bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mechanical of Organic Acids Secreted by Roots of Tartary Buckwheat under the Effects of Low Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Chen Wei , Cui Yaru , Yang Yang , Huangfu Qianhua , Sun Congjian 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of two different low nitrogen tolerant tartary buckwheat varieties’ (Diqing buckwheat (DQ, low nitrogen resistance) and Heifeng 1 (HF, low nitrogen sensitive) response mechanism of organic acids to low nitrogen stress. The results showed that the soil moisture of HF and DQ under low nitrogen treatment decreased 24.2% and 14.32%, respectively when compared with normal nitrogen treatment, and the water consumption of DQ was significantly higher than that of HF at seedling stage. Under low nitrogen treatment, the soil pH value of DQ was 1.44% and 8.44% lower than that of HF at seedling and flowering stages, respectively, the content of NH4+ in DQ soil was 8.2% lower than that of HF at maturity stage, the content of NO3− was significantly higher than that HF 49.2%, 12.9%, and 16.6% in each growth period, respectively. Split plot analysis showed that nitrogen treatment significantly affected the organic acids content in the soil of the buckwheat. The secretion content of organic acids are different among buckwheat cultivars under low nitrogen stress. In the soil of DQ, the content of malonic acid was higher than that of HF by 34.39% at maturity stage; the content of oxalic acid was respectively higher than that of HF by 24.86% and 24.52% at seedling and flowering stages; the content of propionic acid was significantly higher than that of HF by 7.36%, 9.44% and23.47% in each growth period, respectively; and tartaric acid acetic acid also showed the same trend at flowering and maturity stages. In summary, tartary buckwheat may regulate the nutrient availability of rhizosphere soil through the secretion of organic acids in the root system to cope with the low nitrogen stress environment. For the cultivation of tartary buckwheat on poor soil should consider the differences cultivaring barren resistance varieties to increase efficiency in the future.
Seamless Assembly of BiologicalPartsinto FunctionalDevicesand Higher OrderMulti-Device Systems
Authors: Braman Jeffrey C , Sheffield Peter J 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA new method is described for the seamless assembly of independent, prefabricated and functionally tested blunt-end, double strand nucleic acidparts(DNA fragments) into more complex biologicaldevices(vectors) and higher ordermulti-devicesystems.Individualpartsinclude bacterial selection markers, bacterial origins of replication, promoters from a variety of different species, transcription terminators, shuttle sequences and a variety of “N” and “C” terminal solubility/affinity expression tags. Pre-assembly modification ofpartswith DNA modifying enzymes is not required. Seamless assembly of multiple parts is accomplished in a single step using a specialized thermostable enzyme blend in about 30 minutes. Combinatorial assembly ofpartsis an inherent feature of the new process, substantially simplifyingdeviceandsystemoptimization. To underscore the utility of the new process,partswere assembled into several protein expressiondevicesin order to identify the optimal expression construct for a model target gene, as an example of the utility of the assembly process, and a higher order multi-device systemis also described, for the over-expression of a four-enzyme bio-synthetic pathway, and optimized for end-product accumulation inE. colias a paradigm for how this assembly process could be used to address the assembly of more complex biological pathways.
SIR proteins create compact heterochromatin fibers
Authors: Swygert Sarah G. , Senapati Subhadip , Bolukbasi Mehmet F. , Wolfe Scot A. , Lindsay Stuart , Peterson Craig L. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryHeterochromatin is a silenced chromatin region essential for maintaining genomic stability and driving developmental processes. The complicated structure and dynamics of heterochromatin have rendered it difficult to characterize. In budding yeast, heterochromatin assembly requires the SIR proteins -- Sir3, believed to be the primary structural component of SIR heterochromatin, and the Sir2/4 complex, responsible for the targeted recruitment of SIR proteins and the deacetylation of lysine 16 of histone H4. Previously, we found that Sir3 binds but does not compact nucleosomal arrays. Here we reconstitute chromatin fibers with the complete complement of SIR proteins and use sedimentation velocity, molecular modeling, and atomic force microscopy to characterize the stoichiometry and conformation of SIR chromatin fibers. In contrast to previous studies, our results demonstrate that SIR arrays are highly compact. Strikingly, the condensed structure of SIR heterochromatin fibers requires both the integrity of H4K16 and an interaction between Sir3 and Sir4. We propose a model in which two molecules of Sir3 bridge and stabilize two adjacent nucleosomes, while a single Sir2/4 heterodimer binds the intervening linker DNA, driving fiber compaction.
Reciprocal regulation among TRPV1 channels and phosphoi nos itide 3-kinase in response to nerve growth factor
Authors: Stratiievska Anastasiia , Nelson Sara , Senning Eric N. , Lautz Jonathan D. , Smith Stephen E.P. , Gordon Sharona E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAlthough it has been known for over a decade that the inflammatory mediator NGF sensitizes pain-receptor neurons through increased trafficking of TRPV1 channels to the plasma membrane, the mechanism by which this occurs remains mysterious. NGF activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), the enzyme that generates PIP3, and PI3K activity is required for sensitization. One tantalizing hint came from the finding that the N-terminal region of TRPV1 interacts directly with PI3K. Using 2-color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we show that TRPV1 potentiates NGF-induced PI3K activity. A soluble TRPV1 fragment corresponding to the N-terminal Ankyrin repeats domain (ARD) was sufficient to produce this potentiation, indicating that allosteric regulation was involved. Further, other TRPV channels with conserved ARDs also potentiated NGF-induced PI3K activity whereas TRP channels lacking ARDs did not. Our data demonstrate a novel reciprocal regulation of PI3K signaling by the ARD of TRPV channels.
Elucidating the functional role of predicted miRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation along with symbiosis inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Moumita Roy Chowdhury , Basak Jolly , Bahadur Ranjit Prasad 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNon-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are found to be important regulator of gene expression because of their ability to modulate post-transcriptional processes. microRNAs are small ncRNAs which inhibit translational and post-transcriptional processes whereas long ncRNAs are found to regulate both transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression.Medicago truncatulais a well-known model plant for studying legume biology and is also used as a forage crop. In spite of its importance in nitrogen fixation and soil fertility improvement, little information is available about Medicago ncRNAs that play important role in symbiosis. To understand the role of Medicago ncRNAs in symbiosis and regulation of transcription factors, we have identified novel miRNAs and tried to establish an interaction model with their targets. 149 novel miRNAs are predicted along with their 770 target proteins. We have shown that 51 of these novel miRNAs are targeting 282 lncRNAs. We have analyzed the interactions between miRNAs and their target mRNAs as well as their targets on lncRNAs. Role of Medicago miRNAs in the regulation of various transcription factors were also elucidated. Knowledge gained from this study will have a positive impact on the nitrogen fixing ability of this important model plant, which in turn will improve the soil fertility.
Staffing practices and employee performance: the role of age
Authors: Pahos Nikolaos , Galanaki Eleanna 
Published: June 2018

