bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role and mechanism of chaperones Calnexin/Calreticulin in which ALLN selectively rescues the trafficking defective of HERG-A561V mutation
Authors: Wang Ying , Shen Tingting , Fang Peiliang , Zhou Junbo , Lou Kenan , Cen Zemin , Qian Hai , Zhou Jianqing , Liu Ningsheng , Lian Jiangfang
Published: May 2018

Long QT (LQT) type 2 (LQT2) is caused by HERG mutation. L539fs/47 encodes a truncated protein, and its mechanisms in HERG mutation are unknown. HERG mutation plasmids were overexpressed in HEK293T cells, respectively, followed by analyzing lysates with Western blot. Transfected HEK293T cells were treated with or without N-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-norleucinal (ALLN) and Propranolol (Prop) at 24 or 48 h. HERG-WT, HERG-A561V, WT/A561V, HERG-L539fs/47, WT/L539fs/47, and Calnexin (CNX)/Calreticulin (CRT) protein expression and their interactions were detected by Western blot and immunoprecipitation. Each group with HERG currents (Ikr) were detected by Patch-clamp technique. Treated with ALLN, the expression of mature HERG protein and the CNX/CRT protein increased. The interaction of HERG-A561V and WT/A561V protein with the chaperone CNX/CRT increased significantly. The maximum peak currents and tail currents density increased by 70% and 73%, respectively, while maximal peak currents density (24%) and tail currents density (19%) were slight increased in WT-HERG cells. Treated with Prop, the expression and interaction of mature HERG and chaperones CNX/CRT had no difference in each group. The maximal currents and tail currents density were slight increased. CNX/CRT might play a crucial role in the trafficking-deficient process and degradation of HERG-A561V mutant protein, however they had no effect on L539fs/47 HERG due to protein transport deletion. ALLN can restore HERG-A561V mutant protein trafficking process and rescue the dominant negative suppression of WT-HERG.
Unexpected role of the human cytomegalovirus contribute to essential hypertension in the Kazakh Chinese population of Xinjiang
Authors: Feng Qian , Hui Jing , Tang Na , Liu Yong-Min , Zhong Hua , Li Zhen , Wang La-Mei , Qu Yuan-Yuan , Deng Feng-Mei , He Fang
Published: May 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), endothelial function, and DNA methylation play roles in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension (EH); however, the mechanism by which HCMV predisposes patients to hypertension remain unclear. Our group previously demonstrated an association between EH and HCMV infection in Kazakh Chinese. Here, we investigated the relationship between HCMV infection and other clinicopathological features in 720 Kazakh individuals with or without hypertension (n=360 each; age: 18–80). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associations between HCMV infection, clinical characteristics, and EH. Notably, patients with EH, particularly those with HCMV infection, exhibited a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) levels, but a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and renin levels. Similarly, elevated TNF-α and 8-OHDG levels were independent predictors of increased HCMV antibody titers, whereas eNOS and renin were negatively correlated with the latter. Moreover, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE, ACE) methylation was increased, whereas 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11β2; HSD3B2) methylation was decreased in patients with EH who were also infected with HCMV. A positive correlation between HSD3B2 methylation and HCMV IgG titer and blood pressure was additionally observed, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) methylation was inversely correlated with blood pressure. Collectively, these data indicate that HCMV may contribute to EH development in the Kazakh Chinese by increasing TNF-α and 8-OHDG levels, suppressing eNOS and renin, and manipulating HSD3B2 and ACE methylation.
WITHDRAWN: LncRNA PRNCR1 regulates osteogenic differentiation in osteolysis after hip replacement by targeting miR-211-5p
Authors: Gong Zong-ming , Tang Zhen-yu , Sun Xiao-liang
Published: May 2018

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 11 May 2018) was withdrawn on 22 July 2021. Following the acceptance of this article, a reader has alerted the Editorial Office of Bioscience Reports that this paper has since been accepted and published in Gene (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2018.05.043). This goes against the Editorial Polices of Bioscience Reports, hence the accepted article has been withdrawn.
MiR-4463 inhibits the migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by AMOT
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Du Chao , He Xuemei , Deng Xian , He Yanzheng , Zhou Xiangyu
Published: May 2018

Aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration has been implicated in a variety of vascular disorders, while the signal pathways governing this process remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether miRNAs, which are strong post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, could alter VSMC migration. We detected the expression of miR-4463 in the plasma of patients with atherosclerosis and in human aortic smooth muscle cells under hypoxia–ischemia condition, and investigated the migration effect and its downstream pathways. The results have shown that whether in clinical AS patients or hypoxic cells, the expression of miR-4463 was lower than that of normal group, then the number of migrating cells in the miR-4463 mimic intervention group was significantly decreased compared with the normal group and miR-4463 inhibitor instead. Furthermore, the expression of angiomotin (AMOT) in gastrocnemius muscle and femoral artery of patients was significantly higher than that of the control group. The protein level of AMOT in miR-4463 mimic intervention group was significantly decreased, and its level was reversed by inhibiting miR-4463. In summary, these results indicate that miR-4463 is a novel modulator of VSMC migration by targetting AMOT expression. Regulating miR-4463 or its specific downstream target genes in VSMCs may represent an attractive approach for the treatment of vascular diseases.
Long non-coding RNA XIST predicts worse prognosis in digestive system tumors: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xuefang , Ming Xinliang , Jing Wei , Luo Ping , Li Nandi , Zhu Man , Yu Mingxia , Liang Chunzi , Tu Jiancheng
Published: May 2018

