bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial targeting of glycolysis in a major lineage of eukaryotes
Authors: Bártulos Carolina Río , Rogers Matthew B. , Williams Tom A. , Gentekaki Eleni , Brinkmann Henner , Cerff Rüdiger , Liaud Marie-Françoise , Hehl Adrian B. , Yarlett Nigel R. , Gruber Ansgar , Kroth Peter G. , van der Giezen Mark
Published: February 2018

Glycolysis is a major cytosolic catabolic pathway that provides ATP for many organisms1. Mitochondria play an even more important role in the provision of additional cellular ATP for eukaryotes2. Here, we show that in many stramenopiles, the C3 part of glycolysis is localised in mitochondria. We discovered genuine mitochondrial targeting signals on the six last enzymes of glycolysis. These targeting signals are recognised and sufficient to import GFP into mitochondria of a heterologous host. Analysis of eukaryotic genomes identified these targeting signals on many glycolytic C3 enzymes in a large group of eukaryotes found in the SAR supergroup3, in particular the stramenopiles. Stramenopiles, or heterokonts, are a large group of ecologically important eukaryotes that includes multi- and unicellular algae such as kelp and diatoms, but also economically important oomycete pathogens such as Phytophthora infestans. Confocal immunomicroscopy confirmed the mitochondrial location of glycolytic enzymes for the human parasite Blastocystis. Enzyme assays on cellular fractions confirmed the presence of the C3 part of glycolysis in Blastocystis mitochondria. These activities are sensitive to treatment with proteases and Triton X-100 but not proteases alone. Our work clearly shows that core cellular metabolism is more plastic than previously imagined and suggests new strategies to combat stramenopile pathogens such as the causative agent of late potato blight, P. infestans.
Visualizing structure-mediated interactions in supercoiled DNA molecules
Authors: Scott Shane , Xu Zhi Ming , Kouzine Fedor , Berard Daniel J. , Shaheen Cynthia , Gravel Barbara , Saunders Laura , Hofkirchner Alexander , Leroux Catherine , Laurin Jill , Levens David , Benham Craig J. , Leslie Sabrina R.
Published: February 2018

We directly visualize the topology-mediated interactions between an unwinding site on a supercoiled DNA plasmid and a specific probe molecule designed to bind to this site, as a function of DNA supercoiling and temperature. The visualization relies on containing the DNA molecules within an enclosed array of glass nanopits using the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) imaging method. This method traps molecules within the focal plane while excluding signal from out-of-focus probes. Simultaneously, the molecules can freely diffuse within the nanopits, allowing for accurate measurements of exchange rates, unlike other methods which could introduce an artifactual bias in measurements of binding kinetics. We demonstrate that the plasmid’s structure influences the binding of the fluorescent probes to the unwinding site through the presence, or lack, of other secondary structures. With this method, we observe an increase in the binding rate of the fluorescent probe to the unwinding site with increasing temperature and negative supercoiling. This increase in binding is consistent with the results of our numerical simulations of the probability of site-unwinding. The temperature dependence of the binding rate has allowed us to distinguish the effects of competing higher order DNA structures, such as Z-DNA, in modulating local site-unwinding, and therefore binding.
Points to consider for sharing variant-level information from clinical genetic testing with ClinVar
Authors: Azzariti Danielle R. , Riggs Erin Rooney , Niehaus Annie , Rodriguez Laura Lyman , Ramos Erin M. , Kattman Brandi , Landrum Melissa J. , Martin Christa L. , Rehm Heidi L.
Published: February 2018

Data sharing between laboratories, clinicians, researchers, and patients is essential for improvements and standardization in genomic medicine; encouraging genomic data sharing (GDS) is a key activity of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen). The ClinGen initiative is dedicated to evaluating the clinical relevance of genes and variants for use in precision medicine and research. Currently, data originating from each of the aforementioned stakeholder groups is represented in ClinVar, a publicly available repository of genomic variation, and its relationship to human health hosted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the NIH. Although policies such as the 2014 NIH GDS policy are clear regarding the mandate for informed consent for broad data sharing from research participants, no clear guidance exists on the level of consent appropriate for the sharing of information obtained through clinical testing to advance knowledge. ClinGen has collaborated with ClinVar and the National Human Genome Research Institute to develop points to consider for clinical laboratories on sharing de-identified variant-level data in light of both the NIH GDS policy and the recent updates to the Common Rule. We propose specific data elements from interpreted genomic variants that are appropriate for submission to ClinVar when direct patient consent was not sought and describe situations in which obtaining informed consent is recommended.
Business intelligence and competitiveness: the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Caseiro Nuno , Coelho Arnaldo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of business intelligence (BI) in startups competitiveness, contributing to a gap in literature as this relationship is normally more focused on stablished businesses. The mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) was taken in to account in the proposed research model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using structural equation modeling. A total of 228 valid questionnaires were collected from a research sample comprised of incubated startups from several European countries.

