bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating cell type-specific mutants by enhancer mutagenesis
Authors: Crews Stephen
Published: April 2017

Cell signaling plays an essential role in development, and knowledge of the identities of the cells sending the signal is critical. This can be a challenge, since signaling pathways and ligands are commonly used at multiple times and in multiple cell types during development. One solution to this problem is to create cell type-specific mutants using CRISPR/Cas9 to mutate enhancers that control different patterns of expression. In this issue of Genes & Development, Rogers and colleagues (pp. 634–638) provide the first use of this method in Drosophila to solve a long-standing issue in patterning of the embryonic central nervous system.
Crystal structure of the RNA 2′,3′-cyclic phosphodiesterase fromDeinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Han Wanchun , Cheng Jiahui , Zhou Congli , Hua Yuejin , Zhao Ye
Published: April 2017

2′,3′-Cyclic phosphodiesterase (CPDase) homologues have been found in all domains of life and are involved in diverse RNA and nucleotide metabolisms. The CPDase fromDeinococcus radioduranswas crystallized and the crystals diffracted to 1.6 Å resolution, which is the highest resolution currently known for a CPDase structure. Structural comparisons revealed that the enzyme is in an open conformation in the absence of substrate. Nevertheless, the active site is well formed, and the representative motifs interact with sulfate ion, which suggests a conserved catalytic mechanism.
Structure of the family B DNA polymerase from the hyperthermophilic archaeonPyrobaculum calidifontis
Authors: Guo Jingxu , Zhang Wenling , Coker Alun R. , Wood Steve P. , Cooper Jonathan B. , Ahmad Shazeel , Ali Syed , Rashid Naeem , Akhtar Muhummad
Published: April 2017

The family B DNA polymerase fromPyrobaculum calidifontis(Pc-polymerase) consists of 783 amino acids and is magnesium-ion dependent. It has an optimal pH of 8.5, an optimal temperature of 75°C and a half-life of 4.5 h at 95°C, giving it greater thermostability than the widely usedTaqDNA polymerase. The enzyme is also capable of PCR-amplifying larger DNA fragments of up to 7.5 kb in length. It was shown to have functional, error-correcting 3′–5′ exonuclease activity, as do the related high-fidelity DNA polymerases fromPyrococcus furiosus,Thermococcus kodakarensisKOD1 andThermococcus gorgonarius, which have extensive commercial applications.Pc-polymerase has a quite low sequence identity of approximately 37% to these enzymes, which, in contrast, have very high sequence identity to each other, suggesting that theP. calidifontisenzyme is distinct. Here, the structure determination ofPc-polymerase is reported, which has been refined to anRfactor of 24.47% and anRfreeof 28.81% at 2.80 Å resolution. The domains of the enzyme are arranged in a circular fashion to form a disc with a narrow central channel. One face of the disc has a number of connected crevices in it, which allow the protein to bind duplex and single-stranded DNA. The central channel is thought to allow incoming nucleoside triphosphates to access the active site. The enzyme has a number of unique structural features which distinguish it from other archaeal DNA polymerases and may account for its high processivity. A model of the complex with the primer-template duplex of DNA indicates that the largest conformational change that occurs upon DNA binding is the movement of the thumb domain, which rotates by 7.6° and moves by 10.0 Å. The surface potential of the enzyme is dominated by acidic groups in the central region of the molecule, where catalytic magnesium ions bind at the polymerase and exonuclease active sites. The outer regions are richer in basic amino acids that presumably interact with the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA. The large number of salt bridges may contribute to the high thermal stability of this enzyme.
How to achieve precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro to micro/nano scale
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Shi Qing , Wang Huaping , Yu Ning , Huang Qiang , Fukuda Toshio
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present state-of-the-art approaches for precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro- to micro/nanoscale.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first briefly discussed fundamental issues associated with precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro- to micro/nanoscale. Second, this paper described and compared the characteristics of basic components (i.e. mechanical parts, actuators, sensors and control algorithm) of the robotic manipulator. Specifically, commonly used mechanisms of the manipulator were classified and analyzed. In addition, intuitive meaning and applications of its actuator explained and compared in details. Moreover, related research studies on general control algorithm and visual control that are used in a robotic manipulator to achieve precise operation have also been discussed.