Increasing studies are indicating that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is associated with the prognosis of cancer patients. However, the results have been disputed. Therefore, we aimed to further explore the prognostic value and clinical significance of XIST in various types of cancers. Then, we focussed our research on the comparison of the predictive value of XIST between digestive system tumors and non-digestive system tumors. We performed a systematic search by looking up PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline (up to 3 January 2018). Fifteen studies which matched our inclusion criteria with a total of 920 patients for overall survival and 867 patients for clinicopathological characteristics were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to summarize the effects. Our results suggested that high expression levels of XIST were associated with unfavorable overall survival in cancer patients (pooled HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.45–2.26). Additionally, we found that XIST was more valuable in digestive system tumors (pooled HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.73–2.92) than in non-digestive system tumors (pooled HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.60–2.45). Furthermore, elevated expression levels of XIST were connected with distant metastasis and tumor stage. XIST was correlated with poor prognosis, which suggested that XIST might serve as a novel predictive biomarker for cancer patients, especially for patients of digestive system tumors.
OA-GL21, a novel bioactive peptide from Odorrana andersonii, accelerated the healing of skin wounds
Authors: Bian Wenxin , Meng Buliang , Li Xiaojie , Wang Siyuan , Cao Xiaoqing , Liu Naixin , Yang Meifeng , Tang Jing , Wang Ying , Yang Xinwang
Published: May 2018

Nowadays, the number of chronic trauma cases caused by a variety of factors such as the world’s population-ageing and chronic diseases is increasing steadily, and thus effective treatment for chronic wounds has become a severe clinical challenge, which also burdens the patient both physically and financially. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new drugs to accelerate the healing of wounds. Bioactive peptides, which are relatively low cost, easy to produce, store and transport, have become an excellent choice. In this research, we identified a novel peptide OA-GL21, with an amino acid sequence of ‘GLLSGHYGRVVSTQSGHYGRG’, from the skin secretions of Odorrana andersonii. Our results showed that OA-GL21 exerted the ability to promote wound healing of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblasts in a dose- and time-denpendent manner. However, OA-GL21 had no significant effect on the proliferation of these two cells. Significantly, OA-GL21 showed obvious ability to promote wound healing in the full-thickness skin wound model in dose- and scar-free manners. Further studies showed that OA-GL21 had no direct antibacterial, hemolytic, and acute toxic activity; it had weak antioxidant activities but high stability. In conclusion, this research proved the promoting effects of OA-GL21 on cellular and animal wounds, and thus provided a new peptide template for the development of wound-repairing drugs.
Three dynamically distinct stellar populations in the halo of M49
Authors: Hartke J. , Arnaboldi M. , Gerhard O. , Agnello A. , Longobardi A. , Coccato L. , Pulsoni C. , Freeman K. C. , Merrifield M.
Published: May 2018

Context. M49 (NGC 4472) is the dominant galaxy in subcluster B of the Virgo Cluster, and a benchmark for studying the build-up of the extended halos of brightest group galaxies in the outskirts of galaxy clusters.

Aims. We investigate the kinematics in the outer halo of M49, look for substructures, and describe the transition to the surrounding intra-group light.

Methods. As kinematic tracers, we use planetary nebulae (PNe), combining kinematics from the extended Planetary Nebula Spectrograph (PN.S) early-type galaxy survey with our recent deep photometric sample. We study the position-velocity-plane for bright and faint PN populations out to 95 kpc radius, and employ a multi-Gaussian model for the velocity distribution to identify stellar populations with distinct kinematics and histories.

Results. We report the detection of stellar-kinematic substructure associated with the interaction of M49 with the dwarf irregular galaxy VCC 1249. We find two kinematically distinct PN populations associated with the main M49 halo and the extended intra-group light (IGL). These have velocity dispersions σhalo ≃ 170 km s−1 and σIGL ≃ 400 km s−1 at 10–80 kpc radii. The overall luminosity profile and velocity dispersion at ~80 kpc are consistent with a flat circular velocity curve extrapolated from X-ray observations. The dispersion of the PNe associated with the IGL joins onto that of the satellite galaxies in subcluster B at ~100 kpc radius. This is the first time that the transition from halo to IGL is observed based on the velocities of individual stars.

