bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideologies implicated in IT innovation in government: A critical discourse analysis of Mexico's international trade administration
Authors: Avgerou Chrisanthi , Bonina Carla
Published: June 2019

We develop a perspective of IT innovation in the public sector as a process that involves three complementary areas of ideology and concomitant dispute: first, the widespread view of e‐government as a transformative force that leads to major improvements of public sector functions for the benefit of society at large; second, ideologies concerning the substantive policies enacted by public sector organizations; and third, ideology regarding public sector modernization. Our research examines how the objectives of IT projects and their actual effects in government are influenced by such ideologies and contestations that surround them. We develop our theoretical contribution with a critical discourse analysis that traces the ideological underpinnings of two consecutive IT projects for the administration of international trade in Mexico. This analysis associates the objectives of the IT projects with the emergence and ensuing contestation in Mexican politics of two ideologies: the first ideology concerns free international trade as imperative for economic development; the second ideology concerns public sector modernization that sought to overcome historically formed dysfunctionalities of public administration bureaucracies by adopting management practices from the private sector. The analysis then identifies the effects of the ideologically shaped IT projects on two key values of public administration: efficiency and legality. The insights of this research on the role of ideology in IT innovation complement organizational perspectives of e‐government; socio‐cognitive perspectives that focus on ideas and meaning, such as technology frames and organizing visions; and perspectives that focus on politics in IT innovation.
Theoretical and experimental investigations of mechanical properties for polymorphous YTaO4ceramics
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhou Yunxuan , Wu Fushuo , Hu Mingyu , Chong Xiaoyu , Feng Jing
Published: June 2019

In this work, the dense bulk polymorphous YTaO4ceramics with M or M' phase are synthesized by spark plasma sintering method accompanying with different tempering procedures. Combined with the nano‐indentation and theoretical calculation, their mechanical properties are systematically investigated. The identification of crystal structure reveals that the YTaO4crystallizes into M phase (space group:I2/a) with higher tempering temperature, otherwise it crystallizes into M' phase (space group:P2/a). The results of mechanical properties indicate M‐phase YTaO4possesses larger Young's modulus and hardness than that of M' phase. It is stemmed from the chemical bonding strength of M phase is stronger than that of M' phase, and the stronger bonding strength of M phase also results in its elastic resilience is superior to M' phase. Besides, on account of the low symmetry of monoclinic crystal system, the Young's modulus of polymorphous YTaO4ceramics exhibit strong anisotropy.
Sintering of metakaolin‐based Na/Ca‐geopolymers and their immobilization of Cs
Authors: Chen Song , Ren Ding , Liu Li‐Ke , Luo Jie , Yang Guang‐Li
Published: June 2019

Metakaolin‐based Na/Ca‐geopolymers with a designed composition close to feldspar were used as precursors of Cs immobilization form materials. The sintering behaviors of geopolymers and their sintered materials' immobilization of Cs ions were investigated; the results indicated that the major phases of sintered geopolymers are plagioclase feldspars and feldspathoid. With the addition of Cs to the geopolymers, Cs‐leucite phase and caesium silicates were formed at 1150°C and 1170°C, respectively. It was found that Cs addition can slightly decrease the sintering temperature of geopolymers and make the grains finer.  In addition, in order to reduce the volatilization of Cs ions during sintering, sintering temperatures of Cs‐geopolymer were further decreased to 850°C by introducing B2O3. After the geopolymer and Cs‐geopolymer were sintered using a low‐temperature liquid‐phase process, they remained structurally plagioclase feldspars and feldspathoid. Leaching on Product Consistency Test indicates that the leaching concentrations of Cs‐geopolymer samples sintered at higher temperatures are lower than those of samples sintered at lower temperatures. Thus, the increased volatilization of Cs ions at the higher temperatures and the formation of Cs‐leucite phase and caesium silicates can lead to the decrease of leaching concentrations in leachates. Therefore, low sintering temperatures and the fabrication of Cs crystalline ceramics are the key factors toward improving the immobilization of Cs ions.
Gender bias in caregiving professions: The role of perceived warmth
Authors: Halper Leah R. , Cowgill Colleen M. , Rios Kimberly
Published: June 2019

