bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential strengths of molecular determinants guide environment specific mutational fates
Authors: Dandage Rohan , Pandey Rajesh , Jayaraj Gopal , Chakraborty Kausik
Published: May 2017

Under the influence of selection pressures imposed by natural environments, organisms maintain competitive fitness through underlying molecular evolution of individual genes across the genome. For molecular evolution, how multiple interdependent molecular constraints play a role in determination of fitness under different environmental conditions is largely unknown. Here, using Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS), we quantitated empirical fitness of ∼2000 single site mutants of Gentamicin-resistant gene (GmR). This enabled a systematic investigation of effects of different physical and chemical environments on the fitness landscape of the gene. Molecular constraints of the fitness landscapes seem to bear differential strengths in an environment dependent manner. Among them, conformity of the identified directionalities of the environmental selection pressures with known effects of the environments on protein folding proves that along with substrate binding, protein stability is the common strong constraint of the fitness landscape. Our study thus provides mechanistic insights into the molecular constraints that allow accessibility of mutational fates in environment dependent manner.

Author Summary

Environmental conditions play a central role in both organismal adaptations and underlying molecular evolution. Understanding of environmental effects on evolution of genotype is still lacking a depth of mechanistic insights needed to assist much needed ability to forecast mutational fates. Here, we address this issue by culminating high throughput mutational scanning using deep sequencing. This approach allowed comprehensive mechanistic investigation of environmental effects on molecular evolution. We monitored effects of various physical and chemical environments onto single site mutants of model antibiotic resistant gene. Alongside, to get mechanistic understanding, we identified multiple molecular constraints which contribute to various degrees in determining the resulting survivabilities of mutants. Across all tested environments, we find that along with substrate binding, protein stability stands out as the common strong constraints. Remarkable direct dependence of the environmental fitness effects on the type of environmental alteration of protein folding further proves that protein stability is the major constraint of the gene. So, our findings reveal that under the influence of environmental conditions, mutational fates are channeled by various degrees of strengths of underlying molecular constraints.
Extending causality tests with genetic instruments: an integration of Mendelian Randomization and the Classical Twin Design
Authors: Minică Camelia C. , Dolan Conor V. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Geus Eco de , Neale Michael C.
Published: May 2017

Mendelian Randomization (MR) is an important approach to modelling causality in non-experimental settings. MR uses genetic instruments to test causal relationships between exposures and outcomes of interest. Individual genetic variants have small effects, and so, when used as instruments, render MR liable to weak instrument bias. Polygenic scores have the advantage of larger effects, but may be characterized by direct pleiotropy, which violates a central assumption of MR.

We developedthe MR-DoC twin modelby integrating MR with the Direction of Causation twin model. This model allows us to test pleiotropy directly. We considered the issue of parameter identification, and given identification, we conducted extensive power calculations. MR-DoC allows one to test causal hypotheses and to obtain unbiased estimates of the causal effect given pleiotropic instruments (polygenic scores), while controlling for genetic and environmental influences common to the outcome and exposure. Furthermore, MR-DoC in twins has appreciably greater statistical power than a standard MR analysis applied to singletons, if the unshared environmental effects on the exposure and the outcome are uncorrelated. Generally, power increases with: 1) decreasing residual exposure-outcome correlation, and 2) decreasing heritability of the exposure variable.

MR-DoC allows one to employ strong instrumental variables (polygenic scores, possibly pleiotropic), guarding against weak instrument bias and increasing the power to detect causal effects. Our approach will enhance and extend MR’s range of applications, and increase the value of the large cohorts collected at twin registries as they correctly detect causation and estimate effect sizes even in the presence of pleiotropy.
Cells with Treg-specificFOXP3demethylation but low CD25 are prevalent in autoimmunity
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo C. , Simons Henry Z. , Thompson Whitney S. , Rainbow Daniel B. , Yang Xin , Cutler Antony J. , Oliveira Joao , Dopico Xaquin Castro , Smyth Deborah J. , Savinykh Natalia , Mashar Meghavi , Vyse Tim , Dunger David B , Baxendale Helen , Chandra Anita , Wallace Chris , Todd John A , Wicker Linda S. , Pekalski Marcin L.
Published: May 2017

