bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Influences on Prevotella and the Gut Microbiome of Young Monkeys
Authors: Amaral Wellington Z. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Proctor Alexandra , Lyte Mark , Phillips Gregory J. , Coe Christopher L.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the bacterial profiles of young monkeys as they were weaned into peer groups with a particular focus on Prevotella, an important taxon in both human and nonhuman primates. The weaning of infants and increased social contact with peers is a developmental stage that is likely to affect the gut microbiome.

Methods

Gut bacteria were assessed in 63 rhesus monkeys living in social groups comprised of 4 to 7 individuals. Two groups were assessed prospectively on day 1 and 2 weeks after rehousing away from the mother and group formation. Ten additional groups were assessed at 2 weeks after group establishment. Fecal genomic DNA was extracted and 16S ribosomal RNA sequenced by Illumina MiSeq (5 social groups) and 454-amplicon pyrosequencing (7 social groups).

Results

Combining weaned infants into small social groups led to a microbial convergence by 2 weeks (p < .001). Diversity analyses indicated more similar community structure within peer groups than across groups (p < .01). Prevotella was the predominant taxon, and its abundance differed markedly across individuals. Indices of richness, microbial profiles, and less abundant taxa were all associated with the Prevotella levels. Functional Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses suggested corresponding shifts in metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

The formation of small groups of young rhesus monkeys was associated with significant shifts in the gut microbiota. The profiles were closely associated with the abundance of Prevotella, a predominant taxon in the rhesus monkey gut. Changes in the structure of the gut microbiome are likely to induce differences in metabolic and physiologic functioning.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Sleep, Pain, and Depression Symptoms in a Community Sample of Twins
Authors: Gasperi Marianna , Herbert Matthew , Schur Ellen , Buchwald Dedra , Afari Niloofar
Published: February 2017

Objective

We used quantitative genetic methods to evaluate whether sleep quality, pain, and depression symptoms share a common genetic diathesis, to estimate the genetic and environmental sources of covariance among these symptoms, and to test for possible causal relationships.

Methods

A community sample of 400 twins from the University of Washington Twin Registry completed standardized self-report questionnaires. We used biometric modeling to assess genetic and environmental contribution to the association between sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, pain measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, and depression symptoms measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory. Trivariate Cholesky structural equation models were used to decompose correlations among the phenotypes.

Results

Heritability was estimated at 37% (95% confidence interval = 20%–51%) for sleep quality, 25% (9%–41%) for pain, and 39% (22%–53%) for depression. Nonshared environmental influences accounted for the remaining variance. The genetic correlation between sleep quality and pain had an r
g value of .69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33–0.97), r
g value of .56 (95% CI = 0.55–0.98) between pain and depression, and r
g value of .61 (95% CI = 0.44–0.88) between depression and sleep quality. Nonshared environmental overlap was present between pain and sleep quality as well as depression and sleep quality.

Conclusions

The link between sleep quality, pain, and depression was primarily explained by shared genetic influences. The genetic factors influencing sleep quality and pain were highly correlated even when accounting for depression. Findings support the hypothesis of a genetic link between depression and pain as well as potential causality for the association of sleep quality with pain and depression.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Data Behind Current Recommendations for Corticosteroids in Non–HIV-Related PCP: Knowing When You Are on Shaky Foundations
Authors: Injean Patil , Eells Samantha J. , Wu Hoover , McElroy Imani , Gregson Aric L. , McKinnell James A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Randomized trials show a mortality benefit to adjunctive corticosteroids for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (HIV-PCP). Guidelines for non-HIV PCP (NH-PCP) recommend adjunctive corticosteroids based on expert opinion. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis characterizing adjunctive corticosteroids for NH-PCP.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE from 1966 through 2015. Data on clinical outcomes from NH-PCP were extracted with a standardized instrument. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a fixed effects model.

Results

Our search yielded 5044 abstracts, 277 articles were chosen for full review, and 6 articles described outcomes in moderate to severe NH-PCP. Studies were limited by variable definitions, treatment selection bias, concomitant infections and small sample size. Individual studies reported shorter intensive care unit stay and duration of mechanical ventilation of patients given adjunctive corticosteroids. There was no association between corticosteroids and survival in NH-PCP (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.15; P = 0.14).

Conclusions

The literature does not support an association between adjunctive corticosteroids and survival from NH-PCP but data are limited and findings should not be considered conclusive. Further research with improved methodology is needed to better understand the role of adjunctive corticosteroids for NH-PCP.
Tocilizumab (Anti-IL-6R) Suppressed TNFα Production by Human Monocytes in an In Vitro Model of Anti-HLA Antibody-Induced Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity
Authors: Shin Bong-Ha , Ge Shili , Mirocha James , Jordan Stanley C. , Toyoda Mieko
Published: February 2017

Background

We previously demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells activated via FcγRIIIa (CD16) interactions with anti-HLA antibodies binding to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay produced IFNγ. Here we investigate if other CD16 bearing cells are responsive to alloantigen via alloantibody in the in vitro ADCC and if the ADCC-induced cytokine reactions and cytotoxicity can be modified by the anti-interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody, Tocilizumab (TCZ).

