bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of endothelial cell coverage by pericytes: computational modelling of cell wrapping andin vitroexperiments
Authors: Sugihara Kei , Sasaki Saori , Uemura Akiyoshi , Kidoaki Satoru , Miura Takashi
Published: January 2020

Pericytes (PCs) wrap around endothelial cells (ECs) and perform diverse functions in physiological and pathological processes. Although molecular interactions between ECs and PCs have been extensively studied, the morphological processes at the cellular level and their underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, using a simple cellular Potts model, we explored the mechanisms for EC wrapping by PCs. Based on the observedin vitrocell wrapping in three-dimensional PC–EC coculture, the model identified four putative contributing factors: preferential adhesion of PCs to the extracellular matrix (ECM), strong cell–cell adhesion, PC surface softness and larger PC size. While cell–cell adhesion can contribute to the prevention of cell segregation and the degree of cell wrapping, it cannot determine the orientation of cell wrapping alone. While atomic force microscopy revealed that PCs have a larger Young’s modulus than ECs, the experimental analyses supported preferential ECM adhesion and size asymmetry. We also formulated the corresponding energy minimization problem and numerically solved this problem for specific cases. These results give biological insights into the role of PC–ECM adhesion in PC coverage. The modelling framework presented here should also be applicable to other cell wrapping phenomena observedin vivo.
Second-order PDEs in four dimensions with half-flat conformal structure
Authors: Berjawi S. , Ferapontov E. V. , Kruglikov B. , Novikov V.
Published: January 2020

We study second-order partial differential equations (PDEs) in four dimensions for which the conformal structure defined by the characteristic variety of the equation is half-flat (self-dual or anti-self-dual) on every solution. We prove that this requirement implies the Monge–Ampère property. Since half-flatness of the conformal structure is equivalent to the existence of a non-trivial dispersionless Lax pair, our result explains the observation that all known scalar second-order integrable dispersionless PDEs in dimensions four and higher are of Monge–Ampère type. Some partial classification results of Monge–Ampère equations in four dimensions with half-flat conformal structure are also obtained.
Linear and nonlinear thermosolutal instabilities in an inclined porous layer
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Narayana Puranam Anantha Lakshmi , Sahu Kirti Chandra
Published: January 2020

We investigate the double-diffusive instability in an inclined porous layer with a concentration-based internal heat source by conducting linear instability and nonlinear energy analyses. The effects of different dimensionless parameters, such as the thermal (
Ra
T
) and solutal (
Ra
S
) Rayleigh numbers, the angle of inclination (
ϕ
), the Lewis number (
Le
) and the concentration-based internal heat source (
Q
) are examined. A comparison between the linear and nonlinear thresholds for the longitudinal and transverse rolls provides the region of subcritical instability. We found that the system becomes more unstable when the thermal diffusivity is greater than the solute and the internal heat source strength increases. It is observed that the system is stabilized by increasing the angle of inclination. While the longitudinal roll remains stationary without the region of subcritical instability, as the angle of inclination increases, the transverse roll switches from stationary-oscillatory-stationary mode. Our numerical results show that for
Ra
S
 < 0, for all
Q
values, the subcritical instability only exists for transverse rolls. For
Ra
S
 ≥ 0, however, the subcritical instability appears only for
Q
 = 0 and
Q
 ≥ 0, respectively, for longitudinal and transverse rolls.
Species interactions and environmental context affect intraspecific behavioural trait variation and ecosystem function
Authors: Cassidy Camilla , Grange Laura J. , Garcia Clement , Bolam Stefan G. , Godbold Jasmin A.
Published: January 2020

Functional trait-based approaches are increasingly adopted to understand and project ecological responses to environmental change; however, most assume trait expression is constant between conspecifics irrespective of context. Using two species of benthic invertebrate (brittlestars
Amphiura filiformis
and
Amphiura chiajei
), we demonstrate that trait expression at individual and community levels differs with biotic and abiotic context. We use PERMANOVA to test the effect of species identity, density and local environmental history on individual (righting and burrowing) and community (particle reworking and burrow ventilation) trait expression, as well as associated effects on ecosystem functioning (sediment nutrient release). Trait expression differs with context, with repercussions for the faunal mediation of ecosystem processes; we find increased rates of righting and burial behaviour and greater particle reworking with increasing density that are reflected in nutrient generation. However, the magnitude of effects differed within and between species, arising from site-specific environmental and morphological differences. Our results indicate that traits and processes influencing change in ecosystem functioning are products of both prevailing and historic conditions that cannot be constrained within typologies. Trait-based study must incorporate context-dependent variation, including intraspecific differences from individual to ecosystem scales, to avoid jeopardizing projections of ecosystem functioning and service delivery.
Wetter climates select for higher immune gene diversity in resident, but not migratory, songbirds
Authors: O'Connor Emily A. , Hasselquist Dennis , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Westerdahl Helena , Cornwallis Charlie K.
Published: January 2020