Findings

Remarkable achievements in dexterous mechanical design, excellent actuators, accurate perception, optimized control algorithms, etc., have been made in precise operations of a robotic manipulator. Precise operation is critical for dealing with objects which need to be manufactured, modified and assembled. The operational accuracy is directly affected by the performance of mechanical design, actuators, sensors and control algorithms. Therefore, this paper provides a categorization showing the fundamental concepts and applications of these characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper presents a categorization of the mechanical design, actuators, sensors and control algorithms of robotic manipulators in the macro- to micro/nanofield for precise operation.
Key assembly structure identification in complex mechanical assembly based on multi-source information
Authors: Han Zhoupeng , Mo Rong , Chang Zhiyong , Hao Li , Niu Weilong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a method for key assembly structure identification in complex mechanical assembly. Three-dimensional model reuse plays an increasingly important role in complex product design and innovative design. Assembly model has become important resource of models reuse in enterprises, which contains certain function assembly structures. These assembly structures implicating plenty of design intent and design experience knowledge can be used to support function-structure design, modular design reuse and semantics analysis for complex product.

Design/methodology/approach

A method for identifying key assembly structures in assembly model is presented from the viewpoint of assembly topology and multi-source attributes. First, assembly model is represented based on complex network. Then, a two-level evaluation model is put forward to evaluate importance of parts assembled, and the key function parts in assembly can be obtained. After that, on the basis of the function parts, a heuristic algorithm upon breadth first searching is given to identify key assembly structures.

Findings

The method could be used to evaluate key function parts and identify key assembly structures in complex mechanical assembly according to the specific circumstances.

Practical implications

The method can not only help designers find the key assembly structure in complex mechanical assembly model, facilitate the function-structure designing and semantics analyzing, and thereby improve the efficiency of product knowledge reuse, but also assist in analyzing influence scope of key function part changing and optimization of the assembly process for complex mechanical assembly.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to propose a method for key assembly structure identification in complex mechanical assembly, where the key function parts can be evaluated through a two-level evaluation model, and the key assembly structures are identified automatically based on complex network.
Mexico City street vendors and the stickiness of institutional contexts
Authors: Alvi Farzad H. , Mendoza Jorge Alberto
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The need for a firm’s business strategy to be responsive to the institutional contexts of emerging markets is well-established in the literature. Often, however, strategic responsiveness is impeded by defining institutional contexts as country-level aggregations (macro-level) and glossing over sub-national variations (micro-level). The purpose of this paper is to investigate micro-level contexts that can defy macro-level assumptions of economic rationality.

Design/methodology/approach

As a research site, the motivations of street vendors in Mexico City are analyzed in terms staying in one sub-national context, the informal sector, as opposed movement to another, the formal sector. Unanticipated reluctance to move from one context to another is defined as stickiness.

Findings

Sub-national institutional contexts are found to be sticky, with less movement between informal and formal sectors than would have been anticipated. Unexpectedly, it is found that a significant number of street vendors prefer the hardship of the informal sector to the relative security of the formal sector.

Research implications

International business research makes assumptions about the growth narrative of emerging markets, often characterizing a growing middle class as a rising tide that lifts all boats. In terms of further research on adapting strategy, however, assumptions of rational expectations ought to be tempered, as demonstrated by the stickiness of the informal sector.

Originality/value

A contribution is made to the international business literature by showing that macro-level assumptions about institutional context based on rational expectations of wealth-maximizing behavior in emerging markets may result in an incomplete view of institutional context. Ultimately, adaptation of strategy could be impaired as a result.
Corporate responses to stakeholder activism: partnerships and surveillance
Authors: Uldam Julie , Hansen Hans Krause
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Corporations are increasingly expected to act responsibly. The purpose of this paper is to examine two types of corporate responses to these expectations: overt and covert responses. Specifically, it examines oil companies’ involvement in multi-stakeholder initiatives and sponsorships (overt responses) and their monitoring of critics, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and activist organisations (covert responses).

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the paper draws on theories of visibility and post-political regulation. Empirically, it focuses on case studies of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Shell and BP, drawing on qualitative methods.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that overt responses create an impression of consensus between antagonistic interests and that covert responses support this impression by containing deep-seated conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

Corporate responses have implications for the role of the corporation as a (post-)political actor. By containing antagonism and creating an impression of consensus, the interplay between overt and covert responses open up further possibilities for the proliferation of soft governance and self-regulation through participation in voluntary transparency and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Data on covert practices of corporations are difficult to access. This impedes possibilities for fully assessing their extent. The findings of this paper support trends emerging from recent research on covert corporate intelligence practices, but more research is needed to provide a systematic overview.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understudied area of covert corporate activity in research on the political role of multinational corporations.
Linking leadership and justice to organizational commitment
Authors: Luo Zhenpeng , Marnburg Einar , Law Rob
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of collective identity in the relations among transformational leadership, procedural justice and employee organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey was conducted in 43 hotels in mainland China with 585 valid responses. In addition to descriptive statistics and the test of the presence of common method bias, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the validities and reliabilities of the variables; structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test causal relations and the mediating effects of collective identity.

Findings

Results show that transformational leadership and procedural justice are good predictors of employee collective identity and organizational commitment. In addition to a strong impact on employee commitment, collective identity partially mediates the effects of transformational leadership and procedural justice on employee commitment.