One hypothesized reason for why a disproportionately low number of men enter caregiving fields is how such men are perceived. In two studies, drawing upon the Stereotype Content Model and the lack‐of‐fit model, we tested whether men would encounter more social (e.g., likeability bias) and economic (e.g., hiring or job opportunity bias) penalties than women in caregiving professions due to perceptions that men are less warm than women. In all three studies, we created job or employment materials in which the gender of the candidate or employee was manipulated. In Study 1, a female preschool teacher received higher warmth ratings than a male preschool teacher, which in turn predicted preference for the female teacher over the male teacher. In Study 2, a female social worker was rated more highly in warmth and job hireability than a male social worker; warmth also mediated the relationships between gender and both likeability and job hireability. In Study 3, a male preschool teacher was rated lower in warmth, likeability, job hireability, and job suitability than both a female preschool teacher and a preschool teacher with an unspecified gender. There were no differences between perceived competence of men and women in caregiving positions when competence was assessed. Implications for the factors that predict adverse reactions to and penalties against men in caregiving occupations, as well as interventions to combat the potential negative effects of such penalties on men's interest in caregiving careers, are discussed.
Breeding objectives of Brangus cattle in Brazil
Authors: Simões Michele R. S. , Leal Joal J. B. , Minho Alessandro P. , Gomes Cláudia C. , MacNeil Michael D. , Costa Rodrigo F. , Junqueira Vinícius S. , Schmidt Patrícia I. , Cardoso Fernando F. , Boligon Arione A. , Yokoo Marcos J.
Published: June 2019

Our goal was to define a breeding objective for Brangus beef cattle in Brazil. Bioeconomic models were produced and used to estimate economic values (EVs). The scenarios simulated were typical full‐cycle beef production systems that are used in tropical and subtropical regions. The breeding objective contained pregnancy rate (PR), warm carcass weight (WCW), mature cow weight (MCW), number of nematode eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and tick count (TICK). Two models were used in series to estimate the EV. A deterministic model was used to simulate effects of PR, WCW and MCW on profitability with a constant parasite load. Subsequently, stochastic models were used to estimate economic values for TICK and EPG as consequences of their environmental effects on weight gains, mortality and health costs. The EV of PR, WCW, MCW, EPG and TICK, was US$1.59, US$2.11, −US$0.24, −US$5.35 and −US$20.88, respectively. Results indicate positive emphasis should be placed on PR (12.49%) and WCW (65.07%) with negative emphasis on MCW (13.92%), EPG (2.77%) and TICK (5.75%). In comparison with the indexes usually used, these results suggest a reformulation in the selection indexes of the beef production system in tropical and subtropical regions in order to obtain greater profitability.
GIFT – A Global Inventory of Floras and Traits for macroecology and biogeography
Authors: Weigelt Patrick , König Christian , Kreft Holger
Published: June 2019

Aim

To understand how functional traits and evolutionary history shape the geographic distribution of plant life on Earth, we need to integrate high‐quality and global‐scale distribution data with functional and phylogenetic information. Large‐scale distribution data for plants are, however, often restricted to either certain taxonomic groups or geographic regions. Range maps only exist for a small subset of all plant species and digitally available point‐occurrence information is biased both geographically and taxonomically. Floras and checklists represent an alternative, yet rarely used potential source of information. They contain highly curated information about the species composition of a clearly defined area, and together virtually cover the entire global land surface. Here, we report on our recent efforts to mobilize this information for macroecological and biogeographical analyses in the GIFT database, the Global Inventory of Floras and Traits.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Land plants (Embryophyta).