Methods

Whole blood from a normal individual was incubated overnight with irradiated allo-PBMCs pretreated with anti-HLA antibody positive (in vitro ADCC) or negative sera (mixed lymphocyte reaction [MLR]), with or without TCZ or control IgG. IFNγ+, TNFα+ or IL-6+ cell% in NK cells, monocytes and CD8+ T cells were enumerated by cytokine flow cytometry. ADCC using PBMCs (effector) and Farage B cells (FB, target) with anti-HLA antibody positive sera, with or without TCZ, was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

IFNγ+ and/or TNFα+ cell% in NK cells, monocytes and CD8+ T cells were elevated in the ADCC compared to the MLR condition. IL-6+ cells were significantly increased in ADCC versus MLR (10.2 ± 4.8% vs 2.7 ± 1.5%, P = 0.0003), but only in monocytes. TCZ treatment significantly reduced TNFα+ cell% in monocytes in ADCC, but had no effect on other cytokine+ cells. TCZ showed no effect on cytotoxicity in ADCC.

Conclusions

IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-6 production induced by HLA antibody-mediated CD16 bearing cell activation in NK cells, monocytes, and CD8+ T cells suggests a potential role for ADCC and these inflammatory cytokines in mediation of antibody-mediated rejection. TCZ suppressed TNFα production in monocytes in the ADCC condition, suggesting a role of IL-6/IL-6R pathway in monocytes activation. Inhibition of this pathway could reduce the inflammatory cascade induced by alloantibody, although the inhibitory effect on cytotoxicity is minimal.
Improving cognitive outcomes for pediatric stroke
Authors: Greenham Mardee , Anderson Vicki , Mackay Mark T.
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

The past 20 years have seen a 35% increase in prevalence of pediatric stroke. Contrary to widely held views, children do not recover better than adults. This review explores the impact of pediatric stroke on cognitive domains, including intellectual and executive functions, memory and behavior, and the influence of age, lesion characteristics, and comorbidities on outcome.

Recent findings

Cognitive problems occur in up to half of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke survivors. Single-center studies have shown intelligence quotient scores skewed to the lower end of the average range, with greater impairment in performance than verbal domains. Executive function, such as attention and processing speed are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pediatric stroke. Age at stroke, larger infarct size, cortical/subcortical lesion location, epilepsy, and comorbid physical deficits are associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.

Cognitive impairment occurs relatively frequently following pediatric stroke but the nature, severity, and predictors of specific deficits are not well defined. Improving understanding of outcomes following pediatric stroke is a key priority for families but a paucity of data limits the ability to develop targeted disease, and age-specific pediatric rehabilitation strategies to optimize cognitive outcomes following pediatric stroke.
Depression in epilepsy
Authors: Mula Marco
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

To review some aspects of the relationship between epilepsy and depression that have recently received increasing attention and may become major research topics in the near future.

Recent findings

Epidemiological studies show that depression and suicide are, in some cases, premorbid symptoms preceding the onset of the epilepsy. Suicide is also three times more frequent in epilepsy than in the general population. Reliable screening instruments for depression and suicidality in patients with epilepsy are now available but data from real life clinical settings are needed to develop shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry. Data in children with epilepsy are still limited although it is well known that, outside epilepsy, almost 50% of adult patients with mood and anxiety disorders have a previous history during childhood. Despite increasing attention to the problem, the additional stigma associated with mental health problems still represents one of the major barriers to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

New studies will focus on the development of shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry for mood disorders and suicide prevention. New global campaigns on the double stigma will support this process in areas where psychiatric comorbidities are still underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Novel methods of isolation and amplification of progenitor cells applied to avian primordial germ cells
Authors: Lopez-Diaz Mariacruz
Published: February 2017

Background

The progenitor cells in adult tissues are scarce and have a great regenerative potential. In this study novel methods were used to improve the isolation and culture of the chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) from stage X and HH 8-9 embryos. The cellular size and external glycoprotein envelope were the two criteria studied and used.

