bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometrical aspects of rapid vibrations and rotations
Authors: Levi Mark
Published: September 2019

The counterintuitive phenomenon of stabilization of the inverted pendulum by the vertical vibration of its pivot has been known for over a century. This remarkable effect attracted attention of many mathematicians and physicists, including Kapitsa, Feynman, Arnold, Moser and others. The 1989 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to W. Paul for his discovery of the particle trap based on this phenomenon. The inverted pendulum is a tip of an ‘iceberg’ of related phenomena arising in systems with high-frequency time-dependence. This article surveys some related phenomena discovered more recently, some connections with differential geometry and mechanics, and some new geometrical insights.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topological and geometrical aspects of mass and vortex dynamics’.
On then-body problem in R4
Authors: Schmah Tanya , Stoica Cristina
Published: September 2019

Using geometric mechanics methods, we examine aspects of the dynamics ofnmass points inR4with a general pairwise potential. We investigate the central force problem, set up then-body problem and discuss certain properties of relative equilibria. We describe regularn-gons inR4, and when the masses are equal we determine the invariant manifold of motions with regularn-gon configurations. In the casen = 3, we reduce the dynamics to a 6 d.f. system and we show that for generic potentials and momenta, relative equilibria with equilateral configuration are unstable.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topological and geometrical aspects of mass and vortex dynamics’.
Respiratory Intervention Techniques Increase Selection Rate for Special Forces
Authors: Nina Bausek , Susanne Summers , Sonnon Scott B
Published: September 2019

Special Forces Selection Rates have declined over recent years, partly due to reduced fitness rates of applications

Postural changes incurred prior to the recruitment may contribute to compromised respiratory function, resulting in fatigue, overexertion, and Selection Course failure

Performance breathing training and respiratory muscle strengthening can reverse impaired respiratory function and optimize cardiopulmonary fitness.

In this study, a 6-week intervention program including performance breathing training improved fitness and performance of SF Selection Course participants.

The intervention program including performance breathing training increased the SF Selection Course pass rate from 0% to 30%, compared to prior years.
A decade of epigenetic change in aging twins: genetic and environmental contributions to longitudinal DNA methylation
Authors: Reynolds Chandra A. , Tan Qihua , Munoz Elizabeth , Jylhävä Juulia , Hjelmborg Jacob , Christiansen Lene , Hägg Sara , Pedersen Nancy L.
Published: September 2019

Summary/Abstract

Background

Epigenetic changes may result from the interplay of environmental exposures and genetic influences and contribute to differences in age-related disease, disability and mortality risk. However, the etiologies contributing to stability and change in DNA methylation have rarely been examined longitudinally.

Methods

We considered DNA methylation in whole blood leukocyte DNA across a 10-year span in two samples of same-sex aging twins: (a) Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging (SATSA; N = 53 pairs, 53% female; 62.9 and 72.5 years, SD=7.2 years); (b) Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (LSADT; N = 43 pairs, 72% female, 76.2 and 86.1 years, SD=1.8 years). Joint biometrical analyses were conducted on 358,836 methylation probes in common. Bivariate twin models were fitted, adjusting for age, sex and country.

Results

Overall, results suggest genetic contributions to DNA methylation across 358,836 sites tended to be small and lessen across 10 years (broad heritability M=23.8% and 18.0%) but contributed to stability across time while person-specific factors explained emergent influences across the decade. Aging-specific sites identified from prior EWAS and methylation age clocks were more heritable than background sites. The 5,037 sites that showed the greatest heritable/familial-environmental influences (p<1E-07) were enriched for immune and inflammation pathways while 2,020 low stability sites showed enrichment in stress-related pathways.

Conclusions

Across time, stability in methylation is primarily due to genetic contributions, while novel experiences and exposures contribute to methylation differences. Elevated genetic contributions at age-related methylation sites suggest that adaptions to aging and senescence may be differentially impacted by genetic background.
Spaced training forms complementary long-term memories of opposite valence inDrosophila
Authors: Jacob Pedro F. , Waddell Scott
Published: September 2019

Forming long-term memory (LTM) in many cases requires repetitive experience spread over time. InDrosophila, aversive olfactory LTM is optimal following spaced training, multiple trials of differential odor conditioning with rest intervals. Studies often compare memory after spaced to that after massed training, same number of trials without interval. Here we show flies acquire additional information after spaced training, forming an aversive memory for the shock-paired odor and a ‘safety-memory’ for the explicitly unpaired odor. Safety-memory requires repetition, order and spacing of the training trials and relies on specific subsets of rewarding dopaminergic neurons. Co-existence of the aversive and safety memories can be measured as depression of odor-specific responses at different combinations of junctions in the mushroom body output network. Combining two particular outputs appears to signal relative safety. Learning a complementary safety memory thereby augments LTM performance after spaced training by making the odor preference more certain.
Control of Astrocyte Quiescence and Activation in a Synthetic Brain Hydrogel
Authors: Galarza Sualyneth , Crosby Alfred J. , Pak ChangHui , Peyton Shelly R.
Published: September 2019