Pathogen communities can vary substantially between geographical regions due to different environmental conditions. However, little is known about how host immune systems respond to environmental variation across macro-ecological and evolutionary scales. Here, we select 37 species of songbird that inhabit diverse environments, including African and Palaearctic residents and Afro-Palaearctic migrants, to address how climate and habitat have influenced the evolution of key immune genes, the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). Resident species living in wetter regions, especially in Africa, had higher MHC-I diversity than species living in drier regions, irrespective of the habitats they occupy. By contrast, no relationship was found between MHC-I diversity and precipitation in migrants. Our results suggest that the immune system of birds has evolved greater pathogen recognition in wetter tropical regions. Furthermore, evolving transcontinental migration appears to have enabled species to escape wet, pathogen-rich areas at key periods of the year, relaxing selection for diversity in immune genes and potentially reducing immune system costs.
Acetobacter oryzoeni sp. nov., isolated from Korean rice wine vinegar
Authors: Baek Ju Hye , Kim Kyung Hyun , Moon Ji Young , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Jeon Che Ok
Published: January 2020

A Gram-stain-negative, obligately aerobic bacterium, designated strain B6T, was isolated from rice wine vinegar in the Republic of Korea. Cells were non-motile and oval short rods showing catalase-positive and oxidase-negative activities. Growth was observed at 15–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 3.5–8.0 (optimum, pH 5.5–6.5). Strain B6T contained summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1
ω6c), and C16 : 0 as major fatty acids and ubiquinone-9 was identified as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA calculated from the whole genome was 53.1 mol%. Strain B6T was most closely related to

Acetobacter pasteurianus

LMG 1262T with very high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (100 %) and the strains formed a very close phylogenetic lineage together in phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. However, relatedness analyses based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 354 core genes and whole-cell MALDI-TOF profiles showed that strain B6T may form a distinct phyletic lineage from

Acetobacter

species. In addition, average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain B6T and the type strains of

Acetobacter

species were less than 93.3 and 51.4 %, respectively. The genomic features of strain B6T were also differentiated from those of closely related

Acetobacter

type strains. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic features, strain B6T clearly represents a novel species of the genus

Acetobacter

, for which the name Acetobacter oryzoeni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B6T (=KACC 21201T=JCM 33371T).
Teunomyces basidiocarpi sp. nov. and Teunomyces luguensis sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeast species related to the Candida kruisii clade isolated in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chin-Feng , Liu Yi-Ru , Lee Ching-Fu
Published: January 2020

Four strains of anamorphic yeasts isolated from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms collected in Taiwan were found to represent two novel yeast species belonging to the genusTeunomyces, which was formally known as theCandida kruisiiclade. Strains NY13M09Tand NY14M14 were related to the type strains ofTeunomyces panamensis,T. pallodes,T. tritomaeandT. lycoperdinae, and strains GG4M07Tand GG6M14 were related toT. kruisiiNRRL Y-17087TandT. cretensisNRRL Y-27777T. However, strains NY13M09Tand NY14M14 differed from their closest phylogenetic neighbours by 2.9–3.7 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 6.6–13.7 % in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS); GG4M07Tand GG6M14 differed from their closest known species by 2.4 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 8.7–10.0 % in the ITS. Meanwhile, these strains were also clearly distinguished from their closest relatives based on the results of physiological tests. Based on the characteristics described above, the strains could be regarded as representing two novel species of the genusTeunomyces, for which the namesTeunomyces basidiocarpisp. nov. andTeunomyces luguensissp. nov. are proposed. The holotypes areTeunomyces basidiocarpiBCRC 23475TandTeunomyces luguensisBCRC 23476T.
Gordonia insulae sp. nov., isolated from an island soil
Authors: Kim Yeong Seok , Roh Su Gwon , Kim Seung Bum
Published: January 2020

A mycolic acid-containing actinobacterium designated strain MMS17-SY073T was isolated from island soil. The isolate showed best growth at 25 °C, pH 6, and 0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MMS17-SY073T belongs to the genus

Gordonia

, and is mostly related to the type strains of

Gordonia soli

(98.5 % sequence similarity),

Gordonia polyisoprenivorans

(98.1%), and

Gordonia hankookensis

(97.8%). The genome-based comparisons showed a clear distinction between the strain and the two neighbouring species,