Identification of alterations in the cellular composition of the human immune system is key to understanding the autoimmune process. Recently, a subset of FOXP3+cells with low CD25 expression was found to be increased in peripheral blood from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, although its functional significance remains controversial. Here we find in comparisons with healthy donors that the frequency of FOXP3+cells within CD127lowCD25lowCD4+T cells (here defined as CD25lowFOXP3+T cells) is increased in patients affected by autoimmune disease of varying severity, from combined immunodeficiency with active autoimmunity, SLE to type 1 diabetes. We show that CD25lowFOXP3+T cells share phenotypic features resembling conventional CD127lowCD25highFOXP3+Tregs, including demethylation of the Treg-specific epigenetic control region inFOXP3that is highly enriched in HELIOS+cells, and lack of IL-2 production. As compared to conventional Tregs, more CD25lowFOXP3+HELIOS+T cells are in cell cycle (33.0% vs 20.7% Ki-67+;P= 1.3 x 10-9) and express the late-stage inhibitory receptor PD-1 (67.2% vs 35.5%;P= 4.0 x 10-18), while having reduced expression of the early-stage inhibitory receptor CTLA-4, as well as other Treg markers, such as FOXP3 and CD15s. The number of CD25lowFOXP3+T cells are highly correlated (P= 1.2 x 10-19) with the proportion of CD25highFOXP3+T cells in cell cycle (Ki-67+). These findings suggest that CD25lowFOXP3+T cells represent a subset of Tregs that are derived from CD25highFOXP3+T cells, and are a peripheral marker of recent Treg expansion in response to an autoimmune reaction in tissues.

Highlights

- FOXP3+compartment within CD127lowCD25lowT cells is expanded in autoimmune patients.

- Increased numbers of CD25lowFOXP3+T cells are a circulating marker of autoimmunity.

- CD25lowFOXP3+HELIOS+T cells are fully demethylated at theFOXP3TSDR.

- CD25lowFOXP3+T cells could represent a terminal stage of regulatory T cells.
Random Walk With Restart on Multiplex and Heterogeneous Biological Networks
Authors: Valdeolivas Alberto , Tichit Laurent , Navarro Claire , Perrin Sophie , Odelin Gaëlle , Levy Nicolas , Cau Pierre , Remy Elisabeth , Baudot Anaïs
Published: May 2017

Recent years have witnessed an exponential growth in the number of identified interactions between biological molecules. These interactions are usually represented as large and complex networks, calling for the development of appropriated tools to exploit the functional information they contain. Random walk with restart is the state-of-the-art guilt-by-association approach. It explores the network vicinity of gene/protein seeds to study their functions, based on the premise that nodes related to similar functions tend to lie close to each others in the networks.

In the present study, we extended the random walk with restart algorithm to multiplex and heterogeneous networks. The walk can now explore different layers of physical and functional interactions between genes and proteins, such as protein-protein interactions and co-expression associations. In addition, the walk can also jump to a network containing different sets of edges and nodes, such as phenotype similarities between diseases.

We devised a leave-one-out cross-validation strategy to evaluate the algorithms abilities to predict disease-associated genes. We demonstrate the increased performances of the multiplex-heterogeneous random walk with restart as compared to several random walks on monoplex or heterogeneous networks. Overall, our framework is able to leverage the different interaction sources to outperform current approaches.

Finally, we applied the algorithm to predict genes candidate for being involved in the Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, and to explore the network vicinity of the SHORT syndrome.

The source code and the software are freely available at:https://github.com/alberto-valdeolivas/RWR-MH.
FCS in closed systems and application for membrane nanotubes
Authors: Jiang Yanfei , Melnykov Artem , Elson Elliot E.
Published: May 2017

In the present study, we developed the fluorescence correlation spectroscopy theory for closed systems with either periodic or reflective boundaries. The illumination could be any arbitrary function. We tested our theory with simulated data of both boundary conditions. We also tested the theory with experimental data of membrane nanotubes, whose circular direction is a closed system. The result shows that the correlation function for nanotubes falls between 1D and 2D diffusion model. The fitting with our model gives an accurate recovery of the diffusion time and nanotube radius. We also give some examples of single molecule experiments for which our theory can be potentially useful.
Ki-67 contributes to normal cell cycle progression and inactive X heterochromatin in p21 checkpoint-proficient human cells
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Bizhanova Aizhan , Matheson Timothy D. , Yu Jun , Zhu Lihua Julie , Kaufman Paul D.
Published: May 2017

