bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PWWP INTERACTOR OF POLYCOMBS (PWO1) links PcG-mediated gene repression to the nuclear lamina inArabidopsis
Authors: Mikulski Pawel , Hohenstatt Mareike L. , Farrona Sara , Smaczniak Cezary , Kaufmann Kerstin , Angenent Gerco , Schubert Daniel
Published: November 2017

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins facilitate chromatin-mediated gene repression through the modification of histone tails in a wide range of eukaryotes, including plants and animals. One of the PcG protein complexes, Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), promotes repressive chromatin formation via tri-methylation of lysine-27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). The animal PRC2 is implicated in impacting subnuclear distribution of chromatin as its complex components and H3K27me3 are functionally connected with the nuclear lamina (NL) - a peripheral protein mesh that resides underneath the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and consists of lamins and lamina-associated proteins. In contrast to animals, NL in plants has an atypical structure and its association with PRC2-mediated gene repression is largely unknown. Here, we present a connection between lamin-like protein, CROWDED NUCLEI 1 (CRWN1), and a novel PRC2-associated component, PWWP INTERACTOR OF POLYCOMBS 1 (PWO1), inArabidopsis thaliana. We show that PWO1 and CRWN1 proteins associate physically with each other, act in the same pathway to maintain nuclear morphology and control expression of similar set of target genes. Moreover, we demonstrate that PWO1 proteins form speckle-like foci located partially at the subnuclear periphery inNicotiana benthamianaandArabidopsis thaliana. Ultimately, as CRWN1 and PWO1 are plant-specific, our results argue that plants developed an equivalent, rather than homologous, mechanism of linking PRC2-mediated chromatin repression and nuclear lamina.
Cerebellar granule cell precursors can extend processes, undergo short migratory movements and express postmitotic markers before mitosis in the chick EGL
Authors: Hanzel Michalina , Wingate Richard JT
Published: November 2017

Cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) form a secondary germinative epithelium, the external germinal layer (EGL) where they proliferate extensively to produce the most numerous cell type in the brain. The morphological sequence of events that characterizes the differentiation of GCPs in the EGL is well established. However, morphologies of individual GCP and their differentiation status have never been correlated. Here, we examine the morphological features and transitions of GCPs in the chicken cerebellum by labelling a subset of GCPs with a stable genomic expression of a GFP transgene and following their development within the EGL in fixed tissue and using time-lapse imaging. We use immunohistochemistry to observe cellular morphologies of mitotic and differentiating GCPs to better understand their differentiation dynamics. Results reveal that mitotic activities of GCPs are more complex and dynamic than currently appreciated. While most GCPs divide in the outer and middle EGL, some are capable of division in the inner EGL. Some GCPs remain mitotically active during process extension and tangential migration and retract their processes prior to each cell division. The mitotically active precursors can also express differentiation markers such as TAG1 and NeuroD1. Further, we explore the result of misexpression of NeuroD1 on granule cell development. When misexpressed in GCPs, NeuroD1 leads to premature differentiation, defects in migration and reduced cerebellar size and foliation. Overall, we provide the first characterisation of individual morphologies of mitotically active cerebellar GCPsin ovoand reaffirm the role of NeuroD1 as a differentiation factor in the development of cerebellar granule cells.
Age-accelerated cognitive decline in asymptomatic adults with CSF β-amyloid
Authors: Clark Lindsay R. , Berman Sara E. , Norton Derek , Koscik Rebecca L. , Jonaitis Erin , Blennow Kaj , Bendlin Barbara B. , Asthana Sanjay , Johnson Sterling C. , Zetterberg Henrik , Carlsson Cynthia M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Compare cognitive and hippocampal volume (HCV) trajectories in asymptomatic middle-aged and older adults with positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of β-amyloid (Aβ) or tau to adults without an AD-associated biomarker profile.

Method

392 adults enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study (Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention or Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center) completed a lumbar puncture and at least two biennial or annual neuropsychological evaluations. Cutoffs for Aβ42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau were developed via receiver operating characteristic curve analyses on a sample of 78 participants (38 dementia, 40 controls). These cutoffs were applied to a separate sample of 314 cognitively healthy adults (mean age at CSF collection = 61.5) and mixed-effects regression analyses tested linear and quadratic interactions of biomarker group × age at each visit on cognitive and HCV outcomes.

Results

215 participants (69%) were biomarker negative (preclinical AD Stage 0), 46 (15%) were Aβ+ only (preclinical AD Stage 1), 25 (8%) were Aβ+ and tau+ (preclinical AD Stage 2), and 28 (9%) were tau+ only. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 groups exhibited greater rates of linear decline on story memory and processing speed measures, and non-linear decline on list-learning and set-shifting measures compared to Stage 0. The tau+ only group did not significantly differ from Stage 0 in rates of cognitive decline.

