bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection on morphological traits and fluctuating asymmetry by a fungal parasite in the yellow dung fly
Authors: Blanckenhorn Wolf U. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA Preprint reviewed and recommended byPeer Community Evolutionary Biology:http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100027Evidence for selective disadvantages of large body size remains scarce in general. Previous phenomenological studies of the yellow dung flyScathophaga stercorariahave demonstrated strong positive sexual and fecundity selection on male and female size. Nevertheless, the body size of flies from a Swiss study population has declined by almost 10% from 1993 to 2009. Given substantial heritability of body size, this negative evolutionary response of an evidently positively selected trait suggests important selective factors being missed (e.g. size-selective predation or parasitism). A periodic epidemic outbreak of the fungusEntomophthora scatophagaeallowedassessment of selection exerted by this parasite fatal to adult flies. Fungal infection varied over the season from ca. 50% in the cooler and more humid spring and autumn to almost 0% in summer. The probability of dying from fungal infection increased with adult body size. All infected females died before laying eggs, so there was no fungus impact on female fecundity beyond its impact on mortality. Large males showed the typical mating advantage in the field, but this pattern of positive sexual selection was nullified by fungal infection. Mean fluctuating asymmetry of paired appendages (legs, wings) did not affect the viability, fecundity or mating success of yellow dung flies in the field. This study demonstrates rare parasite-mediated disadvantages of large adult body size in the field. Reduced ability to combat parasites such asEntomophthoramay be an immunity cost of large size in dung flies, although the hypothesized trade-off between fluctuating asymmetry, a presumed indicator of developmental instability and environmental stress, and immunocompetence was not found here.
Neurotrophin receptor Ntrk2b function in the maintenance of dopamine and serotonin neurons in zebrafish
Authors: Sahu Madhusmita Priyadarshini , Pajanoja Ceren , Rozov Stanislav , Panula Pertti , Castrén Eero 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), together with its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), plays an essential role in the development and plasticity of the brain and is widely implicated in psychiatric diseases (Autry and Monteggia, 2012). Due to the highly conserved evolutionary lineage of neurotrophins and their receptors in vertebrates, the zebrafish is a well-suited model for this study. The TrkB receptor, also known as NTRK2, has two forms in zebrafish, Ntrk2a and Ntrk2b. The spatio-temporal expression pattern ofbdnfandntrk2bin zebrafish was studied usingin situhybridization. The complementary expression pattern ofntrk2btobdnfsuggests thatntrk2bis the key receptor, unlike its duplicate isoformntrk2a. Two reverse genetics strategies, morpholino oligonucleotides (MO) and the TILLING mutant, were applied in this study. The loss or complete deletion ofntrk2bhad no major effect on the viability, gross phenotype, or swimming behavior of zebrafish. A specific subset of the dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal population was affected in the morphants and mutants. Downstream signaling transcripts such asbdnf, serta,th2, andtph2were downregulated and could be rescued by overexpression of the full-lengthntrk2bmRNA in the morphants. Pharmacological intervention with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, K252a, resulted in similar phenotypes. Overall, our results reveal a specific effect ofntrk2bon the two crucial aminergic systems involved in psychiatric disorders and provide an essential tool to study neurotrophin function in modulating neuronal plasticity in the central nervous system.Significance StatementBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase (TrkB/NTRK2), play a major role in regulating the development and plasticity of neural circuits. Additionally, BDNF/TrkB signaling is involved in psychiatric disorders and antidepressant responses. This study presents the complementary gene expression pattern of TrkB and BDNF in zebrafish during the early larval stage and in the adult brain. Our results consistently indicate that BDNF/TrkB signaling has a significant role in the development and maintenance of dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal populations. Therefore, thentrk2b-deficient zebrafish model is well suited to studying psychiatric disorders attributed to a dysfunctional monoaminergic system, and could potentially be a valuable model for small molecule drug screening.
Evolutionary processes shaping diversity across theHomolineage
Authors: Schroeder Lauren , Ackermann Rebecca Rogers 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent fossil finds have highlighted extensive morphological diversity within our genus,Homo, and the co-existence of a number of species. However, little is known about the evolutionary processes responsible for producing this diversity. Understanding the action of these processes can provide insight into how and why our lineage evolved and diversified. Here, we examine cranial and mandibular variation and diversification from the earliest emergence of our genus at 2.8 Ma until the Late Pleistocene (0.126-0.0117 Ma), using statistical tests developed from quantitative genetics theory to evaluate whether stochastic (genetic drift) versus non-stochastic (selection) processes were responsible for the observed variation. Results show that random processes can account for species diversification for most traits, including neurocranial diversification, and across all time periods. Where selection was found to shape diversification, we show that: 1) adaptation was important in the earliest migration ofHomoout of Africa; 2) selection played a role in shaping mandibular and maxillary diversity amongHomogroups, possibly due to dietary differences; and 3)Homo rudolfensisis adaptively different from other earlyHomotaxa, including the earliest knownHomospecimen. These results show that genetic drift, and likely small population sizes, were important factors shaping the evolution ofHomoand many of its novel traits, but that selection played an essential role in driving adaptation to new contexts.
