bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Examination of Organisational Trust Recovery: Influences and Implications
Authors: Kharouf Husni , Lund Donald J.
Published: July 2018

Building trust between organizations and their customers has attracted considerable academic research attention. However, research into the trust recovery process, following a trust violation has occurred is limited in comparison. This study investigates the trust recovery process by examining six recovery approaches which organizations can employ to repair trust. Six trust recovery approaches were first examined using canonical correlation. Our research investigates the impact of these six trust recovery approaches following two different types (integrity and competence) of trust violations. We assessed the influence of these approaches on customer loyalty, satisfaction and perceptions of organizational trustworthiness using structural equation modelling. Results suggest that apology and denial are the most effective approaches to repairing trust, and that the effect of these recovery approaches on customer satisfaction and loyalty are mediated by organizational trustworthiness.
Social neuroscience of disgust
Authors: Kavaliers Martin , Ossenkopp Klaus‐Peter , Choleris Elena
Published: July 2018

Disgust can be thought of as an affective system that has evolved to detect signs of pathogens, parasite and toxins as well as to stimulate behaviors that reduce the risk of their acquisition. Disgust incorporates social cognitive mechanisms to regulate exposure to and, or anticipate and avoid exposure to pathogens and toxins. Social cognition entails the acquisition of social information about others (ie, social recognition) and from others (ie, social learning). This involves recognizing and assessing other individuals and the pathogen/parasite/contamination/toxin threat they pose and deciding about when and how to interact with and, or avoid them. Social cognition provides a frame‐work for examining the expression of disgust and the associated neurobiological mechanisms. Here, we briefly consider the relations between social cognition and pathogen/parasite/toxin avoidance behaviors. We briefly discuss aspects of: (1) the odor mediated social recognition of actual and potentially infected individuals and the impact of parasite/pathogen threat on disgust mate and social partner choice; (2) the roles of “out‐groups” (strangers, unfamiliar individuals) and “in‐groups” (familiar individuals) in the expression of disgust and pathogen avoidance behaviors; (3) individual and social learning of disgust and empathy for disgust; (4) toxin elicited disgust and anticipatory disgust; (5) the neurobiological mechanisms, and in particular the roles of the nonapeptide, oxytocin and estrogenic mechanism associated with social cognition and the expression of disgust. These findings on the social neuroscience of disgust have a direct bearing on our understanding of the roles of disgust in shaping human and nonhuman social behavior.
Synthesis of high surface area mesoporous silica SBA‐15 for hydrogen storage application
Authors: Bera Biswajit , Das Nandini
Published: July 2018

In the present report, mesoporous silica SBA‐15 was synthesized by different methods such as room temperature aging, hydrothermal, and sonication‐mediated hydrothermal methods. The effect of different time and temperature on the synthesis method was investigated by conventional characterization techniques. The powders synthesized by different methods showed different properties, mainly in morphology and pore volume. In comparison to others, the powder synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 100°C for 48 hours showed exceptionally high surface area of 3274 m2/g. To date, as per our knowledge, no such value was reported in literature. Finally, the powders were characterized by H2 storage capacity by the adsorption‐desorption method using 99.999% H2. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of the same powder was observed at 6.02 wt%. Also, this value seems to be the highest H2 adsorption capacity in comparison to other powders described in literature.
Food literacy competencies: A conceptual framework for youth transitioning to adulthood
Authors: Slater Joyce , Falkenberg Thomas , Rutherford Jessica , Colatruglio Sarah
Published: July 2018