Conclusions. Therefore the halo of M49, consisting of at least three distinct components, has undergone an extended accretion history within its parent group potential. The blue colours of the IGL component are consistent with a population of stars formed in low-mass galaxies at redshift ~0.5 that has since evolved passively, as suggested by other data.
K2 space photometry reveals rotational modulation and stellar pulsations in chemically peculiar A and B stars
Authors: Bowman D. M. , Buysschaert B. , Neiner C. , Pápics P. I. , Oksala M. E. , Aerts C.
Published: May 2018

Context. The physics of magnetic hot stars and how a large-scale magnetic field affects their interior properties is largely unknown. Few studies have combined high-quality observations and modelling of magnetic pulsating stars, known as magneto-asteroseismology, primarily because of the dearth of detected pulsations in stars with a confirmed and well-characterised large-scale magnetic field.

Aims. We aim to characterise observational signatures of rotation and pulsation in chemically peculiar candidate magnetic stars using photometry from the K2 space mission. Thus, we identify the best candidate targets for ground-based, optical spectropolarimetric follow-up observations to confirm the presence of a large-scale magnetic field.

Methods. We employed customised reduction and detrending tools to process the K2 photometry into optimised light curves for a variability analysis. We searched for the periodic photometric signatures of rotational modulation caused by surface abundance inhomogeneities in 56 chemically peculiar A and B stars. Furthermore, we searched for intrinsic variability caused by pulsations (coherent or otherwise) in the amplitude spectra of these stars.

Results. The rotation periods of 38 chemically peculiar stars are determined, 16 of which are the first determination of the rotation period in the literature. We confirm the discovery of high-overtone roAp pulsation modes in HD 177765 and find an additional 3 Ap and Bp stars that show evidence of high-overtone pressure modes found in roAp stars in the form of possible Nyquist alias frequencies in their amplitude spectra. Furthermore, we find 6 chemically peculiar stars that show evidence of intrinsic variability caused by gravity or pressure pulsation modes.

Conclusions. The discovery of pulsations in a non-negligible fraction of chemically peculiar stars make these stars high-priority targets for spectropolarimetric campaigns to confirm the presence of their expected large-scale magnetic field. The ultimate goal is to perform magneto-asteroseismology and probe the interior physics of magnetic pulsating stars.
Unanticipated Difficulty in an Anticipated Difficult Airway in the Neurointervention Suite: A Case Report
Authors: Gandhe Rajashree Uday , Bhave Chinmaya Pradeep , Kakde Avinash Sahebarav , Sathe Kalyani Anand
Published: May 2018

Airway management of patients with craniofacial vascular malformations poses many challenges. Establishment of a secure airway is a prerequisite for safe anesthetic management of these patients. We report a case of a 45-year-old man presenting with a facial vascular malformation involving the tongue, parapharynx, and extending into the neck, resulting in airway compromise scheduled for endovascular embolization.
Stark effect of Kramers-Henneberger atoms
Authors: Li Min , Wei Qi
Published: May 2018

The Electric Stark effect of a Kramers-Henneberger (KH) state of hydrogen atoms in both linearly and circularly polarized laser fields is studied. For the ground KH state of H atoms with a small quiver amplitude, the quadratic Stark effect is observed. For a large quiver amplitude, the Stark effect is quadratic only in a weak electric field and quickly changes to linear as the electric field increases. The atomic structure of the KH state is very sensitive to the electric field and can be easily polarized. The huge polarizability and induced dipole moment are comparable to those of Rydberg atoms.
A three-dimensional model for lubricant depletion under sliding condition on bit patterned media of hard disk drives
Authors: Wu Lin
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we model the depletion dynamics of the molecularly thin layer of lubricants on a bit patterned media disk of hard disk drives under a sliding air bearing head. The dominant physics and consequently, the lubricant depletion dynamics on a patterned disk are shown to be significantly different from the well-studied cases of a smooth disk. Our results indicate that the surface tension effect, which is negligible on a flat disk, apparently suppresses depletion by enforcing a bottleneck effect around the disk pattern peak regions to thwart the migration of lubricants. When the disjoining pressure is relatively small, it assists the depletion. But, when the disjoining pressure becomes dominant, the disjoining pressure resists depletion. Disk pattern orientation plays a critical role in the depletion process. The effect of disk pattern orientation on depletion originates from its complex interaction with other intermingled factors of external air shearing stress distribution and lubricant particle trajectory. Patterning a disk surface with nanostructures of high density, large height/pitch ratio, and particular orientation is demonstrated to be one efficient way to alleviate the formation of lubricant depletion tracks.
Reduction of Raman scattering and fluorescence from anvils in high pressure Raman scattering
Authors: Dierker S. B. , Aronson M. C.
Published: May 2018

