bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What’s New in Syndromic Craniosynostosis Surgery?
Authors: Taylor Jesse A. , Bartlett Scott P.
Published: June 2017

Learning Objectives:

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the role of prenatal screening and counseling of parents of unborn children with syndromic craniosynostosis. 2. Recognize the genetic abnormalities, craniofacial phenotype, associated anomalies, and challenges associated with each of the five major forms of syndromic craniosynostosis. 3. Identify the pros and cons associated with timing and types of cranial vault remodeling techniques in this patient population. 4. Understand the risks and benefits associated with midface advancement with Le Fort III, Le Fort II plus zygomatic repositioning, monobloc, and facial bipartition. 5. Understand the important role of psychological counseling throughout childhood in this at-risk group.

Crouzon, Apert, Pfeiffer, Muenke, and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes are the five most common forms of syndromic craniosynostosis. Although each has different genetic underpinnings and associated anomalies, their hallmark finding is turribrachycephaly most often associated with bicoronal craniosynostosis. The role of prenatal screening and counseling is growing, with caregivers becoming involved before birth. Multidisciplinary care from birth onward involves craniofacial plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, orthodontists, anesthesiologists, psychologists, speech therapists, and geneticists. Early partial, or regional, craniectomy may be urgently indicated in multisuture cases with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Others may be managed successfully with posterior cranial vault distraction, middle vault expansion, or fronto-orbital advancement. Some authors have advocated early monobloc advancement for those patients who require acute airway intervention and globe protection, although the risks of these procedures are high. Many patients will require midfacial advancement with a Le Fort III, Le Fort II plus zygomatic repositioning, monobloc, or facial bipartition. The indications, risks, and benefits for each midfacial procedure must be considered, as this step in the treatment algorithm may carry the greatest functional and aesthetic benefits but also the potential for the greatest morbidity. At the culmination of facial growth, it is not uncommon for patients to require conventional orthognathic surgery and other bony contouring and soft-tissue procedures. Finally, an understanding of the psychological aspects of craniofacial difference, both in affected individuals and in their families, is essential to a successful, holistic approach.
The Truth Behind Transvaginal Mesh Litigation: Devices, Timelines, and Provider Characteristics
Authors: Souders Colby P. , Eilber Karyn S. , McClelland Lynn , Wood Lauren N. , Souders Alexander R. , Steiner Vicki , Anger Jennifer Tash
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Following Food and Drug Administration communications about the safety of transvaginal prolapse, more than 73,000 patients with complications from treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have filed product liability claims. This research analyzes the transvaginal mesh claims filed in the United States to identify key characteristics that may inform clinical decision-making.

Methods

We evaluated a 1% random sample from the Bloomberg Law Database: 2000 to 2014 and associated legal documents. Outcomes and measures used included annual rate of claim, mesh type, time interval between surgery and claim, defendants, and surgeon training.

Results

The search returned 76,865 results, and 2979 were excluded, leaving 73,915 claims. Of 739 claims (1%), 63.3% involved slings for SUI, 13.3% mesh for POP, and 165 (23.2%) involved both. The mesh named most often in claims was retropubic slings at 30.3% and transobturator slings at 27.1%. The number of cases filed increased significantly from 730 in 2011 to 11,798 in 2012, which then almost tripled in 2013 to 34,017. The interval from surgery to claim filing ranged from 4.8 to 5.3 years. Only 12% of implanting surgeons were or became board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Only 4 cases named providers as codefendants.

Conclusions

Most legal claims involved slings for SUI and began after the 2011 Food and Drug Administration communication about mesh for POP. The rise in lawsuits does not reflect the acceptably low complication rates for slings for SUI reported in the literature.
Can the Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy Be Reduced by a Structured Training Program?
Authors: Mowat Alex , Maher Christopher , Pelecanos Anita
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish whether the learning curve for laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) could be significantly reduced in a structured learning program.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study aimed at mapping the learning curve of LSC in the setting of a structured learning program for a urogynecology fellow at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

The fellow was laparoscopic suturing and dissection naive at the commencement of her fellow position and was required to assist in 20 LSCs, video-edit 2 procedures, and undertake laparoscopic suturing and knot tying training on a laparoscopic trainer for 2 h/wk during the trial period.

After the completion of this structured learning program, the fellow began performing LSC as the primary surgeon.

Symptomatic assessment of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction was undertaken preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively using the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire.

Objective success at 12 months was defined as less than stage 2 prolapse in any compartment. Subjective success was defined as no prolapse on Q 28 to 31 on the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire, and patient-determined success was defined as “much” or “very much better” on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement at 12 months.

Results

Five consecutive LSC in 90 minutes or less without intraoperative or postoperative complications was achieved by case 18. Overall objective success at 12 months was 91%, and subjective and patient-determined success was 95%.