Bioengineers designed numerous instructive brain extracellular matrix (ECM) environments that have tailored and tunable protein composition and biomechanics in vitro to study astrocyte reactivity during trauma and inflammation. However, a major limitation of both protein-based and model microenvironments is that astrocytes within fail to retain their characteristic stellate morphology and quiescent state without becoming activated under “normal” culture conditions. Here we introduce a synthetic hydrogel, that for the first time demonstrates maintenance of astrocyte quiescence, and control over activation on demand. With this synthetic brain hydrogel, we show the brain-specific integrin-binding and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-degradable domains of proteins control astrocyte star-shaped morphologies, and we can achieve an ECM condition that maintains astrocyte quiescence with minimal activation. In addition, we can induce activation in a dose-dependent manner via both defined cytokine cocktails and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. We envision this synthetic brain hydrogel as a new tool to study the physiological role of astrocytes in health and disease.
Examining multiple cellular pathways at once using multiplex hextuple luciferase assaying
Authors: Sarrion-Perdigones Alejandro , Chang Lyra , Gonzalez Yezabel , Gallego-Flores Tatiana , Young Damian W. , Venken Koen J.T.
Published: September 2019

Sensitive simultaneous assessment of multiple signaling pathways within the same cells requires orthogonal reporters that can assay over large dynamic ranges. Luciferases have arisen as possible genetically encoded candidates due to their sensitivity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Here, we expanded luciferase multiplexing in post-lysis endpoint luciferase assays from two towards six. Light emissions are distinguished by a combination of distinct substrates and emission spectra deconvolution. Using synthetic assembly cloning, all six luciferase reporter units are stitched together into one plasmid; facilitating delivery of all reporter units through a process we named solotransfection, minimizing experimental errors. We engineered a multiplex hextuple luciferase assay to probe pathway fluxes through five transcriptional response elements against a control constitutive promoter. We were able to monitor the effects of siRNA, ligand, and chemical compound treatments on their target pathways along with the four other probed cellular pathways. We demonstrate the effectiveness and adaptiveness of multiplex luciferase assaying, as well as its broad application across different research fields.
Molecular Cross-Validation for Single-Cell RNA-seq
Authors: Batson Joshua , Royer Loïc , Webber James
Published: September 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing enables researchers to study the gene expression of individual cells. However, in high-throughput methods the portrait of each individual cell is noisy, representing thousands of the hundreds of thousands of mRNA molecules originally present. While many methods for denoising single-cell data have been proposed, a principled procedure for selecting and calibrating the best method for a given dataset has been lacking. We present “molecular cross-validation,” a statistically principled and data-driven approach for estimating the accuracy of any denoising method without the need for ground-truth. We validate this approach for three denoising methods—principal component analysis, network diffusion, and a deep autoencoder—on a dataset of deeply-sequenced neurons. We show that molecular cross-validation correctly selects the optimal parameters for each method and identifies the best method for the dataset.
Bacterial DNA promotes Tau aggregation
Authors: Tetz George , Pinho Michelle , Pritzkow Sandra , Mendez Nicolas , Soto Claudio , Tetz Victor
Published: September 2019

A hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies is the misfolding, aggregation and cerebral accumulation of tau deposits. Compelling evidence indicates that misfolded tau aggregates are neurotoxic, producing synaptic loss and neuronal damage. Misfolded tau aggregates are able to spread the pathology from cell-to-cell by a prion like seeding mechanism. The factors implicated in the initiation and progression of tau misfolding and aggregation are largely unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of DNA extracted from diverse prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in tau misfolding and aggregation. Our results show that DNA from various, unrelated gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria results in a more pronounced tau misfolding compared to eukaryotic DNA. Interestingly, a higher effect in promoting tau aggregation was observed for DNA extracted from certain bacterial species previously detected in the brain, CSF or oral cavity of patients with AD. Our findings indicate that microbial DNA may play a previously overlooked role in the propagation of tau protein misfolding and AD pathogenesis, providing a new conceptual framework that positions the compromised blood-brain and intestinal barriers as important sources of microbial DNA in the CNS, opening novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
Population differences in how wild Trinidadian guppies use social information and socially learn
Authors: Chouinard-Thuly Laura , Reader Simon M.
Published: September 2019