Objective: The modern foodscape has changed dramatically in recent decades in terms of where, what, how and with whom we eat. This has been facilitated by a transition from traditional, healthy and basic foods prepared in the home to ultraprocessed, unhealthy foods requiring little planning and preparation prior to consuming. Consequently, many youth lack the food literacy (knowledge, skills and critical perspectives) necessary to be well and minimize their risk of obesity and chronic diseases, in the context of a complex food system. The specific dimensions of these knowledge, skills and dispositions, however, are unknown. This study identified critical food literacy competencies required by youth as they transition to independent adulthood.Design: This study employed a Delphi methodology to achieve consensus statements on critical food literacy competencies within a framework encompassing cognitive, psychomotor and affective dimensions.Participants: A panel of 41 experts including dietitians, teachers and college/university students participated in in‐depth interviews.Analysis: Results were thematically analysed and incorporated into two subsequent surveys completed by panel members. Rater agreement was set at 75% agreeing/strongly agreeing with survey items. A panel subgroup further delineated results into competency statements.Results: Within the themes of “confidence and empowerment,” “joy and meaning” and “sustainable and equitable food systems,” 16 broad competency areas, and 59 specific competencies were identified. These were assembled into a Food Literacy Framework.Conclusion: Results can be used to support food and nutrition education in community settings as well as the formal school system, and to advocate for resources to support food literacy education programmes.
Colour variability of beef in young bulls from fifteen European breeds
Authors: Ripoll Guillermo , Albertí Pere , Panea Begoña , Failla Sebastiana , Hocquette Jean F. , Dunner Susana , Sañudo Carlos , Olleta José L. , Christensen Mette , Ertbjerg Per , Richardson Ian , Concetti Serafino , Williams John L.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the variation of the colour of longissimus thoracis muscle within and among fifteen European cattle breeds reared under comparable management conditions. A total of 436 unrelated purebred young bulls from fifteen European breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Highland, Jersey, South Devon, Danish Red, Holstein, Simmental, Asturiana de las Montañas (also known as Casina), Asturiana de los Valles, Avileña‐Negra Ibérica, Pirenaica, Marchigiana, Piemontese, Charolais and Limousin) were reared in five experimental research centres in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Italy and France. The pH of M. longissimus thoracis was measured at 24 h and after 10 days of ageing and colour at 48 h and 10 days. Two generalised linear models, Pearson correlations and a hierarchical cluster analyses were carried out. Lean meat colour differed significantly between breeds, and these fifteen European breeds could be grouped according to four classes of commercial interest: ‘very bright and pale‐red’, ‘bright and pale’, ‘red’ and ‘dark and dull red’. These groups were partially related to body size and carcass traits, fatness and muscle development and structure, and were controlled by differences in gene expression within each breed.
Corrosion resistance of Al2O3‐Y2O3‐SiC coating on depleted uranium prepared by cathode plasma electrolytic deposition
Authors: Deng Shunjie , Jiang Chi , Liu Tianwei , Hu Yin , Ding Jingjing , Shuai Maobing
Published: July 2018

Al2O3‐Y2O3‐SiC composite coatings were prepared on depleted uranium by cathode plasma electrolytic deposition in Al(NO3)3, Y(NO3)3, SiC nanoparticles and anhydrous ethyl alcohol mixture. The resulting coating consisted of an inner barrier layer and an outer porous layer. The SiC nanoparticles were incorporated into the composite coating and decreased the coating porosity by filling the pores. The potentiodynamic polarization test and neutral salt spray test revealed that the corrosion resistance of depleted uranium was enhanced by the composite coating. Moreover, with increasing the content of SiC nanoparticles in the coating, the coating corrosion resistance was improved gradually.
Phenotypic plasticity at the edge: Contrasting population‐level responses at the overlap of the leading and rear edges of the geographical distribution of two Scurria limpets
Authors: Broitman Bernardo R. , Aguilera Moisés A. , Lagos Nelson A. , Lardies Marco A.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To examine the role of ocean temperature and chemistry as drivers of interpopulation differences in multiple phenotypic traits between rear and leading edge populations of two species of limpet.

Location

The coast of north‐central Chile, western South America.

Taxon

Mollusca, Gastropoda (Lottidae).

Methods

We used field and laboratory experiments to study the ecology and physiology of individuals from populations located at the overlap of the rear and leading edges of their respective geographical distributions. At the same time, we characterized local environmental regimes, measuring seawater physical and chemical properties.

Results

Towards the edge of their range, individuals from the leading edge species gradually reduced their shell length, metabolic rate and thermal response capacity, and increased carbonate content in their shells. Individuals of the rear edge species showed dissimilar responses between sites. Contrasting behavioural responses to experimental heating reconciled observations of an unintuitive higher maximal critical temperature and a smaller thermal safety margin for individuals of the rear edge populations. Physical–chemical characterization of seawater properties at the site located on the core of the upwelling centre showed extreme environmental conditions, with low oxygen concentration, high pCO2 and the episodic presence of corrosive seawater. These challenging environmental conditions were reflected in reduced growth for both species.

Main conclusions

We found different spatial patterns of phenotypic plasticity in two sister species around the leading and trailing edges of their distributions. Our results provide evidence that environmental conditions around large upwelling centres can maintain biogeographical breaks through metabolic constraints on the performance of calcifying organisms. Thus, local changes in seawater chemistry associated with coastal upwelling circulation emerge as a previously overlooked driver of marine range edges.
Ablation of Ggnbp2 impairs meiotic DNA double‐strand break repair during spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Guo Kaimin , He Yan , Liu Lingyun , Liang Zuowen , Li Xian , Cai Lu , Lan Zi‐Jian , Zhou Junmei , Wang Hongliang , Lei Zhenmin
Published: July 2018