G. soli

and

G. polyisoprenivorans

, with the average nucleotide identities (ANI) of 75.8 and 76.3 %, respectively. Notably, the genome of strain MMS17-SY073T was the largest in total stretch and gene counts among the complete genomes of

Gordonia

, and contained a number of biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites, in particular those for non-ribosomal peptide synthetases. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidyl glycerol (DPG), phosphatidyl glycerol (PG), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl inositol (PI) and phosphatidyl inositol mannoside (PIM). The isoprenoid quinone was MK-9(H2), and the main fatty acids were C16 : 0 (30.2%) and 10-methyl-C18 : 0 (33.7%). The whole cell hydrolysates contained galactose, arabinose, and meso-diaminopimelic acid. The DNA G+C content was 67.4 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genetic analysis, strain MMS17-SY073T should be classified as a new species of the genus

Gordonia

, for which the name Gordonia insulae sp. nov. is proposed (type strain=MMS17-SY073T=KCTC 49257T=JCM 33277T).
Reduced loss aversion in subclinical negative symptoms and hypomania
Authors: Klaus Federica , Chumbley Justin , Seifritz Erich , Kaiser Stefan , Hartmann-Riemer Matthias
Published: January 2020

Loss aversion is a behavioral phenomenon that describes a higher sensitivity to losses than to gains and influences decisions. Decision-making is altered in several psychopathologic states, such as in the two symptom dimensions of hypomania and negative symptoms. It has been argued that progress in our understanding of psychopathology requires a reorientation from the traditional, syndrome-based perspective to a more detailed study of individual constituent symptoms. In the present study, we made careful efforts to dissociate the relationship of loss aversion to negative symptoms, from its relationship with hypomanic symptoms. We selected a sample of 45 subjects from a healthy student population (n = 835) according to psychopathologic scales for hypomania and negative symptoms and stratified them into a control group (n = 15), a subclinical hypomania group (n = 15) and a negative symptoms group (n = 15). Participants completed a loss aversion task consisting of forced binary choices between a monetary gamble and a riskless choice with no gain or loss. We found, that these two symptom dimensions of hypomania and negative symptoms have a similar inverse relation to loss aversion as demonstrated by analysis of variance. Further research is warranted to describe the underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms at play. Given the partially opposing nature of hypomania and negative symptoms it further needs to be elucidated whether they are linked to loss aversion via dissociable mechanisms.
Projections between visual cortex and pulvinar nucleus in the rat
Authors: Scholl Leo R. , Foik Andrzej T. , Lyon David C.
Published: January 2020

The extrageniculate visual pathway, which carries visual information from the retina through the superficial layers of the superior colliculus and the pulvinar nucleus, is poorly understood. The pulvinar is thought to modulate information flow between cortical areas, and has been implicated in cognitive tasks like directing visually guided actions. In order to better understand the underlying circuitry, we performed retrograde injections of modified rabies virus in the visual cortex and pulvinar of the Long-Evans rat. We found a relatively small population of cells projecting to primary visual cortex (V1), compared to a much larger population projecting to higher visual cortex. Reciprocal corticothalamic projections showed a similar result, implying that pulvinar does not play as big a role in directly modulating V1 activity as previously thought.
Framework for Identifying Drug Repurposing Candidates from Observational Healthcare Data
Authors: Ozery-Flato Michal , Goldschmidt Yaara , Shaham Oded , Ravid Sivan , Yanover Chen
Published: January 2020

Objective

Observational medical databases, such as electronic health records and insurance claims, track the healthcare trajectory of millions of individuals. These databases provide real-world longitudinal information on large cohorts of patients and their medication prescription history. We present an easy-to-customize framework that systematically analyzes such databases to identify new indications for on-market prescription drugs.

Materials and Methods

Our framework provides an interface for defining study design parameters and extracting patient cohorts, disease-related outcomes, and potential confounders in two observational databases, covering more than 150 million patients. It then applies causal inference methodology to emulate hundreds of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for prescribed drugs, while adjusting for confounding and selection biases. After correcting for multiple testing, it outputs the estimated effects and their statistical significance in each database.

Results

We demonstrate the utility of the framework in a case study of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and evaluate the effect of 259 drugs on various PD progression measures. The results of these emulated trials reveal a remarkable agreement between the two observational medical databases for the most promising candidates.

Discussion

Estimating drug effects from observational data is challenging due to data biases and noise. To tackle this challenge, we integrate causal inference methodology with domain knowledge and compare the estimated effects in two separate databases.

