dichotomy of land-sparing or land-sharing. Using this new framework, we present a general system model that can be used to make land management decisions for the conservation of species, ecosystem services and production land at different spatial scales. The model can be parameterised for specific systems using information about: the current state of the landscape, the rates of change between landscape states, and the cost and effectiveness of taking actions. To demonstrate the utility of the model we apply it to three different landscape types. Across our three case studies, we show that investment into one of three management actions (varying degrees of management and restoration) can move the system towards more biodiversity or more managed land depending on the objectives of the land manager. We show that the dynamic and flexible nature of the landscape is important to take into account rather than a static snapshot in time. Rather than focusing on establishing the perfect landscape with a set proportion dedicated to production and to biodiversity conservation, we argue that a more useful approach is to establish incremental movements towards a landscape that meets the goals of multiple objectives. Our framework can be used to illustrate to decision makers the costs and trade-offs of different actions and help them determine land management policy.
Isolation and long-term expansion of a single adult human renal epithelial cell with efficient kidney regeneration capacity
Authors: Wang Yujia , Zhao Zixian , Ma Qiwang , Nie Hao , Sun Yufen , Feng Xiaobei , Zhang Ting , Ma Yu , Nie Jing , Zuo Wei
Published: January 2020

A wide spectrum of lethal kidney diseases involves the irreversible destruction of the tubular structures which leads to loss of renal function. A reliable technological platform to culture and transplant adult human-derived cells with nephrogenic potential offers great hope to facilitate human kidney regeneration. Here, we show that in an appropriate feeder cell-based culture system, it is feasible to isolate and long-term expand the progenitor-like SOX9+ renal epithelial cells (SOX9+ RECs) from adult mammalians. Single cell-derived SOX9+ REC lines can be established from human needle biopsy or urine samples with molecular homogeneity and genomic stability maintained during culture. Such cells grown in 3D culture system could self-organize into renal organoids composed of proximal tubular, Loop of Henle (LOH) and distal tubular cells as illustrated by single cell transcriptomic analysis. Once being transplanted into the physically injured mouse kidney, the expanded single human SOX9+ RECs incorporated into the damaged area and demonstrated capacity of regenerating functional tubules in vivo. Altogether, the ability to extensively propagate human SOX9+ REC in culture whilst concomitantly maintaining their intrinsic lineage differentiation commitment suggests their future application in regenerative medicine.
Linker histone H1 determines cell stiffness and differentiation
Authors: Kijima Marie , Yamagishi Hiroyuki , Kawano Riho , Konishi Tomoki , Okumura Takuya , Hayase Masanori , Mizuta Ryushin
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

The flexibility or stiffness, one mechanical property of cells, is a promising label-free biomarker for underlying cytoskeletal or nuclear changes associated with various disease processes and changes in cell state. However, the molecular changes responsible for the whole-cell mechanical stiffness remain to be clarified. Recently, it was shown that the deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) microfluidic device, originally developed for size fractionation of some particles, might be applied to distinguish cells according to their stiffness. In this experiment, using the DLD device and various cell lines differentially expressing histone H1, a positively-charged protein localized in the linker region of chromatin, we found linear relationships between histone H1 quantity and cell stiffness. We also found that the histone H1 quantity affected cell size and even cell differentiation.
Alteration of fecal microbial compositions and bacterial taxa in female osteoporotic patients
Authors: Zhu Cuifeng , Liu Jianguo , Pan Yong , Fan Ye , Jin Leigang , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhentian , Gan Yu , Tang Wei , Li Jinhuan , Xiong Zhuang , Xu Genming , Lin Xiuping , Zhang Yuan , Cai JinChuan , Yang Muxiu , Zhang Leijun , Xiao Liehui , Pan Yi , Wang Kejian , Xu Aimin
Published: January 2020

Background

Gut microbiota, mainly characterized by fecal bacterial compositions, affects human immune system and pathophysiological development. Our aim was to measure the quantitative differences of fecal bacterial compositions between osteoporotic patients and healthy subjects, and to identify novel bacterial taxa that speculate the incidence of osteoporosis in female.

