bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definition of Barrett Esophagus in the United States
Authors: Salimian Kevan J. , Waters Kevin M. , Eze Ogechukwu , Pezhouh Maryam K. , Tarabishy Yaman , Shin Eun-Ji , Canto Marcia I. , Voltaggio Lysandra , Montgomery Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2017

Barrett esophagus (BE) predisposes patients to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, the global definition of BE is controversial. Pathologists in Europe and the United States require intestinal metaplasia (IM) within columnar-lined mucosa (CLM) in the tubular esophagus to diagnose BE, whereas in the UK and Japan only the presence of CLM is required. To aid in establishing an appropriate definition for BE, we evaluated whether IM accompanies EAC in a US patient cohort. We examined a series of 139 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic mucosal resections or esophagectomies for EAC performed at a US tertiary care center. The resection specimens were evaluated for the presence (IM+) or absence (IM−) of IM within CLM. Ninety-seven (70%) patients were IM+. Tumors found in IM− patients tended to be advanced at the time of resection (57% pT3 or greater, IM−; 31% pT3 or greater, IM+; P=0.02) such that the tumor may have “overgrown” zones of IM. We hypothesized that changes as a result of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation might mask preexisting IM. When evaluating this hypothesis, we found that 34 of 39 of treatment-naive patients were IM+. Two of the 5 IM− patients had prior IM+ biopsies resulting in 92% of treatment-naive patients who were IM+. In our US hospital population, CLM with IM in the tubular esophagus is found in association with EAC in 70% to 92% of patients. We believe that based on these data the United States definition of BE should continue to require the presence of IM.
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Fallopian Tube: Report of a Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Grondin Katherine , Lidang Marianne , Boenelycke Marie , Alvarado-Cabrero Isabel , Herrington C. Simon , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: October 2017

Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the fallopian tube are extremely rare with a few reported cases of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and a single report of a carcinoid tumor arising in a teratoma. We report 4 cases of probable primary neuroendocrine tumors of the fallopian tube (2 carcinoid tumors/low-grade neuroendocrine tumors and 2 high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas) in patients aged 49 to 71. These represent the first reported cases of primary tubal carcinoid tumor unassociated with a teratoma. We review the published literature regarding primary neuroendocrine tumors of the fallopian tube and speculate on the possible histogenesis of these neoplasms.
Vulvar Myxoid Liposarcoma, an Extremely Rare Diagnosis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Redroban Ligia , Montalvo Nelson
Published: October 2017

Malignant lipomatous tumors of the vulva are extremely rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old patient with a nodule on her right labium majus whose histological and immunohistochemical profile (S100 and p16) confirmed a diagnosis of vulvar myxoid liposarcoma.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation for Tendon-Bone Healing
Authors: Lu Hongbin , Liu Fei , Chen Can , Wang Zhanwen , Chen Huabin , Qu Jin , Zhang Tao , Xu Daqi , Hu Jianzhong
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dosage effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on tendon-bone healing.

Design

Standard partial patellectomies were performed on 120 mature New Zealand rabbits randomly assigned into the following three groups: a control group (daily mock sonication, 20 mins), a qd group (daily ultrasonication, 20 mins), and a bid group (ultrasonication twice a day, 20 mins each time). The rabbits were killed 8 or 16 wks postoperatively, and the microarchitectural, histological, and mechanical properties of the patella-patellar tendon interface were evaluated.

Results

Microcomputed tomography analysis showed that the bid group exhibited more new bone formation and mineralization than the other groups in the tendon-bone healing position at both 8 and 16 wks postoperatively. Histological assessments confirmed that the bid group exhibited a significantly better patella-patellar tendon interface than the other groups, as shown by the increased formation and remodeling of newly formed bone and a fibrocartilage layer. The biomechanical properties of the regenerated patella-patellar tendon interface significantly improved in the bid group.

Conclusions

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation treatment twice a day was more effective than the once-a-day treatment on tendon-bone healing.
Brief Report: PrEP Use During Periods of HIV Risk Among East African Women in Serodiscordant Relationships
Authors: Pyra Maria , Haberer Jessica E. , Heffron Renee , Kidoguchi Lara , Brown Elizabeth R. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Asiimwe Stephen , Celum Connie , Katabira Elly , Mugo Nelly R. , Baeten Jared M. ,   for the Partners Demonstration Project Team
Published: October 2017

Background:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is efficacious for African women at risk for HIV, but data on adherence outside clinical trials are sparse. We describe the persistence and execution of PrEP use among women participating in a large open-label PrEP demonstration project, particularly during periods of HIV risk.

