bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissipative open systems theory as a foundation for the thermodynamics of linear systems
Authors: Delvenne Jean-Charles , Sandberg Henrik
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we advocate the use of open dynamical systems, i.e. systems sharing input and output variables with their environment, and the dissipativity theory initiated by Jan Willems as models of thermodynamical systems, at the microscopic and macroscopic level alike. We take linear systems as a study case, where we show how to derive a global Lyapunov function to analyse networks of interconnected systems. We define a suitable notion of dynamic non-equilibrium temperature that allows us to derive a discrete Fourier law ruling the exchange of heat between lumped, discrete-space systems, enriched with the Maxwell–Cattaneo correction. We complete these results by a brief recall of the steps that allow complete derivation of the dissipation and fluctuation in macroscopic systems (i.e. at the level of probability distributions) from lossless and deterministic systems.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Targeted CRISPR disruption reveals a role for RNase MRP RNA in human preribosomal RNA processing
Authors: Goldfarb Katherine C. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: January 2017

MRP RNA is an abundant, essential noncoding RNA whose functions have been proposed in yeast but are incompletely understood in humans. Mutations in the genomic locus for MRP RNA cause pleiotropic human diseases, including cartilage hair hypoplasia (CHH). Here we applied CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing to disrupt the endogenous human MRP RNA locus, thereby attaining what has eluded RNAi and RNase H experiments: elimination of MRP RNA in the majority of cells. The resulting accumulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursor—analyzed by RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Northern blots, and RNA sequencing—implicates MRP RNA in pre-rRNA processing. Amelioration of pre-rRNA imbalance is achieved through rescue of MRP RNA levels by ectopic expression. Furthermore, affinity-purified MRP ribonucleoprotein (RNP) from HeLa cells cleaves the human pre-rRNA in vitro at at least one site used in cells, while RNP isolated from cells with CRISPR-edited MRP loci loses this activity, and ectopic MRP RNA expression restores cleavage activity. Thus, a role for RNase MRP in human pre-rRNA processing is established. As demonstrated here, targeted CRISPR disruption is a valuable tool for functional studies of essential noncoding RNAs that are resistant to RNAi and RNase H-based degradation.
Live-cell analysis of DNA methylation during sexual reproduction in Arabidopsis reveals context and sex-specific dynamics controlled by noncanonical RdDM
Authors: Ingouff Mathieu , Selles Benjamin , Michaud Caroline , Vu Thiet M. , Berger Frédéric , Schorn Andrea J. , Autran Daphné , Van Durme Matthias , Nowack Moritz K. , Martienssen Robert A. , Grimanelli Daniel
Published: January 2017

Cytosine methylation is a key epigenetic mark in many organisms, important for both transcriptional control and genome integrity. While relatively stable during somatic growth, DNA methylation is reprogrammed genome-wide during mammalian reproduction. Reprogramming is essential for zygotic totipotency and to prevent transgenerational inheritance of epimutations. However, the extent of DNA methylation reprogramming in plants remains unclear. Here, we developed sensors reporting with single-cell resolution CG and non-CG methylation in Arabidopsis. Live imaging during reproduction revealed distinct and sex-specific dynamics for both contexts. We found that CHH methylation in the egg cell depends on DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLASE 2 (DRM2) and RNA polymerase V (Pol V), two main actors of RNA-directed DNA methylation, but does not depend on Pol IV. Our sensors provide insight into global DNA methylation dynamics at the single-cell level with high temporal resolution and offer a powerful tool to track CG and non-CG methylation both during development and in response to environmental cues in all organisms with methylated DNA, as we illustrate in mouse embryonic stem cells.
Loss of maternal Trim28 causes male-predominant early embryonic lethality
Authors: Sampath Kumar Abhishek , Seah Michelle K.Y. , Ling Ka Yi , Wang Yaju , Tan Joel H.L. , Nitsch Sandra , Lim Shu Ly , Lorthongpanich Chanchao , Wollmann Heike , Low Diana H.P. , Guccione Ernesto , Messerschmidt Daniel M.
Published: January 2017

Global DNA demethylation is a hallmark of embryonic epigenetic reprogramming. However, embryos engage noncanonical DNA methylation maintenance mechanisms to ensure inheritance of exceptional epigenetic germline features to the soma. Besides the paradigmatic genomic imprints, these exceptions remain ill-defined, and the mechanisms ensuring demethylation resistance in the light of global reprogramming remain poorly understood. Here we show that the Y-linked gene Rbmy1a1 is highly methylated in mature sperm and resists DNA demethylation post-fertilization. Aberrant hypomethylation of the Rbmy1a1 promoter results in its ectopic activation, causing male-specific peri-implantation lethality. Rbmy1a1 is a novel target of the TRIM28 complex, which is required to protect its repressive epigenetic state during embryonic epigenetic reprogramming.
PHF11 promotes DSB resection, ATR signaling, and HR
Authors: Gong Yi , Handa Naofumi , Kowalczykowski Stephen C. , de Lange Titia
Published: January 2017