Ki-67 protein is widely used as a tumor proliferation marker. However, whether Ki-67 affects cell cycle progression has been controversial. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of Ki-67 in human hTERT-RPE1, WI-38, IMR90, hTERT-BJ cell lines and primary fibroblast cells slowed entry into S phase and coordinately downregulated genes related to DNA replication. Some gene expression changes were partially relieved in Ki-67-depleted hTERT-RPE1 cells by co-depletion of the Rb checkpoint protein, but more thorough suppression of the transcriptional and cell cycle defects was observed upon depletion of cell cycle inhibitor p21. Notably, induction of p21 upon depletion of Ki-67 was a consistent hallmark of cell types in which transcription and cell cycle distribution were sensitive to Ki-67; these responses were absent in cells that did not induce p21. Furthermore, upon Ki-67 depletion, a subset of inactive × (Xi) chromosomes in female hTERT-RPE1 cells displayed several features of compromised heterochromatin maintenance, including decreased H3K27me3 and H4K20me1 labeling. These chromatin alterations were limited to Xi chromosomes localized away from the nuclear lamina and were not observed in checkpoint-deficient 293T cells. Altogether, our results indicate that Ki-67 integrates normal S phase progression and Xi heterochromatin maintenance in p21 checkpoint-proficient human cells.
A multi-disciplinary approach to explaining workless-ness in Britain
Authors: Cagliesi Gabriella , Hawkes Denise Donna , Tookey Max
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt the principles of labour economics, behavioural economics and social influence to identify constraints and enablers that influence people’s choices in relation to the labour market decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential empirical methodology has been adopted, where data from the British Household Panel Survey (2009) has been collected to explain various statuses of labour market activity, with a focus on workless-ness, across the categories of unemployment, being a student, disability, retirement and being a carer – differentiating for gender and age. The paper develops and substantiates the hypothesis theoretically and gives some indications using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Findings

The authors found that labour market opportunities, choices and achievements are affected by the interrelations and interactions of an individual’s demographic and psychological characteristics (such as age, gender, heuristics, perceptions, beliefs, attitude’s goals and ambitions) along with external factors (such as geographical, socio- cultural and economic conditions).

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution to labour economics as the authors abandon the traditional welfare approach and use a more general framework of capabilities and refined functioning to interpret how different types of constraints – ranging from socio-economic conditions and environmental background to specific features of individual processes of choices and decision making – affect preferences and functioning’s. The study also identifies how “under-employment” complements the use of BE/social influence in explaining labour market inactivity, and highlights how the findings of this study have important implications for policy.
Interaction and higher order effects of factors affecting the performance of microfinancing institutions
Authors: Nanayakkara Gemunu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the factors that affect the “performance” of microfinancing institutions (MFIs) around the world and to further analyse the interaction and higher order effects of these factors on the performance. Although MFIs can have various objectives from a commercial focus to a social focus when performing their operations, this study analyses the factors that contribute to “performance” of MFIs in relation to their ability to “alleviate poverty in a sustainable manner”.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the data relating to 234 MFIs across 63 countries, this study analyses eight factors that can affect performance of MFIs (as defined in this study) and their higher order and interaction effects using multiple regression models.

Findings

The results show that gender (female), literacy level of the borrowers, operational efficiency, offering only loans (not diversifying), age and emphasis on profitability have a significant effect on the performance. Analysis of higher order effects shows that the relationship of age with performance is a downward concave curve and that with operational efficiency is an upward concave curve. The interaction effects of gender and literacy, age and emphasis on female borrowers, and also age and emphasis on profitability were found to be significant.k

Originality/value

The findings contribute to understanding the factors that affect the performance of MFIs to alleviate poverty in a sustainable manner and help the policy makers and managers of MFIs to improve their performance in this area. Considering the hundreds of millions of dollars injected into microfinancing, improvement in performance as a result of these findings can lead to savings in millions of dollars.
To immerse or not? Experimenting with two virtual retail environments
Authors: Papagiannidis Savvas , Pantano Eleonora , See-To Eric W.K. , Dennis Charles , Bourlakis Michael
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of users’ simulated experience in a virtual store and to show the subsequent impact of that experience on engagement. The outcome of that engagement is examined in relation to enjoyment, satisfaction and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The method comprised an experiment comparing users’ perceptions of a standard 2D online clothing store with an enhanced, immersive one that aimed to provide shopping value approaching that of a traditional store by using a 3D experience where participants wore special glasses and a data glove.

Findings

Results demonstrate the major role of telepresence components in simulated experience and the critical role of that experience, along with hedonic and utilitarian values, in engagement. Purchase intention is influenced by satisfaction, which is in turn influenced by enjoyment and engagement. Engagement in turn is influenced by utilitarian and hedonic value and the experience of product simulation or telepresence, which is composed of control, colour and graphics vividness, and 3D authenticity. In the immersive, 3D environment, experience is more associated with engagement and enjoyment, leading to greater purchase intention. The immersive, 3D environment, thus, has the potential to rival traditional shopping in terms of experience, resulting in higher sales for retailers and satisfaction for consumers.

Originality/value

This work has evaluated a robust model of purchase intention and demonstrated it to hold not only in a 3D environment on a conventional computer platform, but also in an immersive one, where participants wear special glasses and a data glove.
Multi-objective optimization of parametric combination of injected slub yarn for producing knitted and woven fabrics with least abrasive damage
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arunangshu , Midha Vinay Kumar , Ray Nemai Chandra
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to optimize the parametric combination of injected slub yarn to achieve least abrasive damage on fabrics produced from it.

