bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnaporthe oryzaeCK2 is involved in rice blast pathogenesis and accumulates in nuclei, nucleoli, at septal and appressoria pores and forms a large ring structure in appressoria
Authors: Zhang Lianhu , Zhang Dongmei , Chen Yunyun , Ye Wenyu , Lin Qingyun , Lu Guodong , Ebbole Daniel J. , Olsson Stefan , Wang Zonghua
Published: May 2018

Magnaporthe oryzae(Mo) is a model pathogen causing rice blast resulting in yield and economic losses world-wide. CK2 is a constitutively active, serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, having a wide array of known substrates and involved in many cellular processes. We investigated the localization and role of MoCK2 during growth and infection. BLAST search for MoCK2 components and targeted deletion of subunits was combined with protein-GFP fusions to investigate localization. We found one CKa and two CKb subunits of the CK2 holoenzyme. Deletion of the catalytic subunit CKa was not possible and might indicate that such deletions are lethal. The CKb subunits could be deleted but they were both necessary for normal growth and pathogenicity. Localization studies showed that the CK2 holoenzyme needed to be intact for normal localization at septal pores and at appressorium penetration pores. Nuclear localization of CKa was however not dependent on the intact CK2 holoenzyme. In appressoria, CK2 formed a large ring perpendicular to the penetration pore and the ring formation was dependent on the presence of all CK2 subunits. The effects on growth and pathogenicity of deletion of the b subunits combined with the localization indicate that CK2 can have important regulatory functions not only in the nucleus/nucleolus but also at fungal specific structures as septa and appressorial pores.
Serotonin and neuropeptides are both released by the HSN command neuron to initiateC. elegansegg laying
Authors: Brewer Jacob , Collins Kevin M. , Koelle Michael R.
Published: May 2018

1

Neurons typically release both a small molecule neurotransmitter and one or more neuropeptides, but how these two types of signal from the same neuron might act together remains largely obscure. For example, serotonergic neurons in mammalian brain express the neuropeptide Substance P, but it is unclear how serotonin signaling might be modulated by a coreleased neuropeptide. We studied this issue inC. elegans, in which all serotonergic neurons express the neuropeptide NLP-3. The serotonergic Hermaphrodite Specific Neurons (HSNs) are command motor neurons within the egg-laying circuit that have previously been shown to release serotonin to initiate egg-laying behavior. We found that egg-laying defects in animals lacking serotonin were far milder than in animals lacking HSNs, suggesting that HSNs must release other signal(s) in addition to serotonin to stimulate egg laying. While null mutants fornlp-3had only mild egg-laying defects, animals lacking both serotonin and NLP-3 had severe defects, like those of animals lacking HSNs. Optogenetic activation of HSNs induced egg laying in wild-type animals, or in mutant animals lacking either serotonin or NLP-3, but failed to induce egg laying in animals lacking both. We recorded calcium activity in the egg-laying muscles of animals lacking either serotonin, NLP-3, or both. The single mutants, and to a greater extent the double mutant, showed muscle activity that was uncoordinated and unable to expel eggs, such that the vm2 muscles cells that are direct postsynaptic targets of the HSN failed to contract simultaneously with other egg-laying muscle cells. Our results show that the HSN neurons use serotonin and the neuropeptide NLP-3 as partially redundant cotransmitters that together stimulate and coordinate activity of the target cells onto which they are released.
Achilles tendon structure in distance runners does not change following a competitive season
Authors: Hullfish Todd J. , Hagan Kenton L. , Casey Ellen , Baxter Josh R.
Published: May 2018

Achilles tendon structure differs between trained distance runners and healthy controls, but the progression of tendon remodeling over the course of a competitive season is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify Achilles tendon structure at the beginning and completion of a cross country season. We hypothesized that athletes who did not develop tendinopathy would not present with changes in tendon structure. Ultrasound assessments of the right Achilles tendon mid-substance were performed to quantify tendon organization, thickness, and echogenicity. Subjective structural measures and reported outcomes were also collected to determine if tendinopathy was present in any of the subjects. None of the subjects developed symptomatic tendinopathy over the course of the competitive season, but one runner did show signs of mild neovascularization. Tendon organization and echogenicity did not change over the course of the season. Tendon thickness increased by 7% (P < 0.001) but the effect size was small (d = 0.36). Runners who do not develop symptomatic tendinopathy have habituated tendon structure that may serve as a protective mechanism against the rigors of distance running. Monitoring tendon structure may serve as a means of detecting signs of structural indicators of tendinopathy prior to the presentation of symptoms.
Transcription drives DNA replication initiation and termination in human cells
Authors: Chen Yu-Hung , Keegan Sarah , Kahli Malik , Tonzi Peter , Fenyö David , Huang Tony T. , Smith Duncan J.
Published: May 2018

