bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What stops a saccade?
Authors: Optican Lance M. , Pretegiani Elena
Published: February 2017

Rapid movements to a target are ballistic; they usually do not last long enough for visual feedback about errors to influence them. Yet, the brain is not simply precomputing movement trajectory. Classical models of movement control involve a feedback loop that subtracts ‘where we are now’ from ‘where we want to be’. That difference is an internal motor error. The feedback loop reduces this error until it reaches zero, stopping the movement. However, neurophysiological studies have shown that movements controlled by the cerebrum (e.g. arm and head movements) and those controlled by the brain stem (e.g. tongue and eye movements) are also controlled, in parallel, by the cerebellum. Thus, there may not be a single error control loop. We propose an alternative to feedback error control, wherein the cerebellum uses adaptive, velocity feedback, integral control to stop the movement on target.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Movement suppression: brain mechanisms for stopping and stillness’.
Neural circuitry for behavioural arrest
Authors: Roseberry Thomas , Kreitzer Anatol
Published: February 2017

The ability to stop ongoing movement is fundamental to animal survival. Behavioural arrest involves the hierarchical integration of information throughout the forebrain, which ultimately leads to the coordinated inhibition and activation of specific brainstem motor centres. Recent advances have shed light on multiple regions and pathways involved in this critical behavioural process. Here, we synthesize these new findings together with previous work to build a more complete understanding of the circuit mechanisms underlying suppression of ongoing action. We focus on three specific conditions leading to behavioural arrest: goal completion, fear and startle. We outline the circuitry responsible for the production of these behaviours and discuss their dysfunction in neurological disease.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Movement suppression: brain mechanisms for stopping and stillness’.
Cortical control and performance monitoring of interrupting and redirecting movements
Authors: Pouget Pierre , Murthy Aditya , Stuphorn Veit
Published: February 2017

Voluntary behaviour requires control mechanisms that ensure our ability to act independently of habitual and innate response tendencies. Electrophysiological experiments, using the stop-signal task in humans, monkeys and rats, have uncovered a core network of brain structures that is essential for response inhibition. This network is shared across mammals and seems to be conserved throughout their evolution. Recently, new research building on these earlier findings has started to investigate the interaction between response inhibition and other control mechanisms in the brain. Here we describe recent progress in three different areas: selectivity of movement inhibition across different motor systems, re-orientation of motor actions and action evaluation.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Movement suppression: brain mechanisms for stopping and stillness’.
Improving data availability for brain image biobanking in healthy subjects: practice-based suggestions from an international multidisciplinary working group
Authors:   BRAINS (Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects) Expert Working Group, Shenkin Susan D , Pernet Cyril , Nichols Thomas E , Poline Jean-Baptiste , Matthews Paul M. , Lugt Aad van der , Mackay Clare , Lanyon Linda , Mazoyer Bernard , Boardman James P , Thompson Paul M , Fox Nick , Marcus Daniel S , Sheikh Aziz , Cox Simon R , Anblagan Devasuda , Job Dominic E , Dickie David Alexander , Rodriguez David , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: February 2017

Brain imaging is now ubiquitous in clinical practice and research. The case for bringing together large amounts of image data from well-characterised healthy subjects and those with a range of common brain diseases across the life course is now compelling. This report follows a meeting of international experts from multiple disciplines, all interested in brain image biobanking. The meeting included neuroimaging experts (clinical and non-clinical), computer scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians, ethicists, and lawyers involved in creating brain image banks. The meeting followed a structured format to discuss current and emerging brain image banks; applications such as atlases; conceptual and statistical problems (e.g. defining ‘normality’); legal, ethical and technological issues (e.g. consents, potential for data linkage, data security, harmonisation, data storage and enabling of research data sharing). We summarise the lessons learned from the experiences of a wide range of individual image banks, and provide practical recommendations to enhance creation, use and reuse of neuroimaging data. Our aim is to maximise the benefit of the image data, provided voluntarily by research participants and funded by many organisations, for human health. Our ultimate vision is of a federated network of brain image biobanks accessible for large studies of brain structure and function.
Emergence and persistence of the Chikungunya virus East-Central-South-African genotype in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Charlys da Costa Antonio , Thézé Julien , Komninakis Shirley Cavalcante Vasconcelos , Sanz-Duro Rodrigo Lopes , Felinto Marta Rejane Lemos , Moura Lúcia Cristina Corrêa , de Oliveira Barroso Ivoneide Moreira , Santos Lucineide Eliziario Correia , de Lemos Nunes Mardjane Alves , Moura Adriana Avila , Lourenço José , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric L. , Guimarães Maria Raquel dos Anjos Silva , Pybus Oliver G. , Sabino Ester C. , Faria Nuno R.
Published: February 2017

We investigate an outbreak of exanthematous illness in Maceió, Alagoas, using molecular surveillance. Of 273 samples, 76% tested RT-qPCR positive for Chikungunya virus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the outbreak was caused by the East-Central-South-African genotype, and that this lineage has likely persisted since mid-2014 in Northeast Brazil.

