bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutual information estimation for transcriptional regulatory network inference
Authors: Ish-Horowicz Jonathan , Reid John
Published: May 2017

Mutual information-based network inference algorithms are an important tool in the reverse-engineering of transcriptional regulatory networks, but all rely on estimates of the mutual information between the expression of pairs of genes. Various methods exist to compute estimates of the mutual information, but none have been firmly established as optimal for network inference. The performance of 9 mutual information estimation methods are compared using three popular network inference algorithms: CLR, MRNET and ARACNE. The performance of the estimators is compared on one synthetic and two real datasets. For estimators that discretise data, the effect of discretisation parameters are also studied in detail. Implementations of 5 estimators are provided in parallelised C++ with an R interface. These are faster than alternative implementations, with reductions in computation time up to a factor of 3,500.

Results

The B-spline estimator consistently performs well on real and synthetic datasets. CLR was found to be the best performing inference algorithm, corroborating previous results indicating that it is the state of the art mutual inference algorithm. It is also found to be robust to the mutual information estimation method and their parameters. Furthermore, when using an estimator that discretises expression data, usingN1/3bins forNsamples gives the most accurate inferred network. This contradicts previous findings that suggested usingN1/2bins.
High-throughput profiling and analysis of plant responses over time to abiotic stress
Authors: Veley Kira M. , Berry Jeffrey C. , Fentress Sarah J. , Schachtman Daniel P. , Baxter Ivan , Bart Rebecca
Published: May 2017

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) is a rapidly growing, high-biomass crop prized for abiotic stress tolerance. However, measuring genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions remains a progress bottleneck. Here we describe strategies for identifying shape, color and ionomic indicators of plant nitrogen use efficiency. We subjected a panel of 30 genetically diverse sorghum genotypes to a spectrum of nitrogen deprivation and measured responses using high-throughput phenotyping technology followed by ionomic profiling. Responses were quantified using shape (16 measurable outputs), color (hue and intensity) and ionome (18 elements). We measured the speed at which specific genotypes respond to environmental conditions, both in terms of biomass and color changes, and identified individual genotypes that perform most favorably. With this analysis we present a novel approach to quantifying color-based stress indicators over time. Additionally, ionomic profiling was conducted as an independent, low cost and high throughput option for characterizing G × E, identifying the elements most affected by either genotype or treatment and suggesting signaling that occurs in response to the environment. This entire dataset and associated scripts are made available through an open access, user-friendly, web-based interface. In summary, this work provides analysis tools for visualizing and quantifying plant abiotic stress responses over time. These methods can be deployed as a time-efficient method of dissecting the genetic mechanisms used by sorghum to respond to the environment to accelerate crop improvement.
Fast and accurate statistical inference of phylogenetic networks using large-scale genomic sequence data
Authors: Hejase Hussein A. , VandePol Natalie , Bonito Gregory M. , Liu Kevin J.
Published: May 2017

An emerging discovery in phylogenomics is that interspecific gene flow has played a major role in the evolution of many different organisms. To what extent is the Tree of Life not truly a tree reflecting strict “vertical” divergence, but rather a more general graph structure known as a phylogenetic network which also captures “horizontal”gene flow? The answer to this fundamental question not only depends upon densely sampled and divergent genomic sequence data, but also compu-tational methods which are capable of accurately and efficiently inferring phylogenetic networks from large-scale genomic sequence datasets. Re-cent methodological advances have attempted to address this gap. How-ever, in the 2016 performance study of Hejase and Liu, state-of-the-art methods fell well short of the scalability requirements of existing phy-logenomic studies.

The methodological gap remains: how can phylogenetic networks be ac-curately and efficiently inferred using genomic sequence data involving many dozens or hundreds of taxa? In this study, we address this gap by proposing a new phylogenetic divide-and-conquer method which we call FastNet. We conduct a performance study involving a range of evolu-tionary scenarios, and we demonstrate that FastNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of computational efficiency and topological accuracy.
Policies or Knowledge: Priors differ between perceptual and sensorimotor tasks
Authors: Chambers Claire , Fernandes Hugo , Paul Kording Konrad
Published: May 2017

If the brain abstractly represents probability distributions as knowledge, then the modality of a decision, e.g. movement vs perception, should not matter. If on the other hand, learned representations are policies, they may be specific to the task where learning takes place. Here, we test this by asking if a learned spatial prior generalizes from a sensorimotor estimation task to a two-alternative-forced choice (2-Afc) perceptual comparison task. A model and simulation-based analysis revealed that while participants learn the experimentally-imposed prior distribution in the sensorimotor estimation task, measured priors are consistently broader than expected in the 2-Afc task. That the prior does not fully generalize suggests that sensorimotor priors strongly resemble policies. In disagreement with standard Bayesian thought, the modality of the decision has a strong influence on the implied prior distribution.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