Conclusion

In an asymptomatic at-risk cohort, elevated CSF Aβ (with or without elevated tau) was associated with greater rates of cognitive decline, with the specific pattern of decline varying across cognitive measures.
Naked mole-rat transcriptome signatures of socially-suppressed sexual maturation and links of reproduction to aging
Authors: Bens Martin , Szafranski Karol , Holtze Susanne , Sahm Arne , Groth Marco , Kestler Hans A. , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Platzer Matthias
Published: November 2017

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are eusocially organized in colonies. Although breeders carry the additional metabolic load of reproduction, they are extremely long-lived and remain fertile throughout their lifespan. Comparative transcriptome analysis of ten organs from breeders and non-breeders of the eusocial long-lived NMR and the polygynous shorter-lived guinea pig provide comprehensive and unbiased molecular evidence that sexual maturation in NMR is socially suppressed. After transition into breeders, transcriptomes are markedly sex-specific, show pronounced feedback signaling via gonadal steroids and have similarities to reproductive phenotypes in African cichlid fish. Further, NMRs show functional enrichment of status-related expression differences associated with aging. Lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation – molecular networks known to be linked to aging – were identified among most affected gene sets. Further, a transcriptome pattern associated with longevity is reinforced in NMR breeders contradicting the disposable soma theory of aging and potentially contributing to their exceptional long life- and healthspan.
Bacterial adaptation to diet is a key evolutionary force shaping Drosophila-Lactobacillus symbiosis
Authors: Martino Maria Elena , Joncour Pauline , Leenay Ryan , Gervais Hugo , Shah Malay , Hughes Sandrine , Gillet Benjamin , Beisel Chase , Leulier François
Published: November 2017

Animal-microbe facultative symbioses play a fundamental role in ecosystem and organismal health (1–3). Yet, due to the flexible nature of their association, the selection pressures acting on animals and their facultative symbionts remain elusive (4, 5). Here, by applying experimental evolution to a well-established model of facultative symbiosis: Drosophila melanogaster associated with Lactobacillus plantarum, one of its growth promoting symbiont (6, 7), we show that the diet, instead of the host, is a predominant driving force in the evolution of this symbiosis and identify the mechanism resulting from the bacterial adaptation to the diet, which confers host growth benefits. Our study reveals that adaptation to the diet can be the foremost step in the determination of the evolutionary course of a facultative symbiosis.
Hyperactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) by RAS-mediated signaling or inhibition of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is associated with toxicity in lung adenocarcinoma cells with mutations in KRAS or EGFR
Authors: Unni Arun M. , Harbourne Bryant , Oh Min Hee , Wild Sophia , Lockwood William W. , Varmus Harold
Published: November 2017

We recently described the synthetic lethality that results when mutant KRAS and mutant EGFR are coexpressed in human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells, revealing the biological basis for the mutual exclusivity of KRAS and EGFR mutations in lung cancers. We have now further defined the biochemical events responsible for the toxic effects of signaling through the RAS pathway. By combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, we have developed multiple lines of evidence that signaling through extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) mediates the toxicity. These findings imply that tumors with mutant oncogenes that drive signaling through the RAS pathway must restrain the activity of ERK1/2 to avoid cell toxicities and enable tumor growth. In particular, a dual specificity phosphatase, DUSP6, regulates phosphorylated (P)-ERK levels in lung adenocarcinoma cells, providing negative feedback to the RAS signaling pathway. Accordingly, inhibition of DUSP6 is cytotoxic in LUAD cells driven by either mutant KRAS or mutant EGFR, phenocopying the effects of co-expression of mutant KRAS and EGFR. Together, these data suggest that targeting DUSP6 or other feedback regulators of the EGFR-KRAS-ERK pathway may offer a strategy for treating certain cancers by exceeding an upper threshold of RAS-mediated signaling.
Insulin-Like Peptides Regulate Feeding Preference and Metabolism in Drosophila
Authors: Semanyuk Uliana , Gospodaryov Dmytro , Feden’ko Hrystyna , Yurkevych Ihor , Vaiserman Alexander , Storey Kenneth , Simpson Stephen , Lushchak Oleh
Published: November 2017

Fruit flies have eight identified Drosophila insulin-like peptides (DILPs) involved in regulation of carbohydrate concentrations in hemolymph as well as accumulation of storage metabolites. In the present study, we investigated diet-dependent roles of DILPs encoded by genes dilp1–5, and dilp7 in regulation of insect appetite, food choice, accumulation of triglycerides, glycogen, glucose, and trehalose in fruit fly body and carbohydrates in hemolymph. We found that dilp2 gene predominantly influences body glycogen level, dilp3 – trehalose level in hemolymph, while dilp5 and dilp7 affect triglyceride level. Fruit fly appetite was found to be regulated by dilp3 and dilp7 genes. Our data contribute to the understanding of Drosophila as a model for further studies of metabolic diseases and may serve as a guide for uncovering the evolution of metabolic regulatory pathways.