Conclusion

Previous studies on LSC that report a similar learning curve have recorded much longer operating times. We believe that the shorter operating time, without compromise to outcomes and complication rates, is a result of the structured learning program.
Influence of Cold Ischemia Time in Kidney Transplants From Small Pediatric Donors
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Lubetzky Michelle , Yu Xia , Friedmann Patricia
Published: June 2017

Background

Clinicians may be reluctant to transplant small pediatric kidneys that have prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) for fear of an additional deleterious effect because pediatric grafts are thought to be more sensitive to ischemia. We aimed to assess the risks associated with transplantation of small pediatric kidneys with prolonged CIT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining US registry data between 1998 and 2013 of adult first-time kidney-only recipients of small pediatric kidneys from donors weighing 10 to 20 kg, stratified by CIT levels of 0 to 18 (n = 1413), 19 to 30 (n = 1116), and longer than 30 (n = 338) hours.

Results

All-cause graft survival by CIT groups at 1-year was 92%, 88%, and 89%, respectively. 1-year risk-adjusted graft survival hazard ratios were significantly higher with CIT of 19 to 30 hours (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.81) and somewhat higher with CIT greater than 30 hours (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.88) relative to recipients with CIT 0 to 18 hours. There was little variation in the effect of CIT on graft survival when restricted to single kidney transplants only and no significant interaction of CIT category and single kidney transplantation (P = 0.93).

Conclusions

Although prolonged CIT is associated with lower early graft survival in small pediatric donor kidney transplants, absolute decreases in 1-year graft survival rates were 3% to 4%.
Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Dementia-Related Agitation
Authors: Burton M. Caroline , Koeller Sandra L. , Brekke Frank M. , Afonya Adonye T. , Sutor Bruce , Lapid Maria I.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This naturalistic prospective observation study examines the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating dementia-related agitation.

Methods

Patients with dementia-related agitation who received ECT were compared with patients with the same condition who did not receive ECT using Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)—nursing home version, and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). Outcomes were compared between ECT-treated and non–ECT-treated patients.

Results

A total of 9 patients were included in the study. Six received ECT, and 3 did not. Patients in the ECT and non–ECT-treated groups had comparable baseline scores (CMAI, P = 0.880; NPI, P = 0.814; and CGI, P = 0.445). The CMAI, NPI, and CGI scores were lower on final assessment in both groups with no statistically significant difference (CMAI, P = 0.771; NPI, P = 0.243; and CGI, P = 0.519).

Conclusions

Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered as a treatment option in the management of severe treatment refractory dementia-related agitation.
SUMOylation pathway alteration coupled with downregulation of SUMO E2 enzyme at mucosal epithelium modulates inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mustfa Salman Ahmad , Singh Mukesh , Suhail Aamir , Mohapatra Gayatree , Verma Smriti , Chakravorty Debangana , Rana Sarika , Rampal Ritika , Dhar Atika , Saha Sudipto , Ahuja Vineet , Srikanth C. V.
Published: June 2017

Post-translational modification pathways such as SUMOylation are integral to all cellular processes and tissue homeostasis. We investigated the possible involvement of SUMOylation in the epithelial signalling in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Initially in a murine model of IBD, induced by dextran–sulfate–sodium (DSS mice), we observed inflammation accompanied by a lowering of global SUMOylation of colonic epithelium. The observed SUMOylation alteration was due to a decrease in the sole SUMO E2 enzyme (Ubc9). Mass-spectrometric analysis revealed the existence of a distinct SUMOylome (SUMO-conjugated proteome) in DSS mice with alteration of key cellular regulators, including master kinase Akt1. Knocking-down of Ubc9 in epithelial cells resulted in dramatic activation of inflammatory gene expression, a phenomenon that acted via reduction in Akt1 and its SUMOylated form. Importantly, a strong decrease in Ubc9 and Akt1 was also seen in endoscopic biopsy samples (
N
= 66) of human CD and UC patients. Furthermore, patients with maximum disease indices were always accompanied by severely lowered Ubc9 or SUMOylated-Akt1. Mucosal tissues with severely compromised Ubc9 function displayed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and compromised wound-healing markers. Thus, our results reveal an important and previously undescribed role for the SUMOylation pathway involving Ubc9 and Akt1 in modulation of epithelial inflammatory signalling in IBD.
Differences in greeting behaviour towards humans with varying levels of familiarity in hand-reared wolves (
Canis lupus
)
Authors: Ujfalussy Dorottya Júlia , Kurys Anita , Kubinyi Enikő , Gácsi Márta , Virányi Zsófia
Published: June 2017

