bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A negative feedback loop between Insulin-like Growth Factor signaling and the lncRNA SNHG7 tightly regulates transcript levels and proliferation
Authors: Boone David N. , Warburton Andrew , Som Sreeroopa , Lee Adrian V.
Published: July 2019

Evidence suggests Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling is involved in the initiation and progression of a subset of breast cancers by inducing cell proliferation and survival(1, 2). Although the signaling cascade following IGF1 receptor activation is well-studied(3, 4), the key elements of the transcriptional response governing IGF1’s actions are not well understood. Recent studies reveal that the majority of the genome is transcribed and that there are more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) than protein coding genes(5), several of which are dysegulated in human cancer(6, 7). However, studies on the regulation and mechanism of action of these lncRNAs are in their infancy. Here we show that IGF1 alters the expression levels of a subset of lncRNAs. SNHG7, a member of the small nucleolar host gene family, is a highly-expressed lncRNA that is consistently and significantly down-regulated by IGF1 signaling by a post-transcriptional mechanism through the MAPK pathway. SNHG7 regulates proliferation of breast cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, and silencing SNHG7 expression causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. Intriguingly, SNHG7 alters the expression of many IGF1 signaling intermediates and IGF1-regulated genes suggesting a feedback mechanism to tightly regulate the IGF1 response. Finally, we show with TCGA data that SNHG7 is overexpressed in tumors of a subset of breast cancer patients and that these patients have lower disease-free survival than patients without elevated SNHG7 expression. We propose that SNHG7 is a lncRNA oncogene that is controlled by growth factor signaling in a feedback mechanism to prevent hyperproliferation, and that this regulation can be lost in the development or progression of breast cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

IGF1 signaling drives proliferation and survival and is important for the initiation and development of a subset of breast cancers. IGF1 is known to control the expression of thousands of protein coding genes, but it is unknown if it alters the expression of other gene types, such as long noncoding RNAs. Here we demonstrate that IGF regulates lncRNAs including the mostly unstudied SNHG7. We further show that SNHG7 is necessary for proliferation and modulates IGF1 signaling through a novel feedback mechanism that is required for fine-tuning of the transcriptional response to growth factor signaling and proliferation of breast cancer cells. SNHG7 is highly expressed in a subset of breast cancer patients with poor prognosis giving further credence that it is a novel oncogene.
Intricate genetic programs controlling dormancy inMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Abidi Abrar A. , Peterson Eliza J. R. , Arrieta-Ortiz Mario L. , Aguilar Boris , Yurkovich James T. , Kaur Amardeep , Pan Min , Srinivas Vivek , Shmulevich Ilya , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: July 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB), responsible for the deadliest infectious disease worldwide, displays the remarkable ability to transition in and out of dormancy, a hallmark of the pathogen’s capacity to evade the immune system and opportunistically exploit immunocompromised individuals. Uncovering the gene regulatory programs that underlie the dramatic phenotypic shifts in MTB during disease latency and reactivation has posed an extraordinary challenge. We developed a novel experimental system to precisely control dissolved oxygen levels in MTB cultures in order to capture the chain of transcriptional events that unfold as MTB transitions into and out of hypoxia-induced dormancy. Using a comprehensive genome-wide transcription factor binding location map and insights from network topology analysis, we identified regulatory circuits that deterministically drive sequential transitions across six transcriptionally and functionally distinct states encompassing more than three-fifths of the MTB genome. The architecture of the genetic programs explains the transcriptional dynamics underlying synchronous entry of cells into a dormant state that is primed to infect the host upon encountering favorable conditions.

One Sentence Summary

High-resolution transcriptional time-course reveals six-state genetic program that enables MTB to enter and exit hypoxia-induced dormancy.
Injection molded open microfluidic well plate inserts for user-friendly coculture and microscopy
Authors: Day John H. , Nicholson Tristan M. , Su Xiaojing , van Neel Tammi L. , Clinton Ivor , Kothandapani Anbarasi , Lee Jinwoo , Greenberg Max H. , Amory John K. , Walsh Thomas J. , Muller Charles H. , Franco Omar E. , Jefcoate Colin R. , Crawford Susan E. , Jorgensen Joan S. , Theberge Ashleigh B.
Published: July 2019