Gametogenetin (GGN) binding protein 2 (GGNBP2) is a zinc finger protein expressed abundantly in spermatocytes and spermatids. We previously discovered that Ggnbp2 resection caused metamorphotic defects during spermatid differentiation and resulted in an absence of mature spermatozoa in mice. However, whether GGNBP2 affects meiotic progression of spermatocytes remains to be established. In this study, flow cytometric analyses showed a decrease in haploid, while an increase in tetraploid spermatogenic cells in both 30‐ and 60‐day‐old Ggnbp2 knockout testes. In spread spermatocyte nuclei, Ggnbp2 loss increased DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB), compromised DSB repair and reduced crossovers. Further investigations demonstrated that GGNBP2 co‐immunoprecipitated with a testis‐enriched protein GGN1. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that both GGNBP2 and GGN1 had the same subcellular localizations in spermatocyte, spermatid and spermatozoa. Ggnbp2 loss suppressed Ggn expression and nuclear accumulation. Furthermore, deletion of either Ggnbp2 or Ggn in GC‐2spd cells inhibited their differentiation into haploid cells in vitro. Overexpression of Ggnbp2 in Ggnbp2 null but not in Ggn null GC‐2spd cells partially rescued the defect coinciding with a restoration of Ggn expression. Together, these data suggest that GGNBP2, likely mediated by its interaction with GGN1, plays a role in DSB repair during meiotic progression of spermatocytes.
Evidence for sex difference in the CSF/plasma albumin ratio in ~20 000 patients and 335 healthy volunteers
Authors: Parrado‐Fernández Cristina , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Magnus , Leoni Valerio , Cedazo‐Minguez Angel , Björkhem Ingemar
Published: July 2018

Given sex‐related differences in brain disorders, it is of interest to study if there is a sex difference in the permeability of the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) and the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). The CSF/serum albumin ratio (QAlb) is a standardized biomarker that evaluates the function of these barriers. In previous studies, contradictory results have been reported with respect to sex difference using this quotient, possibly because of small population sizes and heterogeneity with respect to ages. QAlb measurements in more than 20 000 patients between 1 and 90 years visiting our hospitals revealed a significant sex difference in all age groups also when excluding patients with pathologically high CSF albumin > 400 mg/L. Similar pattern was found in 335 healthy volunteers in similar age intervals. Although also other factors are likely important, our observation is consistent with lower integrity of the brain barriers in males. If the difference in QAlb is caused mainly by a difference in barrier function, this may require different drug doses and strategies for efficient central nervous system (CNS) delivery in males and females, as well as it may indicate differences in brain metabolism. Moreover, our study emphasizes that different reference values should be used both for different ages and sexes.
A positive feedback loop between miR‐181b and STAT3 that affects Warburg effect in colon cancer via regulating PIAS3 expression
Authors: Pan Xiaolin , Feng Jin , Zhu Zhenhua , Yao Linhua , Ma Shijie , Hao Bo , Zhang Guoxin
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of microRNA (miR)‐181b, protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) and STAT3, and to examine the function of the miR‐181b/PIAS3/STAT3 axis on the Warburg effect and xenograft tumour growth of colon cancer. Moreover, a positive feedback loop between miR‐181b and STAT3 that regulated the Warburg effect in colon cancer was explored. A luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether PIAS3 was a direct target of miR‐181b. The gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments were performed on HCT 116 cells to investigate the effect of miR‐181b/PIAS3/STAT3 on the Warburg effect and xenograft tumour growth of colon cancer, as determined by commercial kits and xenograft experiments. The relationship between the expression of miR‐181b, PIAS3 and STAT3 in HCT 116 and HT‐29 cells was determined using RT‐qPCR and Western blot. We found miR‐181b was a direct regulator of PIAS3. miR‐181b promoted the Warburg effect and the growth of colon cancer xenografts; however, these effects could be reversed by PIAS3. miR‐181b expression interacted with STAT3 phosphorylation in a positive feedback loop in colon cancer cells via regulating PIAS3 expression. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated that miR‐181b contributed to the Warburg effect and xenograft tumour growth of colon cancer by targeting PIAS3. Moreover, a positive feedback loop between miR‐181b and STAT3 that regulated the Warburg effect in colon cancer was also demonstrated. This study suggested miR‐181b/PIAS3/STAT3 axis as a novel target for colon cancer treatment.
Sources of Social Influence on Adolescents’ Alcohol Use
Authors: Wesche Rose , Kreager Derek A. , Lefkowitz Eva S.
Published: July 2018

The present research examines social influences on self‐reported frequency of drunkenness in a longitudinal sample of 1,439 adolescents (46% female, 90% White, mean age = 14 at baseline) with social network measures from friends, romantic partners, and romantic partners’ friends. We build on past research by addressing multiple mechanisms of social influence—peers’ frequency of drunkenness, alcohol‐related attitudes, and unstructured socializing—across relationship types. Adolescents’ drunkenness frequency increased when their friends’ and partners’ friends’ drunkenness frequency increased and when their romantic partners’ positive alcohol‐related attitudes increased. Furthermore, the association between unstructured socializing and frequency of drunkenness was stronger for older than younger adolescents. Results advance understanding of the social transmission of alcohol use in adolescence and inform intervention efforts.
Toward Interactive Social Neuroscience: Neuroimaging Real‐World Interactions in Various Populations
Authors: Minagawa Yasuyo , Xu Mingdi , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: July 2018