Research limitations/implications

This study is restricted to China’s hotel supervisors; therefore, caution should be taken when applying the findings to other sectors, regions and higher levels of leaders.

Practical implications

Findings of this study offer managerial insights for hotel supervisors to exercise transformational leadership and procedural justice to improve employee collective identity, which drives organizational commitment.

Originality/value

As an important concept, studies on the role of self-identity are limited in management and the field of leadership. This study tested the role of collective identity in leadership and organizational commitment in the context of Chinese culture, highlighting its theoretical and practical implications.
Legal origins and mortgage finance contradictions
Authors: Donkor-Hyiaman Kenneth Appiah , Ghartey Kenneth Nii Okai
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine why Ghana has English legal origins (hypothesised as a legal framework that promotes financial development) but has not developed a well-functioning mortgage finance market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the institutional autopsy approach developed by Milhaupt and Pistor (2008). This study is not a cross-country study but a historical examination of Ghana’s mortgage finance regulatory framework. The institutional autopsy framework considers the iterative process of change in a system and allows for context-specific system analysis.

Findings

The authors note that for a long period of about 68 years (1940-2008), some of the legal rules regulating mortgage finance were not typical of the hypothesised characteristics of the English common law tradition. These rules, including, interest rate controls, excessive entry barriers, loan default guarantee discriminations and complex foreclosure procedures, tended to inadequately protect creditors. In the context of the history of military rule and law-making, judicial discretion that could have promoted legal efficiency and strengthened contract enforcement was also limited. During this period, the legal system demonstrated a concentrated and coordinative character. New legislation in the form of the Home Mortgage Finance Act 2008 (Act 770) attempts to resolve some of these bottlenecks and improve creditor rights protection.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses solely on how the legal institution affects creditor protection and mortgage finance in Ghana.

Practical implications

Policy-wise, the study deepens the understanding of the channels through which the law affects the development of mortgage finance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the methodology used (institutional autopsy) is novel in the context of analysing mortgage finance.
Fits and misfits of supply chain flexibility to environmental uncertainty
Authors: Luo Ben Nanfeng , Yu Kangkang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects on performance of two types of misfits (overfit vs underfit) as well as two types of fits (high-high fit vs low-low fit) between environmental uncertainty and supply chain flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The two asymmetry hypotheses have been tested with survey data from 212 Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results in general provided empirical evidences for the asymmetric effects in the fits and misfits between environmental uncertainty and supply chain flexibility. For the same degree of misfit, underfit deteriorates performance more than overfit. In addition, high supply chain flexibility fitting high environmental uncertainty (i.e. high-high fit) results in a higher performance than low supply chain flexibility fitting low environmental uncertainty (i.e. low-low fit).

Practical implications

It suggests that managers should strive to avoid the underfit of supply chain flexibility rather than the overfit, if the perfect fit is impossible to achieve. In addition, as it is beneficial to realize the fit of supply chain flexibility to high levels of environmental uncertainty, managers should probably embrace the highly uncertain environment and enhance the supply chain flexibility of their organizations to meet the increasing uncertainty of environment.

Originality/value

Fit and misfit are the core concepts to understand the relationships among environmental uncertainty, supply chain flexibility strategy, and performance. While the existing literature highlights the differential performance consequences of fit vs misfit between environmental uncertainty and supply chain flexibility strategy, the effects on performance are assumed to be the same for the two types of misfits, and two types of fits. The authors challenge these symmetry assumptions by arguing that overfit has a less negative effect on performance than underfit, and high-high fit has a stronger positive effect than low-low fit. The authors found empirical evidence in a large sample of Chinese manufacturing firms.
Matching supply with demand in supply chain management education
Authors: Sinha Amit , Millhiser William P. , He Yuanjie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The field of supply chain management (SCM) evolves dramatically due to factors of globalization, innovation, sustainability, and technology. These changes raise challenges not only to higher education institutions, but also to students, employing organizations, and third parties like SCM-related professional bodies. To understand the challenge, the purpose of this paper is to examine the gap between demand and supply of SCM-related knowledge areas, answer-related design questions, and make recommendations to close the gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

To compare the demand and supply of SCM-related knowledge areas, demand data is collected from a professional career website and supply data is gathered from operations management (OM) and SCM course syllabi from AACSB-accredited business schools in the USA. Cluster analysis identifies how supply and demand are matched on the data collected.