Resection of double-strand breaks (DSBs) plays a critical role in their detection and appropriate repair. The 3′ ssDNA protrusion formed through resection activates the ATR-dependent DNA damage response (DDR) and is required for DSB repair by homologous recombination (HR). Here we report that PHF11 (plant homeodomain finger 11) encodes a previously unknown DDR factor involved in 5′ end resection, ATR signaling, and HR. PHF11 was identified based on its association with deprotected telomeres and localized to sites of DNA damage in S phase. Depletion of PHF11 diminished the ATR signaling response to telomere dysfunction and genome-wide DNA damage, reduced end resection at sites of DNA damage, resulted in compromised HR and misrejoining of S-phase DSBs, and increased the sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. PHF11 interacted with the ssDNA-binding protein RPA and was found in a complex with several nucleases, including the 5′ dsDNA exonuclease EXO1. Biochemical experiments demonstrated that PHF11 stimulates EXO1 by overcoming its inhibition by RPA, suggesting that PHF11 acts (in part) by promoting 5′ end resection at RPA-bound sites of DNA damage. These findings reveal a role for PHF11 in DSB resection, DNA damage signaling, and DSB repair.
Surface EXAFS via differential electron yield
Authors: Isomura Noritake , Murai Takaaki , Nomoto Toyokazu , Kimoto Yasuji
Published: January 2017

Surface-sensitive analysis via extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is demonstrated using a thickness-defined SiO2 (12.4 nm)/Si sample. The proposed method exploits the differential electron yield (DEY) method wherein Auger electrons escaping from a sample surface are detected by an electron analyzer. The DEY method removes local intensity changes in the EXAFS spectra caused by photoelectrons crossing the Auger peak during X-ray energy sweeps, enabling EXAFS analysis through Fourier transformation of wide-energy-range spectral oscillations. The Si K-edge DEY X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectrum appears to comprise high amounts of SiO2 and low Si content, suggesting an analysis depth, as expressed using the inelastic mean free path of electrons in general electron spectroscopy, of approximately 4.2 nm. The first nearest neighbor (Si—O) distance derived from the Fourier transform of the Si K-edge DEY-EXAFS oscillation is 1.63 Å. This value is within the reported values of bulk SiO2, showing that DEY can be used to detect a surface layer of 12.4 nm thickness with an analysis depth of approximately 4.2 nm and enable `surface EXAFS' analysis using Fourier transformation.
A convolutional neural network approach to calibrating the rotation axis for X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Yang Xiaogang , De Carlo Francesco , Phatak Charudatta , Gürsoy Dogˇa
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an algorithm to calibrate the center-of-rotation for X-ray tomography by using a machine learning approach, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The algorithm shows excellent accuracy from the evaluation of synthetic data with various noise ratios. It is further validated with experimental data of four different shale samples measured at the Advanced Photon Source and at the Swiss Light Source. The results are as good as those determined by visual inspection and show better robustness than conventional methods. CNN has also great potential for reducing or removing other artifacts caused by instrument instability, detector non-linearity, etc. An open-source toolbox, which integrates the CNN methods described in this paper, is freely available through GitHub at tomography/xlearn and can be easily integrated into existing computational pipelines available at various synchrotron facilities. Source code, documentation and information on how to contribute are also provided.
Compact IR synchrotron beamline design
Authors: Moreno Thierry
Published: January 2017

Third-generation storage rings are massively evolving due to the very compact nature of the multi-bend achromat (MBA) lattice which allows amazing decreases of the horizontal electron beam emittance, but leaves very little place for infrared (IR) extraction mirrors to be placed, thus prohibiting traditional IR beamlines. In order to circumvent this apparent restriction, an optimized optical layout directly integrated inside a SOLEIL synchrotron dipole chamber that delivers intense and almost aberration-free beams in the near- to mid-IR domain (1–30 µm) is proposed and analyzed, and which can be integrated into space-restricted MBA rings. Since the optics and chamber are interdependent, the feasibility of this approach depends on a large part on the technical ability to assemble mechanically the optics inside the dipole chamber and control their resulting stability and thermo-mechanical deformation. Acquiring this expertise should allow dipole chambers to provide almost aberration-free IR synchrotron sources on current and `ultimate' MBA storage rings.
Improving the spatial and statistical accuracy in X-ray Raman scattering based direct tomography
Authors: Sahle Ch. J. , Mirone A. , Vincent T. , Kallonen A. , Huotari S.
Published: January 2017