Methods

GIFT integrates plant distributions from regional Floras and checklists with functional traits, phylogenetic information, and region‐level geographic, environmental and socio‐economic data. It contains information about the floristic status (native, endemic, alien and naturalized) and takes advantage of the wealth of trait information in the regional Floras, complemented by data from global trait databases.

Results

GIFT 1.0 holds species lists for 2,893 regions across the whole globe including ~315,000 taxonomically standardized species names (i.e. c. 80% of all known land plant species) and ~3 million species‐by‐region occurrences. Based on a hierarchical and taxonomical derivation scheme, GIFT contains information for 83 functional traits and more than 2.3 million trait‐by‐species combinations and achieves unprecedented coverage in categorical traits such as woodiness (~233,000 spp.) or growth form (~213,000 spp.).

Main conclusions

Here, we present the structure, content and automated workflows of GIFT and a corresponding web‐interface (http://gift.uni-goettingen.de) as proof of concept for the feasibility and potential of mobilizing aggregated biodiversity data for global macroecological and biogeographical research.
International Courts and Public Opinion: Explaining the CJEU's Role in Protecting Terror Suspects' Rights
Authors: Harsch Michael F. , Maksimov Vladislav
Published: June 2019

Under what conditions can regional and international courts (ICs) make decisions against their governments' preferences? To answer this much debated question, we develop a new, majoritarian model of state‐IC relations. It posits that in cases where well‐established ICs' positions are congruent with policy‐specific public opinion in leading member states, ICs can rule against their governments' position. We apply our approach to a series of landmark decisions by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding United Nations sanctions against terror suspects. We find that the CJEU was able to harness growing public support to strengthen terror suspects' rights, punish states for superficial compliance with its rulings and ultimately broaden the Court's judicial review powers. Our analysis suggests that ICs can be agents of legal change and advance human rights against governments' resistance, but this role is conditional on the presence of public support.
Comments on ‘French guidelines on the use of systemic treatments for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in adults’
Authors: Schuster C. , Perrin E. , Riedl E.
Published: June 2019

Linked article: F. Amatore et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 464–483. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15340
Detection of Betanodavirus in experimentally infected European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Linnaeus 1758) using non‐lethal sampling methods
Authors: Ferreira Inês Almeida , Costa Janina Z. , Macchia Valeria , Dawn Thompson Kimberly , Baptista Teresa
Published: June 2019

One of the major disease threats affecting the Mediterranean aquaculture industry is viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER). The target organs for Betanodavirus detection are the brain and eyes, obtained through lethal sampling. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and suitability of non‐lethal samples for detecting Betanodavirus in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). European seabass juveniles were infected with Betanodavirus, by either an intramuscular injection or immersion (107 TCID50/ml and 106 TCID50/ml, respectively), and samples collected 7, 15 and 30 days post‐infection (dpi). The brain was collected as a lethal sample, and gills, caudal fin and blood as non‐lethal tissues for detecting Betanodavirus by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). The presence of virus in non‐lethal tissues was inconsistent, with lower viral loads than in the brain. For blood, higher viral loads were detected in intramuscular‐infected fish at 15 dpi until the end of the challenge. Serum antibodies against Betanodavirus were assessed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antibodies were detected as early as 7 dpi, with higher mean antibody titres at 15 and 30 dpi. The presence of Betanodavirus‐specific antibodies indicates that this is a suitable evaluation method for detecting early stages of the infection.
Gene expression analyses in malformed skeletal structures of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Riera‐Heredia Natàlia , Vélez Emilio J. , Gutiérrez Joaquim , Navarro Isabel , Capilla Encarnación
Published: June 2019