Results

PGCs were segregated with high efficiency and purity, from stage X and HH 8-9 gross cell suspensions through cell strainers with 10 μm of pore size. In embryosin toto, WGAAlexa 594 (affinity for N-acetylglucosamine) andCon AAlexa 488 (binding D-mannosyl) were used to characterize external polysaccharides of the PGCs. The PGCs in stage X embryos (zone pellucida), have predominately Nacetylglucosamine and later on, in HH 8-9 embryos (cephalic zone), α-D mannosyl residues, in a specific manner. In coated plates with the appropriate lectin and in alkaline conditions, isolated cells from stage X and HH 8-9 embryos formed numerous clumped PGC-LCs with spherical shape “germspheres”. In all isolates from single embryo, immunohistochemistry confirmed that they were PGCs and revealed that the “germspheres” were formed by hundreds of positive cells toVASAandSSEA-1. N-acethyl D+glucosamine supplementation to the culture media greatly enhances the amplification of isolated PGC-LCs.

Conclusions

These gentle and quick strategies with high yields of PGCs can be potentially useful for many progenitor cells in Regenerative Medicine.
Versatile Multicolor Nanodiamond Probes for Intracellular Imaging and Targeted Labeling
Authors: Bray Kerem , Cheung Leonard , Aharonovich Igor , Valenzuela Stella M. , Shimoni Olga
Published: February 2017

Diamond nanoparticles that host bright luminescent centers are attracting attention for applications in bio-labeling and bio-sensing. Beyond their unsurpassed photostability, diamond can host multiple color centers, from the blue to the near infra-red spectral range. While nanodiamonds hosting nitrogen vacancy defects have been widely employed as bio-imaging probes, production and fabrication of nanodiamonds with other color centers is a challenge. In this work, a large scale production of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) containing a near infrared (NIR) color center – namely the silicon vacancy (SiV) defect, is reported. More importantly, a concept of application of different color centers for multi-color bio-imaging to investigate intercellular processes is demonstrated. Furthermore, two types of FNDs within cells can be easily resolved by their specific spectral properties, where data shows that SiV FNDs initially dispersed throughout the cell interior while NV FNDs localized in a close proximity to nucleus. The reported results are the first demonstration of multi-color labeling with FNDs that can pave the way for the wide-ranging use of FNDs in applications, including bio-sensing, bio-imaging and drug delivery applications.
A computational model of shared fine-scale structure in the human connectome
Authors: Guntupalli J. Swaroop , Feilong Ma , Haxby James V.
Published: February 2017

Variation in cortical connectivity profiles is typically modeled as having a coarse spatial scale parcellated into interconnected brain areas. We created a high-dimensional common model of the human connectome to search for fine-scale structure that is shared across brains. Projecting individual connectivity data into this new common model connectome accounts for substantially more variance in the human connectome than do previous models. This newly discovered shared structure is closely related to fine-scale distinctions in representations of information. These results reveal a shared fine-scale structure that is a major component of the human connectome that coexists with coarse-scale, areal structure. This shared fine-scale structure was not captured in previous models and was, therefore, inaccessible to analysis and study.

Author Summary

Resting state fMRI has become a ubiquitous tool for measuring connectivity in normal and diseased brains. Current dominant models of connectivity are based on coarse-scale connectivity among brain regions, ignoring fine-scale structure within those regions. We developed a high-dimensional common model of the human connectome that captures both coarse and fine-scale structure of connectivity shared across brains. We showed that this shared fine-scale structure is related to fine-scale distinctions in representation of information, and our model accounts for substantially more shared variance of connectivity compared to previous models. Our model opens new territory — shared fine-scale structure, a dominant but mostly unexplored component of the human connectome — for analysis and study.
T-dependent B cell responses toPlasmodiuminduce antibodies that form a high-avidity multivalent complex with the circumsporozoite protein
Authors: Fisher Camilla R. , Sutton Henry J. , Kaczmarski Joe A. , McNamara Hayley A. , Clifton Ben , Mitchell Joshua , Cai Yeping , Dups Johanna N. , D'Arcy Nicholas J. , Singh Mandeep , Chuah Aaron , Peat Thomas S. , Jackson Colin J. , Cockburn Ian A.
Published: February 2017

The repeat region of thePlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite protein (CSP) is a major vaccine antigen because it can be targeted by parasite neutralizing antibodies; however, little is known about this interaction. We used isothermal titration calorimetry, X-ray crystallography and mutagenesis-validated modeling to analyze the binding of a murine neutralizing antibody toPlasmodium falciparumCSP. Strikingly, we found that the repeat region of CSP is bound by multiple antibodies. This repeating pattern allows multiple weak interactions of single FABdomains to accumulate and yield a complex with a dissociation constant in the low nM range. Because the CSP protein can potentially cross-link multiple B cell receptors (BCRs) we hypothesized that the B cell response might be T cell independent. However, while there was a modest response in mice deficient in T cell help, the bulk of the response was T cell dependent. By sequencing the BCRs of CSP-repeat specific B cells in inbred mice we found that these cells underwent somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation indicative of a T-dependent response. Last, we found that the BCR repertoire of responding B cells was limited suggesting that the structural simplicity of the repeat may limit the breadth of the immune response.