Human social activity is a continuous dynamic behavior consisting of live social signal exchanges; thus, studying interactions among multiple humans is critical to understanding social cognition. Indeed, social neuroscience focusing on such aspects—interactive social neuroscience—is an emerging field of interest. Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has played a significant role in accelerating this field by enabling real‐world neuroimaging for various populations. The present paper will first review previous hyperscanning studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and electroencephalography (EEG). We will then summarize attempts and findings of fNIRS hyperscanning studies on social interaction in adult populations. Finally, we will review recent investigations of interactive social neuroscience in young populations and show preliminary results from a mother–infant hyperscanning study. These studies have predominantly revealed synchronized brain activities between humans and have identified conditions in which such inter‐personal connectivity was found to be increased. Furthermore, these studies suggest possible mechanisms of inter‐brain coupling: a process that recruits both mirror system and mentalization networks. Although fNIRS hyperscanning of infants remains limited, the reviewed literature demonstrates significant potential for fNIRS to disclose the interactive social brain and its development.
Quantitative risk reduction through peanut immunotherapy: Safety benefits of an increased threshold in Europe
Authors: Remington Benjamin C. , Krone Tanja , Koppelman Stef J.
Published: July 2018

Background

The clinical relevance of increasing an allergic individual's peanut sensitivity threshold by immunotherapy, that is, eliciting dose (ED) to 300 or 1000 mg peanut protein, has not been previously characterized in a European population. In this study, we quantify the clinical benefits of an increased threshold of reaction following immunotherapy for the peanut‐allergic individual.

Methods

Quantitative risk assessments incorporated numerous inputs to predict the risk of an allergic reaction after exposure to residual peanut protein in packaged foods. The three primary inputs for the risk assessment were the peanut‐allergic individual's clinical threshold value, the amount of food consumed per eating occasion of selected packaged foods, and the concentration of peanut protein in the consumed product. Individual risk reductions were calculated for both children and adolescents‐adults.

Results

Using available consumption and packaged food contamination data, children reaching an ED of 300 mg (if initial ED ≤ 100 mg) or 1000 mg (if initial ED 300 mg) achieved >99.99% risk reduction. Adolescents‐adults also achieved >99.99% risk reduction in all cases but one. Adolescents‐adults who reached an ED of 300 mg (if initial ED ≤ 100 mg) achieved 99.3%‐99.9% risk reduction when consuming ice cream.

Conclusions

It is concluded that an increase in threshold following immunotherapy which achieves an eliciting dose of 300 or 1000 mg peanut protein is clinically relevant for the European peanut‐allergic population. Benefits of an increased threshold include a significant reduction in risk due to traces of peanut protein.
Clinically diagnosed urticaria and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in children: A nationwide population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Lin Chien‐Hung , Hung Peir‐Haur , Hu Hsiao‐Yun , Chung Chi‐Jung , Chen Tsung‐Hsien , Hung Kuan‐Yu
Published: July 2018

Background

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases seen in clinical practice, whereas several reports have proposed that urticaria may have a link with autoimmune disorders. Few studies have examined the clinical association between urticaria with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By conducting a nationwide population‐based case‐control study in Taiwan, we evaluated the risk of SLE in children with a prior clinical diagnosis of urticaria.

Methods

Using 2000‐2011 claims data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 2105 SLE children during 2004‐2011 as the study group, along with randomly selected 8420 non‐SLE patients matched (1:4) for age, sex, and first diagnosis date as the control group. The correlation between urticaria and SLE risk was estimated using conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence rates of clinically diagnosed acute and chronic urticaria in SLE patients were 22.09% and 18.24%, respectively. A significant association was found between clinically diagnosed urticaria and childhood SLE, with a stronger risk associated with more episodes of urticaria (≥3 visits, OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.91‐2.84). The risk was higher with chronic urticaria (OR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.85‐2.64) than with acute urticaria (OR: 1.54, 95% CI 1.34‐1.76). Subgroup analysis stratified by sex or age indicated that the risk associated with SLE was significantly greater among female children and adolescents with urticaria.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that children with urticaria have a significantly higher risk of SLE, with the risk increasing further among those with more episodes of urticaria or chronic urticaria.
Enhancing the abiotic stress tolerance of plants: from chemical treatment to biotechnological approaches
Authors: Nguyen Hoang‐Chinh , Lin Kuan‐Hung , Ho Shin‐Lon , Chiang Chih‐Ming , Yang Chi‐Ming
Published: July 2018