Open microfluidic cell culture systems are powerful tools for interrogating biological mechanisms. We have previously presented a microscale cell culture system, based on spontaneous capillary flow of biocompatible hydrogels, that is integrated into a standard cell culture well plate, with flexible cell compartment geometries and easy pipet access. Here, we present two new injection molded open microfluidic devices that also easily insert into standard cell culture well plates and standard culture workflows, allowing seamless adoption by biomedical researchers. These platforms allow culture and study of soluble factor communication among multiple cell types, and the microscale dimensions are well-suited for rare primary cells. Unique advances include optimized evaporation control within the well, manufacture with reproducible and cost-effective rapid injection molding, and compatibility with sample preparation workflows for high resolution microscopy (following well-established coverslip mounting procedures). In this work, we present several use cases that highlight the usability and widespread utility of our platform including culture of limited primary testis cells from surgical patients, microscopy readouts including immunocytochemistry and single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH), and coculture to study interactions between adipocytes and prostate cancer cells.
The Autoimmune Susceptibility Gene, PTPN2, Restricts Expansion of a Novel Mouse Adherent-Invasive E. coli
Authors: Shawki Ali , Alvarez Rocio , Spalinger Marianne R. , Ruegger Paul M. , Sayoc Anica , Santos Alina N. , Chatterjee Pritha , Mitchell Jonathan , Macbeth John , Tremblay Michel L. , Hsiao Ansel , Borneman James , McCole Declan F.
Published: July 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involve genetic and environmental factors that play major roles in disease pathogenesis. Loss-of-function single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene increase the risk of IBD and are associated with altered microbiome population dynamics in IBD. Moreover, expansion of intestinal pathobionts, such as adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC), is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD as AIEC increases pro-inflammatory cytokine production and alters tight junction protein regulation suggesting a potential mechanism of pathogen-induced barrier dysfunction and inflammation. The aim of this study was to identify if PTPN2 deficiency disturbs the composition of the intestinal microbiome to promote expansion of specific bacteria with pathogenic properties. In mice constitutively lacking Ptpn2 we identified increased abundance of a novel adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) that showed similar adherence and invasion of intestinal epithelial cells, but greater survival in macrophages to the IBD associated AIEC, LF82. Furthermore, we confirmed this novel mouse AIEC (mAIEC) caused disease when administered to germ-free and mice lacking segmented-filamentous bacteria (SFB). Moreover, mAIEC infection increased severity of and prevented recovery from dextran-sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. mAIEC genome sequence analysis showed >90% similarity to LF82. Interestingly, mAIEC contained distinct attachment genes not found in LF82 thereby also demonstrating the novelty of this AIEC. We show here for the first time that an IBD susceptibility gene, PTPN2, plays a key role in modulating the gut microbiome to protect against a novel pathobiont. This study generates new insights into gene-environment-microbiome interactions in IBD.
Large-scale ciliary reversal mediates capture of individual algal prey by Müller’s larva
Authors: von Dassow George , Ellison Christina I.
Published: July 2019

We documented capture of microalgal prey by several species of wild-caught Müller’s larvae of polyclad flatworm. To our knowledge, this is the first direct observation of feeding mechanism in this classical larval type. High-speed video recordings show that virtually all captures are mediated by large-scale transient ciliary reversal over one or more portions of the main ciliary band corresponding to individual lobes or tentacles. Local ciliary beat reversals alter near-field flow to suck parcels of food-containing water mouthward. Many capture episodes entail sufficient coordinated flow disruption that these compact-bodied larvae tumble dramatically. Similar behaviors were recorded in at least four distinct species, one of which corresponds to the ascidian-eating polyclad Pseudoceros.
Enzyme annotation in UniProtKB using Rhea
Authors: Morgat Anne , Lombardot Thierry , Coudert Elisabeth , Axelsen Kristian , Neto Teresa Batista , Gehant Sebastien , Bansal Parit , Bolleman Jerven , Gasteiger Elisabeth , Castro Edouard de , Baratin Delphine , Pozzato Monica , Xenarios Ioannis , Poux Sylvain , Redaschi Nicole , Bridge Alan ,   The UniProt Consortium
Published: July 2019

Motivation

To provide high quality computationally tractable enzyme annotation in UniProtKB using Rhea, a comprehensive expert-curated knowledgebase of biochemical reactions which describes reaction participants using the ontology ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest).

Results

We replaced existing textual descriptions of biochemical reactions in UniProtKB with their equivalents from Rhea, which is now the standard for annotation of enzymatic reactions in UniProtKB. We developed improved search and query facilities for the UniProt website, REST API, and SPARQL endpoint that leverage the chemical structure data, nomenclature, and classification that Rhea and ChEBI provide.

Availability and Implementation

UniProtKB at https://www.uniprot.org/; UniProt REST API at https://www.uniprot.org/help/api; UniProt SPARQL endpoint at https://sparql.uniprot.org/sparql; Rhea at https://www.rhea-db.org/.