Integrated time course omics analysis distinguishes immediate therapeutic response from acquired resistance
Authors: Stein-O’Brien Genevieve , Kagohara Luciane T , Li Sijia , Thakar Manjusha , Ranaweera Ruchira , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Cheng Haixia , Considine Michael , Schmitz Sandra , Favorov Alexander V , Danilova Ludmila V , Califano Joseph A , Izumchenko Evgeny , Gaykalova Daria A , Chung Christine H , Fertig Elana J 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTargeted therapies specifically act by blocking the activity of proteins that are encoded by genes critical for tumorigenesis. However, most cancers acquire resistance and long-term disease remission is rarely observed. Understanding the time course of molecular changes responsible for the development of acquired resistance could enable optimization of patients’ treatment options. Clinically, acquired therapeutic resistance can only be studied at a single time point in resistant tumors. To determine the dynamics of these molecular changes, we obtained high throughput omics data weekly during the development of cetuximab resistance in a head and neck cancerin vitromodel.RESULTSAn unsupervised algorithm, CoGAPS, was used to quantify the evolving transcriptional and epigenetic changes. Applying a PatternMarker statistic to the results from CoGAPS enabled novel heatmap-based visualization of the dynamics in these time course omics data. We demonstrate that transcriptional changes result from immediate therapeutic response or resistance, whereas epigenetic alterations only occur with resistance. Integrated analysis demonstrates delayed onset of changes in DNA methylation relative to transcription, suggesting that resistance is stabilized epigenetically.CONCLUSIONSGenes with epigenetic alterations associated with resistance that have concordant expression changes are hypothesized to stabilize resistance. These genes includeFGFR1,which was associated with EGFR inhibitor resistance previously. Thus, integrated omics analysis distinguishes the timing of molecular drivers of resistance. Our findings provide a relevant towards better understanding of the time course progression of changes resulting in acquired resistance to targeted therapies. This is an important contribution to the development of alternative treatment strategies that would introduce new drugs before the resistant phenotype develops.
The effects of perceived organisational support and affective commitment on turnover intention
Authors: Wong Yui-Woon , Wong Yui-tim 
Published: May 2017

PurposeChina is experiencing a double-digit turnover rate and high turnover intention. This research aims to explore the relationships of turnover intention, perceived organisational support (POS) and affective commitment in China.Design/methodology/approachTurnover intention and its antecedents, including POS, affective commitment, distributive justice, trust in organisation and job security, were studied in this research with a case study of a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) manufacturing company in Guangdong of China. Based on the literature, two competing models were developed and investigated by using the technique of structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results suggest that distributive justice, trust in organisation and job security have negative impacts on turnover intention. Moreover, affective commitment mediates the impact of job security on turnover intention. The results also indicate that POS has an impact on affective commitment instead of affecting turnover intention directly. In addition, POS and affective commitment mediate the impacts of both distributive justice and trust in organisation on turnover intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe scale of turnover intention used in this study only shows the employee’s intention to quit an organisation. It does not reveal their subsequent actual turnover. This study has research implications. It enhances our understanding of the relationships among POS, affective commitment and turnover intention of Chinese employees in FIEs.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide the management of organisations in China with a better understanding of how to facilitate human resources management so as to lower employee turnover intention.Originality/valueInconsistent research findings have been reported about the relationships among turnover intention, POS and affective commitment in previous studies. The results of this study clarify all these relationships in Chinese FIEs.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, platelet–lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in Japanese patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Response to therapy with biologics
Authors: Asahina Akihiko , Kubo Naoko , Umezawa Yoshinori , Honda Hiromi , Yanaba Koichi , Nakagawa Hidemi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent studies indicate the presence of systemic inflammation in psoriatic patients, and this inflammatory status is significantly associated with a range of comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of novel inflammatory biomarkers, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in Japanese patients with plaque‐type psoriasis (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). One hundred and eighty‐six patients with PsV and 50 patients with PsA treated with biologics, including infliximab, adalimumab and ustekinumab, were retrospectively analyzed before and after treatment. At baseline, NLR and PLR, as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP), were significantly higher in PsA patients than those in PsV patients, and a significant correlation was found between NLR and PLR. In PsV patients, the NLR‐high and PLR‐high subgroups exhibited significantly higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores compared with the NLR‐low and PLR‐low subgroups, respectively, and the NLR‐high subgroup also showed higher CRP levels. MPV value was negatively associated with the presence of arthritis, but its association with inflammation was less clear than that of NLR or PLR. After treatment of the patients with biologics for up to 12 months, NLR and PLR decreased promptly in parallel with a decrease of CRP, irrespective of the type of biologics used. Altogether, these results indicate that both NLR and PLR may be useful markers to evaluate systemic inflammation in psoriatic patients. They may serve as simple, convenient and cost‐effective biomarkers to monitor the disease course after systemic therapy.
