bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bringing plants and soils to life through a simple role-playing activity
Authors: Van Nuland Michael E. , Chen Miranda , England Benjamin J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInteractions are at the core of many ecological and evolutionary forces in nature. Plant-soil interactions provide a rich example of the interconnectedness of living systems, but are hidden from everyday view and overshadowed in the classroom by more popular teaching examples involving animals, reptiles, or invertebrates. To highlight the importance and relevance of plant-soil relationships, we devised a simple role-playing activity suitable for college students. Specifically, the activity simulates how feedbacks between plants and soil environments influence plant species abundance and community richness. With this activity, students will gain a better understanding of these prolific, but overlooked, forms of biological interactions that impact the diversity and functioning of ecosystems.
Evolution of exploitative interactions during diversification inBacillus subtilisbiofilms
Authors: Dragoš Anna , Lakshmanan Nivedha , Martin Marivic , Horváth Balázs , Maróti Gergely , Falcón García Carolina , Lieleg Oliver , Kovács Ákos T. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTMicrobial biofilms are tightly packed, heterogeneous structures that serve as arenas for social interactions. Studies on Gram negative models reveal that during evolution in structured environments like biofilms, isogenic populations commonly diversify into phenotypically and genetically distinct variants. These variants can settle in alternative biofilm niches and develop new types of interactions that greatly influence population productivity. Here, we explore the evolutionary diversification of pellicle biofilms of the Gram positive, spore-forming bacteriumBacillus subtilis. We discover that - similarly to other species -B. subtilisdiversifies into distinct colony variants. These variants dramatically differ in biofilm formation abilities and expression of biofilm-related genes. In addition, using a quantitative approach, we reveal striking differences in surface complexity and hydrophobicity of the evolved colony types. Interestingly, one of the morphotypes completely lost the ability of independent biofilm formation and evolved to hitchhike with other morphotypes with improved biofilm forming abilities. Genome comparison suggests that major phenotypic transformations between the morphotypes can be triggered by subtle genetic differences. Our work demonstrates how positive complementarity effects and exploitative interactions intertwine during evolutionary diversification in biofilms.
Rapid degradation and 3D CLEM of condensin reveal chromatin compaction uncoupled from chromosome architecture in mitosis
Authors: Samejima Kumiko , Booth Daniel G. , Ogawa Hiromi , Paulson James R. , Xie Linfeng , Watson Cara A. , Platani Melpomeni , Kanemaki Masato T. , Earnshaw William C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe requirement for condensin in chromosome formation in somatic cells remains unclear as imperfectly condensed chromosomes do form in conventional condensindepleted cells. Here we have dissected the role of condensin at different stages of vertebrate mitosis by combining auxin-mediated rapid depletion of condensin subunit SMC2 with chemical genetics to obtain near-synchronous mitotic entry of chicken DT40 cells. We analysed the outcomes by live and fixed-cell microscopy methods, including 3D correlative light and serial block face scanning electron microscopy. Following rapid depletion of condensin, chromosomal defects were obvious. The chromatin was compacted normally, but formed a single mass of mitotic chromosomes clustered at one side of a bent mitotic spindle. Cultures arrest at prometaphase, eventually exiting mitosis without segregating chromosomes. Experiments titrating the auxin concentration suggest a previously unsuspected dual role of condensin, as different condensin levels are required for anaphase chromosome segregation and formation of a normal chromosome architecture.
Can CRISPR-based gene drive be confined in the wild? A question for molecular and population biology
Authors: Marshall John M. , Akbari Omar S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe recent discovery of CRISPR and its application as a gene editing tool has enabled a range of gene drive systems to be engineered with much greater ease. In order for the benefits of this technology to be realized, drive systems must be developed that are capable of both spreading into populations to achieve their desired impact, and being recalled in the event of unwanted consequences or public disfavor. We review the performance of three broad categories of drive systems at achieving these goals - threshold-dependent drives, homing-based drive and remediation systems, and temporally self-limiting systems such as daisy-chain drives.
