bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of radiative heat transfer parameters in multilayer thermal insulation of spacecraft
Authors: Nenarokomov Aleksey V. , Dombrovsky Leonid A. , Krainova Irina V. , Alifanov Oleg M. , Budnik Sergey A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to optimize multilayer vacuum thermal insulation (MLI) of modern high-weight spacecrafts. An adequate mathematical simulation of heat transfer in the MLI is impossible if there is no available information on the main insulation properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of experiments in thermo-vacuum facilities are used to re-estimate some radiative properties of metallic foil/metalized polymer foil and spacer on the basis of the inverse problem solution. The experiments were carried out for the sample of real MLI used for the BP-Colombo satellite (ESA). The recently developed theoretical model based on neglecting possible near-field effects in radiative heat transfer between closely spaced aluminum foils was used in theoretical predictions of heat transfer through the MLI.

Findings

A comparison of the computational results and the experimental data confirms that there are no significant near-field effects between the neighboring MLI layers. It means that there is no considerable contradiction between the far-field model of radiative transfer in MLI and the experimental estimates.

Originality/value

An identification procedure for mathematical model of the multilayer thermal insulation showed that a modified theoretical model developed recently can be used to estimate thermal properties of the insulation at conditions of space vacuum.
Legislation impact on sick leave in Slovakia
Authors: Blazinska Lucia , Rusnak Martin , Kacmarikova Margareta
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Sickness absence is a major public health and economic problem. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of a legislative intervention that concerns reduction of compensation levels in sickness absence in the Slovak Republic. In addition, the study encompasses appraisal of effects reflected by related indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes an evaluation study, based on national statistics from relevant sources. Numeric data were used for characterizing the dynamics of sickness absence in Slovakia in the years 1997-2013. Statistical programmes join-point and R-environment were used for analytical purposes in terms of Wilcoxon test and linear regression.

Findings

The results suggest that following the implementation of the Act No. 462/2003 Coll. the number of new cases as well as the proportion of sickness absence among insured persons decreased by 50 per cent (from 2003 – 60/100 to 2004 – 30,8/100). Average duration of inability to work increased to 6.5 days and there were more women compared to men on sick leave. The most frequent causes of sickness absence were respiratory diseases, muscular-skeletal diseases and injuries outside the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The trend of sickness absence can be influenced by many others factors, but the research is mainly focussed on legislative impact.

Originality/value

The research indicates an effect of legislative intervention at national level.
A network of networks
Authors: Iedema Rick , Verma Raj , Wutzke Sonia , Lyons Nigel , McCaughan Brian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To further our insight into the role of networks in health system reform, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how one agency, the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), and the multiple networks and enabling resources that it encompasses, govern, manage and extend the potential of networks for healthcare practice improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study investigation which took place over ten months through the first author’s participation in network activities and discussions with the agency’s staff about their main objectives, challenges and achievements, and with selected services around the state of New South Wales to understand the agency’s implementation and large system transformation activities.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that ACI accommodates multiple networks whose oversight structures, self-organisation and systems change approaches combined in dynamic ways, effectively yield a diversity of network governances. Further, ACI bears out a paradox of “centralised decentralisation”, co-locating agents of innovation with networks of implementation and evaluation expertise. This arrangement strengthens and legitimates the role of the strategic hybrid – the healthcare professional in pursuit of change and improvement, and enhances their influence and impact on the wider system.

Research limitations/implications

While focussing the case study on one agency only, this study is unique as it highlights inter-network connections. Contributing to the literature on network governance, this paper identifies ACI as a “network of networks” through which resources, expectations and stakeholder dynamics are dynamically and flexibly mediated and enhanced.

Practical implications

The co-location of and dynamic interaction among clinical networks may create synergies among networks, nurture “strategic hybrids”, and enhance the impact of network activities on health system reform.

Social implications

Network governance requires more from network members than participation in a single network, as it involves health service professionals and consumers in a multi-network dynamic. This dynamic requires deliberations and collaborations to be flexible, and it increasingly positions members as “strategic hybrids” – people who have moved on from singular taken-as-given stances and identities, towards hybrid positionings and flexible perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper is novel in that it identifies a critical feature of health service reform and large system transformation: network governance is empowered through the dynamic co-location of and collaboration among healthcare networks, particularly when complemented with “enabler” teams of people specialising in programme implementation and evaluation.
Branding capabilities and SME performance in an emerging market
Authors: Odoom Raphael , Agbemabiese George Cudjoe , Anning-Dorson Thomas , Mensah Priscilla
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effect of brand regulations on the relationship between enterprises’ branding capabilities (internal and external) and performance. It also examines the hypothesized relationship effects across manufacturing and service-based enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from 384 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within an emerging market setting. Moderated hierarchical regression was used to examine the theoretical interrelationships between branding capabilities and enterprise performance within the boundaries of regulations.