The locations of active DNA replication origins in the human genome, and the determinants of origin activation, remain controversial. Additionally, neither the predominant sites of replication termination nor the impact of transcription on replication-fork mobility have been defined. We demonstrate that replication initiation occurs preferentially in the immediate vicinity of the transcription start site of genes occupied by high levels of RNA polymerase II, ensuring co-directional replication of the most highly transcribed genes. Further, we demonstrate that dormant replication origin firing represents the global activation of pre-existing origins. We also show that DNA replication naturally terminates at the polyadenylation site of transcribed genes. During replication stress, termination is redistributed to gene bodies, generating a global reorientation of replication relative to transcription. Our analysis provides a unified model for the coupling of transcription with replication initiation and termination in human cells.
Cell type specific profiling of alternative translation identifies novel protein isoforms in the mouse brain
Authors: Sapkota Darshan , Lake Allison M. , Yang Wei , Yang Chengran , Wesseling Hendrik , Guise Amanda , Uncu Ceren , Dalal Jasbir S. , Kraft Andrew , Lee Jin-Moo , Sands Mark S. , Steen Judith A. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: May 2018

Translation canonically begins at a single AUG and terminates at the stop codon, generating one protein species per transcript. However, some transcripts may use alternative initiation sites or sustain translation past their stop codon, generating multiple protein isoforms. Through other mechanisms such as alternative splicing, both neurons and glia exhibit remarkable transcriptional diversity, and these other forms of post-transcriptional regulation are impacted by neural activity and disease. Here, using ribosome footprinting, we demonstrate that alternative translation is likewise abundant in the central nervous system and modulated by stimulation and disease. First, in neuron/glia mixed cultures we identify hundreds of transcripts with alternative initiation sites and confirm the protein isoforms corresponding to a subset of these sites by mass spectrometry. Many of them modulate their alternative initiation in response to KCl stimulation, indicating activity-dependent regulation of this phenomenon. Next, we detect several transcripts undergoing stop codon readthrough thus generating novel C-terminally-extended protein isoforms in vitro. Further, by coupling Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification to ribosome footprinting to enable cell-type specific analysis in vivo, we find that several of both neuronal and astrocytic transcripts undergo readthrough in the mouse brain. Functional analyses of one of these transcripts, Aqp4, reveals readthrough confers perivascular localization, indicating readthrough can be a conserved mechanism to modulate protein function. Finally, we show that AQP4 readthrough is disrupted in multiple gliotic disease models. Our study demonstrates the extensive and regulated use of alternative translational events in the brain and indicates that some of these events alter key protein properties.
Bone Morphology is Regulated Modularly by Global and Regional Genetic Programs
Authors: Eyal Shai , Kult Shiri , Rubin Sarah , Krief Sharon , Pineault Kyriel M. , Wellik Deneen M. , Zelzer Elazar
Published: May 2018

During skeletogenesis, a variety of protrusions of different shapes and sizes develop on the surfaces of long bones. These superstructures provide stable anchoring sites for ligaments and tendons during the assembly of the musculoskeletal system. Despite their importance, the mechanism by which superstructures are patterned and ultimately give rise to the unique morphology of each long bone is far from understood. In this work, we provide further evidence that long bones form modularly fromSox9+cells, which contribute to their substructure, and fromSox9+/Scx+progenitors that give rise to superstructures. Moreover, we identify components of the genetic program that controls the patterning ofSox9+/Scx+progenitors and show that this program includes both global and regional regulatory modules.

Using light sheet fluorescence microscopy combined with genetic lineage labeling, we mapped the broad contribution of theSox9+/Scx+progenitors to the formation of bone superstructures. Additionally, by combining literature-based evidence and comparative transcriptomic analysis of differentSox9+/Scx+progenitor populations, we identified genes potentially involved in patterning of bone superstructures. We present evidence indicating thatGli3is a global regulator of superstructure patterning, whereasPbx1, Pbx2, Hoxa11andHoxd11act as proximal and distal regulators, respectively. Moreover, by demonstrating a dose-dependent pattern regulation inGli3andPbx1compound mutations, we show that the global and regional regulatory modules work coordinately. Collectively, our results provide strong evidence for genetic regulation of superstructure patterning that further supports the notion that long bone development is a modular process.
Understanding the effects of WeChat on perceived social capital and psychological well-being among Chinese international college students in Germany
Authors: Pang Hua
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the intensity use of WeChat is associated with perceived social capital and psychological well-being factors among Chinese international students in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an online survey data collected from 212 Chinese international college students in Germany, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were sequentially implemented to deal with the research questions.