Findings

First, gaps exist between SCM talent requirements from industry and the knowledge/skill training by US business schools. This paper identifies matching, under-supplying, and over-supplying knowledge areas. Under-supply in emerging areas such as SCM information technology and certain logistics management topics are found. Some traditional OM topics are over-supplied due to out-of-date industry applications and should be revised to reflect the field’s transition from an OM to SCM view. Last, this paper makes recommendations to different stakeholders in this matching supply with demand process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it provides an up-to-date understanding on demand and supply of SCM talent in USA. Second, it provides insights and recommendations not only to educators on curriculum design, but also to potential candidates interested in SCM careers, to companies’ job recruiters, and to professional organizations (such as APICS and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) to reduce the gaps between demand and supply.
Rethinking balanced scorecard (BSC) measures: formative versus reflective measurement models
Authors: Park Sungbum , Lee Heeseok , Chae Seong Wook
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Most empirical balanced scorecard (BSC) studies have shown a tendency to wrongly employ reflective indicators instead of the more theoretically suitable formative indicators. However, formative indicators are difficult to apply due to the lack of statistical software support and a standardized model testing method. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically compares the reflective and formative measurement method with standardized model comparison criteria. After collecting 217 valid questionnaires from companies in South Korea, the authors applied a structural equation modeling technique to analyze the data.

Findings

The result shows that the formative measure provides greater validity for the corporate performance measurement using BSC. Further, this study shows the indicators’ relative influence on each BSC perspectives using the formative measure.

Practical implications

This study proved the usefulness of the formative measure analysis method and suggested its practical use, focusing on the indicators most useful in developing corporate strategies. In addition, the authors showed that formative indicators could be used in the corporate environment by overcoming the limitations of conventional studies that were confined to causal relationships with latent variables.

Originality/value

This study may be the pioneering work that compares formative and reflective indicators simultaneously, addressing the usefulness of formative measurement and its application validity in the existing empirical studies using reflective measurements.
Quality of life of immigrant and non‐immigrant infertile patients in a publicly funded in vitro fertilisation program: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hasson J , Tulandi T , Shavit T , Shaulov T , Seccareccia E , Takefman J
Published: April 2017

Objective

To investigate whether there are differences in fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) and socio‐demographic characteristics between immigrants and non‐immigrant patients attending a government‐funded fertility program.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

McGill University Reproductive Center in Montreal, Canada, at a time when governmental funding for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was provided to all residents.

Population

All infertile patients, males and females, attending the center between March and July 2015.

Methods

Patients were invited to complete anonymous questionnaires which included socio‐demographic items and the validated FertiQoL questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Socio‐demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital state, infertility type & duration, previous IVF attempts; education, employment, income, ethnicity, spoken languages) and FertiQoL scores.

Results

In all, 1020 patients completed the questionnaires; of these, 752 (77.7%) non‐immigrant Canadian citizens and 215 (22.3%) resident immigrants were included in the analysis. Median duration in Canada for immigrants was 4 years. Immigrants were more likely to have university/graduate degrees (75% versus 64%), to be unemployed (37% versus 13.1%) and to have lower annual household incomes (72.8% versus 39.5%, all P < 0.05). They also reported poorer QoL and achieved significantly lower scores in the emotional, mind/body, social, treatment and total FertiQoL domains. Multivariate analysis showed male gender, lower education level and Caucasian/European ethnicity to be significantly associated with higher QoL.

Conclusions

Despite governmental funding of IVF, immigrants experience reduced fertility QoL, implying cost is not the only barrier to IVF use. The reduced QoL may stem from cross‐cultural differences in infertility perception. This population may be at greater risk for depression and anxiety and should be flagged accordingly.

Tweetable abstract

Immigrants’ fertility QoL is lower despite publicly funded IVF implying cost is not the only barrier to IVF use.
Epidemiology of endometriosis: a large population‐based database study from a healthcare provider with 2 million members
Authors: Eisenberg VH , Weil C , Chodick G , Shalev V
Published: April 2017

Objective

Endometriosis constitutes a significant burden on the quality of life of women, their families and healthcare systems. The objective of this study is to describe the real‐world epidemiology of endometriosis in an unselected low‐risk population in Israel.

Design

Retrospective population‐based study.

Setting and sample

The computerised databases of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), a 2‐million‐member healthcare provider representing a quarter of the Israeli population.

Methods

The crude point prevalence (31 December 2015; diagnosed since 1998) and annual incidence (2000–2015) rates of diagnosed endometriosis (ICD‐9‐CM 617.xx) were assessed among women aged 15–55 years. Prevalent patients were characterised in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including validated MHS infertility and chronic disease registries.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and incidence of diagnosed endometriosis in MHS.

Results

The point prevalence of endometriosis [n = 6146, mean age 40.4 ± 8.0 years (SD)] was 10.8 per 1000 (95% CI 10.5–11.0). Women aged 40–44 years had the highest prevalence rate of 18.6 per 1000 (95% CI 17.7–19.5). Infertility was documented in 37% of patients. A total of 6045 patients were included in the cohort of newly‐diagnosed endometriosis (mean age 34.0 ± 8.1 years), corresponding to an average annual incidence rate of 7.2 per 10 000 (95% CI 6.5–8.0).