Method

We recruited 104 female subjects, including 45 osteoporotic individuals and 59 healthy control. Fecal samples were collected for further analysis by 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Analyses of α- and β-diversity demonstrated that the diversity and composition of fecal bacterial compositions were both significant different in osteoporosis group, as compared with healthy group. Multiple bacterial genera were significantly increased (e.g., Roseburia and Bacteroides) or decreased (e.g., Streptococcus and Dorea) in the osteoporotic cases. Furthermore, the osteoporosiscould be efficiently determined by the random forest model based on differential taxa (area under ROC curve = 0.93).

Conclusion

There were obvious different fecal microbial characteristics between female osteoporosis and healthy subjects. These findings provided evidence for understanding the host-gut microbiota interplay in female osteoporosis, and supported clinical applications of gut microbiota analysis for female osteoporosis diagnosis
Novel ionophores active against La Crosse virus identified through rapid antiviral screening
Authors: Sandler Zachary J. , Vu Michelle N. , Menachery Vineet D. , Mounce Bryan C.
Published: January 2020

Bunyaviruses are significant human pathogens, causing diseases ranging from hemorrhagic fevers to encephalitis. Among these viruses, La Crosse virus (LACV), a member of the California serogroup, circulates in the eastern and midwestern United States. While LACV infection is often asymptomatic, dozens of cases of encephalitis are reported yearly. Unfortunately, no antivirals have been approved to treat LACV infection. Here, we developed a method to rapidly test potential antivirals against LACV infection. From this screen, we identified several potential antiviral molecules, including known antivirals. Additionally, we identified many novel antivirals that exhibited antiviral activity without affecting cellular viability. Valinomycin, a potassium ionophore, was among our top targets. We found that valinomycin exhibited potent anti-LACV activity in multiple cell types in a dose-dependent manner. Valinomycin did not affect particle stability or infectivity, suggesting that it may preclude virus replication by altering cellular potassium ions, a known determinant of LACV entry. We extended these results to other ionophores and found that the antiviral activity of valinomycin extended to other viral families including bunyaviruses (Rift Valley fever virus, Keystone virus), enteroviruses (Coxsackievirus, rhinovirus), flavirivuses (Zika), and coronaviruses (229E and MERS-CoV). In all viral infections, we observed significant reductions in virus titer in valinomycin-treated cells. In sum, we demonstrate the importance of potassium ions to virus infection, suggesting a potential therapeutic target to disrupt virus replication.

Importance

No antivirals are approved for the treatment of bunyavirus infection. The ability to rapidly screen compounds and identify novel antivirals is one means to accelerate drug discovery for viruses with no approved treatments. We used this approach to screen hundreds of compounds against La Crosse virus, an emerging bunyavirus that causes significant disease, including encephalitis. We identified several known and previously unidentified antivirals. We focused on a potassium ionophore, valinomycin, due to its promisingin vitroantiviral activity. We demonstrate that valinomycin, as well as a selection of other ionophores, exhibits activity against La Crosse virus as well as several other distantly related bunyaviruses. We finally observe that valinomycin has activity against a wide array of human viral pathogens, suggesting that disrupting potassium ion homeostasis with valinomycin may be a potent host pathway to target to quell virus infection.
Heme Impairs Alveolar Epithelial Sodium Channels Post Toxic Gas Inhalation
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Lazrak Ahmed , Ahmad Israr , Yu Zhihong , Bryant Ayesha , Mobley James A. , Ford David A. , Matalon Sadis
Published: January 2020

