bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipathogen effector molecules: current and future strategies.
Authors: Riehle M. A. , Luckhart S.
Published: November 2014

The idea of replacing natural insect vector populations with genetically engineered ones that are incapable of transmitting important disease pathogens was first envisioned nearly 25 years ago by Curtis and Graves. For such an approach to be successful 3 key technologies are needed: (i) methods for genetic transformation of mosquitoes; (ii) identification of effector molecules that can block pathogen invasion or development; and (iii) identification of mechanisms for distributing effector molecules through vector populations in endemic areas. This chapter examines effectors against Plasmodium spp. and a few other pathogens as well as strategies to block dengue virus replication that have been identified to date. It also explores new potential targets and strategies that could both block pathogen development and improve vector fitness to enhance the effectiveness of population replacement with refractory vectors.
Sexual sterilization of mosquitoes.
Authors: Gabrieli P. , Marois E. , Catteruccia F.
Published: November 2014

This chapter discusses how genetic sterility can be induced by transgenic methods in mosquitoes, with a focus on Anopheles gambiae. It examines mechanisms for inducing sterility that have already been identified or that represent promising targets, and reviews current research on genetic sterility in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In the last section, this chapter discusses how some of the most promising gene engineering technologies can be utilized to introduce the desired mutations in the mosquito genome.
Paratransgenesis in mosquitoes and other insects: microbial ecology and bacterial genetic considerations.
Authors: Lampe D. J. , Bongio N. J.
Published: November 2014

In principle, it should be possible to modify the vector phenotype to prevent disease transmission in 2 ways: by modifying the genotype through transgenesis (i.e. adding or removing genes in the genome) or by modifying some aspect of the vector's internal environment. For vector insects, the environments in question are the tissues and structures necessary for pathogen replication and transmission. Very often these environments are co-colonized by symbiotic microorganisms. Manipulation of these microorganisms can lead to a change in the pathogen transmission phenotype of the insect. Changing the phenotype in this way is called paratransgenesis. This chapter covers efforts to implement paratransgenesis in mosquitoes and focuses mainly on efforts to control malaria. It examines the microbial ecology of mosquitoes relevant to paratransgenesis and bacterial genetic tools that may prove useful in creating paratransgenic bacterial strains suitable for release in the field. Although the examples used will emphasize mosquitoes, the methods should be generally applicable to paratransgenesis for other vectors of plant and animal diseases.
Asaia paratransgenesis in mosquitoes.
Authors: Favia G.
Published: November 2014

The finding of the strict ecological association between the bacterial genus Asaia (Family Acetobacteraceae) and mosquitoes has opened up possibilities for the paratransgenic control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Paratransgenesis is the genetic engineering of a microorganism associated with its insect host. Asaia is circulating among several mosquito species, infecting the majority of the members of a population if not all. Furthermore, it infects all the developmental stages and several anatomical features thus offering the possibility of using this bacterium for innovative mosquito control strategies. Particularly strategic for the paratransgenic control of malaria, gut microbiota is very relevant since the most vulnerable stage of Plasmodium development in the mosquito occurs within this organ. This chapter reviews available research evidence supporting the feasibility of using transgenic Asaia to control mosquito-borne diseases. It also highlights the capability of Asaia spp. to cross-colonize insects of different genera and orders.
RIDL: modelling release of insects carrying a dominant lethal.
Authors: Alphey N. , Bonsall M. B.
Published: November 2014

This chapter focuses on the use of release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL) technology in achieving a version of sterility using genetic engineering rather than sterilizing radiation or chemosterilization. The importance of mathematical models in the development and assessment of this new genetics-based approach in insect pest control is also discussed.
Risk analysis and the regulation of transgenic insects.
Authors: Beech C. , Miller T.
Published: November 2014

This chapter focuses on the evaluation of the potential benefits and harms that transgenic insects could bring to human health and the environment. The environmental risks associated with the introduction of large numbers of mass-reared insects and specific risks that may be associated with the process of genetic modification are due to the release of genetically engineered insects into the environment are also discussed.
The Cartagena protocol on the transboundary movement of living modified organisms: the regulation of trade in transgenic organisms under international and European environmental law.
Authors: Pereira R.
Published: November 2014

This chapter assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the present international legal framework involving the transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms. It also draws some insights into the extent to which international law framework for the transboundary movement of living modified organisms is capable of dealing with the legal challenges surrounding the movement of transgenic mosquitoes.
Structure and molecular characterization of barley nudix hydrolase genes
Authors: Tanaka Sayuri , Kihara Makoto , Sugimoto Manabu
Published: November 2014