Contact

anne.morgat@sib.swiss
The BioLuminescent-OptoGenetic in vivo Response to Coelenterazine is Proportional, Sensitive and Specific in Neocortex
Authors: Gomez-Ramirez Manuel , More Alexander I. , Friedman Nina G. , Hochgeschwender Ute , Moore Christopher I.
Published: July 2019

BioLuminescent (BL) light production can modulate neural activity and behavior through coexpressed OptoGenetic (OG) elements, an approach termed ‘BL-OG’. Yet, the relationship between BL-OG effects and bioluminescent photon emission has not been characterized in vivo. Further, the degree to which BL-OG effects strictly depend on optogenetic mechanisms driven by bioluminescent photons is unknown. Crucial to every neuromodulation method is whether the activator shows a dynamic concentration range driving robust, selective, and non-toxic effects. We systematically tested the effects of four key components of the BL-OG mechanism (luciferin, oxidized luciferin, luciferin vehicle, and bioluminescence), and compared these against effects induced by the Luminopsin-3 (LMO3) BL-OG molecule, a fusion of slow burn Gaussia luciferase (sbGLuc) and Volvox ChannelRhodopsin-1 (VChR1). We performed combined bioluminescence imaging and electrophysiological recordings while injecting specific doses of Coelenterazine (substrate for sbGluc), Coelenteramide (CTM, the oxidized product of CTZ), or CTZ vehicle. CTZ robustly drove activity in mice expressing LMO3, with photon production proportional to firing rate. In contrast, low and moderate doses of CTZ, CTM, or vehicle did not modulate activity in mice that did not express LMO3. We also failed to find bioluminescence effects on neural activity in mice expressing an optogenetically non-sensitive LMO3 variant. We observed weak responses to the highest dose of CTZ in control mice, but these effects were significantly smaller than those observed in the LMO3 group. These results show that in neocortex in vivo, there is a large CTZ range wherein BL-OG effects are specific to its active chemogenetic mechanism.
Test Gene-Environment Interactions for Multiple Traits in Sequencing Association Studies
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Sha Qiuying , Hao Han , Zhang Shuanglin , Gao Xiaoyi Raymond , Wang Xuexia
Published: July 2019

The risk of many complex diseases is determined by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Data on multiple traits is often collected for many complex diseases in order to obtain a better understanding of the diseases. Examination of gene-environment interactions (GxEs) for multiple traits can yield valuable insights about the etiology of the disease and increase power in detecting disease associated genes. Most existing methods focus on testing gene-environment interaction (GxE) for a single trait. In this study, we develop novel approaches to test GxEs for multiple traits in sequencing association studies. We first perform transformation of multiple traits by using either principle component analysis or standardization analysis. Then, we detect the effect of GxE for each transferred phenotypic trait using novel proposed tests: testing the effect of an optimallyweighted combination of GxE (TOW-GE) and/or variable weight TOW-GE (VW-TOW-GE). Finally, we employ the Fisher’s combination test to combine the p-values of TOW-GE and/or VW-TOW-GE. Extensive simulation studies based on the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data show that the type I error rates of the proposed methods are well controlled. Compared to the existing interaction sequence kernel association test (ISKAT), TOW-GE is more powerful when there are only rare risk and protective variants; VW-TOW-GE is more powerful when there are both rare and common risk and protective variants. Both TOW-GE and VW-TOW-GE are robust to directions of effects of causal GxEs. Application to the COPDGene Study demonstrates that our proposed methods are very powerful.
Universal activation mechanism of class A GPCRs
Authors: Zhou Qingtong , Yang Dehua , Wu Meng , Guo Yu , Guo Wangjing , Zhong Li , Cai Xiaoqing , Dai Antao , Shakhnovich Eugene , Liu Zhi-Jie , Stevens Raymond C. , Madan Babu M. , Wang Ming-Wei , Zhao Suwen
Published: July 2019

Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) influence virtually every aspect of human physiology. GPCR activation is an allosteric process that links agonist binding to G protein recruitment, with the hallmark outward movement of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6). However, what leads to TM6 movement and the key residue-level changes of this trigger remain less well understood. Here, by analyzing over 230 high-resolution structures of class A GPCRs, we discovered a modular, universal GPCR activation pathway that unites previous findings into a common activation mechanism, directly linking the bottom of ligand-binding pocket with G protein-coupling region. We suggest that the modular nature of the universal GPCR activation pathway allowed for the decoupling of the evolution of the ligand binding site, G protein binding region and the residues important for receptor activation. Such an architecture might have facilitated GPCRs to emerge as a highly successful family of proteins for signal transduction in nature.
Effects of repetitive Iodine Thyroid Blocking on the Development of the Foetal Brain and Thyroid in rats: a Systems Biology approach
Authors: Cohen David P.A. , Benadjaoud Mohamed Amine , Lestaevel Phillipe , Lebsir Dalila , Benderitter Marc , Souidi Maâmar
Published: July 2019