We describe a new design and use of a high pressure anvil cell that significantly reduces the Raman scattering and fluorescence from the anvils in high pressure Raman scattering experiments. The approach is particularly useful in Raman scattering studies of opaque, weakly scattering samples. The effectiveness of the technique is illustrated with measurements of two-magnon Raman scattering in La2CuO4.
Maximum likelihood bolometric tomography for the determination of the uncertainties in the radiation emission on JET TOKAMAK
Authors: Craciunescu Teddy , Peluso Emmanuele , Murari Andrea , Gelfusa Michela ,   JET Contributors
Published: May 2018

The total emission of radiation is a crucial quantity to calculate the power balances and to understand the physics of any Tokamak. Bolometric systems are the main tool to measure this important physical quantity through quite sophisticated tomographic inversion methods. On the Joint European Torus, the coverage of the bolometric diagnostic, due to the availability of basically only two projection angles, is quite limited, rendering the inversion a very ill-posed mathematical problem. A new approach, based on the maximum likelihood, has therefore been developed and implemented to alleviate one of the major weaknesses of traditional tomographic techniques: the difficulty to determine routinely the confidence intervals in the results. The method has been validated by numerical simulations with phantoms to assess the quality of the results and to optimise the configuration of the parameters for the main types of emissivity encountered experimentally. The typical levels of statistical errors, which may significantly influence the quality of the reconstructions, have been identified. The systematic tests with phantoms indicate that the errors in the reconstructions are quite limited and their effect on the total radiated power remains well below 10%. A comparison with other approaches to the inversion and to the regularization has also been performed.
Transport-chemistry interactions identified for hydrogen autoignition in shear flows
Authors: DeJarnette Drew
Published: May 2018

Numerical analysis reveals fundamental mechanisms of transport-chemistry interactions during the autoignition of hydrogen in flows representing those found in rocket, scramjet and diesel engines.
Bodyweight performance, estimated carcass traits and methane emissions of beef-cattle categories grazing Andropogon gayanus, Melinis minutiflora and Stylosanthes capitata mixed swards and Brachiaria humidicola pasture
Authors: Ramírez-Restrepo C. A. , Vera R. R.
Published: May 2018

Cow–calf operations constitute the main land-use system in the 18 million ha of well drained tropical savannas of Colombia located in the Orinoco basin. There, numerous sex and age animal categories are present, ranging from suckling calves to old cull cows and steers, which in variable proportions are stocked at one animal unit (AU)/5–10 ha, depending on the ranch and distance from markets. In parallel, early-on farm observations showed that when sown pastures are introduced, graziers recur to opportunistic partial fattening of cull animals for a rapid economic return. The paper reports animal weight gains of cull cows, old steers, and young heifers and yearlings over seven consecutive years grazing on a low fertiliser-input well managed Andropogon gayanus-based pasture and four contemporary years on Brachiaria humidicola. The first 2 years involved three stocking rates (SR; 1.38, 1.85 and 2.32 animal units/ha), whereas a single SR of 1.33 animal units/ha was used for the remainder. A large database that included chemical, and in vitro and in vivo digestibility, values for all forages involved, was used as an input to a mathematical model to estimate methane (CH4) emissions. Estimations were compared with weight-based predictions derived from chamber measurements recorded recently in tropical Australia. Faecal mineral concentration varied little (not significantly) among SR and animal categories. Weight gains of old steers were 4–24% larger than those of cull cows, which, in turn, were larger than those of young steers and heifers (P < 0.01). Excepting one year, the performance of cull cows and old steers did not differ between pastures, confirming earlier on-ranch observations of reasonable weight gains of adult cattle on both pastures. The predicted carcass composition of cull cows and old steers did not differ between pastures either. Over the length of the experiment, cull cows emitted significantly less CH4 than did old steers (129 vs 141 g/day) on A. gayanus, while emissions on B. humidicola amounted to 128 and 137 g/day respectively. Despite between-year differences in animal performance, they are indicative of well managed pasture sustainability. They also show some of the trade-offs involved in the use of contrasting animal categories and pastures in terms of weight performance and predicted carcass composition and CH4 production. The authors expect that the present results will contribute to a rational, science-based discussion of the role of beef systems vis-à-vis environment in a region with limited production alternatives.
A study of transcriptome in leaf rust infected bread wheat involving seedling resistance gene Lr28
Authors: Sharma Chanchal , Saripalli Gautam , Kumar Santosh , Gautam Tinku , Kumar Avneesh , Rani Sushma , Jain Neelu , Prasad Pramod , Raghuvanshi Saurabh , Jain Mukesh , Sharma J. B. , Prabhu K. V. , Sharma P. K. , Balyan H. S. , Gupta P. K.
Published: May 2018