Findings

The correlation analysis results indicate that the intensity of WeChat use is positively correlated with bridging, bonding, and maintained social capital. Additionally, a path model demonstrates that bonding social capital is positively related to life satisfaction and negatively related to the sense of loneliness. Furthermore, both bonding and maintained social capital mediate the relationship between WeChat use and these two well-being outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the research is an initial study contributing to the existing social media literature on evaluating the effects of WeChat use on social capital and well-being. Practically, these obtained results can be beneficial to the understanding the dynamics of how social media may potentially impact students’ social connectedness and life quality.

Originality/value

Although WeChat has become the most prevalent social networking site in Mainland China, the social and psychological implications of the emerging technology are not completely understood. The paper offers evidence that WeChat has functioned as an efficient platform for sojourners to develop diverse types of social capital and promote well-being in an intercultural setting.
The unpaid social cost of carbon
Authors: Linnenluecke Martina , Smith Tom , Whaley Robert E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the complex issue of the social cost of carbon. The authors review the existing literature and the strengths and deficiencies of existing approaches. They introduce a simple methodology that estimates the amount of “legal looting” in the fossil fuel industry as an alternative approach to calculate an unpaid social cost of carbon. The “looting amount” can be defined as society’s failure to charge fossil fuel firms for the damage that their activities cause represents an implied subsidy.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper combines decisions in the form of policymakers setting carbon taxes and rational investors investing in carbon emission markets.

Findings

The authors show that the unpaid social cost of carbon in the fossil fuel industry was US$12.7tn over 1995-2013, but may be as high as US$115.5tn.

Originality/value

Over the same period, the sum of industry profits, emission trading scheme carbon permit and carbon tax revenue totalled US$7tn, indicating the industry would not be viable if it was made to pay for damages to society.
Developing and validating lean manufacturing constructs: an SEM approach
Authors: Nawanir Gusman , Lim Kong Teong , Othman Siti Norezam , Adeleke A.Q.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide valid and reliable constructs for lean manufacturing (LM) for assessing its implementation level in order to target areas of improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive review on LM literature and content validity assessment from practitioners and academicians, nine LM constructs were identified. Measurement items for each construct were developed to become a complete questionnaire. The questionnaire booklets were distributed to large and discrete manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Out of 1,000 survey questionnaires sent, 236 usable responses were returned giving response rate of 23.60 percent. Subsequently, an empirical assessment on the constructs was done by using structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The study identified the valid and reliable LM constructs, consisting of nine LM constructs and 64 measurement items. The study found that all the constructs are complementary and mutually supportive with each other. Indeed, it suggests the holistic implementation of all the LM practices.

Research limitations/implications

Owing the time and resource constraint, this study only involved large and discrete process manufacturing industries in Indonesia. Hence, the generalization of the result is slightly limited. More studies in several different contexts are required.

Practical implications

This study provided a valuable tool for researchers for gaining deeper understanding regarding the LM and its implementation. For practitioners, it is useful to evaluate the degree of LM employment in their companies, to target area of improvement, as well as to take possible actions in attempting to enhance the organizational performance. More importantly, practitioners should adopt all the LM practices in a holistic manner.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to develop LM constructs for evaluating the LM implementation in Indonesia.
Logistics outsourcing: a structured literature review
Authors: Akbari Mohammadreza
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured literature review (SLR) and systematic insight into logistics outsourcing research, in order to identify gaps in knowledge, and provide future research direction in the logistics outsourcing discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies and synthesises information from academic journals and examines research designs and methods, data analysis techniques, geographic locations, industry engagements, year of publication, publishers, university and author affiliations. A collection of online databases from 1991 to 2016 were explored, using the keywords “third-party”, “logistics” and “outsourcing” in their title and/or abstract, to deliver an inclusive listing of journal articles in this discipline area. Based on this approach, a total of 263 articles were found and data were derived from a succession of variables.

Findings

There has been a significant increase and concentration by researchers over the past 25 years focussing on logistics outsourcing. A need to implement best practice has been universally identified, owing to increasing global supply chain complexity. This analysis shows that only seven literature reviews were published in the logistics outsourcing discipline. Additionally, this study revealed that 42 per cent of the work in this field was found to be survey based and this trend in research indicates the development of the structural equation modelling and multi-criterion decision-making methods. Investigations between 2010–2012 and 2015–2016 accounted for 151 of the total 263 articles published. Finally, reverse logistics is an area that requires special attention.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a review of academic articles obtainable from online databases, containing the words “logistics” and “outsourcing” in the title and/or abstract. Additionally, only papers from high quality, peer-reviewed journals were evaluated. Other academic sources such as books and conference papers were not included in this study.