Findings

The results point to significant mediating role of EO in the impact of BI on competitiveness. The direct impact of BI on competitiveness was not confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlight the importance that BI can have in startups competitiveness, namely, reinforcing the role of pro-activeness, innovativeness and risk taking – the traditional dimensions of EO, providing the information needed for more supported decisions.

Originality/value

Although there are several approaches to BI, namely, in a more technical perspective, this paper addresses the topic in a managerial and decisional point of view, and studies it regarding his impact in startups competitiveness, thru the mediating effect of EO.
Blinds up or down?
Authors: Foscht Thomas , Lin Yuting , Eisingerich Andreas B.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how and when a business’ transparency leads to greater willingness to engage in sustainable and responsible consumption by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in two studies. Study 1 collected data from 219 consumers in a large shopping mall. Study 2 followed an experimental approach and used data from 327 participants.

Findings

The current research contributes to theory by hypothesizing and demonstrating when transparency is associated with higher willingness for sustainable and responsible consumption. Critically, the positive benefits of transparency vary according to a business’ future orientation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and levels of customer involvement.

Practical implications

An important societal and practical implication of the current research is that business should not be expected to only focus on transparency in isolation but rather also needs to consider levels of perceived future orientation, CSR and levels of customer involvement to strengthen sustainable and responsible behavior effectively.

Originality/value

This research builds on and extends current knowledge by exploring the key role of business’ transparency in influencing sustainable and responsible customer behavior and examines critical boundary conditions for the observed effects.
Talent development: a systematic literature review of empirical studies
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Beyerlein Michael
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and examine findings from empirical research regarding organizations’ talent development (TD) strategies, taking into consideration the countries in which the studies were conducted and the TD-approach organizations adopted, and recognize the positive outcomes of TD implementation, as well as potential issues and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review used Garrard’s matrix method to organize the review of publications. It identified 31 empirical articles from the total of 551 publications.

Findings

The findings indicate that a majority of the studies were conducted in countries other than the USA and that they were all published recently, after 2007. The results show that organizations have mostly applied organizational development interventions at the individual level for developing talented employees, followed by formal training and development. Additionally, managerial issues were identified as the most common issue on the way of implementing TD interventions.

Research limitations/implications

Trying to define TD as a discrete concept from HRD could be considered as both differentiating the current literature review and a limitation.

Originality/value

This article is among the first to identify TD interventions through a systematic literature review and provides a model of TD’s intervention antecedents and outcomes for the follow-up empirical works.
Key predictors of individual creativity in a Middle Eastern culture
Authors: Zaitouni Michel , Ouakouak Mohammed Laid
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a model in which antecedents of creativity are hypothesized to lead to enhance employee creativity and, subsequently, to increase innovative performance outcomes. Leader–member exchange (LMX) is posited as a moderator of the leader encouragement of creativity and employee creativity relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 163 employees working in various service organizations in Kuwait and pursuing an MBA. Structural equation modeling techniques with AMOS software were used to assess the relationships between the different constructs.

Findings

The findings show that all creativity antecedents are positively and significantly related to individual creativity, except for leader encouragement of creativity and perceived organizational support. The results show also that LMX mediates the relationship between leader encouragement of creativity and individual creativity, and that intrinsic motivation moderates the relationship between perceived organizational support and individual creativity.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations including a small sample size, cross-sectional design, same-source bias and one point in time data. Future studies could examine these findings in different settings, use longitudinal design and capture a full range of creativity antecedents,

Originality/value

This study is the first to theorize and identify antecedents that promote individual creativity in a collectivist context (i.e. Kuwait). Moreover, this study is unique in that we predict that employee creativity is a mediating mechanism that can explain the link between creativity antecedents and creativity outcomes.
Multilevel institutional analysis of accounting change in public management
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a multilevel institutional analysis of public sector accounting change. It seeks to explain the implementation of changes to state-sector budgeting systems, taking into account the complex of factors that drive and shape the cumulative processes of accounting change.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents the results of an interpretive case study set in a Jordanian public organization, Jordan Customs. It uses triangulation of data collection methods including interviews, observations and documents and archival records. The study adopts a multilevel analysis of institutions to better understand the implications of public accounting changes for the re-engineering and improved delivery of public services in Jordan.