Abiotic stresses affect crop plants and cause decreases in plant quality and productivity. Plants can overcome environmental stresses by activating molecular networks, including signal transduction, stress perception, metabolite production and expressions of specific stress‐related genes. Recent research suggests that chemical priming is a promising field in crop stress management because plants can be primed by chemical agents to increase their tolerance to various environmental stresses. We present a concept to meet this objective and protect plants through priming of existing defense mechanisms avoiding manipulation of the genome. In addition, recent developments in plant molecular biology include the discovery of genes related to stress tolerance, including functional genes for protecting cells and regulatory genes for regulating stress responses. Therefore, enhancing abiotic stress tolerance using a transgenic approach to transfer these genes into plant genomes has attracted more investigations. Both chemical priming agents and genetic engineering can enhance regulatory and functional genes in plants and increase stress tolerance of plants. This review summarizes the latest findings of chemical priming agents and major achievements in molecular approaches that can potentially enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of plants.
Rural Conservatism or Anarchism? The Pro‐state, Stateless, and Anti‐state Positions
Authors: Ashwood Loka
Published: July 2018

Popular discourse today so weds rurality and conservatism together in the United States that one does not seem quite at home without the other. But what is it really about the rural that beckons slapjack labels of conservatism? Scholars and practitioners, only a handful of them rural sociologists, have suggested a variety of explanations: antigovernmentalism, religion, lack of education, manual labor, poverty, primitivism, and a culture of poverty, among others. Each of these approaches, though, misses a sustained agent of rural dispossession and depopulation: the state. This article theorizes rural politics through pro‐state, stateless, and anti‐state positions. I bridge literature that documents the state as an agent of industrialization, extraction, exploitation, consolidation, and corporatization in rural America and literature on politics and the rural. In the process of my review, I suggest anarchism can help explain the significance and potential of the stateless and anti‐state positions in rural politics.
The key role of positive parenting and children’s temperament in post‐institutionalized children’s socio‐emotional adjustment after adoption placement. A RCT study
Authors: Barone Lavinia , Ozturk Yagmur , Lionetti Francesca
Published: July 2018

Parenting interventions represent a means for experimentally inquiring socio‐emotional change of post‐institutionalized children after adoption. We used this approach in a three time point RCT study involving 83 post‐institutionalized children (Mage = 33.5 months, SD = 17.1) and their adoptive mothers (Mage = 42.6, SD = 3.9), attending either the Video‐Feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting in adoption and foster care or a dummy intervention. Controlling for gender and age at adoption, children showed a significant change in their socio‐emotional adjustment in the specific variables inquired—that is, emotional availability‐EA, and behavioral problems—after intervention attendance. Mediation and moderated mediation models showed that maternal EA was a main factor affecting children’s EA and externalizing behavioral problems, with a key moderating role played by children’s temperament; children with high scores on temperamental negative affect benefitted most from their mothers’ increase in EA.
Antibody‐mediated rejection after liver transplantation—relevance of C1q and C3d‐binding antibodies
Authors: Kovandova Barbora , Slavcev Antonij , Sekerkova Zuzana , Honsova Eva , Trunecka Pavel
Published: July 2018

The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of complement‐binding donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) for prediction of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) after liver transplantation. Sera from 123 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively defined for HLA specificity and complement‐fixing activity using the single antigen beads, C1q and C3d techniques. Liver‐recipients’ sera were tested before transplantation, 3, 6 months and 1 year after transplantation. Patients were followed up for graft survival and rejection incidence for 1 year after transplantation. All patients with pretransplant complement‐binding DSA developed severe AMR after transplantation, while three recipients out of four, who produced de novo complement‐fixing DSA, developed AMR. Definition of DSA with respect to complement‐fixing activity may provide clinically relevant information about the risk of AMR after liver transplantation.
Interleukin 6 gene polymorphism is associated with protein serum level and disease activity in Polish patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wielińska J. , Dratwa M. , Świerkot J. , Korman L. , Iwaszko M. , Wysoczańska B. , Bogunia‐Kubik K.
Published: July 2018

Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study aimed to determine the possible association of the IL6 (rs1800795, G > C) polymorphism with RA susceptibility, disease progression and protein serum levels. Distribution of IL6 alleles and genotypes was similar in RA patients and controls. As expected, patients before induction of anti‐tumour necrosis factor agents had significantly higher IL‐6 levels as compared with controls (P = 0.002). The CC homozygous patients were characterised with the highest average concentrations of this pro‐inflammatory cytokine before treatment (P = 0.028), and they also more frequently presented with more active disease (P = 0.048). These results imply that the IL6 rs1800795 CC homozygosity may play a rather unfavourable role in RA.
Probability of success in the search for a related bone marrow donor in Cologne, Germany using HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 haplotype frequencies
Authors: Hellmann Daniel M. , Radojska Stela , Fimmers Rolf , Gathof Birgit S.
Published: July 2018

