bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational commitment: an empirical analysis of personality traits
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Ying Chong Wei , Mansori Shaheen
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of five-factor model of personality on organizational commitment in the higher educational institutes of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methodology was adopted to measure the impact of personality on organizational commitment. A structured questionnaire was e-mailed to the faculty members of the social science department of higher education institutes. SmartPLS software was used to run the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings showed that extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness are positively linked to affective commitment (AC), and neuroticism and openness has negative association with AC. Furthermore, extroversion and agreeableness were found to be negatively linked to continuance commitment. A negative link between neuroticism and continuance commitment while no relationship between conscientiousness, openness, and continuance commitment was found.

Research limitations/implications

Results have several implications for the personality and commitment literature. First, study provided comprehensive empirical evidence regarding the dispositional basis of organizational commitment notably; the authors found that the Big Five personality traits as a whole are significantly associated with organizational commitment. Second, the current findings underscore the role of agreeableness in shaping organizational commitment. Agreeableness was the strongest predictor of both AC and continuance commitment. Agreeableness may be especially relevant for predicting employee outcomes that are reliant on strong interpersonal or social exchange relationships. As such outcomes are becoming more and more critical in employee, group, and organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

In general, findings show that Big Five traits play an important role in understanding employee commitment to the organization. Consistent with previous studies on personality traits in the workplace, practitioners will benefit from considering all of the Big Five traits in their selection systems.
The interplay of managerial and non-managerial controls, institutional work, and the coordination of laterally dependent hospital activities
Authors: Nyland Kari , Morland Charlotte , Burns John
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore two hospital departments, one of which is laterally dependent on the other to function, but which are subject to distinct vertical managerial controls. This complexity in vertical–lateral relations generates tension amongst the hospital’s senior managers and a perception of coordination difficulties. However, this paper shows how the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls, plus important employee “work”, moderates tension and facilitates day-to-day lateral coordination at the patient-facing level.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case-study, relying mostly on the findings of semi-structured interviews. Theoretically, the paper draws from previous insights on inter-organisational relations (but informing the focus on intra-organisational coordination) and an “institutional work” perspective.

Findings

Consistent with much extant literature, this paper reveals how non-managerial controls help to moderate tensions that could emerge from the coercive use of managerial controls. However, the authors also show a maintained influence and flexibility in the managerial controls at patient-facing levels, as new circumstances unfold.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper could generalise neither all laterally dependent spaces in hospitals nor patterns across different hospitals. The authors recommend future research into the dynamics and interaction of managerial and non-managerial controls in other complex settings, plus focus on the purposeful work of influential agents.

Originality/value

The paper has two primary contributions: extending our knowledge of the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls inside complex organisations, where non-managerial controls reinforce rather than displace managerial controls, and highlighting that it is seldom just controls per se which “matter”, but also agents’ purposeful actions that facilitate coordination in complex organisations.
Beyond empty promises? A reality check for hate crime scholarship and policy
Authors: Chakraborti Neil , Hardy Stevie-Jade
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight an urgent need for new and improved approaches to supporting hate crime victims and tackling hate crime perpetration in the light of escalating levels of hate crime and growing concerns over the effectiveness of existing interventions and support structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from the authors’ own extensive fieldwork conducted with more than 2,000 victims of hate crime over a series of recent studies. The research was designed to uncover lived experiences of hate crime, to understand the physical and emotional harms suffered by victims and their families, and to identify ways of improving the quality of support offered to victims.

Findings

The findings illustrate that current responses to hate crime are hampered by a range of perceived challenges and barriers to justice which exacerbate the harms associated with hate crimes. This includes low levels of public awareness of relevant policies, laws and support services, a lack of meaningful engagement between professionals and marginalised communities and a failure to provide victim-centred criminal justice interventions.

Practical implications

This paper includes a number of recommendations in relation to how scholars, policy makers and professionals can overcome the failings that have been identified, which includes prioritising engagement with diverse communities, improving awareness of hate crime and generating a more comprehensive evidence base on hate crime perpetration.