An algorithm to simultaneously increase the spatial and statistical accuracy of X-ray Raman scattering (XRS) based tomographic images is presented. Tomography that utilizes XRS spectroscopy signals as a contrast for the images is a new and promising tool for investigating local atomic structure and chemistry in heterogeneous samples. The algorithm enables the spatial resolution to be increased based on a deconvolution of the optical response function of the spectrometer and, most importantly, it allows for the combination of data collected from multiple analyzers and thus enhances the statistical accuracy of the measured images.
Cobalt(II) chloride adducts with acetonitrile, propan-2-ol and tetrahydrofuran: considerations on nuclearity, reactivity and synthetic applications
Authors: Stinghen Danilo , Rüdiger André Luis , Giese Siddhartha O. K. , Nunes Giovana G. , Soares Jaísa F. , Hughes David L.
Published: January 2017

High-spin cobalt(II) complexes are considered useful building blocks for the synthesis of single-molecule magnets (SMM) because of their intrinsic magnetic anisotropy. In this work, three new cobalt(II) chloride adducts with labile ligands have been synthesized from anhydrous CoCl2, to be subsequently employed as starting materials for heterobimetallic compounds. The products were characterized by elemental, spectroscopic (EPR and FT–IR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.trans-Tetrakis(acetonitrile-κN)bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)cobalt(II) bis[(acetonitrile-κN)trichloridocobaltate(II)], [Co(C2H3N)4(C4H8O)2][CoCl3(C2H3N)]2, (1), comprises mononuclear ions and contains both acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran (thf) ligands, The coordination polymercatena-poly[[tetrakis(propan-2-ol-κO)cobalt(II)]-μ-chlorido-[dichloridocobalt(II)]-μ-chlorido], [Co2Cl4(C3H8O)4], (2′), was prepared by direct reaction between anhydrous CoCl2and propan-2-ol in an attempt to rationalize the formation of the CoCl2–alcohol adduct (2), probably CoCl2(HOiPr)m. The binuclear complex di-μ-chlorido-1:2κ4Cl:Cl-dichlorido-2κ2Cl-tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran-1κO)dicobalt(II), [Co2Cl4(C4H8O)4], (3), was obtained from (2) after recrystallization from tetrahydrofuran. All three products present cobalt(II) centres in both octahedral and tetrahedral environments, the former usually less distorted than the latter, regardless of the nature of the neutral ligand. Product (2′) is stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen-bond network that appears to favour atransarrangement of the chloride ligands in the octahedral moiety; this differs from thecisdisposition found in (3). The expected easy displacement of the bound solvent molecules from the metal coordination sphere makes the three compounds good candidates for suitable starting materials in a number of synthetic applications.
3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one
Authors: Anil Kumar R. , Naveen S. , Abdul Rahiman M. , Mahadevan K. M. , Kumara M. N. , Lokanath N. K. , Warad Ismail
Published: January 2017

In the title compound, C16H11NO2, the benzofuran and indole ring systems are nearly orthogonal, subtending a dihedral angle of 86.55 (4)°. The crystal structure features an N—H...O hydrogen bond, which leads to the formation of chains propagating along the a-axis direction.
Exploring situated ambiguity in students’ entrepreneurial learning
Authors: Kubberød Elin , Pettersen Inger Beate
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Building on entrepreneurial learning research, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the students participating in foreign entrepreneurial education programmes can have realistic entrepreneurial learning experiences. This research addresses two specific questions: how situated ambiguity induced by a foreign culture may contribute to contextual entrepreneurial learning in education, and whether ambiguity induced by cross-cultural situated experience can stimulate critical reflection and important learning outcomes in entrepreneurship and increase entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a phenomenological perspective in the research, and used focus group interviews and the critical incident technique to investigate Norwegian master’s students’ experiences of entrepreneurial learning in a long-term practice in an American startup.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal that the students perceived the foreign cultural learning setting as imbued with ambiguity and uncertainty. However, as the students enhanced their understanding of the culture and entrepreneurial milieu through observations and co-participating, they managed to adapt and develop new strategies and methods to cope with the new environment. Eventually, the students became more entrepreneurial and developed their ESE.

Practical implications

The research demonstrates how educators can design educational programmes that approach real entrepreneurial learning contexts. Nevertheless, the research also displays several ethical dilemmas that educators need to address.