Article summary line

Transmission of the Chikungunya virus East-Central-South-African genotype has been ongoing in the Northeast region of Brazil since mid-2014.
The recombination landscape in wild house mice inferred using population genomic data
Authors: Booker Tom R. , Ness Rob W. , Keightley Peter D.
Published: February 2017

Characterizing variation in the rate of recombination across the genome is important for understanding many evolutionary processes. The landscape of recombination has been studied previously in the house mouse,Mus musculus,and it is known that the different subspecies exhibit different suites of recombination hotspots. However, it is not established whether broad-scale variation in the rate of recombination is conserved between the subspecies. In this study, we construct a fine-scale recombination map for the Eastern house mouse subspecies,M. m. castaneus,using 10 individuals sampled from its ancestral range. After inferring phase, we use LDhelmet to construct recombination maps for each autosome. We find that the spatial distribution of recombination rate is strongly positively between ourcastaneusmap and a map constructed using inbred lines of mice derived predominantly fromM. m. domesticus.We also find that levels of genetic diversity inM. m. castaneusare positively correlated with the rate of recombination, consistent with pervasive natural selection acting in the genome. Our study suggests that recombination rate variation is conserved at broad scales betweenM. musculus subspecies.
Particle Tracking facilitates real time Motion Compensation in 2D or 3D two-photon imaging of neuronal activity
Authors: Aghayee Samira , Bowen Zach , Winkowski Daniel E. , Harrington Matt , Kanold Patrick O. , Losert Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

The application of 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) techniques to measure the dynamics of cellular calcium signals in populations of neurons is an extremely powerful technique for characterizing neural activity within the central nervous system. The use of TPLSM on awake and behaving subjects promises new insights into how neural circuit elements cooperatively interact to form sensory perceptions and generate behavior. A major challenge in imaging such preparations is animal and tissue movement, which leads to shifts in the imagine location (jitter). Although there are surgical and technical approaches to minimize brain motion under these conditions, it is generally unavoidable. The presence of image motion can lead to artifacts, especially since quantification of TPLSM images involves analysis of fluctuations in fluorescence intensities for each neuron, determined from small regions of interest (ROIs) Here, we validated a new motion correction approach to compensate for motion of TPLSM images in the superficial layers of auditory cortex of awake mice. We use a nominally uniform fluorescent signal as a secondary signal to complement the dynamic signals from genetically encoded calcium indicators. We tested motion correction for single plane time lapse imaging a; well as multiplane (i.e. volume) time lapse imaging of cortical tissue. Our procedure of motion compensation relies on locating the brightest neurons and tracking their positions over time using established techniques of particle finding and tracking. The performance of our techniques both for 2D (single plane) and 3D (volume) image sequences is comparable to established techniques in its ability to suppress false neural signals. Object tracking based motion compensation thus offers an alternative approach for motion compensation, one that is we suited for real time feedback control and for analysis of tissue distortions.
Crystal structure of Li3Ga(BO3)2
Authors: Smith Robert W. , Holman Darien , Villa Eric M.
Published: February 2017

The crystal structure of trilithium gallium bis(orthoborate), Li3Ga(BO3)2, is isotypic with Li3Al(BO3)2in a triclinic cell in space-group typeP-1. The three Li and the unique Ga atom are coordinated by four O atoms each in tetrahedra, and the two B atoms are coordinated by three O atoms in orthoborate triangles. Chains with composition [Ga2(BO3)4]6−extend along theaaxis. The Li atoms interleave these chains in tetrahedral interstices. A comparison is made between the structure model of the title compound and that of a previously reported model for a compound with the same composition [Abdullaev & Mamedov (1972).Zh. Strukt. Khim.13, 943–946.]
What determines financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Chikalipah Sydney
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of financial inclusion (FI) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the World Bank country-level data from 20 SSA countries for the year 2014.

Findings

The empirical findings in this study indicate that illiteracy is the major hindrance to FI in SSA. The findings provide useful information to government agencies and international development organisations. Also, the findings can help accelerate and strengthen FI strategies among SSA countries.

Research limitations/implications

Some countries were excluded from the final analysis due to lack of data.

