bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OUTRIDER: A statistical method for detecting aberrantly expressed genes in RNA sequencing data
Authors: Brechtmann Felix , Matusevičiūtė Agnė , Mertes Christian , Yépez Vicente A , Avsec Žiga , Herzog Maximilian , Bader Daniel M , Prokisch Holger , Gagneur Julien
Published: May 2018

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is gaining popularity as a complementary assay to genome sequencing for precisely identifying the molecular causes of rare disorders. A powerful approach is to identify aberrant gene expression levels as potential pathogenic events. However, existing methods for detecting aberrant read counts in RNA-seq data either lack assessments of statistical significance, so that establishing cutoffs is arbitrary, or rely on subjective manual corrections for confounders. Here, we describe OUTRIDER (OUTlier in RNA-seq fInDER), an algorithm developed to address these issues. The algorithm uses an autoencoder to model read count expectations according to the co-variation among genes resulting from technical, environmental, or common genetic variations. Given these expectations, the RNA-seq read counts are assumed to follow a negative binomial distribution with a gene-specific dispersion. Outliers are then identified as read counts that significantly deviate from this distribution. The model is automatically fitted to achieve the best correction of artificially corrupted data. Precision–recall analyses using simulated outlier read counts demonstrated the importance of combining correction for co-variation and significance-based thresholds. OUTRIDER is open source and includes functions for filtering out genes not expressed in a data set, for identifying outlier samples with too many aberrantly expressed genes, and for the P-value-based detection of aberrant gene expression, with false discovery rate adjustment. Overall, OUTRIDER provides a computationally fast and scalable end-to-end solution for identifying aberrantly expressed genes, suitable for use by rare disease diagnostic platforms.
Active sensing with light improves predator detection in a diurnal fish
Authors: Santon Matteo , Bitton Pierre-Paul , Dehm Jasha , Fritsch Roland , Harant Ulrike K. , Anthes Nils , Michiels Nico K.
Published: May 2018

Active sensing by means of light is rare. In vertebrates, it is known only from chemiluminescent fish with light organs below their pupils, an anatomical arrangement that is ideal to generate eyeshine in the pupils of nearby organisms. Here, we test whether diurnal fish can achieve the same by redirecting sunlight through reflection instead. We recently showed that small (< 5 cm), benthic, marine triplefin fish actively redirect downwelling light using their iris. We hypothesized that this mechanism allows triplefins to improve detection of a cryptic organism by generating eyeshine in its pupil. Here, we tested this by attaching small dark hats to triplefins to shade their iris from downwelling light. Two controls consisted of triplefins with a clear or no hat. These treatments test the prediction that light redirection increases the visual detection ability of triplefins. To this end, we placed treated fish in a tank with a display compartment containing either a stone as the control stimulus, or a scorpionfish, i.e. a cryptic, motionless triplefin predator with retroreflective eyes. After overnight acclimatization, we determined the average distance triplefins kept from the display compartment over two days. Both in the laboratory (n= 15 replicates per treatment) and in a similar field experiment at 15 m depth (n= 43 replicates per treatment) fish kept longer distances from the scorpionfish than from the stone. This response varied between hat treatments: shaded triplefins stayed significantly closer to the scorpionfish in the laboratory and in one of two orientations tested in the field. A follow-up field experiment at 10 m depth revealed the immediate response of triplefins to a scorpionfish. At first, many individuals (n= 80) moved towards it, with shaded triplefins getting significantly closer. All individuals then gradually moved to a safer distance at the opposite half of the tank. Visual modelling supported the experimental results by showing that triplefins can redirect enough light with their iris to increase a scorpionfish’s pupil brightness above detection threshold at a distance of 7 cm under average field conditions and at more than 12 cm under favorable conditions. We conclude that triplefins are generally good in the visual detection of a cryptic predator, but can significantly improve this ability when able to redirect downwelling light with their iris and induce eyeshine in the predator’s pupil. We discuss the consequences of “diurnal active photolocation” for visual detection and camouflage among fish species.
Chronic Physical Disturbance Substantially Alters the Response of Biological Soil Crusts to a Wetting Pulse, as Characterized by Metatranscriptomic Sequencing
Authors: Steven Blaire , Kuske Cheryl R.
Published: May 2018

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are microbial communities that are a feature of arid surface soils worldwide. In drylands where precipitation is pulsed and ephemeral, the ability of biocrust microbiota to rapidly initiate metabolic activity is critical to their survival. Community gene expression was compared after a short duration (1 hour) wetting pulse in both intact and soils disturbed by chronic foot trampling.