Socialized wolves' relationship with humans is a much debated, but important question in light of dog domestication. Earlier findings reported no attachment to the caretaker at four months of age in a Strange Situation Test, while recently attachment to the caretaker was reported at a few weeks of age in a similar paradigm. To explore wolf–human relationship, we analysed behaviours of hand reared, extensively socialized wolves towards four visitor types: foster-parents, close acquaintances, persons met once before, and complete strangers during a greeting episode. As hypothesized, in the greeting context subjects showed more intense and friendly behaviour towards foster-parents, than other visitor types, which may reflect familiarity and affinity. However, differences were more pronounced in the group situation (at six months of age) than in the individual situation (at 12 and 24 months), suggesting that unique status of foster parents may become less distinct as wolves get older, while exploration of novel social agents is expressed more with older age. Fear related behaviour patterns were only found in the individual situation, mainly displayed towards strangers. We showed that, in case of extensively socialized wolves, distinctive affiliation and affinity towards the foster parent prevails into adulthood.
Spatial separation of the cyanogenic β-glucosidase ZfBGD2 and cyanogenic glucosides in the haemolymph ofZygaenalarvae facilitates cyanide release
Authors: Pentzold Stefan , Jensen Mikael Kryger , Matthes Annemarie , Olsen Carl Erik , Petersen Bent Larsen , Clausen Henrik , Møller Birger Lindberg , Bak Søren , Zagrobelny Mika
Published: June 2017

Low molecular weight compounds are typically used by insects and plants for defence against predators. They are often stored as inactive β-glucosides and kept separate from activating β-glucosidases. When the two components are mixed, the β-glucosides are hydrolysed releasing toxic aglucones. Cyanogenic plants contain cyanogenic glucosides and release hydrogen cyanide due to such a well-characterized two-component system. Some arthropods are also cyanogenic, but comparatively little is known about their system. Here, we identify a specific β-glucosidase (ZfBGD2)involved in cyanogenesis from larvae ofZygaena filipendulae(Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae), and analyse the spatial organization of cyanide release in this specialized insect. High levels ofZfBGD2mRNA and protein were found in haemocytes by transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Heterologous expression in insect cells showed that ZfBGD2 hydrolyses linamarin and lotaustralin, the two cyanogenic glucosides present inZ. filipendulae. Linamarin and lotaustralin as well as cyanide release were found exclusively in the haemoplasma. Phylogenetic analyses revealed thatZfBGD2clusters with other insect β-glucosidases, and correspondingly, the ability to hydrolyse cyanogenic glucosides catalysed by a specific β-glucosidase evolved convergently in insects and plants. The spatial separation of the β-glucosidase ZfBGD2 and its cyanogenic substrates within the haemolymph provides the basis for cyanide release inZ. filipendulae. This spatial separation is similar to the compartmentalization of the two components found in cyanogenic plant species, and illustrates one similarity in cyanide-based defence in these two kingdoms of life.
Transcriptional response to West Nile virus infection in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Newhouse Daniel J. , Hofmeister Erik K. , Balakrishnan Christopher N.
Published: June 2017

West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread arbovirus that imposes a significant cost to both human and wildlife health. WNV exists in a bird-mosquito transmission cycle in which passerine birds act as the primary reservoir host. As a public health concern, the mammalian immune response to WNV has been studied in detail. Little, however, is known about the avian immune response to WNV. Avian taxa show variable susceptibility to WNV and what drives this variation is unknown. Thus, to study the immune response to WNV in birds, we experimentally infected captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Zebra finches provide a useful model, as like many natural avian hosts they are moderately susceptible to WNV and thus provide sufficient viremia to infect mosquitoes. We performed RNAseq in spleen tissue during peak viremia to provide an overview of the transcriptional response. In general, we find strong parallels with the mammalian immune response to WNV, including upregulation of five genes in the Rig-I-like receptor signalling pathway, and offer insights into avian-specific responses. Together with complementary immunological assays, we provide a model of the avian immune response to WNV and set the stage for future comparative studies among variably susceptible populations and species.
Human impacts reduce morphological diversity in an insular species of lizard
Authors: Bochaton Corentin , Bailon Salvador , Herrel Anthony , Grouard Sandrine , Ineich Ivan , Tresset Anne , Cornette Raphaël
Published: June 2017