Between 2004 and 2013, 603 patients and their relatives (n = 1297) were typed as part of the search for a suitable HLA‐matched donor in their nuclear and extended families at the central service provider for transfusion medicine at the University Hospital of Cologne. The high success rate in finding donors over the years at our center (38.1%) led us to examine our database retrospectively in order to evaluate the donor search and haplotype frequencies (HFs) in the sample. Our goal was to identify the factors contributing to this high success rate and also to compare the HFs we observed with other reported haplotype frequency estimations (HFE) for the Cologne area. Probability estimations for a successful donor search were constructed based on the HFEs for the sample.
Generating a high‐confidence reference genome map of the Greater Duckweed by integration of cytogenomic, optical mapping, and Oxford Nanopore technologies
Authors: Hoang Phuong N.T. , Michael Todd P. , Gilbert Sarah , Chu Philomena , Motley S. Timothy , Appenroth Klaus J. , Schubert Ingo , Lam Eric
Published: July 2018

Duckweeds are the fastest growing angiosperms and have the potential to become a new generation of sustainable crops. Although a seed plant, Spirodela polyrhiza clones rarely flower and multiply mainly through vegetative propagation. Whole‐genome sequencing using different approaches and clones yielded two reference maps. One for clone 9509, supported in its assembly by optical mapping of single DNA molecules, and one for clone 7498, supported by cytogenetic assignment of 96 fingerprinted bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to its 20 chromosomes. However, these maps differ in the composition of several individual chromosome models. We validated both maps further to resolve these differences and addressed whether they could be due to chromosome rearrangements in different clones. For this purpose, we applied sequential multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mcFISH) to seven S. polyrhiza clones, using 106 BACs that were mapped onto the 39 pseudomolecules for clone 7498. Furthermore we integrated high‐depth Oxford Nanopore (ON) sequence data for clone 9509 to validate and revise the previously assembled chromosome models. We found no major structural rearrangements between these seven clones, identified seven chimeric pseudomolecules and Illumina assembly errors in the previous maps, respectively. A new S. polyrhiza genome map with high contiguity was produced with the ON sequence data and genome‐wide synteny analysis supported the occurrence of two Whole Genome Duplication events during its evolution. This work generated a high confidence genome map for S. polyrhiza at the chromosome scale, and illustrates the complementarity of independent approaches to produce whole‐genome assemblies in the absence of a genetic map.
R2R3‐MYB transcription factor MdMYB23 is involved in the cold tolerance and proanthocyanidin accumulation in apple
Authors: An Jian‐Ping , Li Rui , Qu Feng‐Jia , You Chun‐Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: July 2018

Cold stress severely affects plant growth and yield. C‐repeat binding factors (CBFs) play important roles in the response to cold stress. In the present study, we identified an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor (TF) MdMYB23 from apple (Malus × domestic) using transcriptome analyses, which was notably induced in response to cold stress. Transgenic apple calli and Arabidopsis with overexpression of MdMYB23 exhibited increased cold tolerance. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and transient expression assays indicated that MdMYB23 directly bound to the promoters of MdCBF1 and MdCBF2 and activated their expression. MdMYB23 interacted with the promoter of MdANR, a key modulator of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, and activated its expression to promote proanthocyanidin accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. MdBT2 was identified as an MdMYB23‐interacting protein using yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H), pull‐down, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. MdBT2 repressed cold tolerance and proanthocyanidin accumulation by promoting the degradation of MdMYB23 protein. Our findings shed light on the functions of MYB TFs and underlying mechanism in the modulation of plant cold tolerance.
Vesicle trafficking pathways that direct cell migration in 3D matrices and in vivo
Authors: Wilson Beverley J. , Allen Jennifer L. , Caswell Patrick T.
Published: July 2018

Cell migration is a vital process in development and disease, and while the mechanisms that control motility are relatively well understood on two‐dimensional surfaces, the control of cell migration in three dimensions (3D) and in vivo has only recently begun to be understood. Vesicle trafficking pathways have emerged as a key regulatory element in migration and invasion, with the endocytosis and recycling of cell surface cargos, including growth factor and chemokine receptors, adhesion receptors and membrane‐associated proteases, being of major importance. We highlight recent advances in our understanding of how endocytic trafficking controls the availability and local activity of these cargoes to influence the movement of cells in 3D matrix and in developing organisms. In particular, we discuss how endocytic trafficking of different receptor classes spatially restricts signals and activity, usually to the leading edge of invasive cells.
Inherent variations in the cellular events at the site of amputation orchestrate scar‐free wound healing in the tail and scarred wound healing in the limb of lizardHemidactylus flaviviridis
Authors: Ranadive Isha , Patel Sonam , Buch Pranav , Uggini Gowrikumari , Desai Isha , Balakrishnan Suresh
Published: July 2018