Conclusion

Our framework enables a systematic search for drug repurposing candidates by emulating RCTs that use observational data. The high level of agreement in the results obtained in two separate databases provides an internal validation of identified effects.
CloudASM: an ultra-efficient cloud-based pipeline for mapping allele-specific DNA methylation
Authors: Dumont Emmanuel LP , Tycko Benjamin , Do Catherine
Published: January 2020

Methods for quantifying the imbalance in CpG methylation between alleles genome-wide have been described but their algorithmic time complexity is quadratic and their practical use requires painstaking attention to infrastructure choice, implementation, and execution. To solve this problem, we developed CloudASM, a scalable, ultra-efficient, turn-key, portable pipeline on Google Cloud Computing (GCP) that uses a novel pipeline manager and GCP’s serverless enterprise data warehouse.

Availability and Implementation

CloudASM is freely available in the GitHub repositoryhttps://github.com/TyckoLab/CloudASMand a sample dataset and its results are also freely available athttps://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/cloudasm.

Contact

emmanuel.dumont@hmh-cdi.org

Supplementary information

None.
Modelling the Replay of Dynamic Memories from Cortical Alpha Oscillations with the Sync-Fire / deSync Model
Authors: Parish George , Michelmann Sebastian , Hanslmayr Simon , Bowman Howard
Published: January 2020

We here propose a neural network model to explore how neural oscillations might regulate the replay of memory traces. We simulate the encoding and retrieval of a series of events, where temporal sequences are uniquely identifiable by analysing population activity, as several recent EEG/MEG studies have shown. Our model comprises three parts, each considering distinct hypotheses. A cortical region actively represents sequences through the disruption of an intrinsically generated alpha rhythm, where a desynchronisation marks information-rich operations as the literature predicts. A binding region converts each event into a discrete index, enabling repetitions through a sparse encoding of events. We also instantiate a temporal region, where an oscillatory “ticking-clock” made up of hierarchical synfire chains discretely indexes a moment in time. By encoding the absolute timing between events, we show how one can use cortical desynchronisations to dynamically detect unique temporal signatures as they are replayed in the brain.
Vaccination withSchistosoma mansonicholinesterases reduces parasite burden and egg viability in a mouse model of schistosomiasis
Authors: Tedla Bemnet A. , Pickering Darren , Becker Luke , Loukas Alex , Pearson Mark S.
Published: January 2020

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease which kills 300,000 people every year in developing countries and there is no vaccine. Recently, we have shown that cholinesterases (ChEs) - enzymes that regulate neurotransmission - fromSchistosoma mansoniare expressed on the tegument and present in the excretory/secretory products of schistosomula and adult worms, and are essential for parasite survival in the definitive host, highlighting their utility as potential schistosomiasis vaccine targets. When treatedin vitrowith anti-SmChE IgG, both schistosomula and adult worms displayed significantly decreased ChE activity, which eventually resulted in parasite death. Vaccination with individual SmChEs, or a combination of all three SmChEs, significantly reduced worm burdens in two independent trials compared to controls. Liver egg burdens were significantly decreased for all vaccinated mice across both trials (13% - 46%) except for those vaccinated withSmAChE1 in trial 1. Egg viability, as determined by egg hatching from liver homogenates, was significantly reduced in the groups vaccinated with theSmChE cocktail (40%) andSmAChE2 (46%). Further, surviving worms from each vaccinated group were significantly stunted and depleted of glycogen stores, compared to controls. These results suggest thatSmChEs could be incorporated into a vaccine against schistosomiasis to reduce the pathology and transmission of this debilitating disease.
Rethinking the role of lipids in lager yeast cells during beer fermentation from a transcriptome and systems biology perspective
Authors: Bonatto Diego
Published: January 2020