Findings

Results from the study suggest that both internal and external branding capabilities positively affect enterprise performance. However, the effect is confounded as brand regulations attenuate the relationship between enterprises’ branding capabilities and performance. Varying outcomes across manufacturing and service-based enterprises are also assessed.

Originality/value

The study suggests that policy makers should review regulations on businesses, particularly those relating to the small business sector. Regulations that ameliorate activities of SMEs should be implemented to promote existing enterprises, and attract new ones for industrialization in emerging markets. The findings provide evidence for issues of potential research and managerial interest, with implications for both policy makers, small business owners and the academic community.
LRFMP model for customer segmentation in the grocery retail industry: a case study
Authors: Peker Serhat , Kocyigit Altan , Eren P. Erhan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new RFM model called length, recency, frequency, monetary and periodicity (LRFMP) for classifying customers in the grocery retail industry; and to identify different customer segments in this industry based on the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines the LRFMP model and clustering for customer segmentation. Real-life data from a grocery chain operating in Turkey is used. Three cluster validation indices are used for optimizing the number of groups of customers and K-means algorithm is employed to cluster customers. First, attributes of the LRFMP model are extracted for each customer, and then based on LRFMP model features, customers are segmented into different customer groups. Finally, identified customer segments are profiled based on LRFMP characteristics and for each customer profile, unique CRM and marketing strategies are recommended.

Findings

The results show that there are five different customer groups and based on LRFMP characteristics, they are profiled as: “high-contribution loyal customers,” “low-contribution loyal customers,” “uncertain customers,” “high-spending lost customers” and “low-spending lost customers.”

Practical implications

This research may provide researchers and practitioners with a systematic guideline for effectively identifying different customer profiles based on the LRFMP model, give grocery companies useful insights about different customer profiles, and assist decision makers in developing effective customer relationships and unique marketing strategies, and further allocating resources efficiently.

Originality/value

This study contributes to prior literature by proposing a new RFM model, called LRFMP for the customer segmentation and providing useful insights about behaviors of different customer types in the Turkish grocery industry. It is also precious from the point of view that it is one of the first attempts in the literature which investigates the customer segmentation in the grocery retail industry.
Financial conditions and corporate investment: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Tran Nam Hoai , Le Chi Dat
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of macro-financial conditions on firm-level capital allocation as a micro-transmission mechanism of monetary policy in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a dynamic model of investment based on the Euler equation approach that allows for financial frictions. The financial conditions are proxied by a composite index of the current states of financial variables, including interest rates, exchange rates, stock prices, and credit demand – which captures short-term shocks in monetary transmission channels. Corporate financing constraints, as a reflection of financial frictions, are measured by the sensitivity of investment to internal funds, which are extensively examined in terms of both negative and positive cash flows.

Findings

In the presence of a non-monotonic (or U-shaped) investment–cash flow relation, the empirical evidence from Vietnamese listed firms indicates that financial conditions affect investment behavior for only firms with negative cash flows, in the sense that better financial conditions alleviate the level of “negative” financing constraints (i.e. the sensitivity of investment to negative cash flow). This effect is greater for larger firms and more likely pronounced for firms without state ownership.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on corporate financing constraints in a manner of considering the macroeconomic dimension, specifically exploring the asymmetric impacts of financial conditions on the investment sensitivity to cash flow.
Does corporate governance shape the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance?
Authors: Kabir Rezaul , Thai Hanh Minh
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The theoretical and empirical relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance are not without controversy. Yet, CSR activities are increasingly undertaken by a large number of firms, not only in developed countries but also in emerging countries. This paper aims to investigate the moderating effect of different aspects of corporate governance, which are foreign and state ownership, board size and board independence, on the relationship between CSR and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of Vietnamese listed firms is analyzed. Robust regression analysis is performed using ordinary least squares as well as fixed-effects and two-stage least squares model.

Findings

Ordinary least squares regression results show that CSR activities affect the financial performance of firms positively. Furthermore, corporate governance features like foreign ownership, board size and board independence strengthen the positive relationship between CSR and financial performance, but there is no such impact of state ownership.

Originality/value

Previous studies mostly investigate the direct effect of CSR on financial performance. A few studies examine the moderating effect of corporate governance, which is ownership concentration and board gender diversity. As an emerging country, Vietnam has some specific characteristics on corporate governance. This paper contributes by investigating the moderating effect of few major aspects of corporate governance, which are foreign and state ownership, board size and board independence.
Exploring local vs global brand associations in an emerging market using BCM technique
Authors: Eren-Erdoğmuş İrem , Dirsehan Taşkın
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to differentiate local versus global brand associations in an emerging market (Turkey)’s coffee shop market.

Design/methodology/approach

Two leading coffee shop brands – one local and one global – were analyzed with an emerging exploratory research technique – brand concept mapping (BCM) – to reveal their strong, favorable and unique associations leading them to market leadership.