Across the metatranscriptomes the majority of transcripts were cyanobacterial in origin, suggesting that cyanobacteria accounted for the bulk of the transcriptionally active cells. Chronic trampling substantially altered the functional profile of the metatranscriptomes, specifically resulting in a significant decrease in transcripts for nitrogen fixation. Soil depth (biocrust and below crust) was a relatively small factor in differentiating the metatranscriptomes, suggesting that the metabolically active bacteria were similar between shallow soil horizons. The dry samples were consistently enriched for hydrogenase genes, indicating that molecular hydrogen may serve as an energy source for the desiccated soil communities. The water pulse was associated with a restructuring of the metatranscriptome, particularly for the biocrusts. Biocrusts increased transcripts for photosynthesis and carbon fixation, suggesting a rapid resuscitation upon wetting. In contrast, the trampled surface soils showed a much smaller response to wetting, indicating that trampling altered the metabolic response of the community. Finally, several biogeochemical cycling genes in carbon and nitrogen cycling were assessed for their change in abundance due to wetting in the biocrusts. Different transcripts encoding the same gene product did not show a consensus response, with some more abundant in dry or wet biocrusts, highlighting the challenges in relating transcript abundance to biogeochemical cycling rates.

These observations demonstrate that metatranscriptome sequencing was able to distinguish alterations in the function of arid soil microbial communities at two varying temporal scales, a long-term ecosystems disturbance through foot trampling, and a short term wetting pulse. Thus, community metatranscriptomes have the potential to inform studies on the response and resilience of biocrusts to various environmental perturbations.
Regulated nuclear accumulation of a histone methyltransferase times the onset of heterochromatin formation inC. elegansembryos
Authors: Mutlu Beste , Chen Huei-Mei , Moresco James J. , Orelo Barbara D. , Yang Bing , Gaspar John M. , Keppler-Ross Sabine , Yates John R. , Hall David H. , Maine Eleanor M. , Mango Susan E.
Published: May 2018

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY

MET-2/SETDB1 and interactors (LIN-65/ATF7IP and ARLE-14/ARL14EP) initiate heterochromatin formation during embryogenesis.

Heterochromatin formation during early embryogenesis is timed precisely, but it has been elusive how this process is regulated. Here we report the discovery of a histone methyltransferase complex whose nuclear accumulation determines the onset of heterochromatin formation inC. elegansembryos. We find that the inception of heterochromatin generation coincides with the nuclear accumulation of the methyltransferase MET-2 (SETDB). The absence of MET-2 results in delayed and disturbed heterochromatin formation, whereas accelerated nuclear localization of the methyltransferase leads to precocious heterochromatin. We identify two factors that bind to and function with MET-2: LIN-65, which resembles ATF7IP, localizes MET-2 into nuclear hubs, and ARLE-14, orthologous to ARL14EP, promotes stable association of MET-2 with chromatin. These data reveal that nuclear accumulation of MET-2 in conjunction with LIN-65 and ARLE-14 regulates timing of heterochromatin domains during embryogenesis.
A novel approach of human geroprotector discovery by targeting the converging subnetworks of aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Yang Jialiang , Zhang Bin , Houten Sander , Schadt Eric , Zhu Jun , Suh Yousin , Tu Zhidong
Published: May 2018

A key goal of geroscience research is to discover effective interventions to extend human healthspan, the years of healthy life. Currently, majority of the geroprotectors are found by testing compounds in model organisms; whether these compounds will be effective in humans is largely unknown. Here we present a novel strategy called ANDRU (aging network based drug discovery) to help the discovery of human geroprotectors. Instead of relying on model organisms, this approach is driven by human genomic and pharmacogenomic data. It first identifies human aging subnetworks that putatively function at the interface between aging and age-related diseases; it then screens for pharmacological or genetic interventions that may “reverse” the age-associated transcriptional changes seen in these subnetworks. We applied ANDRU to human adipose and artery tissues. In adipose tissue, PTPN1, a target for diabetes treatment and APOE, a known genetic factor for human longevity and diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, were ranked at the top. For small molecules, conjugated linoleic acid and metformin, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, were ranked among the top compounds. In artery tissue, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists and curcumin were ranked at the top. In summary, ANDRU represents a promising human data-driven strategy that may speed up the discovery of interventions to extend human healthspan.
Parallel multimodal circuits control an innate foraging behavior
Authors: López-Cruz Alejandro , Pokala Navin , Sordillo Aylesse , Flavell Steven W. , McGrath Patrick T. , Bargmann Cornelia I.
Published: May 2018

Foraging strategies that enable animals to locate food efficiently are composed of highly conserved behavioral states with characteristic features. Here, we identify parallel multimodal circuit modules that control an innate foraging state -- local search behavior -- after food removal in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Two parallel groups of chemosensory and mechanosensory glutamatergic neurons that detect food-related cues trigger local search by inhibiting separate integrating neurons through a metabotropic glutamate receptor, MGL-1. The chemosensory and mechanosensory modules are separate and redundant, as glutamate release from either can drive the full behavior. Spontaneous activity in the chemosensory module encodes information about the time since the last food encounter and correlates with the foraging behavior. In addition, the ability of the sensory modules to control local search is gated by the internal nutritional state of the animal. This multimodal circuit configuration provides robust control of an innate adaptive behavior.
Attenuation of influenza A virus disease severity by viral co-infection in a mouse model
Authors: Gonzalez Andres J. , Ijezie Emmanuel C. , Balemba Onesmo B. , Miura Tanya A.
Published: May 2018