Setting and Methods:

Three hundred ten HIV-uninfected women in HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda were offered and accepted PrEP. Electronic monitoring caps were used to measure daily PrEP adherence. Time on PrEP while at risk for HIV (when the HIV-infected partner was on antiretroviral therapy <6 months) and weekly adherence while on PrEP were calculated and compared among older and younger (<25 years old) women.

Results:

As defined above, women were at risk for HIV for an average of 361 days; 54% took PrEP during their entire risk period and 24% stopped but restarted PrEP during their risk period. While on PrEP, women took ≥6 doses/wk for 78% of weeks [67% of weeks for women aged <25 years, 80% of weeks for women aged ≥25 years (P < 0.001)], and ≥4 doses for 88% of weeks [80% for those <25, 90% for those ≥25, (P < 0.001)]. Compared with historical, risk-matched controls, HIV incidence was reduced 93% (95% confidence interval: 77% to 98%) for all women and 91% (95% confidence interval: 29% to 99%) among women aged <25 years.

Conclusion:

Women, including young women, in HIV-serodiscordant couples took PrEP successfully over sustained periods of risk. Although young women had lower adherence than older women, they achieved strong protection, which suggests that women can align PrEP use to periods of risk and imperfect adherence can still provide substantial benefit.
Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Speculum Examination Training Model
Authors: Benson James E. , Hillebrand Allix M. , Auguste Tamika
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Learning how to perform a speculum examination is a key component of the medical student curriculum, yet there is a paucity of data on the validity of available speculum examination models. This purpose of this study is to design, evaluate, and improve a low-cost speculum examination model.

Methods

A speculum examination training model was created using low-cost or recycled materials from other simulators. A total of 54 medical students, residents, and faculty in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a single academic institution performed speculum examinations on the model. Each participant completed a survey to provide qualitative and quantitative data. Using this feedback from participants, adjustments were made to the model and a similar survey was repeated with a total of 35 medical students and residents.

Results

The first iteration of the model was viewed positively by most participants. Eighty-three percent gave the model either a very realistic or realistic rating. Ninety-four percent thought the model was a very useful or useful teaching device. There were few significant differences in quantitative data based on experience level. Qualitative feedback yielded generally positive remarks with areas for improvement. The second iteration of the model was successful in differentiating between novice and skilled participants: residents were significantly better at identifying cervical position compared with students. Eighty-nine percent of participants thought the model was very useful or useful, whereas 49% thought the model was very realistic or realistic.

Discussion

The first iteration of the model demonstrated realism and usefulness; however, it lacked construct validity. Participant feedback yielded several helpful suggestions to improve the model. The second and final iteration of the model differentiated between novice and skilled participants at the cost of realism. This low-cost model is a useful tool to aid in teaching the speculum examination. Further development and study of the model could lead to a valid tool to evaluate speculum examination skills.
Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Due to Calciphylaxis
Authors: Sivertsen Magne S. , Strøm Erik H. , Endre Kim M. A. , Jørstad Øystein K.
Published: October 2017

A 72-year-old woman experienced anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in her left eye. The funduscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings were strongly suggestive of giant cell arteritis. Temporal artery biopsy revealed extensive calcification in the vessel wall consistent with calciphylaxis. This unusual disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, particularly the arteritic form.
Two sides of a coin: ecological and chronobiological perspectives of timing in the wild
Authors: Helm Barbara , Visser Marcel E. , Schwartz William , Kronfeld-Schor Noga , Gerkema Menno , Piersma Theunis , Bloch Guy
Published: October 2017

Most processes within organisms, and most interactions between organisms and their environment, have distinct time profiles. The temporal coordination of such processes is crucial across levels of biological organization, but disciplines differ widely in their approaches to study timing. Such differences are accentuated between ecologists, who are centrally concerned with a holistic view of an organism in relation to its external environment, and chronobiologists, who emphasize internal timekeeping within an organism and the mechanisms of its adjustment to the environment. We argue that ecological and chronobiological perspectives are complementary, and that studies at the intersection will enable both fields to jointly overcome obstacles that currently hinder progress. However, to achieve this integration, we first have to cross some conceptual barriers, clarifying prohibitively inaccessible terminologies. We critically assess main assumptions and concepts in either field, as well as their common interests. Both approaches intersect in their need to understand the extent and regulation of temporal plasticity, and in the concept of ‘chronotype’, i.e. the characteristic temporal properties of individuals which are the targets of natural and sexual selection. We then highlight promising developments, point out open questions, acknowledge difficulties and propose directions for further integration of ecological and chronobiological perspectives through Wild Clock research.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild Clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Chronobiology of interspecific interactions in a changing world
Authors: Kronfeld-Schor Noga , Visser Marcel E. , Salis Lucia , van Gils Jan A.
Published: October 2017