Conclusions

We observed a substantially lower prevalence of diagnosed endometriosis compared with previous reports in high‐risk populations, in line with population‐based estimates from European databases (range 0.8–1.8%). Further characterisation of this cohort may help to understand what affects the prevalence of endometriosis in Israel, and to promote earlier diagnosis and improve management in clinical practice.

Tweetable abstract

Endometriosis diagnosed in 1% of women, according to a large population‐based study in a community setting.
Aspirin responsiveness changes in obese patients following bariatric surgery
Authors: Norgard Nicholas B. , Monte Scott V. , Fernandez Stanley F. , Ma Qing
Published: April 2017

Aims

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a promising treatment option for weight loss and to counter the metabolic consequences of obesity. Obesity has been linked to a hyperaggregable state, as well as a blunted response to aspirin. This pilot study assessed the hypothesis that bariatric surgery would lead to an improvement in aspirin‐induced platelet inhibition and a reduction in platelet aggregability.

Methods

Fifteen patients scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery were administered two 7‐day courses of aspirin 81 mg: the first course administered before surgery and the second was 3 months following surgery. Platelet aggregation was measured before and after each aspirin course using VerifyNow‐Aspirin. The primary endpoint was the change in on‐treatment aspirin reactive units (ARU) pre‐ and postsurgery. Data from bariatric surgery study patients were compared to data of normal weighted subjects gathered in a previous study.

Results

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass was performed in 80%, and 20% underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The mean starting body mass index (BMI) was 46.9 kg/m2. Patients lost on average 24.5 kg, resulting in a postsurgical BMI of 38.5 kg/m2. Postbariatric surgery, off‐treatment ARU was significantly reduced from presurgery levels (602±59 vs 531±78; P=.035). On‐aspirin platelet reactivity was also significantly reduced following surgery (469±60 vs 432±143, P=.03). There was a significant correlation between the extent of weight loss and the degree of improvement in on‐aspirin platelet reactivity (r2=.49, P=.024). Presurgery on‐aspirin platelet reactivity was significantly higher in obese patients compared to normal weighted subjects (469±60 vs 419±52; P=.016) and reduced to the baseline after the surgery (432±63 vs 419±52; P=.54).

Conclusion

Aspirin‐induced platelet inhibition may be more potent following bariatric surgery. The mechanisms behind this improvement require further investigation.
New Apatite Fission‐Track Ages of the Western Kuqa Depression: Implications for the Mesozoic–Cenozoic Tectonic Evolution of South Tianshan, Xinjiang
Authors: YANG Wei , LI Jianfeng , GUO Zhaojie , JOLIVET Marc , HEILBRONN Gloria
Published: April 2017

The Mesozoic–Cenozoic uplift history of South Tianshan has been reconstructed in many ways using thermochronological analyses for the rocks from the eastern Kuqa Depression. The main difference in the reconstructions concerns the existence and importance of Early Cretaceous and Paleogene tectonic activities, but the existence of a Cenozoic differential uplift in the Kuqa Depression remains enigmatic. Here, we present new apatite fission‐track ages obtained for 12 sandstone samples from the well‐exposed Early Triassic to Quaternary sequence of the Kapushaliang section in the western Kuqa Depression. The results reveal that there were four pulses of tectonic exhumation, which occurred during the Early Cretaceous (peak ages of 112 and 105 Ma), Late Cretaceous (peak age of 67 Ma), Paleocene–Eocene (peak ages at 60, 53, and 36 Ma), and early Oligocene to late Miocene (central ages spanning 30–11 Ma and peak ages of 23 and 14 Ma), respectively. A review of geochronological and geological evidence from both the western and eastern Kuqa Depression is shown as follows. (1) The major exhumation of South TiansShan during the Early Cretaceous was possibly associated with docking of the Lhasa block with the southern margin of the Eurasian plate. (2) The Late Cretaceous uplift of the range occurred diachronically due to the far‐field effects of the Kohistan‐Dras Arc and Lhasa block accretion. (3) The Paleogene uplift in South Tianshan initially corresponded to the far‐field effects of the India–Eurasia collision. (4) The rapid exhumation in late Cenozoic was driven by the continuous far‐field effects of the collision between India and Eurasia plates. The apatite fission‐track ages of 14–11 Ma suggest that late Cenozoic exhumation in the western Kuqa Depression prevailed during the middle to late Miocene, markedly later than the late Oligocene to early Miocene activity in the eastern segment. It can be hypothesized that a possible differential uplift in time occurred in the Kuqa Depression during the late Cenozoic.
Hydrochemistry and H‐O‐C‐S Isotopic Geochemistry Characteristics of Geothermal Water in Nyemo‐Nagqu, Tibet
Authors: WANG Siqi , LIU Zhao , SHAO Jingli
Published: April 2017