Findings

The results indicate that, these two successful brands both have distinctive, yet relevant positions in their consumers’ mind. Local cultural experience is relevant for differentiating local brands, even if the coffee shop concept is globally imported. Global coffee shop brand, on the other hand, means membership to global middle income segment and is remembered as global fast coffee service.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this exploratory study is the sample size limitation by its nature. So, the generalizability of the results should be approached with caution. Researchers use BCM technique; however, this method does not permit to reveal the expected levels and the importance of the attributes. Thus, further research are suggested to be complementary.

Originality/value

This study fills the research gap in revealing and comparing local vs global brand associations by using BCM technique, which enables one to measure the strength, unique and favorable associations/brand images more suitable to Keller’s (1993) conceptualization. This study pioneers in using this technique in international branding.
Neuroprotective effects of a novel poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 inhibitor, JPI‐289, in hypoxic rat cortical neurons
Authors: Kim Youngchul , Kim Young S. , Noh Min‐Young , Lee Hanchang , Joe Boyoung , Kim Hyun Y. , Kim Jeongmin , Kim Seung H. , Park Jiseon
Published: April 2017

Excessive activation of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) is known to develop neuronal apoptosis, necrosis and inflammation after ischaemic brain injury. Therefore, PARP‐1 inhibition after ischaemic stroke has been attempted in successful animal studies. The purpose of present work was to develop a novel water soluble PARP‐1 inhibitor (JPI‐289) and explore its neuroprotective effect on ischaemic injury in an in vitro model. The half‐life of JPI‐289 after intravenous or oral administration in rats was relatively long (1.4‐1.5 hours) with 65.6% bioavailability. The inhibitor strongly inhibited PARP‐1 activity (IC50=18.5 nmol/L) and cellular PAR formation (IC50=10.7 nmol/L) in the nanomolar range. In rat cortical neuronal cells, JPI‐289 did not affect cell viability up to 1 mmol/L as assayed by Trypan blue staining (TBS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Treatment of JPI‐289 for 2 hours after 2 hours of oxygen glucose deprived (OGD) rat cortical neuron attenuated PARP activity and restored ATP and NAD+ levels. Apoptosis‐associated molecules such as apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), cytochrome C and cleaved caspase‐3 were reduced after JPI‐289 treatment in the OGD model. The present findings suggest that the novel PARP‐1 inhibitor, JPI‐289, is a potential neuroprotective agent which could be useful as a treatment for acute ischaemic stroke.
Unlocking the story in the swab: A new genotyping assay for the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Byrne Allison Q. , Rothstein Andrew P. , Poorten Thomas J. , Erens Jesse , Settles Matthew L. , Rosenblum Erica Bree
Published: April 2017

One of the most devastating emerging pathogens of wildlife is the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which affects hundreds of amphibian species around the world. Genomic data from pure Bd cultures have advanced our understanding of Bd phylogenetics, genomic architecture and mechanisms of virulence. However, pure cultures are laborious to obtain and whole‐genome sequencing is comparatively expensive, so relatively few isolates have been genetically characterized. Thus, we still know little about the genetic diversity of Bd in natural systems. The most common noninvasive method of sampling Bd from natural populations is to swab amphibian skin. Hundreds of thousands of swabs have been collected from amphibians around the world, but Bd DNA collected via swabs is often low in quality and/or quantity. In this study, we developed a custom Bd genotyping assay using the Fluidigm Access Array platform to amplify 192 carefully selected regions of the Bd genome. We obtained robust sequence data for pure Bd cultures and field‐collected skin swabs. This new assay has the power to accurately discriminate among the major Bd clades, recovering the basic tree topology previously revealed using whole‐genome data. Additionally, we established a critical value for initial Bd load for swab samples (150 Bd genomic equivalents) above which our assay performs well. By leveraging advances in microfluidic multiplex PCR technology and the globally distributed resource of amphibian swab samples, noninvasive skin swabs can now be used to address critical spatial and temporal questions about Bd and its effects on declining amphibian populations.
Epigenetic regulation in monocyte/macrophage: A key player during atherosclerosis
Authors: Jia Su‐Jie , Gao Ke‐Qin , Zhao Ming
Published: April 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Recently, a growing body of evidence emphasizes that the monocyte and macrophage differentiation and activation are key processes in the development of atherosclerosis. However, the regulatory mechanism that manipulates the function of monocyte and macrophage is still unclear. Recent years, epigenetic mechanisms have received a wide attention and bring us a new field of vision. More and more evidence shows that epigenetics weighs heavily in atherosclerosis by regulating the function and differentiation states of monocyte and macrophage. In this review, we illuminate the epigenetic regulation mechanisms in monocyte and macrophage and their contributions to inflammatory processes of atherosclerosis to provide new thoughts and find novel targets or biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
Inflammasome gene profile is modulated in septic patients, with a greater magnitude in non-survivors
Authors: Esquerdo K F , Sharma N K , Brunialti M K C , Baggio-Zappia G L , Assunção M , Azevedo L C P , Bafi A T , Salomao R
Published: April 2017