Findings

The paper concludes from its analysis of public sector organizations that change in their accounting systems has occurred on three institutional levels. New budgeting methodologies were produced and reproduced based on re-consideration and re-enacting of theoretical accounting bases and procedures. Through this process, accounting change was itself reformed and new accounting routines further embedded extant accounting institutions and norms. Budgeting change, as a fundamental accounting change, is in this conception generated by external pressures and institutionalized in accounting routines over time.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is subject to the limitations of the case study approach. The propositions presented from the case studied need to be confirmed in further research into accounting system changes in other public organizations. The authenticity of the conclusions of this study would be greatly enhanced if supported by findings from other studies. The study has significant implications for the ways in which the dynamics of accounting change emerge at three levels of institutional analysis. By explaining the interaction between the “external” sources of and “internal” responses to change, accounting practice is shown to be both formed by and formative of broader socioeconomic processes. This overall sensitivity to the nature of accounting has significant implications for how accounting change can be studied.

Originality/value

The paper presents an interpretive case study of the practical issues of organizational change in a multilevel analysis that considers the experience of institutional pressures from the perspective of organizational actors. The study contributes to both management accounting literature and institutional theory by providing further understanding of the dynamics of accounting change in a developing nation’s public sector.
The influence of open/closed innovation on employees’ performance
Authors: Alawamleh Mohammad , Bani Ismail Loiy , Aladwan Khaled , Saleh Aya
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine critically the different influences of open/closed innovation on employees’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes into account the different influence of open and closed innovation on the performance of employees. Some previous literature was reviewed and the quantitative method used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from participants.

Findings

The results indicated that open innovation was more influential on the performance of employees than closed innovation. It also appeared that the case study organization uses the open innovation approach in the investments department to attract more clients and investments and thus increase its benefits.

Practical implications

The paper presents a critical account of differences in the influence on employees’ performance between open and closed innovation; it also takes into account the pros and cons of both aspects and their influence on the overall performance of the organization, putting into perspective the recommendations for the best approach to guarantee a good orientation within the internal environment of the organization. Finally, it helps in understanding the best approach to attract talent and creativity to the organization.

Originality/value

It is expected that the current research will offer guidance to organizations in Jordan to draw up plans for effective management of innovative approaches both internally and externally. It highlights the practice of open innovation and its role in attracting talent to the organization, to boost employees’ performance.
Are strategic orientations and managerial characteristics drivers of performance in the US wine industry?
Authors: Gilinsky Armand , Newton Sandra , Eyler Robert
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of strategic orientations and managerial characteristics on the performance of wine businesses in the US wine industry. Also considered is the power of firm size as measured by production and firm age since founding, as moderating variables that could attenuate or heighten their impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered via an online survey, where 306 representatives of the US wineries responded. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, cross-tabulations and Pearson chi-square (χ2) analysis.

Findings

Wine businesses that reported increased sales and profits over the previous three years made significant changes to organizational structure and staffing levels. Wineries that reported flat or decreasing sales and profits were less apt to make changes in organizational structure or staffing levels. Firm age was found to mediate performance in terms of incremental sales and profit growth; firm size was found to mediate only incremental profit growth.

Practical implications

Developing skills in marketing, strategic planning and entrepreneurial thinking to build a defensible industry position and to create the staffing and structure to support that position appear to be of great importance to wine businesses.

Originality/value

This study develops and tests a model investigating how firm size and age impact strategic orientations and managerial characteristics on the performance of the US wine businesses. This study investigates which strategic orientations and managerial characteristics wine businesses need to be successful in the future.
A context-based study of serendipity in information research among Chinese scholars
Authors: Zhou Xiaosong , Sun Xu , Wang Qingfeng , Sharples Sarah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The current understanding of serendipity is based primarily on studies employing westerners as the participants, and it remains uncertain whether or not this understanding would be pervasive under different cultures, such as in China. In addition, there is not a sufficient systematic investigation of context during the occurrence of serendipity in current studies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the above issues by conducting a follow-up empirical study with a group of Chinese scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The social media application “WeChat” was employed as a research tool. A diary-based study was conducted and 16 participants were required to send to the researchers any cases of serendipity they encountered during a period of two weeks, and this was followed by a post-interview.