We previously reported that cell-free heme (CFH) is increased in the plasma of patients with acute and chronic lung injury and causes pulmonary edema in animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) post inhalation of halogen gas. However, the mechanisms by which CFH causes pulmonary edema are unclear. Herein we report for the first time the presence of CFH and chlorinated lipids (formed by the interaction of halogen gas, Cl2, with plasmalogens) in the plasma of patients and mice exposed to Cl2gas.Ex vivoincubation of red blood cells (RBC) with halogenated lipids caused oxidative damage to RBC cytoskeletal protein spectrin, resulting in hemolysis and release of CFH. A single intramuscular injection of the heme-scavenging protein hemopexin (4 µg/kg body weight) in mice, one hour post halogen exposure, reversed RBC fragility and decreased CFH levels to those of air controls. Patch clamp and short circuit current measurements revealed that CFH inhibited the activity of amiloride-sensitive (ENaC) and cation sodium (Na+) channels in mouse alveolar cells and trans-epithelial Na+transport across human airway cells with EC50of 125 nM and 500 nM, respectively. Molecular modeling identified 22 putative heme-docking sites on ENaC (energy of binding range: 86-1563 kJ/mol) with at least 2 sites within its narrow transmembrane pore, potentially capable of blocking Na+transport across the channel. In conclusion, results suggested that CFH mediated inhibition of ENaC activity may be responsible for pulmonary edema post inhalation injury.
Super elongation complex as a targetable dependency in diffuse midline glioma
Authors: Dahl Nathan A. , Danis Etienne , Balakrishnan Ilango , Wang Dong , Pierce Angela , Walker Faye M. , Gilani Ahmed , Serkova Natalie J. , Madhavan Krishna , Fosmire Susan , Green Adam L. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Venkataraman Sujatha , Vibhakar Rajeev
Published: January 2020

Mutations in the histone 3 gene (H3K27M) are the eponymous drivers in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) and other diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), aggressive pediatric brain cancers for which no curative therapy currently exists. The salient molecular consequence of these recurrent oncohistones is a global loss of repressive H3K27me3 residues and broad epigenetic dysregulation. In order to identify specific, therapeutically targetable epigenetic dependencies within this disease context, we performed an shRNA screen targeting 408 genes classified as epigenetic/chromatin-associated molecules in patient-derived DMG cultures. This approach identified AFF4, the scaffold protein of the super elongation complex (SEC), as a previously-undescribed dependency in DMG. Interrogation of SEC function demonstrated a key role for maintaining DMG cell viability and clonogenic potential while promoting self-renewal of DMG tumor stem cells. Small-molecule inhibition of the SEC with the highly-specific, clinically relevant CDK9 inhibitors atuveciclib and AZD4573 restores regulatory RNA polymerase II pausing, promotes cellular differentiation, and leads to potent anti-tumor effect bothin vitroand in patient-derived xenograft models. These studies present a biologic rationale for translational exploration of CDK9 inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach in a disease which currently has no effective medical therapies.
Visualization and normalization of drift effect across batches in metabolome-wide association studies
Authors: Bararpour Nasim , Gilardi Federica , Carmeli Cristian , Sidibe Jonathan , Ivanisevic Julijana , Caputo Tiziana , Augsburger Marc , Grabherr Silke , Desvergne Béatrice , Guex Nicolas , Bochud Murielle , Thomas Aurelien
Published: January 2020

As a powerful phenotyping technology, metabolomics provides new opportunities in biomarker discovery through metabolome-wide association studies (MWAS) and identification of metabolites having regulatory effect in various biological processes. While MS-based metabolomics assays are endowed with high-throughput and sensitivity, large-scale MWAS are doomed to long-term data acquisition generating an overtime-analytical signal drift that can hinder the uncovering of true biologically relevant changes.

We developed “dbnorm”, a package in R environment, which allows visualization and removal of signal heterogeneity from large metabolomics datasets. “dbnorm” integrates advanced statistical tools to inspect dataset structure, at both macroscopic (sample batch) and microscopic (metabolic features) scales. To compare model performance on data correction, “dbnorm” assigns a score, which allows the straightforward identification of the best fitting model for each dataset. Herein, we show how “dbnorm” efficiently removes signal drift among batches to capture the true biological heterogeneity of data in two large-scale metabolomics studies.
Arachidonic acid promotes the binding of 5-lipoxygenase on nanodiscs containing 5-lipoxygenase activating protein in the absence of calcium-ions
Authors: Kumar Ramakrishnan B. , Purhonen Pasi , Hebert Hans , Jegerschöld Caroline
Published: January 2020