Fossil remains provide useful insights into the long-term impact of anthropogenic phenomena on faunas and are often used to reveal the local (extirpations) or global (extinctions) losses of populations or species. However, other phenomena such as minor morphological changes can remain inconspicuous in the fossil record depending on the methodology used. In this study, we used the anole of Marie-Galante Island (
Anolis ferreus
) in Guadeloupe (French, West Indies) as a model to demonstrate how the morphological evolution of an insular lizard can be tracked through the Pleistocene/Holocene climatic transition and the recent anthropization of the island. We used a fossil assemblage of nearly 30 000 remains and a combination of anatomical description, traditional morphometry and geometric morphometrics. These fossils are attributed to a single taxon, most likely to be
A. ferreus
on the basis of morphological and morphometric arguments. Our results show the disappearance of a distinct (sub)population of large specimens that were about 25% larger than the modern representatives of
A. ferreus
. We also demonstrate an apparent size stability of the main fossil population of this species since the Late Pleistocene but with the possible occurrence of a reduction in morphological diversity during the Late Holocene. These results highlight the impact of anthropic disturbances on a lizard whose morphology otherwise remained stable since the Late Pleistocene.
More Highly Myelinated White Matter Tracts are Associated with Faster Processing Speed in Healthy Adults
Authors: Chopra Sidhant , Shaw Marnie , Shaw Thomas , Sachdev Perminder S , Anstey Kaarin J , Cherbuin Nicolas
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the myelin content of white matter tracts is predictive of cogni–tive processing speed and whether such associations are modulated by age. Associations between myelin content and processing speed was assessed in 570 community-living individuals (277 middle-age, 293 older-age). Myelin content was measured using the mean T1w/T2w magnetic resonance ratio, in six white matter tracts (anterior corona radiata, superior corona radiata, pontine crossing tract, anterior limb of the internal capsule, genu of the corpus callosum, and splenium of the corpus callosum). Processing speed was estimated by extracting a principal component from 5 sep–arate tests of processing speed. It was found that myelin content of the bilateral anterior limb of the internal capsule and left splenium of the corpus callosum were significant predictors of processing speed, even after controlling for socio-demographic, health and genetic variables and correcting for multiple comparisons. A 1 SD increase in the myelin content of the anterior limb of the internal capsule was associated with 2.53% increase in processing speed and within the left splenium of the corpus callosum with a 2.20% increase in processing speed. In addition, significant differences in myelin content between middle-age and older participants were found in all six white matter tracts. The present results indicate that myelin content, estimated in vivo using a neuroimaging approach in healthy older adults is sufficiently precise to predict variability in processing speed in behavioural measures.
Multilocus DNA barcoding – Species Identification with Multilocus Data
Authors: Liu Junning , Jiang Jiamei , Song Shuli , Tornabene Luke , Chabarria Ryan , Naylor Gavin J P , Li Chenhong
Published: June 2017

Species identification using DNA sequences, known as DNA barcoding has been widely used in many applied fields. Current barcoding methods are usually based on a single mitochondrial locus, such as cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). This type of barcoding is not always effective when applied to species separated by short divergence times or that contain introgressed genes from closely related species. Herein we introduce a more effective multi-locus barcoding framework that is based on gene capture and “next-generation” sequencing and provide both empirical and simulation tests of its efficacy. We examine genetic distinctness in two pairs of fishes that are sister-species:Siniperca chuatsivs.S. kneriandSicydium altumvs.S. adelum, where the COI barcoding approach failed species identification in both cases. Results revealed that distinctness betweenS. chuatsiandS. kneriincreased as more independent loci were added. By contrastS. altumandS. adelumcould not be distinguished even with all loci. Analyses of population structure and gene flow suggested that the two species ofSinipercadiverged from each other a long time ago but have unidirectional gene flow, whereas the two species ofSicydiumare not separated from each other and have high bidirectional gene flow. Simulations demonstrate that under limited gene flow (< 0.00001 per gene per generation) and enough separation time (> 100000 generation), we can correctly identify species using more than 90 loci. Finally, we selected 500 independent nuclear markers for ray-finned fishes and designed a three-step pipeline for multilocus DNA barcoding.
Unravelling the genomic basis and evolution of the pea aphid male wing dimorphism
Authors: Li Binshuang , Bickel Ryan D. , Parker Benjamin J. , Vellichirammal Neetha Nanoth , Grantham Mary , Simon Jean-Christophe , Stern David L. , Brisson Jennifer A.
Published: June 2017

Wing dimorphisms have long served as models for examining the ecological and evolutionary tradeoffs associated with alternative morphologies [1], yet the mechanistic basis of morph determination remains largely unknown. Here we investigate the genetic basis of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) wing dimorphism, wherein males exhibit one of two alternative morphologies that differ dramatically in a set of correlated traits that inclused the presence or absence of wings [2-4]. Unlike the environmentally-induced asexual female aphid wing polyphenism [5], the male wing polymorphism is genetically determined by a single uncharacterized locus on the X chromosome calledaphicarus(“aphid” plus “Icarus”,api) [6, 7]. Using recombination and association mapping, we localizedapito a 130kb region of the pea aphid genome. No nonsynonymous variation in coding sequences strongly associated with the winged and wingless phenotypes, indicating thatapiis likely a regulatory change. Gene expression level profiling revealed an aphid-specific gene from the region expressed at higher levels in winged male embryos, coinciding with the expected stage ofapiaction. Comparison of theapiregion across biotypes (pea aphid populations specialized to different host plants that began diverging ~16,000 years ago [8, 9]) revealed that the two alleles were likely present prior to biotype diversification. Moreover, we find evidence for a recent selective sweep of a wingless allele since the biotypes diversified. In sum, this study provides insight into how adaptive, complex traits evolve within and across natural populations.
Genetic variants affecting plant size and chemical defenses jointly shape herbivory inArabidopsis
Authors: Gloss AD , Brachi B , Feldmann MJ , Groen SC , Bartoli C , Gouzy J , LaPlante ER , Meyer CG , Pyon HS , Rogan SC , Roux F , Bergelson J , Whiteman NK
Published: June 2017