Influenza viruses and rhinoviruses are responsible for a large number of acute respiratory viral infections in human populations and are detected as co-pathogens within hosts. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that co-infection by rhinovirus and influenza virus may reduce disease severity and that they may also interfere with each other’s spread within a host population. To determine how co-infection by these two unrelated respiratory viruses affects pathogenesis, we established a mouse model using a minor serogroup rhinovirus (RV1B) and mouse-adapted influenza A virus (PR8). Infection of mice with RV1B two days before PR8 reduced pathogenesis of mild to moderate, but not severe PR8 infections. Disease attenuation was associated with an early inflammatory response in the lungs and enhanced clearance of PR8. However, co-infection by RV1B did not reduce PR8 viral loads early in infection or inhibit replication of PR8 within respiratory epithelia orin vitro. Inflammation in co-infected mice remained focal, in comparison to diffuse inflammation and damage in the lungs of mice infected by PR8. These findings suggest that RV1B stimulates an early immune response that clears PR8 while limiting excessive pulmonary inflammation. The timing of RV1B co-infection was a critical determinant of protection, suggesting that sufficient time is needed to induce this response. Finally, disease attenuation was not unique to RV1B: co-infection by a murine coronavirus two days before PR8 also reduced disease severity. This model will be critical for understanding the mechanisms responsible for attenuation of influenza disease during co-infection by unrelated respiratory viruses.
Positive memory specificity reduces adolescent vulnerability to depression
Authors: Askelund Adrian Dahl , Schweizer Susanne , Goodyer Ian M. , van Harmelen Anne-Laura
Published: May 2018

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide1. A known risk factor of depression is exposure to early life stress2. Such early stress exposure has been proposed to sensitise the maturing psychophysiological stress system to later life stress3. Activating positive memories dampens acute stress responses with resultant lower cortisol response and improved mood in humans4 and reduced depression-like behaviour in mice5. It is unknown whether recalling positive memories similarly reduces adolescent vulnerability to depression. Here we used path modelling to examine the effects of positive autobiographical memory specificity on later morning cortisol and negative self-cognitions during low mood in adolescents at risk for depression due to early life stress (n = 427, age: 14 years)6. We found that experimentally assessed positive but not negative memory specificity was associated with lower morning cortisol and less negative self-cognitions during low mood one year later. Moderated mediation analyses demonstrated that positive memory specificity reduced later depressive symptoms through lowering negative self-cognitions in response to negative life events reported in the one-year interval. Positive memory specificity actively dampened the negative effect of stressors over time, thereby operating as a resilience factor reducing the risk of subsequent depression7. These findings suggest that developing methods to improve positive memory specificity in at-risk adolescents may counteract vulnerability to depression.
Structural Basis for Receptor Recognition by Lujo Virus
Authors: Cohen-Dvashi Hadas , Kilimnik Itay , Diskin Ron
Published: May 2018

Lujo virus (LUJV) has emerged as a novel and highly fatal human pathogen. Despite its membership among the Arenaviridae, LUJV does not classify with the known Old and New World groups of that viral family. Likewise, LUJV was recently found to use neuropilin-2 (NRP2) as a cellular receptor instead of the canonical α-dystroglycan (α-DG) or transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) utilized by Old World (OW) and New World (NW) arenaviruses, respectively. The emergence of a deadly new pathogen into human populations using an unprecedented entry route raises many questions regarding the mechanism of cell recognition and the risk that Arenaviruses are further diversifying their infection strategies. To provide the basis for combating LUJV in particular, and to increase our general understanding of the molecular changes that accompany an evolutionary switch to a new receptor for Arenaviruses, we used X-ray crystallography to reveal how the GP1 receptor-binding domain of LUJV (LUJVGP1) recognizes NRP2. Our structural data imply that LUJV is evolutionary closer to OW than to NW arenaviruses. Structural analysis supported by experimental validation further suggests that NRP2 recognition is metal ion dependent and that the complete NRP2 binding is formed in the context of the trimeric spike. Taken together, our data provide the mechanism for the cell attachment step of LUJV, the evolutionary relationship between the GP1 domain of this novel pathogen and other arenaviruses, and indispensable information for combating LUJV.
Cell-associated, Heparin-like Molecules Modulate the Ability of LDL to Regulate PCSK9 Uptake
Authors: Galvan Adri M. , Chorba John S.
Published: May 2018