Brewing lager yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) is exposed to stressful conditions during beer fermentation, including ethanol toxicity. In response to ethanol toxicity, various biological mechanisms are modulated, including lipid biosynthesis. It is well known that during beer fermentation, the composition of yeast membranes changes in response to ethanol toxicity, making it less fluid and permeable. Additionally, neutral lipids and lipid droplets (LDs) are produced in response to ethanol toxicity. LDs are membranous organelles that transport lipids and proteins, acting as hubs for inter-organellar communication and modulating the activity of mechanisms necessary for ethanol tolerance, such as proteostasis and autophagy. Unfortunately, little is known about the interplay between autophagy, lipid metabolism, and proteostasis (ALP) in lager cells during beer fermentation. Therefore, transcriptome analyses using publicly available DNA microarray data obtained from lager yeast cells were used to identify all the ALP-associated genes that were upregulated during beer fermentation compared to yeast biomass propagation. Thereafter, a top-down systems biology analysis was applied, involving constructing an ALP-associated shortest-pathway protein–protein interaction network (ALP network), identifying important nodes and communities within the ALP network, and identifying the overrepresented biological processes and cellular components using a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The transcriptome analyses indicated the upregulation of 204 non-redundant ALP-associated genes during beer fermentation, whose respective proteins interact in the shortest-pathway ALP network. Thirteen communities were selected from the ALP network, and they were associated with multiple overrepresented GO biological processes and cellular components, such as mitophagy, cytoplasm-to-vacuole transport, piecemeal microautophagy of the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ergosterol and lipid biosynthesis, LDs, ER membrane, and phagophore assembly. These results indicate that ethanol tolerance in lager yeasts could be due to the modulation of proteostasis and various forms of autophagy by lipid biosynthesis and LDs, thus highlighting the importance of lipids for beer fermentation.
Vernalization alters sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) sink and source identities and reverses phloem translocation from taproots to shoots
Authors: Rodrigues Cristina Martins , Müdsam Christina , Keller Isabel , Zierer Wolfgang , Czarnecki Olaf , Corral José María , Reinhardt Frank , Nieberl Petra , Sommer Frederik , Schroda Michael , Mühlhaus Timo , Harms Karsten , Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Sonnewald Uwe , Koch Wolfgang , Ludewig Frank , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Pommerrenig Benjamin
Published: January 2020

During vegetative growth, biennial sugar beets maintain a steep gradient between the shoot (source) and the sucrose-storing taproot (sink). To shift from vegetative to generative growth, they require a chilling phase, called vernalization. Here, we studied sugar beet sink-source dynamics upon cold temperature-induced vernalization and revealed a pre-flowering taproot sink to source reversal. This transition is induced by transcriptomic and functional reprogramming of sugar beet tissue, resulting in a reversal of flux direction in long distance transport system, the phloem. As a key process for this transition, vacuolar sucrose importers and exporters, BvTST2;1 and BvSUT4, are oppositely regulated, leading to re-mobilization of sugars from taproot storage vacuoles. Concomitant changes in the expression of floral regulator genes suggest that the now deciphered processes are a prerequisite for bolting. Our data may thus serve dissecting metabolic and developmental triggers for bolting, which are potential targets for genome editing or breeding approaches.
Beware of asymptomatic transmission: Study on 2019-nCoV prevention and control measures based on extended SEIR model
Authors: Shao Peng , Shan Yingji
Published: January 2020

Background

The 2019 new coronavirus, “2019-nCoV”, was discovered from Wuhan Viral Pneumonia cases in December 2019, and was named by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020. In the early stage, people knows little about the 2019-nCoV virus was not clear, and the spread period was encountering China’s annual spring migration, which made the epidemic spread rapidly from Wuhan to almost all provinces in China.

Methods

This study builds a SEIRD model that considers the movement of people across regions, revealing the effects of three measures on controlling the spread of the epidemic.Based on MATLAB R2017a, computational experiments were performed to simulate the epidemic prevention and control measures.

Findings

The research results show that current prevention and control measures in China are very necessary. This study further validates the concerns of international and domestic experts regarding asymptomatic transmission (E-status).

Interpretation

The results of this study are applicable to explore the impact of the implementation of relevant measures on the prevention and control of epidemic spread, and to identify key individuals that may exist during the spread of the epidemic.
An Expanded Role for WRINKLED1 Metabolic Control Based on Combined Phylogenetic and Biochemical Analyses
Authors: Kuczynski Cathleen , McCorkle Sean , Keereetaweep Jantana , Shanklin John , Schwender Jorg
Published: January 2020

During triacylglycerol biosynthesis in developing oilseeds ofArabidopsis thaliana, fatty acid production is regulated by the seed-specific transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1). WRI1 is known to directly stimulate the expression of fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes and a few targets in glycolysis. However, it remains unclear to what extent and how the conversion of sugars into fatty acid biosynthetic precursors in seeds is controlled by WRI1. Based on a previously reported DNA binding motif for WRI1, the ASML1/WRI1 (AW)- box, we developed a comparative genomics approach to search for conserved binding motifs in upstream regions ofArabidopsis thalianaprotein-encoding genes and orthologous regions of 11 other Brassicaceae species. The AW-box was over-represented across orthologs for 915Arabidopsis thalianagenes. Among these, 73 genes with functions in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols and in glycolysis were enriched. For 90 AW-box sequences associated with these target genes, binding affinity to heterologously expressedArabidopsis thalianaWRI1 protein was determined using Microscale Thermophoresis. Sites with low dissociation constants are preferentially located close to the transcriptional start site and are highly conserved between the 12 Brassicaceae species. Most of the associated genes were found to be co-expressed with WRI1 during seed development. When 46 automatically and manually curated genes containing conserved AW-sites with high binding affinity are mapped to central metabolism, a conserved regulatory blueprint emerges that infers concerted control of contiguous pathway sections in fatty acid biosynthesis and glycolysis. Among unexpectedly identified putative targets of WRI1 are plastidic fructokinase, phosphoglucose isomerase and several transcription factors.

