bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of Anterior Mandible and Mouth Floor Using the Myofascial Iliac Crest Free Flap After Tumor Resection
Authors: Xu Haoyue , Gao Ce , Tao Yueqin , Yang Xiaochen , Shang Wei , Song Kai
Published: December 2018

The current study introduces a novel approach of anterior mandible and mouth floor reconstruction with the myofascial iliac crest free flap. A series of 4 patients who presented between May 2015 and July 2017 had benefited from this technique. The myofascial component of this flap was designed to be attached to the iliac crest, and the flap was obtained after identifying the neurovascular pedicle. We transferred the iliac crest, with an outward-oriented placement, to the mandibular defect as the base of the alveolar process. We found that the iliac crest can provide sufficient bone height and an aesthetic shape for the reconstruction of the anterior mandible. More important, we also observed that the myofascial component on the flap surface completely replaced the oral mucosa in as early as 1 month after the operation. Moreover, the proper soft tissue volume can be achieved using this approach for better functional reconstruction of the oral mucosa. No obvious scar contracture of the myofascial component was observed during the follow-up period. The myofascial iliac crest free flap could provide a suitable reconstruction method for combined oral mucosa–mandible defects.
Executive Dysfunction After Fourth-Ventricle Epidermoid Cyst Resection
Authors: Veretennikoff Katie , Coyne Terry , Biggs Vivien , Robinson Gail A.
Published: December 2018

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are rare, comprising 0.2% to 1.8% of all primary intracranial expanding lesions, of which <5% occur within the fourth ventricle. Epidermoid cysts are frequently congenital, and patients often present in the fourth decade of life. These cysts produce symptoms as a result of mass effect on surrounding structures, most commonly the cerebellum and cranial nerves. Symptoms can include hearing impairment, trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain), facial tics, headaches, double vision, and facial palsy. However, no research has focused on the neuropsychological effects on a patient after surgical resection of these cysts. This case report presents the cognitive profile of a woman after resection of an epidermoid cyst in the fourth ventricle. The 49-year-old patient underwent neuropsychological assessment after removal of the cyst, completing a comprehensive set of cognitive tests of estimated premorbid intelligence, attention, memory, social cognition, language, visual perception, and executive functioning. Test results indicated executive dysfunction and reduced visuospatial memory in the acute stage after surgical removal of the epidermoid cyst. These findings suggest that cognitive deficits can occur after resection of space-occupying lesions in brain regions not typically associated with cognition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the neuropsychological consequences of surgical removal of a congenital epidermoid cyst in the fourth ventricle. An understanding of the neuropsychological sequelae of this rare cerebral cyst will allow patients, families, and health professionals to better anticipate and manage postoperative difficulties.
Changes in Cognitive Function Scores After Cerebrospinal Fluid Tap Testing in Patients with Suspected Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Matsuoka Tsuyoshi , Akakabe Misato , Iida Jun-ichi , Kawahara Makoto , Uchiyama Yoshitomo
Published: December 2018

Background:

In patients suspected of having idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), improvement in impaired cognition is common after a diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSFTT). Measures used to evaluate cognitive function before and after a CSFTT include the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Trail Making Test (TMT). However, the time point at which cognitive function should be reevaluated after a CSFTT remains controversial.

Objective:

To investigate differences in cognitive function 1 day and 1 week after a CSFTT (versus baseline) in patients with suspected iNPH.

Methods:

This retrospective study, conducted between October 2012 and January 2017, involved 39 patients with suspected iNPH. We analyzed their MMSE, FAB, and TMT scores on tests conducted before and 1 day and 1 week after the CSFTT.

Results:

Changes in MMSE scores were negligible 1 day after the CSFTT but began to appear 1 week later. Changes in FAB scores were observed from 1 day to 1 week after the CSFTT. Although no statistically significant differences in TMT scores were observed at either time point, the execution time for the test tended to be shorter on the day after the CSFTT. Changes in cognitive function were not associated with demographic or morphological parameters. More severe impairments at baseline, however, were associated with greater changes in cognitive function.

Conclusions:

Performing several reevaluations using each test may enable more accurate assessment of cognitive function in patients with suspected iNPH. Our results highlight the need for long-term follow-up, regardless of the severity of cognitive impairment.
Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood in Two Adult Patients with a Mild Syndrome
Authors: Polanowska Katarzyna Ewa , Dzieżyc Karolina , Rosewich Hendrik , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Seniów Joanna Barbara
Published: December 2018