Putative nudix hydrolase (NUDX) genes, which encode amino acid sequences showing homology with those of Arabidopsis NUDXs and conserve nudix motif, were identified from barley. The 14 deduced barley NUDXs (HvNUDX1-14) were classified into established subfamilies, except for 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate (8-oxo-dGTP) pyrophosphohydrolase and mRNA decapping enzyme subfamilies, and three substrate-unknown subfamilies. Drought and UV-C stresses, respectively, up-regulated 7 and 4 HvNUDX genes, but some homologs of Arabidopsis NUDXs showed different responses to abiotic stress. HvNUDX12 gene, belonging to diadenosine tetraphosphates (Ap4A) pyrophosphohydrolase subfamily gene and up-regulated by UV-C, was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant protein showed 8-oxo-dGTP, Ap4A, and guanosine-3′,5′-tetraphosphate (ppGpp) pyrophosphohydrolase activities, and the suppression of the lacZ amber mutation in a mutT-deficient E. coli cells caused by the incorporation of 8-oxo-GTP into mRNA was prevented to a significant degree. These results suggest that barley NUDXs have unique constitution and response of NUDX to abiotic stress.
Subject to Address in a Digital Literacy Initiative: Neoliberal Agency and the Promises and Predicaments of Participation
Authors: LaDousa Chaise
Published: November 2014

Bakhtin’s concept of addressivity affords an investigation of why my students and I were frustrated by the seeming lack of a connection between our participation in a self-tutorial in preparation for a digital literacy initiative, on the one hand, and the benefits of the acquisition of digital literacy, on the other hand. More than one structure of addressivity emerged from the tutorial, such that my students and I found the one that provided clues to the benefits of digital literacy utterly irrelevant to the completion of the self-tutorial and future tutorials. Structures of addressivity identified herein demonstrate that the individuals involved in the self-tutorial are not poised to benefit from interdiscursive ties beyond the self-tutorial and future tutorials. Such benefits are relegated to organizations. This article thus locates what has been identified as neoliberal agency within the addressivity structures that underpin a digital literacy initiative.
Understanding Practice: Factors That Influence Physician Hand Hygiene Compliance
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Linklater Stefanie , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Graham Ian D. , Sullivan Katrina , Bruce Natalie , Gartke Kathleen , Karovitch Alan , Roth Virginia , Stockton Karen , Trickett John , Worthington Jim , Suh Kathryn N.
Published: November 2014

Objective.

To identify the behavioral determinants—both barriers and enablers—that may impact physician hand hygiene compliance.

Design.

A qualitative study involving semistructured key informant interviews with staff physicians and residents.

Setting.

An urban, 1,100-bed multisite tertiary care Canadian hospital.

Participants.

A total of 42 staff physicians and residents in internal medicine and surgery.

Methods.

Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF), a behavior change framework comprised of 14 theoretical domains that explain health-related behavior change. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis involving a systematic 3-step approach: coding, generation of specific beliefs, and identification of relevant TDF domains.

Results.

Similar determinants were reported by staff physicians and residents and between medicine and surgery. A total of 53 specific beliefs from 9 theoretical domains were identified as relevant to physician hand hygiene compliance. The 9 relevant domains were knowledge; skills; beliefs about capabilities; beliefs about consequences; goals; memory, attention, and decision processes; environmental context and resources; social professional role and identity; and social influences.

Conclusions.

We identified several key determinants that physicians believe influence whether and when they practice hand hygiene at work. These beliefs identify potential individual, team, and organization targets for behavior change interventions to improve physician hand hygiene compliance.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(12):1511–1520
The Effect of Preoperative Skin Preparation Products on Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Young Heather L. , Reese Sara , Knepper Bryan , Miller Amber , Mauffrey Cyril , Price Connie S.
Published: November 2014

Skin preparation products contribute to surgical site infection (SSI) prevention. In a case-control study, diabetes was associated with increased SSI (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.74 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–27.0]), while the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) plus isopropyl alcohol versus CHG alone was found to be protective (adjusted OR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.12–6.20]).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(12):1535–1538
Smooth steady solutions of the planar Vlasov-Poisson system with a magnetic obstacle
Authors: Schaeffer Jack
Published: November 2014

The solar wind interacting with a magnetized obstacle is modeled with the Vlasov equation. The domain considered is a disk in the plane. Inflowing boundary conditions are given for the particle density. A magnetic field is prescribed, and the electric field is computed self consistently with potential zero on the boundary. Taking the boundary condition for the particle density to be sufficiently small, it is shown that there is a natural smooth steady solution. The speed of the inflowing plasma and the magnetic field are not size restricted.
KIF5B transports BNIP-2 to regulate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and myoblast differentiation
Authors: Yi Peng , Chew Li Li , Zhang Ziwang , Ren Hao , Wang Feiya , Cong Xiaoxia , Zheng Liling , Luo Yan , Ouyang Hongwei , Low Boon Chuan , Zhou Yi Ting
Published: November 2014

