bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome editing for plant disease resistance: applications and perspectives
Authors: Yin Kangquan , Qiu Jin-Long
Published: January 2019

Diseases severely affect crop yield and quality, thereby threatening global food security. Genetic improvement of plant disease resistance is essential for sustainable agriculture. Genome editing has been revolutionizing plant biology and biotechnology by enabling precise, targeted genome modifications. Editing provides new methods for genetic improvement of plant disease resistance and accelerates resistance breeding. Here, we first summarize the challenges for breeding resistant crops. Next, we focus on applications of genome editing technology in generating plants with resistance to bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. Finally, we discuss the potential of genome editing for breeding crops that present novel disease resistance in the future.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management’.
Behavioural Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Properties of the Traditional Medicine Anonna Senegalensis on ParabssDrosophila melanogaster Mutants
Authors: Dare Samuel , Merlo Emiliano , Ekanem Peter E. , Berni Jimena
Published: January 2019

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder affecting 50 million people worldwide, 40 millions of which live in developing countries. Despite the introduction of a dozen of new Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs), one third of the patients continue to have seizure regardless of receiving a AEDs treatment. This emphasize on the need to discover new drugs with different mechanisms of action. Traditional medicine (TM), pays a significant role in the treatment of epilepsy in many countries and offers an affordable and accessible alternative to AEDs. However, the lack of both empirical testing in animal models and clinical data places constrains to their clinical recommendation.

In this study, we use Drosophila melanogaster as a model for epilepsy and tested the anti-seizure effect of leaf and stem bark aqueous extract form Annona senegalensis, a plant used as anti-convulsant by rural populations in Africa.

Our results show, that at the concentrations tested, the leaf extract of A. senegalensis was more effective than the AEDs phenytoin and phenobarbital to control seizures. These promising results demonstrate that Drosophila is an excellent model for new drug discovery and that it could be used to do large scale screening of TMs for the treatment of epilepsy.
Impaired Regulation of Redox Transcriptome during the Differentiation of iPSCs into Induced Cardiomyocytes (iCMs)
Authors: Shanmugam Gobinath , Crossman David , Rajasingh Johnson , Dalley Brian , Zhang Jianyi , Rajasekaran Namakkal S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and subsequent differentiation into iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iCM) seems to be a promising strategy for cardiac regenerative therapy. However, recent failure or poor outcomes in cardiac cell therapy warrants further investigation focusing on the infarction/wound environment (site of healing) to improve the cardiac regenerative medicine. Here, using next generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed the global transcriptome to discover the unidentified genes/pathways that are crucial for cell survival, cytoprotection and mitochondrial dynamics during the differentiation of iPSC into iCM.

Methods

High throughput NGS was performed RNA from human iPSCs and iCMs (n=3/group) and analyzed the global changes in the transcriptome during differentiation. Furthermore, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and Gene Ontology (GO) for biological process were performed to understand the transcriptional networks that are involved during iCM differentiation. RNA-seq data were further validated by qRT-PCR analyses.

Results

Global transcriptome analysis revealed that ~9,290 genes (log2 FC >2) were significantly altered in human iCMs compared to the parent iPSCs, in which 4,784 transcripts were substantially upregulated and 4,506 transcripts were down-regulated during differentiation. GO enrichment and IPA analyses revealed the top 10 regulatory networks (i.e. hierarchical order) involved in differentiation of iCMs including cardiomyocyte remodeling, integrin-linked kinase signaling, Rho family of GTPases, etc. Surprisingly, none of the top 10 pathways listed the genes liable for redox signaling networks that are crucial for the basal cellular redox homeostasis, Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense, mitochondrial functions and cell survival. Our deeper and unbiased analysis of this data revealed that the genes involved in above canonical signaling pathways are found in the middle of the inverted vertical cone. Of note, although these pathways are significantly altered during the differentiation (of iPS into cardiomyocytes), a majority of them are ranked low in the hierarchical list (>150). Validation of the randomly selected genes representing various pathways real-time qPCR confirmed the global transcriptome changes observed in NGS.