Practical implications

In the last two decades, there has been renewed interest in fighting financial exclusion in Africa. Therefore, this study provide evidence which clearly shows that enhancing literacy levels in a country can immensely contribute towards building the financially inclusive societies in the SSA region.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to empirically test the determinants of FI in SSA using the World Bank FI data set. Furthermore, this is the first attempt to estimate the determinants of FI with a combined data of SSA countries.
From place branding to placemaking: the role of events
Authors: Richards Greg
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine developments in the use of events by places from a predominantly place branding role based on image and economic impacts towards a broader placemaking approach aimed at holistic improvements in place quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a single case study approach, with the Dutch city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) as the focus. Data sources include resident surveys, depth interviews and analysis of policy documents.

Findings

The Den Bosch case illustrates the emergence of a more holistic approach to the use of events as a placemaking tool. The city shifted from an ad hoc events policy to the development of a multi-annual programme designed to produce economic, image, social cultural and network effects. This approach seems to have been successful in stimulating visitation, increasing visitor spend and raising the international profile of the city. At the same time, the city has developed many activities designed to mobilise local stakeholder groups and increase social cohesion, which provide essential support for the necessary investment.

Research limitations/implications

There are indications that sustaining such a programme over the longer term is difficult in the face of political and economic change. Adoption of a holistic approach also requires the mobilisation of a wide range of stakeholders.

Practical implications

Critical success factors for placemaking are identified.

Social implications

The Den Bosch programme helped to increase social cohesion in the city by involving residents and local cultural groups in different projects. However, this required a differentiated approach based on the needs of each group.

Originality/value

This study presents a placemaking model that can help to identify the different elements required in a successful placemaking programme. This is developed from a practice approach, which has the value of paying attention to how event programmes can be initiated and sustained by a group of actors.
Volunteer management beyond prescribed best practice: a case study of Portuguese non-profits
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Sampaio Martinha
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to complement and test prescriptive volunteer management proposals by examining how volunteers are actually managed and exploring factors other than prescribed best practice to assess volunteer management effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use qualitative methods to study five Portuguese non-profit organisations, selected for having active volunteer programmes while presenting diverse sizes, organisation styles and levels of reliance upon volunteers. Interviews were conducted between February and August 2011 with board representatives, volunteer managers and volunteers.

Findings

This paper assesses volunteer management practices in these organisations, and further identifies a number of interrelated dimensions affecting volunteer programme success, namely: centrality, formalisation, professional support, sustainability and a minimum set of practices. It also uncovers weakness points that inhibit further development, including lack of a strategic approach and limited capacity to diversify sources of financing.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study, with a limited number of cases and interviews.

Practical implications

This study may help volunteer managers focus their attention in aspects other than prescribed management practice. Although a minimum set of identified practices are vital, the dimensions it uncovers have a pivotal role in the success of volunteer programmes.

Originality/value

This set of intertwined dimensions has not been specifically addressed in the literature. They go beyond the more conventionally prescribed volunteer management practices, and provide a promising framework for analysing the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer management.
Authentic leadership and its impact on extra role behaviour of nurses
Authors: Malik Nishtha , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between authentic leadership (AL) and employee extra role behaviour (ERB) while determining the mediating effect of psychological capital (PC) and moderating effect of autonomy on that relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 42 small- and medium-sized hospitals in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The sample for the study included 520 nurses and their 163 supervisors. Process macro (Hayes) was used to examine the mediating role of PC and the moderating role of autonomy in the relationship between AL and ERB.

Findings

Results indicate that AL is positively linked to ERB of followers. Further, PC was found to mediate the relationship between AL and ERB while autonomy acted as a moderator between PC and ERB.

Practical implications

Findings of the study would help hospital managements understand the importance of technical and behavioural training of nursing staff and supervisors. The paper draws the attention of hospital administrators towards the need for formulating policies that are less restrictive and allow for greater autonomy to the nursing staff. Further, this study highlights the importance of an effective leadership approach like AL in service-oriented organizations such as healthcare institutions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing research on AL and ERB by showing that PC and autonomy are important and relevant variables that affect the degree of influence that AL has on employee ERB.
A longitudinal investigation of self-initiated expatriate organizational socialization
Authors: Fu Carmen , Hsu Yu-Shan , A. Shaffer Margaret , Ren Hong
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of self-initiated expatriate (SIE) organizational socialization.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the socialization process, data were collected at three points in time. SIE English teachers were surveyed at three points in time. At Time 3, data from the principals of those teachers who completed surveys at Time 2 were also collected.