We describe the cognitive-behavioral functioning of two adult patients with a mild form of alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). AHC is a rare, chronic neurodevelopmental syndrome manifesting in infancy or early childhood, with recurrent hemiplegic or hemidystonic attacks, various nonepileptic paroxysmal events, and cognitive-behavioral impairments, including mental delay of varying degrees. We conducted neurologic and neuroimaging examinations, as well as a neuropsychological assessment, of two men (22 and 30 years old) with mutations in the ATP1A3 gene (p.Leu757Pro and p.Val332Glu) who were experiencing typical AHC transient episodes of alternating weakness or paralysis in order to investigate causes of their poor social functioning. During neurologic examinations of both patients, which were performed between attacks, we observed involuntary movements such as chorea and upper-limb tremor. One patient also had dysarthria. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no parenchymal brain lesions or atrophy in either patient. Neuropsychological examinations demonstrated near-normal (patient 1) or normal (patient 2) global cognitive functioning, with some isolated executive functioning deficits. Both patients had emotional and social dysfunction as well as difficulties adapting to normal adult life. Although the clinical presentation of AHC is usually dramatic, some patients have mild forms of the syndrome (eg, no significant intellectual disability). However, motor and movement disorders, as well as coexisting emotional-affective abnormalities, may affect these patients’ ability to adapt to independent life.
Optogenetic stimulation of kisspeptin neurones within the posterodorsal medial amygdala increases LH pulse frequency in female mice
Authors: Lass Geffen , Li Xiaofeng , de Burgh Ross , He Wen , Kuang Yanping , Yeo Shel-Hwa , Sinnett-Smith Lydia , Colledge William H , Grubb Matthew , Lightman Stafford , O'Byrne Kevin
Published: December 2018

Kisspeptin within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is a critical neuropeptide in the regulation of reproduction. Together with neurokinin and dynorphin A, arcuate kisspeptin provides the oscillatory activity that drives the pulsatile secretion of GnRH, and therefore LH pulses, and is believed to be a central component of the GnRH pulse generator. It is well established that the amygdala also exerts an influence over gonadotrophic hormone secretion and reproductive physiology. The discovery of kisspeptin and its receptor within the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD), and our recent finding showing that intra-MePD administration of kisspeptin or a kisspeptin receptor antagonist results in increased LH secretion and decreased LH pulse frequency, respectively, suggests an important role for amygdala kisspeptin signalling in the regulation of the GnRH pulse generator. To further investigate the function of amygdala kisspeptin, the present study used an optogenetic approach to selectively stimulate MePD kisspeptin neurones and examine the effect on pulsatile LH secretion. MePD kisspeptin neurones in conscious Kiss1-CRE mice were virally infected to express a channelrhodopsin protein and selectively stimulated by light via a chronically implanted fibre optic cannula. Continuous stimulation using 5 Hz resulted in an increased LH pulse frequency, which was not observed at the lower stimulation frequencies of 0.5 and 2 Hz. In wild-type animals, continuous stimulation at 5 Hz did not affect LH pulse frequency. These results demonstrate that selective activation of MePD Kiss1 neurons can modulate hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator frequency.
Precision Medicine Advancements Using Whole Genome Sequencing, Noninvasive Whole Body Imaging, and Functional Diagnostics
Authors: Hou Ying-Chen Claire , Yu Hung-Chun , Martin Rick , Schenker-Ahmed Natalie M. , Hicks Michael , Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Cohen Isaac V. , Jönsson Thomas J. , Heister Robyn , Napier Lori , Swisher Christine Leon , Dominguez Saints , Tang Haibao , Li Weizhong , Barea Jaime , Rybak Christina , Smith Emily , Duchicela Keegan , Doney Michael , Brar Pamila , Hernandez Nathaniel , Kirkness Ewen F. , Kahn Andrew M. , Venter J. Craig , Karow David S. , Caskey C. Thomas
Published: December 2018

We report the results of a three-year precision medicine study that enrolled 1190 presumed healthy participants at a single research clinic. To enable a better assessment of disease risk and improve diagnosis, a precision health platform that integrates non-invasive functional measurements and clinical tests combined with whole genome sequencing (WGS) was developed. The platform included WGS, comprehensive quantitative non-contrast whole body (WB) and brain magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA), computed tomography (CT) coronary artery calcium scoring, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, continuous cardiac monitoring, clinical laboratory tests, and metabolomics. In our cohort, 24.3% had medically significant genetic findings (MSF) which may contribute to increased risk of disease. A total of 206 unique medically significant variants in 111 genes were identified, and forty individuals (3.4%) had more than one MSF. Phenotypic testing revealed: 34.2% of our cohort had a metabolomics profile suggestive of insulin resistance, 29.2% had elevated liver fat identified by MRI, 16.4% had clinically important cardiac structure or cardiac function abnormalities on cardiac MRI or ECHO, 8.8% had a high cardiovascular risk on CT coronary artery calcium scoring (Agatston calcium score > 400, Relative Risk of 7.2), 8.0% had arrhythmia found on continuous rhythm monitoring, 6.5% had cardiac conduction disorders found on EKG, 2% had previously undetected tumors detected by WB MRI, and 2.5% had previously undetected aneurysms detected by non-contrast MRI/MRA. Using family histories, personal histories, and test results, clinical and phenotypic findings were correlated with genomic findings in 130 study participants (63.1%) with high to moderate penetrance variants, suggesting the precision health platform improves the diagnostic process in asymptomatic individuals who were at risk. Cardiovascular and endocrine diseases achieved considerable clinical associations between MSFs and clinical phenotypes (89% and 72%, respectively). These findings demonstrate the value of integrating WGS and noninvasive clinical assessments for a rapid and integrated point-of-care clinical diagnosis of age-related diseases that contribute to premature mortality.
Admixture mapping in interspecific Populus hybrids identifies classes of genomic architectures for phytochemical, morphological and growth traits:
Authors: Bresadola Luisa , Caseys Celine , Castiglione Stefano , Buerkle C. Alex , Wegmann Daniel , Lexer Christian
Published: December 2018