HIGHLIGHTS

Different Drosophila insulin-like peptides play distinctive roles in metabolism, physiology and appetite regulation.

Lack of Dilp2 and Dilp5 abrogates glycogen accumulation on high carbohydrate diets

Lack of Dilp3 leads to build-up of trehalose in haemolymph on high-carbohydrate-low-protein diets

Lack of Dilp3 and Dilp7 leads to increased consumption of protein on low-carbohydrate-high-protein diets

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Couple dynamics in family holidays decision-making process
Authors: Rojas-de-Gracia María-Mercedes , Alarcón-Urbistondo Pilar , González Robles Eva María
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Family holiday decision-making (FHDM) is a process composed of several stages. This paper aims to describe two objectives: to identify at each stage the roles in couples, the main decision-maker in the case of family holidays; and to determine the most influential variables.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the roles played by the partners, a frequency analysis has been conducted, which provides a graphic representation of the so-called feasibility triangles. The technique selected to identify the variables that explained the decision structure was binary logistic regression. In total, 375 useful dyads of questionnaires were received.

Findings

Holidays follow a joint decision-making process in the initiation phase and in the final decision, while the search for information is carried out equally by either partner. The woman’s work situation, the type of destination travelled to and the difference in education levels between them are the variables that best explain how couples decide on their family holidays.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the FHDM process will help tourism companies to improve their marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

The characteristics of the sample composed of 375 couples whose members completed a questionnaire separately have allowed not have to rely on one response per household, which adds reliability to the results. This sample is higher than the one of many reference publications on the subject. Furthermore, this paper revealed differences between male and female perception.
Exploring travelers’ decision-making styles
Authors: Atadil Hilmi A. , Sirakaya-Turk Ercan , Meng Fang , Decrop Alain
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to profile market segments using travelers’ decision-making styles (DMS) as segmentation bases and to identify similarities and differences between traveler segments regarding a series of psychographic and attitudinal characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered from a sample of 426 travelers in Dubai and Shanghai via self-reported surveys. Analyses included factor, k-means cluster, discriminant and MANOVA.

Findings

Study findings reveal significant differences among the rational, adaptive and daydreamer decision-makers’ segments in their behavioral and attitudinal characteristics with respect to tourism involvement and destination images.

Practical implications

Findings provide important practical implications for generating effective marketing and positioning strategies based on the identified attitudinal characteristics of the traveler segments for destination marketing organizations.

Originality/value

A stream of recent tourism studies shows a strong relationship between tourism involvement and destination images, yet very little research has tackled the issue of how these critical variables can be affected by individuals’ decision-making styles. This study explores and tests the relationships among DMS, tourism involvement and destination image using a factor-cluster approach.
The effect of reporting quality on stock returns of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Tagribi Masomeh , Farhangdoust Shayan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of earnings quality (as a proxy for financial reporting quality) of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) and the quality of their financial information disclosure on stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the hypotheses by conducting panel data analysis on a sample of 1,680 firm-year observations from companies listed on the TSE during 2009-2014. The authors also conduct the variance inflation factor and unit root tests to control for the severity of multicollinearity in their ordinary least squares regression analysis and whether the time series variables are non-stationary and possess a unit root.

Findings

Using Francis et al. (2005) and modified Jones (1991) models as measures for earnings quality, the results are indicative of a significant and positive relationship between firms’ earnings quality and their stock returns. However, the research findings suggest that earnings management as well as disclosure quality (DQ) is not significantly associated with firms’ stock return.

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors controlled for some of the factors affecting stock returns, there are still some other factors such as the operating environment, institutional setting and/or information uncertainty that could influence stock returns, and accordingly, the authors were not able to exclude their possibility and get the most robust results. Moreover, there are several models proposed in different studies for measuring earnings quality which have led to mixed results particularly without a general consensus on what a good model is, and whether earnings quality is a priced risk factor.

Originality/value

Taken as a whole, the paper could provide new insights into the determinants of stock returns which has rarely been considered by prior finance literature. Furthermore, the unique institutional context of the paper could contribute substantially to the literature on the relationship between financial reporting and DQ and stock returns.
Conditional volatility nexus between stock markets and macroeconomic variables
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , McMillan David G. , Wang Shouyang
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relation between stock market volatility and macroeconomic fundamentals for G-7 countries using monthly data over the period from July 1985 to June 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical methodology is based on two steps: in the first step, the authors obtain the conditional volatilities of stock market returns and macroeconomic variables through the GARCH family of models. The authors also incorporate the impact of early 2000s dotcom and the global financial crises. In the second step, the authors estimate multivariate vector autoregressive model to analyze the dynamic relation between stock markets return and macroeconomic variables.