The Cdo-p38MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway plays important roles in regulating skeletal myogenesis. During myogenic differentiation, the cell surface receptor Cdo bridges scaffold proteins BNIP-2 and JLP and activates p38MAPK, but the spatial-temporal regulation of this process is largely unknown. We here report that KIF5B, the heavy chain of kinesin-1 motor, is a novel interacting partner of BNIP-2. Coimmunoprecipitation and far-Western study revealed that BNIP-2 directly interacted with the motor and tail domains of KIF5B via its BCH domain. By using a range of organelle markers and live microscopy, we determined the endosomal localization of BNIP-2 and revealed the microtubule-dependent anterograde transport of BNIP-2 in C2C12 cells. The anterograde transport of BNIP-2 was disrupted by a dominant-negative mutant of KIF5B. In addition, knockdown of KIF5B causes aberrant aggregation of BNIP-2, confirming that KIF5B is critical for the anterograde transport of BNIP-2 in cells. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments further showed that KIF5B modulates p38MAPK activity and in turn promotes myogenic differentiation. Of importance, the KIF5B-dependent anterograde transport of BNIP-2 is critical for its promyogenic effects. Our data reveal a novel role of KIF5B in the spatial regulation of Cdo–BNIP-2–p38MAPK signaling and disclose a previously unappreciated linkage between the intracellular transporting system and myogenesis regulation.
Polarized sorting of the copper transporter ATP7B in neurons mediated by recognition of a dileucine signal by AP-1
Authors: Jain Shweta , Farías Ginny G. , Bonifacino Juan S.
Published: November 2014

Neurons are highly polarized cells having distinct somatodendritic and axonal domains. Here we report that polarized sorting of the Cu2+ transporter ATP7B and the vesicle-SNARE VAMP4 to the somatodendritic domain of rat hippocampal neurons is mediated by recognition of dileucine-based signals in the cytosolic domains of the proteins by the σ1 subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-1. Under basal Cu2+ conditions, ATP7B was localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the plasma membrane of the soma and dendrites but not the axon. Mutation of a dileucine-based signal in ATP7B or overexpression of a dominant-negative σ1 mutant resulted in nonpolarized distribution of ATP7B between the somatodendritic and axonal domains. Furthermore, addition of high Cu2+ concentrations, previously shown to reduce ATP7B incorporation into AP-1–containing clathrin-coated vesicles, caused loss of TGN localization and somatodendritic polarity of ATP7B. These findings support the notion of AP-1 as an effector of polarized sorting in neurons and suggest that altered polarity of ATP7B in polarized cell types might contribute to abnormal copper metabolism in the MEDNIK syndrome, a neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in the σ1A subunit isoform of AP-1.
A novel mechanism for the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion by the ECO1 acetyltransferase
Authors: Guacci Vincent , Stricklin Jeremiah , Bloom Michelle S. , Guō Xuánzōng , Bhatter Meghna , Koshland Douglas
Published: November 2014

Cohesin complex mediates cohesion between sister chromatids, which promotes high-fidelity chromosome segregation. Eco1p acetylates the cohesin subunit Smc3p during S phase to establish cohesion. The current model posits that this Eco1p-mediated acetylation promotes establishment by abrogating the ability of Wpl1p to destabilize cohesin binding to chromosomes. Here we present data from budding yeast that is incompatible with this Wpl1p-centric model. Two independent in vivo assays show that a wpl1∆ fails to suppress cohesion defects of eco1∆ cells. Moreover, a wpl1∆ also fails to suppress cohesion defects engendered by blocking just the essential Eco1p acetylation sites on Smc3p (K112, K113). Thus removing WPL1 inhibition is insufficient for generating cohesion without ECO1 activity. To elucidate how ECO1 promotes cohesion, we conducted a genetic screen and identified a cohesion activator mutation in the SMC3 head domain (D1189H). Smc3-D1189H partially restores cohesion in eco1∆ wpl1∆ or eco1 mutant cells but robustly restores cohesion in cells blocked for Smc3p K112 K113 acetylation. These data support two important conclusions. First, acetylation of the K112 K113 region by Eco1p promotes cohesion establishment by altering Smc3p head function independent of its ability to antagonize Wpl1p. Second, Eco1p targets other than Smc3p K112 K113 are necessary for efficient establishment.
Airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging to help assess impacts of stationary fishing gear on the north Brazilian mangrove coast
Authors: Krumme Uwe , Giarrizzo Tommaso , Pereira Rodolfo , de Jesus Allan Jamesson Silva , Schaub Christoph , Saint-Paul Ulrich
Published: November 2014