Design/methodology/approach

Single base injected slub yarn structural parameters, vis-à-vis slub length, slub thickness and slub frequency, were varied during preparation of yarn samples under this research work. A total of 17 yarn samples were produced according to the Box and Bhenken design of the experiment. Subsequently knitted and woven (using injected slub yarns in the weft only) fabric samples were prepared from these yarns. Yarn and fabric samples were abraded with standard instruments to see the impact of yarn structural parameters on abrasive damage of fabric in terms of fabric mass loss and appearance deterioration. From the test results, empirical models relating to slub parameters and fabric abrasion behavior were developed through a backward elimination regression approach. Subsequently, a set of optimal parametric combinations was derived with multi-objective evolutionary algorithms by using MATLAB software. This was followed by ranking all optimal solutions through technique for order preference by similarity to idle solution (TOPSIS) score analysis.

Findings

The injected slub yarn’s structural parameters have a strong influence on the abrasive damage of knitted and woven fabric. It is seen that the best suitable parametric combination of slub parameters for achieving the least abrasive damage is not the same for knitted and woven fabric.

Practical implications

The spinner can explore this concept to find out the best suitable parametric combination during pattern making of injected slub yarn through MATLAB solution followed by TOPSIS score analysis based on their priority of criteria level to ensure better abrasion behavior of fabric produced.

Originality/value

Optimization of parametric combination of injected slub yarns will help to ensure production of fabric with most resistance to abrasion for specific applications. The studies showed that the optimal solution for woven and knitted fabrics is different. The result indicates that in the case of knitted fabric, comparatively lesser slub thickness is found to be suitable for getting better fabric abrasion resistance, whereas in the case of woven fabric, comparatively higher slub thickness is found suitable for the same.
Redesigning historic cities facing rapid tourism growth
Authors: Pinheiro Francisco Vizeu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The historical city of Macao has recently become one of the world’s centres for tourism and gaming. But growing traffic congestion in its narrow and old road network, especially in the city’s historic centre, raises concerns about the city’s traffic pollution, environmental impacts and negative effects on residents’ and visitors’ health. The purpose of this study is to address the possibility of mitigating emerging environmental problems with urban design solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A review and background of the city’s evolution, from a Mediterranean-style town in the sixteenth century to its present status as one of the highest population density cities in the world, is first undertaken. The paper then critiques the urban layout that conditions current traffic and pollution trends.

Findings

High levels of pollution of particulate matters are created by a mixture of circumstances related to tall buildings along narrow roads, especially in the historic centre’s San Ma Lou Avenue, that limit ventilation and trap pollution. Green solutions that are known to effectively mitigate this problem, as well as contribute to enhancing the area’s carrying capacity, are discussed.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its critique of the environmental impact of rapid and overwhelming tourism-oriented development on the quality of the urban environment. It advocates urban design solutions based on experiences from other global tourist cities that, if implemented, will not damage the historic centre’s built environment and will contribute to a more liveable city for residents and better experience for visitors.
An exploratory study of Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinators' knowledge and experience of working with children who have sustained a brain injury
Authors: Howe Julia , Ball Heather
Published: May 2017

This research aimed to measure Special Educational Needs Co‐ordinators' knowledge of the educational implications of acquired brain injury in children and young people and whether experience of working with pupils with a brain injury or additional training impacts upon this knowledge. Data was collected within one local authority in England using an online survey. The results indicated that the respondents had high levels of uncertainty regarding the impact of a brain injury although they were more confident in those areas which related most closely to their practice. The responses suggested that experience of working with a pupil with a brain injury promoted greater knowledge than receiving training; the results, however, showed that only a minority of SENCos had received any training and those who had tended to have undertaken this independently. This suggests that there is a need for SENCos to be provided with specialist training in order to increase their understanding of the impact of acquired brain injury in children and young people.
Deciphering the effects of disperser assemblages and seed mass on patterns of seed dispersal in a rodent community
Authors: WRÓBEL Aleksandra , ZWOLAK Rafał
Published: May 2017

The sizes of both seed dispersers and seeds are traits that are likely to interact to influence seed fate in many synzoochoric plant species. Here, we examined whether members of a granivorous rodent community consisting of species of different body size vary in their effectiveness as seed dispersers, and how this relationship may be altered by seed size. We marked northern red oak (Quercus rubra) acorns with plastic tags and placed them in size‐selective rodent exclosures. The exclosures allowed differential access of rodent groups based on different body size: (i) small (e.g.Peromyscusspp.); (ii) small and medium (e.g.Tamias striatus); and (iii) small, medium and large (e.g.Sciurus carolinensis) species of rodents. Acorn removal did not differ among exclosure types, but more seeds were missing when removed by small rodents, probably because of larderhoarding. The treatments did not influence the relative frequency of acorn consumption. However, small rodents cached considerably fewer and partially ate more acorns than the other 2 groups. The mean dispersal distance was the longest for cages with medium openings, intermediate for cages with large openings and the shortest for cages with small openings. Acorn mass positively affected the probability of caching and this relationship was unaffected by exclosure type. In conclusion, granivorous rodents of different body sizes strongly differed in their interactions with acorns, with small rodents acting primarily as acorn predators and medium and large species contributing significantly more to dispersal of red oaks.
Attachment and Biofilm Formation by Selected Strains of Salmonella enterica and Entrohemorrhagic Escherichia coli of Fresh Produce Origin
Authors: Han Ran , Klu Yaa Asantewaa Kafui , Chen Jinru
Published: May 2017