We do not know if the brain represents abstract and generalizable knowledge or task-specific policies that map internal states to actions. We find that learning in a sensorimotor task does not generalize strongly to a perceptual task, suggesting that humans learned policies and did not truly acquire knowledge. Priors differ across tasks, thus casting doubt on the central tenet of may Bayesian models, that the brain’s representation of the world is built on generalizable knowledge.
Platelet phosphorylated TDP-43: An exploratory study for a peripheral surrogate biomarker development for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wilhite Rodger , Sage Jessica , Bouzid Abdurrahman , Primavera Tyler , Agbas Abdulbaki
Published: May 2017

Aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia create a non-curable disease population in World’s societies. To develop a blood-based biomarker is important so that the remedial or disease-altering therapeutic intervention for AD patients would be available at the early stage. Materials & Methods: TDP-43 levels were analyzed in post-mortem brain tissue and platelets of AD and control subjects. Results: We observed an increased TDP-43 (<60%) in post-mortem AD brain regions and similar trends were also observed in patient’s platelets. Conclusion: Platelet TDP-43 could be used as a surrogate biomarker that is measurable, reproducible, and sensitive for screening the patients with some early clinical signs of AD and can be used to monitor disease prognosis.

Lay abstract

In this study, we explore to identify an Alzheimer’s disease-selective phospho-specific antibody that recognizes the diseased form of TDP-43 protein in patient’s blood-derived platelets. Our results suggest that selective anti-phosphorylated TDP-43 antibody discriminates Alzheimer’s disease from non-demented controls and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Therefore, platelet screening with a selective antibody could potentially be a useful tool for diagnostic purposes for Alzheimer’s disease.
AASRA: An Anchor Alignment-Based Small RNA Annotation Pipeline
Authors: Tang Chong , Xie Yeming , Yan Wei
Published: May 2017

SncRNA-Seq has become a routine for sncRNA profiling; however, software packages currently available are either exclusively for miRNA or piRNA annotation (e.g., miRDeep, miRanalyzer, Shortstack, PIANO), or for direct mapping of the sequence reads to the genome (e.g., Bowtie 2, SOAP and BWA), which tend to generate inaccurate counting due to repetitive matches to the genome or sncRNA homologs. Moreover, novel sncRNA variants in the sequencing reads, including those bearing small overhangs or internal insertions, deletions or mutations, are totally excluded from counting by these algorithms, leading to potential quantification bias. To overcome these problems, a comprehensive software package that can annotate all known small RNA species with adjustable tolerance towards small mismatches is needed. AASRA is based on our unique anchor alignment algorithm, which not only avoids repetitive or ambiguous counting, but also distinguishes mature miRNA from precursor miRNA reads. Compared to all existing pipelines for small RNA annotation, AASRA is superior in the following aspects: 1) AASRA can annotate all known sncRNA species simultaneously with the capability of distinguishing mature and precursor miRNAs; 2) AASRA can identify and allow for inclusion of sncRNA variants with small overhangs and/or internal insertions/deletions into the final counts; 3) AASRA is the fastest among all small RNA annotation pipelines tested. AASRA represents an all-in-one sncRNA annotation pipeline, which allows for high-speed, simultaneous annotation of all known sncRNA species with the capability to distinguish mature from precursor miRNAs, and to identify novel sncRNA variants in the sncRNA-Seq sequencing reads.

Availability and Implementation:

The AASRA software is freely available athttps://github.com/biogramming/AASRA.
Cell-cycle dependent organization and dynamics of RNA Polymerase I in live human cells
Authors: Conway William , Cho Won-Ki , Jayanth Namrata , Mullen Susan , Cissé Ibrahim I
Published: May 2017

RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) is responsible for over 60% of transcriptional output in human cells, yet basic questions concerning the spatial and temporal organization of the polymerase remain unanswered. Here we investigate how mammalian cells rely on Pol I organization throughout the cell cycle to balance different needs, from complete transcription shut down to massive increase in protein synthesis (and thus ribosomal RNA synthesis) before cell division. In contrast to our previous reports on RNA Polymerase II, Pol I clusters are stable with active transcription, and the presence of transient Pol I clusters correlates with inactive ribosomal transcription. Our results suggest that both stable and transient populations Pol I clusters co-exist in individual living cells, and their relative fraction may directly reflect the global gene expression need of the cell.
Morphine selectively promotes glutamate release from glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from medial prefrontal cortex to dopamine neurons of ventral tegmental area
Authors: Yang Li , Chen Ming , Zheng Ping
Published: May 2017