Findings

Chinese scholars experienced serendipity in line with the three main processes of: encountering unexpectedness, connection-making and recognising the value. An updated context-based serendipity model was constructed, where the role of context during each episode of experiencing serendipity was identified, including the external context (e.g. time, location and status), the social context and the internal context (e.g. precipitating conditions, sagacity/perceptiveness and emotion).

Originality/value

The updated context model provides a further understanding of the role played by context during the different processes of serendipity. The framework for experiencing serendipity has been expanded, and this may be used to classify the categories of serendipity.
Social cognition in intellectually disabled male criminal offenders: a deficit in affect perception?
Authors: Wilson Rogers Luke Patrick , Robertson John , Marriott Mike , Belmonte Matthew Kenneth
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Although intellectual disability (ID) and criminal offending have long been associated, the nature of this link is obfuscated by reliance on historically unrigorous means of assessing ID and fractionating social cognitive skills. The purpose of this paper is to review and report current findings and set an agenda for future research in social perception, social inference and social problem solving in ID violent offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is reviewed on comorbidity of criminal offending and ID, and on social cognitive impairment and ID offending. In an exploratory case-control series comprising six violent offenders with ID and five similarly able controls, emotion recognition and social inference are assessed by the Awareness of Social Inference Test and social problem-solving ability and style by an adapted Social Problem-Solving Inventory.

Findings

Violent offenders recognised all emotions except “anxious”. Further, while offenders could interpret and integrate wider contextual cues, absent such cues offenders were less able to use paralinguistic cues (e.g. emotional tone) to infer speakers’ feelings. Offenders in this sample exceeded controls’ social problem-solving scores.

Originality/value

This paper confirms that ID offenders, like neurotypical offenders, display specific deficits in emotion recognition – particularly fear recognition – but suggests that in ID offenders impairments of affect perception are not necessarily accompanied by impaired social problem solving. The implication for therapeutic practice is that ID offenders might be most effectively rehabilitated by targeting simpler, low-level cognitive processes, such as fear perception, rather than adapting treatment strategies from mainstream offenders.
Team diversity and its management in a co-design team
Authors: Trischler Jakob , Kristensson Per , Scott Don
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions under which a co-design team comprised of in-house professionals and leading-edge service users can generate innovative service design concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation used a field-experimental design to conduct two studies. Observations and open-ended questionnaires were used to examine cross-comparison matrices with experts rating the generated outcomes and t-tests being used to compare the outcome ratings between teams of different compositions.

Findings

The outcomes produced by a co-design team seem to be linked to the team diversity – process facilitation relationship. Bringing a variety of knowledge and skills into the team can lead to original outcomes, while a high disparity between members’ backgrounds can require extensive efforts to facilitate a collaborative process. Separation between users’ objectives can result in a user-driven process and outcomes that are too specific for the broader marketplace. Co-design teams that characterize minimum separation, maximum variety, and moderate disparity are likely to produce the most promising results.

Research limitations/implications

The research was restricted to a narrowly defined study setting and samples. Future research should replicate the current study in other service contexts using different team compositions.

Practical implications

Co-design requires the careful selection of users based on their background and motivations, as well as the facilitation of a process that enables the team to collaboratively transform relevant knowledge into innovative outcomes.

Originality/value

The research contributes to a better understanding of the team composition – process facilitation relationship affecting innovation outcomes. Doing so provides a more fine-grained picture of the co-design team composition and the facilitation requirements for service design.
Lifestyle coaching for mental health difficulties: scoping review
Authors: Bishop Lauren , Hemingway Ann , Crabtree Sara Ashencaen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

UK mental health strategy calls for interventions that empower people to self-manage their condition. In lifestyle coaching, coach and client work collaboratively on positive behaviour change to improve client health. There is debate about the appropriateness of coaching for mental health, yet claims have not been supported with evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and scope of the existing research literature in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Scoping review.

Findings

The growing evidence base shows positive outcomes of coaching; for instance, symptom reduction, enhanced self-management and achievement of personal goals.

Research limitations/implications

The evidence base is small and of variable quality, offering insights that warrant further exploration.

Practical implications

Coaching not only supports better self-management but also addresses further mental health strategy priorities (such as improved physical health and social functioning). Coaches need not be mental health experts; therefore coaching may be a cost-effective intervention.