Among the first steps in inflammation is the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) stored in the cell membranes into leukotrienes. This occurs mainly in leukocytes and depends on the interaction of two proteins: 5-lipoxygenase (5LO), stored away from the nuclear membranes until use and 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), a transmembrane, homotrimeric protein, constitutively present in nuclear membrane. We could earlier visualize the binding of 5LO to nanodiscs in the presence of Ca2+-ions by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on samples negatively stained by sodium phosphotungstate. In the absence of Ca2+-ions 5LO did not bind to the membrane. In the present communication, FLAP reconstituted in the nanodiscs which could be purified if the His-tag was located on the FLAP C-terminus but not the N-terminus. Our aim was to find out if 1) 5LO would bind in a Ca2+-dependent manner also when FLAP is present? 2) Would the substrate (AA) have effects on 5LO binding to FLAP-nanodiscs? TEM was used to assess the complex formation between 5LO and FLAP-nanodiscs along with, sucrose gradient purification, gel-electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy. It was found that presence of AA by itself induces complex formation in the absence of added calcium. This finding corroborates that AA is necessary for the complex formation and that a Ca2+-flush is mainly needed for the recruitment of 5LO to the membrane. Our results also showed that the addition of Ca2+-ions promoted binding of 5LO on the FLAP-nanodiscs as was also the case for nanodiscs without FLAP incorporated. In the absence of added substances no 5LO-FLAP complex was formed. Another finding is that the formation of a 5LO-FLAP complex appears to induce fragmentation of 5LOin vitro.
Establishing ProbioticSaccharomyces boulardiias a Model Organism for Synthesis and Delivery of Biomolecules
Authors: Durmusoglu Deniz , Al’Abri Ibrahim , Collins Scott P. , Beisel Chase , Crook Nathan
Published: January 2020

Saccharomyces boulardiiis a widely used yeast probiotic which can counteract various gastrointestinal disorders1. As a relative ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae,S. boulardiiexhibits rapid growth and is easy to transform2and thus represents a promising chassis for the engineered secretion of biomolecules. To establishS. boulardiias a platform for delivery of biomolecules to the mammalian gut, we measured the amount and variance in protein expression enabled by promoters, terminators, selective markers, and copy number control elements in this organism. These genetic elements were characterized in plasmidic and genomic contexts, revealing strategies for tunable control of gene expression and CRISPR-mediated genome editing in this strain. We then leveraged this set of genetic parts to combinatorially assemble pathways enabling a wide range of drug and vitamin titers. Finally, we measuredS. boulardii’s residence time in the gastrointestinal tracts of germ-free and antibiotic-treated mice, revealing the relationships between dosing strategy and colonization level. This work establishesS. boulardiias a genetically tractable commensal fungus and provides a set of strategies for engineeringS. boulardiito synthesize and deliver biomolecules during gut colonization.
AStarix: Fast and Optimal Sequence-to-Graph Alignment
Authors: Ivanov Pesho , Bichsel Benjamin , Mustafa Harun , Kahles André , Rätsch Gunnar , Vechev Martin
Published: January 2020

We present an algorithm for theoptimal alignmentof sequences togenome graphs. It works by phrasing the edit distance minimization task as finding a shortest path on an implicit alignment graph. To find a shortest path, we instantiate the A⋆paradigm with a novel domain-specific heuristic function that accounts for the upcoming subsequence in the query to be aligned, resulting in a provably optimal alignment algorithm called AStarix.

Experimental evaluation of AStarixshows that it is 1–2 orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art optimal algorithms on the task of aligning Illumina reads to reference genome graphs. Implementations and evaluations are available athttps://github.com/eth-sri/astarix.
Gasdermin-D-dependent IL-1αrelease from microglia promotes protective immunity during chronicToxoplasma gondiiinfection
Authors: Batista Samantha J. , Still Katherine M. , Johanson David , Thompson Jeremy A. , O’Brien Carleigh A. , Lukens John R. , Harris Tajie H.
Published: January 2020