Assessing artisanal fishing effort and catches in remote tropical coastal areas is a continuous challenge for fisheries data collection. This is the first spatio-temporal analysis of the large tidal weir (LTW) fishery operating on intertidal sand banks along the world’s longest mangrove coast, north Brazil. Airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images and aerial photos were integrated with field sampling to investigate catch and discard compositions of seven LTW during the main fishing season. LTW measurements on the SAR images were used to generate estimates on daily catch, wood extraction, and sand accumulation. In a coastal stretch of 67 km, 793 LTW were identified on SAR images from 2004, including 573 active LTW. The number of active LTW in Taperaçú Bay and Caeté Bay had increased from 87 in 1998 to 132 in 2004 (52% increase), and from 92 to 202 (106% increase), respectively. Sixty-five fish species from 24 families were captured in the LTW. Ariidae, Sciaenidae, Haemulidae, and Carangidae accounted for 45, 20, 10, and 7% of the total sampled catch weight of 3441 kg, respectively. The mean daily catch per LTW was 110 kg ± 9 SE. Total discards in outer estuarine LTW were >3 times higher than in inner estuarine LTW. All Aspredinidae, Belonidae, Tetraodontidae, and Trichiuridae, and >75% of Auchenipteridae, Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Ephippidae, Loricariidae, Scombridae, and Soleidae were discarded. The LTW fishery apparently practices balanced harvesting; however, the massive LTW increase suggests fishing effort reduction to moderate levels. Mangrove wood extraction for LTW construction (22 835 m3 or 855 390 trees) and sand accumulation (144 802 m3) likely have only local scale effects, negligible for the overall ecosystem dynamics. The study highlights the potential of SAR images for use in fisheries data collection and management of tropical coasts, emphasizing the need for integration with ground-truthing field studies.
Seasonality of strandings and bycatch of harbour porpoises in the Sea of Azov: the effects of fisheries, weather conditions, and life history
Authors: Vishnyakova Karina , Gol'din Pavel
Published: November 2014

In this study, we analyse seasonal aspects of harbour porpoise strandings in the Sea of Azov and discuss factors affecting the stranding rate. Data on 633 strandings were obtained from monitoring of a 35-km long area of the south coast of the Sea of Azov in 1999–2013. A distinct peak of strandings fell in July and August: it depended on the bycatch peak and calving season. Stranding rates depended neither on weather conditions nor on the seasonal fishing activities (including IUU fisheries). Moreover, stranding peaks in the neighbouring Black Sea were also tied to the calving season rather than to the fishing activities. We suggest that the seasonal mortality patterns are indirectly determined by nutritional stress: in Atlantic, winter-stranding oceanic populations and summer-stranding inner-sea populations occur that also possibly differ in the seasonal dynamics of body mass, weaning time or duration of mother–calf association, and dentine structure. In a typical summer-stranding population, summer is the season of nutritional stress, parturition, independent foraging of yearlings and lactation of nursing females, which leads to the risky foraging behaviour near gillnets. Another possible factor of increased bycatch is the seasonal habitat preference, corresponding to the gillnet preferences. Therefore, stranding and bycatch seasonality of porpoises can largely be explained by the aspects of their life history and foraging behaviour rather than by weather conditions and fisheries. This supports the time–area closure strategy as an adequate conservation measure, which would consider minimizing the conflict of interest with fisheries.
Role of Spinal CXCL1 (GROα) in Opioid Tolerance
Authors: Lin Chih-Peng , Kang Kai-Hsiang , Lin Tzu-Hung , Wu Ming-Yueh , Liou Houng-Chi , Chuang Woei-Jer , Sun Wei-Zen , Fu Wen-Mei
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract

In human cancer patients as well as rats, chronic opioid administration causes the enhanced expression of CXCL1. The spinal administration of CXCL1 to rats speeds the onset and increases the severity of opioid tolerance.

Background:

The pivotal role of glial activation and up-regulated inflammatory mediators in the opioid tolerance has been confirmed in rodents but not yet in humans. Here, the authors investigated the intraspinal cytokine and chemokine profiles of opioid-tolerant cancer patients; and to determine if up-regulated chemokines could modify opioid tolerance in rats.

Methods:

Cerebrospinal fluid samples from opioid-tolerant cancer patients and opioid-naive subjects were compared. The cerebrospinal fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CXCL1, CXCL10, CCL2, and CX3CL1 were assayed. The rat tail flick test was utilized to assess the effects of intrathecal CXCL1 on morphine-induced acute antinociception and analgesic tolerance.

Results:

CXCL1 level in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly up-regulated in the opioid-tolerant group (n = 30, 18.8 pg/ml vs. 13.2 pg/ml, P = 0.02) and was positively correlated (r2 = 0.49, P < 0.01) with opioid dosage. In rat experiment, after induction of tolerance by morphine infusion, the spinal cord CXCL1 messenger RNA was up-regulated to 32.5 ± 11.9-fold. Although CXCL1 infusion alone did not affect baseline tail-flick latency, the analgesic efficacy of a single intraperitoneal injection of morphine dropped significantly on day 1 to day 3 after intrathecal infusion of CXCL1. After establishing tolerance by intrathecal continuous infusion of morphine, its development was accelerated by coadministration of CXCL1 and attenuated by coadministration of CXCL1-neutralizing antibody or CXCR2 antagonist.