Originality/value

These themes discussed within this paper are based upon the views and experiences of an extensive sample of hate crime victims, many of whom have never previously shared their stories with researchers, the police or any other support organisations.
Accuracy‐constrained optimisation methods for staggered‐grid elastic wave modelling
Authors: Chen Jing‐Bo , Dai Meng‐Xue
Published: September 2017

The classical finite‐difference methods for seismic wave modelling are very accurate at low wavenumbers but suffer from inaccuracies at high wavenumbers, particularly at Nyquist wavenumber. In contrast, the optimisation finite‐difference methods reduce inaccuracies at high wavenumbers but suffer from inaccuracies at low wavenumbers, particularly at zero wavenumber when the operator length is not long and the whole range of wavenumbers is considered. Inaccuracy at zero wavenumber means that the optimisation methods only have a zeroth‐order accuracy of truncation and thus are not rigorously convergent. To guarantee the rigorous convergence of the optimisation methods, we have developed accuracy‐constrained optimisation methods. Different‐order accuracy‐constrained optimisation methods are presented. These methods not only guarantee the rigorous convergence but also reduce inaccuracies at low wavenumbers. Accuracy‐constrained optimisation methods are applied to staggered‐grid elastic wave modelling.
Associations between epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and histological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification in Chinese patients
Authors: Wang Tengteng , Zhang Yi , Liu Baodong , Hu Mu , Zhou Naikang , Zhi Xiuyi
Published: September 2017

Background

This retrospective study was conducted to investigate the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and histological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) classification in Chinese patients.

Methods

Three hundred and seventy six surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas from Chinese PLA General Hospital were included in the study. Patients’ clinical and pathological characteristics including age, gender, smoking history, tumor size, tumor node metastasis stage, and tumor differentiation were analyzed. Histologic subtypes of adenocarcinoma were categorized according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of lung adenocarcinoma. An amplification‐refractory mutation system was performed to detect EGFR mutations.

Results

One hundred and fifty three lung adenocarcinomas had EGFR mutations. In univariate analysis, EGFR mutations were associated with gender (P < 0.001), smoking history (P < 0.001), tumor differentiation (P < 0.001), and acinar predominant (P < 0.001), papillary predominant (P = 0.034), solid predominant (P = 0.022), invasive mucinous (P = 0.012) and mucinous (P = 0.001) subtypes.

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with lung adenocarcinoma, smoking history, tumor differentiation, and acinar predominant and mucinous subtypes were independent predictors of EGFR mutation.
Association between oral leukoplakia and risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer death: A follow‐up study of the Linxian General Population Trial
Authors: Liang He , Yang Zhao , Wang Jian‐Bing , Yu Pei , Fan Jin‐Hu , Qiao You‐Lin , Taylor Philip R.
Published: September 2017

Background

This study was conducted to explore the association between oral leukoplakia (OL) and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer death in the Linxian General Population Trial Cohort.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of the Linxian General Population Trial Cohort was performed. Participants with OL were treated as an exposed group, and the remainder was selected as a control group. All subjects were followed monthly by village health workers and reviewed quarterly by the Linxian Cancer Registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were evaluated using proportional hazard and proportional subdistribution hazard models, respectively.

Results

Over a median of 27 years of observation, 29 476 subjects were followed‐up. A total of 17 473 deaths occurred, including 2345 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), 1139 gastric cardia carcinoma, and 506 gastric non‐cardia carcinoma deaths. Significant increased ESCC mortality was observed in subjects with OL (exposed 9.66% vs. unexposed 7.39%; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, subjects with OL had a 22% higher risk of death from ESCC (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.34; P = 0.0001) after adjusted covariates. In subjects aged ≤52 at the baseline, OL was significantly associated with an elevated risk of ESCC mortality (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.54; P = 0.0005). No significant associations were observed for gastric cardia carcinoma and non‐cardia carcinoma mortality.

Conclusions

OL may increase the risk of ESCC mortality, especially in the younger population. These associations should be investigated in further studies.
Improved demethylation in ecological epigenetic experiments: Testing a simple and harmless foliar demethylation application
Authors: Puy Javier , Dvořáková Hana , Carmona Carlos P. , de Bello Francesco , Hiiesalu Inga , Latzel Vít
Published: September 2017

Experimental demethylation of plantDNAenables testing for epigenetic effects in a simple and straightforward way without the use of expensive and laboriousDNAsequencing. Plants are commonly demethylated during their germination with the application of agents such as 5‐azacytidine (5‐azaC). However, this approach can cause unwanted effects such as underdeveloped root systems and high mortality of treated plants, hindering a full comparison with untreated plants, and can be applied only on plant reproducing by seeds. Here we test a simple alternative method of plant demethylation designed to overcome the shortcomings of the germinating method.

We compared a novel method of demethylating plants, based on periodical spraying of 5‐azaC aqueous solution on established seedlings, with the previous method in which seeds were germinated directly in 5‐azaC solution. We quantified the amount of methylatedDNAand measured various aspects of plant performance. Also, we demonstrated its applicability in ecological epigenetic experiments by testing transgenerational effects of plant–plant competition.

We found that the spray application had similarDNA‐demethylating efficiency than the germination method, particularly in the earlier phases of plant development, but without unwanted effects. The spray application method did not reduce plant growth and performance compared to untreated plants, as opposed to the traditional method which showed reduced growth. Also, the spray application method equalized the epigenetically modified plant features of seedlings coming from plants grown under competition and plants growing without competition, demonstrating its application in ecological epigenetic experiments.