Genome-Wide SNPs Reveal the Drivers of Gene Flow In An Urban Population of the Asian Tiger Mosquito,Aedes albopictus
Authors: Schmidt Thomas L. , Rašić Gordana , Zhang Dongjing , Zheng Xiaoying , Xi Zhiyong , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAedes albopictusis a highly invasive disease vector with an expanding worldwide distribution. Genetic assays using low to medium resolution markers have found little evidence of spatial genetic structure even at broad geographic scales, suggesting frequent passive movement along human transportation networks. Here we analysed genetic structure ofAe. albopictuscollected from 12 sample sites in Guangzhou, China, using thousands of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found evidence for passive gene flow, with distance from shipping terminals being the strongest predictor of genetic distance among mosquitoes. As further evidence of passive dispersal, we found multiple pairs of full-siblings distributed between two sample sites 3.7 km apart. After accounting for geographical variability, we also found evidence for isolation by distance, previously undetectable inAe. albopictus. These findings demonstrate how large SNP datasets and spatially-explicit hypothesis testing can be used to decipher processes at finer geographic scales than formerly possible. Our approach can be used to help predict new invasion pathways ofAe. albopictusand to refine strategies for vector control that involve the transformation or suppression of mosquito populations.Author SummaryAedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger Mosquito, is a highly invasive disease vector with a growing global distribution. Designing strategies to prevent invasion and to controlAe. albopictuspopulations in invaded regions requires knowledge of howAe. albopictusdisperses. Studies comparingAe. albopictuspopulations have found little evidence of genetic structure even between distant populations, suggesting that dispersal along human transportation networks is common. However, a more specific understanding of dispersal processes has been unavailable due to an absence of studies using high-resolution genetic markers. Here we present a study using high-resolution markers, which investigates genetic structure among 152Ae. albopictusfrom Guangzhou, China. We found that human transportation networks, particularly shipping terminals, had an influence on genetic structure. We also found genetic distance was correlated with geographical distance, the first such observation in this species. This study demonstrates how high-resolution markers can be used to investigate ecological processes that may otherwise escape detection. We conclude that strategies for controllingAe. albopictuswill have to consider both passive reinvasion along human transportation networks and active reinvasion from neighbouring regions.
Autocatalytic microtubule nucleation determines the size and mass of spindles
Authors: Decker Franziska , Oriola David , Dalton Benjamin , Brugués Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRegulation of size and growth is a fundamental problem in biology. A prominent example is the formation of the mitotic spindle, where protein concentration gradients around chromosomes are thought to regulate spindle growth by controlling microtubule nucleation (1,2). Previous evidence suggests that microtubules nucleate throughout the spindle structure (3-5). However, the mechanisms underlying microtubule nucleation and its spatial regulation are still unclear. Here, we developed an assay based on laser ablation to directly probe microtubule nucleation events inXenopus laevisegg extracts. Combining this method with theory and quantitative microscopy, we show that the size of a spindle is controlled by autocatalytic growth of microtubules, driven by microtubule-stimulated microtubule nucleation. The autocatalytic activity of this nucleation system is spatially regulated by the limiting amounts of active microtubule nucleators, which decrease with distance from the chromosomes. Thus, the size of spindles is determined by the distance where one microtubule nucleates on average less than one new microtubule. This mechanism provides an upper limit to spindle size even when resources are not limiting and may have implications for spindle scaling during development (6,7).
YAP and TAZ regulate adherens junction dynamics and endothelial cell distribution during vascular development
Authors: Neto Filipa , Klaus-Bergmann Alexandra , Ong Yu-Ting , Alt Silvanus , Vion Anne-Clémence , Szymborska Anna , Carvalho Joana R. , Hollfinger Irene , Bartels-Klein Eireen , Franco Claudio A. , Potente Michael , Gerhardt Holger 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTFormation of a hierarchically organized blood vessel network by sprouting angiogenesis is critical for tissue growth, homeostasis and regeneration. How in this process endothelial cells arise in adequate numbers and arrange suitably to shape a functional vascular network is poorly understood. Here we show that YAP and TAZ promote stretch-induced proliferation and rearrangements of endothelial cells whilst preventing bleeding in developing vessels. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ increase VE-cadherin turnover at junctions and suppress endothelial Notch and BMP signaling, two key pathways that limit sprouting and endothelial dynamics. Consequently, the loss of YAP and TAZ leads to stunted sprouting with local aggregation as well as scarcity of endothelial cells, branching irregularities and junction defects. Forced nuclear activity of TAZ instead drives hypersprouting and vascular hyperplasia. We propose a new model in which YAP and TAZ integrate mechanical signals with Notch and BMP signaling to balance endothelial cell distribution in angiogenic vessels.