The genomic architecture of functionally important traits is key to understanding the maintenance of reproductive barriers and trait differences when divergent populations or species hybridize. We conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to study trait architecture in natural hybrids of two ecologically divergent Populus species. We genotyped 472 seedlings from a natural hybrid zone of Populus alba and P. tremula for genome-wide markers from reduced representation sequencing, phenotyped the plants in common gardens for 46 phytochemical (phenylpropanoid), morphological, and growth traits, and used a Bayesian polygenic model for mapping. We detected three classes of genomic architectures: (1) traits with finite, detectable associations of genetic loci with phenotypic variation in addition to highly polygenic heritability, (2) traits with indications for polygenic heritability only, (3) traits with no detectable heritability. For class (1), we identified genome regions with plausible candidate genes for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis or its regulation, including MYB transcription factors and glycosyl transferases. GWAS in natural, recombinant hybrids represents a promising step towards resolving the genomic architecture of phenotypic traits in long-lived species. This facilitates the fine-mapping and subsequent functional characterization of genes and networks causing differences in hybrid performance and fitness.
An Empirical Bayes Approach for the Identification of Long-range Chromosomal Interaction from Hi-C Data
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Zheng , Lai Yutong
Published: December 2018

Hi-C experiments have become very popular for studying the 3D genome structure in recent years. Identification of long-range chromosomal interaction, i.e., peak detection, is crucial for Hi-C data analysis. But it remains a challenging task due to the inherent high dimensionality, sparsity and the over-dispersion of the Hi-C count data matrix. We propose EBHiC, an empirical Bayes approach for peak detection from Hi-C data. The proposed framework provides flexible over-dispersion modeling by explicitly including the 'true' interaction intensities as latent variables. To implement the proposed peak identification method (via the empirical Bayes test), we estimate the overall distributions of the observed counts semiparametrically using a smoothed EM algorithm, and the empirical null by discrete curve fitting. We conducted extensive simulations to validate and evaluate the performance of our proposed approach and applied it to real datasets. Our results suggest that EBHiC can better identify peaks than Fit-Hi-C in terms of accuracy, biological interpretability, and the consistency across biological replicates.
Modelling the distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using climate, host density and interspecies competitive effects:
Authors: Yang Bingyi , Borgert Brooke A. , Alto Barry W. , Boohene Carl K. , Brabant Peter , Brew Joe , Deutsch Kelly , DeValerio James T. , Dinglasan Rhoel R. , Dixon Daniel , Faella Joseph M. , Fisher-Grainger Sandra L. , Glass Gregory E. , Hayes Reginald , Hoel David F. , Horton Austin , Janusauskaite Agne , Kellner Bill , Kraemer Moritz U.G. , Leveen Eric , Lucas Keira J. , Medina Johana , Morreale Rachel , Petrie William , Reiner Robert C. , Riles Michael T. , Salje Henrik , Smith David L. , Smith John P. , Solis Amy , Stuck Jason , Vasquez Chalmers , Williams Katie F. , Xue Rui-De , Cummings Derek A.T.
Published: December 2018