Detecting underground cavities using microtremor data: physical modelling and field experiment
Authors: Kolesnikov Yu.I. , Fedin K.V. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we study the possibilities of the use of microtremor records in the detection and delineation of near‐surface underground cavities. Three‐dimensional physical modelling data showed that the averaging amplitude spectra of a large number of microtremor records makes it possible to evaluate the frequencies and amplitudes of compressional standing waves generated by microtremor in the space between the ground surface and underground cavities. We illustrate how these parameters can be used to estimate the shape of the underground cavity horizontal projection. If the compressional wave velocity in the enclosing rock is known, it is possible to evaluate the depth to the cavity top using the frequencies of the standing waves. The results of the field experiment confirmed the possibility of underground cavities detection using microtremor data.
The influence of bacteria on multitrophic interactions among plants, psyllids, and pathogen
Authors: Tamborindeguy Cecilia , Huot Ordom Brian , Ibanez Freddy , Levy Julien 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe recent emergence of several plant diseases caused by psyllid‐borne bacterial pathogens worldwide (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) has created renewed interest on the interaction between psyllids and bacteria. In spite of these efforts to understand psyllid association with bacteria, many aspects of their interactions remain poorly understood. As more organisms are studied, subtleties on the molecular interactions as well as on the effects of the bacteria on the psyllid host are being uncovered. Additionally, psyllid‐borne bacterial phytopathogens can also affect the host plant, which in turn can impact psyllid physiology and behavior. Here, we review the current literature on different aspects of the influence of bacteria on multitrophic interactions among plants, psyllids, and pathogens. We then highlight gaps that need to be addressed to advance this field, which can have significant implications for controlling these newly emergent and other plant diseases.
Is it Possible to Utilise the Agricultural Potential of Ukraine under the Current Agrarian System?
Authors: Borodina Olena , Krupin Vitaliy 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe government of Ukraine aims to transform the country into an ‘agricultural superpower at the international level’ with the hope that the sector will gain high foreign currency earnings and become ‘the engine of national economic development’. The large agribusiness corporations have willingly responded to these calls. However, placing hope solely in the corporate sector is inadequate as the key role of agriculture to create business diversity and achieve rural social and environmental objectives will remain unfulfilled. Many other national economies have experienced ‘the offensive’ of capital on agriculture during the twentieth century, with associated negative consequences, thus encouraging them to adopt more balanced agrarian policies which benefit the whole rural population. Utilisation of Ukrainian agricultural potential as an economic growth engine requires a fundamental change in the interpretation of its purpose, which is currently focused on profit‐making export‐oriented commercial activity. The multifunctional nature of the sector needs to be emphasised, the purpose of which is not only the production of agricultural and food products, but also the creation of public benefits, such as the development opportunities and means for existence for 14 million Ukrainian rural inhabitants, maintenance of ecological balance, regeneration of soil fertility and preservation of rural landscapes.
Meteorological driven factors of population growth in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), in rice paddies
Authors: Li Xiao‐Zhen , Zou Yi , Yang Hai‐Yan , Xiao Hai‐Jun , Wang Jian‐Guo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGrowth of brown planthopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) in rice paddies is mainly driven by meteorological factors under similar management practices. By analyzing field investigation and meteorological data collected from 2008 to 2013 in Nanchang, China, we show that BPH population densities and monthly growth rates (BGR) changed greatly from May to October, and these changes were closely associated with meteorological factors. Stepwise regression and path analysis indicated average speed of winds (AW) in June and lowest temperature (LT) in July were the first factors entering analysis, which interpreted 46.20% and 31.90% of their influences on BGR. While highest temperature (HT) in August and average temperature (AT) in September were the most important factors affecting BGR, but their direct path coefficients were all smaller than their corresponding indirect path coefficients. In October, relative humidity (RH), AW and number of raining days (RD) had significant effects on BGR. According to the sum of each meteorological factor entering stepwise regression analysis sequences, we found AW had the utmost effect on BPH growth, followed by AT and RH, but LT and RD least. The work demonstrate dynamic meteorological factors driving BPH growth and outbreak in rice paddies, which would facilitate the development of durable approaches for forecasting and controlling this destructive rice pest.