Animals have access to information produced by the behaviour of other individuals, which they may use (“social information use”) and learn from (“social learning”). The benefits of using such information differ with socio-ecological conditions. Thus, population differences in social information use and social learning should occur. We tested this hypothesis with a comparative study across five wild populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) known to differ in their ecology and social behaviour. Using a field experiment, we found population differences in how guppies used and learned from social information, with only fish from one of the three rivers studied showing evidence of social information use and social learning. Within this river, populations differed in how they employed social information: fish from a high-predation regime where guppies exhibit high shoaling propensities chose the same foraging location than conspecifics, while fish from a low-predation regime with reduced shoaling propensities chose and learned the opposite foraging location than conspecifics. We speculate that these differences are due to differences in predation risk and conspecific competition, possibly mediated via changes in grouping tendencies. Our results provide evidence that social information use and social learning can differ across animal populations and are influenced by socio-ecological factors.
ABEL-FRET: tether-free single-molecule FRET with hydrodynamic profiling
Authors: Wilson Hugh , Wang Quan
Published: September 2019

Single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) has become a versatile and widespread method to probe nanoscale conformation and dynamics. However, current experimental protocols often resort to molecule immobilization for long observation times and rarely approach the resolution limit of FRET-based nanoscale metrology. Here we present ABEL-FRET, an immobilization-free platform for smFRET measurements with near shot-noise limited, Angstrom-level resolution in FRET efficiency. Furthermore, ABEL-FRET naturally integrates hydrodynamic profiling, which harnesses single-molecule diffusion coefficient to enhance FRET sensing of biological processes.
A cell surface arabinogalactan-peptide influences root hair cell fate
Authors: Borassi Cecilia , Dorosz Javier Gloazzo , Ricardi Martiniano M. , Pol Fachin Laercio , Sardoy Mariana Carignani , Marzol Eliana , Mangano Silvina , Rodríguez Garcia Diana Rosa , Martínez Pacheco Javier , del Carmen Rondón Guerrero Yossmayer , Velasquez Silvia M. , Villavicencio Bianca , Ciancia Marina , Seifert Georg , Verli Hugo , Estevez José M.
Published: September 2019

Root hairs (RHs) develop from specialized epidermal cells called trichoblasts, whereas epidermal cells that lack RHs are known as atrichoblasts. The mechanism controlling root epidermal cell fate is only partially understood. Root epidermis cell fate is regulated by a transcription factor complex that promotes the expression of the homeodomain protein GLABRA 2 (GL2), which blocks RH development by inhibiting ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6). Suppression of GL2 expression activates RHD6, a series of downstream TFs including ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 LIKE-4 (RSL4 [Yi et al. 2010]) and their target genes, and causes epidermal cells to develop into RHs. Brassinosteroids (BRs) influence root epidermis cell fate. In the absence of BRs, phosphorylated BIN2 (a Type-II GSK3-like kinase) inhibits a protein complex that directly downregulates GL2 [Chen et al. 2014]. Here, we show that the genetic and pharmacological perturbation of the arabinogalactan peptide (AG) AGP21 inArabidopsis thaliana, triggers aberrant RH development, similar to that observed in plants with defective BR signaling. We reveal that anO-glycosylated AGP21 peptide, which is positively regulated by BZR1, a transcription factor activated by BR signaling, affects RH cell fate by alteringGL2expression in a BIN2-dependent manner. These results suggest that perturbation of a cell surface AGP disrupts BR responses and inhibits the downstream effect of BIN2 on the RH repressor GL2 in root epidermal cells. In addition, AGP21 also acts in a BR-independent, AGP-dependent mode that together with BIN2 signalling cascade controls RH cell fate.

Significance

In the plantArabidopsis thaliana, the root epidermis forms in an alternating pattern atrichoblasts with trichoblast cells that end up developing root hairs (RHs). Atrichoblast cell fate is directly promoted by the transcription factor GLABRA2 (GL2) while the lack of GL2 allows RH formation. The loss of AGP21 peptide triggers an abnormal RH cell fate in two contiguous cells in a similar manner as brassinosteroid (BRs) mutants. In the absence of BR signaling, BIN2 (a GSK3 like-kinase) in a phosphorylated state, downregulate GL2 expression to trigger RH cell fate. The absence of AGP21 is able to repressGL2expression and activates the expression of RSL4 and EXP7 root hair proteins.
Quantitative characterization of the path of glucose diffusion facilitated by human glucose transporter 1
Authors: Chen Liao Y.
Published: September 2019

Glucose transporter GLUT1 is ubiquitously expressed in the human body from the red cells to the blood-brain barrier to the skeletal muscles. It is physiologically relevant to understand how GLUT1 facilitates diffusion of glucose across the cell membrane. It is also pathologically relevant because GLUT1 deficiency causes neurological disorders and anemia and because GLUT1 overexpression fuels the abnormal growth of cancer cells. This article presents a quantitative investigation of GLUT1 based on all-atom molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of the transporter embedded in lipid bilayers of asymmetric inner-and-outer-leaflet lipid compositions, subject to asymmetric intra-and-extra-cellular environments. This is in contrast with the current literature of MD studies that have not considered both of the aforementioned asymmetries of the cell membrane. The equilibrium (unbiased) dynamics of GLUT1 shows that it can facilitate glucose diffusion across the cell membrane without undergoing large-scale conformational motions. The Gibbs free-energy profile, which is still lacking in the current literature of GLUT1, quantitatively characterizes the diffusion path of glucose from the periplasm, through an extracellular gate of GLUT1, on to the binding site, and off to the cytoplasm. This transport mechanism is validated by the experimental data that GLUT1 has low water-permeability, uptake-efflux symmetry, and 10 kcal/mol Arrhenius activation barrier around 37°C.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT (or TABLE OF CONTENTS ENTRY)
C9orf72 arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins disrupt importin β-mediated nuclear import
Authors: Hayes Lindsey R. , Duan Lauren , Bowen Kelly , Kalab Petr , Rothstein Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2019

Disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT), including mislocalization of the importin β cargo, TDP-43, is a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including ALS caused by a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72. However, the mechanism(s) remain unclear. Importin β and its cargo adaptors have been shown to co-precipitate with the C9orf72-arginine-containing dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs), poly-glycine arginine (GR) and poly-proline arginine (PR), and are protective in genetic modifier screens. Here, we show that R-DPRs interact with importin β, disrupt its cargo loading, and inhibit nuclear import in permeabilized mouse neurons and HeLa cells, in a manner that can be rescued by RNA. Although R-DPRs induce widespread protein aggregation in this in vitro system, transport disruption is not due to NCT protein sequestration, nor blockade of the phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-rich nuclear pore complex. Our results support a model in which R-DPRs interfere with nuclear transport receptors in the vicinity of the nuclear envelope.
Mammalian Y RNAs are modified at discrete guanosine residues with N-glycans
Authors: Flynn Ryan A. , Smith Benjamin A. H. , Johnson Alex G. , Pedram Kayvon , George Benson M. , Malaker Stacy A. , Majzoub Karim , Carette Jan E. , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: September 2019

Glycans modify lipids and proteins to mediate inter- and intramolecular interactions across all domains of life. RNA, another multifaceted biopolymer, is not thought to be a major target of glycosylation. Here, we challenge this view with evidence that mammalian cells use RNA as a third scaffold for glycosylation in the secretory pathway. Using a battery of chemical and biochemical approaches, we find that a select group of small noncoding RNAs including Y RNAs are modified with complex, sialylated N-glycans (glycoRNAs). These glycoRNA are present in multiple cell types and mammalian species, both in cultured cells andin vivo. Finally, we find that RNA glycosylation depends on the canonical N-glycan biosynthetic machinery within the ER/Golgi luminal spaces. Collectively, these findings suggest the existence of a ubiquitous interface of RNA biology and glycobiology suggesting an expanded role for glycosylation beyond canonical lipid and protein scaffolds.
Chemerin increases T-cell mediated cytotoxicity of human tumors via modulation of a novel CMKLR1/PTEN/PD-L1 axis
Authors: Rennier Keith , Krug Ethan , Virdi Gurpal , Shin Woo Jae , Pachynski Russell
Published: September 2019

Chemerin (RARRES2) is an endogenous leukocyte chemoattractant known to recruit innate immune cells through its chemotactic receptor, CMKLR1. RARRES2 is often downregulated in prostate cancer and across multiple tumor types compared to normal tissue. Additionally, a methylome-wide analysis identified RARRES2 as one of the most hypermethylated genes in sarcoma. Recent studies have shown that augmenting chemerin in the tumor microenvironment significantly suppresses tumor growth, at least in part by recruitment of immune effector cells. However, as tumor cells have been shown to express functional chemokine receptors that can impact their phenotype, we hypothesized that chemerin might have additional, tumor-intrinsic effects. Here, we show for the first time that human cancer cells exposed to exogenous chemerin significantly upregulate PTEN expression and activity. Additionally, chemerin-induced PTEN expression correlated with a concomitant reduction in PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression. Chemerin treatment of tumor cells led to significantly reduced tumor cell migration/invasion, as well as significantly increased cytotoxicity by T cells. siRNA knockdown of tumor expressed CMKLR1 abrogated chemerin-induced modulation of PTEN and PD-L1 expression and activity, supporting the presence of a CMKLR1/PTEN/PD-L1 signaling cascade. We then compared chemerin treatment to PD-L1 inhibition by siRNA knockdown or the antagonistic antibody atezolizumab in T cell cytotoxicity assays and surprisingly found chemerin treatment was as effective as both PD-L1 knockdown and atezolizumab treatment in mediating tumor lysis. Collectively, our data show a novel link between chemerin, PTEN and PD-L1 in human tumor lines, with functional consequences that may have a role in improving T cell-mediated immunotherapies.
White matter microstructure in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic tractography study in 654 individuals
Authors: Damatac Christienne G. , Chauvin Roselyne J. M. , Zwiers Marcel P. , van Rooij Daan , Akkermans Sophie E. A. , Naaijen Jilly , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Hartman Catharina A. , Oosterlaan Jaap , Franke Barbara , Buitelaar Jan K. , Beckmann Christian F. , Sprooten Emma
Published: September 2019

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI). ADHD has been related to differences in white matter (WM) microstructure. However, much remains unclear regarding the nature of these WM differences, and which clinical aspects of ADHD they reflect. We systematically investigated if FA is associated with current and/or lifetime categorical diagnosis, impairment in daily life, and continuous ADHD symptom measures.