Author Summary

Vaccines aim to protect by inducing the immune system to make molecules called antibodies that can recognize molecules on the surface of invading pathogens. In the case of malaria, our most advanced vaccine candidates aim to promote the production of antibodies that recognize the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) molecule on the surface of the invasive parasite stage called the sporozoite. In this report we use X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of CSP-binding antibodies at the atomic level. We use other techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry and structural modeling to examine how this antibody interacts with the CSP molecule. Strikingly, we found that each CSP molecule could bind 6 antibodies. This finding has implications for the immune response and may explain why high titers of antibody are needed for protection. Moreover, because the structure of the CSP repeat is quite simple we determined that the number of different kinds of antibodies that could bind this molecule are quite small. However a high avidity interaction between those antibodies and CSP can result from a process called affinity maturation that allows the body to learn how to make improved antibodies specific for pathogen molecules. These data show that while it is challenging for the immune system to recognize and neutralize CSP, it should be possible to generate viable vaccines targeting this molecule.
Speaker gaze increases information coupling between infant and adult brains
Authors: Leong Victoria , Byrne Elizabeth , Clackson Kaili , Georgieva Stanimira , Lam Sarah , Wass Sam
Published: February 2017

When infants and adults communicate, they exchange social signals of availability and communicative intention such as eye gaze. Previous research indicates that when communication is successful, close temporal dependencies arise between adult speakers’ and listeners’ neural activity. However, it is not known whether similar neural contingencies exist within adult-infantdyads. Here, we used dual-electroencephalography to assess whether direct gaze increases neural coupling between adults and infants during screen-based and live interactions. In Experiment 1 (N=17), infants viewed videos of an adult who was singing nursery rhymes with (a)Direct gaze(looking forward); (b)Indirect gaze(head and eyes averted by 20°); or (c)Direct-Oblique gaze(head averted but eyes orientated forward). In Experiment 2 (N=19), infants viewed the same adult in a live context, singing with Direct or Indirect gaze. Gaze-related changes in adult-infant neural network connectivity were measured using Partial Directed Coherence. Across both experiments, the adult had a significant (Granger)-causal influence on infants’ neural activity, which was stronger during Direct and Direct-Oblique gaze relative to Indirect gaze. During live interactions, infants also influenced the adult more during Direct than Indirect gaze. Further, infants vocalised more frequently during live Direct gaze, and individual infants who vocalized longer also elicited stronger synchronisation from the adult. These results demonstrate that direct gaze strengthens bi-directional adult-infant neural connectivity during communication. Thus, ostensive social signals could act to bring brains into mutual temporal alignment, creating a joint-networked state that is structured to facilitate information transfer during early communication and learning.
RNA polymerases IV and V influence the 3’ boundaries of Polymerase II transcription units in Arabidopsis
Authors: McKinlay Anastasia , Podicheti Ram , Wendte Jered M. , Cocklin Ross , Rusch Douglas B.
Published: February 2017

Nuclear multisubunit RNA polymerases IV and V (Pol IV and Pol V) evolved in plants as specialized forms of Pol II. Their functions are best understood in the context of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), a process in which Pol IV-dependent 24 nt siRNAs direct the de novo cytosine methylation of regions transcribed by Pol V. Pol V has additional functions, independent of Pol IV and 24 nt siRNA biogenesis, in maintaining the repression of transposons and genomic repeats whose silencing depends on maintenance cytosine methylation. Here we report that Pol IV and Pol V play unexpected roles in defining the 3’ boundaries of Pol II transcription units. Nuclear run-on assays reveal that in the absence of Pol IV or Pol V, Pol II occupancy downstream of poly A sites increases for approximately 12% of protein-coding genes. This effect is most pronounced for convergently transcribed gene pairs. Although Pols IV and V are detected near transcript ends of the affected Pol II – transcribed genes, their role in limiting Pol II read-through is independent of siRNA biogenesis or cytosine methylation. We speculate that Pols IV and V (and/or their associated factors) play roles in Pol II transcription termination by influencing polymerase bypass or release at collision sites for convergent genes.
Pattern separation and goal-directed behavior in the aged canine
Authors: Snigdha Shikha , Yassa Michael A. , deRivera Christina , Milgram Norton W. , Cotman Carl W.
Published: February 2017