Leaf rust disease causes severe yield losses in wheat throughout the world. During the present study, high-throughput RNA-Seq analysis was used to gain insights into the role of Lr28 gene in imparting seedling leaf rust resistance in wheat. Differential expression analysis was conducted using a pair of near-isogenic lines (NILs) (HD 2329 and HD 2329 + Lr28) at early (0 h before inoculation (hbi), 24 and 48 h after inoculation (hai)) and late stages (72, 96 and 168 hai) after inoculation with a virulent pathotype of pathogen Puccinia triticina. Expression of a large number of genes was found to be affected due to the presence/absence of Lr28. Gene ontology analysis of the differentially expressed transcripts suggested enrichment of transcripts involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, oxidative stress and hormone metabolism, in resistant and/or susceptible NILs. Genes encoding receptor like kinases (RLKs) (including ATP binding; serine threonine kinases) and other kinases were the most abundant class of genes, whose expression was affected. Genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and several genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) (most abundant being WRKY TFs) were also identified along with some ncRNAs and histone variants. Quantitative real-time PCR was also used for validation of 39 representative selected genes. In the long term, the present study should prove useful in developing leaf rust resistant wheat cultivars through molecular breeding.
Comparative genomics of the nonlegume
Parasponia
reveals insights into evolution of nitrogen-fixing rhizobium symbioses
Authors: van Velzen Robin , Holmer Rens , Bu Fengjiao , Rutten Luuk , van Zeijl Arjan , Liu Wei , Santuari Luca , Cao Qingqin , Sharma Trupti , Shen Defeng , Roswanjaya Yuda , Wardhani Titis A. K. , Kalhor Maryam Seifi , Jansen Joelle , van den Hoogen Johan , Güngör Berivan , Hartog Marijke , Hontelez Jan , Verver Jan , Yang Wei-Cai , Schijlen Elio , Repin Rimi , Schilthuizen Menno , Schranz M. Eric , Heidstra Renze , Miyata Kana , Fedorova Elena , Kohlen Wouter , Bisseling Ton , Smit Sandra , Geurts Rene
Published: May 2018

Significance

Fixed nitrogen is essential for plant growth. Some plants, such as legumes, can host nitrogen-fixing bacteria within cells in root organs called nodules. Nodules are considered to have evolved in parallel in different lineages, but the genetic changes underlying this evolution remain unknown. Based on gene expression in the nitrogen-fixing nonlegume
Parasponia andersonii
and the legume
Medicago truncatula
, we find that nodules in these different lineages may share a single origin. Comparison of the genomes of
Parasponia
with those of related nonnodulating plants reveals evidence of parallel loss of genes that, in legumes, are essential for nodulation. Taken together, this raises the possibility that nodulation originated only once and was subsequently lost in many descendant lineages.
A neural pathway controlling motivation to exert effort
Authors: Proulx Christophe D. , Aronson Sage , Milivojevic Djordje , Molina Cris , Loi Alan , Monk Bradley , Shabel Steven J. , Malinow Roberto
Published: May 2018

Significance

The lateral habenula, a brain region that has been implicated in depression, receives inputs from brain nuclei associated with basic emotions and drives. In this report, using fiber photometry and optogenetics on behaving rats, we show that one major lateral habenula output pathway controls the motivation to exert effort in both aversive and appetitive contexts. Overactivity of this pathway could contribute to the reduced motivation seen in human depression.
A network of invasion hypotheses.
Authors: Enders M. , Jeschke J. M.
Published: May 2018

Hypotheses of research disciplines are typically not isolated from each other but share similarities. In a broad sense as defined here, they form an important part of the theoretical-conceptual understanding of a given topic, e.g. invasion hypotheses sensu lato represent an important part of our understanding of biological invasions. Dynamic research disciplines such as invasion biology have so many hypotheses that it is even hard for experts to keep track, and researchers from other disciplines as well as policy-makers, managers and other interested people find it extremely complicated to get to grips with invasion hypotheses. To tackle this situation, we argue that it is useful to define key hypotheses and visualize their relationships. We define 35 of the arguably most common invasion hypotheses and outline three approaches to create hypothesis networks that visualize the similarities and dissimilarities between hypotheses: (i) the bibliometric approach; (ii) the survey approach; and (iii) the matrix approach. The latter approach is in the focus of this chapter. It is centred around a matrix that represents the characteristics or traits of each hypothesis. Here we assigned such traits to 35 invasion hypotheses based on 13 trait categories. We then calculated the similarities between them and created a hypothesis network visualizing these similarities. With the same trait matrix, we created a smaller network focused on the 12 hypotheses featured in this book. This network thus illustrates the relationships between these 12 hypotheses and can be used as a map for the following chapters.
Biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses.
Authors: Jeschke J. M. , Debille S. , Lortie C. J.
Published: May 2018