The incidence of skeletal anomalies in reared fish has been translated for years in important economic losses for the aquaculture industry. In the present study, we have analysed the gene expression of extracellular matrix components and transcription factors involved in bone development in gilthead sea bream presenting different skeletal anomalies: lordosis (LD), lordosis–scoliosis–kyphosis (LSK) or opercular, dental or jaw malformations in comparison with control (CT) specimens. Results showed a possible link between the presence of LD and LSK and the significant downregulation of genes involved in osteoblasts' maturation and matrix mineralization (collagen type 1‐alpha, osteopontin, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein and tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase), as well as in bone resorption (cathepsin K and matrix metalloproteinase 9) compared to CT animals. Contrarily, the key osteogenic transcription factor runx2 was upregulated in the malformed vertebra suggesting impaired determination of mesenchymal stem cells towards the osteoblastic lineage. Despite the gene expression patterns of the other malformed structures were not affected in comparison with CT fish, the results of the present study may contribute in the long term to identify potential candidate gene profiles associated with column deformities that may help reducing the incidence of appearance of skeletal anomalies in this important aquaculture species.
Detection of hepatitis E virus antibodies among Cercopithecidae and Hominidae monkeys in Cameroon
Authors: Modiyinji Abdou Fatawou , Amougou Atsama Marie , Monamele Chavely Gwladys , Nola Moise , Njouom Richard
Published: June 2019

We screened hepatitis E from 15 species of non‐human primates. Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in 11.1% (1/9) Mandrillus sphinx, 14.3% (2/14) Gorilla gorilla, 5.9% (4/67) pan troglodytes and 8.7% (2/23) Mandrillus leucophaeus, whereas anti‐HEV IgM was detected in 1.5% (1/18) papio Anubis, 28.6% (2/7) Cercocebus agilis and 1.5% (1/67) pan troglodyte.
Calorie restriction activates new adult born olfactory‐bulb neurones in a ghrelin‐dependent manner but acyl‐ghrelin does not enhance subventricular zone neurogenesis
Authors: Ratcliff Michael , Rees Daniel , McGrady Scott , Buntwal Luke , Hornsby Amanda K. E. , Bayliss Jaqueline , Kent Brianne A. , Bussey Timothy , Saksida Lisa , Beynon Amy L. , Howell Owain W. , Morgan Alwena H. , Sun Yuxiang , Andrews Zane B. , Wells Timothy , Davies Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2019

The ageing and degenerating brain show deficits in neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) plasticity that are accompanied by impairments in olfactory discrimination. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut hormone ghrelin plays an important role in protecting neurones, promoting synaptic plasticity and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult brain. In the present study, we investigated the role of ghrelin with respect to modulating adult subventricular zone (SVZ) NSPCs that give rise to new olfactory bulb (OB) neurones. We characterised the expression of the ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), using an immunohistochemical approach in GHSR‐eGFP reporter mice to show that GHSR is expressed in several regions, including the OB but not in the SVZ of the lateral ventricle. These data suggest that acyl‐ghrelin does not mediate a direct effect on NSPC in the SVZ. Consistent with these findings, treatment with acyl‐ghrelin or genetic silencing of GHSR did not alter NSPC proliferation within the SVZ. Similarly, using a bromodeoxyuridine pulse‐chase approach, we show that peripheral treatment of adult rats with acyl‐ghrelin did not increase the number of new adult‐born neurones in the granule cell layer of the OB. These data demonstrate that acyl‐ghrelin does not increase adult OB neurogenesis. Finally, we investigated whether elevating ghrelin indirectly, via calorie restriction (CR), regulated the activity of new adult‐born cells in the OB. Overnight CR induced c‐Fos expression in new adult‐born OB cells but not in developmentally born cells, whereas neuronal activity was absent following re‐feeding. These effects were not present in ghrelin−/− mice, suggesting that adult‐born cells are uniquely sensitive to changes in ghrelin mediated by fasting and re‐feeding. In summary, ghrelin does not promote neurogenesis in the SVZ and OB; however, new adult‐born OB cells are activated by CR in a ghrelin‐dependent manner.
Elevated bradykinin receptor type 1 expression in postpartum acute myometritis: Possible involvement in augmented interstitial edema of the atonic gravid uterus
Authors: Shen Yi , Oda Tomoaki , Tamura Naoaki , Kohmura‐Kobayashi Yukiko , Furuta‐Isomura Naomi , Yaguchi Chizuko , Uchida Toshiyuki , Suzuki Kazunao , Itoh Hiroaki , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: June 2019