Findings

The overall results for G-7 countries indicate a weak volatility transmission from macroeconomic factors to stock market volatility at individual level but the collective impact of volatility transmission is highly significant. Although, the results of block exogeneity indicate a bidirectional causality except UK, but the causal linkage is quite weak from stock market to macroeconomic variables. Moreover, the local financial variables excluding interest rate are closely integrated, and the volatility of industrial production growth and oil price are identified as the most significant macroeconomic factors that could possibly influence the directions of stock markets.

Originality/value

This research establishes the nature of the links between stock market and macroeconomic volatility. Research to date has been unable to satisfactorily establish the empirical nature of such links. The authors believe this paper begins to do this.
A path analysis approach on the factors of human development among Muslims in Nigeria
Authors: Oladapo Ibrahim Abiodun , Ab Rahman Asmak
Published: November 2017

Purpose

One area of concern for Islamic economics is the challenges and discrimination experienced in Muslim societies and the lower human development indices compared to the Western counterparts. It is possible that the application of the theory ofMaqāsid al Sharī’ah(TMS) could provide some insight on the problems and probably offer some support to the policymaker on the direction to take. The purpose of this paper is to apply TMS to validate the factors of human development.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected using a questionnaire. The target respondents were Muslims from Nigeria. Both stratified and purposeful random sampling techniques were used to collect the data, and the analyses were done by SPSS and AMOS statistical software.

Findings

In validating factors that contribute to human development, TMS framework is used, and the model integrates five factors which are considered most likely to have influence on human development. The model proposes that individual factors such social justice and human rights have effects on the factors of human development.

Originality value

This study provides understanding on the contributing factors to the persistent challenges of human development in predominantly Muslim settings. Previous research which has applied TMS focused more on its financial relevance and has not attempted to understand the situation and proffer solution.
Measures of customers’ perception of car Ijarah financing
Authors: Ehsan Wahla Asim , Hasan Hamid , Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to measure customers’ perception of car Ijarah financing transactions services provided by the Islamic banks and financial institutions in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses two research methodologies: Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test (non-parametric) and logit regression model (parametric). Both methods are then applied to a real data set of 300 respondents from various cities of Pakistan in the car Ijarah financing industry. The demographic effects are also investigated to see the perception about the degree of Shari’ah compliance and the quality of service of transaction offered by banks.

Findings

Main finds of the paper reveal that the customers who used the car Ijarah facility from Islamic banks have positive attitude toward this sort of transaction. In addition, gender, income, marital status affect the perception about the quality of Shari’ah compliance, and the quality of service of transaction issues are very important to selected clients in the industry.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are limited to the car Ijarah financing industry and may not be applicable in other banking products in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Practical implications

Based on the results of this study, potential Islamic bank customers may find it helpful choose products or make product decisions conveniently. The findings of the paper also support Islamic banks in improving the Ijarah facility to increase their customer base in the geo-political locality with similar characteristics as Pakistan.

Social implications

Shari’ah compliance in the Islamic finance industry is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, and hence, car Ijarah’s Shari’ah compliance can affect banks’ reputation and sensitivity.

Originality/value

The work reported in this paper is original, unpublished and the paper is not submitted elsewhere for publication.
Forfeiture of criminal proceeds under anti-money laundering laws
Authors: Aurasu Anusha , Abdul Rahman Aspalella
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Money laundering has been a focal problem worldwide. Governments constantly come up with initiatives to fight against this offence. To clean proceeds of corruption, the laundering of money is utilised, as it transforms “dirty” money into “clean” ones. A comparative analysis between Malaysia’s Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) and United Kingdom’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is performed on the basis of the similarities and differences of both legislations, in terms of forfeiture provisions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the current forfeiture regime in both jurisdictions is effective in fighting against money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a doctrinal research where reliance will mainly be on relevant case laws and legislations. AMLATFPUAA and POCA are key legislations which will be utilised for the purpose of analysis.

Findings

Strengths and weaknesses of both AMLATFPUAA and POCA are identified through a comparative analysis where findings show that POCA is more comprehensive than AMLATFPUAA in terms of offences covered by it and standard of proof. With that, the anti-money laundering (AML) laws can further be improvised by being a better and efficient regime where Malaysia and United Kingdom will be able to discharge their duties effectively on forfeiting benefits from criminals.