Social implications

As mental ill-health prevalence continues to rise despite widespread use of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and medication, there is a need to explore how novel approaches such as coaching might be integrated into mental healthcare.

Originality/value

This is the first study to collate the evidence on mental health coaching, highlighting its extensive potential, which should be further explored in research and practice.
“As soon as people hear that word…”: associative stigma among clinicians working with people with serious mental illness
Authors: Vayshenker Beth A. , DeLuca Joseph , Bustle Timothy , Yanos Philip
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Stigma by association occurs when members affiliated with a marginalized group become discredited themselves. The purpose of this paper is to explore associative stigma among mental health (MH) clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 47 eligible service providers completed an online qualitative study, with open-ended questions about areas touching on associative stigma such as assumptions about the MH profession, personal experiences of work-related stigma, and ways of coping.

Findings

The data revealed that MH clinicians commonly endorse experiences of associative stigma. The following themes were derived: experiences of stigma in describing the profession to others, media portrayal of MH professionals, assumptions about the field, ascriptions of personal characteristics, job devaluation, means of coping with associative stigma, and impact of associative stigma on work on clients.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative study to examine the phenomenon of associative stigma with MH clinicians. This study suggests that MH providers working with people with SMI do encounter associative stigma when discussing their profession with community members. Professionals discussed encountering the stereotype that the work that they do is dangerous, that it is something “unwanted” and that it does not require much skill but could be done by anyone. Associative stigma could be an important component in the understanding of factors related to professional burnout.
Comparative values of variables related to brand logos
Authors: De Marchis Giorgio P. , Reales-Avilés José M. , Rivero María del Prado
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This research aims to provide data and insights about the perception of commercial logos and to offer practical benchmark data useful to business organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The first study uses a pencil-and-paper survey to gather perceptual data about familiarity, subjective and objective visual complexity, aesthetic attraction, emotionality, number of colors and symbolic-social-status function of 142 brand logos. The second study uses a response time methodology to measure variables related to memory (i.e., cued recall and types of non-response).

Findings

The paper offers insights into the relationship of relevant symbol-related variables. Emotional arousal correlates positively to aesthetic attraction and cued recall, and negatively to symbol knowledge. Emotional arousal and social reputation correlate weakly. Business organizations should be interested in knowing how users rate the emotions of their own and other organizations’ isotypes. Familiarity correlates negatively to response times, and positively to proper cued recall, aesthetic attraction and self-assessment manikin emotional scale. The subjective measure of complexity and the measures related to emotions correlate. Surprisingly, no correlation exists for the objective measure of complexity with emotion. The results could indicate that an unknown effect of mere exposure of complexity exists. The study found no correlation between visual complexity and variables related to memory.

Practical implications

Values of performance are needed to interpret business excellence. Data presented as supplementary file can be used for benchmark brand-logo relevant aspects. Also, the study suggests measuring the emotional value of logos, especially strength, as it is a predictor of recall. Moreover, companies with a socially reputed logo should try to create an emotional link to it. Repetition and likeness are two ways to improve emotional ratings. Therefore, the study suggests organizations to assure that their target likes their logo. As more complex logos are considered more attractive, the authors would recommend organizations to test logos with different degrees of complexity.

Originality/value

This study is the first that offers normative logo data that can be used by practitioners as a benchmark of logo performance. Moreover, it promotes future research as it confirms and disconfirms previous findings and offers some new insight on brand research.
Why people use online social media brand communities
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Dhir Amandeep , Rajala Risto , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The success and survival of any form of online community relies on the presence and active participation of its users. Hence, ensuring active user participation and retaining existing users is a key concern of the moderators of online communities. To address these challenges, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the epistemic, emotional, and social values that influence users’ intention to continue using an online social media brand community. Moreover, the study also investigates the differences in the influence of the investigated constructs and users’ various activity levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized the consumption value theory framework for testing the relationship between different measures. An empirical analysis of the consumption values of 577 users in an online social media brand community was accomplished using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study findings revealed that emotional and social values exert partial influence in predicting users’ intention to continue using online social media brand communities. In particular, social enhancement and playfulness predict users’ continuation intentions. Moreover, the results show that the influence of the investigated constructs (except playfulness) is consistent across users with various activity levels in online social media brand communities.

Research limitations/implications

These findings pave the way for further theoretical and practical considerations of the role of consumption values in resolving challenges of user participation and retention. However, there are still some open gaps concerning the generalizability of the findings as well as other factors that could potentially influence the user intentions. Future studies should validate the findings by recruiting diverse users in terms of their age and cultural background.