Methods

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data were obtained from 654 participants (322 unaffected, 258 affected, 74 subthreshold; 7-29 years of age). We applied automated global probabilistic tractography on 18 major WM pathways. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to examine associations of clinical measures with overall brain and tract-specific fractional anisotropy (FA).

Results

There were significant interactions of tract with all ADHD variables on FA. There were no significant associations of FA with current or lifetime diagnosis, nor with impairment. Lower FA in the right cingulum’s angular bundle (rCAB) was associated with higher hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom severity (PFWE=0.045). There were no significant effects for other tracts.

Conclusions

This is the first time global probabilistic tractography has been applied to an ADHD dataset of this size. We found no evidence for altered FA in association with ADHD diagnosis. Our findings indicate that associations of FA with ADHD are not uniformly distributed across WM tracts. Continuous symptom measures of ADHD may be more sensitive to FA than diagnostic categories. The rCAB in particular may play a role in symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Flexible binding of m6A reader protein YTHDC1 to its preferred RNA motif
Authors: Li Yaozong , Bedi Rajiv Kumar , Wiedmer Lars , Huang Danzhi , Śledź Paweł , Caflisch Amedeo
Published: September 2019

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent chemical modification in human mRNAs. Its recognition by reader proteins enables many cellular functions, including splicing and translation of mRNAs. However, the binding mechanisms of m6A-containing RNAs to their readers are still elusive due to the unclear roles of m6A-flanking ribonucleotides. Here, we use a model system, YTHDC1 with its RNA motif 5’-G−2G−1(m6A)C+1U+2-3’, to investigate the binding mechanisms by atomistic simulations, X-ray crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The experimental data and simulation results show that m6A is captured by an aromatic cage of YTHDC1 and the 3’ terminus nucleotides are stabilized by cation-π-π interactions, while the 5’ terminus remains flexible. Moreover, simulations of unbound RNA motifs reveal that the methyl group of m6A and the 5’ terminus shift the conformational preferences of the oligoribonucleotides to the bound-like conformation, thereby facilitating the association process. The proposed binding mechanisms may help in the discovery of chemical probes against m6A reader proteins.
Genetic transformation and live-cell nuclear and actin dynamics during the life cycle of a chytrid
Authors: Medina Edgar M. , Robinson Kristyn A. , Bellingham-Johnstun Kimberly , Ianiri Giuseppe , Laplante Caroline , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K. , Buchler Nicolas E.
Published: September 2019

Chytrids are early-diverging fungi that share ancestral features of animals, including cells that crawl and swim. At later stages, chytrid cells resemble fungi with a chitin-based cell wall and hyphal-like structures known as rhizoids. Chytrids are important evolutionary transitional forms, but much remains unknown about their cell biology because we lack genetic tools for the live-cell imaging of their nuclear and cytoskeletal dynamics. Here, we generated stable transgenic lines of the soil chytrid Spizellomyces punctatus, and coupled live-cell microscopy and fluorescent tagging to measure the timing and coordination of growth, the cell cycle, and the actin cytoskeleton. We show that Spizellomyces zoospores rapidly encyst, develop rhizoids, and undergo multiple rounds of synchronous nuclear division in a sporangium, followed by cellularization, to create and release hundreds of zoospores. The life cycle is complete in less than 30 hours. We further demonstrate that crawling zoospores, akin to animal cells, display polymerized actin at the leading edge of amoeboid fronts. After encystment, polymerized actin reorganizes into fungal-like cortical patches and cables that extend into the rhizoid. Actin remains highly dynamic during sporo-genesis with the formation of actin perinuclear shells each cell cycle and the emergence of polygonal territories during cellularization. Spizellomyces is a fast-growing and genetically-tractable organism that should be useful for comparative cell biology and understanding the evolution of fungi and early eukaryotes.
Promoting creativity and innovation: expected and unexpected consequences
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong , Le Angelina Nhat-Hanh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the role of climate for creativity and innovation as the situational variable to lead to both expected and unexpected consequences (e.g. performance and unethical behavior), by discovering the relationships among task characteristics (e.g. difficulty, clarity and performance pressure), individual psychological aspects (e.g. mindfulness and self-justification) and work environmental conditions (e.g. peer behavior and climate for creativity and innovation). In this study, task characteristics are proposed to positively associate with unethical behavior via mindfulness. Moreover, climate for creativity and innovation is proposed to moderate the relationship between self-justification and unethical behavior. Finally, unethical behavior is predicted to positively influence on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the sample of salespeople, who are working for variety of companies in Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and SmartPLS 3 are implemented to test the path model.