Recently, we found that morphine promoted presynaptic glutamate release of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which constituted the main mechanism for morphine-induced increase in VTA-DA neuron firing and related behaviors (Chen et al., 2015). However, what source of presynaptic glutamate release of DA neurons in the VTA is promoted by morphine remains unknown. To address this question, we used optogenetic strategy to selectively activate glutamatergic inputs from different projection neurons and then observed the effect of morphine on them. The result shows that morphine promotes glutamate release from glutamatergic terminals of projection neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to VTA DA neurons, but has no effect on that from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or the lateral hypothalamus (LH) to VTA DA neurons, and the inhibition of glutamatergic projection neurons from the mPFC to the VTA significantly reduces morphine-induced increase in locomotor activity of mice.
Segregation of lipids near acetylcholine-receptor channels imaged by cryo-EM
Authors: Unwin Nigel
Published: May 2017

Rapid communication at the chemical synapse depends on the action of ion channels residing in the postsynaptic membrane. The channels open transiently upon the binding of a neurotransmitter released from the presynaptic nerve terminal, eliciting an electrical response. Membrane lipids also play a vital but poorly understood role in this process of synaptic transmission. The present study examines the lipid distribution around nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors in tubular vesicles made from postsynaptic membranes of theTorpedoray, taking advantage of the recent advances in cryo-EM. A segregated distribution of lipid molecules is found in the outer leaflet of the bilayer. Apparent cholesterol-rich patches are located in specific annular regions next to the transmembrane helices and also in a more extended `microdomain' between the apposed δ subunits of neighbouring receptors. The particular lipid distribution can be interpreted straightforwardly in relation to the gating movements revealed by an earlier time-resolved cryo-EM study, in which the membranes were exposed briefly to ACh. The results suggest that in addition to stabilizing the protein, cholesterol may play a mechanical role by conferring local rigidity to the membrane so that there is productive coupling between the extracellular and membrane domains, leading to opening of the channel.
NMR crystallography: structure and properties of materials from solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance observables
Authors: Bryce David L.
Published: May 2017

This topical review provides a brief overview of recent developments in NMR crystallography and related NMR approaches to studying the properties of molecular and ionic solids. Areas of complementarity with diffraction-based methods are underscored. These include the study of disordered systems, of dynamic systems, and other selected examples where NMR can provide unique insights. Highlights from the literature as well as recent work from my own group are discussed.
Process mapping for road works planning and coordination
Authors: Hussain Rizwana Shaheen , Ruikar Kirti , Enoch Marcus P. , Brien Nigel , Gartside David
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Diminishing local government budgets and the need to reduce highway works activities necessitate cost effective and efficient processes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate streamlining road works administrative processes to enhance coordinated working at Derby City Council.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study research of a local authority was undertaken using business process mapping. Specifically, Swimlane analysis enabled re-engineering of business processes from design stage, to works permit issuance. Process improvement recommendations were validated by nine industry experts through a focus group and semi-structured interviews. A logic map was developed for transferability to other councils, identifying key attributes for a successful administrative road works management process.

Findings

Research revealed inherent silo working and processes built around fragmented IT systems creating process inefficiency. Validation found numerous practices and management styles were culturally embedded and common across councils. Peer reviewed recommendations are made to improve working practices, including improving IT systems, removing process bottlenecks, and training staff.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst road works management policy is generally under-researched, its strategic and negative impacts are widely acknowledged. This study highlights the day-to-day operational problems which are interconnected to the strategic impact, bridging an important gap in knowledge, as well as adding to business process re-engineering literature.

Originality/value

The research adds to a limited body of road works management policy research, and also presents a high-level logic map for councils to adopt as appropriate.
Individual and work dynamics affecting the determinants of functional flexibility in SMEs
Authors: Majid Abdul , Yasir Muhammad , Yasir Muhammad
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into how individual and work factors are related to the attitudes of functional flexibility by using the willingness and ability to be flexible as dimensions of functional flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted through a survey of workers and administrative staff of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Correlation and hierarchical regression techniques were used to find out the association of the dimensions of functional flexibility with the individual and work factors. Individual factors include demographic characteristics, work perception and personality traits, whereas work factors include trust in management, task formalization and autonomy.

Findings

Individual factors (i.e. general self-efficacy and initiative) and one of the work factors (i.e. trust in management) showed a positive relation, whereas task formalization was negatively related with the willingness to be flexible. General self-efficacy of workers and administrative staff was positively correlated with the ability to be flexible dimension of functional flexibility. It was concluded from the findings that the two dimensions of functional flexibility, willingness to be flexible and ability to be flexible, of employees depend on fair treatment and freedom provided by their organization.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was conducted on the employees of SMEs in Pakistan. A similar study on employees of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and service sectors may be useful for comparison.