Originality/value

This review will provide an increased understanding of the existing state of current research, trends and future research directions in the logistics outsourcing discipline.
Effects of ethical leadership and formal control systems on employee opportunistic behavior in China
Authors: Ko Changsuk , Haney Mark H. , Lee Gukseong
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how ethical leadership and formal control systems influence employee opportunistic behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from Chinese employees (N=430), the authors conducted regression analysis to test hypothesized relationships between ethical leadership and formal control systems and employee opportunistic behavior. Both direct effects and an interaction effect were tested.

Findings

The authors found that both ethical leadership and formal control systems individually play significant roles in reducing employee opportunistic behavior. In addition, the results indicate that ethical leadership and formal control systems function as complements to jointly constrain employee opportunistic behaviors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an understanding of the relationship between supervisors and followers in China by demonstrating the effects of ethical leadership and formal control systems on employee opportunistic behaviors, including an interesting interaction effect.
Denmark: the long-lasting class compromise
Authors: Lind Jens , Knudsen Herman
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a critical examination of industrial relations in Denmark.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based upon available data and a mixture of Marxist theory and systems theory. The theoretical position is discussed in relation to the academic discourses on the main characteristics of Danish industrial relations and provides a review of the foundation and historical development of the Danish system.

Findings

From this basis, it is analysed how the stagnation or decline has taken place in recent years regarding representation of workers’ interest as well as the ability of the Danish system to maintain its key importance when challenged by decentralisation, decreasing union affiliation rates, cuts in unemployment insurance and social dumping due to labour migration.

Originality/value

It is an original paper which offers a critical analysis of the institutional decline and increasing inequality that are the result of the liberalist political-economic hegemony.
Audit report forecast: an application of nonlinear grey Bernoulli model
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Dehnavi Nastaran
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The widespread application of traditional grey model (GM) in different academic fields such as electrical engineering, education, mechanical engineering and agriculture provided the authors with an incentive to conduct the present empirical research in an accounting field, in particular, auditing practice. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to employ the nonlinear type of the original GM to forecast the drastically changed data on audit reports, primarily due to the fact that the linear nature of GM is unable to forecast nonlinear data precisely. In essence, this paper adds value to the strand of audit report literature by examining the impact of different financial ratios on auditors’ opinion and then forecasting audit reports by employing GMs.

Design/methodology/approach

The grey forecasting model is known as a system containing uncertain information presented by grey numbers, equations and matrices. The grey forecasting model is employed by using a differential equation in an uncertain system with limited data set which is suitable for smoothing discrete data. In addition, the analyses are conducted by applying a sample of top 50 listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2011-2016.

Findings

The findings suggest that audit reports are most influenced by the current ratio and conversely, least influenced by the ratio of working capital turnover. Moreover, the authors argue that the Nash nonlinear grey Bernoulli model is more precise than the nonlinear grey Bernoulli model and GM in forecasting audit reports.

Originality/value

The current study may give more strength to stakeholders in order to analyse and forecast audit report.
Formulating optimal business process change decisions using a computational hierarchical change management structure framework
Authors: Alrabiah Abdulrahman , Drew Steve
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper first aims to examine how business process change decisions (BPCDs) were implemented in a government organisation bound by tightly coupled temporal constraints (TTCs). Second, it focuses on how to achieve optimal and efficient BPCDs that require tight compliance with regulators’ temporal constraints. Finally, it formulates a rigorous framework that can facilitate the execution of optimal BPCDs with maximum efficiency and minimal effort, time and cost.

Design/methodology/approach

Decision-making biases by individuals or groups in organisations can impede optimal BPC implementation; to demonstrate this, a case study is investigated and the formulated framework is applied to tackle these failings.

Findings

The case study analysis shows 76 per cent of the BPCDs implemented were inefficient, mostly because of poor decisions, and these resulted in negative ripple effects. In response, the newly developed hierarchical change management structure (HCMS) framework was used to empower organisations to execute high-velocity BPCDs, enabling them to handle any temporal constraints imposed by regulators or other exogenous factors. The HCMS framework was found to be highly effective, scoring an average improvement of more than 100 per cent when measured using decision quality dimensions. This paper would be of value for business executives and strategic decision makers engaging with BPC.

Research limitations/implications

The HCMS framework has been applied in a single case study as a proof of concept. Future research could extend its application to broader domains that have multi-attribute structures and environments. The evaluation processes of the proposed framework are based on subjective metrics. Causal links from the framework to business process metrics will provide a more complete performance picture.