Florida faces the challenge of repeated introduction and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Empirically-based predictive models of the spatial distribution of these species would aid surveillance and vector control efforts. To predict the occurrence and abundance of these species, we fit mixed-effects zero-inflated negative binomial regression to a mosquito surveillance dataset with records from more than 200,000 trap days, covering 73% of the land area and ranging from 2004 to 2018 in Florida. We found an asymmetrical competitive interaction between adult populations of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for the sampled sites. Wind speed was negatively associated with the occurrence and abundance of both vectors. Our model predictions show high accuracy (72.9% to 94.5%) in the validation tests leaving out a random 10% subset of sites and data from 2018, suggesting a potential for predicting the distribution of the two Aedes vectors.
SOX2 expression identifies Ewing sarcoma patients with high risk for tumor relapse and poor survival
Authors: Sannino Giuseppina , Marchetto Aruna , Ranft Andreas , Jabar Susanne , Zacherl Constanze , Alba-Rubio Rebeca , Stein Stefanie , Wehweck Fabienne S. , Kiran Merve M , Hoelting Tilman L. B. , Musa Julian , Romero-Perez Laura , Cidre-Aranaz Florencia , Knott Maximilian M. L. , Li Jing , Juergens Heribert , Sastre Ana , Alonso Javier , Da Silveira Wilian , Hardiman Gary , Gerke Julia S. , Orth Martin F. , Hartmann Wolfgang , Kirchner Thomas , Ohmura Shunya , Dirksen Uta , Grunewald Thomas G. P.
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Up to 30-40% of Ewing sarcoma (EwS) patients with non-metastatic disease develop local or metastatic relapse within a time range of 2-10 years. This is in part caused by the absence of prognostic biomarkers that can identify high-risk patients to assign them to risk-adapted monitoring and treatment regimens. Since cancer stemness has been associated with tumor relapse and poor outcome, we investigated in the current study the prognostic potential SOX2 (sex determining region Y box 2) - a major transcription factor involved in development and stemness - previously described to contribute to the undifferentiated phenotype of EwS. Methods: Two independent patient cohorts, one consisting of 189 retrospectively collected EwS tumors with corresponding mRNA expression data (test cohort) and the other of 141 prospectively collected formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded resected tumors (validation cohort), were employed to analyze SOX2 expression levels by DNA microarrays or immunohistochemistry, respectively, and to compare them with clinical parameters and patient outcome. Two methods were employed to test the validity of the results at both mRNA and protein levels. Results: Both cohorts showed that only a subset of EwS patients (16-20%) express high SOX2 mRNA or protein levels, which significantly correlated with poor overall survival. Multivariate analyses of our validation cohort revealed that high SOX2 expression represents a major risk factor for survival (HR=3.19; P<0.01) that is independent from metastasis and other known clinical risk-factors at time of diagnosis. Univariate analysis demonstrated that SOX2-high expression correlated with tumor relapse (P=0.001). Median first relapse was at 14.7 months (range: 3.5-180.7). Conclusions: High SOX2 expression constitutes an independent prognostic biomarker for EwS patients with poor outcome, which may help to identify patients with localized disease who are at high risk for tumor relapse within the first two years after diagnosis.
Single-cell membrane potential fluctuations evince network scale-freeness and quasicriticality
Authors: Johnson James Kenneth , Wright Nathaniel C , Xia Ji , Wessel Ralf
Published: December 2018

What information single neurons receive about general neural circuit activity is a fundamental question for neuroscience. Somatic membrane potential fluctuations are driven by the convergence of synaptic inputs from a diverse cross-section of upstream neurons. Furthermore, neural activity is often scale-free implying that some measurements should be the same, whether taken at large or small scales. Together, convergence and scale-freeness support the hypothesis that single membrane potential recordings carry useful information about high-dimensional cortical activity. Conveniently, the theory of "critical branching networks" (a purported explanation for scale-freeness) provides testable predictions about scale-free measurements which are readily applied to membrane potential fluctuations. To investigate, we obtained whole-cell current clamp recordings of pyramidal neurons in visual cortex of turtles with unknown genders. We isolated fluctuations in membrane potential below the firing threshold and analyzed them by adapting the definition of "neuronal avalanches" (spurts of population spiking). The membrane potential fluctuations we analyzed were scale-free and consistent with critical branching. These findings recapitulated results from large-scale cortical population data obtained separately in complementary experiments using microelectrode arrays (previously published (Shew et al., 2015)). Simultaneously recorded single-unit local field potential did not provide a good match; demonstrating the specific utility of membrane potential. Modeling shows that estimation of dynamical network properties from neuronal inputs is most accurate when networks are structured as critical branching networks. In conclusion, these findings extend evidence for critical branching while also establishing subthreshold pyramidal neuron membrane potential fluctuations as an informative gauge of high-dimensional cortical population activity.
Dynamic ensemble of HIV-1 RRE stem IIB reveals non-native conformations that disrupt the Rev binding site
Authors: Chu Chia-Chieh , Plangger Raphael , Kreutz Christoph , Al-Hashimi Hashim M.
Published: December 2018

The HIV-1 Rev response element (RRE) RNA element mediates the nuclear export of intron containing viral RNAs by forming an oligomeric complex with the viral protein Rev. Stem IIB and nearby stem II three-way junction nucleate oligomerization through cooperative binding of two Rev molecules. Conformational flexibility at this RRE region has been shown to be important for Rev binding. However, the nature of the flexibility has remained elusive. Here, using NMR relaxation dispersion, including a new strategy for directly observing transient conformational states in large RNAs, we find that stem IIB alone or when part of the larger RREII three-way junction robustly exists in dynamic equilibrium with non-native ‘excited state’ (ES) conformations that have a combined population of ~20%. The ESs disrupt the Rev binding site by changing local secondary structure and their stabilization via point substitution mutations decreases the binding affinity to the Rev arginine-rich motif (ARM) by 15- to 80-fold. The ensemble clarifies the conformational flexibility observed in stem IIB, reveals long-range conformational coupling between stem IIB and the three-way junction that may play roles in cooperative Rev binding, and also identifies non-native RRE conformational states as new targets for the development of anti-HIV therapeutics.
Retrograde transport of Akt by a neuronal Rab5-APPL1 endosome
Authors: Goto-Silva Livia , McShane Marisa P. , Salinas Sara , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Schiavo Giampietro , Zerial Marino
Published: December 2018