Conclusion

We highlight the significance of Nrf2-redox and mitochondrial transcriptome during differentiation of iPSC into iCMs. Thus, targeting the redox signaling mechanisms in iCMs may enhance their efficiency for cell therapy and improved myocardial repair.
How many bits of information can be transferred within a protein and how fast?
Authors: Hacisuleyman Aysima , Erman Burak
Published: January 2019

Amount and rate of information that may be transferred from one residue to another in a protein is quantified using the transfer entropy concept of information theory. Information transfer from one residue to the second is defined as the decrease in the uncertainty in the second residue due to coupling with past values of the first. Three types of information transfer between pairs of residues are defined: transfer between residues that are (i) close in both space and along the primary protein chain, (ii) close in space but distant along the chain, and (iii) distant in space and along the chain may be distinguished. The widely studied third PDZ domain from the synaptic protein PSD-95 is used as an example. The three types of transfer show that residues close in space and chain transfer the largest amount of information. Transfer along the primary chain is also significant. Predictions of the model show that significant amount of transfer may also take place between spatially distant pairs of residues. The latter forms the basis of dynamic allostery in proteins. The role of information transfer between distant pairs in relation to coevolution has been controversial, some works assigning it to near neighbor residue pairs only and others supporting long range coupling. The present paper shows that significant amount of information may be transferred between distant pairs in PSD-95.Transfer rates of the order of gigabytes per second are predicted by the present theory. Information transfer between a specific set of residue pairs exhibit strong directionality, or causality, an observation that may be of use in protein engineering and drug design.
Coping with authoritarianism in international relocation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Frank
Published: January 2019

Purpose

As the rate of growth in trade of developing and developed economies converges, international business is increasingly taking place in a growing assortment of political and ideological contexts with variable levels of tolerance for plural dissidence. This can create substantial challenges and risks for crosscultural adjustment and increases the potential for assignment failure. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an authoritarian regime on the process of adjustment amongst expatriate sojourners and draw out lessons for future research and policies for relocation in similar authoritarian contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a qualitative research study over three years making use of participant observation methods as a result of researcher immersion in the local context.

Findings

This study finds that “culture” is an insufficient category for explaining difficulties in cross-cultural adjustment and demonstrates that adjustment difficulties under authoritarianism are heightened in the proximate sociocultural context, with geo-political and ideological dynamics creating more challenging conditions of life. Increased levels of social control act to heighten psychological vulnerability amongst sojourners, resulting in coping behaviours that seek a greater degree of psychological alleviation and companionship through more resource-intensive supportive networks and a tendency toward enclavism, thus inhibiting sociocultural adjustment to the host society.

Research limitations/implications

Research needs to recognise more fully the diverse nature of contexts in cross-cultural adjustment. Future research should explore different types of contexts and assess what sort of challenges may arise in relation to the process of psychological and sociocultural adjustment and the adjustive resources required to overcome them.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the understanding of the psychological and sociocultural challenges of international relocation in an authoritarian context and serves as valuable insight for relocation planning in similar conditions, which are an ever-increasing feature of international business.

Originality/value

This paper gives a unique insight into international relocation in Cuba and draws out the areas of concern for cross-cultural adjustment under authoritarian conditions, an ever-increasing feature of international business. It serves as an example of how context-based research can inform cross-cultural theory and practice within an evolving landscape of doing business globally.
Discovering the contextual factors for digital library education in Vietnam
Authors: Do Hung Van , Dorner Daniel G. , Calvert Philip
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover the contextual factors affecting the development of digital library education (DLE) in Vietnam and to determine how those factors are enabling or hindering its development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon the literature and the theories of Fullan (2007), Nowlen (1988) and Rogers (2003), an initial model of contextual factors that were potentially affecting DLE development in Vietnam was developed. The model was then tested using a qualitative methodology involving interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, along with the gathering of documentary evidence. The data were then analysed using the interactive model of Miles et al. (2014), and the initial model was then revised.

Findings

The initial model allowed for the depiction of potential factors, both internal and external, along with some relationships between the factors. Based on the data analysis, a revised model was developed composed of seven major contextual factors that were enabling and/or hindering DLE development in the Vietnamese context. These are grouped into three categories: external factors – government, IT infrastructure and social and cultural values; internal factors – stakeholders’ attitudes, DLE characteristics and the personal and organisational nexus; and change agents, which is both an internal and external factor. These factors had different levels of influence on DLE development and are inter-related.

Originality/value

No prior study has looked at contextual factors affecting DLE development in a developing country such as Vietnam.
Developing apprentice leaders through critical reflection
Authors: Schedlitzki Doris
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore opportunities for delivering sustainable leadership education through critical reflection embedded in the framework of higher and degree apprenticeships.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contributes to leadership development research that focusses on “leader becoming” as an ongoing process of situated learning (in the classroom and everyday work life). The approach to leadership development adopted in this paper proposes that sustainable leadership practices and decision making are developed when leadership learning is firmly embedded in work-based practices and critical self-reflection.