Nyemo‐Nagqu, Tibet, is rich in high‐temperature geothermal resources. The geothermal fields in Yangbajain and Yangyi as well as 11 unexplored geothermal fields along the geothermal belt from Nyemo to Nagqu were systematically investigated and the hydrochemistry data were collected from the whole field. Meanwhile, H‐O‐C‐S isotope data were obtained for the new fields, and H‐O isotope data for the Yangbajain and Yangyi fields. A comparison of the Nyemo‐Nagqu geothermal fields with those in the Yangbajain area shows that the types of high‐temperature geothermal water are dominated by Cl‐Na and Cl·HCO3‐Na, while the types of medium‐high‐temperature geothermal water are dominated by HCO3‐Na. The concentrations of Li, F, SiO2, and HBO2 in the geothermal water are positively correlated with Cl content, indicating possible mixing with magma water. The reservoir temperatures range from 90 to 270°C by geothermometers. Slight drifting of 18O was recorded at the Dongweng and Nyingzhong high‐temperature geothermal fields, while more significant drifting was recorded at Gulu. The geothermal water is mainly replenished by atmospheric precipitation. The low tritium contents (<1 TU) of the geothermal water from Nyingzhong, Gulu, and Luoma indicate that it is mainly replenished by sub‐modern (prior to 1952) water, while the high tritium content (8.4 TU) in Yuela implies modern water replenishment. Other geothermal fields are replenished by a mix of sub‐modern fresher water. The isotopic data in this study show that the carbon and sulfur in the geothermal water originates mainly from sediment leaching, with some of the carbon and sulfur having a deep origin.
Germanium in Magnetite: A Preliminary Review
Authors: MENG Yumiao , HU Ruizhong , HUANG Xiaowen , GAO Jianfeng
Published: April 2017

Magnetite is a very common mineral in various types of iron deposits and some sulfide deposits. Recent studies have focused on the use of trace elements in magnetite to discriminate ore types or trace ore‐forming process. Germanium is a disperse element in the crust, but sometimes is not rare in magnetite. Germanium in magnetite can be determined by laser ablation ICP‐MS due to its low detection limit (0.0X ppm). In this study, we summary the Ge data of magnetite from magmatic deposits, iron formations, skarn deposits, iron oxide copper‐gold deposits, and igneous derived hydrothermal deposits. Magnetite from iron formations contains relatively high Ge (up to ∼250 ppm), whereas those from all other deposits mostly contains Ge less than 10 ppm, indicating that iron formations can be discriminated from other Fe deposits by Ge contents. Germanium in magmatic/hydrothermal magnetite is controlled by a few factors. Primary magma/fluid composition may be the major control of Ge in magnetite. Higher oxygen fugacity may be beneficial to Ge partition into magnetite. Sulfur fugacity and temperature may have little effect on Ge in magnetite. The enrichment mechanism of Ge in magnetite from iron formations remains unknown due to the complex ore genesis. Germanium along with other elements (Mn, Ni, Ga) and element ratios (Ge/Ga and Ge/Si raios) can distinguish different types of deposits, indicating that Ge can be used as a discriminate factor like Ti and V. Because of the availability of in situ analytical technique like laser ablation ICP‐MS, in situ Ge/Si ratio of magnetite can serve as a geochemical tracer and may provide new constraints on the genesis of banded iron formations.
Faunal remains from the Islamic fort at Luluyyah (Sharjah, UAE)
Authors: Uerpmann Margarethe
Published: April 2017

Knowledge about human subsistence and the role of animal economy in the Islamic period of south‐east Arabia is still sketchy. The analysis of faunal remains from the coastal fort at Luluyyah (Sharjah, UAE), dated to the late thirteenth and early fourteenth century CE, provides some information. People depended on marine resources and domestic animals, a trait observable in the region since the Neolithic. Livestock breeding was not particularly developed. Judging by the distribution of their skeletal remains, the animals were slaughtered at the fort, implying that they either lived there or reached it alive.
Whole genome sequencing reveals a novel deletion variant in the KIT gene in horses with white spotted coat colour phenotypes
Authors: Dürig N. , Jude R. , Holl H. , Brooks S. A. , Lafayette C. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T.
Published: April 2017