A subgroup of mitochondrial extracellular vesicles discovered in human melanoma tissues are detectable in patient blood
Authors: Jang Su Chul , Crescitelli Rossella , Cvjetkovic Aleksander , Belgrano Valerio , Bagge Roger Olofsson , Höög Johanna L. , Sundfeldt Karin , Ochiya Takahiro , Kalluri Raghu , Lötvall Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are secreted from all cells, and convey messages between cells in health and disease. However, the diversity of EV subpopulations are only beginning to be explored. Since EVs have been implicated in tumor microenvironmental communication, we started to determine the diversity of EVs specifically in this tissue. To do this, we isolated EVs directly from patient melanoma metastatic tissues. Using EV membrane isolation and mass spectrometry analysis, we discovered enrichment of mitochondrial membrane proteins in the melanoma tissue-derived EVs, compared to non-melanoma-derived EVs. Specifically, EVs positive for a combination of the two mitochondrial inner membrane proteins MT-CO2 (mitochondrial genome) and COX6c (nuclear genome) were detected in the plasma of melanoma patients, and in ovarian and breast cancer patients. Furthermore, this subpopulation of EVs, contains active mitochondrial enzymes. Our findings show that tumor tissues are enriched in EVs with mitochondrial proteins and enzymatic activity, and these EVs can be detected in blood.
Characterization of a replicating mammalian orthoreovirus with tetracysteine tagged μNS for live cell visualization of viral factories
Authors: Bussiere Luke D. , Choudhury Promisree , Bellaire Bryan , Miller Cathy L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWithin infected host cells, mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) forms viral factories (VFs) which are sites of viral transcription, translation, assembly, and replication. MRV non-structural protein, μNS, comprises the structural matrix of VFs and is involved in recruiting other viral proteins to VF structures. Previous attempts have been made to visualize VF dynamics in live cells but due to current limitations in recovery of replicating reoviruses carrying large fluorescent protein tags, researchers have been unable to directly assess VF dynamics from virus-produced μNS. We set out to develop a method to overcome this obstacle by utilizing the 6 amino-acid (CCPGCC) tetracysteine (TC)-tag and FlAsH-EDT2 reagent. The TC-tag was introduced into eight sites throughout μNS, and the capacity of the TC-μNS fusion proteins to form virus factory-like (VFL) structures and colocalize with virus proteins was characterized. Insertion of the TC-tag interfered with recombinant virus rescue in six of the eight mutants, likely as a result of loss of VF formation or important virus protein interactions. However, two recombinant (r)TC-μNS viruses were rescued and VF formation, colocalization with associating virus proteins, and characterization of virus replication were subsequently examined. Furthermore the rTC-μNS viruses were utilized to infect cells and examine VF dynamics using live cell microscopy. These experiments demonstrate active VF movement with fusion events as well as transient interactions between individual VFs, and demonstrate the importance of microtubule stability for VF fusion during MRV infection. This work provides important groundwork for future in depth studies of VF dynamics and host cell interactions.ImportanceMRV has historically been used as a model to study the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)Reoviridaefamily, which infect and cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. During infection, MRV forms VFs that play a critical role in virus infection, but remain to be fully characterized. To study VFs, researchers have focused on visualizing the non-structural protein μNS which forms the VF matrix. This work provides the first evidence of recovery of replicating reoviruses in which VFs can be labeled in live cells via introduction of a TC-tag into the μNS open reading frame. Characterization of each recombinant reovirus sheds light on μNS interactions with viral proteins. Moreover, utilizing the TC labeling FlAsH-EDT2 biarsenical reagent to visualize VFs, evidence is provided of dynamic VF movement and interactions at least partially dependent on intact microtubules.
Zika virus infection induces synthesis of Digoxin in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Lima Estela de O. , Guerreiro Tatiane M. , Melo Carlos F. O. R. , de Oliveira Diogo N. , Machado Daisy , Lancelloti Marcelo , Catharino Rodrigo R. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTRecently, microcephaly cases have increased in Americas and have been matter of concern due to Zika virus (ZIKV) recent outbreak. Previous studies have shown that ZIKV-infected progenitor neuronal cells present morphological abnormalities and increased rates of cell death, which may be indicators of microcephaly causes. As recent studies indicate Zika virus’ tropism for brain cells, how would a glioblastoma (GBM) lineage behave under ZIKV infection, considering GBM the most common and malignant brain tumor in adults, presenting extreme chemoresistance and high morbidity and mortality rates? The current trend of using genetically engineered oncolytic pathogens as a safe way to eliminate tumors is under development, with trials already in course. Therefore, the present study evaluated the possible oncolytic effects and metabolomic alterations of Zika virus infection at human malignant M059J glioblastoma cells. Microscopic evaluation was performed using optical microscopy, which showed cytopathic effects induced by ZIKV at GBM cells. For the metabolomics study, both control and infected cell cultures were submitted to MALDI-MSI analysis. Mass spectrometry data were submitted to PLS-DA statistical analysis, and distinct biomarkers were elected for each infected groups. This study brings light to unexpectedly induced metabolic changes, as endogenous Digoxin as important biomarker for ZIKV-GBM group, associated with cytopathic effects induced by viral infection. These results evidences that genetically engineered ZIKV might be a potential new strategy for neural cancer management through the induction of endogenous digoxin synthesis in glioblastoma cells.