Originality/value

This paper offers some guiding principles for academics, banks, their legal advisers, practitioners and policy makers, not only in Malaysia but also elsewhere.
Shine a light
Authors: Bevolo Marco
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the grounded theory empirical validation on key categories within a design-led methodology to envision urban futures. The paper focuses on the editorial products and the design concepts that constitute the heart of the approach. An original elaboration of trend clusters is presented as an exemplification of the outcome of this trend research approach. Although the approach was not created from the viewpoint of tourism and leisure, bibliographic notes on place-making complement it for this journal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents empirical findings extracted by the means of the grounded theory, with the purpose to empirically validate two key categories (product and process) of a urban futures methodology. The methodology is an application of High Design, the process in use at Royal Philips BV for two decades. This methodology is contextualized within the constructivist episteme, as defined by the editors of this journal in a separate publication. Bibliographic references to place-making complete the paper.

Findings

The following findings are provided: empirical validation of the city.people.light communication platform (qualitative research); empirical validation of the city.people.light workshop practice (qualitative research); and bibliographic descriptions of the design process governing city.people.light and newly developed urban futures trend clusters, at European level, as an exemplification of the program/approach outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is structured according to a multi-layered editorial focus. Empirical findings were generated at primary research level in a 2013-2015 grounded theory projected by the author. Furthermore, the author directed the research processes and products that are the object of empirical validation. Newly defined elaborations and a discussion thereof is offered, taking into account contemporary place-making issues.

Practical implications

The original design-based methodology is a structured practice in urban futures from applied sciences and corporate innovation viewpoint. In this paper, its key categories are empirically validated through the grounded theory. Additionally, outcome from the original foresight programs is presented and a bibliographic review is provided from the viewpoint of place-making.

Social implications

The co-creative methodology herein empirically validated is socio-cultural centered, with a strong drive to coutnerbalance the positivist and engineering corporate mindset through a humanistic concern for people. The framework in terms of place-making takes into account postmodern evolutions of the field.

Originality/value

The paper benefits from a unique mix of: epistemic note on tourism, leisure, and the future; original urban futures scenarios and design concepts from a world class corporate innovation program; and the actual empirical core of the grounded theory validation as performed in a dedicated research project. These three separate streams are mutually related.
Paternal‐effects in a terrestrial ectotherm are temperature dependent but no evidence for adaptive effects
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Lu ChuChu , Dingemanse Niels J. , Tuni Cristina
Published: November 2017

Global rising of average temperatures and increase in extreme climatic events may largely impact animal survival and reproduction. Yet, how variation in temperature may affect male fertility, in particular ejaculate traits, and whether this can in turn affect offspring fitness, is seldom addressed. Paternal effects may be of key importance as they could impact the rate and direction of evolutionary change in response to climate change.

We tested the effects of temperature experienced by males on sperm traits, and asked whether the paternal environmental temperature affected offspring phenotype. We further explored the potential for paternal effects to be adaptive, which would occur when offspring fitness increased under the same environmental conditions experienced by the fathers. We exposed male field crickets to high or low temperatures at two life stages, either throughout development or as adults, and tested sperm traits (number and quality) and offspring fitness (hatching success and survival). We further assessed sperm traits in offspring, after they had also been exposed to the same or different temperature experienced by their father.

We found that temperature affected sperm traits depending on the life‐stage of individuals. When the exposure was given during adulthood, males exposed to high temperature produced less sperm and of lower quality compared to males exposed to lower temperature, while if exposure was given during development, males exposed to high temperature produced more sperm and of better quality compared to males exposed to low temperatures. Offspring fitness was significantly affected by paternal temperature, evidence for anticipatory paternal effects on sperm traits was not found.

Our study indicates that temperature can mediate cross‐generational effects, and that paternal effects may be mediated by changes in temperature and therefore much more widespread in nature than previously assumed.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Sporulation capability and amylosome conservation among diverse human colonic and rumen isolates of the keystone starch‐degrader Ruminococcus bromii
Authors: Mukhopadhya Indrani , Moraïs Sarah , Laverde‐Gomez Jenny , Sheridan Paul O. , Walker Alan W. , Kelly William , Klieve Athol V. , Ouwerkerk Diane , Duncan Sylvia H. , Louis Petra , Koropatkin Nicole , Cockburn Darrell , Kibler Ryan , Cooper Philip J. , Sandoval Carlos , Crost Emmanuelle , Juge Nathalie , Bayer Edward A. , Flint Harry J.
Published: November 2017