Findings

Organizational socialization tactics facilitate social integration and learning speed, which, in turn, are positively related to SIE adjustment. Moreover, SIEs who climbed the learning curve more quickly were only able to capitalize on their learning ability to promote performance when their calculative commitment was low.

Originality/value

First, in contrast with the majority of expatriate socialization studies that tend to focus on the proactive behaviors of expatriates, the authors examine the organizational socialization tactics of a local host organization. Second, they consider the role of calculative commitment, which is especially germane to the SIE context, on SIE performance. Third, this study contributes to the organizational socialization literature by recognizing that socialization is an on-going process that continues to influence employees even after they are no longer “newcomers.” Fourth, the authors assess adjustment directly rather than through proxy measures.
Water, water, everywhere
Authors: McDonald-Kerr Lachlan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how social and environmental issues were accounted for and traded off within decision-making for Australia’s largest seawater desalination plant. This is done through an investigation of disclosures contained within key publicly available documents pertaining to the project.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deploys content analysis to initially identify relevant disclosures. Themes and subthemes are based on definitions of social and environmental accounting adapted from prior research. Relevant information was used to develop “silent accounts” to identify and analyse accountability issues in the case.

Findings

It was found that a number of claims made throughout reporting were unsupported or insufficiently explained. At the same time, it is found that various forms of basic measurements used to describe social and environmental issues conveyed the rationale of decision makers. It is concluded that many of the claims were asserted rather than evidenced; yet, the manner and context of their presentation gave them the appearance of being incontestable truths. Further, it is argued that the portrayal of social and environmental issues through measurable means is emblematic of values associated with contemporary neoliberal and public sector reforms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings and conclusions of this study are contextually bound and therefore limited to this case.

Practical implications

This paper illustrates problems with the reporting of non-financial information and strengthens our understanding of the use of “silent accounting”. It illustrates the value of this approach to research examining accounting and accountability issues.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on social and environmental accounting by providing unique empirical analysis of non-financial disclosures within publicly available reporting.
Promoting and managing collaborative performance
Authors: Allal-Chérif Oihab
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate that collaboration is the best way to create sustainable value and to set new indicators to measure collaborative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on the study of several cases from industrial international firms that have successfully build strong partnerships with their suppliers.

Findings

If collaboration is fashionable nowadays, it is not a new behavior. Entrepreneurs have chosen to collaborate with suppliers rather than exploit them for decades. Cooperating in the long term with business partners generates outstanding performance. However, most companies continue to have essentially transactional relationship based on the optimization of financial indicators, rather than fostering the quality of their trade and mutual loyalty. This paper answers the questions why and how to promote and manage collaborative performance.

Originality/value

This paper connects the concepts of collaboration, innovation and sustainable value creation. It questions traditional KPIs and the fear of risk and failure.
Crafting a winning innovation strategy
Authors: Sharmelly Rifat
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the innovation strategies of the most successful organizations and demonstrate how business organizations can outperform their rivals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a review of “How successful organizations drive innovation” by Ikeda and Marshall (2016).

Findings

Top performing organizations create organizational structures and functions to sustain innovation, create a culture of innovation and design processes to create innovation. To sustain innovation, organizations create a balance between innovation objectives and business objectives, adopt open innovation and form dedicated innovation teams. Organizations create a culture of innovation through a clear focus on innovation, agility and promoting an innovation culture. Finally, successful organizations design processes to create innovation, adopting strategies of generating new ideas from various sources, ensuring stable and secure innovation funding and deploying explicit innovation measurement.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and clear steps for all organizations to succeed in their innovation ventures.

Originality/value

Based on the review, this paper illustrates how existing and prospective companies gain a competitive edge in innovation through organizational structures, culture and processes.
The new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise
Authors: Cracco Bruno
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the new role of the purchasing function in the management of the extended enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses field experience and focus group with CPOs.

Findings

The purchasing function can play a key role in its own company business models disruption. Innovation detection and fostering could be managed by the purchasing function, acting as external resources development.

Originality/value

This paper is an original viewpoint article from an author experienced in the field.
Methylamine as a nitrogen source for microorganisms from a coastal marine environment
Authors: Taubert Martin , Grob Carolina , Howat Alexandra M. , Burns Oliver J. , Pratscher Jennifer , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Richnow Hans H. , Chen Yin , Murrell J. Colin
Published: February 2017