We conclude that regular spraying of 5‐azaC solution onto established seedlings surpassed the germination‐in‐solution method in terms of vigour and fitness of treated plants. This novel method could thus be better suited for experimental studies seeking valuable insights into ecological epigenetics. Furthermore, the spray method can be suitable for clonal species reproducing asexually, and most importantly, it opens the possibility of community‐level experimental demethylation of plants.
Genetic diversity and paternal origin of domestic donkeys
Authors: Han H. , Chen N. , Jordana J. , Li C. , Sun T. , Xia X. , Zhao X. , Ji C. , Shen S. , Yu J. , Ainhoa F. , Chen H. , Lei C. , Dang R.
Published: September 2017

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate genetic diversity, origins and domestication of donkey using autosomal microsatellites and the mitochondrial genome, whereas the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome of modern donkeys is largely uncharacterized. In the current study, 14 published equine Y chromosome‐specific microsatellites (Y‐STR) were investigated in 395 male donkey samples from China, Egypt, Spain and Peru using fluorescent labeled microsatellite markers. The results showed that seven Y‐STRs—EcaYP9, EcaYM2, EcaYE2, EcaYE3, EcaYNO1, EcaYNO2 and EcaYNO4—were male specific and polymorphic, showing two to eight alleles in the donkeys studied. A total of 21 haplotypes corresponding to three haplogroups were identified, indicating three independent patrilines in domestic donkey. These markers are useful for the study the Y‐chromosome diversity and population genetics of donkeys in Africa, Europe, South America and China.
Reduced CD200 expression is associated with altered Th1/Th2 cytokine production in placental trophoblasts from preeclampsia
Authors: Xu Jie , Gu Yang , Sun Jingxia , Zhu Hui , Lewis David F. , Wang Yuping
Published: September 2017

Problem

To determine if altered trophoblast CD200 and CD200R expressions promote inflammatory cytokine production in preeclamptic placentas.

Methods of study

Placental tissue CD200 and CD200R expressions were determined by immunostaining. Tissue sections from first‐, second‐, and third‐trimester, normal term, and preeclamptic placentas were used. CD200 and CD200R expressions and cytokine production of TNFα, sTNFR1, INFγ, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were determined in trophoblasts from normal and preeclamptic placentas and in normal trophoblasts transfected with CD200 siRNA.

Results

CD200, but not CD200R, expression was significantly reduced in trophoblasts from preeclamptic compared to normal placentas. Trophoblast from preeclamptic placentas and trophoblast transfected with CD200 siRNA produced significantly more TNFα, sTNFR1, IL‐6, and IL‐8, but significantly less IL‐10, than trophoblasts from normal control placentas.

Conclusion

Downregulation of CD200 expression resulted in an imbalance of increased Th1 cytokine and decreased Th2 cytokine production in placental trophoblasts in preeclampsia.
Systematic Design of a Magnetically Levitated Brushless DC Motor for a Reversible Rotary Intra‐Aortic Blood Pump
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Logan Thomas G. , Smith P. Alex , Hsu Po‐Lin , Cohn William E. , Xu Liping , McMahon Richard A.
Published: September 2017

The IntraVAD is a miniature intra‐aortic ventricular assist device (VAD) designed to work in series with the compromised left ventricle. A reverse‐rotation control (RRc) mode has been developed to increase myocardial perfusion and reduce ventricular volume. The RRc mode includes forward rotation in systole and reverse rotation in diastole, which requires the IntraVAD to periodically reverse its rotational direction in synchrony with the cardiac cycle. This periodic reversal leads to changes in pressure force over the impeller, which makes the entire system less stable. To eliminate the mechanical wear of a contact bearing and provide active control over the axial position of the rotor, a miniature magnetically levitated bearing (i.e., the PM‐Coil module) composed of two concentric permanent magnetic (PM) rings and a pair of coils—one on each side—was proposed to provide passive radial and active axial rotor stabilization. In the early design stage, the numerical finite element method (FEM) was used to optimize the geometry of the brushless DC (BLDC) motor and the maglev module, but constructing a new model each time certain design parameters were adjusted required substantial computation time. Because the design criteria for the module had to be modified to account for the magnetic force produced by the motor and for the hemodynamic changes associated with pump operation, a simplified analytic expression was derived for the expected magnetic forces. Suitable bearings could then be designed capable of overcoming these forces without repeating the complicated FEM simulation for the motor. Using this method at the initial design stage can inform the design of the miniature maglev BLDC motor for the proposed pulsatile axial‐flow VAD.
Music exposure and maturation of late preterm sleep–wake cycles: a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Stokes Adia , Agthe Alexander G. , El Metwally Dina
Published: September 2017

Aim

To determine the effect of music on sleep–wake cycle (SWC) patterns in late preterm neonates.