Aim

Uterine atony is a major cause of postpartum hemorrhage. We recently proposed a new concept for the histopathophysiology of refractory uterine atony, postpartum acute myometritis (PAM), characterized by acute inflammatory changes with massive stromal edema, increased numbers of complement C5a receptors and diffuse mast cell activation in the myometrium. We herein focused on the possible involvement of the kinin‐kallikrein system in the rapid development of interstitial edema in PAM, particularly bradykinin receptor type 1 (B1R), which is up‐regulated under inflammatory conditions. The present study investigated B1R expression with uterine interstitial edema in PAM.

Methods

Our institution plays an important role in a Japanese amniotic fluid embolism registry project. We selected PAM cases from uterine samples delivered to us for further analyses between 2012 and 2017. Control tissues were collected during cesarean section and planned hysterectomy. B1R expression was semi‐quantitatively measured by immunohistochemistry, while uterine interstitial edema was estimated by semi‐quantitative measurements of the alpha smooth muscle actin‐negative area using immunohistochemistry.

Results

There were 36 and 8 cases in the PAM and control groups, respectively. The alpha smooth muscle actin‐negative area was increased in the PAM group, concomitant with the significant up‐regulation of B1R expression in uterine smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, and neutrophils. A positive correlation was observed between these two factors.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the up‐regulated expression of B1R in the myometrium and its positive correlation with histologically estimated interstitial edema, suggesting the contribution of the kinin‐kallikrein‐B1R system to the development of interstitial edema in PAM cases.
Perceptions, attitudes and factors that influence prescribing by general dentists in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Teoh Leanne , Stewart Kay , Marino Rodrigo J. , McCullough Michael John
Published: June 2019

Background

Longitudinal studies of dental prescribing in Australia show that dentists make some inappropriate prescribing choices; literature has shown that dentists tend to overprescribe antibiotics and prescribe for incorrect indications. The unnecessary use of antibiotics is a contributing factor towards the development of antibiotic resistance. The aims of the study were to obtain a greater understanding of the perceptions, attitudes and factors that influence dental prescribing for all major relevant drug classes.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews of 15 purposively sampled dentists practising in Victoria, Australia were conducted from June–September 2018. Two dentists practised in rural areas and the remainder in urban locations. The range of clinical experience varied from 2.5 to 37 years, with a mean of 13 years. The transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results

Dentists generally preferred amoxicillin as first‐line therapy for odontogenic infections, with some confusion about the spectrum and uses of antibiotics. Overprescribing was evident, mostly due to basing judgement for use of antibiotics on symptoms rather than clinical signs. Other factors, such as time pressure, patient expectations, pressure from assistant staff, concern about online criticism and medico‐legal considerations, influenced prescribing. Of the dentists who prescribed anxiolytics, most did not have a care protocol for their sedated patients.

Conclusion

A variety of prescribing practices were described, and future interventions should target misconceptions around the appropriate use and choice of antibiotics, resources to address the shortfall in knowledge of therapeutics, patient education and staff training, as well as appropriate care and monitoring of sedated patients.
Asteroid impact effects on Snowball Earth
Authors: Koeberl Christian , Ivanov Boris A.
Published: June 2019

Several Snowball Earth periods, in which the Earth has been (almost) totally glaciated, are known from Earth history. Neither the trigger for the initiation, nor the reason for the ending of such phases, are well understood. Here we discuss some mechanical effects of the impact of asteroids 5–10 km in diameter on the Snowball Earth environment. An impact of this scale is the largest impact that is statistically predictable for 10–60 Myr time periods. The impact cratering itself (shock waves, impact crater formation) is not powerful enough to change the natural climate evolution path on Earth. However, the products of impact (mainly—water vapor) can be quickly distributed over a substantial part of the globe, influencing the global circulation (e.g., facilitating cloud formation). It is a question for future studies to confirm if such an event (which is possible statistically during this interval) may or may not have influenced the global climate of the Snowball Earth, and/or contributed to deglaciation.
What drives phenotypic divergence among coral clonemates of Acropora palmata?
Authors: Durante Meghann K. , Baums Iliana B. , Williams Dana E. , Vohsen Sam , Kemp Dustin W.
Published: June 2019