The pattern separation task has recently emerged as a behavioral model of hippocampus function and has been used in several pharmaceutical trials. The canine is a useful model to evaluate a multitude of hippocampal-dependent cognitive tasks that parallel those in humans. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the suitability of pattern separation task(s) for detecting age-related changes in canines. We also assessed the dogs’ ability to show pattern separation and discrimination reversal, which provides a novel extension of the pattern separation learning literature. Our data show that aged dogs are impaired on a complex pattern separation task (six-well task) relative to easier tasks (four-well or six-well pattern discrimination task), and that the age-related deficits are due to loss of perceptual and inhibitory control in addition to the loss of spatial discrimination and pattern separation ability. Our data also suggest that aged animals show pattern separation deficits when the objects are brought progressively closer together while changing the location of both correct and incorrect objects. However, if the location of any one object is fixed the animals tend to use alternate strategies. Overall, these data provide important insight into age-related pattern separation deficits in a higher animal model and offers additional means for evaluating the impact of lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions on episodic memory in preclinical trials.
A large-solid-angle X-ray Raman scattering spectrometer at ID20 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Huotari S. , Sahle Ch. J. , Henriquet Ch. , Al-Zein A. , Martel K. , Simonelli L. , Verbeni R. , Gonzalez H. , Lagier M.-C. , Ponchut C. , Moretti Sala M. , Krisch M. , Monaco G.
Published: February 2017

An end-station for X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy at beamline ID20 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is described. This end-station is dedicated to the study of shallow core electronic excitations using non-resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The spectrometer has 72 spherically bent analyzer crystals arranged in six modular groups of 12 analyzer crystals each for a combined maximum flexibility and large solid angle of detection. Each of the six analyzer modules houses one pixelated area detector allowing for X-ray Raman scattering based imaging and efficient separation of the desired signal from the sample and spurious scattering from the often used complicated sample environments. This new end-station provides an unprecedented instrument for X-ray Raman scattering, which is a spectroscopic tool of great interest for the study of low-energy X-ray absorption spectra in materials underin situconditions, such asin operandobatteries and fuel cells,in situcatalytic reactions, and extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in a 1:1 co-crystal of the N(7)—H tautomeric form ofN6-benzoyladenine with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
Authors: Swinton Darious Robert , Thomas Muthiah Packianathan , Perdih Franc
Published: February 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title co-crystal, C12H9N5O·C7H6O3, contains one molecule ofN6-benzoyladenine (BA) and one molecule of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA). TheN6-benzoyladenine (BA) has an N(7)—H tautomeric form with nonprotonated N-1 and N-3 atoms. This tautomeric form is stabilized by a typical intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond between the carbonyl (C=O) group and the N(7)—H hydrogen on the Hoogsteen face of the purine ring, forming a graph-setS(7) ring motif. The primary robustR22(8) ring motif is formed in the Watson–Crick faceviaN—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds (involving N1, N6—H and the carboxyl group of HBA). Weak interactions, such as, C—H...π and π–π are also observed in this crystal structure.
[N′-(4-Decyloxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)-3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydrazidato-κ3N,O,O′]dimethyltin(IV): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Rosely Siti Nadiah Binti Mohd , Hussen Rusnah Syahila Duali , Lee See Mun , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: February 2017

The title diorganotin compound, [Sn(CH3)2(C28H32N2O4)], features a distorted SnC2NO2coordination geometry almost intermediate between ideal trigonal–bipyramidal and square-pyramidal. The dianionic Schiff base ligand coordinates in a tridentate fashionviatwo alkoxide O and hydrazinyl N atoms; an intramolecular hydroxy-O—H...N(hydrazinyl) hydrogen bond is noted. The alkoxy chain has an all-transconformation, and to the first approximation, the molecule has local mirror symmetry relating the two Sn-bound methyl groups. Supramolecular layers sustained by imine-C—H...O(hydroxy), π–π [between decyloxy-substituted benzene rings with an inter-centroid separation of 3.7724 (13) Å], C—H...π(arene) and C—H...π(chelate ring) interactions are formed in the crystal; layers stack along thecaxis with no directional interactions between them. The presence of C—H...π(chelate ring) interactions in the crystal is clearly evident from an analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surface.
Bis{4-methylbenzyl 2-[4-(propan-2-yl)benzylidene]hydrazinecarbodithioato-κ2N2,S}nickel(II): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Yusof Enis Nadia Md , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A. , Tahir Mohamed I. M. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: February 2017

The complete molecule of the title hydrazine carbodithioate complex, [Ni(C19H21N2S2)2], is generated by the application of a centre of inversion. The NiIIatom isN,S-chelated by two hydrazinecarbodithioate ligands, which provide atrans-N2S2donor set that defines a distorted square-planar geometry. The conformation of the five-membered chelate ring is an envelope with the NiIIatom being the flap atom. In the crystal,p-tolyl-C—H...π(benzene-iPr),iPr-C—H...π(p-tolyl) and π–π interactions [betweenp-tolyl rings with inter-centroid distance = 3.8051 (12) Å] help to consolidate the three-dimensional architecture. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface confirms the importance of H-atom contacts in establishing the packing.
Crystal structure of 9,20-dimethyl-1,8,12,19-tetraazatetracyclo[17.3.1.02,7.013,18]tricosane dihydrate from synchrotron X-ray data
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: February 2017