Conclusions:

CXCL1 is up-regulated in both opioid-tolerant patients and rodents. The onset and extent of opioid tolerance was affected by antagonizing intrathecal CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling. Therefore, the CXCL1/CXCR2 signal pathway may be a novel target for the treatment of opioid tolerance.
Overexpression of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Effluent Protein MRP4 Induces an Altered Response to β-Adrenergic Stimulation in the Senescent Rat Heart
Authors: Carillion Aude , Feldman Sarah , Jiang Cheng , Atassi Fabrice , Na Na , Mougenot Nathalie , Besse Sophie , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Riou Bruno , Amour Julien
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract

MRP4 is overexpressed in the senescent rat heart and is involved in the limited positive inotropic response of the senescent heart to β-adrenergic stimulation. MRP4 may be a therapeutic target for altering the inotropic reserve of elderly patients.

Background:

In the senescent heart, the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation is reduced, partly by dysregulation of β1- and β3-adrenoceptors. The multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) takes part in the control of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration by controlling its efflux but the role of MRP4 in the β-adrenergic dysfunction of the senescent heart remains unknown.

Methods:

The β-adrenergic responses to isoproterenol were investigated in vivo (stress echocardiography) and in vitro (isolated cardiomyocyte by Ionoptix® with sarcomere shortening and calcium transient) in young (3 months old) and senescent (24 months old) rats pretreated or not with MK571, a specific MRP4 inhibitor. MRP4 was quantified in left ventricular homogenates by Western blotting. Data are mean ± SD expressed as percent of baseline value.

Results:

The positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol was reduced in senescent rats in vivo (left ventricular shortening fraction 120 ± 16% vs. 158 ± 20%, P < 0.001, n = 16 rats) and in vitro (sarcomere shortening 129 ± 37% vs. 148 ± 35%, P = 0.004, n = 41 or 43 cells) as compared to young rats. MRP4 expression increased 3.6-fold in senescent compared to young rat myocardium (P = 0.012, n = 8 rats per group). In senescent rats, inhibition of MRP4 by MK571 restored the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol in vivo (143 ± 11%, n = 8 rats). In vitro in senescent cardiomyocytes pretreated with MK571, both sarcomere shortening (161 ± 45% vs. 129 ± 37%, P = 0.007, n = 41 cells per group) and calcium transient amplitude (132 ± 25% vs. 113 ± 27%, P = 0.007) increased significantly.

Conclusion:

MRP4 overexpression contributes to the reduction of the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation in the senescent heart.
Comparison of Arginine Hydrochloride and Acetazolamide for the Correction of Metabolic Alkalosis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Heble Daniel E. , Oschman Alexandra , Sandritter Tracy L.
Published: November 2014

Metabolic alkalosis is a common acid–base disturbance occurring in critically ill pediatric patients. Acetazolamide and arginine hydrochloride are pharmacologic agents used at our institution for patients refractory to first-line therapy or those unable to tolerate fluid replacement. The objective of this retrospective review was to determine if a course of arginine hydrochloride or acetazolamide was more effective at correcting metabolic alkalosis within a 24-hour period. Patients included received a course of acetazolamide or arginine hydrochloride for metabolic alkalosis with a repeat metabolic panel 18–30 hours after treatment initiation. Exclusion criteria consisted of previous treatment with either drug within 24 hours or a documented metabolic disorder. Efficacy was determined by proportion of patients achieving resolution of metabolic alkalosis (treatment success: serum CO2 <30 mmol/L and Cl− >96 mmol/L). Additionally, mean change in serum bicarbonate and chloride concentrations was assessed. Thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria, 19 patients received acetazolamide and 15 patients received arginine hydrochloride. Treatment success was similar in patients receiving acetazolamide and arginine hydrochloride (37% vs. 7%, P = 0.053). Correction of serum bicarbonate was observed in more patients treated with acetazolamide (42% vs. 7%, P = 0.047). Both groups had a similar increase in mean serum chloride concentration (5.7 ± 5.3 vs. 4.4 ± 4.4 mmol/L, P = 0.458). Mean decrease in serum bicarbonate concentration was equivalent between groups (5.6 ± 5.2 vs. 2.8 ± 4.7, mmol/L, P = 0.110). Acetazolamide and arginine hydrochloride appear to be equally effective in correcting metabolic alkalosis in critically ill pediatric patients.
Polo kinase regulates the localization and activity of the chromosomal passenger complex in meiosis and mitosis in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Carmena Mar , Lombardia Miguel Ortiz , Ogawa Hiromi , Earnshaw William C.
Published: November 2014

Cell cycle progression is regulated by members of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), Polo and Aurora families of protein kinases. The levels of expression and localization of the key regulatory kinases are themselves subject to very tight control. There is increasing evidence that crosstalk between the mitotic kinases provides for an additional level of regulation. We have previously shown that Aurora B activates Polo kinase at the centromere in mitosis, and that the interaction between Polo and the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) component INCENP is essential in this activation. In this report, we show that Polo kinase is required for the correct localization and activity of the CPC in meiosis and mitosis. Study of the phenotype of different
polo
allele combinations compared to the effect of chemical inhibition revealed significant differences in the localization and activity of the CPC in diploid tissues. Our results shed new light on the mechanisms that control the activity of Aurora B in meiosis and mitosis.
Sex-biased avian host use by arbovirus vectors
Authors: Burkett-Cadena Nathan D. , Bingham Andrea M. , Unnasch Thomas R.
Published: November 2014