Inflammasome signalling induces the processing and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 which, coupled with pyroptosis, activate further the inflammatory response. In the present study we evaluated the expression of genes involved in inflammasome signalling pathways in septic patients, their interaction networks and the predicted functions modulated in survivors and non-survivors. Twenty-seven patients with sepsis secondary to community-acquired pneumonia admitted to intensive care units from three general hospitals in São Paulo were included into the study. We performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array encompassing 35 genes related to the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR)-inflammasome in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained at admission and after 7 days of follow-up. Eleven healthy volunteers were used as the reference group. Increased NLRC4 and NLRP3 and decreased nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD1), and NLRP1 expression was observed in septic patients compared to healthy individuals; the IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels were also high in the patients. The gene expression changes followed the same patterns in surviving and non-surviving patients, with higher magnitudes observed in non-survivors. Functional analyses revealed, however, that activation and inhibition intensity for representing functions were different in survivors and non-survivors, as for production of reactive oxygen species, synthesis of nitric oxide and for the control of bacterial infections. Our results showed that the genes involved in the activation of the NLR-inflammasome cascades were altered substantially in septic patients, with a higher number of altered genes and a higher intensity in the disturbance of gene expression found among patients dying of sepsis.
Medication adherence and rejection rates in older vs younger adult liver transplant recipients
Authors: Leven Emily A. , Annunziato Rachel , Helcer Jacqueline , Lieber Sarah R. , Knight Christopher S. , Wlodarkiewicz Catherine , Soriano Rainier P. , Florman Sander S. , Schiano Thomas D. , Shemesh Eyal
Published: April 2017

A growing number of older adults are undergoing liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. In some settings, it is thought that adherence declines with age. This retrospective study examined adherence and clinical outcomes in older vs younger adult LT recipients. Medical records of adult LT recipients from 2009 to 2012 from a single urban center were reviewed. The medication level variability index (MLVI) was the predefined primary outcome, with nonadherence defined as MLVI >2.5. The secondary outcome was incidence of rejection. Outcomes were evaluated starting 1 year post‐LT until 2015. A total of 42 of 248 patients were ≥65 at transplant. Older adults had significantly better adherence than younger ones (65%≥65 were adherent vs 42% younger adults; chi‐square two‐tailed P=.02). Survival analyses of rejection between age groups censored by time since transplant showed no difference among the four age groups (χ2=0.84, P=.84). Older age was not found to be a risk factor for reduced adherence or graft rejection in patients surviving at least 1 year post‐LT.
Graft‐derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor correlates with hepatocellular injury in patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Baron‐Stefaniak Joanna , Schiefer Judith , Miller Edmund J. , Plöchl Walter , Krenn Claus G. , Berlakovich Gabriela A. , Baron David M. , Faybik Peter
Published: April 2017

Experimental studies suggest that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates ischemia/reperfusion injury during liver transplantation. This study assessed whether human liver grafts release MIF during preservation, and whether the release of MIF is proportional to the extent of hepatocellular injury. Additionally, the association between MIF and early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after liver transplantation was evaluated. Concentrations of MIF, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) were measured in effluents of 38 liver grafts, and in serum of recipients. Concentrations of MIF in the effluent were greater than those in the recipients’ serum before and after reperfusion (58 [interquartile range, IQR:23‐79] μg/mL vs 0.06 [IQR:0.03‐0.07] μg/mL and 1.3 [IQR:0.7‐1.8] μg/mL, respectively; both P<.001). Effluent MIF concentrations correlated with effluent concentrations of the cell injury markers ALT (R=.51, P<.01), AST (R=.51, P<.01), CK (R=.45, P=.01), and LDH (R=.56, P<.01). Patients who developed EAD had greater MIF concentrations in effluent and serum 10 minutes after reperfusion than patients without EAD (Effluent: 80 [IQR:63‐118] μg/mL vs 36 [IQR:20‐70] μg/mL, P=.02; Serum: 1.7 [IQR:1.2‐2.5] μg/mL vs 1.1 [IQR:0.6‐1.7] μg/mL, P<.001).

Conclusion

Human liver grafts release MIF in proportion to hepatocellular injury. Greater MIF concentrations in effluent and recipient's serum are associated with EAD after liver transplantation.
The presence of diastolic and systolic dysfunction in patients with impaired relaxation filling pattern
Authors: Pratap Balaji , Kallur Kamala Ramya , Argulian Edgar
Published: April 2017

Background

Impaired relaxation filling pattern in the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction is a common finding which is ascribed to early diastolic dysfunction. We thought to determine the distribution of various markers of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in these patients.

Methods

A total of 106 patients were included in this retrospective observational study. Diastolic dysfunction was defined using the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations (“50% rule”). The systolic dysfunction was evaluated by global longitudinal strain and circumferential strain. For further analysis, the patients were divided into the lower strain (lower tertile) and higher strain (upper tertiles) groups based on longitudinal strain.