White spotting phenotypes in horses can range in severity from the common white markings up to completely white horses. EDNRB, KIT, MITF, PAX3 and TRPM1 represent known candidate genes for such phenotypes in horses. For the present study, we re‐investigated a large horse family segregating a variable white spotting phenotype, for which conventional Sanger sequencing of the candidate genes’ individual exons had failed to reveal the causative variant. We obtained whole genome sequence data from an affected horse and specifically searched for structural variants in the known candidate genes. This analysis revealed a heterozygous ~1.9‐kb deletion spanning exons 10–13 of the KIT gene (chr3:77,740,239_77,742,136del1898insTATAT). In continuity with previously named equine KIT variants we propose to designate the newly identified deletion variant W22. We had access to 21 horses carrying the W22 allele. Four of them were compound heterozygous W20/W22 and had a completely white phenotype. Our data suggest that W22 represents a true null allele of the KIT gene, whereas the previously identified W20 leads to a partial loss of function. These findings will enable more precise genetic testing for depigmentation phenotypes in horses.
Antiretinal antibodies in central serous chorioretinopathy: prevalence and clinical implications
Authors: ten Berge Josianne C. E. M. , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Schreurs Marco W. J. , Vermeer Jacolien , Boon Camiel J. F. , Rothova Aniki
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To investigate the possible role of autoimmune reactions directed against retinal tissue in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), by analysing the presence of serum antiretinal antibodies (ARAs) and establishing their clinical relevance.

Methods

Sixty‐three patients with CSC were included, and clinical characteristics were collected. Serum samples of all patients with CSC, 101 uveitis patients and 60 healthy donors were analysed for the presence of ARAs by indirect immunofluorescence. Furthermore, all CSC serum samples were analysed on Western blot. Correlations between laboratory findings and clinical features of CSC were determined by logistic regression.

Results

Antiretinal antibodies (ARAs) were present in 54% of the patients with CSC, in 46% of uveitis patients (p = 0.153) and in 17% of healthy controls (p < 0.001). The majority of ARAs in CSC were directed against photoreceptors (27%), which occurred significantly more often compared to uveitis patients (15%, p = 0.039) and to healthy controls (5%, p = 0.003). No associations between clinical CSC characteristics and the presence of ARAs were found.

Conclusion

Serum ARAs are present in more than half of the patients with CSC, and especially, ARAs directed against photoreceptors were detected more frequently compared to both healthy controls and uveitis patients. Further research is warranted to unravel the role of ARAs in the pathogenesis of CSC.
Prognostic impact of chromosomal aberrations and GNAQ, GNA11 and BAP1 mutations in uveal melanoma
Authors: Staby Kjersti M. , Gravdal Karsten , Mørk Sverre J. , Heegaard Steffen , Vintermyr Olav K. , Krohn Jørgen
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate clinico‐pathological and molecular prognostic factors in a well‐defined series of posterior uveal melanoma (UM) with focus on chromosomal aberrations and mutations in the GNAQ, GNA11 and BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) genes.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples were obtained from 50 consecutive eyes enucleated for UM between 1993 and 2005. The material was tested for loss of chromosome 3 and gain of chromosome 8q gene signatures by selective molecular gene markers using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and for DNA mutations in the GNAQ, GNA11 and BAP1 genes.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 83 months (range, 8–205 months), 21 patients had died of metastatic UM and 16 patients of other causes. Tumour diameter, ciliary body involvement, mixed/epithelioid cell types, mitotic index, Ki‐67 proliferation index, loss of chromosome 3 and gain of chromosome 8q showed statistically significant associations with metastatic disease. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of GNAQ and GNA11 mutations between patients with or without metastatic disease. Mutational analysis of the BAP1 gene was performed in 32 primary UM and in five UM liver metastases. Nine different BAP1 missense mutations were identified. BAP1 mutations were not more common in metastasizing than in nonmetastasizing UM.

Conclusion

The molecular gene markers showing loss of chromosome 3 and gain of 8q gene signatures were associated with an increased risk of metastatic disease. BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene mutation status had no prognostic significance. The frequency and spectrum of BAP1 mutations in UM may be more dependent on ethnicity and demographic variables than hitherto considered.
Early Imports in the Late Bronze Age of South‐Western Iberia: The Bronze Ornaments of the Hypogea at Monte da Ramada 1 (Southern Portugal)
Authors: Valério P. , Araújo M. F. , Soares A. M. M. , Silva R. J. C. , Baptista L. , Mataloto R.
Published: April 2017

The composition and manufacture of Late Bronze Age metallic artefacts from funerary and domestic contexts of southern inland Portugal was studied. The prevailing trend comprises binary bronzes (10.3 ± 2.1 wt% Sn) showing deformed equiaxial grains, annealing twins and slip bands. The alloy composition is somewhat independent of artefact type, while the manufacture seems to rely on artefact function and the skilfulness of the metallurgist. The technological characteristics were linked with archaeological and chronological features, disclosing some artefacts of uncommon composition, such as low‐tin bronze bracelets (4.3–7.1 wt% Sn) associated with ornaments of exotic materials (glass and Egyptian faience beads, and also ostrich egg shell beads). The assemblage testifies to an archaic trade with the Mediterranean region before the establishment of the first Phoenician colonies on the southern Iberian coast.
Prevalence and pathogen load of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coliO157/O145 serogroup in sheep faeces collected at sale yards and in abattoir effluent in Western Australia
Authors: Yang R , Abraham S , Gardner GE , Ryan U , Jacobson C
Published: April 2017

Objective

Develop a multiplex quantitative PCR assay to investigate the prevalence and shedding of Escherichia coli O157/O145, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in sheep at sale yards and abattoirs.