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) targets the LDL receptor (LDLR) for degradation, increasing plasma LDL and, consequently, cardiovascular risk. Uptake of secreted PCSK9 is required for its predominant effect on the LDLR. LDL itself inhibits this uptake, though the mechanism by which it does so remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between LDL, the PCSK9:LDLR interaction, and PCSK9 uptake. We show that LDL inhibits binding of PCSK9 to the epidermal growth factor precursor homology domain A (EGF-A) domain of the LDLRin vitromore impressively than it inhibits PCSK9 uptake in cells. Furthermore, a cell-based factor responsive to heparin-targeting treatments can explain this difference, consistent with its identity as a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), a known co-receptor for PCSK9. Furthermore, we show that the entire PCSK9 prodomain, but not truncated variants, rescues PCSK9 uptake in the presence of LDL, suggesting that PCSK9:LDL binding requires the entire prodomain. Additionally, we show that the gain-of-function (GOF) PCSK9 variant S127R has increased affinity for heparin-like molecules such as HSPGs, potentially explaining the biochemical basis for its phenotype. Overall, our findings suggest a model where PCSK9, LDL, and HSPGs all interact to regulate PCSK9 uptake into the hepatocyte.
Evidence for Alternative Complement Cascade Activation in Primary CNS Vasculitis
Authors: Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Retallack Hanna , Knudsen Giselle M. , Yamana Alex , Hajj-Ali Rula A. , Calabrese Leonard H. , Tihan Tarik , Sample Hannah A. , Zorn Kelsey C. , Gorman Mark P. , Cohen Jennifer Madan , Sreih Antoine G. , Marcus Jacqueline F. , Josephson S. Andrew , Douglas Vanja C. , Gelfand Jeffrey M. , Wilson Michael R. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: May 2018

The central nervous system (CNS) has a dedicated network of blood vessels to support the physiological activity of the brain, spinal cord and meninges. Consequently, inflammation of CNS vasculature can have devastating effects on neurological function. A lack of understanding regarding the molecular pathology of CNS vasculitis impedes the development of better diagnostics and effective therapies. Here, we analyze the proteome of cerebrospinal fluid from patients with biopsy-confirmed Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS) relative to non-inflammatory control patients and patients with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstrictive Syndrome (RCVS), a syndrome that clinically mimics PACNS in several aspects. In PACNS, we find significant elevation of apolipoproteins, immunoglobulins and complement cascade components. Notably, we find a bias towards activation of the alternative complement pathway with elevated levels of the terminal cascade component, complement C5. Given the recent treatment successes of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) vasculitis with the C5 receptor inhibitor, CCX168 (Avacopan), our results suggest that complement C5 inhibitors may also prove useful as therapeutic interventions for PACNS.
CD32+and PD-1+Lymph Node CD4 T Cells Support Persistent HIV-1 Transcription in Treated Aviremic Individuals
Authors: Noto Alessandra , Procopio Francesco A. , Banga Riddhima , Suffiotti Madeleine , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Cavassini Matthias , Fenwick Craig , Gottardo Raphael , Perreau Matthieu , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

A recent study conducted in blood has proposed CD32 as the marker identifying the ‘elusive’ HIV reservoir. We have investigated the distribution of CD32+CD4 T cells in blood and lymph nodes(LNs) of healthy HIV-1 uninfected, viremic untreated and long-term treated HIV-1 infected individuals and their relationship with PD-1+CD4 T cells. The frequency of CD32+CD4 T cells was increased in viremic as compared to treated individuals in LNs and a large proportion(up to 50%) of CD32+cells co-expressed PD-1 and were enriched within T follicular helper cells(Tfh) cells. We next investigated the role of LN CD32+CD4 T cells in the HIV reservoir. Total HIV DNA was enriched in CD32+and PD-1+CD4 T cells as compared to CD32-and PD-1-cells in both viremic and treated individuals but there was no difference between CD32+and PD-1+cells. There was not enrichment of latently infected cells with inducible HIV-1 in CD32+versus PD-1+cells in ART treated individuals. HIV-1 transcription was then analyzed in LN memory CD4 T cell populations sorted on the basis of CD32 and PD-1 expression. CD32+PD-1+CD4 T cells were significantly enriched in cell associated HIV RNA as compared to CD32-PD-1-(average 5.2 fold in treated and 86.6 fold in viremics), to CD32+PD-1-(2.2 fold in treated and 4.3 fold in viremics) and to CD32-PD-1+cell populations(2.2 fold in ART treated and 4.6 fold in viremics). Similar levels of HIV-1 transcription were found in CD32+PD-1-and CD32-PD-1+CD4 T cells. Interestingly, the proportion of CD32+and PD-1+CD4 T cells negatively correlated with CD4 T cell counts and length of therapy while positively correlated with viremia. Therefore, the expression of CD32 identifies, independently of PD-1, a CD4 T cell population with persistent HIV-1 transcription and CD32 and PD-1 co-expression the CD4 T cell population with the highest levels of HIV-1 transcription in both viremic and treated individuals.