Findings

Emphasizing both bright and dark sides of promoting creativity and innovation, the study highlights the role of climate for creativity and innovation in strengthening the positive relationship between self-justification and unethical behavior. In turn, unethical behavior positively influences performance. Further, the findings indicate that mindfulness contributes in explaining unconscious unethical behavior.

Originality/value

Exploring the relationships among climate for creativity and innovation, unethical behavior and performance, this paper contributes for deeper understanding of variety aspects of innovation. Demands for an intelligent management in modern workplaces are suggested.
Traditional agro-ecosystems in Southern Philippines
Authors: Zapico Florence , Hernandez Jose , Borromeo Teresita , McNally Kenneth , Dizon Josefina , Fernando Edwino
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Sarangani, a province in Southern Philippines, is inhabited predominantly by tribal groups who depend on traditional rice farming for subsistence and livelihood. The purpose of this study is to identify current pressures to these upland communities and the interventions instituted to address them or mitigate their effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory and cross-sectional research using the emic approach. Rapid rural appraisal techniques (i.e. focus group discussion, key informant interviews, community immersion and field observation) were concurrently undertaken in 15 farming villages in the Sarangani uplands.

Findings

Results revealed that many upland families inhabited disaster-prone areas under conditions of hardship and abject poverty. Prevalent problems in these areas have largely arisen from the encroachment of modern agriculture, environmental degradation and changes in the socio-political and economic spheres. Consequently, food insecurity, cultural and genetic erosion and biodiversity losses have resulted in lowered Sarangani agro-ecosystem resilience. While policies and programs had been instituted to address these problems, positive results still remain to be realized.

Social implications

Weak social networks in the Sarangani upland communities are attributable to their isolation and the disruptive influences of modernization. Agricultural modernization, in particular, caused the disintegration of community social structures and undermined overall well-being of the farmers. Sustainable strategies which harmonize modern and traditional systems of food production and environmental management are warranted to attain food security, environmental preservation and bio-cultural preservation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the present body of knowledge about threats to vulnerable agro-ecosystems inhabited mainly by indigenous tribes. And while only 15 farming villages were covered by the study, these results can serve as a microcosm of what is happening in traditional agro-ecosystems worldwide. The study is also expected to provide inputs to policymakers, which they can use in crafting policies to address problems in the Sarangani uplands.
Thriving vs surviving: benefits of formal mentoring program on faculty well-being
Authors: Stuckey Shanna Marie , Collins Brian Todd , Patrick Shawn , Grove Kathleen S. , Ward Etta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe current challenges faced by women and underrepresented minority faculty members, the benefits of mentoring programs, conceptual frameworks that highlight a wellness model and mentoring relationships and the findings from a mixed methods evaluation of a formal mentoring program (EMPOWER) that highlights the indirect benefits of such a program and the impact on faculty well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on grounded theory, in which analysis was ongoing as data were collected and a variety of methods were used to building understanding. Measures included a survey and semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted utilizing the constant comparative method. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data.

Findings

Findings focus on the indirect benefits of EMPOWER including creation of a safe space, continued relationships between mentees and mentors, networking benefits, acculturation to the campus and a better understanding of organizational politics and how these can positively impact faculty well-being.

Originality/value

The benefits of this formal mentoring program, and the impact on faculty well-being, are important to acknowledge, understand and share with the broader research community and other institutions of higher education.
Mindfulness, mindful consumption, and life satisfaction
Authors: Gupta Sharad , Verma Harsh V.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of mindfulness meditation sessions on students of higher education in terms of their mindfulness, mindful consumption behavior and life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants of research were higher education students. The research included two studies. The first (screener) study endorsed that mindfulness was higher in students with higher mindfulness meditation frequency. The second study used difference-in-differences experimental design using a treatment and a control group. These groups participated in pre and post-treatment surveys. The treatment was given as guided short mindfulness meditation sessions as suggested by mindfulness guru – Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn. The treatment group received these sessions at the end of regular subject classes for two months.

Findings

The experiment revealed that mindfulness, mindful consumption and life satisfaction change significantly in the treatment group after treatment as compared to the control group.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study included sample size and attrition. In total, 149 students participated in the screener study. In total, 94 students were given pre-treatment survey as per research design and 80 participated in post-treatment survey.

Practical implications

This experiment demonstrated that important traits and behavior like life satisfaction and mindful consumption behavior of higher education students can be improved significantly. The effectiveness of guided short mindfulness sessions, conducted in the classroom environment, was also confirmed.

Social implications

The inclusion of mindfulness in the regular curriculum by policy makers would benefit students, faculty members and overall quality of learning environment.