Long-distance axonal trafficking plays a critical role in neuronal function, and transport defects have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Various lines of evidence suggest that the small GTPase Rab5 plays a role in neuronal signaling via early endosomal transport. Here, we characterized the motility of Rab5 endosomes in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal pyramidal cells by live-cell imaging and showed that they exhibit bi-directional long-range motility in axons, with a strong bias toward retrograde transport. Characterization of key Rab5 effectors revealed that endogenous Rabankyrin-5, Rabenosyn-5 and APPL1 are all present in axons. Further analysis of APPL1-positive endosomes showed that, similar to Rab5-endosomes, they display more frequent long-range retrograde than anterograde movement, with the endosomal levels of APPL1 correlated with faster retrograde movement. Interestingly, APPL1-endosomes transport the neurotrophin receptor TrkB and mediate retrograde axonal transport of the kinase Akt1. FRET analysis revealed that APPL1 and Akt1 interact in an endocytosis-dependent manner. We conclude that Rab5-APPL1 endosomes exhibit the hallmarks of axonal signaling endosomes to transport Akt1 in hippocampal pyramidal cells.
STUDY ON THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE OF PMMA/POLYSTYRENE/SILICA NANOCOMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR DRUG DELIVERY AND DENTAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Saravanabhavan Shanmuga Sundar , NATARAJAN KANNAN , Elumalai Sundaravadivel , Zsolt Sarang , SELVAM Mukunthan K , Janakiraman Manokaran , Jonna Narendranath , Palaniappan Kamalakannan Vasantha , PALANI Kavitha , Venkatesan Prabhu , Natesan Balasubramanian
Published: December 2018

Background
The application of polymeric materials in medical industry has grown drastically in the last two decades due to their various advantages compared to existing materials. The present research work emphases on the sol-gel technique to formulate the polymethyl methyl acrylate/polystyrene/silica composite membrane.
Methods
The characteristic of the composite was investigated through modern state art of instrumentation.
Results
The functional groups attached to the polymer was absorbed by FTIR. The FTIR spectrum confirm that the blend was mixed thoroughly and the formation of unite intimately between the polymers. The membranes were observed by SEM for its surface homogeneity which depends upon the composition of the two blending polymers. The captured SEM images showed the formation of microcracks on the surface, which was evidently controlled by varying the constituent polymer ratios. The prepared blend membranes with 2:1 ratio of PMMA/PS/Si displayed higher water uptake compared to other blended membranes. The composite membranes had good hydroxyl apatite growth in SBF solution. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity studies carried out by MTT method, using RAW macrophage cells showed that all the samples exhibited excellent cell viability.
Conclusion
The inflammatory response of composite with equal concentration of PMMA-PS were performed and observed no inflammation in comparison with control and other tested concentrations.
Transcriptomic responses to thermal stress and varied phosphorus conditions in Symbiodinium kawagutii
Authors: Yu Liying , Lin Senjie , Zhang Huan
Published: December 2018

Symbiodinium species are essential symbionts of tropical reef-building corals and the disruption of their symbiosis with corals as a consequence of seawater warming and other stress conditions leads to the globally widespread coral bleaching. As coral reefs live in the oligotrophic environment, Symbiodinium photosynthesis can also face nutrient stress. How metabolic pathways in Symbiodinium respond to thermal stress and phosphate depletion is poorly understood and underexplored for many species. Here we conducted RNA-seq analysis to investigate transcriptomic responses to thermal stress, phosphate deprivation and glycerol-3-phosphate (Gro3P) replacement in S. kawagutii. RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis were conducted for the above-mentioned three treatments and a control. We identified 221 (2.04%) genes showing no significant differential expression among all conditions, and defined them as “core” genes of S. kawagutii, which mostly were in the Gene Ontology terms of catalytic activity and binding. Using algorithms edgeR and NOIseq in combination, we identified a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each treatment relative to the control. Under heat stress 357 (4.42%) DEGs were found, with predicted roles in active molecular (protein-protein/RNA/DNA) interaction, cell wall modulation and transport (including nutrients, iron, and oxygen). About as many DEGs (396, 4.73%) were identified under P deprivation while nearly double of that (671, 8.05%) were detected under Gro3P utilization; in both cases most of the DEGs were up-regulated and predicted to function in photosystem and defensome. Further KEGG pathway comparison revealed different molecular responses between phosphate deprivation and Gro3P utilization. Catalytic activity and binding seem to be two important core functions in S. kawagutii. The most significant transcriptional response in S. kawagutii to heat stress was regulation of molecular interaction, cell wall modulation, and transport of iron, oxygen, and major nutrients, suggesting that this species uses a unique mechanism to cope with heat stress, possibly conferring thermal tolerance. The greatest transcriptomic impact of phosphate deprivation and Gro3P replacement were the up-regulation of photosystem and defense. This study provides new clues about molecular mechanisms underpinning responses in Symbiodinium to temperature and nutrient stresses, which will generate new hypotheses and set a new framework for future investigations.
Influence of ethical leadership on employee learning orientation: evidence from academics
Authors: Goswami Anil Kumar , Agrawal Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and employee learning orientation in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a quantitative methodology to analyze data collected from 160 faculty members from universities, using a survey questionnaire.