Originality/value

The study delineates a new concept for educational designs called situated ambiguity, which reinforces the essence of situated entrepreneurial learning with cross-cultural learning. This concept offers a promising avenue for educators to approach real entrepreneurial learning in both theory and practice.
An Islamic microfinance business model in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Abul , Saleem Shamim
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is two-fold: first, it aims to confirm or disapprove a positive relationship between Islamic microfinance and the socio-economic welfare of women and, second, it aims to explore the perspective in which Islamic microfinance packages function in Bangladesh and the system of their performance can be enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on structured questionnaires’ survey, this study addressed two research questions: What should be anticipated from the programmes of Islamic microfinance on the well-being of beneficiaries and under what circumstances would such programmes be more useful?

Findings

The main result of this study shows that growth in women’s revenue and resources played an important role in improving women’s financial freedom and sense of self-possession. A significant policy endorsement in this study is that it is essential to redirect Islamic microfinance to spread in the developmental activities which will drive to contribute towards the well-being of the recipients in the long run.

Originality/value

Examination of the Rural Development Scheme of Islami Bank Bangladesh is undertaken, aiming to critically review their Islamic microfinance programme in the matter of fighting poverty in Bangladesh and to suggest to diversify the Islamic microfinance scheme to spread in the developmental activities which will drive to contribute towards the well-being of the recipients in the long run.
Corporate governance, product market competition and firm performance: evidence from Iran
Authors: Moradi Mahdi , Bagherpour Velashani Mohammad Ali , Omidfar Mahdi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of product market competition and corporate governance on firm’s management performance in the Tehran Stock Exchange market. According to the research literature, the governance mechanisms used in this study consist of ownership structure, structure of the board of directors and capital structure. In addition, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index and market size were used to measure the product market competition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used one selected sample among the firms in the capital market of Iran from 2004 to 2012.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that there is a significant relation among the major governance mechanisms (including ownership concentration, independence of the board of directors and debt ratio) and product market competition and management performance. The findings of this study also showed that product market competition is effective on the relation between corporate governance and the performance, and this is what has been ignored in most of the conducted studies.

Originality/value

In general, the results of this study supported the idea that product market competition is effective on implementation and efficiency of governance mechanisms.
Professional application projects: work-based learning in the curriculum
Authors: Toledano-O’Farrill Ruben
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the experience in a Mexican private higher education institution of implementing credit-bearing student placements and projects (interventions) in organizations, as a mandatory part of the curriculum for all undergraduates. The university-wide program, called professional application projects (PAPs) has been running for ten years and has two main aims: to develop work-based professional skills in students and to deliver services to organizations and communities of diverse types. All undergraduate students get involved in PAP when they have completed 70 percent of the required program credits. This amounts to approximately 2,000 students per year. The paper reports the results of an investigation into the learning outcomes of PAPs in the Business School, which comprises six undergraduate programs, a center for liaisons with businesses, and a center for management of technology and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative analysis of students’ final reports of their PAP experience, from the period 2015-2016 was done.

Findings

The report analyses and clusters the main categories of learning outcomes reported by students. The analysis shows that the PAP experience has been mostly successful in terms of student learning.

Originality/value

There has been scarce reporting of the results of PAP at the reported institution, or of other similar experiences of work-based learning in Mexico on this scale.
Monitoring trends in research student experience
Authors: Grebennikov Leonid , Shah Mahsood
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present approaches effectively used by a large multi-campus Australian university to improve the research student experience as a direct result of their feedback. These approaches include: identifying trends in the research student experience and areas needing improvement through the Research Student Satisfaction Survey conducted by the University in 2009, 2011 and 2013; prioritising and implementing improvement solutions; and monitoring the improvement actions to measure their efficiency based on student feedback, and to identify areas warranting further improvement attention.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative study was undertaken with research students.

Findings

The study outlines the need for universities to have a systematic approach in measuring and enhancing the experience of research students. Systematic approach enables the university to take timely action to enhance student experience.

Research limitations/implications

Undertaking analysis of the survey at faculty or school level. Increased accountability on Associate Deans (Research) to implement improvements at faculty level.

Originality/value

The paper is based on ten years of study in a large multi-campus university.
Local retailers’ perspectives on social responsibility
Authors: Razalan Danielle Marie , Bickle Marianne C. , Park Joohyung , Brosdahl Deborah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the types of social responsibility actions that small local retailers implement in their local community and to explore their underlying motivations and perceived benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method is used to explore small local retailers’ social responsibility practices and underlying motivations. Owners/managers of small apparel retailers in the USA were interviewed and their responses transcribed and analyzed.