Prevalence of arthropod-borne parasites often differs drastically between host sexes. This sex-related disparity may be related to physiological (primarily hormonal) differences that facilitate or suppress replication of the pathogen in host tissues. Alternately, differences in pathogen prevalence between host sexes may be owing to differential exposure to infected vectors. Here, we report on the use of PCR-based assays recognizing bird sex chromosomes to investigate sex-related patterns of avian host use from field-collected female mosquitoes from Florida, USA. Mosquitoes took more bloodmeals from male birds (64.0% of 308 sexed samples) than female birds (36.0%), deviating significantly from a hypothetical 1:1 sex ratio. In addition, male-biased host use was consistent across mosquito species (
Culex erraticus
(64.4%);
Culex nigripalpus
(61.0%) and
Culiseta melanura
(64.9%)). Our findings support the hypothesis that sex-biased exposure to vector-borne pathogens contributes to disparities in parasite/pathogen prevalence between the sexes. While few studies have yet to investigate sex-biased host use by mosquitoes, the methods used here could be applied to a variety of mosquito-borne disease systems, including those that affect health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Understanding the mechanisms that drive sex-based disparities in host use may lead to novel strategies for interrupting pathogen/parasite transmission.
Tooth serration morphologies in the genus Machimosaurus(Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Late Jurassic of Europe
Authors: Young Mark T. , Steel Lorna , Brusatte Stephen L. , Foffa Davide , Lepage Yves
Published: November 2014

Machimosauruswas a large-bodied durophagous/chelonivorous genus of teleosaurid crocodylomorph that lived in shallow marine and brackish ecosystems during the Late Jurassic. Among teleosaurids,Machimosaurusand its sister taxon ‘Steneosaurus’obtusidensare characterized by having foreshortened rostra, proportionally enlarged supratemporal fenestrae and blunt teeth with numerous apicobasal ridges and a shorter anastomosed ridged pattern in the apical region. A recent study on ‘S.’obtusidensdentition found both true denticles and false serrations (enamel ridges which contact the carinae). Here, we comprehensively describe and figure the dentition ofMachimosaurus, and find thatMachimosaurusbuffetautiandMachimosaurus hugiihave four types of serration or serration-like structures, including both denticles and false denticles on the carinae. The denticles are irregularly shaped and are not always discrete units, whereas the false denticles caused by the interaction between the superficial enamel ridges and the carinae are restricted to the apical region. Peculiarly, the most ‘denticle-like’ structures are discrete, bulbous units on the apicobasal and apical anastomosed ridges ofM. hugii. These ‘pseudo-denticles’ have never, to our knowledge, previously been reported among crocodylomorphs, and their precise function is unclear. They may have increased the surface area of the apical region and/or strengthened the enamel, both of which would have been advantageous for a durophagous taxon feeding on hard objects such as turtles.
Metal distribution and disorder in the crystal structure of [NH2Et2][Cr7MF8(tBuCO2)16] wheel molecules forM= Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd
Authors: Larsen Finn Krebs , Overgaard Jacob , Christensen Mogens , McIntyre Garry James , Timco Grigore , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: November 2014

The homometallic wheel compound [Cr8F8(O2CCMe3)16] formed with fluorine and pivalic acid ligands can be modified by introducing in the synthesis process a divalent cationMcapable of octahedral coordination instead of one of the trivalent Cr centres in the ring. Heterometallic mono-anionic species [Cr7MF8(O2CCMe3)16]−can form diethylammonium salts and be crystallized from ethylacetate solution as compounds with the general formula [NH2Et2][Cr7MF8(tBuCO2)16][C4H8O2]0.5forM= Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd. Their structures are isomorphous, belonging to the space groupP21/c. The study has determined the degree of order for the individualMheterometal over the possible metal positions of the ring in the crystal structure by modelling based on X-ray diffraction data. The model took into account disorder intert-butyl groups of the pivalate ligands and in the position and orientation of the ethylacetate solvent molecule. The heterometal turned out to be partly ordered in the crystal structure.
Reconstructive phase transition in (NH4)3TiF7accompanied by the ordering of TiF6octahedra
Authors: Molokeev Maxim , Misjul S. V. , Flerov I. N. , Laptash N. M.
Published: November 2014