This study compared the abilities of selected Salmonella enterica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains of fresh produce origin to form biofilms on polystyrene surface and to attach to alfalfa and bean sprouts. Each of the 7 S. enterica and 4 EHEC inocula (2 mL; 107 CFU/mL) was placed in 6 different broths in 24‐well polystyrene tissue culture plates at 28 °C for 1 to 7 d. Developed biofilms were quantified using the crystal violet binding assay. In a separate experiment, alfalfa and mung bean sprouts (5 g) were exposed to 25 mL inocula (107 CFU/mL) of S. enterica or EHEC at 22 °C for 2 h with shaking at 40 rpm. Contaminated sprouts were thoroughly rinsed and homogenized in 0.1% peptone water, and bacteria attached to sprouts were enumerated. Biofilm mass accumulated on polystyrene surface increased with incubation time (P < 0.05). Among the microbiological media used, LB no salt (NaCl) broth better supported biofilm development (P < 0.05). Two EHEC strains formed more biofilms than the Salmonella and other two EHEC strains (P < 0.05). However, more Salmonella cells (5.66 log CFU/g) attached to sprouts than EHEC cells (3.46 log CFU/g). Both Salmonella and EHEC attached in higher numbers to mung bean, than alfalfa, sprouts (P < 0.05).
The novel bacterial phylum Calditrichaeota is diverse, widespread and abundant in marine sediments and has the capacity to degrade detrital proteins
Authors: Marshall Ian P. G. , Starnawski Piotr , Cupit Carina , Fernández Cáceres Eva , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Schramm Andreas , Kjeldsen Kasper U.
Published: May 2017

Calditrichaeota is a recently recognized bacterial phylum with three cultured representatives, isolated from hydrothermal vents. Here we expand the phylogeny and ecology of this novel phylum with metagenome‐derived and single‐cell genomes from six uncultivated bacteria previously not recognized as members of Calditrichaeota. Using 16S rRNA gene sequences from these genomes, we then identified 322 16S rRNA gene sequences from cultivation‐independent studies that can now be classified as Calditrichaeota for the first time. This dataset was used to re‐analyse a collection of 16S rRNA gene amplicon datasets from marine sediments showing that the Calditrichaeota are globally distributed in the seabed at high abundance, making up to 6.7% of the total bacterial community. This wide distribution and high abundance of Calditrichaeota in cold marine sediment has gone unrecognized until now. All Calditrichaeota genomes show indications of a chemoorganoheterotrophic metabolism with the potential to degrade detrital proteins through the use of extracellular peptidases. Most of the genomes contain genes encoding proteins that confer O2 tolerance, consistent with the relatively high abundance of Calditrichaeota in surficial bioturbated part of the seabed and, together with the genes encoding extracellular peptidases, suggestive of a general ecophysiological niche for this newly recognized phylum in marine sediment.
Television or unrestricted, unmonitored internet access in the bedroom and body mass index in youth athletes
Authors: Stracciolini Andrea , Shore Benjamin J. , Pepin Michael J. , Eisenberg Katherine , Meehan William P.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To correlate television or unrestricted, unmonitored Internet access in room of sleep with body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of athletes ≤19 years who underwent an injury prevention evaluation. Independent variables included proportion of athletes categorised as overweight or obese who answered positively to American Academy of Pediatrics recommended questions: (i) Do you have a TV in the room where you sleep? (ii) Do you have unrestricted, unmonitored access to the Internet in the room where you sleep?