Importance

The existence of long-lived latently infected resting memory CD4 T cells represents a major obstacle to the eradication of HIV infection. Identifying cell markers defining latently infected cells containing replication competent virus is important in order to determine the mechanisms of HIV persistence and to develop novel therapeutic strategies to cure HIV infection. We provide evidence that PD-1 and CD32 may have a complementary role in better defining CD4 T cell populations infected with HIV-1. Furthermore, CD4 T cells co-expressing CD32 and PD-1 identify a CD4 T cell population with high levels of persistent HIV-1 transcription.
A synthesis of mapping experiments reveals extensive genomic structural diversity in theMimulus guttatusspecies complex
Authors: Flagel Lex , Blackman Benjamin K. , Fishman Lila , Monnahan Patrick J. , Sweigart Andrea , Kelly John K.
Published: May 2018

Understanding genomic structural variation such as inversions and translocations is a key challenge in evolutionary genetics. In this paper, we tackle this challenge by developing a novel statistical approach to comparative genetic mapping. The procedure couples a Hidden Markov Model with a Genetic Algorithm to detect large-scale structural variation using low-level sequencing data from multiple genetic mapping populations. We demonstrate the method using five distinct crosses within the flowering plant genusMimulus. The synthesis of data from these experiments is first used to correct numerous errors (misplaced sequences) in theM. guttatusreference genome. Second, we confirm and/or detect eight large inversions polymorphic within theM. guttatusspecies complex. Finally, we show how this method can be applied in genomic scans to improve the accuracy and resolution of Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Genome sequences have proved to be a critical experimental resource for genetic research in many species. However, in some species there is considerable variation in genomic organization, making a single reference genome sequence inadequate. This variation can cause issues in interpreting genomic signals, such as those coming from trait mapping. We introduce a new statistical method and computational tools that use linkage information to reorganize a single reference genome to 1) repair genome assembly errors, and 2) identify variation between individuals or populations of the same species. Using this method we can create a new genome order that improves upon the reference genome. We apply this method to five crosses among plants in theMimulus guttatusspecies complex. In this system we detect eight large chromosomal inversions and improve the resolution of a trait mapping study. This work highlights the utility of our method, and indicates how others studying diverse species might use them to improve their own research.
Mice deficient in nucleoporin Nup210 develop peripheral T cell alterations
Authors: Nieuwenhuijze Annemarie van , Malengier-Devlies Bert , Cauwe Bénédicte , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Liston Adrian
Published: May 2018

The nucleopore is an essential structure of the eukaryotic cell, regulating passage between the nucleus and cytoplasm. While individual functions of core nucleopore proteins have been identified, the role of other components, such as Nup210, are poorly defined. Here, through the use of an unbiased ENU mutagenesis screen for mutations effecting the peripheral T cell compartment, we identified a Nup210 mutation in a mouse strain with altered CD4 / CD8 T cell ratios. Through the generation of Nup210 knockout mice we identified Nup210 as having a T cell-intrinsic function in the peripheral homeostasis of T cells. Remarkably, despite the deep evolutionary conservation of this key nucleopore complex member, no other major phenotypes developed, with viable and healthy knockout mice. These results identify Nup210 as an important nucleopore complex component for peripheral T cells, and raise further questions of why this nucleopore component shows deep evolutionary conservation despite seemingly redundant functions in most cell types.
The role of satisfaction and loyalty for insurers
Authors: Ruefenacht Matthias
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the crucial antecedents of satisfaction and loyalty for the insurance industry and discuss how customer satisfaction and loyalty can be increased.

Design/methodology/approach

A large-scale global survey is conducted among 11,736 insurance customers. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling is used to estimate the influence of the identified antecedents of satisfaction and loyalty.

Findings

The results reveal a positive relationship between satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty for the insurance industry. In addition, the individual cognitive-based dimensions of anticipated regret and product category knowledge significantly affect satisfaction. Furthermore, co-production and trust both positively affect satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies relevant antecedents of satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty for the emerging literature of insurance marketing. Future studies in this domain should examine the influence of additional dimensions which were not part of the present work, such as perceived price fairness, service quality, and switching costs.

Practical implications

By installing and maintaining efficient two-way communication channels, insurers can decrease customers’ anticipated regret and enhance product category knowledge, which, in turn, can increase customer satisfaction. In addition, frequent and honest communication should be used to build up trust and induce co-production, which positively affect satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper identifies crucial antecedents of satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty for insurance companies. This research is timely, as previous works have largely neglected the idiosyncrasies of the insurance sector.
Assessing the moderating effect of Shariah Board on the relationship between financial performance and accounting disclosure
Authors: Ajili Hana , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Shariah Board (SB) is considered as a typical corporate governance mechanism for the Islamic banking system. This board takes the responsibilities of assuring the compliance of transactions and operations with Islamic rules and principles. The purpose of this paper is to measure the SB quality and examine its moderating effect on the relationship between financial performance and accounting disclosure quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample of 90 Islamic banks (IBs) during the period 2010-2014. The accounting disclosure quality and the SB quality were measured using self-developed indices. The moderating effect of the SB on the performance/disclosure relationship was examined using the hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The main finding of this study is related to the negative moderating effect of SB quality on the relationship between performance and disclosure. Accordingly, it can be said that the higher the quality of the SB is, the lesser the performance affects the disclosure. This result seems to indicate that at high level of SB quality, even when the performance decreases, the IBs engage in complying with accounting disclosure requirements in order to inform the stakeholders on the real situation of the bank.