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain parenchyma, are thought to be first-line defenders against CNS infections. We sought to identify specific roles of microglia in the control of the eukaryotic parasiteToxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic infection that can cause severe neurological disease. In order to identify the specific function of microglia in the brain during infection, we sorted microglia and infiltrating myeloid cells from infected microglia reporter mice. Using RNA-sequencing, we find strong NF-κB and inflammatory cytokine signatures overrepresented in blood-derived macrophages versus microglia. Interestingly, we also find that IL-1αis enriched in microglia and IL-1βin macrophages, which was also evident at the protein level. We find that mice lacking IL-1R1 or IL-1α, but not IL-1β, have impaired parasite control and immune cell infiltration specifically within the brain. Further, by sorting purified populations from infected brains, we show that microglia, not peripheral myeloid cells, release IL-1α ex vivo. Finally, using knockout mice as well as chemical inhibition, we show thatex vivoIL-1αrelease is gasdermin-D dependent, and that gasdermin-D and caspase-1/11 deficient mice show deficits in immune infiltration into the brain and parasite control. These results demonstrate that microglia and macrophages are differently equipped to propagate inflammation, and that in chronicT. gondiiinfection, microglia specifically can release the alarmin IL-1α, a cytokine that promotes neuroinflammation and parasite control.
Characterization of mating type genes in heterothallicNeonectriaspecies with emphasis onN. coccinea, N. ditissima,andN. faginata
Authors: Stauder Cameron M. , Garnas Jeff R. , Morrison Eric W. , Salgado-Salazar Catalina , Kasson Matt T.
Published: January 2020

Neonectria ditissimaandN. faginataare canker pathogens involved in an insect-fungus disease complex of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) commonly known as beech bark disease (BBD). In Europe, bothN. ditissimaandN. coccineaare involved in BBD on European beech (Fagus sylvatica). Field observations across the range of BBD indicate that new infections occur primarily via ascospores. Both heterothallic (self-sterile) and homothallic (self-fertile) mating strategies have been reported forNeonectriafungi. As such, investigations into mating strategy are important for understanding both the disease cycle and population genetics ofNeonectria. This is particularly important in the U.S. given that over timeN. faginatadominates the BBD pathosystem despite high densities of non-beech hosts forN. ditissima. This study utilized whole-genome sequences of BBD-associatedNeonectriaspp. along with other publicly availableNeonectriaandCorinectriagenomes andin vitromating assays to characterize mating type (MAT) loci and confirm thallism for select members ofNeonectriaandCorinectria. MAT gene-specific primer pairs were developed to efficiently characterize the mating types of additional single ascospore strains ofN. ditissima,N. faginata, andN. coccineaand several other related species lacking genomic data.In vitromating assays were used in combination with molecular results to confirm thallism. These assays also comfirmed the sexual compatibility amongN. ditissimastrains from different plant hosts. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of both MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 sequences recovered trees with similar topology to previously published phylogenies ofNeonectriaandCorinectria. The results of this study indicate that allNeonectriaandCorinectriatested are heterothallic based on our limited sampling and, as such, thallism cannot help explain the inevitable dominance ofN. faginatain the BBD pathosystem.
Influence of consumer decision-making styles on use of mobile shopping applications
Authors: Sarkar Subhro , Khare Arpita , Sadachar Amrut
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the consumer styles inventory (CSI) scale for understanding the decision-making styles of shopping app users. The validated scales are used to examine the relationship between consumers’ decision-making styles and factors affecting the use of mobile shopping apps.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 428 valid responses are collected from the users of the five most popular shopping apps. The mobile shopping apps are selected based on a popularity study. Data are collected from mobile app shoppers through an online survey.

Findings

Findings reveal a new set of factors that can be used for understanding use of mobile shopping apps. Decision-making styles influence the adoption of mobile apps for shopping. Factors responsible for the adoption of mobile shopping apps such as usefulness and risk perceptions differ across consumers with different decision-making styles.

Practical implications

The findings would facilitate online retailers in building focused marketing strategies for segmenting and targeting the consumers having different decision-making styles.

Originality/value

The current research is the first of its kind to examine the applicability of the CSI scale in the context of mobile app shoppers in an emerging economy. The findings enrich the existing literature by providing empirical support to the relationship between decision-making styles and factors affecting adoption of shopping using mobile apps.
A kind of new method of intelligent trust engineering metrics (ITEM) for application of mobilead hocnetwork
Authors: Zhang Degan , Gong Changle , Jiang Kaiwen , Zhang Xiaodan , Zhang Ting
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to put forward a kind of new method of intelligent trust engineering metrics for application of mobilead hocnetwork (MANET).

Design/methodology/approach

The new method calculates the communication trust by using the number of data packets among the nodes of MANET, predicts intelligently the trust and calculates the comprehensive trust based on the historical trust; then calculates the energy trust based on the residual energy of the nodes of MANET, calculates the direct trust based on the communication trust and energy trust. The new method calculates the recommendation trust based on the recommendation reliability; adopts the adaptive weighting to calculate the integrated direct trust by considering the direct trust with recommendation trust.