Ruminococcus bromii is a dominant member of the human colonic microbiota that plays a ‘keystone’ role in degrading dietary resistant starch. Recent evidence from one strain has uncovered a unique cell surface ‘amylosome’ complex that organizes starch‐degrading enzymes. New genome analysis presented here reveals further features of this complex and shows remarkable conservation of amylosome components between human colonic strains from three different continents and a R. bromii strain from the rumen of Australian cattle. These R. bromii strains encode a narrow spectrum of carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) that reflect extreme specialization in starch utilization. Starch hydrolysis products are taken up mainly as oligosaccharides, with only one strain able to grow on glucose. The human strains, but not the rumen strain, also possess transporters that allow growth on galactose and fructose. R. bromii strains possess a full complement of sporulation and spore germination genes and we demonstrate the ability to form spores that survive exposure to air. Spore formation is likely to be a critical factor in the ecology of this nutritionally highly specialized bacterium, which was previously regarded as ‘non‐sporing’, helping to explain its widespread occurrence in the gut microbiota through the ability to transmit between hosts.
ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING
Authors: PORTES RICHARD
Published: November 2017

Transparency is valuable – but use with caution, says Richard Portes
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
Authors: KAKKAR HEMANT , SIVANATHAN NIRO
Published: November 2017

Humans will do almost anything to avoid feeling out of control – even if it means electing an aggressive alpha male as leader, according to revealing new research by Hemant Kakkar and Niro Sivanathan
The relationship between hazardous alcohol use and violence among street‐involved youth
Authors: Fairbairn Nadia , Wood Evan , Dobrer Sabina , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Debeck Kora
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

Alcohol is a major contributor to premature disability and death among youth, often due to physical trauma, violence, and suicide. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the association between hazardous alcohol use and experiences of violence among a cohort of street‐involved youth.

Methods

Data were derived from the At‐Risk Youth Study (ARYS), a prospective cohort of street‐involved youth who use illicit substances in Vancouver, Canada. The outcome of interest was hazardous alcohol use defined by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as >14 drinks/week or >5 drinks on one occasion for men, and >7 drinks/week or >4 drinks on one occasion for women. We used Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analyses to examine factors independently associated with hazardous alcohol use.

Results

Between 2005 and 2014, 1,149 drug‐using youth were recruited and 423 (36.8%) reported hazardous alcohol use in the previous 6 months at study baseline. In multivariable GEE analyses, intimate partner violence (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.53, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] = 1.12–2.10), and non‐partner physical assault (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.21–1.59) were independently associated with hazardous alcohol use after adjusting for multiple potential confounders.

Discussion and Conclusions

A considerable proportion of youth in this setting reported hazardous alcohol use, which was independently associated with experiencing recent intimate and non‐partner violence.

Scientific Significance

Combined interventions for violence and hazardous alcohol use should be integrated into service provision programs for street‐involved youth. (Am J Addict 2017;26:852–858)
Characterization of animal communities involved in seed dispersal and predation of Guibourtia tessmannii (Harms) J.Léonard, a species newly listed on Appendix II of CITES
Authors: Tosso Félicien , Cherchye Gauthier , Hardy Olivier J. , Daïnou Kasso , Lognay Georges , Tagg Nikki , Haurez Barbara , Souza Alain , Heuskin Stéphanie , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2017

Characterization of the ecology of endangered timber species is a crucial step in any forest management strategy. In this study, we described the animal communities involved in seed dispersal and predation of a high‐value timber species Guibourtia tessmannii (Fabaceae; Detarioideae), which is newly listed on Appendix II of CITES. We compared the animal communities between two forest sites (Bambidie in Gabon and Ma'an in Cameroon). A total of 101 hr of direct observations and 355 days of camera trapping revealed that a primate (Cercopithecus nictitans nictitans) and a hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata) were important seed dispersers in Gabon. Conversely, a greater presence of a rodent (Cricetomys emini), which could act both as predator and disperser, was observed in Cameroon. This study suggests that animal communities involved in seed dispersal of G. tessmannii may vary depending on environmental conditions and anthropogenic impacts. However, further studies are needed to properly identify the factors involved in seed dispersal and predation of G. tessmannii.
Blocking antibodies induced by allergen‐specific immunotherapy ameliorate allergic airway disease in a human/mouse chimeric model
Authors: Vizzardelli C. , Gindl M. , Roos S. , Möbs C. , Nagl B. , Zimmann F. , Sexl V. , Kenner L. , Neunkirchner A. , Zlabinger G. J. , Pickl W. F. , Pfützner W. , Bohle B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces specific blocking antibodies (Ab), which are claimed to prevent IgE‐mediated reactions to allergens. Additionally, AIT modulates cellular responses to allergens, for example, by desensitizing effector cells, inducing regulatory T and B lymphocytes and immune deviation. It is still enigmatic which of these mechanisms mediate(s) clinical tolerance. We sought to address the role of AIT‐induced blocking Ab separately from cellular responses in a chimeric human/mouse model of respiratory allergy.