Lizards are unique in having both—regeneration competent (tail) as well as non‐regenerating appendages (limbs) in adults. They therefore present an appropriate model for comparing processes underlying regenerative repair and nonregenerative healing after amputation. In the current study, we use northern house geckoHemidactylus flaviviridisto compare major cellular and molecular events following amputation of the limb and of the tail. Although the early response to injury in both cases comprises apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis, the temporal distribution of these processes in each remained obscure. In this regard, observations were made on the anatomy and gene expression levels of key regulators of these processes during the healing phase of the tail and limb separately. It was revealed that cell proliferation markers like fibroblast growth factors were upregulated early in the healing tail, coinciding with the growing epithelium. The amputated limb, in contrast, showed weak expression of proliferation markers, limited only to fibroblasts in the later stage of healing. Additionally, apoptotic activity in the tail was limited to the very early phase of healing, as opposed to that in the limb, wherein high expression of caspase‐3 was observed throughout the healing process. Early rise in VEGF‐α expression reflected an early onset of angiogenesis in the tail, while it was seen to occur at a later stage in case of the limb. Moreover, the expression pattern of transforming growth factor beta members points toward a pro‐fibrotic response being induced very early in the amputated limb. Collectively, these results explain why regenerating appendages are able to heal without scars and if we are to induce scar‐free healing in nonregenerating limbs, what interventions can be envisaged. This is crucial to the field of regenerative medicine since it is the initial stages of repair following amputation, which decide whether the appendage will be restored or only covered with a scab.
Vascularization of PLGA‐based bio‐artificial beds by hypoxia‐preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells for subcutaneous xenogeneic islet transplantation
Authors: Kim Jung‐Sik , Jung Youngmee , Kim Su Hee , Shin Jun‐Seop , Kim Soo Hyun , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: July 2018

Background

Subcutaneous tissue is an attractive extra‐hepatic heterotopic site for islet transplantation; however, poor oxygen tension and blood supply during early engraftment of implanted islets have limited the use of this site in clinical applications.

Methods

This study investigated the vascularization potential of hypoxia‐preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (3% O2; hypo‐MSCs) in PLGA‐based bio‐artificial beds for subsequent subcutaneous islet transplantation. Sheet‐typed polymeric PLGA scaffolds coated with hypo‐MSCs or normo‐MSCs (MSCs cultured under normoxia conditions, 21% O2) were implanted subcutaneously in mice.

Results

Compared to normo‐MSCs, hypo‐MSCs significantly enhanced vasculogenesis, both on the interior and exterior surfaces of the implanted PLGA devices, which peaked 4 weeks after implantation. Further, infusion of porcine islets inside the prevascularized PLGA bed restored normal glycemic control in 6 of 6 STZ‐induced diabetic mice. The mass of the marginal islet was approximately 2000 IEQs, which is comparable to that required for the renal subcapsular space, a highly vascularized site.

Conclusions

Therefore, PLGA‐based bio‐artificial devices prevascularized with hypo‐MSCs could be a useful modality for successful subcutaneous islet transplantation, which is of high clinical relevance.
A model for determining an effective in vivo dose of transplanted islets based on in vitro insulin secretion
Authors: Holdcraft Robert W. , Dumpala Pradeep R. , Smith Barry H. , Gazda Lawrence S.
Published: July 2018

Background

Allogeneic islet transplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes often requires multiple implant procedures, from as many as several human pancreas donors, to achieve lasting clinical benefit. Given the limited availability of human pancreases for islet isolation, porcine islets have long been considered a potential option for clinical use. Agarose‐encapsulated porcine islets (macrobeads) permit long‐term culture and thus a thorough evaluation of microbiological safety and daily insulin secretory capacity, prior to implantation. The goal of this study was the development of a method for determining an effective dose of encapsulated islets based on their measured in vitro insulin secretion in a preclinical model of type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Spontaneously diabetic BioBreeding diabetes‐prone rats were implanted with osmotic insulin pumps in combination with continuous glucose monitoring to establish the daily insulin dose required to achieve continuous euglycaemia in individual animals. Rats were then implanted with a 1×, 2× or 3× dose (defined as the ratio of macrobead in vitro insulin secretion per 24 hours to the recipient animal's total daily insulin requirement) of porcine islet macrobeads, in the absence of immunosuppression. In vivo macrobead function was assessed by recipient non‐fasted morning blood glucose values, continuous glucose monitoring and the presence of peritoneal porcine C‐peptide. At the end of the study, the implanted macrobeads were removed and returned to in vitro culture for the evaluation of insulin secretion.

Results

Diabetic rats receiving a 2× macrobead implant exhibited significantly improved blood glucose regulation compared to that of rats receiving a 1× dose during a 30‐day pilot study. In a 3‐month follow‐up study, 2× and 3× macrobead doses initially controlled blood glucose levels equally well, although several animals receiving a 3× dose maintained euglycaemia throughout the study, compared to none of the 2× animals. The presence of porcine C‐peptide in rat peritoneal fluid 3 months post‐implant and the recurrence of hyperglycaemia following macrobead removal, along with the finding of persistent in vitro insulin secretion from retrieved macrobeads, confirmed long‐term graft function.