Findings

The discussion of critical reflection methods focusses on utilising the learning portfolio as a core aspect of all leadership and management apprenticeships to embed sustainable and reflective practice and facilitate situated leadership learning. The paper explores the role of training providers in actively connecting higher and degree apprenticeships to embed this model of leadership development and seeing leadership as a lifelong apprenticeship. It also highlights the potential for resistance by managers and senior leaders in seeing themselves as apprentices rather than accomplished leaders. By paying attention to issues of language and identity in this discussion, it will surface practical implications for the delivery of sustainable leadership education through the framework of apprenticeships.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable leadership education by exploring opportunities for re-framing leadership development as a lifelong apprenticeship focussed on personal and professional development. Recognising the resistance that often exists to reflective practice within leadership development contexts, this paper further explores ways of dealing with such resistance.
E-recruitment and training comprehensiveness: untapped antecedents of employer branding
Authors: Mishra Sovanjeet , Kumar S. Pavan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness as the untapped antecedents of employer branding (EB) in the relevant literature, which might enhance the employer’s knowledge and lead to organisational development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an exploratory conceptual modelling approach based on the extant literature from 1964 to 2017 using the databases of Emerald, EBSCO, Scopus, Proquest, JSTOR and search engines such as Google Scholar to ensure the reliability of the literature.

Findings

This paper suggests that e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness might be the untapped antecedents of EB as compared to traditional recruitment and training process explored in earlier studies.

Research limitations/implications

The viewpoint can be further refined through academic conceptualisation and empirical validation.

Practical implications

This paper lays a conceptual foundation in the emerging area of EB. Ideas expressed herein can be approached by academicians.

Originality/value

Past studies have not explored e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness as the antecedents of EB. This work provides knowledge that candidly contributes to the conceptualisation of e-recruitment and training comprehensiveness. Further, this research has the potential to help academicians to understand the antecedents of EB leading to organisational development.
A national policy process on social marketing
Authors: Santos Carlos Oliveira
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Since 2004, the British Government has delivered a national policy on social marketing that has created a new frame of reference in this field. This paper aims to study the genesis, evolution and implementation of the policy process that led to an important development in British public health.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth multifaceted single case study, mixing qualitative and quantitative data including participatory research, enabled by a cognitive approach based on elements of knowledge, ideas, representations and social beliefs in the elaboration of a public policy.

Findings

This approach to understanding the British policy on social marketing process demonstrates a useful explanatory capacity, producing a comprehensive articulation of the main cognitive, normative, and instrumental dimensions of this policy, including its significant mutations influenced by the 2008 Great Recession and subsequent political evolution.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has followed the British social marketing policy’s implementation in England. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, this national policy had specific developments that it was not followed in our study In general, subject to complex historical, social and political conditions, this is a field that preserves its dynamism and the ability to question concepts and processes. Ever seeking new directions and solutions, it requires an ongoing research study.

Practical implications

Conclusions speak in favour of a prescriptive framework for a national policy on social marketing that can inform other government entities’ efforts to develop similar policies in other countries. A correct understanding of such a political process can lead to better management of its development and its consequent contribution to improving social marketing policy and interventions.

Social implications

A proper conception and management of a social marketing policy can contribute to improving the well-being of citizens.

Originality/value

It is the first time that this specific cognitive approach has been applied so systematically to a national social marketing policy through a long-term research, providing a prescriptive framework for other’ efforts to develop similar policies.
The effect of organizational cynicism on job satisfaction
Authors: Kökalan Özgür
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating roles of organizational spiritual values in the relationship between organizational cycinism and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was selected by using a convenience sampling method. The sample included in 472 employees from different sectors such as higher education, banking, energy and manufacturing industry. Participants filled in organizational cycinism scale, job satisfaction scale and organizational spirituality scale. Comfirmatory factor analysis and structural equation method were used to detect the direction and level of the relationships between parameters.

Findings

According to the mediating analysis findings, organizational spirituality is the partial reason for the association between behavioral cycinism and job satisfaction. Organizational spirituality is also the full reason for the association between affective cycinism and job satisfaction and the relationship between cognitive cycinism and job satisfaction. This means that organizational spirituality decreases the negative effects of organizational cycinism on job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This research is not free from limitations just like others. First, the sampling was limited with only four sectors. In future studies, it can be favorable to take data from all other sectors. The second limitation was that organizational spirituality was the only factor that was used to determine the relationships among the three dimensions of organizational cynicism and job satisfaction. The last limitation was regarding the sample size. Although, sample size that was used in this research was enough to conduct all statistical analyses, extended sample size could be used in future studies.