The structure of the title compound, C21H40N4·2H2O, has been determined from synchrotron X-ray radiation data. The asymmetric unit comprises one 12-membered macropolycycle and two lattice water molecules. The macropolycycle contains two cyclohexane rings and one 1,3-diazacyclohexane ring, all in chair conformations. The C—N and C—C bond lengths are in the ranges 1.4526 (16)–1.4786 (17) and 1.517 (2)–1.5414 (17) Å, respectively. One intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond helps to stabilize the molecular conformation while medium-strength intermolecular N—H...O, O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the lattice water molecules connect the components into a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of bis[(oxalato-κ2O1,O2)(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4N)chromium(III)] dichromate octahydrate from synchrotron X-ray data
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: February 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cr(C2O4)(C10H24N4)]2[Cr2O7]·8H2O (C10H24N4= 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, cyclam; C2O4= oxalate, ox) contains one [Cr(ox)(cyclam)]+cation, one half of a dichromate anion that lies about an inversion centre so that the bridging O atom is equally disordered over two positions, and four water molecules. The terminal O atoms of the dichromate anion are also disordered over two positions with a refined occupancy ratio 0.586 (6):0.414 (6). The CrIIIion is coordinated by the four N atoms of the cyclam ligand and one bidentate oxalato ligand in acisarrangement, resulting in a distorted octahedral geometry. The Cr—N(cyclam) bond lengths are in the range 2.069 (2)–2.086 (2) Å, while the average Cr—O(ox) bond length is 1.936 Å. The macrocyclic cyclam moiety adopts thecis-V conformation. The dichromate anion has a staggered conformation. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the cyclam N—H groups and water O—H groups as donors, and the O atoms of oxalate ligand, water molecules and the Cr2O72−anion as acceptors, giving rise to a three-dimensional network.
{(3S,5R)-5-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]tetrahydrofuran-3-yl}methyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate
Authors: Ma Qing-Shuang , Wang Xiao-Guang , Xu Lei , Bin Sun , Xia Dao-Hong , Zheng Geng-Xiu
Published: February 2017

In the title compound, C21H21F2N3O4S, the tetrahydrofuran ring adopts an envelope conformation with the β-C atom positioned at the flap. The triazole, difluorophenyl and tolyl rings of the various substituents on the tetrahydrofuran ring are inclined at 77.88 (12), 83.81 (10) and 81.00 (10)°, respectively, to the best-fit mean plane through the five atoms of the tetrahydrofuran ring. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a three-dimensional structure, with molecules stacked along thea-axis direction.
Developing management student cultural fluency for the real world
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , Okimoto Tyler G. , Roan Amanda , Xu Henry
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To connect students with the real world of management practice, the purpose of this paper is to extend and operationalize the situated cultural learning approach (SiCuLA) through five learning processes occurring within communities of practice. These include integration of cultural contexts, authentic activities, reflections, facilitation, and the construction of a collaborative learning community.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the complex processes and principles of cultural learning, a multi-method approach is applied to an extensive comparative study of default and intervened cases within three management classes. Evidence is drawn from multiple sources of qualitative data including class observations, meeting minutes, focus groups, and group interviews with students and instructors.

Findings

Results indicated that in default cases, little explicit attention was given to a situated perspective of culture, or to the rich sources of cultural knowledge available among members of the classroom community. In contrast, following the intervention cases where SiCuLA was applied, there was strong evidence that much more attention was given to enhancing student contextual knowledge. Nonetheless, there were some challenges in applying these processes within the classroom context.

Originality/value

This is the first study to extend and operationalize SiCuLA in a classroom setting. More importantly, the evidence forms the empirical basis for deriving theoretical principles for cross-cultural management (CCM) education and training. It contributes to studying cultural contexts as sources of knowledge for learning through active co-participation. It also contributes to positive CCM learning with an emphasis on human agency that encourages students to take more responsibility and ownership of their cultural learning.
Networking behaviour, graduate employability: a social capital perspective
Authors: Batistic Saša , Tymon Alex
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Drawing on the overarching framework of social capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically examine networking behaviour and employability within the higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

In a sample of 376 full-time business students the authors measured perceived employability, networking behaviour, access to information and resources and job-search learning goal orientation (JSLGO).

Findings

The authors found networking is related to increased internal and external perceived employability by boosting access to information and resources. The results also demonstrate that networking is positively related to access to information and resources for low and high JSLGO, the relationship being stronger for those with higher levels.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide an enriched view of individual networking behaviour by offering an indirect model of networking outcomes and to the graduate employability and social capital literatures.