Nitrogen is a key limiting resource for biomass production in the marine environment. Methylated amines, released from the degradation of osmolytes, could provide a nitrogen source for marine microbes. Thus far, studies in aquatic habitats on the utilization of methylamine, the simplest methylated amine, have mainly focussed on the fate of the carbon from this compound. Various groups of methylotrophs, microorganisms that can grow on one‐carbon compounds, use methylamine as a carbon source. Non‐methylotrophic microorganisms may also utilize methylamine as a nitrogen source, but little is known about their diversity, especially in the marine environment. In this proof‐of‐concept study, stable isotope probing (SIP) was used to identify microorganisms from a coastal environment that assimilate nitrogen from methylamine. SIP experiments using 15N methylamine combined with metagenomics and metaproteomics facilitated identification of active methylamine‐utilizing Alpha‐ and Gammaproteobacteria. The draft genomes of two methylamine utilizers were obtained and their metabolism with respect to methylamine was examined. Both bacteria identified in these SIP experiments used the γ‐glutamyl‐methylamide pathway, found in both methylotrophs and non‐methylotrophs, to metabolize methylamine. The utilization of 15N methylamine also led to the release of 15N ammonium that was used as nitrogen source by other microorganisms not directly using methylamine.
MST50 is involved in multiple MAP kinase signaling pathways in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Li Guotian , Zhang Xue , Tian Huan , Choi Yoon‐E , Tao W. Andy , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: February 2017

Appressorium formation plays a critical role in Magnaporthe oryzae. Mst50 is an adapter protein of the Mst11‐Mst7‐Pmk1 cascade that is essential for appressorium formation. To further characterize its functions, affinity purification was used to identify Mst50‐interacting proteins (MIPs) in this study. Two of the MIPs are Mst11 and Mst7 that are known to interact with Mst50 for Pmk1 activation. Surprisingly, two other MIPs are Mck1 and Mkk2 that are the upstream kinases of the Mps1 pathway. Domain deletion analysis showed that the sterile alpha‐motif of Mst50 but not the Ras‐association domain was important for its interaction with Mck1 and responses to cell wall and oxidative stresses. The mst50 mutant was reduced in Mps1 activation under stress conditions. MIP11 encodes a RACK1 protein that also interacted with Mck1. Deletion of MIP11 resulted in defects in cell wall integrity, Mps1 phosphorylation and plant infection. Furthermore, Mst50 interacted with histidine kinase Hik1, and the mst50 mutant was reduced in Osm1 phosphorylation. These results indicated that Mst50 is involved in all three MAPK pathways in M. oryzae although its functions differ in each pathway. Several MIPs are conserved hypothetical proteins and may be involved in responses to various signals and crosstalk among signaling pathways.
Geomorphic reconstruction of formation and recession processes of waterfalls of the Kaminokawa river basin on Osumi Peninsula, southern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Yoshida Hidetsugu , Hayakawa Yuichi S. , Takanami Shintaro , Hikitsu Akira , Ohsaka Saki , Ishii Ryo
Published: February 2017

To assess the geomorphological importance of waterfall recession in volcanic bedrock, we examined recession rates of six waterfalls in the lower reaches of Kaminokawa river basin on the Osumi Peninsula in southern Kyushu. The examination was performed with an empirical equation that uses a dimensionless parameter obtained by dimensional analysis of relevant measured factors, including erosive force, size of waterfall, and bedrock resistance. Welded Ata ignimbrite, formed at approximately 110 ka, may have played an initiating role to maintain such waterfalls because it resists weathering more than other local rocks. Estimated recession rates for the six waterfalls range from 0.2 to 3.0 cm/y, which compare with estimated rates for waterfalls in another region characterised by welded ignimbrite. Comparison of equation‐derived recession rates of waterfalls with actual recession distances from confluences supports the idea that an original waterfall will subsequently split into two distinct waterfalls when it recesses past an upstream junction of two channels. Our findings revealed that all six waterfalls likely would have been at almost the same point lower in the watershed in the past, marking the general site of the original waterfall. Moreover, the ancestral original waterfall is highly likely to have started from a point between the caldera rim and present river mouth. There, a knickpoint was likely caused by the river dropping into an inner part of the caldera, possibly just after the eruption of the Ata ignimbrite. The waterfall erodes upstream away from the caldera basin, and this happens to be to the east.
The empirical Bayes estimators of fine‐scale population structure in high gene flow species
Authors: Kitada Shuichi , Nakamichi Reiichiro , Kishino Hirohisa
Published: February 2017