Practical implications

Management should improve the attitudes of employees toward functional flexibility in SMEs in Pakistan by creating a climate of trust, using lower degree of laid down and prescribed procedures and giving them opportunities for doing new tasks. Furthermore, providing them feedback on the performance and achievement of these new tasks would also help in this regard.

Originality/value

The SMEs of Pakistan are in the process of transformational change. This study highlights the key factors that would be helpful to enhance the functional flexibility of employees working in the SME sector in Pakistan.
Exploring antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions of young women in India
Authors: Srivastava Sumita , Misra Rupali
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions of young women in India because currently Indian Government is emphasizing heavily on women’s participation in the mainstream of economic activities in the country. This study focuses on entrepreneurial intentions as the most important stage of entrepreneurship process. Based on the theory of planned behavior, propounded by Ajzen (1991), it points out intentions as the most significant predictor of human behavior.¤

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses multi-method analysis for validation of the model proposed by Linan. In Study 1, an adapted version of Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ) (Linan and Chen, 2009) was administered to a group of 248 female students studying in under-graduate science, commerce, arts or management courses, who voluntarily participated in the survey. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using partial least square (PLS) path-modeling algorithm. In Study 2, qualitative study was conducted on 110 young female students using focus group interview technique. Framework analysis was used for the data analysis of the qualitative study.

Findings

This study confirms the role of social valuation as an important antecedent of entrepreneurial intentions among women. However, it also identifies that entrepreneurship education is also an important element that affects the entrepreneurial intentions of young women in India.

Originality/value

The study uses multi-method analysis for identifying entrepreneurial intentions among young women in India.
From deep-level similarity to taking charge
Authors: Zheng Xingshan , Diaz Ismael , Zheng Xiaotao , Tang Ningyu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between supervisor-subordinate deep-level similarity and employee taking charge behavior. Face consciousness (FC) and managerial competency of inclusion (MCI) are examined as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses from 193 employees and 51 supervisors were examined using hierarchical linear analysis to assess the relationship between the study variables because employee responses were nested within supervisor.

Findings

Supervisor-subordinate deep-level similarity is positively associated with employee taking charge behavior. Employee FC moderates the relationship between deep-level similarity and taking charge. MCI also moderates the relationships between deep-level similarity and taking charge.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross-sectional; longitudinal studies are needed to examine the relationships among study variables over time. This work should also be extended to the western context. The findings highlight deep-level similarity as predictive of taking charge while also identifying MCI and FC as important for understanding what predicts taking charge.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to develop managerial training programs that foster competency of inclusion. It is possible to develop organizational interventions (selection and training) to maximize employees and manager congruence/fit.

Originality/value

This study is a novel contribution that investigates facet of proactive behaviors. Examining the moderating roles of FC and MCI further elucidates how similarity fosters taking charge behaviors.
Leadership styles and employees’ voluntary work behaviors in the Ghanaian banking sector
Authors: Mekpor Benjamin , Dartey-Baah Kwasi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which leadership styles predict the voluntary work behaviors of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach was adopted to collect data from 234 respondents. Both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used for the selection of the respondents.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that though both the transformational and transactional leadership styles positively predicted the organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of employees, transformational leadership is more significant. Also, transformational leadership was found to have a significant negative relationship with the counterproductive workplace behavior (CWB) of employees, whereas transactional leadership had an insignificant relationship with CWB.

Research limitations/implications

The research addresses the gap in the literature on how leadership styles influence employees’ tendency to exhibit either OCB or CWB specifically in the Ghanaian context.

Practical implications

The findings suggested that transformational leadership should be used in the quest to encourage OCB and to mitigate CWB.

Originality/value

The study provides an in-depth account on how the leaders’ style influences both employees’ OCB and CWB and how to appropriately manage such voluntary behaviors.
Leaders’ managerial assumptions and transformational leadership: the moderating role of gender
Authors: Şahin Faruk , Gürbüz Sait , Şeşen Harun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Although McGregor’s Theory X and Y holds significant attention in literature, research on the managerial assumptions and leadership is very scarce. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of a leader’s Theory X and Y managerial assumptions on follower perceptions of transformational leadership behaviors and the moderating role of the leader’s gender in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 108 leaders provided ratings of their Theory X and Y managerial assumptions; 398 followers then rated their leaders’ transformational leadership behavior. To test the hypotheses, moderated hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.