Results

There were marked differences between the groups in essential echocardiographic parameters. Patients in the lower strain group were more likely to have definite diastolic dysfunction (23% vs 7%, P<.01) and less likely to have normal diastolic function (54% vs 80%, P<.01). They also showed lower circumferential strain (−21.2% vs −25.7%, P<.01). In multivariate analysis, left atrial enlargement (odds ratio (OR) 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–17.1), left ventricular mass index (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.0–1.1), left ventricular end–diastolic volume (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.1), and E‐wave deceleration time (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.0) were independently associated with lower global longitudinal strain.

Conclusions

Patients with impaired relaxation filling pattern in the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction have a wide spectrum of left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance abnormalities. Isolated assessment of diastolic dysfunction may not fully characterize this group of patients.
Zizyphin modulates calcium signalling in human taste bud cells and fat taste perception in the mouse
Authors: Murtaza Babar , Berrichi Meryem , Bennamar Chahid , Tordjmann Thierry , Djeziri Fatima Z. , Hichami Aziz , Leemput Julia , Belarbi Meriem , Ozdener Hakan , Khan Naim A.
Published: April 2017

Zizyphin, isolated from Zizyphus sps. leaf extracts, has been shown to modulate sugar taste perception, and the palatability of a sweet solution is increased by the addition of fatty acids. We, therefore, studied whether zizyphin also modulates fat taste perception. Zizyphin was purified from edible fruit of Zizyphus lotus L. Zizyphin‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i in human taste bud cells (hTBC). Zizyphin shared the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pool and also recruited, in part, Ca2+ from extracellular environment via the opening of store‐operated Ca2+ channels. Zizyphin exerted additive actions on linoleic acid (LA)‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i in these cells, indicating that zizyphin does not exert its action via fatty acid receptors. However, zizyphin seemed to exert, at least in part, its action via bile acid receptor Takeda‐G‐protein‐receptor‐5 in hTBC. In behavioural tests, mice exhibited preference for both LA and zizyphin. Interestingly, zizyphin increased the preference for a solution containing‐LA. This study is the first evidence of the modulation of fat taste perception by zizyphin at the cellular level in hTBC. Our study might be helpful for considering the synthesis of zizyphin analogues as ‘taste modifiers’ with a potential in the management of obesity and lipid‐mediated disorders.
Coralline algae elevate pH at the site of calcification under ocean acidification
Authors: Cornwall Christopher E. , Comeau Steeve , McCulloch Malcolm T.
Published: April 2017

Coralline algae provide important ecosystem services but are susceptible to the impacts of ocean acidification. However, the mechanisms are uncertain, and the magnitude is species specific. Here, we assess whether species‐specific responses to ocean acidification of coralline algae are related to differences in pH at the site of calcification within the calcifying fluid/medium (pHcf) using δ11B as a proxy. Declines in δ11B for all three species are consistent with shifts in δ11B expected if B(OH)4− was incorporated during precipitation. In particular, the δ11B ratio in Amphiroa anceps was too low to allow for reasonable pHcf values if B(OH)3 rather than B(OH)4− was directly incorporated from the calcifying fluid. This points towards δ11B being a reliable proxy for pHcf for coralline algal calcite and that if B(OH)3 is present in detectable proportions, it can be attributed to secondary postincorporation transformation of B(OH)4−. We thus show that pHcf is elevated during calcification and that the extent is species specific. The net calcification of two species of coralline algae (Sporolithon durum, and Amphiroa anceps) declined under elevated CO2, as did their pHcf. Neogoniolithon sp. had the highest pHcf, and most constant calcification rates, with the decrease in pHcf being ¼ that of seawater pH in the treatments, demonstrating a control of coralline algae on carbonate chemistry at their site of calcification. The discovery that coralline algae upregulate pHcf under ocean acidification is physiologically important and should be included in future models involving calcification.
Asymmetric responses of primary productivity to precipitation extremes: A synthesis of grassland precipitation manipulation experiments
Authors: Wilcox Kevin R. , Shi Zheng , Gherardi Laureano A. , Lemoine Nathan P. , Koerner Sally E. , Hoover David L. , Bork Edward , Byrne Kerry M. , Cahill James , Collins Scott L. , Evans Sarah , Gilgen Anna K. , Holub Petr , Jiang Lifen , Knapp Alan K. , LeCain Daniel , Liang Junyi , Garcia‐Palacios Pablo , Peñuelas Josep , Pockman William T. , Smith Melinda D. , Sun Shanghua , White Shannon R. , Yahdjian Laura , Zhu Kai , Luo Yiqi
Published: April 2017