Findings

Based on the integrated direct trust and the factor of trust propagation distance, the indirect trust among the nodes of MANET is calculated. The above process can be optimized based on the dynamic machine learning presented in this study. The advantage of the new method is its intelligent ability to discover malicious nodes.

Originality/value

The advantage of the new method is its intelligent ability to discover malicious nodes which can partition the network by falsely reporting other nodes as misbehaving and proceeds to protect the network. The authors have done the experiments based on the tool kits such as NS3, QualNet, OMNET++ and MATLAB. The experimental results show that this study’s approach can effectively avoid the attacks of malicious nodes, and more conformable to the actual engineering application of MANET.
Estimating the change in regional scale distribution of seagrass and macroalgal beds using discrete local distribution data analyzed from aerial images
Authors: Hamaoka Hideki , Kamiyama Takashi , Hori Masakazu
Published: January 2020

The sensitivity of vegetated habitats to climate change and catastrophic disturbance, as well as their benefits to human beings, motivate efforts to estimate regional changes in distribution. This study examined the regional changes in the distribution of submerged macrophyte vegetation using aerial and satellite images from before and after the 2011 tsunami disturbance along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. We conducted an estimation of the change in the distribution of seagrass and macroalgal beds after the tsunami along the whole coastline (1,635 km). This was based on vegetation change in the 13 local areas (each <40 km) spanning 27% of the coastline and included 28% of the macroalgal area and 59% of the seagrass area documented in satellite imagery before the tsunami, using generalized linear modeling (GLM). We found that in the 13 local areas 716.8 and 1,990.3 ha of macroalgal beds and seagrass beds had disappeared, respectively, suggesting that seagrass beds were more impacted by the tsunami than macroalgal beds. Significant predictors in GLM indicated that more seagrass beds disappeared in geographically complex coastal areas, whereas macroalgal beds were only marginally affected in such areas. It was estimated that the total decline in seagrass beds was at least 76% along the whole coastline, whereas macroalgal beds decreased only by about 20%. The magnitude and predictors of losses in these two vegetated habitats were similar to earlier estimates, suggesting that our simplified method with GLM is sufficient to extrapolate monitoring data to a regional scale.
Male flowers in Tulipa pumila Moench (Liliaceae) potentially originate from gender diphasy
Authors: Astuti Giovanni , Pratesi Sandro , Carta Angelino , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: January 2020

We found functionally male individuals in an otherwise hermaphroditic population of Tulipa pumila (Liliaceae) located in Tuscany (central Italy). We investigated the sex ratio of this population, followed by morphometric analyses of the scape, leaves and flowers, and tests on pollen germinability and seed number and mass, in order to infer which sexual strategy produced the observed co‐occurrence of male and hermaphrodite individuals. We found that sex ratio deviated from 1:1, and functionally male individuals showed a smaller plant size and a reduced pollen fitness (germinability and siring ability) compared to hermaphrodites. These findings point to a resource‐dependent sexual allocation strategy, probably associated with gender diphasy.
Mindfetalness to increase women’s awareness of fetal movements and pregnancy outcomes: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial including 39 865 women
Authors: Akselsson A , Lindgren H , Georgsson S , Pettersson K , Steineck G , Skokic V , Rådestad I
Published: January 2020

Objective

To examine whether a method for raising women's awareness of fetal movements, Mindfetalness, can affect pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Cluster‐randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Sixty‐seven maternity clinics in Stockholm, Sweden.

Population

Women with singleton pregnancy with birth from 32 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Women registered at a clinic randomised to Mindfetalness were assigned to receive a leaflet about Mindfetalness (n = 19 639) in comparison with routine care (n = 20 226). Data were collected from a population‐based register.

Main outcome measures

Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes after birth, visit to healthcare due to decrease in fetal movements. Other outcomes: Apgar score <4 at 5 minutes after birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age and mode of delivery.

Results

No difference (1.1 versus 1.1%, relative risk [RR] 1.0; 95% CI 0.8–1.2) was found between the Mindfetalness group and the Routine care group for a 5‐minute Apgar score <7. Women in the Mindfetalness group contacted healthcare more often due to decreased fetal movements (6.6 versus 3.8%, RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.57–1.87). Mindfetalness was associated with a reduction of babies born small‐for‐gestational‐age (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–1.00), babies born after gestational week 41+6 (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.98) and caesarean sections (19.0 versus 20.0%, RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–0.99).