Practical implications

The results of this research may benefit various stakeholders. While determining organizational spirituality elements in an organization, all the stakeholders’ voices should be included, and their values should be taken into consideration. In addition to this, all institutional employees should be trained about spirituality that exists in the organization, so that all employees will develop a strong bond with other employees and the organization. Moreover, organizational spirituality is closely related to organizational justice. If manager wants organizational spirituality to take root in the institution and eliminate the negativities, it is absolutely necessary to apply organizational justice in each and every matter within the organization.

Originality/value

There have been no studies exploring the mediating effects of organizational spirituality on the organizational cynicism and job satisfaction relationship. Therefore, this paper could be accepted as original.
Convolutional neural network-based inspection of metal additive manufacturing parts
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Jaiswal Prakhar , Rai Rahul , Guerrier Paul , Baggs George
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Part quality inspection is playing a critical role in the metal additive manufacturing (AM) industry. It produces a part quality analysis report which can be adopted to further improve the overall part quality. However, the part quality inspection process puts heavy reliance on the engineer’s background and experience. This manual process suffers from both low efficiency and potential errors and, therefore, cannot meet the requirement of real-time detection. The purpose of this paper is to look into a deep neural network, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), towards a robust method for online monitoring of AM parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed online monitoring method relies on a deep CNN that takes a real metal AM part’s images as inputs and the part quality categories as network outputs. The authors validate the efficacy of the proposed methodology by recognizing the “beautiful-weld” category from material CoCrMo top surface images. The images of “beautiful-weld” parts that show even hatch lines and appropriate overlaps indicate a good quality of an AM part.

Findings

The classification accuracy of the developed method using limited information of a small local block of an image is 82 per cent. The classification accuracy using the full image and the ensemble of model outputs is 100 per cent.

Originality/value

A real-world data set of high resolution images of ASTM F75 I CoCrMo-based three-dimensional printed parts (Top surface images with magnification 63×) annotated with categories labels. Development of a CNN-based classification model for the supervised learning task of recognizing a “beautiful-weld” AM parts. The classification accuracy using the full image and the ensemble of model outputs is 100 per cent.
Have Welsh agri‐environment schemes delivered for focal species? Results from a comprehensive monitoring programme
Authors: MacDonald Michael A. , Angell Ruth , Dines Trevor D. , Dodd Stephen , Haysom Karen A. , Hobson Russel , Johnstone Ian G. , Matthews Vaughn , Morris Antony J. , Parry Rob , Shellswell Catharine H. , Skates James , Tordoff George M. , Wilberforce Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2019

Agri‐environment schemes (AES) have been criticized for being inadequately monitored and for not delivering the expected benefits to nature. Consequently, the Welsh Government funded a comprehensive programme of monitoring of AES between 2009 and 2012. The AES assessment focused on Tir Gofal (which translates as “Land in Care”) but also included the Organic Farming Scheme, and monitoring focused on a range of taxa of conservation importance: arable plants, grassland fungi, bats (six species), butterflies (three species), birds (five species), water vole and brown hare.

Field surveys were carried out on matched farms and fields within and outside of AES. Response variables were spatial trends of abundance, occurrence and species richness, and were modelled against AES status. Existing data were also available for two bird species.

Few differences were observed between AES and non‐AES farms and fields. Those that were observed were for species that use arable habitats (which are uncommon in Wales): arable plants, yellowhammers and brown hares. The lack of differences in non‐arable habitats may reflect the smaller contrast between AES and non‐AES management in these habitats. It may also reflect the original condition of habitat entered into AES prescriptions, as most non‐arable prescriptions were defined by mandatory management of existing habitats, rather than optional habitat creation or restoration, which is the case for most arable prescriptions.

Despite the lack of differences observed, AES may help to maintain populations of species, making it more likely that they will persist in the landscape. There is evidence, from this monitoring programme and elsewhere, that AES can increase the populations of species, when well targeted and implemented.

Policy implications. Our results indicate that Welsh Agri‐environment schemes (AES) have been only partly successful in achieving their stated aim of “maintaining and enhancing species abundance”. They can be used to improve AES design and management, both in Wales and more widely, by identifying and promoting effective management interventions, and by identifying ineffective management interventions and seeking alternatives. Comprehensive monitoring of AES, combined with specific targets regarding expected outcomes, is essential to determine whether AES are providing value for money.
Extrusion of a Curcuminoid‐Enriched Oat Fiber‐Corn‐Based Snack Product
Authors: Sayanjali Sara , Sanguansri Luz , Ying Danyang , Buckow Roman , Gras Sally , Augustin Mary Ann
Published: January 2019