A single dose of potassium iodide (KI) against repeated exposure to radioactive iodine, such as the one of the Fukushima accident, might not be effective enough to protect the thyroid. Our group showed that repetitive dose of KI for eight days offers efficient protection without toxic effects in adult rats. However, the effect of repetitive KI on the developing foetus still unknown especially on brain development, but a correlation between the impaired maternal thyroid status and a decrease in intelligence quotient has been observed. In this study, gene expression analysis of the progeny of repetitive KI-administered pregnant rats performed by our group showed distinct gene expression profile from two different organs: thyroid and cortex. To understand how these differentially expressed genes are implicated in the observed behaviour change, a systems biology approach was used to construct networks using three different techniques; Bayesian statistics using ShrinkNet, sPLS-DA on the DIABLO platform using mixOmics and manual construction of a Process Descriptive network. For each organ, we were able to construct gene expression network, to select genes that are most contributing to either control or KI-treated groups, respectively, and to construct the PD network from differentially expressed (DE) gene enriched with data from publications. Furthermore, we were able to connect DE genes from both organs into one network with genes from both organ participating in the same cellular processes that affect mitophagy and neuronal outgrowth.

This work may help to evaluate the doctrine for using KI in case of repetitive or prolonged exposure to radioactive particles upon nuclear accidents.
Evolutionary history and classification of Micropia retroelements in Drosophilidae species
Authors: Cordeiro Juliana , Carvalho Tuane L. , Valente Vera L. da S. , Robe Lizandra J.
Published: July 2019

Current knowledge indicates TEs have been shaping the evolution of genomes and host species, contributing to the creation of new genes and promoting rearrangements frequently associated with new regulatory networks. Support for these hypothesis frequently result from studies with model species, and Drosophila detaches as a great model organism to the study of TEs. Micropia belongs to the Ty3/Gypsy group of LTR retroelements, and comprises one of the least studied Drosophila transposable elements. In this study, we assessed the evolutionary history of Micropia within Drosophilidae, while trying to assist in the classification of this TE. At first, we analyzed its presence in the genome of several species from natural populations and then, based on searches within genomic databases, we retrieved Micropia-like sequences from distinct Drosophilidae species genomes. We expanded the knowledge of Micropia distribution within Drosophila, and detected an array of divergent sequences, which allowed subdividing this retroelement in 20 subfamilies. Even so, a patchy distribution of Micropia sequences within the Drosophilidae phylogeny could be identified combined with incongruences of the species and the Micropia phylogenies. Comparing dS values between Micropia and host nuclear sequences, we found several cases of unexpected high levels of similarity between Micropia sequences found in divergent species. All these findings propose a hypothesis to the evolution of Micropia within Drosophilidae, including several VTTs and HTTs events, associated to ancestral polymorphisms and recurrent Micropia sequences diversification.
CPO Complete, a novel test for fast, accurate phenotypic detection and classification of carbapenemases
Authors: Thomson Gina K. , AbdelGhani Sameh , Thomson Kenneth S.
Published: July 2019

Rapid, accurate detection of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) and the classification of their carbapenemases are valuable tools for reducing the mortality of the CPO-associated infections, preventing the spread of CPOs, and optimizing use of new β-lactamase inhibitor combinations such as ceftazidime/avibactam and meropenem/vaborbactam. The current study evaluated the performance of CPO Complete, a novel, manual, phenotypic carbapenemase detection and classification test. The test was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity against 262 CPO isolates ofEnterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosaandAcinetobacter baumanniiand 67 non-CPO isolates. It was also evaluated for carbapenemase classification accuracy against 205 CPOs that produced a single carbapenemase class. The test exhibited 100% sensitivity 98.5% specificity for carbapenemase detection within 90 minutes and detected 74.1% of carbapenemases within 10 minutes. In the classification evaluation, 99.0% of carbapenemases were correctly classified. The test is technically simple and has potential for adaptation to automated instruments. With lyophilized kit storage at temperatures up to 38°C the CPO Complete test has the potential to provide rapid, accurate carbapenemase detection and classification in both limited resource and technologically advanced laboratories.
The first finding of lichen Solorina saccata at an algific talus slope in Korea
Authors: Park Jung Shin , Kim Kwang-Hyung , Kim Dong-Kap , Kim Chang Sun , Park Sook-Young , Oh Soon-Ok
Published: July 2019