PurposeStaffing is a tool that employers use to decrease information asymmetry when hiring employees. However, how staffing effectiveness evolves according to employee demographic characteristics has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model linking staffing practices, age and employee performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a stratified sample of 1,254 employees, the authors hypothesize: the main effects of staffing practices on employee performance, the main effects of age on employee performance and the moderating effects of age on the relationship between staffing practices and employee performance.FindingsThe results show significant positive effects of staffing and age on employee performance and a negative moderating effect of age on the abovementioned relationship.Practical implicationsThe organizations are urged to invest in recruitment and selection practices and implement focused practices that appeal to an aging workforce.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to explore the topic of aging workforce and the efficiency of staffing practices on employee performance in the context of the Greek labor force. The authors discuss the results, theoretical contributions, practical implications and future research directions in light of the challenge of managing an aging workforce.
Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: exploring the challenges and solutions
Authors: Martinsuo Miia , Luomaranta Toni 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
Adopting additive manufacturing (AM) can be challenging, especially in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and as part of the supply chains of larger firms. The purpose of this paper is to explore SMEs’ perspectives on the adoption of AM in their specific supply chain positions. The paper develops new knowledge on the challenges SMEs face across the supply chain and the actions they need to promote the adoption of AM.

Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory interview-based research design is used. In total, 17 interviews were conducted and analyzed in four types of SMEs in their specific positions in AM supply chains. The challenges of adopting AM were mapped, and actions to promote AM adoption were identified.

Findings
SMEs in different supply chain positions experience different challenges when adopting AM. Strategic and operative actions are suggested as key solutions to overcome the challenges. The benefits of AM on a large scale will be achieved only if the broader supply chain adopts AM technology and experiences its benefits.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by its single-country context, its focus on SMEs, and the selection of early-phase AM-adopter firms. The findings imply a need to understand AM adoption as a shared concern and systemic innovation in the supply chain, instead of just a firm-specific implementation task.

Practical implications
The findings offer a framework for categorizing AM adoption challenges and propose ways to overcome the challenges of adoption.