Extruded snack products were made from an oat fiber‐corn flour matrix fortified with 1.5% (w/w) curcuminoids (750 mg curcuminoids/100 g) to improve the solubility and stability of curcuminoids. The effects of extruder feed moisture content (21%, 28%, and 35%) and screw speed (200 and 300 rpm) on the extrusion parameters and physical properties of final snacks were investigated. Curcuminoids lost during extrusion and curcuminoids loss during subsequent drying of extrudates were analyzed, to separate the losses occurring in each unit process. Drying post extrusion (at 50 °C for 4 hr) was essential to obtain a crunchy shelf stable product (5% moisture). Curcuminoids loss during extrusion was from 17% to 84%, with high loss for the extrusion with low feed moisture content (21%). A further curcuminoids loss of 4% to 44% occurred during drying, with much higher loss for the extrudate with high moisture content. Total curcuminoids retained after extrusion and drying was 12% to 41% (59% to 88% loss), equivalent to 180 to 616 mg curcuminoids retained per 100 g snack, levels within recommended daily dose. Curcuminoids retained after drying was stable during 80 days of storage at 25 °C. The results highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of each unit process separately (for example, extrusion and drying) on the stability of curcuminoids for the development of healthier extruded snacks.

Practical Application

Extruded snacks products were developed by fortifying the snacks with oat fiber and curcuminoids in order to address the need for a healthy ready to eat food products. Some extrusion characteristics were selected to produce snack products which have favorable properties in terms of consumer acceptance.
Analysis of Triphenylmethane Dye Residues and their Leuco‐Forms in Frozen Fish by LC‐MS/MS, Fish Microbial Quality, and Effect of Immersion in Whole Milk on Dye Removal
Authors: Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Alhamad Mohammad N. , Rababah Taha , Ammari Zaid A. , Tranchant Carole C. , Talafha Wesam , AlRosan Mohammad
Published: January 2019

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was validated and used to quantify crystal violet (CV), leucocrystal violet (LCV), malachite green (MG), leucomalachite green (LMG), and brilliant green (BG) residues in frozen fish (121 samples) from various countries, in order to detect the use of prohibited antibiotic dyes in fish for human consumption. The microbial quality of the fish was also assessed along with the effectiveness of a simple treatment with whole fat milk to reduce the levels of CV and LCV contamination. CV and LCV were the only two residues detected. They were found in farmed Pangasius (0.362 to 41.34 μg/kg and 0.178 to 10.58 μg/kg, respectively) and Tilapia (1.24 to 9.48 μg/kg and 1.29 to 2.81 μg/kg). Based on aerobic plate count (APC), 74%, 59%, and 55% of the samples of Tilapia fillets (from China) and Pangasius fillets (United Arab Emirates and Vietnam), and 100% and 50% of the skin samples of Hake (Argentina and U.S.A.) were of unacceptable microbial quality (APC > 107 cfu/g). Human pathogens, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio spp., were detected in most fish. A significant reduction in CV and LCV concentrations by more than a third was achieved after immersing Pangasius and Tilapia fillets in whole fat milk for 120 minutes. These findings support the necessity of regular inspections and monitoring of CV and other antibiotic dye residues in fish, along with routine assessments of fish microbial quality, in order to protect public health.

Practical Application

The described LC‐MS/MS method can be used to rapidly and simultaneously quantify antibiotic dye residues in frozen fish. CV and LCV were detected in farmed Pangasius and Tilapia fillets and their concentrations was reduced by more than one third after immersing the fillets in whole milk for 120 min, a treatment which is not intended to replace safe fish farming practices upstream to artificially lower the level of banned dyes in fish. The findings support the necessity of regular inspections and monitoring of CV and other antibiotic dye residues in fish, along with assessments of fish microbial quality, to protect public health.
Achievement emotions with location‐based mobile augmented reality: An examination of discourse processes in simulated guided walking tours
Authors: Poitras Eric G. , Harley Jason M. , Liu Yang S.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to experimentally manipulate discourse processes hypothesized to impact the emotions students experience when interacting with handheld augmented reality devices in informal learning settings. Research conducted in the field is often limited by practical constraints, requiring heavy investments in time and resources to collect data from large samples of students. To demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed method, a guided walking tour with 60 students using a location‐based augmented reality app was simulated in the context of a controlled laboratory setting. The difference between groups of students clustered into distinct profiles of positive and negative self‐reported emotions was attributed to patterns in the mined dialog between students and tour guide. Furthermore, student engagement predicted the ability to recall topics covered in the tour. We discuss the implications and directions for future research in tour simulations conducted in a laboratory setting as a means to evaluate the role of mobile technologies in enhancing learning and desirable emotions.
Differential regulation of CpG island methylation within divergent and unidirectional promoters in colorectal cancer
Authors: Namba Shinichi , Sato Kazuhito , Kojima Shinya , Ueno Toshihide , Yamamoto Yoko , Tanaka Yosuke , Inoue Satoshi , Nagae Genta , Iinuma Hisae , Hazama Shoichi , Ishihara Soichiro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Mano Hiroyuki , Kawazu Masahito
Published: January 2019

The silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter CpG island (CGI) methylation is an important cause of oncogenesis. Silencing of MLH1 and BRCA1, two examples of oncogenic events, results from promoter CGI methylation. Interestingly, both MLH1 and BRCA1 have a divergent promoter, from which another gene on the opposite strand is also transcribed. Although studies have shown that divergent transcription is an important factor in transcriptional regulation, little is known about its implication in aberrant promoter methylation in cancer. In this study, we analyzed the methylation status of CGI in divergent promoters using a recently enriched transcriptome database. We measured the extent of CGI methylation in 119 colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical samples (65 microsatellite instability high [MSI‐H] CRC with CGI methylator phenotype, 28 MSI‐H CRC without CGI methylator phenotype and 26 microsatellite stable CRC) and 21 normal colorectal tissues using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We found that CGI within divergent promoters are less frequently methylated than CGI within unidirectional promoters in normal cells. In the genome of CRC cells, CGI within unidirectional promoters are more vulnerable to aberrant methylation than CGI within divergent promoters. In addition, we identified three DNA sequence motifs that correlate with methylated CGI. We also showed that methylated CGI are associated with genes whose expression is low in normal cells. Thus, we here provide fundamental observations regarding the methylation of divergent promoters that are essential for the understanding of carcinogenesis and development of cancer prevention strategies.
Inhibiting the MCM8‐9 complex selectively sensitizes cancer cells to cisplatin and olaparib
Authors: Morii Issay , Iwabuchi Yukiko , Mori Sumiko , Suekuni Masaki , Natsume Toyoaki , Yoshida Kazumasa , Sugimoto Nozomi , Kanemaki Masato T. , Fujita Masatoshi
Published: January 2019

MCM8 and MCM9 are paralogues of the MCM2‐7 eukaryotic DNA replication helicase proteins and play a crucial role in a homologous recombination‐mediated repair process to resolve replication stress by fork stalling. Thus, deficiency of MCM8‐9 sensitizes cells to replication stress caused, for example, by platinum compounds that induce interstrand cross‐links. It is suggested that cancer cells undergo more replication stress than normal cells due to hyperstimulation of growth. Therefore, it is possible that inhibiting MCM8‐9 selectively hypersensitizes cancer cells to platinum compounds and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors, both of which hamper replication fork progression. Here, we inhibited MCM8‐9 in transformed and nontransformed cells and examined their sensitivity to cisplatin and olaparib. We found that knockout of MCM9 or knockdown of MCM8 selectively hypersensitized transformed cells to cisplatin and olaparib. In agreement with reported findings, RAS‐ and human papilloma virus type 16 E7‐mediated transformation of human fibroblasts increased replication stress, as indicated by induction of multiple DNA damage responses (including formation of Rad51 foci). Such replication stress induced by oncogenes was further increased by knockdown of MCM8, providing a rationale for cancer‐specific hypersensitization to cisplatin and olaparib. Finally, we showed that knocking out MCM9 increased the sensitivity of HCT116 xenograft tumors to cisplatin. Taken together, the data suggest that conceptual MCM8‐9 inhibitors will be powerful cancer‐specific chemosensitizers for platinum compounds and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors, thereby opening new avenues to the design of novel cancer chemotherapeutic strategies.
Is Language Required to Represent Others’ Mental States? Evidence From Beliefs and Other Representations
Authors: Samuel Steven , Durdevic Kresimir , Legg Edward W. , Lurz Robert , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: January 2019

An important part of our Theory of Mind—the ability to reason about other people's unobservable mental states—is the ability to attribute false beliefs to others. We investigated whether processing these false beliefs, as well as similar but nonmental representations, is reliant on language. Participants watched videos in which a protagonist hides a gift and either takes a photo of it or writes a text about its location before a second person inadvertently moves the present to a different location, thereby rendering the belief and either the photo or text false. At the same time, participants performed either a concurrent verbal interference task (rehearsing strings of digits) or a visual interference task (remembering a visual pattern). Results showed that performance on false belief trials did not decline under verbal interference relative to visual interference. We interpret these findings as further support for the view that language does not form an essential part of the process of reasoning online (“in the moment”) about false beliefs.
Redlistr: tools for the IUCN Red Lists of ecosystems and threatened species in R
Authors: Lee Calvin K. F. , Keith David A. , Nicholson Emily , Murray Nicholas J.
Published: January 2019