Practical implications

The study findings are of special relevance for the service operators interested in practicing user-centric innovation. Moreover, the findings can help online social media brand community managers to kick start user-centric innovation activities in their community.

Originality/value

The study provides a novel perspective on the challenges of assessing users’ consumption behavior. The perceived values have been conceptualized using the constructs of social influence, problem solving, playfulness, social enhancement, and social interaction.
A novel MADS‐box transcription factor PstMCM1‐1 is responsible for full virulence of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Zhu Xiaoguo , Jiao Min , Guo Jia , Liu Peng , Tan Chenglong , Yang Qian , Zhang Yang , Thomas Voegele Ralf , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun
Published: February 2018

In many eukaryotes, transcription factor MCM1 gene plays crucial roles in regulating mating processes and pathogenesis by interacting with other co‐factors. However, little is known about the role of MCM1 in rust fungi. Here, we identified two MCM1 orthologs, PstMCM1‐1 and PstMCM1‐2, in the stripe rust pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Sequence analysis indicated that both PstMCM1‐1 and PstMCM1‐2 contain conserved MADS domains and that PstMCM1‐1 belongs to a group of SRF‐like proteins that are evolutionarily specific to rust fungi. Yeast two‐hybrid assays indicated that PstMCM1‐1 interacts with transcription factors PstSTE12 and PstbE1. PstMCM1‐1 was found to be highly induced during early infection stages in wheat and during pycniospore formation on the alternate host barberry (Berberis shensiana). PstMCM1‐1 could complement the lethal phenotype and mating defects in a mcm1 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition, it partially complemented the defects in appressorium formation and plant infection in a Magnaporthe oryzae Momcm1 mutant. Knock down of PstMCM1‐1 resulted in a significant reduction of hyphal extension and haustorium formation and the virulence of Pst on wheat. Our results suggest that PstMCM1‐1 plays important roles in the regulation of mating and pathogenesis of Pst most likely by interacting with co‐factors.
Experimental insights into the importance of ecologically dissimilar bacteria to community assembly along a salinity gradient
Authors: Shen Dandan , Jürgens Klaus , Beier Sara
Published: February 2018

The response of local communities to marine–freshwater transitions and the processes that underlie community assembly are unclear, particularly with respect to bacteria that differ in their life strategies. Here, we implemented a transplant experiment where bacterioplankton from three regions of the Baltic Sea with differing salinities (∼3, 7 and 28 psu) were exposed to each other's environmental conditions. We found that habitat specialists were more abundant than generalists after exposure to salinity changes, irrespective of their origins. Most specialists that were selected following a salinity change were rare in the starting communities. Selection for generalists, however, was not specifically driven by the recruitment of either rare or abundant members, suggesting that taxon's initial abundance is minor relevant to the growth of generalists. Patterns in phylogenetic relatedness indicated that environmental filtering was the most influential assembly mechanism for specialists, whereas competitive interaction was more important for the assembly of generalists. Altogether, this study shows that large salinity changes promote the establishment of habitat specialists and that deterministic processes vary during community assembly for ecologically dissimilar taxa. We, therefore, propose that distinguishing assembly mechanisms of different community members helps understand and predict community dynamics in response to environmental change.
Implications of negative interest rate policies: An early assessment
Authors: Arteta Carlos , Kose M. Ayhan , Stocker Marc , Taskin Temel
Published: February 2018

Over the past few years, several central banks have implemented negative interest rate policies (NIRP) to provide additional monetary policy stimulus. This paper presents an early assessment of the domestic and global implications of NIRP by analysing the behaviour of a set of key financial variables. We report three main results. First, since the introduction of NIRP, many of the key financial variables have evolved broadly, as implied by the standard transmission channels. For the euro area, the responses of these financial variables following NIRP announcements are directionally consistent with those of conventional interest rate cuts. Second, NIRP could pose risks to financial stability but there is no conclusive evidence as yet of a significant impact on bank profitability or of a broad‐based increase in leverage. Third, the responses of assets of emerging market and developing economies to NIRP announcements are on average broadly consistent with those to other types of expansionary monetary policy measures.
Univariate and Linear Composite Asymmetry Statistics for the “Pair‐Matching” of Bone Antimeres
Authors: Lee Amanda B. , Konigsberg Lyle W.
Published: February 2018