Conclusions

Increasing dosages of islet macrobeads transplanted into diabetic rats, based on multiples of in vitro insulin secretion matched to the recipient's exogenous insulin requirements, correlated with improved blood glucose regulation and increased duration of graft function. These results demonstrate the usefulness of a standardized model for the evaluation of the functional effectiveness of islets intended for transplantation, in this case using intraperitoneally implanted agarose macrobeads, in diabetic rats. The results suggest that some features of this islet‐dosing methodology may be applicable, and indeed necessary, to clinical allogeneic and xenogeneic islet transplantation.
Multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation within the philippinensis group (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Sun Keping , Liu Tong , Zhao Hanbo , Csorba Gábor , Jin Longru , Thong Vu Dinh , Feng Jiang
Published: July 2018

Rhinolophids (horseshoe bats) are a widespread and diverse family. Their high level of morphological convergence has made taxonomic identification and estimation of species diversity problematic. The Rhinolophus philippinensis group, which is characterized with huge ears and low echolocation frequency relative to body size, is a specific group among all the rhinolophid groups, but the phylogeny of this group is poorly understood. In this study, we performed integrated analyses of the morphology, acoustic and genetic data and constructed the first multilocus phylogeny for the philippinensis group using four mitochondrial genes, four autosomal introns and one Y‐linked intron in 95 specimens representing nine taxa. Phylogenies were constructed based on concatenated phylogenetic methods and a multilocus coalescence approach. The estimated phylogenies revealed the polyphyly of the philippinensis group. Except for R. philippinensis, all the other species in this group formed a monophyletic cluster, named herewith as “R. macrotis” species group. Phylogenies, genetic and phenotypic divergence, and species delimitation analyses supported the revised status of R. paradoxolophus as a subspecies of R. rex, R. cf. macrotis as a subspecies of R. macrotis, and R. huananus and R. cf. siamensis as junior synonyms of R. siamensis. Significant discordances were found between the mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees, suggesting incomplete lineage sorting or ancient introgression events within the philippinensis group. The macrotis group appeared to have undergone a rapid radiation approximately 2.57 million years ago during the early Pleistocene period due to palaeoclimatic oscillations. Reconstruction of the ancestral ranges suggested a wide distribution of the common ancestor for the philippinensis and macrotis groups.
Ultrastructural basis of strong unitary inhibition in a binaural neuron
Authors: Gjoni Enida , Aguet Clémentine , Sahlender Daniela A. , Knott Graham , Schneggenburger Ralf
Published: July 2018

Key points

Neurons of the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the brainstem receive powerful glycinergic inhibition that originates from the contralateral ear, and that plays an important role in sound localization.

We investigated the ultrastructural basis for strong inhibition of LSO neurons using serial block face scanning electron microscopy.

The soma and the proximal dendrite of an LSO neuron are surrounded by a high density of inhibitory axons, whereas excitatory axons are much sparser.

A given inhibitory axon establishes contacts via several large axonal thickenings, called varicosities, which typically elaborate several active zones (range 1–11). The number of active zones across inhibitory axon segments is variable.

These data thus provide an ultrastructural correlate for the strong and multiquantal, but overall variable, unitary IPSC amplitude observed for inhibitory inputs to LSO neuron.

Binaural neurons in the lateral superior olive (LSO) integrate sound information arriving from each ear, and powerful glycinergic inhibition of these neurons plays an important role in this process. In the present study, we investigated the ultrastructural basis for strong inhibitory inputs onto LSO neurons using serial block face scanning electron microscopy. We reconstructed axon segments that make contact with the partially reconstructed soma and proximal dendrite of a mouse LSO neuron at postnatal day 18. Using functional measurements and the Sr2+ method, we find a constant quantal size but a variable quantal content between ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ unitary IPSCs. A 3‐D reconstruction of a LSO neuron and its somatic synaptic afferents reveals how a large number of inhibitory axons intermingle in a complex fashion on the soma and proximal dendrite of an LSO neuron; a smaller number of excitatory axons was also observed. A given inhibitory axon typically contacts an LSO neuron via several large varicosities (average diameter 3.7 μm), which contain several active zones (range 1–11). The number of active zones across individual axon segments was highly variable. These data suggest that the variable unitary IPSC amplitude is caused by a variable number of active zones between inhibitory axons that innervate a given LSO neuron. The results of the present study show that relatively large multi‐active zone varicosities, which can be repeated many times in a given presynaptic axon, provide the ultrastructural basis for the strong multiquantal inhibition received by LSO neurons.