An unusual phase transitionP4/mnc→ Pa\bar 3 has been detected after cooling the (NH4)3TiF7compound. Some TiF6octahedra, which are disordered in the room-temperature tetragonal structure, become ordered in the low-temperature cubic phase due to the disappearance of the fourfold axis. Other TiF6octahedra undergo large rotations resulting in huge displacements of the F atoms by 1.5–1.8 Å that implies a reconstructive phase transition. It was supposed that phasesP4/mbmand Pm\bar 3m could be a high-temperature phase and a parent phase, respectively, in (NH4)3TiF7. Therefore, the sequence of phase transitions can be written as Pm\bar 3m →P4/mbm→P4/mnc→ Pa\bar 3. The interrelation between (NH4)3TiF7, (NH4)3GeF7and (NH4)3PbF7is found, which allows us to suppose phase transitions in relative compounds.
Housing subsidies and taxation in six EU countries
Authors: Wieser Robert , Mundt Alexis
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the main characteristics of the housing taxation and subsidy systems in six European Union countries. The structure of this support over the past two decades, before and after the global financial crisis has been investigated and its total effective dimensions have been approximated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Official national data and existing literature on housing policy expenses have been analysed and the authors add their own estimations of missing data, where possible. Latest changes in housing policy guidelines and expenses were interpreted.

Findings

– It was found that state support for housing is heavily underestimated by official data in most countries, mainly due to missing estimates for the value of imputed rents tax relief, reduced VAT rates and low real estate and capital gains taxation. Our estimates suggest that total public support for the housing sector reaches more than 3 per cent of the gross domestic product in three of the six countries, and about 2 per cent in the others. State support to the housing sector has developed quite differently in the investigated countries over the past decades. In particular, there was no universal downward trend.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to provide a more comprehensive analysis of national housing policy expenses applying a very broad definition of state support for housing. In particular, we consider indirect tax advantages to the housing sector that are generally not taken into account. Furthermore, we apply a discounted present value approach of current housing policy expenses to facilitate international comparison.
Negative equity in Ireland: estimates using loan-level data
Authors: Duffy David , O’Hanlon Niall
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to, using a unique loan-level data set, show the extent to which negative equity in Ireland is concentrated in younger age groups. The sharp decline in house prices since 2007 has led to the emergence of widespread negative equity in Ireland. However, little is known about the type of borrower experiencing negative equity.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a unique data set that, for a large sample of mortgages, provides details on both the characteristics of the borrowers and their mortgages. Using this data set, the paper estimates the incidence of negative equity by analysing loans taken out to purchase a primary residence in the period 2005-2012.

Findings

– The analysis finds the situation in Ireland to be much more severe than that being experienced in other housing market downturns at present, with 64 per cent of borrowers in the period 2005-2012 experiencing negative equity. Analysis by age gives rise to concern, with the majority of those in negative equity aged under 40 years. The paper also points to the large wealth loss experienced by Irish households, in the order of 43 billion, as a result of the fall in property values.

Originality/value

– The paper is one of the first using loan-level time-series data in Ireland. It highlights the growth in negative equity during the crisis and the extent to which it is concentrated in the younger age groups. It also provides an estimate of the loss in wealth suffered by all households due to the fall in Irish house prices.
Effect of the global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies in Malaysia
Authors: Ying Lai Hui , Rashid Abdul Aziz Abdul , Khuan Chan Toong
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this case study is to characterize the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Financial analysis was conducted on 32 public listed construction companies in Malaysia. Twelve financial ratios were examined to determine the profitability, liquidity, activity, leverage and solvency of these companies over the period between 2005 and 2010. This was complemented by a distress analysis using Altman’s Z-index. The study also used a content analysis of the Chairman’s or Managing Director’s statement to shareholders to uncover the responses and strategic initiatives undertaken by the management in response to the financial crisis.

Findings

– The only direct impact of the financial crisis was a reduction in profitability. Total revenues and total assets of these companies continue to grow due to increased demand for construction from year 2007 following two large capital investment programs initiated by the Malaysian Government to mitigate the potential effects of the financial crisis. Net profits rebounded back to 5 per cent by year 2010. These companies immediately responded to the crisis with more prudent financial management; curtailing expenses, cutting dividends, reducing bank borrowings, increasing equity; and to the extent of disposing of assets to mitigate losses.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of only 32 public listed companies out of a total of more than 60,000 construction companies may be considered small, but these 32 companies represent nearly 20 per cent of the total construction volume for 2010.

Practical implications

– The study documents the effects of increased capital spending by the government to mitigate the loss of investor confidence followed by a slowdown in economic growth during a period of global financial distress. Key findings will inform on prudent financial management to withstand future financial crises.

Originality/value

– The responses and strategies adopted by the management to mitigate the effects and to enhance future performance of these companies have been uncovered. These are important considerations in managing construction companies; the analysis and observations will be invaluable to researchers intending to study how the construction industry responds to a future slump in demand.
An exploratory study of the impact of organisational environments on property development firms
Authors: H.K. Ho Paul
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to identify a set of external organisational environments that have different degrees of impact on property development firms in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– Organisational environments were operationalised into 40 independent variables. Data were collected using Web-based questionnaires. Further, 150 senior executives working in property development firms rated the identified variables and successfully completed the questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to simplify the correlations among variables by identifying a smaller number of shared factors that accounted for the observed correlations.