Originality/value
The study reveals that AM adoption is not only a technology issue, but also an issue of strategic, organizational and operational challenges across the supply chain. It shows that when adopting AM, SMEs face particular challenges and require specific solutions according to their supply chain position.
Development of MBA in court administration and management
Authors: Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , Pandey Satyendra C. , Mustafa Faizan 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of Centre for Management Studies, NALSAR University of Law in developing the new MBA programme in Court Administration and Management.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the urgent need of skilled managers for court management and administration in an Indian context. The identification of the gap in skilled manpower and the availability of a structured learning platform at a master’s level is also discussed in the paper. In addition, the detailed process that the university adopted in developing the programme objectives, structure and curriculum is also explained.

Findings
Educational innovations are rare. This programme is one-of-its-kind in India. NALSAR University of Law introduced this programme after a rigorous screening and evaluation process. This paper highlights the importance of proper planning and execution in introducing innovative programmes. The paper also highlights the acceptance that the programme received from all stakeholders due to its relevance and diligent planning.

Practical implications
This paper makes an attempt to provide the detailed workflow that any university should undertake prior to launching any programme. The importance of identifying relevant stakeholders, the process of developing a programme, curating and conducting the process for best outcomes, with an emphasis on the contribution that a university can make is discussed in detail.

Originality/value
MBA in Court Administration and Management offered by NALSAR University of Law is unique as similar programmes are not offered by any other university in India. Thus, this paper is a novel contribution in highlighting the development and launch of the programme in Asia.
What universities might learn from professional associations in marking large undergraduate modules
Authors: Evans Carl , Gardener John 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight to universities the approach of professional associations in marking large volumes of assessments.

Design/methodology/approach
The issues arising in marking large undergraduate modules in universities are discussed, before describing the approach typically adopted by professional associations. The benefit for universities of adopting such an approach is then examined.

Findings
The key to marking large volumes for professional associations lies in the initial standardisation meeting, on-going discussions between markers and an ability to check and if necessary stop the marking process at several points in the marking cycle, until agreement and consistency between markers are achieved.

Research limitations/implications
This viewpoint paper is based on the experiences of the two authors in assessing professional business management associations, and not empirical research.

Practical implications
The approach described here to marking large volumes of undergraduate assessments offers a practical solution to the prevailing issues concerning consistency across teaching teams.

Originality/value
The application of the approach of professional associations to the issues surrounding marking large undergraduate modules offers a unique proposition for university staff to consider.
Hybrid organisations contributing to wellbeing in Small Pacific Island Countries
Authors: Douglas Heather , Eti-Tofinga Buriata , Singh Gurmeet 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the contributions of hybrid organisations to wellbeing in small Pacific island countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The concept and different forms of hybrid organisations are examined, and then the operation and contributions to wellbeing of three Fijian hybrid organisations are considered.

Findings
Hybrid organisations in this region operate with a commitment to the common good and an ethic of care. Fijian hybrid organisations improve social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities by providing employment, schools and training facilities, financial and support services, sustainable agriculture projects and facilitating networking. These services improve individual and community social and economic wellbeing, build resilience, add to personal and family security, offer opportunities for the future, advance leadership skills and sustain the environment. Commercial activities that support these organisations in their wellbeing endeavours include product sales, service fees, project levies and investment income.

Research limitations/implications
Generalisability beyond the Pacific region is not assured, as this review only examines hybrid organisations in small Pacific island countries.

Practical implications
Hybrid organisations offer an alternative pathway to achieve a sustainable enterprise economy, an approach that is more culturally relevant for the Pacific region. Policies to nurture the development of these organisations, and research into the startup, operation, impact and effectiveness of different hybrid organisation models would help to improve wellbeing in this region. International charities and aid agencies could advance the wellbeing of people living in this region by supporting the development of hybrid organisations. External agencies seeking to support hybrid organisation development are advised to consider providing funding through a regional agency rather than engaging directly with national governments.

Social implications
Developing a robust hybrid organisation sector will improve social and economic wellbeing for people living in small island nations.

Originality/value
As one of the first studies to examine wellbeing and hybrid organisations, this review adds to hybrid business theory by its consideration of small Pacific island countries. The authors add to existing understandings of how hybrid organisations contribute to social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. The review identifies each form hybrid organisational form adopts. Each has a central commitment to generating social and economic value but different revenue sources. The review adds valuable new knowledge to the limited scholarship of this region by identifying the philosophical foundations and contributions to wellbeing of these hybrid organisations. A future research agenda and policy development process is proposed to improve wellbeing and advance hybrid organisations in the region.
Clinical and microbiological properties of Staphylococcus lugdunensis skin infections
Authors: Zaaroura Hiba , Geffen Yuval , Bergman Reuven , Avitan‐Hersh Emily 
Published: June 2018