Animals should time activities, such as foraging, migration and reproduction, as well as seasonal physiological adaptation, in a way that maximizes fitness. The fitness outcome of such activities depends largely on their interspecific interactions; the temporal overlap with other species determines when they should be active in order to maximize their encounters with food and to minimize their encounters with predators, competitors and parasites. To cope with the constantly changing, but predictable structure of the environment, organisms have evolved internal biological clocks, which are synchronized mainly by light, the most predictable and reliable environmental cue (but which can be masked by other variables), which enable them to anticipate and prepare for predicted changes in the timing of the species they interact with, on top of responding to them directly. Here, we review examples where the internal timing system is used to predict interspecific interactions, and how these interactions affect the internal timing system and activity patterns. We then ask how plastic these mechanisms are, how this plasticity differs between and within species and how this variability in plasticity affects interspecific interactions in a changing world, in which light, the major synchronizer of the biological clock, is no longer a reliable cue owing to the rapidly changing climate, the use of artificial light and urbanization.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Timing as a sexually selected trait: the right mate at the right moment
Authors: Hau Michaela , Dominoni Davide , Casagrande Stefania , Buck C. Loren , Wagner Gabriela , Hazlerigg David , Greives Timothy , Hut Roelof A.
Published: October 2017

Sexual selection favours the expression of traits in one sex that attract members of the opposite sex for mating. The nature of sexually selected traits such as vocalization, colour and ornamentation, their fitness benefits as well as their costs have received ample attention in field and laboratory studies. However, sexually selected traits may not always be expressed: coloration and ornaments often follow a seasonal pattern and behaviours may be displayed only at specific times of the day. Despite the widely recognized differences in the daily and seasonal timing of traits and their consequences for reproductive success, the actions of sexual selection on the temporal organization of traits has received only scant attention. Drawing on selected examples from bird and mammal studies, here we summarize the current evidence for the daily and seasonal timing of traits. We highlight that molecular advances in chronobiology have opened exciting new opportunities for identifying the genetic targets that sexual selection may act on to shape the timing of trait expression. Furthermore, known genetic links between daily and seasonal timing mechanisms lead to the hypothesis that selection on one timescale may simultaneously also affect the other. We emphasize that studies on the timing of sexual displays of both males and females from wild populations will be invaluable for understanding the nature of sexual selection and its potential to act on differences within and between the sexes in timing. Molecular approaches will be important for pinpointing genetic components of biological rhythms that are targeted by sexual selection, and to clarify whether these represent core or peripheral components of endogenous clocks. Finally, we call for a renewed integration of the fields of evolution, behavioural ecology and chronobiology to tackle the exciting question of how sexual selection contributes to the evolution of biological clocks.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Seasonal reproductive tactics: annual timing and the capital-to-income breeder continuum
Authors: Williams Cory T. , Klaassen Marcel , Barnes Brian M. , Buck C. Loren , Arnold Walter , Giroud Sylvain , Vetter Sebastian G. , Ruf Thomas
Published: October 2017

Tactics of resource use for reproduction are an important feature of life-history strategies. A distinction is made between ‘capital’ breeders, which finance reproduction using stored energy, and ‘income’ breeders, which pay for reproduction using concurrent energy intake. In reality, vertebrates use a continuum of capital-to-income tactics, and, for many species, the allocation of capital towards reproduction is a plastic trait. Here, we review how trophic interactions and the timing of life-history events are influenced by tactics of resource use in birds and mammals. We first examine how plasticity in the allocation of capital towards reproduction is linked to phenological flexibility via interactions between endocrine/neuroendocrine control systems and the sensory circuits that detect changes in endogenous state, and environmental cues. We then describe the ecological drivers of reproductive timing in species that vary in the degree to which they finance reproduction using capital. Capital can be used either as a mechanism to facilitate temporal synchrony between energy supply and demand or as a means of lessening the need for synchrony. Within many species, an individual's ability to cope with environmental change may be more tightly linked to plasticity in resource allocation than to absolute position on the capital-to-income breeder continuum.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Sleep research goes wild: new methods and approaches to investigate the ecology, evolution and functions of sleep
Authors: Rattenborg Niels C. , de la Iglesia Horacio O. , Kempenaers Bart , Lesku John A. , Meerlo Peter , Scriba Madeleine F.
Published: October 2017