Findings

The results indicated that a leader’s Theory Y managerial assumptions are positively related to the followers’ ratings of transformational leadership behavior while a leader’s Theory X managerial assumptions are negatively related to the ratings of transformational leadership behavior. Furthermore, the relationship between Theory Y managerial assumptions and ratings of transformational leadership behavior are stronger for female leaders than male leaders.

Originality/value

This study provides important insights for leadership literature by depicting how cognitive mental schemas (i.e. Theory X and Y assumptions) and gender influence their transformational leadership behaviors.
Dark tourism – visitation, understanding and education; a reconciliation of theory and practice?
Authors: Lennon J. John , Teare Richard
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Dark tourism – visitation, understanding and education; a reconciliation of theory and practice?” by drawing on reflections from the theme editor and theme issue outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question and the outcomes.

Findings

It was observed that visitors to dark tourism sites are often motivated by respect and remembrance and that this motivation is frequently reported by the practitioners who manage these sites.

Practical implications

The paper presents dark tourism site educational guidelines for practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper provides a rich array of insights from practitioners involved in managing museums and related educational programmes, conceptual development and applied academic research.
Prevalence of coronary artery calcification in Japanese patients with psoriasis: A close correlation with bilateral diagonal earlobe creases
Authors: Honma Masaru , Shibuya Takashi , Iwasaki Takeshi , Iinuma Shin , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Kishibe Mari , Minami‐Hori Masako , Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi
Published: May 2017

Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disorder, in which the inflammation affects not only the skin but also the other internal organs, and can induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular involvements. However, few predictive factors of cardiovascular diseases have been clarified in patients with psoriasis. This study was performed to verify whether diagonal earlobe creases (ELC) can reflect the hidden comorbidities in Japanese psoriatic patients. Prevalence and subtypes of ELC were analyzed in patients with psoriatic and with non‐psoriatic skin diseases, and the correlation with coronary artery calcification (CAC) or fatty liver (FL) detected by computed tomography. Prevalence of CAC was approximately twice higher than data of a Japanese resident‐based study previously reported. Generally, prevalence of ELC in a psoriatic group and mean age of psoriatic groups accompanied by ELC were higher and younger than those of a non‐psoriatic skin disease group, respectively. Statistically significant differences were detected in the mean age of total or male subjects accompanied by bilateral ELC with complete and incomplete length. Bilateralism of ELC was closely correlated with prevalence of CAC and CAC on multiple branches in psoriatic patients (P = 6.6e‐6 and odds ratio [OR] = 14.1, P = 0.00884 and OR = 10.7, respectively), but not with that of FL. On the contrary, body mass index of more than 25 was closely correlated with prevalence of FL, but not that of CAC. Comorbidities of psoriatic patients are frequently unnoticed. ELC, an apparatus‐related feature, can be a useful predictive factor for hidden coronary artery involvements in psoriatic patients.
RNAi mediated gene silencing of ITPA using a targeted nanocarrier: Apoptosis induction in SKBR3 cancer cells
Authors: Charbgoo Fahimeh , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Nikkhah Maryam , Kane Eric G
Published: May 2017

A pure nucleotide pool is required for high‐fidelity DNA replication and prevention of carcinogenesis in living cells. Human inosine triphosphatase (ITPase), encoded by the ITPA gene, plays a critical role in maintaining the purity of the cellular nucleotide pool by excluding nucleotides that enhance mutagenesis. ITPase is a nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphatase that hydrolyzes the non‐canonical nucleotides inosine triphosphate (ITP) and xanthine triphosphate (XTP). The monophosphate products of ITPase reactions are subsequently excluded from the nucleotide pool and the improper substitution of ITP and XTP into DNA and RNA is prevented. Previous studies show that deficiency in ITPA can suppress cellular growth and enhance DNA instability. In this study, we evaluated the influence of effective ITPA down‐regulation on the induction of apoptosis in a human cancer cell line using folate‐single wall nanotubes (SWNT) as a targeted nanocarrier. We assessed whether SWNT enhances IPTA‐siRNA transfection efficiency in cancer cells using folate as a homing device. Since folate receptor is considerably overexpressed in cancer cells, conjugation of SWNTs to folate could enhance their cancer‐specific penetrance. We found that nanocarrier mediated ITPA‐siRNA transfection into SKBR3 cells caused significant reduction of ITPA mRNA expression level and complete down‐regulation of the ITPase protein product. The silencing of ITPA led to promotion of apoptosis in SWNT‐treated SKBR3 cancer cells.
Seasonal changes in phosphorus competition and allelopathy of a benthic microbial assembly facilitate prevention of cyanobacterial blooms
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Wang Fengwu , Xiao Xi , Liu Junzhuo , Wu Chenxi , Chen Hong , Kerr Philip , Shurin Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Interactions among microbes determine the prevalence of harmful algal blooms that threaten water quality. These interactions can be indirectly mediated by shared resources or consumers, or through interference by the production of allelochemicals. Allelopathic interactions and resource competition have been shown to occur among algae and associated microbes. However, little work has considered seasonal influences on ecosystem structure and function. Here, we report results of our investigations on seasonal changes in the interactions between benthic microbial assemblies and the bloom forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. We show that phosphorus (P) competition and allelopathy by the microbial assembly vary seasonally and inhibit growth of M. aeruginosa. The interactions per unit biomass of the microbial assembly are stronger under winter than summer conditions and inhibit the recruitment of the cyanobacteria, thereby preventing the reoccurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in the following summer. The seasonality of these interactions correlates with changes in composition, metabolic activity and functional diversity of the microbial assembly. Our findings highlight the importance of competitive and allelopathic interactions in regulating the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Our results also imply that seasonal variation of competition and allelopathy of the microbial assembly might be beneficial to adjust aquatic ecosystem structure and function.
Postliberalism: The New Centre Ground of British Politics
Authors: Pabst Adrian
Published: May 2017