Results

555 athletes; 324 female; mean age 13.83 ± 2.60. Athletes with a TV in their room of sleep had higher BMI (22.73 vs. 20.54; p < 0.001), slept less hours/week (7.65 vs. 8.12; p = 0.003) and were more likely to be overweight/obese (40.32% vs. 25.52%; p = 0.022). Athletes with unrestricted, unmonitored Internet access in the room of sleep had a higher BMI (21.68 vs. 19.83; p < 0.001), slept fewer hours/week (7.58 vs. 8.60; p < 0.001) and per/weekend (9.00 vs. 9.37; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, having a TV in the room of sleep remained significantly associated with BMI and WHO criteria for overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

Athletes with television in their room of sleep were more likely to have higher BMI and be overweight or obese.
Classification of time spent in the intrapreneurial process
Authors: Puech Lucie , Durand Thomas
Published: May 2017

This paper aims to enrich the concept of time as used in management. We study how R&D engineers manage their time to pursue intrapreneurial activities that correspond to new business ideas which emerge outside assigned tasks. The availability of time has been underlined by scholars as a positive factor for intrapreneurship and as a key resource for projects. Yet, time as a resource is mostly viewed as quantitative. In contrast, we conduct an in‐depth investigation of the qualitative nature of time used and/or needed by intrapreneurs. Our empirical study shows that various forms of time are called upon in the intrapreneurial process. Moreover, we find that the contribution of each form of time varies according to the three main components of the intrapreneurial process (identification, exploration, development of an innovative opportunity). This leads to a theoretical re‐conception of time, complementing the traditional quantitative view with qualitative forms of time involved in the intrapreneurial process. From a practical standpoint, we suggest that empowerment and managerial benevolence toward intrapreneurs, who take time from their assigned tasks in the crucial phase of exploration, can help foster intrapreneurship.
International trade and unionization: Evidence from India
Authors: Ahsan Reshad N. , Ghosh Arghya , Mitra Devashish
Published: May 2017

We exploit exogenous variation in tariffs to examine the impact of import competition on unionization and union wages in a developing country. Using a combination of nationally representative household data (National Sample Survey Organization) and nationally representative industry‐level data (Annual Survey of Industries) from India, we find that net‐import industries that experienced larger cuts in tariffs also experienced larger declines in unionization. In addition, we find that these industries also experienced larger increases in union wages. These results are consistent with the predictions of an efficient bargaining framework that we extend to endogenize the union formation decision by allowing for a fixed cost of union formation. We also conduct a back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation to show that the total wage gains to unionized workers marginally exceed the total wage losses to deunionized workers.
Output‐based rebating of carbon taxes in a neighbour's backyard: Competitiveness, leakage and welfare
Authors: Böhringer Christoph , Bye Brita , Fæhn Taran , Rosendahl Knut Einar
Published: May 2017

We investigate how, in an open economy, carbon taxes combined with output‐based rebating (OBR) perform in interaction with the carbon policies of a large neighbouring trading partner. Analytical results suggest that, whether the purpose of the OBR policy is to compensate firms for carbon tax burdens or to maximize welfare (accounting for global emission reductions), the OBR rate should be positive in policy‐relevant cases. Numerical simulations for Canada, with the US as the neighbouring trading partner, indicate that the impact of US policies on the OBR rate will depend crucially on the purpose of the Canadian OBR policies. If, for a given US carbon policy, Canada's aim is to restore the competitiveness of domestic emission‐intensive and trade‐exposed (EITE) firms to the same level as before the introduction of its own carbon taxation, we find that the necessary domestic OBR rates will be insensitive to the foreign carbon policies. However, if not only the Canadian carbon tax but also an equally high US tax is introduced, compensatory Canadian OBR rates will be up to 50% lower, depending on the sector and on US OBR policy. If the policy objective is to increase economy‐wide allocative efficiency (welfare) of Canadian policies by accounting for carbon leakage, the US policies will have only a minor downward pressure on desirable OBR rates in Canada. Practical choices of OBR rates hardly affect overall domestic economic performance; thus, output‐based rebating qualifies as an instrument for compensating EITE industries without a large sacrifice in terms of economy‐wide allocative efficiency.
An Eaton–Kortum model of trade and growth
Authors: Naito Takumi
Published: May 2017

We combine a multi‐country, continuum‐good Ricardian model of Eaton and Kortum (2002) with a multi‐country AK model of Acemoglu and Ventura (2002) to examine how trade liberalization affects countries' growth rates and extensive margins of trade over time. Focusing on the three‐country case, we obtain three main results. First, a permanent fall in any trade cost raises the balanced growth rate. Second, trade liberalization increases the liberalizing countries' long‐run fractions of exported varieties to all destinations. Third, the long‐run effects of trade liberalization are different from its short‐run effects, which can reverse the welfare implications of the static Eaton–Kortum model.
Steady state properties of multi‐state economic models
Authors: Tsur Yacov , Zemel Amos
Published: May 2017

A simple method to derive optimal steady states of multi‐state dynamic economic systems with minimal assumptions on the underlying processes is developed. This is accomplished by an n‐dimensional function defined over the n‐dimensional state space in terms of the model's primitives. The location and stability properties of optimal steady state candidates are characterized by the roots and derivatives of this function. A resource management example illustrates the simplicity and applicability of the method.
Missing data, clade support and “reticulation”: the molecular systematics of Heliconius and related genera (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) re‐examined
Authors: Brower Andrew V.Z. , Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J.
Published: May 2017