Despite being a prominent aspect of animal life, sleep and its functions remain poorly understood. As with any biological process, the functions of sleep can only be fully understood when examined in the ecological context in which they evolved. Owing to technological constraints, until recently, sleep has primarily been examined in the artificial laboratory environment. However, new tools are enabling researchers to study sleep behaviour and neurophysiology in the wild. Here, we summarize the various methods that have enabled sleep researchers to go wild, their strengths and weaknesses, and the discoveries resulting from these first steps outside the laboratory. The initial studies to ‘go wild’ have revealed a wealth of interindividual variation in sleep, and shown that sleep duration is not even fixed within an individual, but instead varies in response to an assortment of ecological demands. Determining the costs and benefits of this inter- and intraindividual variation in sleep may reveal clues to the functions of sleep. Perhaps the greatest surprise from these initial studies is that the reduction in neurobehavioural performance resulting from sleep loss demonstrated in the laboratory is not an obligatory outcome of reduced sleep in the wild.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Timing avian long-distance migration: from internal clock mechanisms to global flights
Authors: Åkesson Susanne , Ilieva Mihaela , Karagicheva Julia , Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Tomotani Barbara , Helm Barbara
Published: October 2017

Migratory birds regularly perform impressive long-distance flights, which are timed relative to the anticipated environmental resources at destination areas that can be several thousand kilometres away. Timely migration requires diverse strategies and adaptations that involve an intricate interplay between internal clock mechanisms and environmental conditions across the annual cycle. Here we review what challenges birds face during long migrations to keep track of time as they exploit geographically distant resources that may vary in availability and predictability, and summarize the clock mechanisms that enable them to succeed. We examine the following challenges: departing in time for spring and autumn migration, in anticipation of future environmental conditions; using clocks on the move, for example for orientation, navigation and stopover; strategies of adhering to, or adjusting, the time programme while fitting their activities into an annual cycle; and keeping pace with a world of rapidly changing environments. We then elaborate these themes by case studies representing long-distance migrating birds with different annual movement patterns and associated adaptations of their circannual programmes. We discuss the current knowledge on how endogenous migration programmes interact with external information across the annual cycle, how components of annual cycle programmes encode topography and range expansions, and how fitness may be affected when mismatches between timing and environmental conditions occur. Lastly, we outline open questions and propose future research directions.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Marine biorhythms: bridging chronobiology and ecology
Authors: Bulla Martin , Oudman Thomas , Bijleveld Allert I. , Piersma Theunis , Kyriacou Charalambos P.
Published: October 2017

Marine organisms adapt to complex temporal environments that include daily, tidal, semi-lunar, lunar and seasonal cycles. However, our understanding of marine biological rhythms and their underlying molecular basis is mainly confined to a few model organisms in rather simplistic laboratory settings. Here, we use new empirical data and recent examples of marine biorhythms to highlight how field ecologists and laboratory chronobiologists can complement each other's efforts. First, with continuous tracking of intertidal shorebirds in the field, we reveal individual differences in tidal and circadian foraging rhythms. Second, we demonstrate that shorebird species that spend 8–10 months in tidal environments rarely maintain such tidal or circadian rhythms during breeding, likely because of other, more pertinent, temporally structured, local ecological pressures such as predation or social environment. Finally, we use examples of initial findings from invertebrates (arthropods and polychaete worms) that are being developed as model species to study the molecular bases of lunar-related rhythms. These examples indicate that canonical circadian clock genes (i.e. the homologous clock genes identified in many higher organisms) may not be involved in lunar/tidal phenotypes. Together, our results and the examples we describe emphasize that linking field and laboratory studies is likely to generate a better ecological appreciation of lunar-related rhythms in the wild.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Keeping time without a spine: what can the insect clock teach us about seasonal adaptation?
Authors: Denlinger David L. , Hahn Daniel A. , Merlin Christine , Holzapfel Christina M. , Bradshaw William E.
Published: October 2017