Methods

Nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient γc−/− (NSG) mice received intraperitoneally allergen‐reactive PBMC from birch pollen‐allergic patients together with birch pollen extract and human IL‐4. Engraftment was assessed by flow cytometry. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and bronchial inflammation were analyzed after intranasal challenges with allergen or PBS. Sera collected from patients before and during AIT with birch pollen were added to the allergen prior to intranasal challenge. The IgE‐blocking activity of post‐AIT sera was assessed in vitro.

Results

Human cells were detected in cell suspensions of murine lungs and spleens indicating successful humanization. Humanized mice displayed a more pronounced AHR and bronchial inflammation when challenged with allergen compared to negative controls. Post‐AIT sera exerted IgE‐blocking activity. In contrast to pre‐AIT sera, the presence of heterologous and autologous post‐AIT sera significantly reduced the allergic airway inflammation and matched their IgE‐blocking activity determined in vitro.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that post‐AIT sera with IgE‐blocking activity ameliorate allergic airway inflammation in a human/mouse chimeric model of respiratory allergy independently of AIT‐induced cellular changes.
Maternal hypothyroidism in the perinatal period and childhood asthma in the offspring
Authors: Liu X. , Andersen S. L. , Olsen J. , Agerbo E. , Schlünssen V. , Dharmage S. C. , Munk‐Olsen T.
Published: November 2017

Background

There is increasing interest in the possible link between maternal hypothyroidism in the perinatal period and childhood asthma risk. We explored this in this study while accounting for the timing of hypothyroidism diagnosis. Further, we evaluated whether the risk was moderated by thyroid hormone treatment during pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using Danish national registers. All live‐born singletons in Denmark from 1998 to 2007 were identified. Maternal hypothyroidism and asthma in the children were defined by data from the Patient Register and Prescription Registry. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of asthma among children born to hypothyroid mothers versus children born to mothers with no recorded thyroid dysfunction using Poisson regression models.

Results

Of 595 669 children, 3524 children were born to mothers with hypothyroidism diagnosed before delivery and 4664 diagnosed after delivery. Overall, 48 990 children received treatment for asthma. The IRRs of asthma was 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03‐1.30) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02‐1.24) for children born to mothers with hypothyroidism diagnosed before and after delivery, compared to children born to mothers with no thyroid dysfunction. The highest risk was observed among children born to mothers with hypothyroidism diagnosed before delivery who did not receive thyroid hormone treatment during pregnancy (IRR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.80).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that maternal hypothyroidism, especially when it is untreated, increases childhood asthma risk. Early detection and appropriate treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnant women may be an area for possible prevention of childhood asthma.
Foster care placement breakdown in the Netherlands and Flanders: Prevalence, precursors, and associated factors
Authors: Vanderfaeillie Johan , Goemans Anouk , Damen Harm , Van Holen Frank , Pijnenburg Huub
Published: November 2017

Family foster care is the option of choice for children in need of out‐of‐home care in Flanders and the Netherlands. Foster care is however a vulnerable intervention, and questions can be raised as to its efficacy. Although the literature on placement breakdown has made significant progress during the last years, empirical knowledge regarding breakdown in Flanders and the Netherlands remains scant. Consequently, this study aimed at investigating prevalence and precursors of breakdowns in long‐term foster care, the duration of placement before breakdown, and the association of child and placement characteristics with breakdown. Case files of 271 Dutch and 309 Flemish foster children were analysed with a coding scheme designed for this study. After 6 years, 398 placements had terminated: 169 placements broke down and 229 placements ended positively. Placements broke down mainly because of behavioural problems of the foster child, foster parents' parenting problems, and conflicts between birth and foster parents. Foster children with behavioural problems, older foster children, foster children denied treatment, and foster children in care because of sexual abuse were more at risk of breakdown. Assessing these factors is important when evaluating the appropriateness of a family foster care placement.
Plasticity in laying dates of Canada Geese in response to spring phenology
Authors: Clermont Jeanne , Réale Denis , Giroux Jean‐François
Published: November 2017