Originality/value

Though previous researches have separately investigated relationships of mindfulness with life satisfaction, there is a lack of research to show association of mindfulness, mindful consumption and life satisfaction.
The concept of neutrality: a new approach
Authors: Macdonald Stephen , Birdi Briony
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities.

Findings

In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework.

Originality/value

This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.
Continuous versus intermittent intraoperative neuromonitoring in complex benign thyroid surgery: A retrospective analysis and prospective follow‐up
Authors: Sedlmaier Anke , Steinmüller Thomas , Hermanns Mechthild , Nawka Tadeus , Weikert Sebastian , Sedlmaier Benedikt , Caffier Philipp P.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To compare continuous (C‐IONM) vs intermittent intraoperative neuromonitoring (I‐IONM) in complex benign thyroid surgery, and to follow up patients with loss of signal (LOS) or unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Design

Retrospective clinical study, prospective case series.

Setting

University hospital and academic teaching hospital of Charité—University Medicine Berlin, Germany.

Participants

C‐IONM‐ and I‐IONM‐assisted thyroid surgery was conducted in 357 patients diagnosed with recurrent goitre, Graves’ disease, complex hyperparathyroidism, cervical preoperation (anterior access) and LOS in primary operation (2‐stage thyroidectomy).

Main outcome measures

To evaluate the incidence of early postoperative and permanent UVFP, and to report the results of phonosurgical therapy in patients suffering from persisting dysphonia.

Results

In 346 patients enrolled (81.8% female, 18.2% male) with 613 nerves at risk (NAR) being monitored (409 I‐IONM vs 204 C‐IONM), early postoperative UVFP was observed in 10.5% of I‐IONM vs 4.9% of C‐IONM group (P < .05), permanent paralysis in 1.5% of I‐IONM vs 1.0% of C‐IONM group (P = .619). In total, 72 patients (21%) experienced pathological events (19 LOS < 100 μV, 53 transient or permanent UVFP). Three patients with permanent UVFP and persisting dysphonia received phonosurgery with stable improvements of all acoustic‐aerodynamic parameters.

Conclusion

Compared to I‐IONM, C‐IONM‐application in complex benign thyroid surgery shows a significant reduction of transient UVFP and a non‐significant trend in preventing permanent UVFP. In persistent UVFP with dysphonia, endolaryngeal phonomicrosurgery and transcervical laryngeal framework surgery are long‐term effective treatment approaches to improve vocal function.
Identification of key genes and pathways associated with different immune statuses of hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Jin Jinglan , Xu Hongqin , Wu Ruihong , Gao Na , Wu Na , Li Shibo , Niu Junqi
Published: September 2019

We aimed to identify key genes and pathways associated with different immune statuses of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The gene expression and DNA methylation profiles were analysed in different immune statuses of HBV infection. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified, followed by their functional and integrative analyses. The differential expression of IgG Fc receptors (FcγRs) in chronic HBV‐infected patients and immune cells during different stages of HBV infection was investigated. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signalling pathway (including TLR6) and leucocyte transendothelial migration pathway (including integrin subunit beta 1) were enriched during acute infection. Key DEGs, such as FcγR Ib and FcγR Ia, and interferon‐alpha inducible protein 27 showed correlation with alanine aminotransferase levels, and they were differentially expressed between acute and immune‐tolerant phases and between immune‐tolerant and immune‐clearance phases. The integrative analysis of DNA methylation profile showed that lowly methylated and highly expressed genes, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 3 were enriched in T cell receptor signalling pathway during acute infection. Highly methylated and lowly expressed genes, such as Ras association domain family member 1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A were identified in chronic infection. Furthermore, differentially expressed FcγR Ia, FcγR IIa and FcγR IIb, CD3−CD56+CD16+ natural killer cells and CD14highCD16+ monocytes were identified between immune‐tolerant and immune‐clearance phases by experimental validation. The above genes and pathways may be used to distinguish different immune statuses of HBV infection.
Attenuation of diabetic cardiomyopathy by relying on kirenol to suppress inflammation in a diabetic rat model
Authors: Wu Bin , Huang Xue‐Yuan , Li Le , Fan Xiao‐Hang , Li Peng‐Cheng , Huang Chuan‐Qi , Xiao Juan , Gui Rong , Wang Shun
Published: September 2019