Climatic changes are altering Earth's hydrological cycle, resulting in altered precipitation amounts, increased interannual variability of precipitation, and more frequent extreme precipitation events. These trends will likely continue into the future, having substantial impacts on net primary productivity (NPP) and associated ecosystem services such as food production and carbon sequestration. Frequently, experimental manipulations of precipitation have linked altered precipitation regimes to changes in NPP. Yet, findings have been diverse and substantial uncertainty still surrounds generalities describing patterns of ecosystem sensitivity to altered precipitation. Additionally, we do not know whether previously observed correlations between NPP and precipitation remain accurate when precipitation changes become extreme. We synthesized results from 83 case studies of experimental precipitation manipulations in grasslands worldwide. We used meta‐analytical techniques to search for generalities and asymmetries of aboveground NPP (ANPP) and belowground NPP (BNPP) responses to both the direction and magnitude of precipitation change. Sensitivity (i.e., productivity response standardized by the amount of precipitation change) of BNPP was similar under precipitation additions and reductions, but ANPP was more sensitive to precipitation additions than reductions; this was especially evident in drier ecosystems. Additionally, overall relationships between the magnitude of productivity responses and the magnitude of precipitation change were saturating in form. The saturating form of this relationship was likely driven by ANPP responses to very extreme precipitation increases, although there were limited studies imposing extreme precipitation change, and there was considerable variation among experiments. This highlights the importance of incorporating gradients of manipulations, ranging from extreme drought to extreme precipitation increases into future climate change experiments. Additionally, policy and land management decisions related to global change scenarios should consider how ANPP and BNPP responses may differ, and that ecosystem responses to extreme events might not be predicted from relationships found under moderate environmental changes.
Estimating 20‐year land‐use change and derived CO2 emissions associated with crops, pasture and forestry in Brazil and each of its 27 states
Authors: Novaes Renan M. L. , Pazianotto Ricardo A. A. , Brandão Miguel , Alves Bruno J. R. , May André , Folegatti‐Matsuura Marília I. S.
Published: April 2017

Land‐use change (LUC) in Brazil has important implications on global climate change, ecosystem services and biodiversity, and agricultural expansion plays a critical role in this process. Concerns over these issues have led to the need for estimating the magnitude and impacts associated with that, which are increasingly reported in the environmental assessment of products. Currently, there is an extensive debate on which methods are more appropriate for estimating LUC and related emissions and regionalized estimates are lacking for Brazil, which is a world leader in agricultural production (e.g. food, fibres and bioenergy). We developed a method for estimating scenarios of past 20‐year LUC and derived CO2 emission rates associated with 64 crops, pasture and forestry in Brazil as whole and in each of its 27 states, based on time‐series statistics and in accordance with most used carbon‐footprinting standards. The scenarios adopted provide a range between minimum and maximum rates of CO2 emissions from LUC according to different possibilities of land‐use transitions, which can have large impacts in the results. Specificities of Brazil, like multiple cropping and highly heterogeneous carbon stocks, are also addressed. The highest CO2 emission rates are observed in the Amazon biome states and crops with the highest rates are those that have undergone expansion in this region. Some states and crops showing large agricultural areas have low emissions associated, especially in southern and eastern Brazil. Native carbon stocks and time of agricultural expansion are the most decisive factors to the patterns of emissions. Some implications on LUC estimation methods and standards and on agri‐environmental policies are discussed.
EphB4 forward signalling mediates angiogenesis caused by CCM3/PDCD10‐ablation
Authors: You Chao , Zhao Kai , Dammann Philipp , Keyvani Kathy , Kreitschmann‐Andermahr Ilonka , Sure Ulrich , Zhu Yuan
Published: April 2017

CCM3, also named as PDCD10, is a ubiquitous protein expressed in nearly all tissues and in various types of cells. It is essential for vascular development and post‐natal vessel maturation. Loss‐of‐function mutation of CCM3 predisposes for the familial form of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). We have previously shown that knock‐down of CCM3 stimulated endothelial angiogenesis via impairing DLL4‐Notch signalling; moreover, loss of endothelial CCM3 stimulated tumour angiogenesis and promoted tumour growth. The present study was designed to further elucidate the inside signalling pathway involved in CCM3‐ablation‐mediated angiogenesis. Here we report for the first time that silencing endothelial CCM3 led to a significant up‐regulation of EphB4 mRNA and protein expression and to an increased kinase activity of EphB4, concomitantly accompanied by an activation of Erk1/2, which was reversed by treatment with the specific EphB4 kinase inhibitor NVP‐BHG712 (NVP), indicating that silencing CCM3 activates EphB4 kinase forward signalling. Furthermore, treatment with NVP rescued the hyper‐angiogenic phenotype induced by knock‐down of endothelial CCM3 in vitro and in vivo. Additional study demonstrated that the activation of EphB4 forward signalling in endothelial cells under basal condition and after CCM3‐silence was modulated by DLL4/Notch signalling, relying EphB4 at downstream of DLL4/Notch signalling. We conclude that angiogenesis induced by CCM3‐silence is mediated by the activation of EphB4 forward signalling. The identified endothelial signalling pathway of CCM3‐DLL4/Notch‐EphB4‐Erk1/2 may provide an insight into mechanism of CCM3‐ablation‐mediated angiogenesis and could potentially contribute to novel therapeutic concepts for disrupting aberrant angiogenesis in CCM and in hyper‐vascularized tumours.
Organic farming increases richness of fungal taxa in the wheat phyllosphere
Authors: Karlsson Ida , Friberg Hanna , Kolseth Anna‐Karin , Steinberg Christian , Persson Paula
Published: April 2017