The biotic resistance hypothesis sensu stricto is also known as the diversity-invasibility hypothesis. It proposes that ecosystems with high biodiversity are more resistant against non-native species than ecosystems with lower biodiversity. It is a classic hypothesis of the field and our systematic literature search identified 155 empirical studies that examined it. Most of these studies question the hypothesis. The frequency of supportive observational field studies is only about 15%. Although the frequency of supportive experimental studies, which are typically done at smaller spatial scales, is significantly higher, it is still below 50%. The island susceptibility hypothesis is topically similar and posits that continents are more resistant against non-native species than islands. In more specific terms, the island susceptibility hypothesis states that non-native species are more likely to become established and have major ecological impacts on islands than on continents. Our literature search only identified 17 empirical tests of this hypothesis with five of them being supportive. Thus, the biotic resistance and island susceptibility hypotheses are not frequently supported by existing empirical evidence. Most studies addressing them examined the number of non-native species or their establishment success, whereas relatively few studies measured impacts of non-native species. Studies that measured abundance, biomass or cover of non-native species - which are related to impact - more frequently supported the resistance hypothesis than other studies. A promising way forward might thus be to narrow the definition and scope of both hypotheses (and possibly rename them), so that 'resistance' and 'susceptibility' are related to impact of nonnative species. The next steps will then be to critically test these revised hypotheses and further refine the relevant ecological contexts that mediate the importance or magnitude of resistance.
Disturbance hypothesis.
Authors: Nordheimer R. , Jeschke J. M.
Published: May 2018

The disturbance hypothesis posits that the invasion success of non-native species is higher in highly disturbed than in relatively undisturbed ecosystems. A synonymous formulation is that highly disturbed ecosystems show lower resistance against nonnative species than relatively undisturbed ecosystems. On the basis of a systematic literature search, we identified 126 studies addressing the disturbance hypothesis. Applying the hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach, we classified these studies according to: (i) the cause of disturbance (direct anthropogenic vs indirect or non-anthropogenic disturbances); (ii) the type of disturbance; and (iii) the measure of invasion success. The majority of studies reported evidence supporting the disturbance hypothesis (59%, with 21% of the studies questioning the hypothesis and another 21% being undecided). Most subhypotheses were supported as well, only studies focusing on conservation management or fire as disturbances frequently reported questioning evidence. There was also consistent support for the hypothesis across taxonomic groups and terrestrial as well as aquatic systems. However, experimental field studies showed a lower level of support than observational or laboratory studies. Overall, this hypothesis is relatively well, but not very strongly supported by currently available studies. Given that human disturbances will further increase in the foreseeable future, we can predict that these will tend to further promote biological invasions.
Phenotypic plasticity hypothesis.
Authors: Torchyk O. , Jeschke J. M.
Published: May 2018

The phenotypic plasticity hypothesis - or, in short, plasticity hypothesis - posits that invasive species are more phenotypically plastic than non-invasive or native ones. On the basis of a systematic review, we identified 115 relevant empirical tests of the plasticity hypothesis. Most of these empirical studies focused on terrestrial plants; only some have been carried out on animals or in aquatic habitats. The plasticity hypothesis is largely empirically supported, including most of its sub-hypotheses - focusing on phenotypic plasticity in morphology, physiology and life history - and across taxonomic groups and habitats. There are relatively few experimental field and enclosure studies available, and these showed significantly lower support than observational studies. Similarly, recent studies showed slightly lower support of the plasticity hypothesis than early ones but this difference was not statistically significant. Thus overall, this invasion hypothesis is largely supported by currently available evidence; however, more studies are needed on organisms other than plants and in aquatic habitats, and it seems important to perform more experimental field and enclosure studies in the future to scrutinize this hypothesis.
Propagule pressure hypothesis.
Authors: Jeschke J. M. , Starzer J.
Published: May 2018

Propagule pressure is a composite measure of introduction effort consisting of: (i) the number of individuals introduced per introduction event (propagule size); and (ii) the frequency of introduction events (propagule frequency or number). The propagule pressure hypothesis posits that a high propagule pressure is a cause of invasion success; in other words, non-native species with a high propagule pressure have a higher invasion success than non-native species with a low propagule pressure. On the basis of a systematic review, we identified 92 relevant empirical studies testing the propagule pressure hypothesis. These studies have addressed different aspects - that is, suband sub-sub-hypotheses - of the overall hypothesis. Independently of the specific aspects considered by each study, the propagule pressure hypothesis is largely supported by currently available evidence. About 80% of the 92 studies reported supporting evidence. Similarly, the propagule pressure hypothesis is empirically supported across major taxonomic groups, habitats and methodological approaches. This hypothesis is among the most influential ones in the field and represents the recognition that in order to understand biological invasions, one must consider humans and their actions as key underlying drivers.
Synthesis.
Authors: Jeschke J. M. , Heger T.
Published: May 2018