Practical implications

The outcome of this research assists in formulating a systematic BPCD framework that is otherwise unavailable. The practical use of the proposed framework would potentially impact on quality outcomes for organisations. The model is derived from decision trees and analytical hierarchical processes and is tailored to address this problematic area. The proposed HCMS framework would help organisations to execute efficient BPCDs with minimal time, effort and cost. The HCMS framework contributes to the academic literature on BPCD that leverages diverse stakeholders to engage in BPC initiatives.

Originality/value

The research presents a novel framework –HCMS – that provides a platform for organisations to easily determine and solve hierarchical decision structure problems, thereby allowing them to efficiently automate and institutionalise optimal BPCDs.
The use of activity theory and actor network theory as lenses to underpin information systems studies
Authors: Nehemia-Maletzky Monica , Iyamu Tiko , Shaanika Irja
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine how both activity theory (AT) and actor network theory (ANT) can be complementarily applied in information system (IS) studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretivist approach was followed, within which the qualitative methods were used. Existing literature was gathered as data. The analysis was done by following the interpretive approach.

Findings

Based on the analysis and discussion, a guide for complementary use of both AT and ANT in IS studies was developed. The guide is divided into two parts, which helps to achieve the objectives of the study: complimentary use of AT and ANT in an IS study and order-of-use of both theories in a study, as depicted in the framework.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it has not previously been published in part or full. The results of the study is intended to be of value to both IS postgraduate students and researchers.
Tourism and mobile devices: provenance of academic research through a bibliometric study
Authors: Ortega-Fraile Francisco José , Ríos-Martín Miguel Ángel , Ceballos-Hernandez Cristina
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to outline a map of all the research that exists on mobile technology and tourism archived in the two main databases worldwide (Web of Science and Scopus). Accordingly, with the identification of all the scientific articles that deal with both mobile technology and tourism, the authors seek to ascertain the evolution of mobile technology in the tourism sector through the years, countries, universities and authors and determine the various collaborations brought about between authors, universities, institutions and/or companies in various research projects. Finally, it also allows the authors to distinguish the main topics under study within the scope of ‘mobile tourism’.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology has been carried out. The search focused on the principal databases of bibliographic references and citations of periodical publications, such as articles from scientific journals, books and other types of printed material. Once the results were obtained in the respective databases, it was necessary to be able to work with them. In this respect, the authors had to extract the relevant data and dump it in a bibliographic reference manager, for which they chose Mendeley. After this, the tabulation of data was performed in Excel and tables and graphs were created from all the data collected.

Findings

The main results obtained and analyzed are the number of articles per year, countries and universities. In the same way, it is interesting to highlight the number of countries and universities that participate in each article under study. On the other hand, an analysis has been carried out regarding the number of articles per author, as well as the topics dealt with in the different articles.

Originality/value

This analysis reveals the role that has been played by mobile phones in tourism since the first scientific article was recorded in 2002. In this regard, in recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of articles, finally resulting in moderate figures in relation to countries (40) and universities (233) that have formed part of the subject matter under study. In contrast to other areas of research in tourism, the relevance of this subject is therefore evident, as is the need for greater background knowledge to establish research models adapted to the new reality of tourism in a world of ever-increasing mobility.
The meaning of a brand? An archetypal approach
Authors: Xara-Brasil Duarte , Miadaira Hamza Kavita , Marquina Percy
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze customers’ perceptions about brand personality in different cultural environments, checking if the archetypal framework of Mark and Pearson (2001) applies to different brands across countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measured consumers’ perceptions in different cultural contexts through a survey, and received 537 valid questionnaires from Portugal, Brazil, Colombia and Peru, countries that have some similar indicators of cultural proximity. The authors wanted to verify if the words and sentences that respondents related to each brand were coherent with the archetype/brand, and the homogeneity of the results in different cultural contexts.

Findings

Empirical evidence shows that there is proximity between the literature review and the associations – words and sentences – that consumers from different countries make with those brands. This consistency of results is significantly higher for word associations.

Originality/value

Regardless of the results, the perceptions of consumers expressed through the selected words were often diverse and heterogeneous among countries. This could possibly indicate insufficient efforts from global brands toward a coherent brand personality/global-archetypal approach. Therefore, managing brand personality deserves more attention and marketers must understand consumer behavior patterns in different markets.
The characteristic time‐scale of perceived information for decision‐making: Departure from thermal columns in soaring birds
Authors: Harel Roi , Nathan Ran
Published: May 2018

Animals are often required to make decisions about their use of current resources while minimising travel costs and risks due to uncertainty about the forthcoming resources. Passive soaring birds utilise warm rising‐air columns (thermals) to climb up and obtain potential energy for flying across large areas. However, the utilisation of such inconsistent natural resources may be challenging for soaring‐gliding birds and involve a set of decisions to maintain efficient flight.