One sentence summary

A combined comparative genomics and in-vitro DNA binding assay approach was used to identify conserved binding sites for the WRINKLED1 transcription factor in central metabolism and lipid biosynthesis.
Virus-mediated transient expression techniques enable genetic modification ofAlopecurus myosuroides
Authors: Mellado-Sánchez Macarena , McDiarmid Faye , Cardoso Victor , Kanyuka Kostya , MacGregor Dana R.
Published: January 2020

Even though considerable progress has been made in weed ecology, weed molecular biology has been hindered by an inability to genetically manipulate weeds. Genetic manipulation is essential to demonstrate a causative relationship between genotype and phenotype. Herein we demonstrate that virus-mediated transient expression techniques developed for other monocots can be used in black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) for loss- and gain-of-function studies. We not only use virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) to create the black-grass exhibiting reducedPHYTOENE DESATURASEexpression and virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) to drive GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN, we demonstrate these techniques are applicable to testing hypotheses related to herbicide resistance in black-grass. We use VIGS to demonstrate thatAmGSTF1is necessary for the resistant biotype Peldon to survive fenoxaprop application and show the heterologous expression of thebialaphos resistancegene with VOX is sufficient to confer resistance to an otherwise lethal dose of glufosinate. Black-grass is the most problematic weed for winter-cereal farmers in the UK and Western Europe as it has rapidly evolved adaptions that allow it to effectively avoid current integrated weed management practices. Black-grass also reduces yields and therefore directly threatens food security and productivity. Novel disruptive technologies which mitigate resistance evolution and enable better control over this pernicious weed are therefore required. These virus-mediated protocols offer a step change in our ability to alter genes of interest under controlled laboratory conditions and therefore to gain a molecular-level understanding of how black-grass can survive in the agri-environment.

One Sentence Summary

Virus-mediated transient expression techniques create loss- and gain-of-function mutations in black-grass and show causation between specific genotypes and measurable changes in herbicide resistance.
Extreme hot weather has stronger impacts on avian reproduction in forests than in cities
Authors: Pipoly Ivett , Preiszner Bálint , Sándor Krisztina , Sinkovics Csenge , Seress Gábor , Vincze Ernő , Bókony Veronika , Liker András
Published: January 2020

Climate change and urbanization are among the most salient human-induced changes affecting Earth’s biota. Extreme weather events can have high biological impacts and are becoming more frequent recently. In cities, the urban heat island can amplify the intensity and frequency of hot weather events. However, the joint effects of heat events and urban microclimate on wildlife are unclear, as urban populations may either suffer more from increased heat stress or become adapted to warmer temperatures. Here we test whether the effects of hot weather on reproductive success of great tits (Parus major) are exacerbated or dampened in urban environments compared to forest habitats. By studying two urban and two forest populations over six years, we show that 14-16 days-old nestlings have smaller body mass and tarsus length, and suffer increased mortality when they experience a higher number of hot days during the nestling period. The negative effects of hot weather on body mass and survival are significantly stronger in forests than in urban areas, where these effects are dampened or even reversed. These results suggest that urban birds are less vulnerable to extreme hot weather conditions than their non-urban conspecifics, possibly by adaptively evolving or flexibly adjusting nestling physiology to tolerate heat stress, and/or by adjusting parental behavior in response to heat. This finding highlights that endothermic vertebrates may be able to adapt to heat stress, which may help their populations cope with the joint challenges of climate change and urbanization.

Significance statement

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change and can have substantial effects on reproduction and survival of wild animals. Urban heat island can amplify the frequency of extreme hot weather events, making it potentially more harmful for city-dwelling organisms. Alternatively, urban populations living in warmer environments may adapt to better tolerate heat. We investigated these alternatives by comparing nestling development and survival between urban and forest great tit (Parus major) populations. We found that urban populations are less vulnerable to heat: nestling body mass and survival decreased rapidly with the increasing number of hot days in forests, while these effects were dampened in urban broods. Thus, urban populations may become adapted to better tolerate heat events.
Semi-analytical solution to one-dimensional consolidation of viscoelastic saturated soils subject to an inner point sink
Authors: Li Peichao , Li Linzhong , Lu Mengmeng
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a semi-analytical solution to one-dimensional (1D) consolidation induced by a constant inner point sink in viscoelastic saturated soils.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Kelvin–Voigt constitutive law and 1D consolidation equation of saturated soils subject to an inner sink, the analytical solutions of the effective stress, the pore pressure and the surface settlement in Laplace domain were derived by using Laplace transform. Then, the semi-analytical solutions of the pore pressure and the surface settlement in physical domain were obtained by implementing Laplace numerical inversion via Crump method.