Findings

Findings highlight that local retailers are active in giving back to their community using various means from monetary donations to promotion of community events. Such contributions to their local community are largely driven by their affection for the community, and the motivation is to maintain a good reputation. It was also found that episodes of giving were also triggered externally by customers, local organizations, and local events. Small retailers’ social responsibility contributions to the community are typically not undertaken in an effort to stimulate sales, profits and/or customer traffic. Rather, local retailers find their experiences enjoyable and their contributions build a sense of connection to the community. These retailers enjoy an extra sense of enrichment and perceive social benefits accrued from actively engaging in social responsibility within the community.

Originality/value

Much has been written about social responsibility from a manufacturing and large retailer viewpoint, but there is a dearth of information on small local retailers. This study explores the understanding of small businesses’ social responsibility practices from a local retail perspective and provides valuable insights about retailers approach to social responsibility in relation to their local community.
Towards digital loyalty programs: insights from customer medium preference segmentation
Authors: Ieva Marco , Ziliani Cristina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify patterns of medium preference for loyalty programs (LPs) among members to support the case for segmenting customers based on their medium preference.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of nearly 2,000 customers who are enrolled in at least one supermarket LP was employed. LP members are segmented based on a latent class clustering model and then profiled in terms of socio-demographic variables by means of a multinomial logit regression model.

Findings

Medium preference is heterogeneous and differs at the customer segment and at the LP touchpoint level. Five segments emerge which display different medium preference patterns. LP medium preference is associated with age, gender, affluency and number of different LPs the customer is enrolled in.

Practical implications

Retailers, e-tailers and brands can benefit from this customer segmentation when faced with the challenges of adding online features or migrating their LPs online. Marketers should differentiate their investment in online and offline LP touchpoints according to the medium preference for each LP touchpoint of the customer segments of interest.

Originality/value

Retailers, e-tailers and brands are today introducing online marketing strategies and tactics, such as LPs, that have been traditionally used offline. So far, however, they have failed to answer the question whether online and offline LPs and related touchpoints have the same preference among consumers. Literature on LPs has not explored customer preference for the LP medium or the consumer characteristics related to medium preference. This work is unique in providing an overview of medium preference for LPs and their touchpoints.
Management of constraint generators in fashion store design processes
Authors: Münster Mia Borch , Haug Anders
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Retail design concepts are complex designs meeting functional and aesthetic demands from various constraint generators. However, the literature on this topic is sparse and offers only little support for store designers to deal with such challenges. To address this issue, the purpose of this paper is to identify the most important constraint generators, investigating the types of constraints they generate, and providing guidelines for how to deal with constraint elicitation.

Design/methodology/approach

The three contributions mentioned above are developed through discussions of the literature and eight case studies of fashion store design projects.

Findings

The paper shows that the influence of the constraint generators decreases during the design process except for supplier-generated constraints, which increase in the final stages of the design process. The paper argues that constraints should be elicited close to their occurrence, and that doing so requires a solid understanding of relevant constraint generators.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a structured basis for further research and identifies areas warranting further study. Although, the paper’s focus is on fashion store design, the findings may, to some degree, be applicable to other types of store design projects.

Practical implications

The understandings provided by this paper may help designers to deal proactively with constraints, reducing the use of resources to alter design proposals.

Originality/value

The paper: defines the most important constraint generators from the perspective of retail store designers, clarifies the types of constraints they generate, and provides guidelines for how to deal with constraint elicitation.
Measuring fairness in franchisor-franchisee relationship: a confirmatory approach
Authors: Shaikh Ateeque , Biswas Saswata Narayan , Yadav Vanita , Mishra Debiprasad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop, test and validate a measure of fairness in the context of franchisor-franchisee relationship and test for the dimensionality of fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 300 franchisees of a large-scale franchisor in India. The authors employ confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to analyse the data.

Findings

The authors tested four models of the fairness construct through CFA using structural equation modelling. The three-factor corrected model of the fairness construct exhibits comparatively better goodness of fit indices as compared to the other correlated models of the fairness construct. It clears the threshold level of validity and reliability test. The findings of the study suggest that the factor structure of fairness is three-factor correlated model with aspects of procedural fairness and informational fairness getting subsumed into one construct.

Research limitations/implications

Factor structure of fairness construct differs with earlier empirical research findings with both interpersonal fairness and informational fairness subsuming into each other to form one construct.