To assess which temporal scales of previous experience with environmental inputs best predicted thermal‐climbing departure decisions of soaring birds, we used movement data from Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) tracked by GPS transmitters. We applied Cox proportional hazard regression and a model selection approach to identify thermal‐climbing departure decisions and to compare a range of temporal scales.

Our findings support the use of current and recent (short‐term; last 20 min) experiences, compared to longer term, past experiences, in predicting the time until departure from thermals. The models supported decision rules that integrated information originating from different temporal scales, implying a tendency to depart from a thermal later when the current climb rate was higher than experienced recently and vice versa. In addition, climb rates in thermals revealed significant autocorrelation over short time‐scales (shorter than 30 min).

The correspondence between thermals' characteristics and the factors that best predicted thermal‐climbing departure decisions presumably reflects optimal decisions individuals make to handle their dynamic environment and to reduce movement‐related costs of such a basic activity for soaring‐gliding birds.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Global drivers of tree seedling establishment at alpine treelines in a changing climate
Authors: Lett Signe , Dorrepaal Ellen
Published: May 2018

Alpine and Arctic treeline expansion depends on establishment of tree seedlings beyond the current treeline, which is expected to occur with climate warming. However, treelines often fail to respond to higher temperatures, and it is therefore likely that other environmental factors are important for seedling establishment.

We aimed to analyse our current understanding of how temperature and a range of other environmental drivers affect tree seedling establishment at the alpine and Arctic treelines world‐wide and to assess the relative importance of temperature compared with other factors and how they interact.

We collected 366 observations from 76 experimental and observational papers for a qualitative analysis of the role of a wide range of environmental factors on tree seed germination, tree seedling growth, survival and natural occurrence. For a subset of these studies, where the experimental design allowed, we conducted formal meta‐analyses to reveal if there were global drivers for different seedling life traits.

The analyses showed that a wide range of abiotic and biotic factors affected tree seedling establishment besides from temperature, including water, snow, nutrients, light and surrounding vegetation. The meta‐analyses showed that different seedling life stages do not respond similarly to environmental factors. For example, temperature had positive effects on growth, while tree seedling survival and germination showed mixed responses to warming. Further, warming was as often as not the strongest factor controlling tree seedling establishment, when compared to with one of five other environmental factors. Moreover, warming effects often depended on other factors such as moisture or the presence of surrounding vegetation.

Our results suggest that population dynamics of trees at the alpine and Arctic treeline is responsive to environmental changes and show that there is a clear need for multifactorial studies if we want to fully understand and predict the interplay between warming and other environmental factors and their effect on tree seedling establishment across current treelines.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Death of a Female Prostitute Due to Intestinal Obstruction by an Unknown Substance
Authors: Dokoupil Marek , Marecová Klára , Handlos Petr , Březina Petr
Published: May 2018

A young adult black female, known to be a prostitute and suspected of smuggling narcotics, was found dead in her apartment in a state of early decomposition. Oval‐shaped gray‐white masses of exogenous origin protruded from the anus. The autopsy showed dilatation of the folds of the large intestine, which were almost completely filled with these oval‐shaped gray‐white masses of foreign material. The uterus was enlarged with multiple large leiomyomas. Toxicological tests of blood and the foreign material revealed no toxicologically relevant substances. Kaolin was detected in a sample of the foreign material from the large intestine. The immediate cause of death was intestinal obstruction due to the formation of a kaolin bezoar with simultaneous compression of the large intestine by the enlarged myomatous uterus. Subsequent revelation of a habit the deceased had brought from her native country led to the conclusion that this exotic custom was responsible for her death.
The effect of filtration method on the efficiency of environmental DNA capture and quantification via metabarcoding
Authors: Li Jianlong , Lawson Handley Lori‐Jayne , Read Daniel S. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: May 2018

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for rapid and noninvasive biodiversity monitoring. eDNA density is low in environmental samples, and a capture method, such as filtration, is often required to concentrate eDNA for downstream analyses. In this study, six treatments, with differing filter types and pore sizes for eDNA capture, were compared for their efficiency and accuracy to assess fish community structure with known fish abundance and biomass via eDNA metabarcoding. Our results showed that different filters (with the exception of 20‐μm large‐pore filters) were broadly consistent in their DNA capture ability. The 0.45‐μm filters performed the best in terms of total DNA yield, probability of species detection, repeatability within pond and consistency between ponds. However performance of 0.45‐μm filters was only marginally better than for 0.8‐μm filters, while filtration time was significantly longer. Given this trade‐off, the 0.8‐μm filter is the optimal pore size of membrane filter for turbid, eutrophic and high fish density ponds analysed here. The 0.45‐μm Sterivex enclosed filters performed reasonably well and are suitable in situations where on‐site filtration is required. Finally, prefilters are applied only if absolutely essential for reducing the filtration time or increasing the throughput volume of the capture filters. In summary, we found encouraging similarity in the results obtained from different filtration methods, but the optimal pore size of filter or filter type might strongly depend on the water type under study.
Unlocking biodiversity and conservation studies in high‐diversity environments using environmental DNA (eDNA): A test with Guianese freshwater fishes
Authors: Cilleros Kévin , Valentini Alice , Allard Luc , Dejean Tony , Etienne Roselyne , Grenouillet Gaël , Iribar Amaia , Taberlet Pierre , Vigouroux Régis , Brosse Sébastien
Published: May 2018