Kozak et al. (2015, Syst. Biol., 64: 505) portrayed the inference of evolutionary history among Heliconius and allied butterfly genera as a particularly difficult problem for systematics due to prevalent gene conflict caused by interspecific reticulation. To control for this, Kozak et al. conducted a series of multispecies coalescent phylogenetic analyses that they claimed revealed pervasive conflict among markers, but ultimately chose as their preferred hypothesis a phylogenetic tree generated by the traditional supermatrix approach. Intrigued by this seemingly contradictory set of conclusions, we conducted further analyses focusing on two prevalent aspects of the data set: missing data and the uneven contribution of phylogenetic signal among markers. Here, we demonstrate that Kozak et al. overstated their findings of reticulation and that evidence of gene‐tree conflict is largely lacking. The distribution of intrinsic homoplasy and incongruence homoplasy in their data set does not follow the pattern expected if phylogenetic history had been obscured by pervasive horizontal gene flow; in fact, noise within individual gene partitions is ten times higher than the incongruence among gene partitions. We show that the patterns explained by Kozak et al. as a result of reticulation can be accounted for by missing data and homoplasy. We also find that although the preferred topology is resilient to missing data, measures of support are sensitive to, and strongly eroded by too many empty cells in the data matrix. Perhaps more importantly, we show that when some taxa are missing almost all characters, adding more genes to the data set provides little or no increase in support for the tree.
857. PLATANUS ORIENTALIS
Authors: Rix Martyn , Fay Michael F.
Published: May 2017

The oriental plane tree, Platanus orientalis L., is illustrated. It phylogenetic position is discussed, and its cultural history and early literature references are mentioned; its geography and ecology are described.
Frailty in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment as a result of Alzheimer's disease: A comparison of two models of frailty characterization
Authors: Cezar Natália O.C. , Izbicki Rafael , Cardoso Diego , Almeida Jouce G. , Valiengo Leandro , Camargo Marina V.Z. , Forlenza Orestes V. , Yassuda Monica S. , Aprahamian Ivan
Published: May 2017

Aim

To verify the prevalence and presence of frailty markers, and their relationship to cognitive function among older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods

This was an observational study with transversal analyses. Older adults with aMCI as a result of Alzheimer's disease (n = 40) were compared with healthy controls (n = 26) at the Psychogeriatric Outpatient Unit, Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo. All participants were submitted to a broad clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. Frailty was evaluated according to the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) phenotype and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). MCI was diagnosed by a multidisciplinary consensus according to the Petersen criteria and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.

Results

The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher in the aMCI compared with the control group when it was assessed with the EFS (P = 0.047), but not with the CHS (P = 0.255). The prevalence of frailty varied on the criteria used (EFS 7.5%; CHS 30%). The fatigue variable in the CHS (P = 0.036), and the mood (P = 0.019) and functional independence (P = 0.042) variables from the EFS were significantly different between the groups. Visuospatial function (OR 2.405, P = 0.042) was associated with the CHS criteria.

Conclusion

The identification of frailty features in aMCI appears to depend on the protocol used for evaluation. Visuospatial function showed a higher risk for frailty with the CHS. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2096–2102.
Extra‐Firm Networks and Firm Performance: A Study of South Korean Solar PV Firms and Industry Specific Government Actors
Authors: Oh Kyumin , Gress Douglas R.
Published: May 2017

Extra‐firm actors have been acknowledged as vital to the success of green energy industries. This article deploys the firm network perspective to deliver a first of its kind analysis of specific extra‐firm actor impacts on firm performance in Korea's solar photovoltaic industry. Results are based on quantitative analyses of data from 60 firm respondents and augmented by interviews with eight government officials. Three research questions capture and compare firm and government actor perceptions pertaining to extra‐firm actor influences at the national, regional, and extra‐local scales, inclusive of place–place competition and cooperation. Results indicate that firms differ in perceptions related to the impact of 18 national level government institutes, R&D centers, associations, and academic societies on their success, and that perceptions vary by level of technology concerning a plethora of other related extra‐firm actor and support infrastructure impacts. A comparative perspective is presented based on government informant interviews.
Effect of surface‐treated graphites on the properties of carbon‐containing monolithic refractory materials—A comprehensive comparison
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sunanda
Published: May 2017