Findings

As for the case of linear elasticity, it is shown that the simplified form of the presented solution in this study is the same as the available analytical solution in the literature. This to some degree depicts that the proposed solution in this paper is reliable. Finally, parameter studies were conducted to investigate the effects of the relevant parameters on the consolidation settlement of saturated soils. The presented solution and method are of great benefit to provide deep insights into the 1D consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils.

Originality/value

The presented solution and method are of great benefit to provide deep insights into the 1D consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils. Consolidation behavior of viscoelastic saturated soils could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed solution with considering variations of both flux and depth because of inner point sink.
School “Brillo de Luna”: sustainable business model
Authors: Villalobos Araya Rodrigo
Published: January 2020

Learning outcomes

In entrepreneurship courses, the case would allow discussing the contribution of social innovation. On the other hand, in strategy courses the case would allow proposing the business model for a social enterprise, to evaluate the creation, delivery and capture of value of a social enterprise. Depending on the course and approach you want to give to the case discussion, it can serve as support for the following objectives: arguing the contribution of social innovation to solve problems in a region; propose the resources and value proposition of the business model of a social enterprise; and attitudes promotion: understand the importance of ethics and responsibility in the development of social enterprises.

Case overview/synopsis

The case addresses the opportunity of the school “Brillo de Luna,” when developing social entrepreneurship, which requires projection, evaluation and management support. In this context, the director of the school must propose a business model that is sustainable in the long-term in the market and that generates shared value. The institutional relationship of the school “Brillo de Luna” with the Cristalchile company, through the social entrepreneurship of glass recycling, could generate economic, environmental and social value to the school community and the company.

Complexity academic level

Courses in which the case could be applied: entrepreneurship and strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Students’ perceptions and behavior toward on-campus foodservice operations
Authors: Smith Ruth Annette , White-McNeil Andrea , Ali Faizan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the students’ perceptions of an on-campus foodservice operation at an identified historically black college and university (HBCU) and its effect on their satisfaction and dining frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 685 students was conducted to collect data. Partial least squares based structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed structural model with SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

Results confirm that quality of food, ambience, value for money, food and beverage options and service quality have a positively significant impact on students’ overall satisfaction with the on-campus foodservice operation and dining frequency. As such, all the hypotheses are supported.

Research limitations/implications

These findings indicate that on-campus foodservice operators should focus on quality of food, ambience, value for money, food and beverage options and service quality to achieve student satisfaction. This in turn could positively impact the institution’s reputation, student retention and the marketability of the institution to future students.

Originality/value

This study would help on-campus foodservice operators to better understand the impact of the various elements of foodservice experience which will lead to students’ overall satisfaction and dining frequency, particularly in a HBCU setting.
3D female upper body modelling based on 2D images
Authors: Gu Bingfei , Ahmed Md Kawysar , Zhong Zejun , Jin Juanfeng
Published: January 2020

Purpose

With the rapid advancement of computer information technology, the traditional clothing industry has stridden towards automation and digitization that drive the growth of electronic commerce and line retailing. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach on 3D upper body modelling based on the body measurements extracted by non-contact anthropometry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the frontal and side images of the human body, the body sizes were extracted through silhouette extraction, identification of landmarks and girth prediction. The generation rules of 15 characteristic cross-sectional curves were established using a method “feature points – inserted points – feature curves – basic surface – mannequin”. The feature points of each position were determined at each curve, such as the side neck point, front neck point, shoulder point, bust point, and bust root point and so on to get the cross-sections, and then some feature points were inserted at the curves according to the widths and depths to establish the calculative models. For example, there are 18 points distributed at the bust cross-sectional curve to determine the shape.

Findings

The final mannequin could describe the basic characteristics of a human body, and the shape of the feature curves could also fit the body type to provide basis for the future research on automatic pattern generation.

Originality/value

This study can realize the 3D virtual modelling of female upper body and the automatic generation of the individualized apparel patterns based on the frontal and side images.
How green is accounting? Brazilian students’ perception
Authors: Junger da Silva Raphael , Tommasetti Roberto , Zaidan Gomes Monica , da Silva Macedo Marcelo Álvaro
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the undergraduate and graduate accounting students’ perceptions of sustainable (or green) information technology (IT) and information system (IS) practices and their contribution to its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was applied to 361 undergraduate and graduate accounting students in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in eight higher education institutions (HEIs). Data are analyzed with SPSS.