Determining the species compositions of local assemblages is a prerequisite to understanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect biodiversity. However, biodiversity measurements often remain incomplete due to the limited efficiency of sampling methods. This is particularly true in freshwater tropical environments that host rich fish assemblages, for which assessments are uncertain and often rely on destructive methods. Developing an efficient and nondestructive method to assess biodiversity in tropical freshwaters is highly important. In this study, we tested the efficiency of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess the fish diversity of 39 Guianese sites. We compared the diversity and composition of assemblages obtained using traditional and metabarcoding methods. More than 7,000 individual fish belonging to 203 Guianese fish species were collected by traditional sampling methods, and ~17 million reads were produced by metabarcoding, among which ~8 million reads were assigned to 148 fish taxonomic units, including 132 fish species. The two methods detected a similar number of species at each site, but the species identities partially matched. The assemblage compositions from the different drainage basins were better discriminated using metabarcoding, revealing that while traditional methods provide a more complete but spatially limited inventory of fish assemblages, metabarcoding provides a more partial but spatially extensive inventory. eDNA metabarcoding can therefore be used for rapid and large‐scale biodiversity assessments, while at a local scale, the two approaches are complementary and enable an understanding of realistic fish biodiversity.
Health professional student education related to the prevention of falls in older people: A survey of universities in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Vance Esther , Farlie Melanie K , Kool Bridget , Tiedemann Anne , Hatton Anna L , Sherrington Catherine , Sturnieks Daina L
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the amount and nature of health professional education related to fall prevention for older adults in Australian and New Zealand universities.

Methods

Universities offering medicine, nursing and allied health courses were invited to complete an online survey enquiring about fall prevention course‐related information: topics; delivery mode; and time dedicated.

Results

One hundred and five respondents, 11 disciplines and 43 universities completed the survey. Courses were primarily undergraduate level (90%) and delivered face‐to‐face (93%). Time dedicated to fall prevention was usually one to three hours of lectures (>65% of courses) and 1–3+ hours of tutorials/practical sessions (>80% of courses).

Conclusions

Survey results indicate that education of health professionals across a range of disciplines in Australia and New Zealand does include older adult fall prevention. Education of all health and exercise professionals about falls is vital given their critical role in the prevention and management of falls in our rapidly ageing population.
Influence of pregnancy on cardiac function and hemodynamics in women with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Kanoh Miki , Inai Kei , Shinohara Tokuko , Shimada Eriko , Shimizu Mikiko , Tomimatsu Hirofumi , Ogawa Masaki , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: May 2018

Introduction

We examined the perinatal outcomes and right ventricular function before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery in women with Ebstein's anomaly.

Material and methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical course and mode of delivery and monitored hemodynamic parameters throughout pregnancy in 17 women with Ebstein's anomaly who delivered at our institution during the period of 1995–2015.

Results

Eight women, including nine pregnancies, underwent elective cesarean section, and nine women, including 14 pregnancies, underwent vaginal delivery. Elective cesarean section was performed in cases with significant heart failure or arrhythmias and in the presence of more than two of the following: cardiothoracic ratio ≥60%, moderate or severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve regurgitation pressure gradient ≥35 mmHg during pregnancy. The cardiothoracic ratio and tricuspid valve regurgitation pressure gradient significantly increased during pregnancy compared with prepregnancy values. The New York Heart Association classification deteriorated from class I to class II or III in five cases during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Although pregnancy was relatively safe among women with Ebstein's anomaly, some women developed cyanosis, arrhythmia, and heart failure, leading to elective cesarean section. Monitoring clinical and hemodynamic changes throughout pregnancy is advised to minimize maternal cardiac risk and select the appropriate mode of delivery.
The Dynamics of Internalised and Extrinsic Motivation in the Ethical Decision‐Making of Small Business Owners
Authors: Onu Diana , Oats Lynne , Kirchler Erich
Published: May 2018