AbstractStaphylococcus lugdunensis is an emerging pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections that was previously considered a commensal. The aim of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of skin infections by S. lugdunensis and its appropriate management, in a tertiary referral medical center. The clinical files, bacterial cultures and histopathology reports of all S. lugdunensis isolates from skin infections over a period of 8 years (September 2009–September 2017) were reviewed. S. lugdunensis was isolated from 29 patients with skin infections, aged 7–89 years (mean 33.3 years). A state of immune suppression (drug‐induced, malignancy or diabetes) was present in five patients (17%). Folliculitis and cutaneous pustulosis were the most common presentations (16 cases, 55%), followed by secondary infection of hidradenitis suppurativa (five cases, 17%). Other sources of isolation were infected molluscum contagiosum (two cases), folliculitis decalvans (one case), dissecting cellulitis (one case), abscess (one case), cyst (one case), impetigo (one case) and granuloma after trauma (one case). The in vitro antibiotic sensitivity tests showed susceptibility to most tested antibiotics, although a few isolates were resistant to gentamycin, penicillin and oxacillin. In 19 of 20 patients for whom follow ups were available, cutaneous manifestations improved or resolved with proper local and/or oral antibiotic therapy. S. lugdunensis may play a role as a primary or secondary pathogen in various skin infections, most commonly folliculitis and pustulosis. Proper antibiotic therapy may lead to improvement or resolution.
Couple therapy, family therapy and systemic interventions for adult‐focused problems: the current evidence base
Authors: Carr Alan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper updates previous similar reviews published in JFT in 2000, 2009 and 2014. It presents evidence from meta‐analyses, systematic literature reviews and controlled trials for the effectiveness of couple therapy, family therapy, and systemic interventions for adults with a range or relationship and mental health problems. The evidence supports the effectiveness of systemic interventions, either alone or as part of multimodal programmes, for relationship distress, psychosexual problems, intimate partner violence, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, alcohol problems, psychosis and adjustment to chronic physical illness.
Magnetite accelerates syntrophic acetate oxidation in methanogenic systems with high ammonia concentrations
Authors: Zhuang Li , Ma Jinlian , Yu Zhen , Wang Yueqiang , Tang Jia 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAmmonia accumulation is a major inhibitory substance causing anaerobic digestion upset and failure in CH4 production. At high ammonia levels, CH4 production through syntrophic acetate oxidization (SAO) pathways is more tolerant to ammonia toxicity than the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway, but the low CH4 production rate through SAO constitutes the main reason for the low efficiency of energy recovery in anaerobic digesters treating ammonia‐rich substrates. In this study, we showed that acetate fermentation to CH4 and CO2 occurred through SAO pathway in the anaerobic reactors containing a high ammonia concentration (5.0 g l−1 NH4+–N), and the magnetite nanoparticles supplementation increased the CH4 production rates from acetate by 36–58%, compared with the anaerobic reactors without magnetite under the same ammonia level. The mechanism of facilitated methanogenesis was proposed to be the establishment of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) for SAO, in which magnetite facilitated DIET between syntrophic acetate oxidizing bacteria and methanogens. High‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that the bacterial Geobacteraceae and the archaeal Methanosarcinaceae and Methanobacteriaceae might be involved in magnetite‐mediated DIET for SAO and CH4 production. This study demonstrated that magnetite supplementation might provide an effective approach to accelerate CH4 production rates in the anaerobic reactors treating wastewater containing high ammonia.
An enzymatic system for decolorization of wastewater dyes using immobilized CueO laccase‐like multicopper oxidase on poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Bello‐Gil Daniel , Roig‐Molina Emma , Fonseca Jennifer , Sarmiento‐Ferrández María Dolores , Ferrándiz Marcela , Franco Esther , Mira Elena , Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe presence of synthetic dyes in wastewaters generated by the textile industry constitutes a serious environmental and health problem that urges the scientific community on an appropriate action. As a proof‐of‐concept, we have developed a novel approach to design enzymatic bioreactors with the ability to decolorize dye solutions through the immobilization of the bacterial CueO laccase‐like multicopper oxidase from Escherichia coli on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) beads by making use of the BioF affinity tag. The decolorization efficiency of the system was characterized by a series of parameters, namely maximum enzyme adsorption capacity, pH profile, kinetic constants, substrate range, temperature and bioreactor recycling. Depending on the tested dye, immobilization increased the catalytic activity of CueO by up to 40‐fold with respect to the soluble enzyme, reaching decolorization efficiencies of 45–90%. Our results indicate that oxidase bioreactors based on polyhydroxyalkanoates are a promising alternative for the treatment of coloured industrial wastewaters.