Methods

In a masked crossover study, infants between 32 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation were randomised to music exposure either during the first six or last six hours of a 12‐hour observation period. SWC characteristics were determined by continuous amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) read by two coders masked to exposure sequence. Analysis was performed in paired comparisons. ANOVA was used to assess the effects of music exposure, period and crossover on SWC outcomes: (i) Burdjalov Scores (BS) during active sleep (AS) (ii) per cent and duration of quiet sleep (QS).

Results

Thirty infants were studied. A total of 222 QS cycles (median seven per patient; range five to 12) were analysed. Music exposure was associated with higher BS (F = 10.60, p = 0.0019) in AS and decreased interruptions during QS. The advanced postconceptual age (PCA) SWC pattern during AS was equivalent to a one‐week mean. Number, duration and ratio of QS cycles did not change with music exposure.

Conclusion

Music exposure elicits an increasing PCA pattern in AS and fewer interruptions in QS. Music may benefit sleep in late preterm infants.
Input Rigidities and Performance of Vietnamese Universities
Authors: Tran Carolyn–Dung T. T. , Villano Renato A.
Published: September 2017

Universities in Vietnam are inclined to have an inefficient mix of input resources because of rigidities restricting the adoption of advanced teaching technology. There has been a deferral of the adoption of new teaching technologies to meet the rest of the world's higher education standards. Using an input‐orientated data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, technical, scale and mix efficiency indicators are estimated for 112 Vietnamese universities over the period 2011–2013 using the Färe–Primont index. The results indicate that the technical, scale and mix efficiency indicators are 0.784, 0.866 and 0.829, respectively. Using the fractional regression model, it is found that location, age, ownership and financial capacity have significant influences on the mix efficiency indicators of universities.
Comparison of laparoscopic Toupet and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications in neurologically normal children
Authors: Miyano Go , Yamoto Masaya , Miyake Hiromu , Kaneshiro Masakatsu , Morita Keiichi , Nouso Hiroshi , Koyama Mariko , Okawada Manabu , Doi Takashi , Koga Hiroyuki , Lane Geoffrey J , Fukumoto Koji , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Urushihara Naoto
Published: September 2017

Introduction

We compared laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in neurologically normal children.

Methods

Forty neurologically normal children who were followed up for more than 3 years after LTF (n = 22) or LNF (n = 18) were reviewed retrospectively. LTF and LNF were performed between 2006 and 2012.

Results

There were no significant differences in gender (LTF, 15 male and 7 female patients; LNF:, 12 male and 6 female patients), mean age at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 2.5 vs 2.3 years), mean weight at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 9.6 vs 8.9 kg), preoperative symptoms, preoperative pH monitoring (pH <4) (LTF vs LNF: 26.7% vs 21.8%), mean operative time (LTF vs LNF: 117 vs 126 min), postoperative recommencement of enteral feeding (LTF vs LNF: 3.7 vs 3.8 days), or duration of hospitalization (LTF vs LNF: 5.5 vs 6.3 days). Intraoperative complications were esophageal trauma (LTF; n = 1; 4.5%) and liver trauma (LNF; n = 1; 5.6%) (P = 0.70). Post‐LTF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 4.5%), and post‐LNF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 5.5%) and gastric outlet obstruction (n = 1; 5.5%) (P = 0.43); all were managed conservatively. No case required conversion to open repair. There was no recurrence after LTF, but there were three cases (16.7%) after LNF (P = 0.08). Reoperation was performed at 4, 11, and 13 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite LTF and LNF appearing to be equally effective, three LNF cases required reoperation.
Livestock exclusion alters plant species composition in fen meadows
Authors: Merriam Kyle E. , Markwith Scott H. , Coppoletta Michelle
Published: September 2017

Questions

Our study evaluated how species composition and plant traits that indicate functioning condition in fens responded to grazing cessation over time in an arid ecosystem of the western US. The specific questions addressed were: (i) how does livestock exclusion influence species composition in fens; (ii) is grazing cessation associated with shifts in species functional traits that indicate fen condition; and (iii) what is the pattern of response to livestock exclusion over time?

Location

Plumas National Forest, California, US.

Methods

We studied paired fenced and unfenced study sites in two fens to examine the effects of livestock exclusion. Parallel transects were established at each site, and plant species and ground cover were repeatedly surveyed, once prior to and multiple times following treatment, using 0.01 m2 frequency frames. We used NMDS to analyse species composition, RLQ and fourth‐corner analysis to evaluate species functional traits and environmental variables, and linear mixed effects models to examine differences in responses between fenced and unfenced study sites over time.