Research limitations/implications

The finding of this study would be of great support to stakeholders and policy makers to make more pressure on IBs to improve the quality of their SB structure and show more compliance with the governance recommendations. As an extension to this study, further research can examine other Islamic governance mechanisms, such as the Internal Shariah Review.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, there has been a dearth of studies dealing with the empirical examination of the moderating impact of the SB quality on the association between the financial performance and the disclosure quality. Therefore, this study could be considered a tentative contribution to the literature by providing some empirical evidence on the links between these three variables using the moderation regression analysis.
Saudi students, American academic library: revisited
Authors: Ibraheem Abiodun I. , Devine Christopher , Scott Safiyyah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to use both quantitative and qualitative methods for assessing Saudi Arabian students’ experiences in using the library of a small American university and to compare the findings against those of a representative sample of American classmates.

Design/methodology/approach

The project used a paper survey in querying 164 Saudi Arabian and 273 American students studying at Robert Morris University in 2017.

Findings

The study found that Saudi subjects were much more likely to believe that their informational needs were misunderstood by librarians than American participants in the survey.

Research limitations/implications

Poor participation in the qualitative phase limited, to some degree, the interpretation that could be carried out of the study’s quantitative results.

Practical implications

The study’s findings strongly reveal the need for libraries and librarians to highly prioritize effective communication when providing service to international students.

Originality/value

This is only the second study to ever focus on the library experiences of Saudi Arabian students in American academic libraries, and it is the first to concentrate on the subjective aspect of understanding between librarians and international students. It is of value to library administrators, as well as librarians and library staff who interact with international students.
Predicting the spread of an invasive tree pest: The pine wood nematode in Southern Europe
Authors: de la Fuente Begoña , Saura Santiago , Beck Pieter S. A.
Published: May 2018

Invasive tree pests are increasingly threatening forest ecosystems. Understanding and controlling their spread presents a major challenge for managers, researchers, and policy makers. In 1999, the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causal agent of pine wilt disease and native to North America, was first detected in Europe, more precisely in south‐western Portugal. Since then, it has spread to more than 30% of the country, producing large‐scale damages in Portuguese forests.

We applied a new spatio‐temporal network‐based model to predict, at yearly intervals, the natural spread of the PWN on the Iberian Peninsula, as dispersed by the longhorn beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis, its only known vector in Europe. We compared the model predictions with independent observations of the natural spread of pine wilt disease in Portugal between 2005 and 2015. We simulated the effect of potential containment measures on the disease spread.

The model predicted the status (infected or non‐infected) of forest areas with 93% accuracy, had 93% sensitivity and specificity, and AUC = 0.96 (averages for 8 years with validation data).

Simulated clear‐cut belts stopped the spread only if they were wider than 30 km, although thinner belts delayed invasion. Furthermore, clear‐cuts were much more effective in slowing down the invasion when reinforced, in the adjacent areas, by the reduction in the vector beetle population through mass trapping and by the early detection and removal of infected trees.

Model projections identified areas through which the nematode is most likely to invade, by natural means, the phytosanitary buffer zone established along the Portuguese border, and Spain.

Synthesis and applications. In the absence of effective containment measures, the pine wood nematode may naturally spread into Spain in about 5 years. In less than 10 years, it may reach the major forest and climatic corridors that provide a gateway for subsequent expansion towards the rest of the Iberian Peninsula and, in the longer term, towards other European countries. Our model can considerably support management efforts by forecasting when areas are at highest risk of vector‐mediated invasion as well as the effects of specific control measures on the disease spread.
Overcoming the challenges of public data archiving for citizen science biodiversity recording and monitoring schemes
Authors: Pearce‐Higgins James W. , Baillie Stephen R. , Boughey Katherine , Bourn Nigel A. D. , Foppen Ruud P. B. , Gillings Simon , Gregory Richard D. , Hunt Tom , Jiguet Frederic , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Musgrove Andy J. , Robinson Rob A. , Roy David B. , Siriwardena Gavin M. , Walker Kevin J. , Wilson Jeremy D.
Published: May 2018

Public data archiving (PDA) is widely advocated as a means of achieving open data standards, leading to improved data preservation, increased scientific reproducibility, and transparency, as well as additional data use.

Public data archiving was primarily conceived to archive data from short‐term, single‐purpose scientific studies. It is now more widely applied, including to large‐scale citizen science biodiversity recording and monitoring schemes which combine the efforts of volunteers with professional scientists.

This may affect the financial security of such schemes by reducing income from data and analytical services. Communication between scheme organizers and researchers may be disrupted, reducing scientific quality and impeding scheme development. It may also have an impact on the participation of some volunteers.