Seasonal change in daylength (photoperiod) is widely used by insects to regulate temporal patterns of development and behaviour, including the timing of diapause (dormancy) and migration. Flexibility of the photoperiodic response is critical for rapid shifts to new hosts, survival in the face of global climate change and to reproductive isolation. At the same time, the daily circadian clock is also essential for development, diapause and multiple behaviours, including correct flight orientation during long-distance migration. Although studied for decades, how these two critical biological timing mechanisms are integrated is poorly understood, in part because the core circadian clock genes are all transcription factors or regulators that are able to exert multiple effects throughout the genome. In this chapter, we discuss clocks in the wild from the perspective of diverse insect groups across eco-geographic contexts from the Antarctic to the tropical regions of Earth. Application of the expanding tool box of molecular techniques will lead us to distinguish universal from unique mechanisms underlying the evolution of circadian and photoperiodic timing, and their interaction across taxonomic and ecological contexts represented by insects.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals’.
Backbone Brackets and Arginine Tweezers delineate Class I and Class II aminoacyl tRNA synthetases
Authors: Kaiser Florian , Bittrich Sebastian , Salentin Sebastian , Leberecht Christoph , Haupt V. Joachim , Krautwurst Sarah , Schroeder Michael , Labudde Dirk
Published: October 2017

The origin of the machinery that realizes protein biosynthesis in all organisms is still unclear. One key component of this machinery are aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS), which ligate tRNAs to amino acids while consuming ATP. Sequence analyses revealed that these enzymes can be divided into two complementary classes. Both classes differ significantly on a sequence and structural level, feature different reaction mechanisms, and occur in diverse oligomerization states. The one unifying aspect of both classes is their function of binding ATP. We identified Backbone Brackets and Arginine Tweezers as most compact ATP binding motifs characteristic for each Class. Geometric analysis shows a structural rearrangement of the Backbone Brackets upon ATP binding, indicating a general mechanism of all Class I structures. Regarding the origin of aaRS, the Rodin-Ohno hypothesis states that the peculiar nature of the two aaRS classes is the result of their primordial forms, called Protozymes, being encoded on opposite strands of the same gene. Backbone Brackets and Arginine Tweezers were traced back to the proposed Protozymes and their more efficient successors, the Urzymes. Both structural motifs can be observed as pairs of residues in contemporary structures and it seems that the time of their addition, indicated by their placement in the ancient aaRS, coincides with the evolutionary trace of Proto- and Urzymes.

Author summary

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are primordial enzymes essential for interpretation and transfer of genetic information. Understanding the origin of the peculiarities observed with aaRS can explain what constituted the earliest life forms and how the genetic code was established. The increasing amount of experimentally determined three-dimensional structures of aaRS opens up new avenues for high-throughput analyses of molecular mechanisms. In this study, we present an exhaustive structural analysis of ATP binding motifs. We unveil an oppositional implementation of enzyme substrate binding in each aaRS Class. While Class I binds via interactions mediated by backbone hydrogen bonds, Class II uses a pair of arginine residues to establish salt bridges to its ATP ligand. We show how nature realized the binding of the same ligand species with completely different mechanisms. In addition, we demonstrate that sequence or even structure analysis for conserved residues may miss important functional aspects which can only be revealed by ligand interaction studies. Additionally, the placement of those key residues in the structure supports a popular hypothesis, which states that prototypic aaRS were once coded on complementary strands of the same gene.
Phencyclidine discoordinates hippocampal network activity but not place fields
Authors: Kao Hsin-Yi , Dvořák Dino , Park EunHye , Kenney Jana , Kelemen Eduard , Fenton André A
Published: October 2017

We used the psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) to investigate the relationships between cognitive behavior, coordinated neural network function and information processing within the hippocampus place cell system. We report in rats that PCP (5mg/kg i.p.) impairs a well-learned hippocampus-dependent place avoidance behavior in rats that requires cognitive control, even when PCP is injected directly into dorsal hippocampus. PCP increases 60-100 Hz medium gamma oscillations in hippocampus CA1 and these increases correlate with the cognitive impairment caused by systemic PCP administration. PCP discoordinates theta-modulated medium and slow gamma oscillations in CA1 local field potentials (LFP) such that medium gamma oscillations become more theta-organized than slow gamma oscillations. CA1 place cell firing fields are preserved under PCP but the drug discoordinates the sub-second temporal organization of discharge amongst place cells. This discoordination causes place cell ensemble representations of a familiar space to cease resembling pre-PCP representations, despite preserved place fields. These findings point to the cognitive impairments caused by PCP arising from neural discoordination. PCP disrupts the timing of discharge with respect to the sub-second timescales of theta and gamma oscillations in the LFP. Because these oscillations arise from local inhibitory synaptic activity, these findings point to excitation-inhibition discoordination as the root of PCP-induced cognitive impairment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Hippocampal neural discharge is temporally coordinated on timescales of theta and gamma oscillations in the local field potential, and the discharge of a subset of pyramidal neurons called “place cells” is spatially organized such that discharge is restricted to locations called a cell’s “place field.” Because this temporal coordination and spatial discharge organization is thought to represent spatial knowledge, we used the psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) to disrupt cognitive behavior and assess the importance of neural coordination and place fields for spatial cognition. PCP impaired the judicious use of spatial information and discoordinated hippocampal discharge, without disrupting firing fields. These findings dissociate place fields from spatial cognitive behavior and suggest that hippocampus discharge coordination is crucial to spatial cognition.
The geometry of the distance-decay of similarity in ecological communities
Authors: Ladau Joshua , Green Jessica L. , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: October 2017