Results

After fencing, we observed unexpected shifts in species composition and plant functional traits. Grazed sites were associated with peat‐forming obligate wetland, moss and sedge species, while fenced sites were characterized by non‐peat‐forming facultative upland, and upland forb, grass and early seral species. Species composition also varied between sites and sample years.

Conclusions

We found that livestock exclusion strongly affects plant species composition in fens, including promoting species with functional traits that indicate a loss of functioning condition, such as ruderal and upland species. Possible explanations for these observed shifts include: (1) biomass accumulation in the absence of herbivory, (2) competitive exclusion in fenced sites, (3) succession, (4) the abiotic conditions of our study sites, particularly hydrology and nutrient status, and (5) interactions among these factors. We conclude that degradation of fen wetlands caused by livestock grazing in the arid western US may not be reversed by excluding livestock alone.
School connectedness and the primary to secondary school transition for young people with autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Hebron Judith S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Young people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) face many educational challenges, particularly in terms of academic achievement, social inclusion, and mental health. School connectedness is linked to many positive outcomes and may be of particular salience at the primary–secondary school transition, when young people with ASC are expected to cope in new and unfamiliar settings.

Aims

This study explores for the first time school connectedness across the primary to secondary school transition for young people with ASC.

Sample

Twenty‐eight students with ASC (23 male, five female) and a comparison group of 21 students with no additional needs (16 male, five female) participated.

Methods

A longitudinal design was used to measure school connectedness across transition at four time‐points from the end of primary school, into the first and second years of secondary school. Students completed the Psychological Sense of School Membership (Goodenow, 1993, Psychology in the Schools, 30, 79) questionnaire at each time‐point, with responses analysed statistically.

Results

Students with ASC reported positive levels of school connectedness across transition, although their scores remained lower than those of their typically developing peers. The gap between the two groups narrowed significantly during the first year of secondary school, with students in the ASC group reporting improving levels of school connectedness, although there were non‐significant signs of a decline for both groups in the second year.

Conclusions

Transition can be a positive experience for students with ASC. However, their consistently lower levels of school connectedness compared to those of their peers highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and support during secondary education.
The impact of lymph node dissection and positive lymph nodes on cancer‐specific mortality in contemporary pT2‐3 non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with radical nephrectomy
Authors: Marchioni Michele , Bandini Marco , Pompe Raisa S. , Martel Tristan , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Kapoor Anil , Cindolo Luca , Briganti Alberto , Schips Luigi , Capitanio Umberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of lymph node dissection (LND), number of removed nodes (NRN), and number of positive nodes (NPN), on cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) in contemporary vs historical patients with pT2–3NanyM0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with radical nephrectomy (RN).

Patients and Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2001–2013), we identified patients with non‐metastatic pT2–3Nany RCC who underwent RN with or without LND. Kaplan–Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models with propensity score weighting for inverse probability of treatment were used.

Results

Of 25 357 patients, 24.8% underwent LND (2001–2007: 3 167 patients vs 2008–2013: 3 133 patients). The median NRN was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1‐7). Positive nodes were identified in 17.1%: 9.3% of pT2 and 21.6% of pT3 patients, who underwent LND. The median NPN was 2 (IQR: 1‐3). In multivariable models, LND did not decrease CSM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29; P < 0.001). LND extent, defined as NRN, did not decrease CSM (HR 0.94; P = 0.3). Finally, multivariable models testing the effect of NPN showed increased CSM in pT3 but not in pT2 patients (HR 1.29 and 1.58, P = 0.02 and P = 0.1, respectively). NRN exerted a protective effect on CSM in patients with positive nodes (HR 0.98; P = 0.007).

Conclusion

In contemporary and historical patients LND or its extent do not protect from CSM. However, the NPN increases the rate of CSM in pT3 patients. Consequently, LND and its extent appear to have little if any therapeutic value in pT2–3NanyM0 patients, besides its prognostic impact. High‐risk non‐metastatic patients may represent a target population for a multi‐institutional prospective trial.
ATAD3 proteins: brokers of a mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum connection in mammalian cells
Authors: Baudier Jacques
Published: September 2017