Brexit and support for anti‐establishment insurgencies suggest that British politics is moving away from the old left–right opposition towards a new divide between the defenders and detractors of progressive liberalism. As this article suggests, progressive liberalism differs significantly from both classical and new liberalism. It fuses free‐market economics with social egalitarianism and identity politics. Both the hard left and the radical right reject this combination and want to undo a number of liberal achievements.

British politics is also moving in a postliberal direction. In the economy, postliberalism signals a shift from rampant market capitalism to economic justice and reciprocity. In society, it signals a shift from individualism and egalitarianism to social solidarity and fraternal relations. And politically, it signals a shift from the minority politics of vested interests and balkanised group identity to a majority politics based on a balance of interests, shared identity and the embedding of state and market in the intermediary institutions of civil society. This article argues that postliberalism is redefining Britain's political centre ground in an age where neither progressive liberalism nor reactionary anti‐liberalism commands majority support. First, it charts the ascendancy of progressive liberalism over the past quarter‐century. Second, it contrasts anti‐liberal reactions with postliberal alternatives, before exploring why earlier iterations of postliberalism failed to gain traction with the political mainstream. Third, it provides a discussion and critique of Theresa May's postliberal conservatism, notably the tension between free‐market globalisation and free trade, on the one hand, and the support for national industry and the indigenous working class, on the other.
Public Choice Failure and Voter Incompetence in France
Authors: Facchini François
Published: May 2017

This article explains failures of politics and government through the incompetence of voters and their perception biases. It illustrates this argument using the French case. If voters lack knowledge and develop irrational beliefs, then voting is probably not effective as a mechanism for sanctioning public policy. The incompetence of French voters and their anti‐capitalist bias is well documented. This incompetence can be partly explained by the low cost of holding irrational beliefs in politics. Voters’ anti‐capitalist attitudes are explained by the utility they obtain from expressing themselves in favour of state intervention, and by France's prohibitive level of justification costs of holding pro‐capitalist views. The resulting biases contribute to the failure of public choice.
German Muslims and their engagement in participatory culture: reflections on civic and artistic contributions to the public sphere
Authors: Soliman Asmaa
Published: May 2017

This paper examines publics of young German Muslims. Case studies include the singer Huelya Kandemir, the theatre group Uma Lamo and the social network Zahnräder. By focusing on spiritual music publics, theatrical comedy publics and social publics, it tries a new approach to the way in which we understand minority public engagement. In addition to examining the concept of counterpublics, it utilizes the concept of participatory culture, which offers a relevant complement. The study argues that the publics of young German Muslims display multifaceted artistic and civic engagement, which can best be understood in terms of participation in cultural or civic productions and contribution to the wider German public. Features or effects of counterpublics, such as the countering of mainstream representations of minority identities and the offering of alternative discourses, are occasionally reflected in their activities.
Colloidal aggregation induced by the reduction in pH and the synthesis of new molecular structures during the milk fermentation process
Authors: Vargas Susana , Rodríguez Rogelio , Quintanilla Francisco , González–Torres Maykel
Published: May 2017