Herbivorous insects exhibit strong feeding preferences when choosing among plant genotypes, yet experiments to map loci mediating plant susceptibility to herbivory rarely incorporate host choice. To address this gap, we applied genome-wide association (GWA) mapping to uncover genetic polymorphisms mediating damage from foraging insects (two populations ofScaptomyza flava) across a mixture ofArabidopsis thalianagenotypes in experimental enclosures. The effect of chemical defenses (glucosinolates) on herbivory depended on herbivore genotype. Unlike many studies that minimize the effects of host choice behavior, we also found a large effect of plant size on herbivory—likely through its effect on plant apparency—that was independent of herbivore genotype. These herbivory-associated loci are polymorphic at fine spatial scales, and thus have potential to shape variation in herbivory within natural populations. We also show that the polymorphism with the largest effect on herbivory underlies adaptive latitudinal variation inArabidopsisplant size across Europe. Overall, our results provide genetic support for ecological observations that variation in both chemical defenses and non-canonical defense traits (e.g., plant size and phenology) jointly shapes plant-herbivore interactions.
Activity based checkpoints ensure circuit stability in the olfactory system
Authors: James Kiely N , Throesch Benjamin T , Davini Weston , Eade Kevin T , Ghosh Sulagna , Lee Sohyon , Torabi-Rander Nina , Baldwin Kristin K
Published: June 2017

Olfactory circuits function at birth, yet are continuously remodeled through the integration of adult-born interneurons into the olfactory bulb in a manner that preserves olfactory perceptual stability throughout adult life. The mechanisms that ensure appropriate circuit stability in this dynamic context remain poorly understood. Since interneurons sculpt the excitatory output of mitral and tufted (MT) neurons to the olfactory cortex, we predicted that MT neurons might instruct interneuron wiring in the adult brain. By blocking synaptic transmission from MT neurons we show that MT neuronal activity is critical to maintain olfactory bulb integrity and interneuron survival. Blocking interneuron death uncovered a second activity-dependent checkpoint regulating dendrite branching. In contrast, cortical circuits and MT neurons remain stable in the face of these silent and degenerating olfactory circuits. These studies identify a circuit-specific role for non-sensory activity in regulating integration of neurons into the adult brain, as predicted by previous computational models.
Mitotic progression following DNA damage enables pattern recognition within micronuclei
Authors: Harding Shane M , Benci Joseph L , Irianto Jerome , Discher Dennis E , Minn Andy J , Greenberg Roger A
Published: June 2017

Inflammatory gene expression following genotoxic cancer therapy is well documented, yet the events underlying its induction remain poorly understood. Inflammatory cytokines modify the tumor microenvironment by recruiting immune cells and are critical for both local and systemic (abscopal) tumor responses to radiotherapy1. An enigmatic feature of this phenomenon is its delayed onset (days), in contrast to the acute DNA damage responses that occur in minutes to hours. Such dichotomous kinetics implicate additional rate limiting steps that are essential for DNA-damage induced inflammation. Here, we show that cell cycle progression through mitosis following DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) leads to the formation of micronuclei, which precede activation of inflammatory signaling and are a repository for the pattern recognition receptor cGAS. Inhibiting progression through mitosis or loss of pattern recognition by cGAS-STING impaired interferon signaling and prevented the regression of abscopal tumors in the context of ionizing radiation and immune checkpoint blockadein vivo. These findings implicate temporal modulation of the cell cycle as an important consideration in the context of therapeutic strategies that combine genotoxic agents with immune checkpoint blockade.
Aging-associated dysbiosis increases susceptibility to enteric viral infection inDrosophila
Authors: Sansone Christine , Cohen Jonathan , Gold Beth , Zhu Wenhan , Misic Ana M. , Beiting Daniel P. , Winter Sebastian E. , Cherry Sara
Published: June 2017