Understanding beta-diversity has strong implications for evaluating the extent of biodiversity and formulating effective conservation policy. Here, we show that the distance-decay relationship, an important measure of beta-diversity, follows a universal form which we call the piecewise quadratic model. To derive the piecewise quadratic model, we develop a new conceptual framework which is based on geometric probability and several key insights about the roles of study design (e.g., plot dimensions and spatial distributions). We fit the piecewise quadratic model to six empirical distance-decay relationships, spanning a range of taxa and spatial scales, including surveys of tropical vegetation, mammals, and amphibians. We find that the model predicts the functional form of the relationships extremely well, with coefficients of determination in excess of 0.95. Moreover, the model predicts a phase transition at distance scales where sample plots are overlapping, which we confirm empirically. Our framework and model provide a fundamental, quantitative link between distance-decay relationships and the shapes of ranges of taxa.
Landscape genomic prediction for restoration of aEucalyptusfoundation species under climate change
Authors: Supple Megan A. , Bragg Jason G. , Broadhurst Linda M. , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Byrne Margaret , Andrew Rose L. , Widdup Abigail , Aitken Nicola C. , Borevitz Justin O.
Published: October 2017

As species face rapid environmental change, we can build resilient populations through restoration projects that incorporate predicted future climates into seed sourcing decisions.Eucalyptus melliodorais a foundation species of a critically endangered community in Australia that is a target for restoration. We examined patterns of genomic and phenotypic variation to make empirical based recommendations for seed sourcing. We examined isolation by distance and isolation by environment, determining gene flow up to 500 km and associations with environmental variables. Climate chamber studies revealed extensive phenotypic variation both within and among sampling sites, but no site-specific differentiation in phenotypic plasticity. Overall our results suggest that seed can be sourced broadly across the landscape, providing ample diversity for adaptation to environmental change. Application of our landscape genomic model toE. melliodorarestoration projects can identify genomic variation suitable for predicted future climates, thereby increasing the long term probability of successful restoration.
Dissociating ego- and allocentric neglect after stroke: prevalence, laterality and outcome predictors
Authors: Demeyere Nele , Gillebert Celine R.
Published: October 2017

Visuospatial neglect is a neuropsychological condition commonly experienced after stroke, whereby a patient is unable to attend to stimuli on their contralesional side. We aimed to investigate whether egocentric and allocentric neglect are functionally dissociable and differ in prevalence, laterality and outcome predictors. A consecutive sample of 366 acute stroke patients completed the Broken Hearts test from the Oxford Cognitive Screen. A subsample of 160 patients was followed up 6 months later. We evaluated the association between egocentric and allocentric neglect, contrasted the prevalence and severity of left-sided versus right-sided neglect, and determined the predictors of persistence versus recovery at follow up. Clinically, we found a double dissociation between ego- and allocentric neglect, with 50% of the neglect patients showing ‘only’ egocentric neglect and 25% ‘only’ allocentric neglect. Importantly, patients with only allocentric neglect did not demonstrate any egocentric spatial bias in the locations of the allocentric errors. Left-sided egocentric neglect was more prevalent and more severe than right-sided egocentric neglect, though right-sided neglect was still highly prevalent in the acute stroke sample (35%). Leftsided allocentric neglect was more severe but not more prevalent than right-sided allocentric neglect. Overall recovery of neglect was high: 81% of egocentric and 75% of allocentric neglect patients recovered. Severity of neglect was the only significant behavioural measure for predicting recovery at 6 months.
RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is mediated by its PRY/SPRY domain and is required for ubiquitination
Authors: Choudhury Nila Roy , Heikel Gregory , Trubitsyna Maryia , Kubik Peter , Nowak Jakub Stanislaw , Webb Shaun , Granneman Sander , Spanos Christos , Rappsilber Juri , Castello Alfredo , Michlewski Gracjan
Published: October 2017