The use of different inocula in the milk‐to‐yoghurt transformation influences the kinetics of the fermentation process. The aim of this work was to study the kinetics induced by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lb–St). The milk‐to‐yoghurt transformation showed no delay in the production of lactic acid for yoghurt produced using Lactobacillus johnsonii with S. thermophilus (La1–St) or Lactobacillus casei with S. thermophilus (Lc1–St); the delays were 20–70 min and 40–80 min, respectively. The absence of delay was 1.0/min (Lb–St) as compared with 0.015/min (La1–St) and 0.7/min (Lc1–St). The kinetics was fitted using second‐order reaction.
Statistical Approaches to Type Determination of the Ejector Marks on Cartridge Cases
Authors: Warren Eric M. , Sheets H. David
Published: May 2017

While type determination on bullets has been performed for over a century, type determination on cartridge cases is often overlooked. Presented here is an example of type determination of ejector marks on cartridge cases from Glock and Smith & Wesson Sigma series pistols using Naïve Bayes and Random Forest classification methods. The shapes of ejector marks were captured from images of test‐fired cartridge cases and subjected to multivariate analysis. Naïve Bayes and Random Forest methods were used to assign the ejector shapes to the correct class of firearm with success rates as high as 98%. This method is easily implemented with equipment already available in crime laboratories and can serve as an investigative lead in the form of a list of firearms that could have fired the evidence. Paired with the FBI's General Rifling Characteristics (GRC) database, this could be an invaluable resource for firearm evidence at crime scenes.
Comparison of physical examination performance of medical students trained by musculoskeletal versus non‐musculoskeletal specialists
Authors: Melo Luciano , Schrieber Leslie , Eyles Jillian , Deveza Leticia A. , Meneses Sarah R. F. , Hunter David J.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To compare the musculoskeletal (MSK) physical examination skills, knowledge acquisition and performance of first‐year medical students trained by MSK specialist tutors to students trained by non‐MSK specialist tutors, after a 6‐week MSK physical examination tutorial program.

Methods

Twenty‐first year medical students took part in the study. They were recruited into two groups, according to their exposure to either an MSK specialist or a non‐MSK specialist tutor during their 6‐week MSK training block. Knowledge acquisition was measured via a pre‐ and post‐training objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). We assessed students’ self‐belief and confidence levels regarding their newly acquired skills via a questionnaire. Independent t tests were used to examine mean group differences of OSCE scores and perceived level of confidence.

Results

Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement (3.9 and 3.8 points, respectively, on an eight‐point scale for shoulder assessment, P < 0.01, 3.3 and 3.5, respectively, on a five‐point scale for spine assessment, P < 0.01) in OSCE scores compared to baseline after completing the 6‐week MSK physical examination tutorial program. There was no between‐group difference in the OSCE scores from pre‐ to post‐training (P = 0.92 for shoulder, P = 0.66 for spine) or for perceived level of confidence in performing a basic MSK examination after training (P = 0.91).

Conclusion

Students exposed to MSK specialist tutors did not demonstrate increased skill levels or knowledge in the area of MSK physical examination compared to those receiving the same training under the supervision of non‐MSK specialist tutors. Both student groups demonstrated improvement.
Phagocyte activity in the peripheral blood of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus and in the cord blood of their newborns
Authors: Sukhikh Gennady T. , Safronova Valentina G. , Vanko Ludmila V. , Matveeva Nataliya K. , Belyaeva Anastasiya S. , Fedorova Ekaterina V. , Nikolaeva Marina A. , Klimenchenko Nataliya I. , Krechetova Lyubov V.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To detect faults in phagocytosis in peripheral blood cells of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in cord blood of their newborns.

Methods

Pregnant women fulfilled ≥ 4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and their newborns were recruited. Pregnant women without SLE and their newborns constituted controls. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst were measured using PHAGOTEST and BURSTTEST kits (Biotechnology GmbH, Germany) on FACSCalibur™ flow cytometer. Expression of CD11b was estimated with antibodies (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Mann–Whitney rank‐sum test was used to compare SLE group and controls.

Results

Phagocytosis and respiratory burst were estimated in blood of 31 SLE women (29.5 ± 3.3 years) and in cord blood of 26 newborns. Controls were 21 health women (29.8 ± 2.8 years) and their 21 babies. Median reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced in the SLE group versus controls (arbitrary units): women, 2315 versus 3316 (P = 0.034); babies, 1051 versus 1791 (P = 0.041), respectively. Proportion of ROS‐producing granulocytes decreased in the SLE group: women, 72.5% versus 94.0% (P = 0.025); babies, 46.8% versus 90.7% (P = 0.008). Proportion of phagocytes which engulfed Escherichia coli and bacteria number per phagocyte also decreased in SLE women. Monocyte activity was suppressed in newborns from the SLE group (RLU): 224 versus 507 (P = 0.022). CD11b expression was reduced in SLE women (RLU): granulocytes, 588 versus 1448.5 (P < 0.001); monocytes, 1017 versus 1619 (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Pregnant SLE women have low ingesting capacity of phagocytes. Suppression of phagocytosis in their newborns is mainly due to reduced number of cells producing ROS.
Sustainability in Oceans Governance: Small Islands, Emerging Powers, and Connecting Regions
Authors: Larik Joris , Singh Abhijit
Published: May 2017