An algific talus slope is composed of broken rocks with vents connected to an ice cave, releasing cool air in summer and relatively warmer air in winter to maintain a more stable microclimate all year round. Such geological features create a very unusual and delicate ecosystem. Although there are around 25 algific talus slopes in Korea, lichen ecology of these areas had not been investigated to date. In this study, we report the first exploration of lichen ecology at an algific talus slope, Jangyeol-ri, in Korea. A total of 37 specimens were collected over 2017-2018. Morphological and sequencing analysis revealed 27 species belonging to 18 genera present in the area. Of particular interest among these species was Solorina saccata, as it has previously not been reported in Korea and most members of genus Solorina are known to inhabit alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. We provide here a taxonomic key for S. saccata alongside molecular phylogenetic analyses and prediction of potential habitats in South Korea. Sequences were generated from all S. saccata specimens collected in this study, together with three S. saccata specimens from China for comparison. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear small subunit (nuSSU) showed that all the S. saccata specimens are tightly grouped into one clade with high support values (P=0.99) and showed close relatedness to S. spongiosa than S. crocea. Additional analyses were carried out using concatenated sequences: 65 sequences of mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) combined with nuLSU and 66 sequences of RPB1 with nuLSU. In these analyses, genus Peltigera was found to be the closest genus to S. saccata. Furthermore, regions in South Korea potentially suitable for Solorina spp. were predicted based on climatic features of known habitats around the globe. Our results showed that the suitable areas are mostly at high altitudes in mountainous areas where the annual temperature range doesn’t exceed 26.6°C. Further survey of other environmental conditions determining the suitability of Solorina spp. should lead to a more precise prediction of suitable habitats and trace the origin of Solorina spp. in Korea.
Comparative assessment of methods for determining adiposity and a model for obesity index
Authors: Adedia David , Boakye Adjoa A. , Mensah Daniel , Lokpo Sylvester Y. , Afeke Innocent , Duedu Kwabena O.
Published: July 2019

Background

Obesity is increasingly becoming a pandemic considering the many risks it pose to other disease conditions. Obesity is largely a measure of adiposity, however, adiposity is not centralized in the human body. This makes it difficult for any single method to adequately represent obesity and by extension the risks specific areas of adipose accumulation pose to specific disease conditions.

Subjects/Methods

We evaluated the prevalence of obesity in a cohort of Ghanaian women using the body mass index (BMI) and further sought to evaluate how it compares to other methods of estimating adiposity and the suitability of any particular methods representing obesity in general. We used anthropometry and bioimpedance derived measures of adiposity and derived other indices such as the abdominal volume index (AVI), body adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index (CI).

Results

Waist and hip circumference, body fat (%BF) and visceral fat (VF) were positively correlated to BMI whereas skeletal muscle mass was negatively correlated. Physical activity indices did not show any significant correlation with BMI. Prevalence of obesity was 16% and 31% using BMI and %BF respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that whereas BMI is effective in predicting underweight, normal weight and obesity it was a poor predictor of overweight.

Conclusions

There was also no single measure that could adequately predict obesity as an accumulation fat. Hence, we developed and propose a model as a factor of BAI, %BF, VF and BMI. This model should correctly represent a person’s adiposity status and hence should be evaluated in large cohort studies.
Local rabies transmission and regional spatial coupling in European foxes
Authors: Baker Laurie , Mathiopoulos Jason , Müller Thomas , Freuling Conrad , Hampson Katie
Published: July 2019

Infectious diseases are often transmitted through local interactions. Yet, both surveillance and control measures are implemented within administrative units. Capturing local transmission processes and spatial coupling between regions from aggregate level data is therefore a technical challenge that can shed light on both theoretical questions and practical decisions.

Fox rabies has been eliminated from much of Europe through oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programmes. The European Union (EU) co-finances ORV to maintain rabies freedom in EU member and border states via a cordon sanitaire. Models to capture local transmission dynamics and spatial coupling have immediate application to the planning of these ORV campaigns and to other parts of the world considering oral vaccination.

We fitted a hierarchical Bayesian state-space model to data on three decades of fox rabies cases and ORV campaigns from Eastern Germany. Specifically, we find that (i) combining regional spatial coupling and heterogeneous local transmission allows us to capture regional rabies dynamics; (ii) incursions from other regions account for less than 1% of cases, but allow for re-emergence of disease; (iii) herd immunity achieved through bi-annual vaccination campaigns is short-lived due to population turnover. Together, these findings highlight the need for regular and sustained vaccination efforts and our modelling approach can be used to provide strategic guidance for ORV delivery. Moreover, we show that biological understanding can be gained from inference from partially observed data on wildlife disease.
Drought Resistance of 10 Ground Cover Seedling Species during Roof Greening
Authors: Zhang Pengqian , Bai Jiade , Liu Yanju , Meng Yuping , Yang Zheng , Liu Tian
Published: July 2019