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of ecosystems and Red List of threatened species are global standards for assessing risks of ecosystem collapse and species extinction. However, misconceptions of the Red List assessment process, along with its technically demanding nature, can result in the misapplication of their criteria, leading to inconsistent and potentially unreliable assessments. To address this problem, we developed redlistr, an R package aiding in the production of consistent species and ecosystem Red List assessments. Redlistr's features include methods to calculate 1) area from spatial data, 2) range size metrics, 3) rates of change of distributions or populations, and 4) distribution or population at another time from these rates. A key feature of the package is the systematic approach used to eliminate geometric uncertainty when estimating area of occupancy. Here, we develop two case studies to demonstrate the functionalities of redlistr with typical workflows for both species and ecosystems. Redlistr was developed to be accessible to users with a broad range of experience in programming for spatial and temporal data analysis, and sufficiently flexible to allow users to parameterise functions and select equations to fit their purposes. The package specifically aims to assist researchers and conservation practitioners to conduct robust and transparent risk assessments of ecosystems and species under the IUCN Red List criteria but is also useful for other studies requiring analyses of range size, area change and calculations of rates of change.
Moderate feminism within or against the neoliberal university? The example of Athena SWAN
Authors: Tzanakou Charikleia , Pearce Ruth
Published: January 2019

This article argues that gender equality programmes in universities and colleges may operate as a form of ‘moderate feminism’, producing contradictions through simultaneously providing a site of resistance and complicity for feminists. Our argument draws on a critical and empirical analysis of the Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) charter mark, which originated in the UK. We argue that Athena SWAN is a product of neoliberalization within the UK's academic environments, reflecting the tendency towards accountability, metrics and the performative ‘doing’ of equality work within this context. We problematize the operationalization and implementation of Athena SWAN processes in departments and universities, describing contradictions and caveats. Athena SWAN can lead to benefits and (limited) achievements in terms of culture change and institutional initiatives. However, the burden of undertaking this work predominantly falls upon women and other marginalized groups, such as people of colour and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Equality programmes such as Athena SWAN are often poorly designed to address complex issues, such as intersectional identities and discrimination experienced by self‐assessment team members. Nevertheless, we identify potential in utilizing Athena SWAN as a site of resistance and means to foster collective solidarity to work against neoliberal practices.
Pre-Christian Offerings from Guldhullet Near Smørenge On Bornholm, Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Finn Ole Sonne , Watt Margrethe
Published: January 2019

As a result of metal detector surveys over several years, a unique find of gold figurines and gold foil figures from the 6thcentury AD has come to light at a locality known as Guldhullet (‘the gold hole’). Geomagnetic surveys and a subsequent excavation in 2017 revealed a large number of ‘cooking pits’ close to the present-day damp area where the finds were made. The pits are roughly contemporary with the gold finds, which suggests that the location was both a sacrificial site and an important communal meeting place.
The depth of the implant mucosal tunnel modifies the development and resolution of experimental peri‐implant mucositis: A case–control study
Authors: Chan Dave , Pelekos George , Ho Dominic , Cortellini Pierpaolo , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Resolution and prevention of peri‐implant mucositis are a key in preventing peri‐implantitis. This case–control study aims to assess the modifying effect of a deep mucosal tunnel (DMT) on the induction and resolution phases of experimental peri‐implant mucositis.

Methods

Nineteen subjects with a tissue level implant were assigned to cases (DMT, depth ≥3 mm) or controls (shallow mucosal tunnel ≤1 mm, SMT). Subjects underwent a standard experimental peri‐implant mucositis protocol characterized by an oral hygiene optimization phase, a 3‐week induction phase using an acrylic stent to prevent self‐performed oral hygiene at the experimental implant, and a 3 + 2 weeks resolution phase. Modified plaque (mPI), gingival index (mGI) and peri‐implant sulcus fluid IL‐1β concentrations were measured over time. Differences between DMT and SMT were assessed with the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Modified plaque index and mGI increased in parallel during the induction phase. After resumption of oral hygiene practice, mPI and mGI resolved towards baseline values in the SMT group. In DMT, mPI and mGI values diverged: plaque resolved but resolution of inflammation was delayed and of smaller magnitude during the first 3 weeks after resumption of oral hygiene. IL‐1β concentrations were significantly higher in DMT at 21 days (end of induction) and during the resolution phase corroborating the clinical findings. Removal of the crown and submucosal professional cleaning were needed to revert mGI to baseline values in DMT implants.