As evidenced by Goal No. 14 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of oceans governance as a matter of global policy can hardly be overstated. The unsustainable uses of their resources could lead to serious consequences, not only for coastal communities, but remote landlocked countries as well. This special section aims to take the international community's clarion call for effective norms, institutions, and multi‐stakeholder cooperation back to the oceans through three topical case studies. Each in its own way illustrates humanity's high stakes in blue growth, offering recommendations on how states and governments must craft coherent, effective, and actionable policies to make sustainable oceans governance a reality. Claire van der Geest's article opens the special section with a focus on the Indian Ocean and the need to redesign its fisheries governance. Hongzhou Zhang and Fengshi Wu subsequently investigate two of the most significant structural shifts of China's marine fisheries sector in the past decades, namely, going outward and focusing on high market value species. James Malcolm concludes the special section by switching attention to small island developing states, arguing that sustainable oceans governance for them represents not ‘only’ an environmental or economic concern, but indeed a matter of national security.
Amb a 1 isoforms: Unequal siblings with distinct immunological features
Authors: Wolf M. , Twaroch T. E. , Huber S. , Reithofer M. , Steiner M. , Aglas L. , Hauser M. , Aloisi I. , Asam C. , Hofer H. , Parigiani M. A. , Ebner C. , Bohle B. , Briza P. , Neubauer A. , Stolz F. , Jahn‐Schmid B. , Wallner M. , Ferreira F.
Published: May 2017

Background

Ragweed pollen represents a major allergy risk factor. Ragweed extracts contain five different isoforms of the major allergen Amb a 1. However, the immunological characteristics of Amb a 1 isoforms are not fully investigated. Here, we compared the physicochemical and immunological properties of three most important Amb a 1 isoforms.

Methods

After purification, the isoforms were physicochemically characterized, tested for antibody binding and induction of human T‐cell proliferative responses. Their immunological properties were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model.

Results

Amb a 1 isoforms exhibited distinct patterns of IgE binding and immunogenicity. Compared to Amb a 1.02 or 03 isoforms, Amb a 1.01 showed higher IgE‐binding activity. Isoforms 01 and 03 were the most potent stimulators of patients’ T cells. In a mouse model of immunization, Amb a 1.01 induced higher levels of IgG and IgE antibodies when compared to isoforms 02 and 03. Interestingly, ragweed‐sensitized patients also displayed an IgG response to Amb a 1 isoforms. However, unlike therapy‐induced antibodies, sensitization‐induced IgG did not show IgE‐blocking activity.

Conclusion

The present study showed that naturally occurring isoforms of Amb a 1 possess different immunogenic and sensitizing properties. These findings should be considered when selecting sequences for molecule‐based diagnosis and therapy for ragweed allergy. Due to its high IgE‐binding activity, isoform Amb a 1.01 should be included in diagnostic tests. In contrast, due to their limited B‐ and T‐cell cross‐reactivity patterns, a combination of different isoforms might be a more attractive strategy for ragweed immunotherapy.
Birth outcomes for women using free‐standing birth centers in South Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Bailey David John
Published: May 2017

Background

This study investigates maternal and perinatal outcomes for women with low‐risk pregnancies laboring in free‐standing birth centers compared with laboring in a hospital maternity unit in a large New Zealand health district.

Methods

The study used observational data from 47 381 births to women with low‐risk pregnancies in South Auckland maternity facilities 2003‐2010. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for instrumental delivery, cesarean section, blood transfusion, neonatal unit admission, and perinatal mortality.

Results

Labor in birth centers was associated with significantly lower rates of instrumental delivery, cesarean section and blood transfusion compared with labor in hospital. Neonatal unit admission rates were lower for infants of nulliparous women laboring in birth centers. Intrapartum and neonatal mortality rates for birth centers were low and were not significantly different from the hospital population. Transfers to hospital for labor and postnatal complications occurred in 39% of nulliparous and 9% of multiparous labors. Risk factors identified for transfer were nulliparity, advanced maternal age, and prolonged pregnancy ≥41 weeks’ gestation.

Conclusions

Labor in South Auckland free‐standing birth centers was associated with significantly lower maternal intervention and complication rates than labor in the hospital maternity unit and was not associated with increased perinatal morbidity.