Findings

There is a high perception of importance regarding IT/IS sustainability practices among the accounting students tested, although respondents are not comfortable with predominantly technical IT/IS topics. However, students are divided on the significance of the accountant’s contribution to these practices, confirming that reflection on their future role is still a challenge for them and their HEIs. The female sub-sample attaches significantly greater importance than the male sample to the accountant role in the implementation of green IT practices.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have proposed a novel integrative framework of IT/IS theories related to sustainability and accounting, and how accounting professionals could participate in the “neutral arena” of the education for sustainable development (SD).

Practical implications

Findings could be useful for educators and coordinators of sustainability of IT/IS in accounting courses, stimulating brainstorming on the accountant’s role in assisting organizations in green IT/IS strategies, best practice and implementation.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to the research base of SD in HEIs. The lack of awareness identified in the study could be elaborated to stimulate discussion about the central role of the accountant in SD processes within organizations.
Challenges for education for sustainability in business courses
Authors: Singh Ananda Silva , Segatto Andréa Paula
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the main challenges faced by two business schools and a higher education institution when implementing education for sustainability (EfS). Also, it seeks to identify facilitating elements that contribute to minimizing or eliminating barriers faced by these institutions when implementing EfS.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach is used of a descriptive nature and a multicase study is used as research strategy. Data were collected through interviews with the individuals responsible for EfS process in the institutions studied and were analyzed by the content analysis technique.

Findings

The data allowed identifying new challenges, such as those related to the governance of educational institutions, as well as divergent values of higher education institutions (HEIs) and of EfS.

Research limitations/implications

The number of cases here analyzed does not allow generalization of the results.

Practical implications

The discussion of the empirical data with the literature has provided some insights regarding good practices and recommendations for educational institutions to minimize the challenges faced in EfS process.

Originality/value

The identification of facilitating elements to mitigate challenges faced by business schools and HEIs provide insights for other institutions who long for implementing EfS. Also, the lack of actions aimed at mitigating resource-related challenges shows the need to improve educational public policies to help embed EfS in HEIs and business schools.
Principal–principal agency conflicts, product market competition and corporate payout policy in China
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Zhang Xianzhi , Tauni Muhammad Zubair , Jebran Khalil
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction between competition and corporate payout policy and more specifically to answer the question that whether competition mitigates the principal–principal agency conflicts and influences firms to distribute dividends to shareholders in Chinese corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research models measures of competition with scaled measures of dividends and analyzes a sample of 16,730 firm-year observations from Chinese-listed manufacturing firms for the period spanning 2003 to 2016. Further, this research uses the Tobit model (a censored regression) to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

This research finds that intense competition not only mitigates agency problems and forces firms to disgorge cash but also increases a firm’s likelihood to pay dividends and weakens the negative association between agency conflicts and dividends.

Practical implications

The results show an important policy implication for the industry. As the principal–principal agency conflict restrains the dividends, the regulatory authorities could encourage a competitive environment and a more diverse ownership structure to induce a higher dividend rate and protect the minority shareholders. In addition, this study also has implications for other emerging markets characterized by concentrated ownership and principal–principal agency problems.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature related to the disciplinary role of competition and identifies competition as a significant determinant of corporate payout policy. Furthermore, this research extends earlier research on corporate payout decisions that besides firm-level corporate governance and country-level legal system, industry-level competition also influences corporate payout decisions, significantly.
CSR-enhancing factors for business vs public stakeholders: evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Min Sungwook , Kim Namwoon , Lo Carlos
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study provides the enhancing factors of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examines their differential effects on corporate social performances for business-stakeholder groups (i.e. investors, employees, suppliers and customers) and public-stakeholder groups (i.e. communities and the environment).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a differenced-equation model to test the differential effects of CSR-enhancing factors. The study tests the impact of each factor controlling the effects of the other CSR-enhancing factors in one multivariate analysis with survey data of 776 small and medium-sized enterprises from Hong Kong.

Findings

This study finds that firms give more CSR efforts for public stakeholders than for business stakeholders as firms’ financial resources, institutional conformity and their perceived regulatory pressure increase. On the other hand, firms provide more CSR efforts for business stakeholders than for public stakeholders when such efforts are based on their strategic motivation.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to clarify diverse CSR-enhancing factors for different stakeholders, in particular, business vs public stakeholders, thus to help firms understand the effective ways to increase CSR actions for specific target stakeholder groups.