About 1100 studies focusing on 12 major invasion hypotheses have been analysed in Chapters 8-16 of this book. A network of these 12 hypotheses, in which topically similar hypotheses are connected, was presented in Chapter 7. We here combine and synthesize these previous chapters, colour coding the hypothesis network depending on the level of empirical support of each hypothesis. Overall, six of the 12 hypotheses were supported by the majority of available empirical studies, three hypotheses were questioned by the majority of studies, and empirical studies were undecided for the three remaining hypotheses. The three questioned hypotheses were: evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA), biotic resistance and the tens rule. On the basis of these findings, we propose an alternative hypothesis network in which the biotic resistance hypothesis and the tens rule are replaced by revised hypotheses that are better empirically supported, and the EICA hypothesis is abandoned because the better empirically supported shifting defence hypothesis already is a refinement of this hypothesis. The revised hypothesis network therefore consists of 11 major hypotheses. Most studies analysed in this book focused on terrestrial plants in affluent countries, whereas other taxonomic groups, habitats and other countries are underrepresented in the invasion literature. Observational studies currently dominate the field. We further found that the level of empirical support has declined over time for some but not all focal hypotheses. The hypothesis network featured here is provided online, where it is also connected to the empirical data analysed in this book. This website is envisioned as the initiation of an advanced online tool that grows beyond invasion biology and should cover different scientific disciplines such as community ecology, biodiversity science and evolutionary biology. It is meant to visualize the major concepts, ideas and hypotheses in these disciplines including their links and connections, thus featuring a large structured network that is connected to the data generated in these disciplines.
Conclusions and outlook.
Authors: Heger T. , Jeschke J. M.
Published: May 2018

In Chapters 8-16, the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) toolbox has been applied in various ways. The results displayed as HoHs and additional bar graphs in most chapters, and as networks in Chapter 17, can now be used to identify knowledge gaps and promising paths for future research. We suggest some further steps that could be taken, making use of the data gathered for this book (which are freely available at www. hi-knowledge.org) and possible avenues for more general methodological advancements. To strengthen research in invasion biology, we specifically suggest four steps: (i) a more efficient provision and use of existing data and knowledge; (ii) a stronger focus on experiments or ideally research projects combining field studies with experiments; (iii) the development of sets of conceptually based 'case-sensitive' generalizations; and (iv) continuous integration of newly gained data and knowledge into a growing and developing atlas of invasion biology, which could potentially be expanded into an atlas of science. In this final chapter, we will first discuss how the chapters in Part II of the book made use of the HoH approach, what we think was achieved and which further methodological steps can be taken. The second section of this chapter, and final section of the book, will be an overall brief conclusion about the current state of invasion biology and possible ways forward.
From colonisation to globalisation: a history of state capture by the tobacco industry in Malawi
Authors: Smith Julia , Lee Kelley
Published: May 2018

Malawi, the world’s most tobacco-dependent country, has long defended the tobacco industry as essential to its economy. The impoverished living conditions of tobacco farmers, however, raise questions about the true benefits accruing to the country. While the government and industry often blame public health advocates for declining leaf prices, and thus lower returns to farmers, this article scrutinises these claims from a historical perspective. It argues that a context of state capture has characterised Malawi’s tobacco industry, originating with colonisation and evolving since to become increasingly entrenched. The analysis is divided into four periods: colonial (1890s–1964); national (1964–1981); liberalisation (1981–2004) and accelerated globalisation (2004 to present). Each period demonstrates how industry interests influenced government institutions and policies in ways that increased dependence on a crop that only benefits a minority of Malawians. Today, a transnational elite prospers at the expense of local growers.
Fueling thought: Management of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in neuronal metabolism
Authors: Yellen Gary
Published: May 2018

The brain’s energy demands are remarkable both in their intensity and in their moment-to-moment dynamic range. This perspective considers the evidence for Warburg-like aerobic glycolysis during the transient metabolic response of the brain to acute activation, and it particularly addresses the cellular mechanisms that underlie this metabolic response. The temporary uncoupling between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation led to the proposal of an astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle whereby during stimulation, lactate produced by increased glycolysis in astrocytes is taken up by neurons as their primary energy source. However, direct evidence for this idea is lacking, and evidence rather supports that neurons have the capacity to increase their own glycolysis in response to stimulation; furthermore, neurons may export rather than import lactate in response to stimulation. The possible cellular mechanisms for invoking metabolic resupply of energy in neurons are also discussed, in particular the roles of feedback signaling via adenosine diphosphate and feedforward signaling by calcium ions.
Ligand binding and activation properties of the purified bacterial cyclic nucleotide–gated channel SthK
Authors: Schmidpeter Philipp A.M. , Gao Xiaolong , Uphadyay Vikrant , Rheinberger Jan , Nimigean Crina M.
Published: May 2018