In yeast, a sequence of physical and genetic interactions termed the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–mitochondria organizing network (ERMIONE) controls mitochondria–ER interactions and mitochondrial biogenesis. Several functions that characterize ERMIONE complexes are conserved in mammalian cells, suggesting that a similar tethering complex must exist in metazoans. Recent studies have identified a new family of nuclear‐encoded ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+‐ATPase) mitochondrial membrane proteins specific to multicellular eukaryotes, called the ATPase family AAA domain‐containing protein 3 (ATAD3) proteins (ATAD3A and ATAD3B). These proteins are crucial for normal mitochondrial–ER interactions and lie at the heart of processes underlying mitochondrial biogenesis. ATAD3A orthologues have been studied in flies, worms, and mammals, highlighting the widespread importance of this gene during embryonic development and in adulthood. ATAD3A is a downstream effector of target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling in Drosophila and exhibits typical features of proteins from the ERMIONE‐like complex in metazoans. In humans, mutations in the ATAD3A gene represent a new link between altered mitochondrial–ER interaction and recognizable neurological syndromes. The primate‐specific ATAD3B protein is a biomarker of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Through negative regulation of ATAD3A function, ATAD3B supports mitochondrial stemness properties.
A Methylome‐Wide Association Study of Trajectories of Oppositional Defiant Behaviors and Biological Overlap With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Barker Edward D. , Walton Esther , Cecil Charlotte A.M. , Rowe Richard , Jaffee Sara R. , Maughan Barbara , O'Connor Thomas G. , Stringaris Argyris , Meehan Alan J. , McArdle Wendy , Relton Caroline L. , Gaunt Tom R.
Published: September 2017

In 671 mother–child (49% male) pairs from an epidemiological birth cohort, we investigated (a) prospective associations between DNA methylation (at birth) and trajectories (ages 7–13) of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and the ODD subdimensions of irritable and headstrong; (b) common biological pathways, indexed by DNA methylation, between ODD trajectories and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); (c) genetic influence on DNA methylation; and (d) prenatal risk exposure associations. Methylome‐wide significant associations were identified for the ODD and headstrong, but not for irritable. Overlap analysis indicated biological correlates between ODD, headstrong, and ADHD. DNA methylation in ODD and headstrong was (to a degree) genetically influenced. DNA methylation associated with prenatal risk exposures of maternal anxiety (headstrong) and cigarette smoking (ODD and headstrong).
Consequences of population change for local abundance and site occupancy of wintering waterbirds
Authors: Méndez Verónica , Gill Jennifer A. , Alves José A. , Burton Niall H. K. , Davies Richard G.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Population size changes can lead to changes in local abundance and/or site occupancy, depending on the processes influencing site use by individuals. Here, we quantify such changes for wintering waterbirds and assess their implications for widely used conservation strategies in which sites that support in excess of a given proportion of a population are prioritized for protection.

Location

Britain.

Methods

We use long‐term survey data to quantify changes in population size and distribution for 19 waterbird species across Britain.

Results

Population changes in these species have varied greatly (from declines of ~25% to increases of >1,600%) over 26 years, and we show that change in local abundance was the predominant consequence of these changes, while colonization of new sites mainly occurred in response to large population increases. For most species, changes in abundance and occupancy were spatially dependent over relatively short distances, consistent with (but not conclusive of) density‐dependent spillover. Levels of occupancy among species were negatively associated with proportions of sites, and populations within sites, exceeding the 1% of total population threshold for site protection. For species increasing in overall population size, the occurrence of small incipient populations at new sites resulted in declines in the number of sites supporting >1% of the total population and the proportion of the population supported by these sites.

Main conclusions

Fluctuations in waterbird population size are more likely to result in changes in local abundance than distribution. Consequences of population change for site protection when abundance thresholds are used for site designation depend on shifts in the evenness of distribution of abundances across sites, and whether occupancy is increasing or decreasing. Range‐expanding species have an increased likelihood of losing some sites, and populations within sites, exceeding the 1% of total population threshold for site protection.
Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure by deceleration time of early diastolic mitral annular velocity in patients with heart failure
Authors: Takemoto Kazushi , Hirata Kumiko , Hozumi Takeshi , Tanimoto Takashi , Orii Makoto , Shiono Yasutsugu , Matsuo Yoshiki , Ino Yasushi , Kitabata Hironori , Kubo Takashi , Tanaka Atsushi , Akasaka Takashi
Published: September 2017

Objective

To examine the diagnostic ability of the deceleration time of early mitral annular velocity (e'DT) as determined by tissue Doppler velocity image, a method for assessing LV filling pressure.

Backgrounds

Estimation of LV filling pressure by Doppler echocardiography requires a combination of various parameters. Therefore, there remains a need for a simple index in LV filling pressure estimation. The eʹ is known to be reduced and delayed with increased LV filling pressure during development of heart failure. Thus, we hypothesized that e'DT would be shortened as LV filling pressure is increased.

Methods

Simultaneous LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement and Doppler echocardiography were performed in 94 patients who were admitted to our hospital for heart failure. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, mitral valve surgery, and acute coronary syndrome.

Results

The e'DT in 31 patients with LVEDP >16 mm Hg (68±13 ms) was significantly shorter than that in 63 patients with LVEDP ≤16 mm Hg (103±27 ms). Both e'DT and early transmitral flow velocity (E)/eʹ were significantly correlated with LVEDP. In 30 patients with 10–14 E/eʹ, significance of correlation in e'DT was remained, while E/eʹ was not. The area under the ROC curve for prediction of LVEDP >16 mm Hg for e′DT was greater than that for E/e′ (0.91 vs 0.74, P=.046).