Findings

The finding of this study reveals that ethical leadership has a positive effect on learning orientation of faculty members in universities.

Originality/value

This study adds to the field of ethical leadership by investigating the influence of ethical leadership on learning orientation of faculty members in universities.
Psychometric evaluation of the Perinatal Illness Perceptions Scale (PIPS)
Authors: Jomeen Julie , Martin Colin Robert , Jarrett Patricia Mary
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Perinatal mental health (PMH) is acknowledged as a significant public health issue associated with significant personal, family, social and economic burden. Research demonstrates that healthcare practitioners lack knowledge and confidence in this area but there is likely to be a complexity of factors that may influence practitioner behaviours, including negative attitudes towards people with mental health and inaccurate illness perceptions. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Perinatal Illness Perceptions Scale (PIPS), a conceptual derivation of the Illness Perception Questionnaire – Revised.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional and exploratory instrument development design, using exploratory factor analysis, was employed.

Findings

The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties revealing three sub-scales: causes, consequences (mother); consequences (baby).

Originality/value

The findings implicate the PIPS as the first robust psychometric measure, which can be used to in the assessment of practitioner knowledge of the causes and consequences of PMH. The PIPS could offer the opportunity to assess these domains within both educational and training context and identify practitioner attitudes which may affect clinical decision making and referral decisions.
Exploiting emerging market complementarities
Authors: Robertson Nic , Luiz John M.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the delayed, then accelerated, internationalisation of an emerging multinational enterprise (EMNE), with a particular focus on the media technology sector, and how it exploited complementarities between emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is qualitative in nature and focuses on the expansion of a South African media technology EMNE case study that has a footprint in over 130 countries and has one of the largest market capitalisations of any media company outside the USA and China.

Findings

EMNEs have unique capabilities in navigating uncertain institutional environments in emerging markets and are able to capitalise upon the institutional complementarities between their home and host countries. This may facilitate the recognition of market opportunities and the harnessing of new technologies to meet these opportunities in complementary markets for accelerated internationalisation.

Practical implications

EMNEs must capitalise upon the institutional complementarities between home and host country locations and use this to take advantage of identified market opportunities. This creates the possibility for a process of accelerated internationalisation. New technologies are creating particular market opportunities in emerging markets which can be exploited by EMNEs.

Originality/value

The authors provide a framework which illustrates how an EMNE can exploit complementarities between emerging markets to identify market opportunities, capitalise upon institutional similarities and harness new technologies in the process.
The ghettoization of persons with severe mental illnesses
Authors: Stewart Janet Laura
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the reflections of a person with lived experience of a severe mental illness (SMI) and former peer support worker in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, who has also worked for seven years in mental health research. It describes a tendency of resources and services to create ghettos of people with SMIs by failing to support the integration of people with SMIs into the community at large or in exploring options for meaningful, fulfilling occupation, reinforcing social exclusion and ghettoization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows a reflective and narrative account of personal experiences and observations of the ghettoizing tendency in mental health services.

Findings

Mental healthcare professionals tend to support people with SMIs in engaging activities within resources for the mentally ill, and not in carrying out activities in the community at large. The range of activities offered is limited, an obstacle to finding meaningful, fulfilling occupation. Harmful psychological effects include self-stigma, low self-esteem and a sense of marginalization, generating a ghettoized mentality. The difficulties encountered in an effort to leave the mental health ghetto are touched on with examples of how to overcome them.

Practical implications

The need for professional support for social integration of people with SMIs is identified, which could ultimately favor social inclusion of people with SMIs.

Originality/value

It is written from the perspective of a user and provider of mental health services, who also has seven years’ experience in mental health research.
The strategic co-creation of content and student experiences in social media
Authors: Fujita Momoko , Harrigan Paul , Soutar Geoffrey N.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the understanding of how co-created content (CCC) can facilitate relevant and meaningful customer experiences in social media brand communities (SMBCs). It investigates the characteristics of CCC and explores the effects they have on member engagement from an identity theories perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnography of a university’s Facebook and Instagram accounts was undertaken to analyse exemplary content co-creation practice and resulting user reactions in an organic setting.