Cyclic nucleotide–modulated ion channels play several essential physiological roles. They are involved in signal transduction in photoreceptors and olfactory sensory neurons as well as pacemaking activity in the heart and brain. Investigations of the molecular mechanism of their actions, including structural and electrophysiological characterization, are restricted by the availability of stable, purified protein obtained from accessible systems. Here, we establish that SthK, a cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channel from Spirochaeta thermophila, is an excellent model for investigating the gating of eukaryotic CNG channels at the molecular level. The channel has high sequence similarity with its eukaryotic counterparts and was previously reported to be activated by cyclic nucleotides in patch-clamp experiments with Xenopus laevis oocytes. We optimized protein expression and purification to obtain large quantities of pure, homogeneous, and active recombinant SthK protein from Escherichia coli. A negative-stain electron microscopy (EM) single-particle analysis indicated that this channel is a promising candidate for structural studies with cryo-EM. Using radioactivity and fluorescence flux assays, as well as single-channel recordings in lipid bilayers, we show that the protein is partially activated by micromolar concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and that channel activity is increased by depolarization. Unlike previous studies, we find that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is also able to activate SthK, but with much lower efficiency than cAMP. The distinct sensitivities to different ligands resemble eukaryotic CNG and hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide–modulated channels. Using a fluorescence binding assay, we show that cGMP and cAMP bind to SthK with similar apparent affinities, suggesting that the large difference in channel activation by cAMP or cGMP is caused by the efficacy with which each ligand promotes the conformational changes toward the open state. We conclude that the functional characteristics of SthK reported here will permit future studies to analyze ligand gating and discrimination in CNG channels.
Development of methods for the analysis of multi-mode TFM images
Authors: Sy K , Bredif P , Iakovleva E , Roy O , Lesselier D
Published: May 2018

TFM (Total Focusing Method) is an advanced post-processing imaging algorithm of ultrasonic array data that shows good potential in defect detection and characterization. It can be employed using an infinite number of paths between transducer and focusing point. Depending upon the geometry and the characteristics of the defect in a given part, there are not the same modes that are appropriate for the defect reconstruction. Furthermore, non-physical indications can be observed, prone to misinterpretation. These imaging artifacts are due to the coexistence of several contributions involving several modes of propagation and interactions with possible defects and/or the geometry of the part. Two methods for filtering artifacts and reducing the number of TFM images are developed and illustrated.
Coastal management strategy for small island: ecotourism potency development in Karimata Island, West Kalimantan
Authors: Rudiastuti A W , Munawaroh  , Setyawan I E , Pramono G H
Published: May 2018

Sustainable coastal management is playing an important role in coastal resources conservation, particularly on small islands. Karimata archipelago has unique characteristics and great potential to be developed as a tourism object, one of which is Karimata Island as the largest island and also reserve area. The concept of ecotourism focuses on the ecology conservation, economic benefits, and social life. Ecotourism aims to build sustainable tourism that provides economically viable and social benefits to the community. This study aims to develop coastal management strategy based on ecotourism at Karimata Island. Spatial approaching through coastal type was done. Qualitative descriptive analysis and SWOT are used to develop sustainable management strategies for the coast of Karimata Island, where the opportunities and challenges to the development of coastal ecotourism Karimata Island also included. If this potential is optimally utilized, it can be relied as an economic opportunity for local communities. Structurally shaped coast, marine depositional coast and coast build by organism are several of coastal types found at Karimata Island. Coastal ecosystems inhabited Karimata Island are mangroves, coral reefs, and macro-algae. Karimata Island have not been optimally utilized for tourist destinations. The biggest obstacle encountered is the accessibility from Kalimantan or other island at Karimata islands. Several problems related to the utilization of coastal resources were found such as mangrove and coral reef damage, also regulation that less supportive. The results of this study are expected to provide an overview of solutions for the development of coastal tourism potentials in Karimata Island.
A Modified Inverted Nipple Correction Technique That Preserves Breastfeeding
Authors: Feng Rui , Li Weiwei , Yu Bing , Zhou Yudan
Published: May 2018

Background

An inverted nipple may affect the appearance of the breasts and breastfeeding, but traditional surgical procedures might injure the normal lactiferous ducts and damage sensory functions.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to propose a minimally invasive and reliable method that preserves breastfeeding and corrects grade I and II inverted nipples.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial of 230 female patients with unilateral or bilateral inverted nipples and 30 patients with normal nipples who visited the Preconception Counseling Department of our hospital from February 2009 to January 2016. The nipples in the distractor group underwent an operation with a distractor, while the control nipples were treated with daily exercises. The intervention lasted 6 months. The primary endpoint was full-term pregnancy breastfeeding for 4 months. The secondary endpoint was the completion of lactation without obvious complications, such as mastitis and nipple craze.

Results

Grade I and II nipples achieved increased height after the distractor was worn for 6 months and at 37 weeks of pregnancy (P < 0.05), while the control nipples achieved only a marginal improvement at 37 weeks of pregnancy. In the distractor group, the success rates were 84.9% and 79.3% for grade I and II nipples, respectively, compared with the control group (52.5% and 38.9%, respectively) (P < 0.05). After treatment with the distractor for 6 months, nipples in the distractor group showed no complications, such as skin numbness or nipple necrosis.

Conclusions

The use of a distractor is a reliable and minimally invasive method for correcting grade I and II inverted nipples while preserving breastfeeding.

Level of Evidence: 2