This paper examines the distributional properties of univariate and linear composite measures of long bone asymmetry. The goal of this paper is to examine models that best fit the distribution of asymmetries with implications for the improvement of forensic pair‐matching techniques. We use the software R to model reference data (N = 2343) and test data (N = 71) as normal distributions, an exponential power distribution, and a skew exponential power distribution—the latter two include the normal as a special case. Our results indicate that the data best fit the latter two distributions because the data are nonnormal. We also show how asymmetry statistics that use absolute values of side differences can be fit as folded distributions. This obviates the need for empirical distributions or for transformations that attempt to convert nonnormal distributions to normal distributions. The results of this study lay the framework for improving pair‐matching methods that use comparative reference data.
Improving nutritional discharge planning and follow up in older medical inpatients: Hospital to Home Outreach for Malnourished Elders
Authors: Young Adrienne M. , Mudge Alison M. , Banks Merrilyn D. , Rogers Lauren , Demedio Kristen , Isenring Elisabeth
Published: February 2018

Aim

Nutritional decline during and after acute hospitalisation is common amongst older people. This quality improvement initiative aimed to introduce a dietitian‐led discharge planning and follow‐up program (Hospital to Home Outreach for Malnourished Elders, HHOME) at two hospitals within usual resources to improve nutritional and functional recovery.

Methods

Prospective pre–post evaluation design was used. Medical patients aged 65+ years at‐risk of malnutrition and discharged to independent living were eligible. Participants receiving nutrition discharge planning and dietetic telephone follow up for four weeks post‐discharge (‘HHOME’) were compared to usual care (‘pre‐HHOME’). Nutritional (weight and mini nutritional assessment (MNA)), functional (gait speed, handgrip strength and modified Barthel index) and assessment of quality of life‐6D (AQoL‐6D) outcomes were measured on discharge and six weeks later.

Results

At six weeks, no significant difference in nutritional status was observed between pre‐HHOME (n = 39) and HHOME cohorts, although the HHOME cohort on average maintained weight while pre‐HHOME cohort lost weight (0.4 ± 2.9 kg vs −1.0 ± 3.7 kg, P = 0.060). Greater improvement in gait speed was seen in HHOME group (+0.24 ± 0.27 vs +0.11 ± 0.22, P = 0.046) with no other significant outcome improvements. Across both cohorts, half were readmitted to hospital and 10% died within 12 weeks post‐discharge.

Conclusions

The nutritional discharge planning and dietetic follow up provided to older community‐living malnourished patients made a small impact on nutritional and functional parameters but clinical outcomes remained poor.
Tetracycline alters gene expression in Salmonella strains that harbor the Tn10 transposon
Authors: Hüttener M. , Prieto A. , Aznar S. , Dietrich M. , Paytubi S. , Juárez A.
Published: February 2018

In this report, we show that bacterial plasmids that harbor the Tn10 transposon (i.e., the IncHI1 plasmid R27) modify expression of different Salmonella regulons responding to the presence of tetracycline (Tc) in the medium. By using as a model the Tc‐dependent upregulation of the ibpAB operon (which belongs to the heat shock regulon), we have identified Tn10‐tetA (coding for a Tc efflux pump) and adjacent tetC sequences as required for ibpAB upregulation. Characterization of transcripts in the tetAC region showed that tetA transcription can continue into tetC sequences, generating a long 3′UTR sequence, which can protect transcripts from RNA processing, thus increasing the expression of TetA protein. In the presence of Tc, the DnaK and IbpA chaperones are overexpressed and translocated to the periplasm and to the membrane fraction respectively. DnaK targeting unfolded proteins is known to induce heat shock by avoiding RpoH proteolysis. We correlate expression levels of Tn10‐encoded TetA protein with heat shock induction in Salmonella, likely because TetA activity compromises protein secretion.
Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in cellular senescence and aging
Authors: Takasugi Masaki
Published: February 2018

Cellular senescence is a cellular program that prevents the proliferation of cells at risk of neoplastic transformation. On the other hand, age‐related accumulation of senescent cells promotes aging at least partially due to the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, whereby cells secrete high levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of the effects of senescent cells on their microenvironment. Senescent cells secrete more EphA2 and DNA via EVs, which can promote cancer cell proliferation and inflammation, respectively. Extracellular vesicles secreted from DNA‐damaged cells can also affect telomere regulation. Furthermore, it has now become clear that EVs actually play important roles in many aspects of aging. This review is intended to summarize these recent progresses, with emphasis on relationships between cellular senescence and EVs.
Prenatal acupuncture: Women's expectations and satisfaction and influence on labor
Authors: Trutnovsky Gerda , Schneeweiss Melanie , Pregartner Gudrun , Reif Philipp , Lang Uwe , Ulrich Daniela
Published: February 2018