Practical implications

This measure can be utilized by franchisee managers to track perceptions of fairness among franchisees to manage the franchise relationship in a better way. Franchisees expect information sharing from the franchisor and not the representative of the franchisor.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to develop a valid and reliable measure of fairness construct in the context of franchise relationship. This study also identifies factor structure of fairness construct.
Competitor phenology as a social cue in breeding site selection
Authors: Samplonius Jelmer M. , Both Christiaan
Published: January 2017

Predicting habitat quality is a major challenge for animals selecting a breeding patch, because it affects reproductive success. Breeding site selection may be based on previous experience, or on social information from the density and success of competitors with an earlier phenology.

Variation in animal breeding phenology is often correlated with variation in habitat quality. Generally, animals breed earlier in high‐quality habitats that allow them to reach a nutritional threshold required for breeding earlier or avoid nest predation. In addition, habitat quality may affect phenological overlap between species and thereby interspecific competition. Therefore, we hypothesized that competitor breeding phenology can be used as social cue by settling migrants to locate high‐quality breeding sites.

To test this hypothesis, we experimentally advanced and delayed hatching phenology of two resident tit species on the level of study plots and studied male and female settlement patterns of migratory pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca. The manipulations were assigned at random in two consecutive years, and treatments were swapped between years in sites that were used in both years.

In both years, males settled in equal numbers across treatments, but later arriving females avoided pairing with males in delayed phenology plots. Moreover, male pairing probability declined strongly with arrival date on the breeding grounds.

Our results demonstrate that competitor phenology may be used to assess habitat quality by settling migrants, but we cannot pinpoint the exact mechanism (e.g. resource quality, predation pressure or competition) that has given rise to this pattern.

In addition, we show that opposing selection pressures for arrival timing may give rise to different social information availabilities between sexes. We discuss our findings in the context of climate warming, social information use and the evolution of protandry in migratory animals.
The importance of trees for woody pasture bird diversity and effects of the European Union's tree density policy
Authors: Jakobsson Simon , Lindborg Regina
Published: January 2017

Recent reforms in the Common Agricultural Policy aim for a greening of the subsidy system with potential improvements for biodiversity conservation. As part of that process, the tree density limit for pastures to qualify for European Union subsidies has been increased from 50 to 100 trees per hectare. However, recent studies show that the high biodiversity values of these habitats may be threatened by these limits, highlighting the need for policy improvements. Still, little is known about the direct effects of tree density limitations on bird communities in woody pastures.

We investigated how bird diversity and species composition are affected by tree density in 49 Swedish woody pastures along a gradient of 4–214 trees per hectare. We recorded bird communities, tree density and stand structure estimates in the field and estimated forest cover in the surrounding landscape from aerial photos. Using generalised additive models and redundancy analysis, we analysed how bird territorial species richness, bird abundance and species composition are affected by tree density, taking into account other local and landscape scale explanatory variables.

Tree density had a significant positive effect on bird species richness at low tree densities and species richness saturated at approximately 50 trees per hectare. Shrub density had a significant positive linear effect on both bird species richness and abundance. Tree and shrub density were also the major drivers of bird community composition, with secondary effects of tree species diversity and landscape forest cover.

Policy implications. Our results show that tree density is not the limiting factor, but rather a driver of bird diversity and species composition in woody pastures and that tree density limits may fail to capture the whole range of biological values. To improve policy recommendations, we therefore stress the importance of considering additional social–ecological drivers associated to management quality, e.g. taking into account moral and cultural motivations among farmers, to preserve biodiversity in woody pastures.
Seasonal variation in the biocontrol efficiency of bacterial wilt is driven by temperature‐mediated changes in bacterial competitive interactions
Authors: Wei Zhong , Huang Jianfeng , Yang Tianjie , Jousset Alexandre , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Friman Ville‐Petri
Published: January 2017

Microbe‐based biocontrol applications hold the potential to become an efficient way to control plant pathogen disease outbreaks in the future. However, their efficiency is still very variable, which could be due to their sensitivity to the abiotic environmental conditions.

Here, we assessed how environmental temperature variation correlates with ability of Ralstonia pickettii, an endophytic bacterial biocontrol agent, to suppress the Ralstonia solanacearum pathogen during different tomato crop seasons in China.

We found that suppression of the pathogen was highest when the seasonal mean temperatures were around 20 °C and rapidly decreased with increasing mean crop season temperatures. Interestingly, low levels of disease incidence did not correlate with low pathogen or high biocontrol agent absolute densities. Instead, the biocontrol to pathogen density ratio was a more important predictor of disease incidence levels between different crop seasons. To understand this mechanistically, we measured the growth and strength of competition between the biocontrol agent and the pathogen over a naturally occurring temperature gradient in vitro. We found that the biocontrol strain grew relatively faster at low temperature ranges, and the pathogen at high temperature ranges, and that similar to field experiments, pathogen suppression peaked at 20 °C.