Practical implications

The findings may provide focus for individuals concerned with enhancing their employability and those involved in supporting career guidance.

Originality/value

Obvious beneficiaries are students, for whom employment is a key concern, and universities who face increasing pressure to enhance graduate employability whilst resources to do so are diminishing. To this end the authors highlight activities that may develop networking behaviours and JSLGO.
An upwind fast sweeping scheme for calculating seismic wave first‐arrival travel times for models with an irregular free surface
Authors: Lan Haiqiang , Chen Ling
Published: February 2017

The topography‐dependent eikonal equation formulated in a curvilinear coordinate system has recently been established and revealed as being effective in calculating first‐arrival travel times of seismic waves in an Earth model with an irregular free surface. The Lax–Friedrichs sweeping scheme, widely used in previous studies as for approximating the topography‐dependent eikonal equation viscosity solutions, is more dissipative and needs a much higher number of iterations to converge. Furthermore, the required number of iterations grows with the grid refinement and results in heavy computation in dense grids, which hampers the application of the Lax–Friedrichs sweeping scheme to seismic wave travel‐time calculation and high‐resolution imaging. In this paper, we introduce a new upwind fast sweeping solver by discretising the Legendre transform of the numerical Hamiltonian of the topography‐dependent eikonal equation using an explicit formula. The minimisation related to the Legendre transform in the sweeping scheme is solved analytically, which proved to be much more efficient than the Lax–Friedrichs algorithm in solving the topography‐dependent eikonal equation. Several numerical experiments demonstrate that the new upwind fast sweeping method converges and achieves much better accuracy after a finite number of iterations, independently of the mesh size, which makes it an efficient and robust tool for calculating travel times in the presence of a non‐flat free surface.
Induced response to herbivory in stinging hair traits of Japanese nettle (Urtica thunbergiana) seedlings in two subpopulations with different browsing pressures by sika deer
Authors: Kato Teiko , Ishida Kiyoshi , Kikuchi Junichi , Torii Harumi
Published: February 2017

Evolutionary theories predict that natural selection favors inducible defense when the risk of predation is unpredictable. In this context, the magnitude of the induced defense in populations experiencing intermittent herbivory is predicted to be larger than that in populations experiencing constant herbivory when there is genetic differentiation between populations. To test this prediction, we conducted a clipping experiment to investigate induced response to shoot damage by the stinging hair traits of Japanese nettle (Urtica thunbergiana) seedlings. For this purpose, we studied two nettle subpopulations, one under constant browsing and another under intermittent browsing by sika deer in Nara Park, central Japan. The clipping experiment demonstrates that both subpopulations exhibited induced defenses in response to the clipping of the shoot apex as the number and length of stinging hairs increased after clipping. The subpopulation experiencing intermittent browsing exhibited smaller trait values and larger induced defenses, indicated by the number of stinging hairs on the upper leaf surface and the length of stinging hairs on both leaf surfaces compared with the subpopulation experiencing constant browsing. These results are consistent with the prediction and suggest that genetic differentiation of the induced defense between subpopulations is caused by adaptation to the herbivory regime. We discuss other plausible factors affecting the magnitude of the induced defense of the nettle subpopulations.
Genetic analyses unravel the crucial role of a horizontally acquired alginate lyase for brown algal biomass degradation by Zobellia galactanivorans
Authors: Zhu Yongtao , Thomas François , Larocque Robert , Li Nan , Duffieux Delphine , Cladière Lionel , Souchaud Florent , Michel Gurvan , McBride Mark J.
Published: February 2017

Comprehension of the degradation of macroalgal polysaccharides suffers from the lack of genetic tools for model marine bacteria, despite their importance for coastal ecosystem functions. We developed such tools for Zobellia galactanivorans, an algae‐associated flavobacterium that digests many polysaccharides, including alginate. These tools were used to investigate the biological role of AlyA1, the only Z. galactanivorans alginate lyase known to be secreted in soluble form and to have a recognizable carbohydrate‐binding domain. A deletion mutant, ΔalyA1, grew as well as the wild type on soluble alginate but was deficient in soluble secreted alginate lyase activity and in digestion of and growth on alginate gels and algal tissues. Thus, AlyA1 appears to be essential for optimal attack of alginate in intact cell walls. alyA1 appears to have been recently acquired via horizontal transfer from marine Actinobacteria, conferring an adaptive advantage that might benefit other algae‐associated bacteria by exposing new substrate niches. The genetic tools described here function in diverse members of the phylum Bacteroidetes and should facilitate analyses of polysaccharide degradation systems and many other processes in these common but understudied bacteria.
The Diagnostic Value of Quantitative Assessment of Diatom Test for Drowning: An Analysis of 128 Water‐related Death Cases using Microwave Digestion‐Vacuum Filtration‐Automated Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Jian , Liu Chao , Bardeesi Adham Sameer A. , Wu Yeda , Ma Yanbing , Hu Sunlin , Shi He , Cheng Jianding
Published: February 2017