Organic farming is often advocated as an approach to mitigate biodiversity loss on agricultural land. The phyllosphere provides a habitat for diverse fungal communities that are important for plant health and productivity. However, it is still unknown how organic farming affects the diversity of phyllosphere fungi in major crops. We sampled wheat leaves from 22 organically and conventionally cultivated fields in Sweden, paired based on their geographical location and wheat cultivar. Fungal communities were described using amplicon sequencing and real‐time PCR. Species richness was higher on wheat leaves from organically managed fields, with a mean of 54 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) compared with 40 OTUs for conventionally managed fields. The main components of the fungal community were similar throughout the 350‐km‐long sampling area, and seven OTUs were present in all fields: Zymoseptoria, Dioszegia fristingensis, Cladosporium, Dioszegia hungarica, Cryptococcus, Ascochyta and Dioszegia. Fungal abundance was highly variable between fields, 103–105 internal transcribed spacer copies per ng wheat DNA, but did not differ between cropping systems. Further analyses showed that weed biomass was the strongest explanatory variable for fungal community composition and OTU richness. These findings help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of organic farming on the diversity of organism groups in different habitats within the agroecosystem.
The redox state of the apoplast influences the acclimation of photosynthesis and leaf metabolism to changing irradiance
Authors: Karpinska Barbara , Zhang Kaiming , Rasool Brwa , Pastok Daria , Morris Jenny , Verrall Susan R. , Hedley Pete E. , Hancock Robert D. , Foyer Christine H.
Published: April 2017

The redox state of the apoplast is largely determined by ascorbate oxidase (AO) activity. The influence of AO activity on leaf acclimation to changing irradiance was explored in wild‐type (WT) and transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) lines containing either high [pumpkin AO (PAO)] or low [tobacco AO (TAO)] AO activity at low [low light (LL); 250 μmol m−2 s−1] and high [high light (HL); 1600 μmol m−2 s−1] irradiance and following the transition from HL to LL. AO activities changed over the photoperiod, particularly in the PAO plants. AO activity had little effect on leaf ascorbate, which was significantly higher under HL than under LL. Apoplastic ascorbate/dehydroascorbate (DHA) ratios and threonate levels were modified by AO activity. Despite decreased levels of transcripts encoding ascorbate synthesis enzymes, leaf ascorbate increased over the first photoperiod following the transition from HL to LL, to much higher levels than LL‐grown plants. Photosynthesis rates were significantly higher in the TAO leaves than in WT or PAO plants grown under HL but not under LL. Sub‐sets of amino acids and fatty acids were lower in TAO and WT leaves than in the PAO plants under HL, and following the transition to LL. Light acclimation processes are therefore influenced by the apoplastic as well as chloroplastic redox state.
Defensive motivation and attention in anticipation of different types of predictable and unpredictable threat: A startle and event‐related potential investigation
Authors: Nelson Brady D. , Hajcak Greg
Published: April 2017

Predictability is an important characteristic of threat that impacts defensive motivation and attentional engagement. Supporting research has primarily focused on actual threat (e.g., shocks), and it is unclear whether the predictability of less intense threat (e.g., unpleasant pictures) similarly affects motivation and attention. The present study utilized a within‐subject design and examined defensive motivation (startle reflex and self‐reported anxiety) and attention (probe N100 and P300) in anticipation of shocks and unpleasant pictures during a no, predictable, and unpredictable threat task. This study also examined the impact of predictability on the P300 to shocks and late positive potential (LPP) to unpleasant pictures. The startle reflex and self‐reported anxiety were increased in anticipation of both types of threat relative to no threat. Furthermore, startle potentiation in anticipation of unpredictable threat was greater for shocks compared to unpleasant pictures, but there was no difference for predictable threat. The probe N100 was enhanced in anticipation of unpredictable threat relative to predictable threat and no threat, and the probe P300 was suppressed in anticipation of predictable and unpredictable threat relative to no threat. These effects did not differ between the shock and unpleasant picture trials. Finally, the P300 and early LPP component were increased in response to unpredictable relative to predictable shocks and unpleasant pictures, respectively. The present study suggests that the unpredictability of unpleasant pictures increases defensive motivation, but to a lesser degree relative to actual threat. Moreover, unpredictability enhances attentional engagement in anticipation of, and in reaction to, both types of threat.
Phanerozoic magma underplating and crustal growth beneath the North China Craton
Authors: Ma Qiang , Xu Yi‐Gang , Zheng Jian‐Ping , Sun Min , Griffin William L. , Xia Xiaoping , Pan Shao‐Kui
Published: April 2017