Together, our results suggest that temperature‐mediated changes in the strength of bacterial competition could potentially explain the variable R. solanacearum biocontrol outcomes between different crop seasons in China.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that abiotic environmental conditions, such as temperature, can affect the efficacy of biocontrol applications. Thus, in order to develop more consistent biocontrol applications in the future, we might need to find and isolate bacterial strains that can retain their functionality regardless of the changing environmental conditions.
Plant functional connectivity – integrating landscape structure and effective dispersal
Authors: Auffret Alistair G. , Rico Yessica , Bullock James M. , Hooftman Danny A. P. , Pakeman Robin J. , Soons Merel B. , Suárez‐Esteban Alberto , Traveset Anna , Wagner Helene H. , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: January 2017

Dispersal is essential for species to survive the threats of habitat destruction and climate change. Combining descriptions of dispersal ability with those of landscape structure, the concept of functional connectivity has been popular for understanding and predicting species’ spatial responses to environmental change.

Following recent advances, the functional connectivity concept is now able to move beyond landscape structure to consider more explicitly how other external factors such as climate and resources affect species movement. We argue that these factors, in addition to a consideration of the complete dispersal process, are critical for an accurate understanding of functional connectivity for plant species in response to environmental change.

We use recent advances in dispersal, landscape and molecular ecology to describe how a range of external factors can influence effective dispersal in plant species, and how the resulting functional connectivity can be assessed.

Synthesis. We define plant functional connectivity as the effective dispersal of propagules or pollen among habitat patches in a landscape. Plant functional connectivity is determined by a combination of landscape structure, interactions between plant, environment and dispersal vectors, and the successful establishment of individuals. We hope that this consolidation of recent research will help focus future connectivity research and conservation.
The sensitivity of head and neck carcinoma cells to statins is related to the expression of their Ras expression status, and statin‐induced apoptosis is mediated via suppression of the Ras/ERK and Ras/mTOR pathways
Authors: Tsubaki Masanobu , Fujiwara Daichiro , Takeda Tomoya , Kino Toshiki , Tomonari Yoshika , Itoh Tatsuki , Imano Motohiro , Satou Takao , Sakaguchi Katsuhiko , Nishida Shozo
Published: January 2017

Statins induce apoptosis of tumour cells by inhibiting the prenylation of small G‐proteins. However, the details of the apoptosis‐inducing mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study showed that the induction of apoptosis by statins in four different human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, HSC‐3, HEp‐2, Ca9‐22, and SAS cells was mediated by increased caspase‐3 activity. Statins induced apoptosis by the suppression of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate biosynthesis. Furthermore, statins decreased the levels of phosphorylated ERK and mTOR by inhibiting the membrane localization of Ras and enhancing Bim expression in HSC‐3 and HEp‐2 cells. We also found that in all the cell types analyzed, the IC50 values for fluvastatin and simvastatin were highest in HEp‐2 cells. In addition, HSC‐3, Ca9‐22, and SAS cells had higher Ras expression and membrane localization, higher activation of ERK1/2 and mTOR, and lower levels of Bim expression than HEp‐2 cells. Our results indicate that statins induce apoptosis by increasing the activation of caspase‐3 and by enhancing Bim expression through inhibition of the Ras/ERK and Ras/mTOR pathways. Furthermore, the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to statin treatment was closely related to Ras expression and prenylation levels, indicating that statins may act more effectively against tumours with high Ras expression and Ras‐variability. Therefore, our findings support the use of statins as potential anticancer agents.
Health Benefits of Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Lao Fei , Sigurdson Gregory T. , Giusti M. Mónica
Published: January 2017

Purple corn (Zea mays L.), a grain with one of the deepest shades in the plant kingdom, has caught the attention of the food industry as it could serve as a source for alternatives to synthetic colorants. Also being rich in phenolic compounds with potential health‐promoting properties, purple corn is becoming a rising star in the novel ingredients market. Although having been widely advertised as a “healthy” food, the available information on purple corn health benefits has not yet been well reviewed and summarized. In this review, we present compositional information focused on the potential functional phenolic compounds correlated to health‐promoting effects. Studies evaluating potential health‐benefitting properties, including in vitro tests, cell models, animal and human trials, are also discussed. This paper emphasizes research using purple corn, or its extracts, but some other plant sources with similar phenolic composition to purple corn are also mentioned. Dosage and toxicity of purple corn studies are also reviewed. Purple corn phenolic compounds have been shown in numerous studies to have potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and anti‐angiogenesis properties. They were also found to ameliorate lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, based on their strong antioxidant power involving biochemical regulation amelioration. With promising evidence from cell and animal studies, this rich source of health‐promoting compounds warrants additional attention to better understand its potential contributions to human health.
Cost evaluation of providing evidence‐based dietetic services for weight management in adults: In‐person versuseHealth delivery
Authors: Rollo Megan E. , Burrows Tracy , Vincze Lisa J. , Harvey Jean , Collins Clare E. , Hutchesson Melinda J.
Published: January 2017

Aim

To compare the theoretical costs of best‐practice weight management delivered by dietitians in a traditional, in‐person setting compared to remote consultations delivered using eHealth technologies.