Conclusion

The e'DT is useful to assess LV filling pressure, especially in 10–14 E/eʹ. This simple tissue Doppler index may be a potential parameter for easily distinguishing between mild and severe heart failures.
Assessment of subclinical right ventricular systolic dysfunction in coal miners using myocardial isovolumic acceleration
Authors: Ozcan Abacıoglu Ozge , Kaplan Mehmet , Abacıoglu Serkan , Quisi Ala
Published: September 2017

Objective

Several studies have been conducted regarding the effects of coal mining on the respiratory system. However, there is a lack of data concerning potential effects of coal mining on the cardiovascular system. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential subclinical right and left ventricular dysfunction in coal miners.

Methods

This single‐center, prospective study included a total of 102 patients. Patient and control groups consisted of 54 coal miners and 48 healthy men, respectively. All patients underwent 12‐lead electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and pulmonary function test.

Results

As compared to control group, coal miners had significantly higher right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) (0.41 ± 0.03 vs 0.37 ± 0.02, P < .001), lower right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) (33.55% ± 6.70% vs 37.04 ± 9.26 P < .05), lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (1.54 ± 0.17 vs 1.73 ± 0.25, P < .001), lower myocardial isovolumic acceleration (IVA) (2.13 ± 0.16 vs 2.56 ± 0.36 P < .001) and decreased aortic distensibility (AD) (4.14 ± 2.18 vs 6.63 ± 3.91 P < .001). All of the echocardiographic parameters were positively correlated with exposure time to coal mine dust, except IVA.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic parameters of both right and left ventricular dysfunction, including RVMPI, RVFAC, TAPSE, IVA, and AD, are impaired in coal miners.
The impact of left ventricular deformation and dyssynchrony on improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction following radiofrequency catheter ablation in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome: A comprehensive study by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Nagai Tomoo , Hamabe Akira , Arakawa Junko , Tabata Hirotsugu , Nishioka Toshihiko
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) deformation and LV dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome and to identify the factors that affect the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Methods

Thirty patients (26 men, mean age 40 ± 12 years) with WPW syndrome were prospectively recruited for this study. They underwent 2‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis before RFCA and again within 48 hours after RFCA. Control group consisted of 15 age and sex‐matched healthy volunteers.

Results

The patients had significantly lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (Sl), and global circumferential strain (Sc) compared with healthy controls (64% ± 8% vs 68% ± 5%, P = .049; −17.6% ± 3.2% vs −19.9% ± 3.3%, P = .037, −15.2% ± 2.5% vs −19.4% ± 2.5%, P < .0001, respectively). Patients had a significantly higher dyssynchrony index relative to healthy controls (58.4 ± 49.0 ms vs 36.4 ± 31.1 ms, P = .031). After RFCA, there was a significant increase in LVEF and global Sc (68% ± 8% vs 64% ± 8%, P = .005; −17.3% ± 2.0% vs −15.2% ± 2.5%, P < .0001, respectively), along with a significant decrease in the dyssynchrony index (36.9 ± 36.3 ms vs 58.4 ± ms, P < .001) relative to the baseline values. Logistic regression revealed that the baseline dyssynchrony index was a predictor of LVEF improvement after RFCA (odds ratio: 1.060, P = .038).

Conclusion

In WPW syndrome, impaired LV circumferential deformation can be restored by RFCA with concomitant improvement in LV dyssynchrony and LVEF.
Tipping the (Im)balance: Capital inflows, financial market structure, and banking crises
Authors: Copelovitch Mark , Singer David A.
Published: September 2017

An emerging consensus among scholars and policy‐makers identifies foreign capital inflows as one of the primary determinants of banking crises in developed countries. We challenge this view by arguing that external imbalances are destabilizing only when banks face substantial competition from securities markets in the process of financial intermediation. We assemble a dataset of banking crises covering the advanced industrialized countries from 1976 to 2011 and find evidence of a conditional relationship between capital inflows, a well‐developed securities market, and the incidence of banking crises. We further explore the impact of capital inflows on banks’ actual risk taking as indicated by their capital adequacy levels and measures of insolvency risk. Our results demonstrate that prudential capital cushions tend to decline with the combination of capital inflows and prominent securities markets. We highlight the political decisions—often made during the early days of a country's financial development—that determine the relative prominence of banks vs. non‐bank financial institutions and conclude with policy recommendations.
Species richness effects on grassland recovery from drought depend on community productivity in a multisite experiment
Authors: Kreyling Juergen , Dengler Jürgen , Walter Julia , Velev Nikolay , Ugurlu Emin , Sopotlieva Desislava , Ransijn Johannes , Picon‐Cochard Catherine , Nijs Ivan , Hernandez Pauline , Güler Behlül , von Gillhaussen Philipp , De Boeck Hans J. , Bloor Juliette M.G. , Berwaers Sigi , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Arfin Khan Mohammed A.S. , Apostolova Iva , Altan Yasin , Zeiter Michaela , Wellstein Camilla , Sternberg Marcelo , Stampfli Andreas , Campetella Giandiego , Bartha Sándor , Bahn Michael , Jentsch Anke
Published: September 2017