Conclusions

Mindfetalness did not reduce the number of babies born with an Apgar score <7. However, Mindfetalness was associated with the health benefits of decreased incidence of caesarean section and fewer children born small‐for‐gestational‐age.

Tweetable abstract

Introducing Mindfetalness in maternity care decreased caesarean sections but had no effect on the occurrence of Apgar scores <7.
The Impact of Corporate Sustainability and Digitalization on International Banks’ Performance
Authors: Forcadell Francisco Javier , Aracil Elisa , Úbeda Fernando
Published: January 2020

We analyse the implications for international banks of two contemporary megatrends: corporate sustainability (CS) and digitalization. The digital environment and the availability of massive data from customers generate asymmetric information for banks to the detriment of customers, who experience individual vulnerabilities such as privacy rights. This can hinder the positive influence of digitalization in banks’ performance, with relevant managerial and political implications. In this context, the reputation generated by CS strategies can constitute a credence factor that reduces customers’ fears of opportunistic behavior and information asymmetries. We test and find support for our hypothesis over a panel data of large international banks from developed countries. Our findings shed light on the mutual reinforcement of CS and digitalization strategies in enhancing banks’ market performance and efficiency.
Banca March: The Fundamentals of a Bank Linked to Its Customers and Committed to Society
Authors: Rodríguez Arrojo Rita
Published: January 2020

Banca March’s history dates back almost a hundred years. It was founded in 1926 by Juan March Ordinas. We are the only family‐owned bank left in Spain; 100 per cent of the bank’s shares are owned by the March family. We are an unlisted bank, with a unique business model that sets us apart from the rest. Our unique approach is rooted in our business philosophy, shared growth, which has remained unchanged since our foundation. This philosophy allowed us to weather the turbulence of the 20th century and to emerge stronger than ever from the last financial crisis. Our long‐held motto is shared growth with all stakeholders.
Towards Global Cooperation: The Case for a Deliberative Global Citizens' Assembly
Authors: Vlerick Michael
Published: January 2020

In an important article published in this journal, Dryzek et al. (2011) champion the convocation of a deliberative global citizens' assembly (DGCA). In this article, I aim to further strengthen the case for a DGCA by addressing: (1) why a DGCA is likely to take a long‐term perspective in the global interest; and (2) why it is so vital that a global institution should do so. I start by analyzing the nature of the issues requiring global policy. These issues, I will argue, are typically global cooperation problems. Cooperation problems pose two major challenges. The first is to prevent freeriding, that is, serving one's immediate interests at the expense of the global interest. The second is to align on an efficient global policy. In both respects, I will argue, a DGCA is a good candidate to yield desirable results (and is likely to do better than current supranational institutions).
Trade‐offs with telemetry‐derived contact networks for infectious disease studies in wildlife
Authors: Gilbertson Marie L. J. , White Lauren A. , Craft Meggan E.
Published: January 2020

Network analysis of infectious disease in wildlife can reveal traits or individuals critical to pathogen transmission and help inform disease management strategies. However, estimates of contact between animals are notoriously difficult to acquire. Researchers commonly use telemetry technologies to identify animal associations, but such data may have different sampling intervals and often captures a small subset of the population. The objectives of this study were to outline best practices for telemetry sampling in network studies of infectious disease by determining (a) the consequences of telemetry sampling on our ability to estimate network structure, (b) whether contact networks can be approximated using purely spatial contact definitions and (c) how wildlife spatial configurations may influence telemetry sampling requirements.

We simulated individual movement trajectories for wildlife populations using a home range‐like movement model, creating full location datasets and corresponding ‘complete’ networks. To mimic telemetry data, we created ‘sample’ networks by subsampling the population (10%–100% of individuals) with a range of sampling intervals (every minute to every 3 days). We varied the definition of contact for sample networks, using either spatiotemporal or spatial overlap, and varied the spatial configuration of populations (random, lattice or clustered). To compare complete and sample networks, we calculated seven network metrics important for disease transmission and assessed mean ranked correlation coefficients and percent error between complete and sample network metrics.