The performance of alumina‐ and magnesia‐based carbon‐containing refractory castables, suitable for different sectors of steel plants, has been compared. Natural flaky graphites have been modified by their surface treatment via sol‐gel route. The sustainability of graphite in oxidizing atmosphere was noticeably increased by this method with a synergistic possibility of pollution abatement. The hydrophilic nanocoatings of ceramic oxides derived by inorganic precursors reduced the water demand of the composite batch and simultaneously enhanced its oxidation resistance. The oxide coating compositions together with the precursor chemistry have been varied to substantiate their common beneficial features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Differential thermal analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetry (TG), X‐ray diffraction, thermal conductivity, and zeta‐potential studies have been carried out to compare the influence of heat treatment on as‐received and surface‐modified graphites. The properties of refractory castables, namely, bulk density, apparent porosity, and cold crushing strength have been measured within wide temperature region (110–1500°C), to confirm the positive influence of nanoengineering on graphite surface. The sequence of important phase reactions during sintering of both the composite materials has been discussed. Finally the slag resistance behavior at aggressively fired condition has been investigated to corroborate the improved matrix characteristics due to coated graphites.
Preparation of NaA zeolite spheres from geopolymer gels using a one‐step method in silicone oil
Authors: Liu Zi‐han , Tang Qing , Li Chun‐min , He Yan , Cui Xue‐min
Published: May 2017

A simple one‐step method for the preparation of NaA zeolite spheres using a nonhydrothermal process is introduced in this article. The mechanism of formation of NaA zeolite spheres was studied by the suspension solidification method in both silicone oil and polyethylene glycol. The crystalline phase, micromorphology, and microstructure of the spheres produced were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET specific surface tests. The results demonstrate that geopolymer spheres can directly transform into NaA zeolite spheres in silicone oil but not in polyethylene glycol (PEG). Since the formation process in PEG cannot retain water in the geopolymer spheres, there is no additional medium that can transport and rearrange the aluminate and silicate groups in the geopolymer gel. Thus, the geopolymer gel cannot crystallize to form zeolite crystals.
A flexible job shop cell scheduling with sequence‐dependent family setup times and intercellular transportation times using conic scalarization method
Authors: Deliktas Derya , Torkul Orhan , Ustun Ozden
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we propose novel mathematical models involving both single‐ and biobjective functions that deal with a flexible job shop scheduling problem in cellular manufacturing environment by taking into consideration exceptional parts, intercellular moves, intercellular transportation times, sequence‐dependent family setup times, and recirculation. The problem has been known as NP‐hard. The proposed models have been tested and solved using Lingo 11.0 with minimization of makespan for the problems involving about 4 cells, 4 part families, 15 parts, and 12 machines. The most suitable model among the proposed single‐objective models is determined using the test results. Then, another objective function as total tardiness is added to this model. The obtained biobjective model is solved using the scalarization methods, the weighted sum method, ɛ‐constraint method, and conic scalarization method (CSM), in order to convert the mathematical model's objectives into a single‐objective function. By utilizing these scalarization methods, the Pareto effective solutions are generated for a specific test problem. The advantages of the CSM are demonstrated by considering the Pareto effective solutions.
Clawback provision adoption, corporate governance, and investment decisions
Authors: Chen Yu , Vann Carol E.
Published: May 2017

We examine the effect of corporate governance on the likelihood of clawback provision adoption, and its consequences in terms of corporate investment practices and risk‐taking behavior. We find that firms with strong governance (as proxied by board independence, diligence, and size) are positively associated with the firm's adoption of a clawback provision; whereas firms with weak governance (as proxied by management entrenchment, i.e., CEO duality status and tenure) are negatively associated with clawback provision adoption. Using the propensity‐score matching, difference‐in‐differences research design, and inverse Mills ratio to mitigate omitted variables and self‐selection biases, we find that after adopting a clawback provision, firms’ abnormal investment decreases and the firms’ investments are less risky.
TfVPS32 Regulates Cell Division in the ParasiteTritrichomonas foetus
Authors: Iriarte Lucrecia S. , Midlej Victor , Frontera Lorena S. , Moros Duarte Daniel , Barbeito Claudio G. , de Souza Wanderley , Benchimol Marlene , de Miguel Natalia , Coceres Veronica M.
Published: May 2017

The flagellated protistTritrichomonas foetusis a parasite that causes bovine trichomonosis, a major sexually transmitted disease in cattle. Cell division has been described as a key player in controlling cell survival in other cells, including parasites but there is no information on the regulation of this process inT. foetus. The regulation of cytokinetic abscission, the final stage of cell division, is mediated by members of theESCRT(endosomal sorting complex required for transport) machinery.VPS32 is a subunit within theESCRTIIIcomplex and here, we report that TfVPS32 is localized on cytoplasmic vesicles and a redistribution of the protein to the midbody is observed during the cellular division. In concordance with its localization, deletion of TfVPS32 C‐terminal alpha helices (α5 helix and/or α4‐5 helix) leads to abnormalT. foetusgrowth, an increase in the percentage of multinucleated parasites and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Together, these results indicate a role of this protein in controlling normal cell division.