An empirical Bayes (EB) pairwise FST estimator was previously introduced and evaluated for its performance by numerical simulation. In this study, we conducted coalescent simulations and generated genetic population structure mechanistically, and compared the performance of the EBFST with Nei's GST, Nei and Chesser's bias‐corrected GST (GST_NC), Weir and Cockerham's θ (θWC) and θ with finite sample correction (θWC_F). We also introduced EB estimators for Hedrick’ G’ST and Jost’ D. We applied these estimators to publicly available SNP genotypes of Atlantic herring. We also examined the power to detect the environmental factors causing the population structure. Our coalescent simulations revealed that the finite sample correction of θWC is necessary to assess population structure using pairwise FST values. For microsatellite markers, EBFST performed the best among the present estimators regarding both bias and precision under high gene flow scenarios (). For 300 SNPs, EBFST had the highest precision in all cases, but the bias was negative and greater than those for GST_NC and θWC_F in all cases. GST_NC and θWC_F performed very similarly at all levels of FST. As the number of loci increased up to 10 000, the precision of GST_NC and θWC_F became slightly better than for EBFST for cases with , even though the size of the bias remained constant. The EB estimators described the fine‐scale population structure of the herring and revealed that ~56% of the genetic differentiation was caused by sea surface temperature and salinity. The R package finepop for implementing all estimators used here is available on CRAN.
Necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of odontogenic infection: a review of management and case series
Authors: Bayetto K , Cheng A , Sambrook P
Published: February 2017

Background

The aims of the present study were to establish the incidence of head and neck necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in the Adelaide Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; review the current literature regarding the management of head and neck NF; and determine the evidence for the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of NF.

Methods

A retrospective audit of all patients admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit 2006–2015 with severe odontogenic infections was carried out. Patient demographics were recorded and treatment details were collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 672 patients were admitted for management of severe odontogenic infections. Of these, three were identified as NF. One case was treated using hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunct to conventional surgical and medical management. Two cases were managed using aggressive surgical management alone. Two patients survived. The incidence of head and neck NF in South Australia is 48/100 000 infections per year.

Conclusions

The first‐line treatment of severe odontogenic infections remains conventional surgical and medical management; however, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have an additional role in the management of NF and other rare severe infections in medically complex patients.
Identification of a new Y chromosome haplogroup in Spanish native cattle
Authors: Pelayo R. , Penedo M. C. T. , Valera M. , Molina A. , Millon L. , Ginja C. , Royo L. J.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this work was to perform a thorough analysis of the diversity of Y‐haplotypes in Spanish cattle. A total of 207 Bos taurus males were sampled across 25 European breeds, with a special focus on rare, local Spanish populations. Animals were genotyped with five Y‐specific microsatellites (INRA189, UMN0103, UMN0307, BM861 and BYM1), two indels (ZFY10 and USP9Y) and one SNP (UTY19). A new haplogroup, distinct from those described by Götherström et al. (2005), was identified and named Y1.2. Samples representing the three B. taurus Y‐haplogroups were genotyped for four additional Y chromosome SNPs (rs121919254, rs121919281, rs121919323 and rs137049553). Among these SNPs, only rs121919281 was informative in B. taurus and helped to confirm the new Y1.2 haplogroup. Analysis of a larger dataset of standardized haplotypes for 1507 individuals from 57 populations from Spain, other European countries and Africa showed the new Y1.2 haplogroup to be found exclusively in Spanish breeds. This finding reinforces the importance of local Spanish cattle as reservoirs of genetic diversity as well as the importance of the Iberian Peninsula in the history of cattle.
Causal or spurious relationship? Climate and the distribution of Phelsuma geckos on Grand Comoro Island
Authors: Hawlitschek Oliver , Brückmann Boris , Glaw Frank
Published: February 2017

The volcanic island of Grand Comoro, Malagasy biogeographic region, is inhabited by three species of Phelsuma day geckos; two island‐endemic taxa (Phelsuma comorensis and Phelsuma v‐nigra comoraegrandensis) and the introduced Phelsuma dubia. Phelsuma comorensis is restricted to elevations of greater than 150 m above sea level on the northern of the island's two volcanoes and is the only Phelsuma above 300 m. The other species are widespread at low elevations but also reach levels above 900 m at the southern volcano. To investigate these divergent distribution patterns, we used environmental niche models based on climate and habitat data and tested whether predicted climate change may influence species distributions. Analyses of niche overlap did not show significant differences between present‐day and predicted future potential distributions of any Phelsuma species studied, which could be seen as an indicator of resilience towards climate change. Climate models reflected the restricted distribution of P. comorensis with precipitation of the wettest month detected as most important variable, whereas habitat models predicted an island‐wide distribution. While climate appears to determine the distribution of P. comorensis, we propose isolation by migration barriers as an alternative and discuss the detection of causal versus spurious relationships in ecological niche models.
When [inter]personal becomes transformational: [re‐]examining life course‐related emotions in PhD research
Authors: Ng Isabella
Published: February 2017