Synthesis and applications. In response to the challenges of public data archiving for citizen science biodiversity recording and monitoring schemes, the archive function of scheme organizations should be better recognized by those promoting open data principles. Increased financial support from the public sector or from commercial or academic data users may offset financial risk. Those in favour of public data archiving should do more to facilitate communication between nonscheme users and the originating schemes, while a more flexible approach to data archiving may be required to address potential impacts on volunteer participation.
Adverse climatic periods precede and amplify defoliator‐induced tree mortality in eastern boreal North America
Authors: De Grandpré Louis , Kneeshaw Daniel D. , Perigon Sophie , Boucher Dominique , Marchand Maryse , Pureswaran Deepa , Girardin Martin P.
Published: May 2018

As major alterations are occurring in climate and pest ranges, it is imperative to evaluate their combined contribution to tree mortality in order to propose mitigation measures and limit losses in forest productivity. The objective of this study was to explore the association between declines in tree growth resulting from climatic and biotic (spruce budworm) disturbances, and their interactions on tree mortality of two dominant tree species,Abies balsameaandPicea mariana,of the eastern North‐American boreal forest.

We disentangle the influences of abiotic and biotic components on growth through a combination of model‐data comparison techniques. First, we characterized the variability in tree growth and mortality in the study area using a network of tree‐ring width measurements collected from living and dead trees. Subsequently, a bioclimatic simulation model was used to estimate the past annual, nonlinear, responses of stand‐level net primary production (NPP) to climate variability (period 1902–2012). From these two data sources, we defined the biotic stress events as the variance in the tree‐ring data unexplained by the bioclimatic forest growth simulation.

Throughout the 20th century, two periods of adverse climatic conditions preceded spruce budworm outbreaks episodes and induced tree mortality. Climatic stress events were associated with cold springs, warmer than average summers. We found that past stress history in interaction with tree characteristics and species predisposed trees to mortality. In addition, co‐occurring events (climatic and biotic) increased the severity of mortality episodes.

Synthesis. Our study challenges the belief that spruce budworm outbreak is the primary driver of broad‐scale tree mortality in eastern boreal forest. Rather, tree mortality is the result of cumulative events that combine unfavourable conditions for growth, resulting in loss of tree vigour and subsequently, mortality. Co‐occurrence of stresses in the future may lead to more severe episodes of mortality, as extreme climatic events become more frequent.
Immune cell trafficking, lymphatics and hypertension
Authors: Balasubbramanian Dakshnapriya , Lopez Gelston Catalina A , Rutkowski Joseph M , Mitchell Brett M
Published: May 2018

Activated immune cell infiltration into organs contributes to the development and maintenance of hypertension. Studies targeting specific immune cell populations or reducing their inflammatory signalling have demonstrated a reduction in BP. Lymphatic vessels play a key role in immune cell trafficking and in resolving inflammation, but little is known about their role in hypertension. Studies from our laboratory and others suggest that inflammation‐associated or induction of lymphangiogenesis is organ protective and anti‐hypertensive. This review provides the basis for hypertension as a disease of chronic inflammation in various tissues and highlights how renal lymphangiogenesis is a novel regulator of kidney health and BP.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc
Developmental Transactions Between Self‐Regulation and Academic Achievement Among Low‐Income African American and Latino Children
Authors: Mills Britain , Dyer Nazly , Pacheco Daniel , Brinkley Dawn , Owen Margaret T. , Caughy Margaret O.
Published: May 2018

This study examined the development of emerging self‐regulation (SR) skills across the preschool years and relations to academic achievement in kindergarten and first grade. SR skills of 403 low‐income African American and Latino children were measured at 2&1/2, 3&1/2, and 5 years (kindergarten). Reading and math skills were measured at 5 and 6 years (first grade) using the Woodcock–Johnson. Transactional relations between SR skills and achievement outcomes were estimated with latent difference score models. Increases in set shifting predicted prospective increases in reading, but not math scores. Increases in simple response inhibition predicted prospective increases in math, but not reading scores. Application of these findings to early intervention programming and needed supports for school readiness and achievement are discussed.
Sirt3 deficiency impairs neurovascular recovery in ischemic stroke
Authors: Yang Xiao , Geng Ke‐Yi , Zhang Yan‐Shuang , Zhang Jin‐Fan , Yang Ke , Shao Jia‐Xiang , Xia Wei‐Liang
Published: May 2018

Aims

Sirt3 is one member of the NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylase family and plays crucial roles in diverse aspects of mammalian biological function. Then the role of Sirt3 on ischemia stroke is unknown.

Methods

To examine the effect of Sirt3 on ischemic stroke, we performed transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in adult male Sirt3 knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice.