Age is associated with increased susceptibility to enteric infections, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. We find that agedDrosophilaare more susceptible to enteric viral infections and that this increase in susceptibility is due to the aged microbiota, since depletion of the microbiota or reconstitution with a young microbiome suppressed infection. Metagenomic analysis of the aged microbiome revealed dysbiosis with an increased abundance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing pathways. This aged microbiota drives intestinal ROS production and we could restore immune function in old flies by reducing ROS genetically or pharmacologically. Moreover, we found that reconstitution of old flies with a cocktail of commensals, includingL. fructivoransand heat-killedA. pomorum, could fully restore immunity. Altogether, these findings provide a mechanistic link between age-dependent dysbiosis and antiviral immunity and show that we can restore innate protection in aged animals, suggesting that this is a treatable and reversible state.
Selection constrains high rates of satellite DNA mutation inDaphnia pulex
Authors: Flynn Jullien M. , Caldas Ian , Cristescu Melania E. , Clark Andrew G.
Published: June 2017

A long-standing evolutionary puzzle is that all eukaryotic genomes contain large amounts of tandemly-repeated satellite DNA whose composition varies greatly among even closely related species. To elucidate the evolutionary forces governing satellite dynamics, quantification of the rates and patterns of mutations in satellite DNA copy number and tests of its selective neutrality are necessary. Here we used whole-genome sequences of 28 mutation accumulation (MA) lines ofDaphnia pulexin addition to six isolates from a non-MA population originating from the same progenitor to both estimate mutation rates of abundances of satellite sequences and evaluate the selective regime acting upon them. We found that mutation rates of individual satellite sequence “kmers” were both high and highly variable, ranging from additions/deletions of 0.29 – 105 copies per generation (reflecting changes of 0.12 - 0.80 percent per generation). Our results also provide evidence that new kmer sequences are often formed from existing ones. The non-MA population isolates showed a signal of either purifying or stabilizing selection, with 33 % lower variation in kmer abundance on average than the MA lines, although the level of selective constraint was not evenly distributed across all kmers. The changes between many pairs of kmers were correlated, and the pattern of correlations was significantly different between the MA lines and the non-MA population. Our study demonstrates that kmer sequences can experience extremely rapid evolution in abundance, which can lead to high levels of divergence in genome-wide satellite DNA composition between closely related species.
SID-1 domains important for dsRNA import inC. elegans
Authors: Whangbo Jennifer S. , Weisman Alexandra S. , Lu Jiajie , Chae Jeiwook , Hunter Craig P.
Published: June 2017

In the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans,RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) spreads systemically to cause gene silencing throughout the organism and its progeny. We confirm thatCaenorhabditisnematode SID-1 orthologs have dsRNA transport activity and demonstrate that the SID-1 paralog CHUP-1 does not transport dsRNA. Sequence comparison of these similar proteins, in conjunction with analysis of loss-of-function missense alleles identifies several conserved 2-7 amino acid microdomains within the extracellular domain that are important for dsRNA transport. Among these missense alleles, we identify and characterize asid-1allele,qt95, which causes tissue-specific silencing defects most easily explained as a systemic RNAi export defect. However, we conclude from genetic and biochemical analyses thatsid-1(qt95)disrupts only import and speculate that the apparent export defect is caused by the cumulative effect of sequentially impaired dsRNA import steps.Thus, consistent with previous studies, we fail to detect a requirement forsid-1in dsRNA export, but demonstrate for the first time that SID-1 functions in the intestine to support environmental RNAi.
Mechanistic Implications of Enhanced Editing by a HyperTRIBE RNA-binding protein
Authors: Xu Weijin , Rahman Reazur , Rosbash Michael
Published: June 2017

We previously developed TRIBE, a method for the identification of cell-specific RNA binding protein targets. TRIBE expresses an RBP of interest fused to the catalytic domain (cd) of the RNA editing enzyme ADAR and performs Adenosine-to-Inosine editing on RNA targets of the RBP. However, target identification is limited by the low editing efficiency of the ADARcd. Here we describe HyperTRIBE, which carries a previously characterized hyperactive mutation (E488Q) of the ADARcd. HyperTRIBE identifies dramatically more editing sites, many of which are also edited by TRIBE but at a much lower editing frequency. HyperTRIBE therefore more faithfully recapitulates the known binding specificity of its RBP than TRIBE. In addition, separating RNA binding from the enhanced editing activity of the HyperTRIBE ADAR catalytic domain sheds light on the mechanism of ADARcd editing as well as the enhanced activity of the HyperADARcd.
IndeCut evaluates performance of network motif discovery algorithms
Authors: Ansariola Mitra , Megraw Molly , Koslicki David
Published: June 2017