Study on the Removal of Cadmium in Rice Using Microbial Fermentation Method
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lei Qunying , Cheng Yuliang , Xie Yunfei , Qian He , Guo Yahui , Chen Yi , Yao Weirong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis work mainly examined how to remove cadmium in rice by fermentation, the removal mechanisms, and the quality of fermented rice in order to utilize cadmium‐contaminated rice. The fermentation time, temperature, liquid ratio, inoculant levels, and number of washes were varied to optimize the efficiency of cadmium removal. The optimum fermentation process, in which the rate of cadmium removal from the rice is 80.84%, required an inoculant amount of 0.1%, a liquid ratio of 1:1, a period of 60 h at 37 °C, and subsequently washed with water 4 times. The physicochemical properties of raw cadmium‐contaminated rice and fermented rice were studied. Results showed that the pasting temperature of the fermented rice became lower, and temperature at which pasting starts dropped but the endothermic enthalpy increased, implying that the protein content in the rice decreased during the fermentation. It suggested that the crystal structure of rice starch changed and fermentation did not result in the formation of new chemical bonds or functional groups in the rice. Microbial fermentation method can therefore effectively reduce cadmium level in contaminated rice.
Fermentation Characteristics and Aromatic Profile of Plum Wines Produced with Indigenous Microbiota and Pure Cultures of Selected Yeast
Authors: Miljić Uroš , Puškaš Vladimir , Vučurović Vesna , Muzalevski Ana 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess and compare fermentation characteristics and aromatic profile of plum wines produced with indigenous microbiota and pure cultures of different selected yeast. Experiments were carried out with plum (Prunus domestica L.) varieties of different fruit ripening times (Čačanska rana, Čačanska lepotica, and Požegača). Wine fermentations were conducted by the activity of indigenous microbiota, commercially available Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus yeast strains and joint activity of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and S. cerevisiae (sequential inoculation). Statistically significant differences in fermentative characteristics and the content of certain volatile compounds were observed as a result of metabolic activity of various indigenous and/or selected yeasts during fermentation of plum pomace. Minimal duration of fermentation (4 to 5 d) and fastest ethanol production rate (from 12.3 to 15.5 g/L/d) were the characteristics of the studied S. cerevisiae strains. Isobutanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 1‐heptanol, and 1‐octanol were the most prevalent higher alcohols in the tested plum wine samples. The predominant ester in plum wines was ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, amyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and ethyl palmitate, esters responsible for the floral and fruity olfactory tones, were also present in large amounts. Also, the use of S. cerevisiae strains resulted in the production of plum wines with better sensory characteristics than ones produced with other investigated yeasts. Obtained results are significant since there is limited data on the compounds responsible for the unique flavor of plum wine, as well as on the impact of different yeast starter cultures application on the overall quality of fruit wines.
Stability Enhancement of Ocimum Sanctum Linn. Essential Oils Using Stearic Acid in Aluminum Carboxymethyl Cellulose Film‐Coated Gelatin Microcapsules
Authors: Chitprasert Pakamon , Ngamekaue Narisara 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHoly basil essential oils (HBEO) can be used in many food applications due to antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes, but they are susceptible to degradation upon storage. Therefore, a protective system is required to extend their shelf life. HBEO was microencapsulated by coacervation using gelatin and the microcapsules were subsequently coated with stearic acid (1%, 2%, and 3%) in carboxymethyl cellulose emulsions. The results showed that HBEO contents decreased with increasing stearic acid concentrations from 76% to 59%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested that HBEO was stable during microencapsulation. After 3‐month storage, changes in appearance were detected in all samples, especially the uncoated and 3% stearic acid‐coated microcapsules. Additionally, the surface HBEO content increased significantly, consistent with a distinct increase in darkness and agglomeration. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the physical change of microcapsules, attributed to the renaturation of gelatin and recrystallization of stearic acid. The antioxidant activity of both non‐encapsulated and encapsulated HBEO after storage decreased significantly, except the microcapsule coated with 1% stearic acid (half maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.35 mg/mL), whereas the antimicrobial activity remained constant. The findings suggest that HBEO microcapsules coated with 1% stearic acid could serve as antioxidant and antimicrobial additives in food industries.