Results

The level of Sirt3 in infarct region is decreased after ischemic stroke. In addition, we found that Sirt3 KO mice showed worse neurobehavioral outcome compared with WT mice, accompanied by decreased neurogenesis and angiogenesis as shown by the reduction in number of DCX+/BrdU+ cells, NeuN+/BrdU+ cells, and CD31+/BrdU+ cells in the perifocal region during recovery phase after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, Sirt3 deficiency reduced the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), AKT, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that Sirt3 is beneficial to neurovascular and functional recovery following chronic ischemic stroke.
The integration and application of genomic information in mangrove conservation
Authors: Wee Alison K.S. , Mori Gustavo M. , Lira Catarina F. , Núñez‐Farfán Juan , Takayama Koji , Faulks Leanne , Shi Suhua , Tsuda Yoshiaki , Suyama Yoshihisa , Yamamoto Takashi , Iwasaki Takaya , Nagano Yukio , Wang Zhengzhen , Watanabe Shin , Kajita Tadashi
Published: May 2018

Article impact statement: Genomic information can help prevent species loss, facilitate reserve design and maximize adaptive potential of natural mangrove populations.
Uncertainty analysis and robust areas of high and low modeled human impact on the global oceans
Authors: Stock Andy , Crowder Larry B. , Halpern Benjamin S. , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: May 2018

Increasing anthropogenic pressure on marine ecosystems from fishing, pollution, climate change, and other sources is a big concern in marine conservation. Scientists have thus developed spatial models to map cumulative human impacts on marine ecosystems. However, these models are based on many assumptions and incorporate data that suffer from substantial incompleteness and inaccuracies. Rather than using a single model, we used Monte Carlo simulations to identify which parts of the oceans are subject to the most and least impact from anthropogenic stressors under 7 simulated sources of uncertainty (factors: e.g., missing stressor data and assuming linear ecosystem responses to stress). Most maps agreed that high‐impact areas were located in the Northeast Atlantic, the eastern Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the continental shelf off northern West Africa, offshore parts of the tropical Atlantic, the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, parts of East and Southeast Asia, parts of the northwestern Pacific, and many coastal waters. Large low‐impact areas were located off Antarctica, in the central Pacific, and in the southern Atlantic. Uncertainty in the broad‐scale spatial distribution of modeled human impact was caused by the aggregate effects of several factors, rather than being attributable to a single dominant source. In spite of the identified uncertainty in human‐impact maps, they can—at broad spatial scales and in combination with other environmental and socioeconomic information—point to priority areas for research and management.
‘Power in Mobility’: parent and therapist perspectives of the experiences of children learning to use powered mobility
Authors: Kenyon Lisa K , Mortenson W Ben , Miller William C
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain insights, from the perspectives of both parents and pediatric therapists, into the experiences of children learning to use a power mobility device.

Method

The purposive sample included 33 participants: 14 parents of children who were learning, or had learned, to use a power mobility device and 19 pediatric occupational therapists or physical therapists. Data were gathered face‐to‐face via seven focus groups consisting of either parents or therapists, and eight one‐on‐one interviews. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (1) ‘Power in mobility’ described how learning to use powered mobility changed more than just a child's locomotor abilities; (2) ‘There is no recipe’ revealed how learning to use powered mobility occurred along an individualized continuum of skills that often unfolded over time in a cyclical process; (3) ‘Emotional journey’ explored how learning to use powered mobility was an emotionally charged undertaking for all those involved.

Interpretation

Learning to use a power mobility device is a complex process that often requires perseverance and determination on the part of the child, family, and therapist.

What this paper adds

Powered mobility use impacts more than just a child's locomotor abilities.

Learning to use a power mobility device is a highly individualized process.

Learning to use powered mobility may be an emotionally charged process.
Evaluating the efficiency of the Dental Teacher system as a digital preclinical teaching tool
Authors: Nagy Z. A. , Simon B. , Tóth Z. , Vág J.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To investigate the use of a preparation evaluation system for enhancing the learning and performance of undergraduate dental students when cutting preparations.

Materials and Methods

Two groups of eighteen students each were randomly chosen from the fourth year of the dental programme. The task chosen for this study was to make a cavity in preparation for a mesio‐occlusal ceramic onlay in a plastic tooth. The dimensions of the cavity were defined, and 2 burs of known size were used for preparation. For assessment, each tooth preparation was scanned with a digital scanner and analysed using the Dental Teacher software. In the control group, a second corrective preparation was made following the supervisor’s instructions. In the test group, the second preparation was made based on Dental Teacher analysis. The final cavities were all scanned and assessed by Dental Teacher comparing the similarity of students’ onlay cavity preparations to the ideal preparation. All data were recorded and analysed by the software, including cavity depth and width in the occlusal and proximal box, the extent of mesiobuccal cusp reduction and shoulder width around the mesiobuccal cusp. Finally, the data were statistically evaluated using a Wilcoxon matched pairs test and a Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

Three of the 6 cavity dimension parameters improved significantly in the test group whilst no improvement was found in the control group. A positive correlation was found between the improvement and the deviation measured for the first preparations, and it was stronger in the test group than in the control group.

Conclusions

The use of Dental Teacher helped students to learn the preparation technique for onlay restorations more efficiently and seems to be a promising and useful method to facilitate their individual performance. Student feedback showed a great demand for digital aids in education.