Genomic networks represent a complex map of molecular interactions which are descriptive of the biological processes occurring in living cells. Identifying the small over-represented circuitry patterns in these networks helps generate hypotheses about the functional basis of such complex processes. Network motif discovery is a systematic way of achieving this goal. However, a reliable network motif discovery outcome requires generating random background networks which are the result of a uniform and independent graph sampling method. To date, there has been no sound practical method to numerically evaluate whether any network motif discovery algorithm performs as intended—thus it was not possible to assess the validity of resulting network motifs. In this work, we presentIndeCut, the first and only method that allows characterization of network motif finding algorithm performance on any network of interest. We demonstrate that it is critical to useIndeCutprior to running any network motif finder for two reasons. First,IndeCutestimates the minimally required number of samples that each network motif discovery tool needs in order to produce an outcome that is both reproducible and accurate. Second,IndeCutallows users to choose the most accurate network motif discovery tool for their network of interest among many available options.IndeCutis an open source software package and is available athttps://github.com/megrawlab/IndeCut.
Seeing but not believing: the structure of glycerol dehydrogenase initially assumed to be the structure of a survival protein fromSalmonella typhimurium
Authors: Hatti Kaushik , Mathiharan Yamuna Kalyani , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy , Murthy Mathur R. N.
Published: June 2017

The determination of the crystal structure of a mutant protein using phases based on a previously determined crystal structure of the wild-type protein is often a straightforward molecular-replacement protocol. Such a structure determination may be difficult if there are large-scale structural differences between the wild-type and mutant proteins. In this manuscript, an interesting case is presented of the unintentional crystallization of a contaminant protein which shared some structural features with the presumed target protein, leading to difficulties in obtaining a completely satisfactory molecular-replacement structure solution. It was not immediately evident that the initial structure solution was incorrect owing to the poor quality of the X-ray diffraction data and low resolution. The structure was subsequently determined by improving the quality of the data and following a sequence-independentMarathonMRprotocol. The structure corresponded to that of glycerol dehydrogenase, which crystallized as a contaminant, instead of the presumed mutant of a survival protein encoded bySalmonella typhimurium. The reasons why a solution that appeared to be reasonable was obtained with an incorrect protein model are discussed. The results presented here show that a degree of caution is warranted when handling large-scale structure-determination projects.
Where are they going? Case of British and Japanese human resource management
Authors: Kang William Il kuk , Fornes Gaston
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand corporate social responsibility (CSR) and human resource management (HRM) practices of the UK and Japan, who share opposing societal and cultural characteristics, from a national business system (NBS) perspective, to answer the following two questions: the extent of convergence/divergence of CSR-HRM of two very different NBS, and the institutional relations behind the convergence/divergence.

Design/methodology/approach

For these purposes, the paper proposes a framework that can be utilised to understand the complex relationships between institutions, HRM, and CSR. Using a qualitative approach and grounded theory analysis as well as multiple-case analysis of six cases from the UK and Japan, the findings are tested against the framework.

Findings

The paper was able to confirm that mimetic and coercive isomorphism from global institutional pressure cause certain convergence of CSR-HRM in these two nations. However, simultaneously, the local institutional pressure (i.e. NBS) appears to be deeply rooted and is more salient at micro-level, resulting in diversified CSR-HRM in the two nations. As a result, it appears that convergence and divergence co-exist due to their differences in NBS with possibility of “crossvergence”.

Originality/value

This paper’s significance lies not only in contributing to the existing convergence–divergence debate on both CSR and HRM but also to help understanding of how Western CSR-HRM concepts are utilized and interpreted in East Asian countries with very different NBS from the West, with the aid of the proposed framework.
Mapping the impact of Asian business systems on HRM and organisational behaviour: multi-level comparative perspectives
Authors: Pereira Vijay , Malik Ashish , Froese Fabian Jintae
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the importance of the role of national business systems (NBS) in shaping human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB) practices in the context of Asian countries. To this end, this paper presents a comparative overview of different NBS in selected Asian countries and how these variously impact HRM and OB at two levels and contexts, i.e. within and cross-national.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a topical review of the literature to unravel the complexity and challenges associated with studying this rich and complex area.

Findings

The findings suggest there is significant complexity in studying the impact of NBS on HRM and OB at a holistic and multi-level unit of analysis. The multiplicity of factors and levels of analysis, even at a level of within country analysis, highlights the sophisticated, in-depth and detailed nature of scholarship needed to unbundle and get a fuller understanding of this topic.

Research limitations/implications

Although recent research presents a within and cross-national analysis of NBS and its impact on HRM and OB practices from diverse Asian countries such as India, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, recent research offers only a focused analysis of few targeted HRM and OB practices, rather than a collective or a bundle of HRM practices.

Practical implications

The contributions point to several practical implications for HR managers as well as managers from other fields, covering several national and cross-national comparisons.

Originality/value

This paper offers a substantial contribution in the understanding of how various HRM and OB practices are embedded in a nation’s business system and through a variety of historical and cultural influences.
Crafting experiential value via smartphone apps channel
Authors: Rezaei Sajad , Valaei Naser
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of post-usage usefulness (PUU), experiential value, and apps channel satisfaction on consumer continuance intention in using the smartphone apps retail channel for shopping activities. The study proposes that experiential value mediates both the relationship between PUU and apps channel satisfaction and the relationship between PUU and apps channel continuance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 467 valid questionnaires were received from Malaysian experienced smartphone apps shoppers (minimum of six months experience) from pure play apps retailers to empirically test the model. For the assessment of the measurement model and structural relationships, partial least square path modelling approach was performed.