Conclusions

The depth of the mucosal tunnel modifies the resolution of experimental peri‐implant mucositis at transmucosal implants. This observation raises important questions on the effectiveness of self‐performed oral hygiene in cases where implants are placed deeper and the ability to resolve mucositis and effectively prevent peri‐implantitis in such situations.
The effect of corporate governance on credit ratings: Evidence from China's bond market
Authors: Bradford William , Chen Chao , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the association between firms’ corporate governance and credit ratings (both bond ratings and issuer ratings) in China. In addition to considering the financial attributes of bond issuers, we ask to what extent do credit rating agencies consider the corporate governance attributes of issuers? In concept, bondholders are concerned with the financial effects of how corporate governance resolves the agency conflicts between bondholders and managers, majority and minority shareholders, and shareholders and bondholders. We find that corporate governance affects bond issuer credit ratings in China. After controlling for firms’ financial attributes, we find that issuer ratings are positively related to dual‐listing, whether the firm is a state‐owned enterprise, the ownership of the second to the tenth largest shareholder; and negatively related to the relative scale of audit fees. We attribute the positive association between dual‐listing and credit rating to higher quality and transparency of information reported by the dual‐listed firm. The value to bondholders of the implicit government guarantee of debt payments more than offsets the negative association between firm value and being an SOE. Bond rating agencies expect that the change in agency costs with a reduction in the ownership of the largest shareholder benefits bondholders. To credit rating agencies, the scale of audit fees (relative to total assets of the accounting firm) signals interest binding between the client firm and the accounting firm that threatens the independence of auditing and the quality of financial reporting. We also find that bond‐specific attributes: collateral and issue size, are positively related to bond credit ratings.
Keep your cool and win the game: Emotion regulation and performance in table tennis
Authors: Kubiak Jeanette , Rother Sonja , Egloff Boris
Published: January 2019

Objective

People often feel anxious prior to performance situations, and this can lead to performance decrements. Thus, applying effective emotion regulation strategies could be crucial for achieving maximum performance.

Method

We investigated the relation between dispositional precompetition emotion regulation and competition performance. Participants were 310 table tennis players (240 men, Mage = 39.07, SD = 15.99). Self‐reported emotion regulation behavior was matched with objective performance data.

Results

We found that positive cognitive change strategies were positively related and negative cognitive change strategies were negatively related to winning in competitions. Furthermore, athletes with a higher performance status more often used situation modification, positive cognitive change, and response modulation strategies.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to personality research by providing evidence for the (non)effectiveness of certain emotion regulation strategies.
Heteroglossia and Constructed Dialogue in SLA
Authors: LaSCOTTE DARREN , TARONE ELAINE
Published: January 2019

Addressing themes from the Douglas Fir Group's (2016) transdisciplinary framework, this paper bridges boundaries between cognitive and social disciplines by showing how social contextual factors can affect the psycholinguistic development of complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) in learner language. Sociolinguistic and sociocultural frameworks are blended with use of a multidimensional psycholinguistic frame, CAF, to analyze speech samples produced by 10 adult learners of English across different developmental levels as they all produced narratives containing constructed dialogue. Learners enacted imagined ‘voices’ that were significantly more accurate and fluent compared to their narrative baseline voices. Our findings suggest that emerging L2 proficiency consists of many distinct voices that can significantly differ in accuracy of grammatical forms and fluency; related studies show they also differ in suprasegmentals, nonverbals, discourse style, and expressed social stance. Learners’ ability to produce such voices in constructed dialogue supports a view of their proficiency as heteroglossic, complex, dynamic, and holistic, and of language play as facilitative of SLA. Theoretical and practical implications for L2 learning, instruction, and assessment are considered.
Dental development in a sample of South African HIV‐positive children
Authors: Titinchi Fadi , Behardien Nashreen
Published: January 2019

Aims

While oral soft tissue manifestations associated with HIV‐infection in children are well documented, few studies have investigated the dental development of this group. The aim of this study was to assess dental development in a sample of HIV‐positive children in comparison with an age‐matched HIV‐negative control group.

Methods and results

The sample comprised 44 HIV‐positive children and 44 HIV‐negative children matched for age, gender, and ethnicity. An orthopantomograph (OPG) of each patient was assessed in order to calculate the dental age. The mineralization stages of teeth were used to calculate the dental age using tables formulated by Phillips and van Wyk‐Kotze for this grouping. Results showed that dental development for both groups were similar to the dental age‐related tables. HIV‐positive children between 8 and 10 years of age showed significantly advanced dental development (p = 0.04). HIV‐positive females showed significant advancement in dental age as compared to their chronological ages. Thirty‐six (81.8%) HIV‐positive children were on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

Conclusion

HIV‐positive children presented stages of dental development in accordance with their chronological ages and in tandem with that of the HIV‐negative controls.