Biodiversity can buffer ecosystem functioning against extreme climatic events, but few experiments have explicitly tested this. Here, we present the first multisite biodiversity × drought manipulation experiment to examine drought resistance and recovery at five temperate and Mediterranean grassland sites. Aboveground biomass production declined by 30% due to experimental drought (standardised local extremity by rainfall exclusion for 72–98 consecutive days). Species richness did not affect resistance but promoted recovery. Recovery was only positively affected by species richness in low‐productive communities, with most diverse communities even showing overcompensation. This positive diversity effect could be linked to asynchrony of species responses. Our results suggest that a more context‐dependent view considering the nature of the climatic disturbance as well as the productivity of the studied system will help identify under which circumstances biodiversity promotes drought resistance or recovery. Stability of biomass production can generally be expected to decrease with biodiversity loss and climate change.
Native and invasive taxa on the Pacific coast of South America: Impacts on aquaculture, traceability and biodiversity of blue mussels (Mytilus spp.)
Authors: Larraín Maria A. , Zbawicka Malgorzata , Araneda Cristian , Gardner Jonathan P. A. , Wenne Roman
Published: September 2017

Gaining new knowledge of the native distributions of species (phylogeography) is more and more difficult in a world affected by anthropogenic disturbance, in particular by species translocations. Increasingly, molecular markers are required to support decisions about the taxonomy of native vs. introduced species, and the existence of their hybrids, to answer phylogeographic questions. In many fields, including aquaculture, traceability and food security, taxonomic and phylogeographic knowledge is key to the successful management and conservation of biodiversity. The Pacific coast of Chile is one of the last regions without a clear and agreed understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of smooth‐shelled blue mussels of the genus Mytilus. A panel of 49 bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was genotyped in 338 Mytilus individuals collected from nine Chilean and five reference populations. All analyses confirmed the hypothesis that the native Chilean blue mussel is genetically distinct from the reference species M. edulis, M. galloprovincialis and M. trossulus. These results support the hypothesis of a unique evolutionary history of the native Chilean blue mussel on the Pacific coast of South America. It is therefore concluded that the native blue mussel from Chile should be recognized as M. chilensis Hupé 1854. We confirmed a recent Mediterranean origin of introduced M. galloprovincialis on the coast of Chile. This knowledge advances the understanding of global phylogeography of blue mussels and their bioinvasions and harmonizes taxonomy in the context of aquaculture production, seafood traceability, labelling and trade.
When do middlemen matter? Evidence from variation in corruption in India
Authors: Bussell Jennifer
Published: September 2017

Corruption is a persistent problem in developing countries, and recent scholarship suggests that middlemen play an important role in corrupt acts. Yet, while intermediaries can reduce transaction costs in illicit exchange, they also increase agency costs and reduce benefits to others. The involvement of middlemen may thus vary. I argue that middlemen are most likely to engage in, and benefit from, the subset of corruption transactions that are repeated frequently, but not by the same parties. I test the implications of this argument using survey experiments administered to a large sample of politicians and bureaucrats at multiple levels of government in India. I show that middlemen are critical, but far from ubiquitous. Intermediaries are more relevant where corrupt deals are frequent but involve unfamiliar potential principals. My results suggest that anticorruption efforts must pay greater attention to the type of corruption and the incentives of middlemen.
Does social capital always raise life satisfaction? A comparison of South Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Woo Myungsook , Kim Sunghoon
Published: September 2017

This study examined the relationship between social capital and life satisfaction in an Asian context, focusing on South Korea and Taiwan. We considered two components of social capital – networks and trust – and argue that the ability of social capital to increase life satisfaction depends on the context. Using the national Life and Society survey data from South Korea (N = 978) and Taiwan (N = 1,200), our analysis found that, when several control variables, such as subjective social status, self‐reported health condition, sex and belief in individualism, were considered, social capital was positively related to life satisfaction in Taiwan, while there was no significant association between social capital and life satisfaction in South Korea. The South Korean case revealed that social capital is not a good predictor of life satisfaction in a context in which being successful is overwhelmingly emphasised.