Methods

Using national guidelines, a framework was developed outlining dietitian‐delivered weight management for in‐person and eHealth delivery modes. This framework mapped one‐on‐one patient–dietitian consultations for an adult requiring active management (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) over a one‐year period using both delivery modes. Resources required for both the dietitian and patient to implement each treatment mode were identified, with costs attributed for material, fixed, travel and personnel components. The resource costs were categorised as either establishment or recurring costs associated with the treatment of one patient.

Results

Establishment costs were higher for eHealth compared to in‐person costs ($1394.21 vs $90.05). Excluding establishment costs, the total (combined dietitian and patient) cost for one patient receiving best‐practice weight management for 12 months was $560.59 for in‐person delivery, compared to $389.78 for eHealth delivery. Compared to the eHealth mode, a higher proportion of the overall recurring delivery costs was attributed to the patient for the in‐person mode (46.4% and 33.9%, respectively).

Conclusions

Although it is initially more expensive to establish an eHealth service mode, the overall reoccurring costs per patient for delivery of best‐practice weight management were lower compared to the in‐person mode. This theoretical cost evaluation establishes preliminary evidence to support alternative obesity management service models using eHealth technologies. Further research is required to determine the feasibility, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of these models within dietetic practice.
Parent, patient and health professional perspectives regarding enteral nutrition in paediatric oncology
Authors: Cohen Jennifer , Wakefield Claire E. , Tapsell Linda C. , Walton Karen , Cohn Richard J.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Enteral tube feeding (ETF) is an important part of treatment for paediatric cancer patients. Without nutritional therapy, the prevalence of under‐nutrition during treatment for childhood cancer may be as high as 50%. To ensure that the appropriate initiation of ETF is optimised, information on the views of key stakeholders regarding ETF is needed.

Methods

In total, 48 interviews were conducted with parents of paediatric cancer patients (n = 20), patients (n = 10) and members of the paediatric oncology health‐care team (n = 18). Semistructured interviews were used to elicit information from participants, and the data were analysed using a content analysis approach. The interviews focused on views regarding: (i) attitude toward, and impact of, ETF; (ii) information and support regarding ETF; and (iii) clinical management of ETF.

Results

There was agreement between stakeholders on the impact of ETF on patients, both positive (good nutrition, weight gain and decreased anxiety) and negative (physical appearance, invasive insertion procedure and comfort). There were discordant perceptions regarding the timing and type of information provided on the use of ETF, as well as the decision‐making process used.

Conclusions

By standardising the information given to parents and enhancing understanding of parent, patient and health‐care worker perceptions about ETF, the initiation of tube feeding may be optimised. This may positively impact patient outcomes in the future.
Comparison of Gender Differences in Nutritional Value and Key Odor Profile of Hepatopancreas of Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir Sinensis)
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Xi‐Chang
Published: January 2017

The nutritional value and key odor profile of hepatopancreas of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) was evaluated, and gender differences in terms of edible yield, proximate composition, different lipid fractions, fatty acid composition, and key odor compounds were compared. Total lipids were separated into different lipid fractions using silicic acid columns. And odorants were detected by monolithic material sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). Furthermore, detected frequency and odor intensity method of GC‐O were applied to select key odor compounds in steamed E. sinensis. The results showed male crabs (34.06%) had a higher edible yield than female crabs (32.42%). Hepatopancreas was the most abundant portion in both genders, which contained high lipid content. Higher contents of triacylglycerols, sterols, free fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine in female crabs resulted in a significant higher total lipid content in females (40.05%) than in males (37.94%). Meanwhile, total monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids of female crabs had significant higher content than male crabs, and the ratio of docosahexaenoic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid of female crabs (1.26) showed higher value than male crabs (1.18), which indicated that female crabs had higher nutritional value than male crabs. For further analyses, unique odor compounds detected in female crabs showed a plant/vegetable‐like odor, while sweety, corn‐like odor in male crabs. These suggested that hepatopancreases of female crabs are healthier than male crabs for human consumption, however, they may be favored by different consumers individually due to their unique aroma profiles.