The value of diatom test for the diagnosis of drowning remains controversial. The conventional forensic diatom test with low sensitivity is not a useful tool to provide accurate information about diatom in the tissues and organs. To improve the sensitivity of the diatom test, we developed a novel method called the Microwave Digestion‐Vacuum Filtration‐Automated Scanning Electron Microscopy (MD‐VF‐AutoSEM) method which resulted in a high recovery of diatoms. In this article, we analyzed 128 water‐related death cases. Our results showed that theMD‐VF‐AutoSEMmethod could achieve a much higher positive rate (0.97) in drowning cases. Large amounts of diatoms are retained, even concentrated, in the lung tissues during the intense breathing movement in drowning process. This might be useful for the diagnosis of drowning. Our research indicates that theMD‐VF‐AutoSEMmethod would be a valuable methodology in the study of diatom test for the forensic community.
Preliminary Study of Testosterone and Empathy in Determining Recidivism and Antisocial Behavior
Authors: House Samuel J. , Laan Jacob M. , Molden Raymond K. , Ritchie James C. , Stowe Zachary N.
Published: February 2017

Recidivism, repeated criminal behavior after conviction and correction of prior offenses, is a costly problem across the nation. However, the contribution of empathy in determining the risk of recidivism has received limited attention, although lack of empathy has been related to antisocial personality disorder in various studies. Studies linked testosterone to aggression, antisocial behavior, and criminality, and evidence support hormonal connections between empathy and aggression. Adult male prison inmates convicted of violent or nonviolent offenses were included in a cross‐sectional study of empathy, antisocial behavior, salivary testosterone, and recidivism. Subjects underwent criminal history, Empathy Quotient, Levenson Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and salivary testosterone assays. Bivariate analyses indicated multiple correlations between variables. Multivariate modeling analyses found a significant relationship between self‐reported conviction number and psychopathy scale score (p = 0.013). These preliminary results suggest avenues of investigation of factors contributing to recidivism risk.
The glass ceiling in context: the influence of CEO gender, recruitment practices and firm internationalisation on the representation of women in management
Authors: Ng Eddy S. , Sears Greg J.
Published: February 2017

This study examines macro‐level organisational determinants of women in management. Specifically, we examined organisational characteristics and strategies, including firm levels of internationalisation, firm foreign ownership, chief executive officer gender and the active recruitment of women, as predictors of an organisation's level of representation of women in management. Results from a survey of 278 firms indicated that the presence of a female chief executive officer and an organisation's active recruitment of women are positively associated with a firm's percentage of women in management while firm internationalisation and firm foreign ownership are negatively associated with the representation of women in management. Overall, these findings suggest that although firms exercise discretion with respect to hiring and promoting women, they are also constrained by the external environment and organisational characteristics. For example, firms with higher levels of firm internationalisation and that are foreign‐owned may limit their efforts and investment in the advancement of women into management.
Human resource management and employee well‐being: towards a new analytic framework
Authors: Guest David E.
Published: February 2017

The mutual gains model suggests that HRM should benefit both individuals and organisations. However, the dominant models within HRM theory and research continue to focus largely on ways to improve performance, with employee concerns very much a secondary consideration. Furthermore, pressures at work and in society more widely are creating an increasing threat to employee well‐being. If employee concerns and the threats to well‐being are to be taken seriously, a different analytic framework for HRM is required. The article sets out an alternative approach to HRM that gives priority to practices designed to enhance well‐being and a positive employment relationship, proposing that both elements are essential. Evidence is presented to support the choice of practices and to argue that these also hold the potential to improve both individual and organisational performance. It therefore offers a different path to mutual gains. The research and policy implications of this approach are discussed.
Multi‐foci CSR perceptions, procedural justice and in‐role employee performance: the mediating role of commitment and pride
Authors: Edwards Martin R. , Kudret Selin
Published: February 2017

This study explores differential employee responses to perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) treatment of social and non‐social stakeholder foci of the community, customers, shareholders and environment along with first‐party employee justice perceptions. At a finance‐sector multinational, we test the mediating role of commitment and pride in accounting for the relationship between perceptions of stakeholder treatment and in‐role performance. We propose and pilot a new multi‐foci CSR measure and include this in a mediated model within a separate study. Socially responsible treatment of customers and the environment play a role in predicting performance; these foci are related to either pride or commitment. Community CSR, first‐party justice perceptions and commitment predict performance either directly or indirectly. Our research shows an absence of any positive employee response associated with CSR towards shareholders. The study uncovers new insights into our understanding of complexities in employee responses to CSR activities.