TRIM25 is a novel RNA-binding protein and a member of the Tripartite Motif (TRIM) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, which plays a pivotal role in the innate immune response. Almost nothing is known about its RNA-related roles in cell biology. Furthermore, its RNA-binding domain has not been characterized. Here, we reveal that RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is mediated by its PRY/SPRY domain, which we postulate to be a novel RNA-binding domain. Using CLIP-seq and SILAC-based co-immunoprecipitation assays, we uncover TRIM25’s endogenous RNA targets and protein binding partners. Finally, we show that the RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is important for its ubiquitin ligase function. These results reveal new insights into the molecular roles and characteristics of RNA-binding E3 ubiquitin ligases and demonstrate that RNA could be an essential factor for their biological functions.
A transcriptome and literature guided algorithm for reconstruction of pathways to assess activity of telomere maintenance mechanisms
Authors: Nersisyan Lilit , Arakelyan Arsen
Published: October 2017

Activation of telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) is a crucial factor for indefinite proliferation of cancer cells. The most common TMM is based on the action of telomerase, but in some cancers telomeres are elongated via homologous recombination based alternative mechanism (ALT). Despite their importance, little is known about TMM regulation and factors responsible for TMM phenotype choice in different cells. Currently, many studies address the involvement of few genes in TMMs, but a consensus unified picture of the full process is missing.

We have developed a computational biology framework combining knowledge- and data-driven approaches to aid in understanding of TMMs. It is based on a greedy algorithm with three core modules: (1) knowledge-based construction/modification of molecular pathways for telomerase-dependent and alternative TMMs, (2) coupled with gene expression data-based validation with an in-house pathway signal flow (PSF) algorithm, and (3) iteration of these two coupled steps until converging at pathway topologies that best reflect state of the art knowledge and are in maximum accordance with the data. We have used gene expression data derived from cell lines and tumor tissues and have performed extensive literature search and multiple cycles of greedy iterations until reaching TMM assessment accuracy of 100% and 77%, respectively.

Availability of TMM pathways that best reflect recent knowledge and data will facilitate better understanding of TMM processes. As novel experimental findings in TMM biology emerge, and new datasets are generated, our approach may be used to further expand/improve the pathways, possibly allowing for making distinctions not only between telomerase-dependent and ALT TMMs, but also among their different subtypes. Moreover, this method may be used for assessment of TMM phenotypes from gene expression data, which is crucial for studies where experimental detection of TMM states is missing. Furthermore, it can also be used to assess TMM activities in proliferating healthy cells.
Young construction workers: substance use, mental health, and workplace psychosocial factors
Authors: Pidd Ken , Duraisingam Vinita , Roche Ann , Trifonoff Allan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Young Australian workers are at elevated risk of mental health and alcohol and other drug related problems. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between alcohol and drug (AOD) use, psychological wellbeing, and the workplace psychosocial environment among young apprentices in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of a cohort of 169 construction industry apprentices in their first year of training was undertaken. The survey included measures of psychological distress (K10), quantity/frequency measures of alcohol and illicit drug use, and workplace psychosocial factors.

Findings

Construction industry apprentices are at elevated risk of AOD related harm and poor mental health. Levels of psychological distress and substance use were substantially higher than age/gender equivalent Australian population norms. Job stress, workplace bullying, and general social support accounted for 38.2 per cent of the variance in psychological distress. General social support moderated the effects of job stress and bullying on psychological distress. Substance use was not associated with psychological distress. However, workplace social support accounted for 2.1 per cent of the variance in AUDIT-C scores, and 2.0 per cent of the variance in cannabis use. Workplace bullying explained 2.4 per cent of the variance in meth/amphetamine use.

Practical implications

Construction trades apprentices are a high-risk group for harmful substance use and poor mental health. Study results indicate that psychosocial wellbeing interventions are warranted as a harm reduction strategy.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind to describe a cohort of Australian construction trade apprentices in terms of their substance use and psychological wellbeing. The study shows workplace psychosocial factors may predict young workers psychological wellbeing.
Gender roles and customer organisational citizenship behaviour in emerging markets
Authors: Ho Jessica Sze Yin , Gaur Sanjaya S. , Chew Kok Wai , Khan Nasreen
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) entails employees’ voluntary commitment to an organisation beyond their contractual responsibilities and has been found to be contributing to an organisation’s success. While the roles of gender and OCB exhibited by employees (as internal stakeholders) are documented, the role of gender in OCB by customers (as external stakeholders) of an organisation, especially within the context of emerging markets, is not found, therefore necessitating further studies. This research aims at bridging this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 203 male and 194 female customers representing the young working professionals segment rated their level of satisfaction with the relationship that they had with their banking website. They also indicated their willingness to participate in different dimensions of OCB.