10 species’ drought resistance cases have been studied, includingPaeonia lactiflora,Hemerocallis dumortieri,Physostegia virginiana,Iris lacteal,Hylotelephium erythrostictum,Sedum lineare,Iris germanica,Cosmos bipinnata,Hosta plantagineaandDianthus barbatus. By researching these drought resistance cases, a suggestion can be given for roof greening. This research sets 3 drought stress scenarios by controlling the soil relative water content (RWC), including moderately drought stress (40%±2% < RWC < 45%±2%), strong drought stress (RWC < 30%±2%) and control group (RWC > 75%±2%). After the seedlings survived the drought stress, the damaging rate of permeability (DRP), total chlorophylls concentrations (Chl), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (AsAPOD) of seedlings will be measured. Finally, a subordinate function method was applied to assess these species’ drought resistance.Cosmos bipinnataandPhysostegia virginianawas dead after having suffered with moderately drought stress and strong drought stress, respectively. Although other species survived, the individual variation was huge especially for physiological and biochemical index.Hemerocallis dumortieri,Iris lacteaandHosta plantaginea’s DRP had little change when they lived in the normal water condition and suffered with drought stress. Most of the species (exceptPaeonia lactifloraandSedum lineare) showed a lower SOD activity during moderately drought stress compared with the sufficient soil water condition and strong drought stress condition. The changes of plants’ POD activity and AsAPOD activity are very similar: when drought stress enhanced, the activity of protect enzyme reduced. According to the subordinate function method, the order of plants’ resistance to the drought is as follow:Hosta plantaginea>Sedum lineare>Iris germanica>Hemerocallis dumortieri>Iris lactea>Hylotelephium erythrostictum>Dianthus barbatus>Paeonia lactiflora>Physostegia virginiana>Cosmos bipinnata.
Enzyme stoichiometry indicates the variation of microbial nutrient requirements at different soil depths in subtropical forests
Authors: Liu Jiebao , Chen Ji , Chen Guangshui , Guo Jianfen , Li Yiqing
Published: July 2019

Soil extracellular enzyme activities and associated enzymatic stoichiometry are considered sensitive indicators of nutrient availability and microbial substrate limitation. However, many of previous studies have been focusing on uppermost soil layer with a single enzyme as representative of the whole nutrient acquisition, leading to critical uncertainties in understanding soil nutrient availability and its relationship with microbial activities in deeper soils. In the current study, we investigated C-, N- and P-acquiring enzyme activities across a range of soil layers (0 - 10, 10 - 20, 20 - 40 and 40 - 60 cm), and examined the microbial C, N and P limitation in natural secondary forests (NSF) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation forests (CPF) in subtropical China. The results showed that microbial C and P co-limitation was detected in the two typical subtropical forests at all soil depths, rather than microbial N limitation. Microbial C and P limitation fluctuated along soil depth, but higher N was demanded by microbes in soil under 20 cm in both forests. The present results highlight the asymmetrical patterns of microbial nutrient limitation along the whole soil profile, and provide essential information in understanding nutrient limitations in deeper soils. These vertical and asymmetrical nutrient limitation patterns should be incorporated into future research studies priority.
Myo-REG: a portal for signaling interactions in muscle regeneration
Authors: Palma Alessandro , Calderone Alberto , Perpetuini Andrea Cerquone , Ferrentino Federica , Fuoco Claudia , Gargioli Cesare , Giuliani Giulio , Iannuccelli Marta , Licata Luana , Micarelli Elisa , Paoluzi Serena , Perfetto Livia , Petrilli Lucia Lisa , Reggio Alessio , Rosina Marco , Sacco Francesca , Vumbaca Simone , Zuccotti Alessandro , Castagnoli Luisa , Cesareni Gianni
Published: July 2019

Muscle regeneration is a complex process governed by the interplay between several muscle resident mononuclear cell populations. Following acute or chronic damage these cell populations are activated, communicate via cell-cell interactions and/or paracrine signals, influencing fate decisions via the activation or repression of internal signaling cascades. These are highly dynamic processes, occurring with distinct temporal and spatial kinetics. The main challenge toward a system level description of the muscle regeneration process is the integration of this plethora of inter- and intra-cellular interactions.

We integrated the information on muscle regeneration in a web portal. The scientific content annotated in this portal is organized into two information layers representing relationships between different cell types and intracellular signaling-interactions, respectively. The annotation of the pathways governing the response of each cell type to a variety of stimuli/perturbations occurring during muscle regeneration takes advantage of the information stored in the SIGNOR database. Additional curation efforts have been carried out to increase the coverage of molecular interactions underlying muscle regeneration and to annotate cell-cell interactions.

To facilitate the access to information on cell and molecular interactions in the context of muscle regeneration, we have developed Myo-REG, a web portal that captures and integrates published information on skeletal muscle regeneration.

The muscle-centered resource we provide is one of a kind in the myology field. A friendly interface allows users to explore, approximately 100 cell interactions or to analyze intracellular pathways related to muscle regeneration. Finally, we discuss how data can be extracted from this portal to support in silico modeling experiments.
Local orientational order in self-assembled nanoparticle films: the role of ligand composition and salt
Authors: Lehmkühler Felix , Schulz Florian , Schroer Martin A. , Frenzel Lara , Lange Holger , Grübel Gerhard
Published: July 2019