Background

Use of prenatal acupuncture for labor preparation is common, but there is still conflicting evidence with respect to its objective obstetric benefits. There is little information on women's expectations and subjective experiences with acupuncture treatments.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, a validated questionnaire on women's treatment satisfaction was sent to women who had received prenatal acupuncture at the obstetric clinic of the Medical University of Graz, Austria within the last 3 years. The electronic obstetric database was used to extract detailed clinical and obstetric data of women who received acupuncture and delivered at the hospital. For comparison, obstetric data were matched with a control group of women without prenatal acupuncture, who had given birth at the hospital during the study period.

Results

The questionnaire was sent to 150 women, out of which 70 (46.7%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Analysis of the questionnaire indicated good overall satisfaction (mean sum score 26.22 ± 4.72) with acupuncture treatment—97.1% indicated that they were very or quite satisfied. Responders did not differ from nonresponders, except for the time between delivery and questionnaire (P = .015).

Comparisons between the deliveries after prenatal acupuncture (n = 144) and the matched control deliveries (n = 576) showed no statistical significant differences in the length of labor and use of analgesics.

Conclusion

Prenatal acupuncture is likely to have positive effects on pregnant women, aside from an objective influence on labor duration and pain.
Cost‐effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging and targeted fusion biopsy for early detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Barnett Christine L. , Davenport Matthew S. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Wei John T. , Montie James E. , Denton Brian T.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine how best to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and targeted MRI/ultrasonography fusion biopsy for early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in men with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) concentrations and whether it can be cost‐effective.

Methods

A Markov model of PCa onset and progression was developed to estimate the health and economic consequences of PCa screening with MRI. Patients underwent PSA screening from ages 55 to 69 years. Patients with elevated PSA concentrations (>4 ng/mL) underwent MRI, followed by targeted fusion or combined (standard + targeted fusion) biopsy on positive MRI, and standard or no biopsy on negative MRI. Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) score on MRI was used to determine biopsy decisions. Deaths averted, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), cost and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) were estimated for each strategy.

Results

With a negative MRI, standard biopsy was more expensive and had lower QALYs than performing no biopsy. The optimum screening strategy (ICER $23 483/QALY) recommended combined biopsy for patients with PI‐RADS score ≥3 and no biopsy for patients with PI‐RADS score <3, and reduced the number of screening biopsies by 15%. Threshold analysis suggests MRI continues to be cost‐effective when the sensitivity and specificity of MRI and combined biopsy are simultaneously reduced by 19 percentage points.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests MRI followed by targeted MRI/ultrasonography fusion biopsy can be a cost‐effective approach to the early detection of PCa.
Different concentrations and volumes of p‐phenylenediamine in pet. (equivalent doses) are associated with similar patch test outcomes: a pilot study
Authors: Andersen Flemming , Hamann Carsten R. , Andersen Klaus E. , Hamann Dathan , Sager Eric , Hamann Curtis
Published: February 2018

Background

Concern about causing active sensitization when patch testing is performed with p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) 1% pet. has led to a recommendation to use PPD 0.3% pet. as a potentially safer preparation. However, the dose per area of allergen delivered, and hence the risk of active sensitization, depend on the amount dispensed into the patch test chamber, which can vary widely.

Objective

To evaluate whether patch testing with equivalent doses of different concentrations of PPD in pet. is associated with similar outcomes.

Methods

Seventeen known PPD‐sensitive subjects were patch tested with different volumes and concentrations of PPD in pet. that deliver the same allergen dose per unit area (6 mg of PPD 1% pet. and 20 mg of PPD 0.3% pet. in Finn Chambers®, both equivalent to ∼ 0.09 mg/cm2).

Results

Eleven patients (65%) had positive reactions to both doses; 4 patients (24%) had negative results [percentage agreement of 88% (15/17)]. One patient each had a positive reaction to only one dose.

Conclusions

The 88% concordance suggests that dose per unit area is more important in determining reactions to allergens than the excipient volume dispensed. Patch testing with a smaller volume of 1% PPD may be a reasonable alternative to testing with 20 mg of 0.3% PPD.