Observed phenological changes can be explained either by individual phenotypic plasticity or by evolutionary changes, but there is more evidence pointing towards phenotypic plasticity to explain the mechanism behind changes in bird phenology. However, most studies on phenology have been conducted on insectivorous bird species for which breeding is closely tied to temperature and insect emergence. In this study, we examined the consequences of climatic conditions on the nesting phenology of temperate breeding Canada Geese Branta canadensis maxima, which rely on a continuous food supply, during a 14‐year period (2003–16). We determined whether laying dates were plastically adjusted to spring environmental conditions, and whether this adjustment resulted in a laying date advancement. We further estimated the strength and shape of selection acting on breeding timing, by looking at the effect of laying date on the relative number of young successfully hatched in a nest. We found that Geese plastically adjusted their laying date to spring maximum temperature (and not to precipitation or ice break‐up), resulting in a 9‐day advancement of laying date in the population for that period. Laying date was also moderately repeatable (r = 0.23) and subject to directional selection, but stabilizing selection was negligible. We thus demonstrate how Canada Geese plastically adjust laying dates to temperature, which may further be beneficial to nesting success. Evolutionary change of laying date to selection related to climate change, however, is still possible.
The technostress trifecta ‐ techno eustress, techno distress and design: Theoretical directions and an agenda for research
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Cooper Cary L. , Stich Jean‐François
Published: November 2017

Technostress—defined as stress that individuals experience due to their use of Information Systems—represents an emerging phenomenon of scholarly investigation. It examines how and why the use of IS causes individuals to experience various demands that they find stressful. This paper develops a framework for guiding future research in technostress experienced by individuals in organizations. We first review and critically analyse the state of current research on technostress reported in journals from the IS discipline and the non‐IS disciplines that study stress in organizations (eg, organizational behaviour and psychological stress). We then develop our framework in the form of the “technostress trifecta”—techno‐eustress, techno‐distress, and Information Systems design principles for technostress. The paper challenges 3 key ideas imbued in the existing technostress literature. First, it develops the argument that, in contrast to negative outcomes, technostress can lead topositive outcomes such as greater effectiveness and innovationat work. Second, it suggests that instead of limiting the role of IS to that of being a stress creator in the technostress phenomenon, it should beexpanded to that of enhancing the positive and mitigating the negative effects of technostressthrough appropriate design. Third, it lays the groundwork for guiding future research in technostress through aninterdisciplinary framing that enriches both the IS and the psychological stress literaturesthrough a potential discourse of disciplinary exchange.
Molecular testing of adult Pacific salmon and trout (Oncorhynchus spp.) for several RNA viruses demonstrates widespread distribution of piscine orthoreovirus in Alaska and Washington
Authors: Purcell M K , Powers R L , Evered J , Kerwin J , Meyers T R , Stewart B , Winton J R
Published: November 2017

This research was initiated in conjunction with a systematic, multiagency surveillance effort in the United States (U.S.) in response to reported findings of infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) RNA in British Columbia, Canada. In the systematic surveillance study reported in a companion paper, tissues from various salmonids taken from Washington and Alaska were surveyed for ISAV RNA using the U.S.‐approved diagnostic method, and samples were released for use in this present study only after testing negative. Here, we tested a subset of these samples for ISAV RNA with three additional published molecular assays, as well as for RNA from salmonid alphavirus (SAV), piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) and piscine orthoreovirus (PRV). All samples (n = 2,252; 121 stock cohorts) tested negative for RNA from ISAV, PMCV, and SAV. In contrast, there were 25 stock cohorts from Washington and Alaska that had one or more individuals test positive for PRV RNA; prevalence within stocks varied and ranged from 2% to 73%. The overall prevalence of PRV RNA‐positive individuals across the study was 3.4% (77 of 2,252 fish tested). Findings of PRV RNA were most common in coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) and Chinook (O. tshawytscha Walbaum) salmon.
Cognitive Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Metaanalysis
Authors: Khan Maisha M. , Herrmann Nathan , Gallagher Damien , Gandell Dov , Fremes Stephen E. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Radhakrishnan Sam , Sun Yue Ran , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To quantitatively summarize changes in cognitive performance in individuals with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Design

Metaanalysis.

Participants

Individuals undergoing TAVI (N = 1,065 (48.5% male) from 18 studies, average age ≥80).

Measurements

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for original peer‐reviewed reports assessing cognitive performance using standardized cognitive tests before and after TAVI. Data were extracted for cognitive scores before TAVI; perioperatively (within 7 days after TAVI); 1, 3, and 6 months after TAVI, and 12 to 34 months after TAVI (over the long term). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were generated using random‐effects models for changes in cognition at each time point. Metaregression analyses were conducted to assess the association between population and procedural characteristics and cognitive outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed.

Results

There were no significant changes from baseline in perioperative cognitive performance (SMD = 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.08–0.18; z = 0.75, P = .46), although overall cognitive performance had improved significantly 1 month after TAVI (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.50 to −0.16; z = 3.83, P < .001). There were no differences in cognitive performance 3 and 6 months after TAVI or over the long term. Cognitive outcomes were not associated with any covariates in regression analyses.

Conclusion

Cognitive performance is preserved after TAVI, suggesting TAVI is not detrimental to cognition.