Methods

A qPCR for E. coli O157/O145 was developed, validated and multiplexed with an existing qPCR for Campylobacter and Salmonella enterica. The absolute numbers of E. coli O157/O145, Campylobacter and Salmonella in control samples was determined using droplet digital PCR. These were then used as the controls in the multiplex qPCR on a total of 474 sheep faecal samples collected from two saleyards over a 4‐month period (April–July 2014) and 96 effluent samples from an abattoir.

Results

The mutiplex qPCR was specific with a sensitivity of 5 organisms/μL faecal DNA extract for Campylobacter, S. enterica and E. coli O157/O145. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter, S. enterica and E. coli O157/O145 in faecal samples was 5.7%, 3.6% and 8.4% and in effluent samples was 18.8%, 6.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The pathogen loads of Campylobacter, S. enterica and E. coli O157/O145 in faecal and effluent samples was also determined via mutiplex qPCR.

Conclusions

The overall prevalences of Campylobacter, S. enterica and E. coli O157/O145 were generally low (<6%), but point prevalences ranged considerably in healthy sheep (up to 26% for E. coli O157/O145). Further work to determine risk factors for shedding of bacterial organisms in meat sheep in the pre‐slaughter period (on‐farm, sale yards and lairage at abattoirs) could further reduce the risk of contamination of meat products.
E7 (1057ΔTA) mutation of the acidic α‐glucosidase gene causes Pompe's disease in Droughtmaster cattle
Authors: Lyons RE , Johnston DJ , McGowan MR , Laing A , Robinson B , Owen H , Hill BD , Burns BM
Published: April 2017

Objective

To determine whether known loss‐of‐function alleles of the acidic α‐glucosidase gene (GAA) are present in the Droughtmaster breed and, if so, whether the clinical signs and pathology of generalised glycogenosis (Pompe's disease) previously reported in other affected cattle are also seen in homozygous Droughtmasters.

Design

Existing genomic and other diagnostic tests developed for generalised glycogenosis in cattle were used to test for the presence of the three known loss‐of‐function alleles of
GAA
in a herd of Droughtmaster cattle. Two calves with clinical signs of generalised glycogenosis were submitted for necropsy.

Results

One loss‐of‐function
GAA
mutation (1057ΔTA or E7 allele) was identified using SNP chip technology and confirmed using conventional diagnostic DNA tests. Further testing demonstrated that the mutation was common within this herd and that two ill‐thrift calves were homozygous for the E7 allele. Parentage analysis confirmed both sire and dam as heterozygous carriers. Pathology consistent with generalised glycogenosis was found in the skeletal and cardiac muscle and spinal cord of both of the affected calves. The 1783C>T (E13) or 2454ΔCA (E18) mutations associated with generalised glycogenosis in the Brahman and Shorthorn breeds, respectively, were not detected.

Conclusion

The lethal mutation 1057ΔTA of
GAA
is present in the Droughtmaster breed, with pathology identical to that reported in pure Brahman animals. Droughtmaster breeders should take action to prevent any increase in the prevalence of this lethal allele in the breed as it could cause both welfare issues and production losses if ignored.
Azilsartan Medoxomil, an Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Hjermitslev Marie , Grimm Daniela G. , Wehland Markus , Simonsen Ulf , Krüger Marcus
Published: April 2017

Azilsartan (AZL) medoxomil was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2011 for the treatment of hypertension and has shown promising results both in blood pressure (BP) reduction and in tolerability, but has not yet been taken into practice to the same extent as other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) that have been on the market for a longer period. AZL antagonizes the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II (ANG II), whereas angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to ANG II, but not alternative routes of formation of ANG II. The bioavailability of AZL is about 60% and it has a tmax of 1.5–3 hr and a half‐life of approximately 11 hr. With its IC50 of 7.4 nM after 5 hr of drug washout in radioligand assays, AZL has a tighter and longer‐lasting binding to the AT1 receptor by several orders of magnitude than other ARBs, which might lead to a more effective reduction in BP. Clinical studies have revealed that AZL doses of 40 and 80 mg/day reduce BP significantly better than maximal clinical doses of valsartan or olmesartan, while being well tolerated and exhibiting a spectrum of adverse effects comparable to those of other ARBs. These properties of AZL might lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and thereby reduce mortality rates. However, the existing mortality studies have not found this correlation, which should be further investigated.