Evidence for post‐Archaean crustal growth via magma underplating is largely based on U–Pb dating of zircons from granulite‐facies xenoliths. However, whether the young zircons from such xenoliths are genetically related to magma underplating or to anatexis remains controversial. The lower‐crustal xenoliths carried by igneous rocks in the Chifeng and Ningcheng (North China Craton) have low SiO2 and high MgO, indicating that parental melts of their protoliths were of unambiguous mantle origin. The xenoliths contain abundant magmatic zircons with late‐Palaeozoic ages, and have more radiogenic zircon Hf‐isotope compositions and hence younger model ages than ancient crustal magmas and the “reworking array” of the basement rocks. Our data suggest that the granulites represent episodic magmatic underplating to the lower crust of this craton in Phanerozoic time. Considering the observation that regional lowermost crust (~5 km) is mafic and characterized by Phanerozoic zircons, this work reports an example of post‐Archaean crustal growth via magma underplating.
Differences and commonalities of plant responses to single and combined stresses
Authors: Zhang Haina , Sonnewald Uwe
Published: April 2017

In natural or agricultural environments, plants are constantly exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Given the forecasted global climate changes, plants will cope with heat waves, drought periods and pathogens at the same time or consecutively. Heat and drought cause opposing physiological responses, while pathogens may or may not profit from climate changes depending on their lifestyle. Several studies have been conducted to find stress‐specific signatures or stress‐independent commonalities. Previously this has been done by comparing different single stress treatments. This approach has been proven difficult since most studies, comparing single and combined stress conditions, have come to the conclusion that each stress treatment results in specific transcriptional changes. Although transcriptional changes at the level of individual genes are highly variable and stress‐specific, central metabolic and signaling responses seem to be common, often leading to an overall reduced plant growth. Understanding how specific transcriptional changes are linked to stress adaptations and identifying central hubs controlling this interaction will be the challenge for the coming years. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge on plant responses to different individual and combined stresses and try to find a common thread potentially underlying these responses. We will begin with a brief summary of known physiological, metabolic, transcriptional and hormonal responses to individual stresses, elucidate potential commonalities and conflicts and finally we will describe results obtained during combined stress experiments. Here we will concentrate on simultaneous application of stress conditions but we will also touch consequences of sequential stress treatments.
A group of grapevine MYBA transcription factors located in chromosome 14 control anthocyanin synthesis in vegetative organs with different specificities compared with the berry color locus
Authors: Matus José Tomás , Cavallini Erika , Loyola Rodrigo , Höll Janine , Finezzo Laura , Dal Santo Silvia , Vialet Sandrine , Commisso Mauro , Roman Federica , Schubert Andrea , Alcalde José Antonio , Bogs Jochen , Ageorges Agnès , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Arce‐Johnson Patricio
Published: April 2017

Grapevine organs accumulate anthocyanins in a cultivar‐specific and environmentally induced manner. The MYBA1‐A2 genes within the berry color locus in chromosome 2 represent the major genetic determinants of fruit color. The simultaneous occurrence of transposon insertions and point mutations in these genes is responsible for most white‐skinned phenotypes; however, the red pigmentation found in vegetative organs suggests the presence of additional regulators. This work describes a genomic region of chromosome 14 containing three closely related R2R3‐MYB genes, named MYBA5, MYBA6 and MYBA7. Ectopic expression of the latter two genes in grapevine hairy roots promoted anthocyanin accumulation without affecting other phenylpropanoids. Transcriptomic profiling of hairy roots expressing MYBA1, MYBA6 and MYBA7 showed that these regulators share the activation of late biosynthetic and modification/transport‐related genes, but differ in the activation of the FLAVONOID‐3′5′‐HYDROXYLASE (F3′5′H) family. An alternatively spliced MYBA6 variant was incapable of activating anthocyanin synthesis, however, because of the lack of an MYC1 interaction domain. MYBA1, MYBA6.1 and MYBA7 activated the promoters of UDP‐GLUCOSE:FLAVONOID 3‐O‐GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE (UFGT) and ANTHOCYANIN 3‐O‐GLUCOSIDE‐6″‐O‐ACYLTRANSFERASE (3AT), but only MYBA1 induced F3′5′H in concordance with the low proportion of tri‐hydroxylated anthocyanins found in MYBA6‐A7 hairy roots. This putative new color locus is related to the red/cyanidic pigmentation of vegetative organs in black‐ and white‐skinned cultivars, and forms part of the UV‐B radiation response pathway orchestrated by ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5). These results demonstrate the involvement of additional anthocyanin regulators in grapevine and suggest an evolutionary divergence between the two grape color loci for controlling additional targets of the flavonoid pathway.