We investigate the ethical behaviour of small business owners by focusing on individuals' motivations to comply with tax obligations. In a study of 330 small business owners, we assess the role of internalised motivation to pay taxes versus extrinsic motivation in driving tax compliance. First, we find that internalised and extrinsic motivation have distinct predictors. Internalised motivation is related to strong personal moral norms to comply and a sense that the fiscal system is fair. Extrinsic motivation is related to perceptions that penalties are severe, that checks are likely, and is associated with a perceived lack of tax knowledge. Second, we find that, when considered together, internalised motivation but not extrinsic motivation predicts self‐reported tax compliance. Third, we test the undermining hypothesis by which the presence of extrinsic motivation may crowd out the positive effect of internalised motivation. We find evidence of a motivation crowding effect only at very high levels of extrinsic motivation. We discuss avenues for further integration of motivation theory in research on tax compliance behaviour, and more generally the study of regulatory compliance and ethical behaviour in business settings.
Final results from a defibrotide treatment‐IND study for patients with hepatic veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Kernan Nancy A. , Grupp Stephan , Smith Angela R. , Arai Sally , Triplett Brandon , Antin Joseph H. , Lehmann Leslie , Shore Tsiporah , Ho Vincent T. , Bunin Nancy , Iacobelli Massimo , Liang Wei , Hume Robin , Tappe William , Soiffer Robert , Richardson Paul
Published: May 2018

Hepatic veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is a potentially life‐threatening complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) conditioning and chemotherapy. Defibrotide is approved for treatment of hepatic VOD/SOS with pulmonary or renal dysfunction [i.e., multi‐organ dysfunction (MOD)] after HSCT in the United States and severe VOD/SOS after HSCT in patients aged older than 1 month in the European Union. Defibrotide was available as an investigational drug by an expanded‐access treatment programme (T‐IND; NCT00628498). In the completed T‐IND, the Kaplan–Meier estimated Day +100 survival for 1000 patients with documented defibrotide treatment after HSCT was 58·9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 55·7–61·9%]. Day +100 survival was also analysed by age and MOD status, and post hoc analyses were performed to determine Day +100 survival by transplant type, timing of VOD/SOS onset (≤21 or >21 days) and timing of defibrotide treatment initiation after VOD/SOS diagnosis. Day +100 survival in paediatric patients was 67·9% (95% CI, 63·8–71·6%) and 47·1% (95% CI, 42·3–51·8%) in adults. All patient subgroups without MOD had higher Day +100 survival than those with MOD; earlier defibrotide initiation was also associated with higher Day +100 survival. The safety profile of defibrotide in the completed T‐IND study was similar to previous reports.
Comorbidities associated with higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels may explain the age‐related increase of VWF in von Willebrand disease
Authors: Atiq Ferdows , Meijer Karina , Eikenboom Jeroen , Fijnvandraat Karin , Mauser‐Bunschoten Eveline P. , van Galen Karin P. M. , Nijziel Marten R. , Ypma Paula F. , de Meris Joke , Laros‐van Gorkom Britta A. P. , van der Bom Johanna G. , de Maat Moniek P. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Leebeek Frank W. G. ,   the WiN study group
Published: May 2018

Some comorbidities, such as hypertension, are associated with higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in the general population. No studies have been conducted to assess this association in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Therefore, we studied this association in patients with type 1 (n = 333) and type 2 (n = 203) VWD from the ‘WiN” study. VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) was higher in type 1 VWD patients with hypertension [difference: 0·23 iu/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·11–0·35], diabetes mellitus (0·11 iu/ml, 95% CI: −0·02 to 0·23), cancer (0·14 iu/ml, 95% CI: 0·03–0·25) and thyroid dysfunction (0·14 iu/ml, 95% CI: 0·03–0·26) than in patients without these comorbidities (all corrected for age, sex and blood group). Similar results were observed for VWF collagen binding capacity (VWF:CB), VWF activity as measured by the VWF monoclonal antibody assay (VWF:Ab) and factor VIII (FVIII) coagulant activity (FVIII:C). In type 1 VWD, age was associated with higher VWF:Ag (0·03 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·01–0·04), VWF:CB (0·02 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·00–0·04), VWF:Ab (0·04 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·02–0·06) and FVIII:C (0·03 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·01–0·06) per decade increase. After adjustment for relevant comorbidities, these associations were no longer significant. Despite the higher VWF and FVIII levels, type 1 VWD patients with comorbidities had more bleeding episodes, particularly during surgery. There was no association between comorbidities and VWF/FVIII levels or bleeding phenotype in type 2 VWD patients. In conclusion, comorbidities are associated with higher VWF and FVIII levels in type 1 VWD and may explain the age‐related increase of VWF and FVIII levels.