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diabetes‐induced myocardial abnormalities, accompanied by inflammatory response and alterations in inflammation‐related signalling pathways. Kirenol, isolated from Herba Siegesbeckiae, has potent anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of kirenol against DCM and underlying the potential mechanisms in a type 2 diabetes mellitus model. Kirenol treatment significantly decreased high glucose‐induced cardiofibroblasts proliferation and increased the cardiomyocytes viability, prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and further attenuated cardiomyocytes apoptosis, accompanied by a reduction in apoptosis‐related protein expression. Kirenol gavage could affect the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent manner but not lower lipid profiles, and only decrease fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin and mean HbA1c levels in high‐dose kirenol‐treated group at some time‐points. Left ventricular dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis and cell apoptosis, as structural and functional abnormalities, were ameliorated by kirenol administration. Moreover, in diabetic hearts, oral kirenol significantly attenuated activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase subfamily and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB and Smad2/3 and decreased phosphorylation of IκBα and both fibrosis‐related and apoptosis‐related proteins. In an Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the binding activities of NF‐κB, Smad3/4, SP1 and AP‐1 in the nucleus of diabetic myocardium were significantly down‐regulated by kirenol treatment. Additionally, high dose significantly enhanced myocardial Akt phosphorylation without intraperitoneal injection of insulin. Kirenol may have potent cardioprotective effects on treating for the established diabetic cardiomyopathy, which involves the inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis‐related signalling pathways and is independent of lowering hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia and lipid profiles.
The nuclear transporter SAD2 plays a role in calcium‐ and H2O2‐mediated cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Zhan Qidi , Shi Tiantian , Liu Jun , Zhao Kaijun , Gao Ying
Published: September 2019

In response to pathogens, plant cells exhibit a rapid increase in the intracellular calcium concentration and a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The cytosolic increase in Ca2+ and the accumulation of ROS are critical for inducing programmed cell death (PCD), but the molecular mechanism is not fully understood. We screened an Arabidopsis mutant, sad2‐5, which harbours a T‐DNA insertion in the 18th exon of the importin beta‐like gene, SAD2. The H2O2‐induced increase in the [Ca2+]cyt of the sad2‐5 mutant was greater than that of the wild type, and the sad2‐5 mutant showed clear cell death phenotypes and abnormal H2O2 accumulation under fumonisin‐B1 (FB1) treatment. CaCl2 could enhance the FB1‐induced cell death of the sad2‐5 mutant, whereas lanthanum chloride (LaCl3), a broad‐spectrum calcium channel blocker, could restore the FB1‐induced PCD phenotype of sad2‐5. The sad2‐5 fbr11‐1 double mutant exhibited the same FB1‐insensitive phenotype as fbr11‐1, which plays a critical role in novo sphingolipid synthesis, indicating that SAD2 works downstream of FBR11. These results suggest the important role of nuclear transporters in calcium‐ and ROS‐mediated PCD response as well as provide an important theoretical basis for further analysis of the molecular mechanism of SAD2 function in PCD and for improvement of the resistance of crops to adverse environments.
El mito del anillo de Giges en la República de Platón
Authors: Higuera Linares María Marcela
Published: September 2019

En el presente artículo se indaga acerca del conocido “mito del anillo de Giges” en el libro II de la República de Platón, en el que se lleva al límite la noción degradada de la vida justa para plantear de forma radical el problema principal de este diálogo. Imágenes y reflexiones conforman la escena de esta alusión a la inquietud universal por la capacidad de elección humana y su responsabilidad con la justicia. Cuestiones de historia, política y economía hacen parte de esta construcción, con referencias a Arquíloco y Heródoto, de modo que el mito se muestra como una invitación a aceptar la responsabilidad de elegir, recordando que los hombres viven en el seno de una comunidad y tienen distintos medios para modificar la apariencia de esta presencia.
Afectividad, justicia y política en el Gorgias de Platón
Authors: Gómez Pérez Gustavo
Published: September 2019

Desde una lectura del diálogo Gorgias de Platón, la tesis del presente artículo es que, según la aproximación socrática a la justicia, el arte político propende por la asunción de la vulnerabilidad como apertura a la alteridad y al ejercicio de autonomía. La argumentación consta de tres partes. En primer lugar, se muestra que el reconocimiento de la vulnerabilidad conduce al reconocimiento del otro y, consiguientemente, a la valoración positiva de sus necesidades. En segundo lugar, se plantea que la justicia supone la autonomía, pues expresa el deseo de un bien común como ley autoimpuesta. La tercera parte expone cómo el conocimiento de lo justo se deriva de un trabajo dialéctico con el lenguaje, enfatizando su performatividad y su capacidad para movilizar emociones y deseos. Se concluye así que el saber político surge como un rapto hacia los límites de nuestras aspiraciones y posibilidades.
Juan Duns Escoto: cuestiones sobre las Categorías de Aristóteles, qq. 1-3
Authors: Salinas Leal Héctor Hernando
Published: September 2019

Ofrecemos la primera traducción castellana de las primeras tres cuestiones del comentario de Juan Duns Escoto a las Categorías de Aristóteles. En ellas, el franciscano distingue el subiectum del tratado aristotélico bajo el concepto lógico de «categoría», fundando la unidad de su tratamiento sobre la unidad de dicho concepto. Para tal efecto, Escoto distingue el estudio propiamente lógico de las categorías, tanto de su estudio lingüístico (que se funda en la expresión del pensamiento en el lenguaje), como de su estudio por parte del metafísico (en el que prima la diversidad categorial), al menos en esta primera etapa de su pensamiento.