Findings

The analysis of CCC confirmed a strong presence of identity narratives and cues that can be categorised into university, sub-group and student role identity themes. Members’ identity-consistent reactions highlight that CCC can influence member perceptions of the distinctiveness, prestige and similarity of the identities they enact. University identity theme CCC allows members to project other member’s identity narrative, while sub-group and student-role identity theme CCC can help increase identity synergy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper adds to the social media marketing literature that SMBC members are important integrators of symbolic resources that influence other members’ identity constructions and further their perceived relationships with the organisation and other members. Social media enables marketers to leverage members’ diverse identities to enhance customer experiences. The study’s single context focus may be a limitation.

Practical implications

The paper provides a useful framework for designing social media content that facilitates meaningful engagement.

Originality/value

The use of identity theories to enhance the understanding of CCC and its role in SMBCs is original. The paper generates new lines of future enquiries to advance theorisation of social media marketing.
Grabbed Urban Landscapes: Socio‐spatial Tensions in Green Infrastructure Planning in Medellín
Authors: Anguelovski Isabelle , Irazábal‐Zurita Clara , Connolly James J.T.
Published: December 2018

Cities confronted with unsustainable development and climatic changes are increasingly turning to green infrastructure as an approach for growth and climate risk management. In this context, recent scholarly attention has been paid to gentrification, real‐estate speculation and resident displacement in the context of sustainability and green planning in the global North. Yet we know little about the environmental‐justice implications of green infrastructure planning in the context of self‐built settlements of the global South. To what extent do green infrastructure interventions produce or exacerbate urban socio‐spatial inequities in self‐built settlements? Through the analysis of a greenbelt project, an emblematic case of green infrastructure planning in Medellín, we argue that, as the Municipality of Medellín is containing and beautifying low‐income neighborhoods through grabbing part of their territories and turning them into green landscapes of privilege and pleasure, communities are becoming dispossessed of their greatest assets—location, land and social capital. In the process, community land is transformed into a new form of aesthetically controlled and ordered nature for the middle and upper classes and for tourists. By contrast, communities’ planning alternatives reveal how green planning can better address growth and climate risks in tandem with equitable community development.
The effects of probiotic cultures on the organic acid content, texture profile and sensory attributes of Tulum cheese
Authors: Tomar Oktay
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis on the organic acid, texture profile and sensory attributes of Tulum cheese. The acidity of sample increased throughout the storage. Storage time influenced the organic acid content of samples (P < 0.0001). Lightness decreased while redness increased (P < 0.05). Cohesiveness decreased during storage, whereas the values of all other Texture Profile Analyses (TPA) parameters increased. The samples produced with L. acidophilus had the highest texture and acceptability ratings, whereas samples produced with B. animalis subsp. lactis had the highest flavour score.
Ensnarement During Imprisonment
Authors: Silver Ian A. , Nedelec Joseph L.
Published: December 2018

Research Summary

We used data collected during the Evaluation of Ohio's Prison Programs. The analytical sample of N = 63,772 inmates represents one of the largest samples used to assess the association between within‐prison sanctioning and recidivism. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) demonstrated that five guilty sanctioning clusters existed within the data: Persistent (0.72%), Very High Decline (0.11%), High Decline (1.38%), Moderate Decline (27.03%), and Abstainers (70.75%). The examination of sanctioning cluster classification on post‐release recidivism suggested that greater exposure to formal sanctions during imprisonment predicted recidivism 1, 2, and 3 years post‐release.

Policy Implications

The outcome of the empirical analysis suggested an association between within‐prison sanctioning clusters and recidivism. Furthermore, longitudinal sanctioning clusters exposed to higher levels of within‐prison sanctioning possessed a greater probability of recidivism 1, 2, and 3 years post‐release. If replicated, two policy implications could be derived from the contextualization of these results within the ensnarement framework. First, it is recommended that the frequency and severity of sanctions be reduced, to the extent possible, during imprisonment. Second, increased access to prosocial opportunities (e.g., rehabilitation programs) during sanctioning efforts is also encouraged based on the analyses.
Human resource differentiation: A theoretical paper integrating co‐workers' perspective and context
Authors: Rofcanin Yasin , Berber Aykut , Marescaux Elise , Bal P. Matthijs , Mughal Farooq , Afacan Findikli Mine
Published: December 2018

This paper conceptualises “human resource (HR) differentiation” as a set of deliberate and differentiating HR practices across individuals within the organisation to address employees' unique work needs and preferences as well as reward them for their input. Despite the importance of HR differentiation, research has mainly focused on the recipients of such practices, overlooking the consequences of HR differentiation from co‐workers' perspective. This is a significant omission because a growing concern suggests that HR differentiation might be a double‐edged sword, as the presumed positive effects might only be confined to employees benefiting from it. Taking a first step, this paper offers a conceptual model that explains how co‐workers of a focal employee, who is entitled to an advantageous outcome through HR differentiation, are likely to react, either positively by showing contentment or negatively by showing anger, with behavioural consequences towards the focal employee and organisation. In so doing, we rely on deontic justice theory and explore contextual conditions at the individual and team level under which co‐workers react. As a result, our model can inspire future research by adopting a broader and more inclusive approach to HR differentiation, underlining the need for caution when implementing HR differentiation in a team setting.
Value of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected stage IB solid predominant and solid non‐predominant lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cao Shuhui , Teng Jiajun , Xu Jianlin , Han Baohui , Zhong Hua
Published: December 2018

Background

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for stage IB lung adenocarcinoma remains controversial. We examined the benefits of ACT in stage IB patients with tumors composed of solid material.