An X-ray cross-correlation study of the local orientational order in self-assembled films made from PEGylated gold nanoparticles is presented. The local structure of this model system is dominated by four- and sixfold order. Coadsorption of shorter ligands in the particle's ligand layer and variation of salt concentration in the suspension prior to self-assembly result in a change of local orientational order. The degree of sixfold order is reduced after salt addition. This decrease of order is less pronounced for the fourfold symmetry. The results presented here suggest complex symmetry-selective order formation upon ligand exchange and salt addition and demonstrate the versatility of X-ray cross-correlation methods for nanoparticle superlattices.
Transforming care: developing a community enhanced intervention service
Authors: Fuchs Karin , Ravoux Peggy
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the service model and evaluation of Southwark Enhanced Intervention Service (EIS). EIS is an intensive community service for adults with intellectual disabilities whose behaviours challenge in the context of the Transforming Care agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The service model is described and the following evaluation data over four years are presented: key performance indicators, descriptive data, clinical outcomes, financial outcomes and qualitative feedback on users’ experience.

Findings

The EIS has demonstrated good outcomes for a small number of adults with complex needs by supporting them at crisis point locally and preventing hospital admission or a move to a restrictive environment out of area. EIS has also supported the successful transition back to area of a small number of adults with complex needs. The evaluation has shown improvements in behaviour, wellbeing and quality of life as well as demonstrating financial savings. Families’ and providers’ qualitative feedback indicates that the service has been highly valued and in particular the access to timely multidisciplinary coordination of input.

Originality/value

The service was developed around the same time as the start of the Transforming Care agenda. It presents findings of a four-year evaluation at a time when there is limited evaluation of such service models focusing on the Transforming Care aims. The paper presents significant findings in support of guidance and recommendations published more recently as well as reflections on components of effective service delivery.
Coercive pressures for the implementation of health and safety practices: are they enough?
Authors: López-Fernández Macarena , Pasamar Susana
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine why companies are placing increasing importance on implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) practices, and to analyse their reasons for adopting these practices. Specifically, it is asked whether OHS practices are introduced as a result of coercive pressures. The different ways companies respond to these pressures is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative data analysis technique was used to analyse the relationship between the reasons for implementing OHS in a sample of 3,005 Spanish firms, using the responses to a survey from the Institute for the Prevention of Risk at Work.

Findings

The results revealed three different groups of companies in terms of their reasons for implementing OHS practices; it was also found that employer involvement in OHS is higher when the main reason for implementing OHS practices is a real concern to improve working conditions, not simply coercive pressures.

Practical implications

The results of the study demonstrate the importance of moving from reactive to proactive management. Practitioners should consider employees’ health and safety not only in terms of an institutional pressure, but as a part of their social responsibility and integral to their business practice. Public administration should work to reward positive behaviours and not only punish noncompliance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a better understanding of the reasons to implement OHS in an early stage of institutionalisation of these practices, providing an empirical analysis of the reasons behind employer involvement. This paper is highly relevant for researchers, governments and practitioners.
Laminar natural convection from a vertical array of horizontal heated cylinders inside a water-filled rectangular enclosure cooled at sides
Authors: Cianfrini Marta , Corcione Massimo , Quintino Alessandro , Spena Vincenzo Andrea
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate numerically the laminar natural convection from a pair of horizontal heated cylinders, set one above the other, inside a water-filled rectangular enclosure cooled at sides, with perfectly insulated top and bottom walls, through a control-volume formulation of the finite-difference method, with the main aim to evaluate the effects of the center-to-center cylinder spacing, the size of the cavity and the temperature difference imposed between the cylinders and the cavity sides.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of the conservation equations of the mass, momentum and energy, expressed in dimensionless form, is solved by a specifically developed computer code based on the SIMPLE-C algorithm for the pressure-velocity coupling. Numerical simulations are executed for different values of the Rayleigh number based on the cylinder diameter, as well as the center-to-center cylinder spacing and the width of the cavity normalized by the cylinder diameter.

Findings

The main results obtained may be summarized as follows: the existence of an optimum cylinder spacing for maximum heat transfer rate is found at any investigated Rayleigh number; as a consequence of the downstream confinement, a periodic flow arises at sufficiently high Rayleigh numbers; the amplitude of oscillation of the periodic heat transfer performance of the cylinder array decreases as the cylinder spacing is increased and the cavity width is decreased, whereas the frequency of oscillations remains almost the same; at very small cavity widths, a transition from the typical two-cell to a four-cell flow pattern occurs.

Originality/value

The computational code used in the present study incorporates an original composite polar/Cartesian discretization grid scheme.
A network perspective on organizational learning research in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Binder Petra
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature on organizational learning (OL) through networking activities in tourism and hospitality (T&H) research. Referring to theories and concepts from the mainstream literature in OL and inter-organizational network research, the study provides an overview of the existing level of knowledge in T&H research, elaborates theoretical and practical implications and suggests future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review approach was used to identify and analyze relevant literature. The literature search involved six scientific online databases, namely, EBSCOhost, Emerald, ProQuest, Sage, ScienceDirect and Web of Knowledge, which were systematically scanned with defined keywords. Relevant articles were evaluated, selected, analyzed and synthesized to find out what is already known and what is yet to be known.