This study explores the ways in which different life events I experienced between 2008 and 2013, such as my divorce and a new romance after the divorce, have affected my research as a PhD student. By examining the relationship between these events and my development as a researcher, I consider how the complexity of emotions and affect becomes a source of possibility for understanding my research participants and producing multidimensional, ethical research. Recognising the reciprocal relationship between researcher and researched subjects during the research process can, in fact, enrich researchers and create a better understanding of their own work and an understanding of the ways in which the research itself fits within their broader life goals.
Are cancer cells really softer than normal cells?
Authors: Alibert Charlotte , Goud Bruno , Manneville Jean‐Baptiste
Published: February 2017

Solid tumours are often first diagnosed by palpation, suggesting that the tumour is more rigid than its surrounding environment. Paradoxically, individual cancer cells appear to be softer than their healthy counterparts. In this review, we first list the physiological reasons indicating that cancer cells may be more deformable than normal cells. Next, we describe the biophysical tools that have been developed in recent years to characterise and model cancer cell mechanics. By reviewing the experimental studies that compared the mechanics of individual normal and cancer cells, we argue that cancer cells can indeed be considered as softer than normal cells. We then focus on the intracellular elements that could be responsible for the softening of cancer cells. Finally, we ask whether the mechanical differences between normal and cancer cells can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers of cancer progression.
CAPACITY CONSTRAINED EXPORTERS: IDENTIFYING INCREASING MARGINAL COST
Authors: Ahn JaeBin , McQuoid Alexander F.
Published: February 2017

This study revisits a central assumption of standard trade models: constant marginal cost technology. The presence of increasing marginal costs for exporters introduces significant market interdependence across borders missing from traditional models of international trade that rely on constant marginal cost technology. Such market interdependence represents an additional channel through which local shocks are transmitted globally. To identify increasing marginal cost at the level of the firm, we build in flexible production assumptions that nest increasing, decreasing, and constant marginal cost technology to an otherwise standard international trade model. We derive an estimating equation that can be taken directly to the data. Our structural equation explicitly guides our inference on the shape of the marginal cost curve from estimated coefficients. The results suggest that increasing marginal cost is predominant at the firm level. Moreover, utilizing plant‐level information on physical and financial capacity constraints, we find that the degree of increasing marginal cost is significantly exacerbated by both types of constraints. The evidence suggests that access to larger markets through greater international integration may not have the expected welfare gains typically predicted in standard models. (JEL F12, F14)
Hepatic nucleotide binding oligomerization domain‐like receptors pyrin domain‐containing 3 inflammasomes are associated with the histologic severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mitsuyoshi Hironori , Yasui Kohichiroh , Hara Tasuku , Taketani Hiroyoshi , Ishiba Hiroshi , Okajima Akira , Seko Yuya , Umemura Atsushi , Nishikawa Taichiro , Yamaguchi Kanji , Moriguchi Michihisa , Minami Masahito , Itoh Yoshito
Published: February 2017

Aim

To examine the role of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Levels of mRNAs encoding NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, procaspase‐1, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐18 were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in 91 liver samples and 37 blood samples from biopsy‐proven patients with NAFLD. Adiponutrin (also called PNPLA3) polymorphisms (rs738409, C > G) were determined in 74 samples by genotyping assays. Serum IL‐1β and IL‐18 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and liver tissue caspase‐1 expression by immunostaining.

Results

Hepatic NLRP3, procaspase‐1, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 mRNA levels were significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in controls and were significantly associated with adiponutrin G alleles. Blood procaspase‐1 mRNA was significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in healthy controls. Hepatic procaspase‐1 and IL‐1β mRNA levels correlated significantly with lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and NAFLD activity score. Serum IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in controls, while IL‐1β levels were non‐significantly higher. Serum IL‐1β and IL‐18 concentrations correlated significantly with steatosis, NAFLD activity score, and transaminase levels. Serum IL‐1β levels were significantly associated with adiponutrin G alleles. Scattered caspase‐1‐positive cells were present in portal tracts and inflammatory foci and around ballooning hepatocytes. Immunofluorescence staining showed that caspase‐1 colocalized with the macrophage marker CD68.