Methods

The records of 309 patients with stage IB lung adenocarcinoma who had undergone complete resection between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed. All pathological slides were evaluated for the composition of solid material.

Results

Our data showed that although disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were not significantly different (P = 0.306 and P = 0.061, respectively) between patients displaying a solid pattern of tumor growth and treated with or without ACT, patients with a solid predominant pattern of tumor growth treated with ACT had longer DFS (hazard ratio 0.359; P = 0.033) and OS (hazard ratio 0.205; P = 0.003). In patients with solid non‐predominant patterns, treatment with ACT had no effect on DFS (P = 0.326) or OS (P = 0.508).

Conclusions

Postoperative patients with the solid predominant pattern of stage IB lung adenocarcinoma may benefit from ACT, while those with the solid non‐predominant pattern will not.
Short‐term movements and behaviour govern the use of road mitigation measures by a protected amphibian
Authors: Matos C. , Petrovan S. O. , Wheeler P. M. , Ward A. I.
Published: December 2018

Road mitigation infrastructure for pond‐breeding amphibians aims to provide a safe and sustainable passage for individuals between critical habitat patches. However, relatively little is known about how amphibians interact with mitigation systems because of the challenges of documenting movements at sufficiently large sample sizes. The effect of real or perceived barriers to short‐term movement could ultimately determine the success or failure of road mitigation schemes. We quantified behavioural responses of the protected great crested newt Triturus cristatus in a complex road mitigation system in the UK. We used fluorescent paint to mark individuals in order to measure distance travelled and trajectory orientation over two seasons (spring when adults migrate to breeding ponds and autumn when newts disperse) and in three components of the mitigation system (fences, tunnel entrances and inside the tunnels). A total of 250 juveniles and 137 adult great crested newts were marked and tracked during 38 survey nights. Adults were individually identified using belly‐pattern recognition. There was substantially greater activity along the fences during autumn (82% of newt captures) compared to spring. Triturus cristatus typically moved short distances each night (3.21 m per night in spring and 6.72 m per night in autumn), with a maximum of 25.6 m travelled inside a tunnel. Adult recapture rates were low (9.7%) and only 3% of the newts found along the fences reached the tunnel entrances. Movements were straighter in spring and inside the tunnels and newts had higher crossing rates in autumn compared to spring. Overall, behaviour and seasonal movement patterns significantly influenced the use of the mitigation system, in a way that could impact landscape connectivity for T. cristatus over the long‐term. Adequate incorporation of fine‐scale movement dynamics could help develop new behavioural models, inform our understanding of amphibian ecology and substantially improve future road mitigation projects.
Stress vulnerability promotes an alcohol‐prone phenotype in a preclinical model of sustained depression
Authors: Riga Danai , Schmitz Leanne J.M. , van Mourik Yvar , Hoogendijk Witte J.G. , De Vries Taco J. , Smit August B. , Spijker Sabine
Published: December 2018

Major depression and alcohol‐related disorders frequently co‐occur. Depression severity weighs on the magnitude and persistence of comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD), with severe implications for disease prognosis. Here, we investigated whether depression vulnerability drives propensity to AUD at the preclinical level. We used the social defeat–induced persistent stress (SDPS) model of chronic depression in combination with operant alcohol self‐administration (SA). Male Wistar rats were subjected to social defeat (five episodes) and prolonged social isolation (~12 weeks) and subsequently classified as SDPS‐prone or SDPS‐resilient based on their affective and cognitive performance. Using an operant alcohol SA paradigm, acquisition, motivation, extinction, and cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking were examined in the two subpopulations. SDPS‐prone animals showed increased alcohol SA, heightened motivation to acquire alcohol, persistent alcohol seeking despite alcohol unavailability, signs of extinction resistance, and increased cue‐induced relapse; the latter could be blocked by the α2 adrenoreceptor agonist guanfacine. In SDPS‐resilient rats, prior exposure to social defeat increased alcohol SA without affecting any other measures of alcohol seeking and alcohol taking. Our data revealed that depression proneness confers vulnerability to alcohol, emulating patterns of alcohol dependence seen in human addicts, and that depression resilience to a large extent protects from the development of AUD‐like phenotypes. Furthermore, our data suggest that stress exposure alone, independently of depressive symptoms, alters alcohol intake in the long‐term.