Telemetry sampling severely reduced our ability to calculate global node‐level network metrics, but had less impact on local and network‐level metrics. Even so, in populations with infrequent associations, high intensity telemetry sampling may still be necessary. Defining contact in terms of spatial overlap generally resulted in overly connected networks, but in some instances, could compensate for otherwise coarse telemetry data.

By synthesizing movement and disease ecology with computational approaches, we characterized trade‐offs important for using wildlife telemetry data beyond ecological studies of individual movement, and found that careful use of telemetry data has the potential to inform network models. Thus, with informed application of telemetry data, we can make significant advances in leveraging its use for a better understanding and management of wildlife infectious disease.
Assessing the buffer effect of floaters by reinforcing local colonization in spatially structured populations
Authors: Robles H. , Ciudad C.
Published: January 2020

Ecological theory and recent empirical studies show that the persistence of spatially structured populations – those composed of spatially separated local populations connected by dispersal – may require the maintenance of pools of floaters (nonbreeding but sexually mature individuals) that rescue small local populations from extinction by replacing the lost breeders. Regardless of the rescue of local breeding populations, the persistence of spatially structured populations may also depend on sufficient numbers of colonizations that counteract local extinctions. Given their intrinsic potential mobility, floaters have been proposed to promote the persistence of spatially structured populations by enhancing the (re)colonization of empty habitat patches in fragmented habitats. However, robust empirical assessments of this hypothesis are lacking. Using a long‐term woodpecker study in fragmented habitats as a model framework, we addressed the largely neglected hypothesis that floaters enhance the colonization of local patches and, consequently, facilitate the persistence of spatially structured populations. The size of the entire spatially structured system (number of local populations) increased across years due to a slightly higher number of colonizations than extinctions, suggesting that an increase in colonization may enhance the long‐term persistence of this spatially structured population. After controlling for the number of patches occupied in previous years, the number of colonizations was positively related to the number of patches with floaters in previous seasons. Moreover, after controlling for potential confounding factors, patches with floaters were considerably more likely to be colonized in subsequent seasons than patches without floaters (0.079 vs. 0.008). Colonizations were often conducted through inter‐patch dispersal by floaters that established their territory in empty patches after a variable wandering period, which frequently led to delayed breeding beyond the age of sexual maturity. Altogether, these results provide empirical support for the hypothesis of an enhanced colonization mediated by floaters as a buffer mechanism for the long‐term persistence of spatially structured populations.
Pilot study of the effectiveness of a Mindful Self‐Care and Resiliency program for rural doctors in Australia
Authors: Rees Clare S. , Craigie Mark A. , Slatyer Susan , Crawford Chris , Bishop Michael , McPhee Ewen , Hegney Desley G.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Rural doctors are difficult to recruit and retain. Burnout and stress in the medical workforce fluctuates according to location. Overall, doctors have an elevated risk of depression and suicide compared to the general population and other professionals. Higher levels of occupational stress also effect patient care, levels of work satisfaction and relationships with others. This study evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility and sustainability of the Mindful Self‐Care and Resiliency Program.

Design

This was a sequential mixed‐method study involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Setting

The study was conducted in Emerald, Queensland.

Participants

Thirteen doctors took part in the program with seven providing pre and post survey responses. Qualitative data were collected via semi‐structured telephone interviews with an additional four rural doctors.

Intervention

The Mindful Self‐Care and Resiliency program consisted of a 4‐hour face‐to‐face session and three 1‐hour video‐conference follow up sessions.

Main outcome measures

Burnout, negative affect, well‐being and psychological strain were assessed using self‐report measures before and after taking part in the program.

Results

The majority (six out of seven) of the doctors showed reductions in burnout, psychological strain and negative affect following participation in the program. The qualitative data indicated that all doctors gained new skills: self‐awareness, reflection and self‐care. They also reported improved interaction with colleagues and patients, to whom they passed on their new learning.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation of the effectiveness and feasibility of Mindful Self‐Care and Resiliency for rural doctors indicates that the program has promise in improving the emotional well‐being of this occupational group. Although this study captured approximately one‐third of the Emerald workforce, further research with a larger sample is required to confirm these findings.