Conclusions

The NLRP3 inflammasomes are primed in the liver, influenced by adiponutrin genotypes, and activated in Kupffer cells and/or macrophages in NAFLD, leading to histological progression through IL‐1β and IL‐18 production.
Improved detection of clinically relevant wound bacteria using autofluorescence image‐guided sampling in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Ottolino‐Perry Kathryn , Chamma Emilie , Blackmore Kristina M , Lindvere‐Teene Liis , Starr Danielle , Tapang Kim , Rosen Cheryl F , Pitcher Bethany , Panzarella Tony , Linden Ron , DaCosta Ralph S
Published: February 2017

Clinical wound assessment involves microbiological swabbing of wounds to identify and quantify bacterial species, and to determine microbial susceptibility to antibiotics. The Levine swabbing technique may be suboptimal because it samples only the wound bed, missing other diagnostically relevant areas of the wound, which may contain clinically significant bacteria. Thus, there is a clinical need to improve the reliability of microbiological wound sampling. To address this, a handheld portable autofluorescence (AF) imaging device that detects bacteria in real time, without contrast agents, was developed. Here, we report the results of a clinical study evaluating the use of real‐time AF imaging to visualise bacteria in and around the wound bed and to guide swabbing during the clinical assessment of diabetic foot ulcers, compared with the Levine technique. We investigated 33 diabetic foot ulcers (n = 31 patients) and found that AF imaging more accurately identified the presence of moderate and/or heavy bacterial load compared with the Levine technique (accuracy 78% versus 52%, P = 0·048; adjusted diagnostic odds ratio 7·67, P < 0·00022 versus 3·07, P = 0·066) and maximised the effectiveness of bacterial load sampling, with no significant impact on clinical workflow. AF imaging may help clinicians better identify the wound areas with clinically significant bacteria, and maximise sampling of treatment‐relevant pathogens.
New Frontiers in Logistics Research: Theorizing at the Middle Range
Authors: Stank Theodore P. , Pellathy Daniel A. , In Joonhwan , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Bell John E.
Published: February 2017

Logistics has evolved from a description‐based discipline to one based upon theoretical grounding from other business disciplines to define, explain, and understand complex interrelationships, resulting in the identification of the discipline's primary domain and major concepts—the “what's” of logistics. General theories, however, lack the domain specificity critical to understanding the inner workings within key relationships—the how's, why's, and when's—that drive actual outcomes. Middle‐range theorizing (MRT) enables researchers to focus on these inner workings to develop a deeper understanding of the degree to and conditions under which logistics phenomena impact outcomes as well as the mechanisms through which such outcomes are manifested. This study seeks to spur logistics research at the middle‐range level by presenting a context and mechanism‐based approach to MRT, outlining a process with guidelines for how to theorize at the middle range, and providing a template and examples of deductive and inductive MRT.
The plasticity of germ cell cancers and its dependence on the cellular microenvironment
Authors: Nettersheim Daniel , Schorle Hubert
Published: February 2017

So far, the understanding of germ cell cancer (GCC) pathogenesis is based on a model, where seminomas and non‐seminomas represent distinct entities although originating from a common precursor termed germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). Embryonal carcinomas (ECs), the stem cell population of the non‐seminomas, is pluri‐ to totipotent and able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers, giving rise to teratomas or tumours mimicking extraembryonic tissues (yolk sac tumours, choriocarcinomas). With regard to gene expression, (epi)genetics and histology, seminomas are highly similar to GCNIS and primordial germ cells, but limited in development. It remains elusive, whether this block in differentiation is controlled by cell intrinsic mechanisms or by signals from the surrounding microenvironment. Here, we reviewed the recent literature emphasizing the plasticity of GCCs, especially of seminomas. We propose that this plasticity is controlled by the microenvironment, allowing seminomas to transit into an EC or mixed non‐seminoma and vice versa. We discuss several mechanisms and routes of reprogramming that might be responsible for this change in the cell fate. We finally integrate this plasticity into a new model of GCC pathogenesis, allowing for an alternative view on the dynamics of GCC development and progression.
Overviews on the cellular uptake mechanism of polysaccharide colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Salatin Sara , Yari Khosroushahi Ahmad
Published: February 2017

Nanoparticulate drug/gene carriers have gained much attention in the past decades because of their versatile and tunable properties. However, efficacy of the therapeutic agents can be further enhanced using naturally occurring materials‐based nanoparticles. Polysaccharides are an emerging class of biopolymers; therefore, they are generally considered to be safe, non‐toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Considering that the target of nanoparticle‐based therapeutic strategies is localization of biomedical agents in subcellular compartments, a detailed understanding of the cellular mechanism involved in the uptake of polysaccharide‐based nanoparticles is essential for safe and efficient therapeutic applications. Uptake of the nanoparticles by the cellular systems occurs with a process known as endocytosis and is influenced by the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles such as size, shape and surface chemistry as well as the employed experimental conditions. In this study, we highlight the main endocytosis mechanisms responsible for the cellular uptake of polysaccharide nanoparticles containing drug/gene.