Findings

– This study identified six major environmental factors, namely, (1) property market environment, (2) property development environment, (3) general political and economic environment, (4) property price environment, (5) general property development industry environment and (6) residual environment. If the property development process is viewed as an input–transformation–output open system, Factor 2 significantly affected the transformation process, Factors 3 and 5 affected both the transformation process and its final output, and Factors 1 and 4 affected the final output. Other factors did not appear to be significant.

Research limitations/implications

– Because organisational environments may change from place-to-place and time-to-time, the data may vary accordingly.

Practical implications

– Traditional management systems cannot cope with current environmental changes. The performance of developers depends on their ability to respond to the issues that arise from increasingly unpredictable, novel and turbulent environments. Developers must continuously scan, monitor, forecast and assess their external environments.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to a better understanding of the environmental sectors that significantly influence property development firms.
The financing behaviour of firms and financial crisis
Authors: Danso Albert , Adomako Samuel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the capital structure literature by examining the determinants of capital structure from the context of South Africa and to provide evidence of the effects of the 2007/2008 global financial crisis on firm-level determinants of debt-equity choice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper begins by embarking on an extensive review of literature on extant empirical research on capital structure. The panel econometric technique is further adopted to examine firm-level determinants of capital structure and also the impact of 2007/2008 financial crisis.

Findings

– The findings of the paper suggest that theories of capital structure underpinning debt-equity choice of firms in developed economies are also applicable in the South African context. The authors also find a strong evidence of the effects of the financial crisis on the capital structure of firms in South Africa.

Practical implications

– This paper serves as springboard on which further research can be grounded and also highlights the interaction between the South African economy and the global economy.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a fresh evidence on the determinants of capital structure from the Sub-Saharan African context and to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that examines the effects of the 2007/2008 financial crisis on capital structure of firms in South Africa.
Debt-equity decision-making with wealth transfers
Authors: M. Hull Robert
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to instruct advanced business students on the debt-equity choice by showing how wealth transfers between security holders influence security values when a levered firm undergoes an incremental debt-to-equity approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design involves a pedagogical exercise that applies gain to leverage (GL) formulas for a firm aspiring to increase its value by exchanging debt for equity. The valuation method includes perpetuity formulations including those with growth and wealth transfers. The instructional approach offers an understanding of the debt-equity decision.

Findings

– Unlike studies that provide empirical findings or new theories, this paper provides knowledge and skills for students learning capital structure decision making.

Research limitations/implications

– All GL equations in this paper are limited by derivational assumptions and estimation of values for variables.

Practical implications

– This paper bridges the gap between theory and practice by illustrating the impact of the costs of borrowings, growth rates and risk shifts on debt-equity decision making. Students will learn and apply GL equations. They will get an appreciation for the practical complexities of financial decision making including the agency complication embodied in wealth transfers.

Social implications

– Society can be enhanced to the extent this paper helps future financial managers make optimal capital structure decisions.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to the Capital Structure Model (CSM) pedagogical research by using the new CSM equations that address a levered situation and incremental approach. As such, it is the first CMS instructional paper to incorporate wealth transfers between security holders.
Transactional and transformational leadership
Authors: F. Vito Gennaro , E. Higgins George , S. Denney Andrew
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine three different structural models the Leadership Challenge model to determine if they best capture transactional or transformational leadership. The three models are derived from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data for this study come from self-report surveys of middle managers that are attending the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute. The managers completed the 30-item 360° leadership challenge measure. Because the leadership challenge measure is a 360° evaluation of leadership, up to five observers provided data about their manager. The authors use the data from the observer in this study. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examine the aims.

Findings

– The findings show two important advances. First, the leadership challenge model may capture both transformational and transactional leadership. Second, the findings support the view that the really captures transformational leadership.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, no study has performed this type of examination in the policing literature. The value of this type examination is high.
Perceived stress among police officers: an integrative model of stress and coping
Authors: H. Webster Jennifer
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an original model of stress and coping as a complex interactive process between an individual and his or her environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A preliminary test of the model is conducted using data from a meta-analysis of perceived occupational stress among police officers. Collapsing correlates into predictor domains that mirror the proposed model of stress and coping allowed for a preliminary analysis of some of the constructs in the proposed model.

Findings

– The findings suggest that each domain contributes to the perception of stress and that knowledge in this area might best be advanced by recognizing the importance of each in shaping an interactive process of stress and coping rather than attempting to rank individual correlates.

Research limitations/implications

– The data do not provide definitive conclusions that personal characteristics or job characteristics, for example, are more important than others in shaping stress perception among police officers. Clearly, these findings suggest that questions about what is most important in shaping police stress have remained unanswered because the variables of interest make equally important contributions to a complex process.

Originality/value

– Adopting the proposed integrative model of stress and coping may help researchers move beyond the flawed conceptualization of perceived stress among police officers as a simple operational/organizational dichotomy, allowing for a more rich understanding of stress and coping as a complex process.