Findings

Generally, both men and women, who are satisfied with the relationship that they have with the organisation, indicated their willingness to contribute to the organisation by displaying OCB. Contrary to past studies, where women at workplace were reported to be more likely to participate in OCB, the findings from the customer’s perspective revealed that men are more likely to engage in OCB.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicated that OCB is not limited to internal customers (employees) but could also be expanded to external customers. The stereotypes causing females to be perceived as stronger OCB contributors may not remain constant in all types of circumstances.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first study to establish the gender role in OCB from the customer’s perspective in the context of an emerging market.
An investigation of gender and generational differences in attitudes toward the importance of a college degree in the UAE
Authors: Matherly Laura L. , Al Nahyan Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa , Amin Nadia
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study examines attitudes toward higher education for men and women among male and female students and parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and demonstrates gender differences in parent and student expectations about the importance of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study examines attitudes toward higher education among 461 matched students and parents (total sample size 1442 respondents) in six higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and demonstrates gender differences between parent and student perceptions.

Findings

In general, attitudes about the importance of a college degree were high and stable, except that younger, more recent female graduates were more likely to disagree that family traditions were threatened by women completing a college degree. Socio-demographic variables were associated with more favorable attitudes about the value of education for global leadership, the importance of a college education for both men and women and gender equality.

Research limitations/implications

Six higher education institutions were represented in the sample so external validity can be improved by studying these variables in other sample groups across the nation, region and globe. In addition, including additional types of universities, e.g. distance learning, technical, research and military, would indicate if the findings are generalizable to a broader range of institutions of higher education. There are opportunities for future comparative studies to examine the relevance of these findings across cultures and government initiatives to build national human resource capital and to consider other aspects of intergenerational relationships, attitudes and behaviors.

Originality/value

The authors examine perceived implications of the value of higher education on different arenas of men and women’s lives among the Emirates. Additionally, we focus on whether their attitudes vary by gender and generation.
Feminizing leadership in the Middle East
Authors: Shaya Nessrin , Abu Khait Rawan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to form an empirical study, stemming from a Middle-Eastern context, on eliminating gender discrimination and achieving women’s empowerment. It aims to develop a conceptual model on the principal social and cultural factors inducing the success of Emirati women in attaining senior leadership roles and shaping their leadership style to be transformational. Moreover, it examines the comparability and divergence of the accumulated data on the empowerment of Emirati women in an international context from existing international literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the study was based on data gathered from face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with four Emirati women occupying the highest leadership positions in various fields, followed by thematic analysis.

Findings

Data analysis confirmed the significant influence of the study’s key factors, namely, the role of the national government, Islamic work ethic and family, on the subjects’ empowerment and their adherence to transformational leadership style. However, two new k ey factors impacting empowerment emerged, namely, the influence of rulers’ leadership and the efforts in balancing work/life commitments. The findings led to the development of a study model on Emirati women empowerment and leadership style, reflecting the appropriateness of international literature on the Emirati context. Particularly, it is the social and economic circumstances of the nation supported by policies form the major source of empowerment, in addition to the important role that family capital and business ethics play. Remarkably, the challenges facing Emirati working women ought to be different than the rest of the Middle East.

Originality/value

A dearth of literature pertaining to women’s leadership exists; however, they were mostly carried out within Western contexts that may not be applicable to Arab societies because of cultural and religious differences. The study strives to portray an unambiguous picture to the significant impact of the parenting role and Islam work ethics in relating positively to their daughters and prompt them to develop crucial societal and professional skills, in a country as UAE where expatriates and Westerns dominate the population body. In addition, it shapes the UAE national government as a unique example and role model, to local governments in other Arab states, to learn from regarding supporting women, helping them to achieve excellence. Aiming for feminizing leadership, the Emirati women leadership styles are explored in an attempt to demonstrate the capacities and potentials of Emirati and Arab women in positions of power and influence. It is assumed that this study will help in bringing confidence in Emirati women capabilities, inducing a change in attitudes towards Arab women managers and encouraging employment in non-traditional feminine based jobs.