Findings

A total of 69 articles were identified that present insights into OL through networking activities in T&H research. The review reveals that the resource, and especially the knowledge-based view of the firm, social capital theory, the relational view and trust and agglomeration theory represent insightful theoretical approaches to study OL phenomena and OL outcomes such as innovation, value creation and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

According to the author’s information, this paper represents the first attempt to provide a comprehensive review of T&H-specific OL literature from a network perspective. The findings call for increased attention to this research field, especially regarding the adaptation of OL concepts to a T&H-specific context as a networked industry.
Predicting event tourists’ gambling decision: the cross-level effect of brand equity
Authors: Wong IpKin Anthony , Fong Hoi In Veronica , Leong Aliana Man Wai , Li Jacky Xi
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The scant literature on MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourists’ gambling behavior calls for a need to explore how their decision to gamble (hereafter, “gambling decision”) may unfold. Consequently, several questions germane to the inter-relationships among event tourists’ characteristics, casinos attributes, and gambling behaviors remain largely unaddressed. This paper aims to address the void in the literature by investigating event participants’ gambling decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected based on two samples, and a multilevel design was used to test the proposed model. Demographic and event-related participant characteristics were examined as antecedents of gambling decision at the individual level. Event goers’ accommodation characteristics such as brand equity and type of hotel were explored as cross-level effects on the individual-level factors and relationships.

Findings

Results of the study illustrate a joint influence – in terms of both direct and moderating effects – of individual-level and organizational-level characteristics on gambling decision. In particular, brand equity moderates the relationships leading from demographic and event-related characteristics to gambling decision.

Practical implications

The inter-relationships among events, accommodations and casinos present an opportunity for hospitality practitioners to better integrate these three services in a more coherent experiential offering for the ever-demanding MICE attendees. Findings also help practitioners to justify their targeting strategy.

Originality/value

The proposed framework presents the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry in which the event, hotel and casino sectors are interdependent, a picture hitherto prevented by the single-level oriented nature of gambling and hospitality research which largely focuses on the individual perspective. Given the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry, the findings elucidate a complex interdependency of customer needs.
A systematic review on organizational empowerment
Authors: Rothman Linda , De Vijlder Frans , Schalk René , Van Regenmortel Martine
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a systematic review on organizational empowerment (OE) using Peterson and Zimmerman´s model (2004) as a starting point. The aim is to further conceptualize OE, discover how the components in the model influence each other and identify recommendations for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

All articles that cited the OE model, published in 2004 by Peterson and Zimmerman, have been systematically reviewed. In total, 37 studies of 410, found in Google Scholar and Web of Science, are included in the review.

Findings

The review revealed that intra-, inter- and extra-organizational empowerment affect each other and that evidence for the processes and outcomes on intra-organizational empowerment have increased, but there is limited additional evidence for the other two components.

Research limitations/implications

Literature was searched in two databases, focusing on the OE model. A search using other databases on OE as a broad concept might provide additional sources.

Practical implications

Findings are relevant for professionals, leaders in human service organizations, educators and researchers. Practice can be improved by applying the knowledge; educators can use the results in their program and researchers may use the findings for the further development of OE.

Originality/value

Since the OE model was presented in 2004, no systematic review has been performed. Therefore, this review contributes to the further conceptualization of OE.
Nurses’ emotions, emotion regulation and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Lee Mikyoung , Jang Keum-Seong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relations between emotion regulation (reappraisal and suppression), discrete emotions and emotional exhaustion among nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used with 168 nurses in South Korea. Structural equation modeling and path analysis were conducted for analysis.

Findings

Reappraisal correlated positively with enjoyment and pride and negatively with anxiety, anger and frustration, whereas suppression correlated negatively with enjoyment and positively with anxiety and frustration. Moreover, reappraisal was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion, whereas suppression was positively associated with it. Enjoyment was negatively related to emotional exhaustion, and anger and frustration were positively related to it. Enjoyment and frustration mediated the relation between emotion regulation and emotional exhaustion. Findings demonstrate the potentially beneficial influences of reappraisal as well as harmful impacts of suppression in the nursing context.

Research limitations/implications

This paper expands research on nurses’ emotion management by applying Gross’s emotion regulation framework rather than Hochschild’s emotional labor framework. The mediating result suggests that not only nurses but also hospital administrators and nurse managers should pay attention to nurses’ emotional experiences to improve nurses’ well-being and ultimately better nursing practice. This research can provide the basis for developing practical interventions to efficiently regulate nurses’ emotions.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring the mediating role of emotions in the link between nurses’ emotion regulation and emotional exhaustion. It contributes to interdisciplinary research by integrating perspectives from psychological emotion and emotion regulation research into the nursing field.