Literature review of mobile banking and individual performance
Authors: Tam Carlos , Oliveira Tiago 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
Most empirical studies of m-banking seek to understand the factors and motivations that influence the adoption or behaviour intention. The purpose of this paper is to focus on analysing and synthesising existing studies and make recommendations to researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach
Few papers focus on the m-banking use and individual performance, but on the determinants of adoption measures, instead. This research examines 64 journal articles published between 2002 and 2016 in top journals. Following a comprehensive review of the literature, the authors propose a research agenda.

Findings
The importance of use and individual performance has long been recognised by academics and practitioners in a variety of functional disciplines. The present review indicates that the topics of m-banking adoption and behavioural intention dominate the majority of research, but finds very few studies on post-adoption. The two most significant drivers of intentions to adopt m-banking are perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Considering several m-banking definitions, the authors propose a new, broader definition that takes into account the technological changes that have occurred over time. m-banking is a service or product offered by financial institutions that makes use of portable technologies.

Originality/value
This paper assembles this diverse body of knowledge into a coherent whole. The authors expect that this review will be of benefit to anyone interested in m-banking research and that it will help to stimulate further interest. In order to advance research in m-banking, future research should consider other theories uncovered in our findings.
Mobile banking service quality and customer relationships
Authors: Arcand Manon , PromTep Sandrine , Brun Isabelle , Rajaobelina Lova 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multidimensional concept of mobile banking service quality (security/privacy, practicity, design/aesthetics, enjoyment and sociality) and the impact of the latter on the quality of the relationship (commitment, trust and satisfaction) between consumers and their primary financial institution.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted using a sample of 375 respondents, all owners of a mobile device and all accustomed to conducting banking activities on mobile platforms. Results were analyzed using structural modeling techniques (EQS 6.1).

Findings
Findings confirm that trust significantly and positively impacts commitment/satisfaction. Mobile banking service quality dimensions also influence trust and commitment/satisfaction. Trust is associated with security/privacy and practicity (regarded as utilitarian factors), while commitment/satisfaction is driven by enjoyment and sociality (dimensions more hedonic by nature). No link is found between interface design and either trust or commitment/satisfaction.

Originality/value
This study contributes to bank marketing theory since it is the first to demonstrate how key mobile banking service quality dimensions drive customer perceptions of relationship quality. In doing so, this research extends beyond mobile adoption (short term) by addressing customer engagement with financial institutions and issues relating to relationship quality (long term). Regarding managerial implications, findings signal to marketers in the financial services industry the importance of not underestimating the power of hedonic factors (sociality and enjoyment) when developing mobile platforms. These dimensions are often overlooked in the banking industry, a sector in which consumers are believed to be mostly driven by utilitarian motives.
Stay‐at‐home strategy brings fitness benefits to migrants
Authors: Gilroy James J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn Focus: Lok, T., Veldhoen, L., Overdijk, O., Tinbergen, J. M., & Piersma, T. (2017). An age‐dependent fitness cost of migration? Old trans‐Saharan migrating spoonbills breed later than those staying in Europe, and late breeders have lower recruitment. Journal of Animal Ecology, 86, 998–1009.In Focus: Grist, H., Daunt, F., Wanless, S., Burthe, S. J., Newell, M. A., Harris, M. P., & Reid, J. M. (2017). Reproductive performance of resident and migrant males, females and pairs in a partially migratory bird. Journal of Animal Ecology, 86, 1010–1021.In this issue, two studies examine the extent to which variation in migratory behaviour influences individual fitness across a population. Lok, Veldhoen, Overdijk, Tinbergen, and Piersma () examine reproductive success and post‐fledging survival in a population of Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), comparing individuals that winter in south‐west Europe against those migrating to sub‐Saharan Africa, while Grist et al. () measure reproductive success in a population of European shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) breeding in Scotland that either remain resident or migrate to surrounding waters. Both studies find that individuals migrating longer distances tend to show later initiation of breeding attempts. In turn, longer migration correlates with lower reproductive success in both populations. In spoonbills, this effect is most pronounced in older male birds, while young individuals show little difference in breeding success with respect to migration distance. In shags, fitness benefits of residence were most pronounced when both individuals of a pair were resident, although there was no evidence of assortative mating. Both studies provide fascinating new insights into the role migratory variability can play in shaping population dynamics.