Findings

The hypotheses testing imply that all direct hypotheses between latent constructs are supported. Experiential value partially mediates the relationship between PUU and apps channel satisfaction and the hypothesis on its mediation role on the relationship between PUU and apps channel continuance intention is rejected.

Originality/value

Despite the rapid development of information technology, a few research uncovered how businesses can create value through smartphone apps channel. Rather than focussing exclusively on online retailing, physical stores and e-commerce in general as a retail distribution strategy, this study empirically uncovered that value creation process could be achieved through smartphone apps channel.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Serratula tinctoria
Authors: Jefferson Richard G. , Walker Kevin J.
Published: June 2017

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Serratula tinctoria L. that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Serratula tinctoria is a gynodioecious perennial forb of open or semi‐shaded habitats including grassland, heath, mire, open woodland and scrub and their ecotones. It is found throughout most of England and Wales but it is very rare in Scotland and absent from Ireland. Serratula tinctoria is found in Europe as far north as southern Sweden and Norway. It is absent from much of the Boreal biogeographical zone, including most of Fennoscandia and northern Poland, Russia and the Baltic States, and from the lowland Mediterranean zone.

Serratula tinctoria occurs on soils overlying a wide variety of superficial deposits and sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, including ultramafic rocks. The pH range of these soils is wide, ranging from acidic to moderately alkaline but with nutrient status classed as oligotrophic, or more rarely mesotrophic. In mire or fen habitats, it occurs in topogenous or soligenous situations with a similar soil water pH range. It is able to tolerate a wide spectrum of soil water‐table conditions, ranging from very dry to flooded.

Serratula tinctoria is pollinated by various insects of the orders Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera, particularly bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies. It produces phytoecdysteroids, which mimic a hormone that regulates insect development.

The seed has a feathery pappus for wind dispersal and establishment is primarily from seed. However, it has strong dispersal limitation with slow migration rates into restored grasslands of 1 m year−1. The species has a short‐term persistent seed bank. Seedling recruitment is enhanced by disturbance that creates bare ground, increasing light flux and lower cover of bryophytes and litter, and reduced by higher nutrient availability and lack of management.

Formerly the source of a yellow dye, S. tinctoria has declined in Britain since at least the late 19th Century primarily due to a combination of drainage, ploughing and agricultural improvement and, conversely, lack of management by cutting and grazing in its grassland, heath and mire habitats. There is evidence that the decline slowed or stabilised between the late‐1980s and the mid‐2000s, in part due to the positive impact of conservation via statutory protection on designated sites and wider measures delivered through agri‐environment schemes.
Accelerating Agro‐Manufacturing to Feed Africa
Authors: Anyanwu John C. , Kponnou Mawuko
Published: June 2017

This paper documents stylized facts on agro‐manufacturing, especially the food, beverages and tobacco (FBT) manufacturing value added (MVA) in Africa and empirically analyzes its determinants using data for a panel of African countries over the period 1990–2011. We also estimate for the sample of sub‐Saharan Africa and North Africa during the same period. The analysis is extended to food and beverages (FB) only MVA. The analyses point to large differences in sector shares both across countries at different levels of economic development. Using a two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regression method, it finds that a large proportion of the cross‐country variation in FBT MVA and FB MVA can be accounted for by country characteristics, policy and institutional variables. In particular, the paper finds that an inverted U‐shaped relationship with real per capita GDP for FBT MVA and FB MVA, except in FB MVA in North Africa where the reverse is true. Key positive drivers of FBT MVA for the entire continent include government consumption expenditure, household consumption expenditure, social globalization, dependence on oil, minerals, natural gas, coal and forest resources, arable land, and renewable electricity output. Major negative drivers are trade openness and population size. The policy implications and lessons of these results for increasing FBT and FB MVA and feeding Africa are discussed.
High‐boron and High‐alumina Middle Byzantine (10th–12th Century ce) Glass Bracelets: A Western Anatolian Glass Industry
Authors: Swan C. M. , Rehren Th. , Dussubieux L. , Eger A. A.
Published: June 2017

The trace element boron is present in most ancient glasses as an impurity, and high boron (≥ 300 ppm) marks raw material sources that are geologically specific and relatively uncommon. Recent analyses of Byzantine glass with high boron contents suggest that glass‐making was not limited to the traditional regions of the Levant and Egypt, and a production origin in or near western Anatolia is proposed. Glass bracelets from Ḥiṣn al‐Tīnāt in southern Turkey give fresh evidence for the production and circulation of high‐boron glasses that closely correlates with object typology. The patterning of findspots suggests that high‐boron glass was closely connected to the Byzantine world.