Evolutionary rescue of populations depends on their ability to produce phenotypic variation that is heritable and adaptive. DNA mutations are the best understood mechanisms to create phenotypic variation, but other, less well‐studied mechanisms exist. Marine benthic foundation species provide opportunities to study these mechanisms because many are dominated by isogenic stands produced through asexual reproduction. For example, Caribbean acroporid corals are long lived and reproduce asexually via breakage of branches. Fragmentation is often the dominant mode of local population maintenance. Thus, large genets with many ramets (colonies) are common. Here, we observed phenotypic variation in stress responses within genets following the coral bleaching events in 2014 and 2015 caused by high water temperatures. This was not due to genetic variation in their symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium “fitti”) because each genet of this coral species typically harbours a single strain of S. “fitti”. Characterization of the microbiome via 16S tag sequencing correlated the abundance of only two microbiome members (Tepidiphilus, Endozoicomonas) with a bleaching response. Epigenetic changes were significantly correlated with the host's genetic background, the location of the sampled polyps within the colonies (e.g., branch vs. base of colony), and differences in the colonies’ condition during the bleaching event. We conclude that long‐term microenvironmental differences led to changes in the way the ramets methylated their genomes, contributing to the differential bleaching response. However, most of the variation in differential bleaching response among clonemates of Acropora palmata remains unexplained. This research provides novel data and hypotheses to help understand intragenet variability in stress phenotypes of sessile marine species.
Mitochondrial variation in small brown planthoppers linked to multiple traits and probably reflecting a complex evolutionary trajectory
Authors: Sun Jing‐Tao , Duan Xing‐Zhi , Hoffmann Ary A. , Liu Yan , Garvin Michael R. , Chen Lei , Hu Gao , Zhou Jin‐Cheng , Huang Hai‐Jian , Xue Xiao‐Feng , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: June 2019

While it has been proposed in several taxa that the mitochondrial genome is associated with adaptive evolution to different climatic conditions, making links between mitochondrial haplotypes and organismal phenotypes remains a challenge. Mitonuclear discordance occurs in the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus, with one mitochondrial haplogroup (HGI) more common in the cold climate region of China relative to another form (HGII) despite strong nuclear gene flow, providing a promising model to investigate climatic adaptation of mitochondrial genomes. We hypothesized that cold adaptation through HGI may be involved, and considered mitogenome evolution, population genetic analyses, and bioassays to test this hypothesis. In contrast to our hypothesis, chill‐coma recovery tests and population genetic tests of selection both pointed to HGII being involved in cold adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that HGII is nested within HGI, and has three nonsynonymous changes in ND2, ND5 and CYTB in comparison to HGI. These molecular changes likely increased mtDNA copy number, cold tolerance and fecundity of SBPH, particularly through a function‐altering amino acid change involving M114T in ND2. Nuclear background also influenced fecundity and chill recovery (i.e., mitonuclear epistasis) and protein modelling indicates possible nuclear interactions for the two nonsynonymous changes in ND2 and CYTB. The high occurrence frequency of HGI in the cold climate region of China remains unexplained, but several possible reasons are discussed. Overall, our study points to a link between mtDNA variation and organismal‐level evolution and suggests a possible role of mitonuclear interactions in maintaining mtDNA diversity.
The inner rod of virulence‐associated type III secretion systems constitutes a needle adapter of one helical turn that is deeply integrated into the system's export apparatus
Authors: Torres‐Vargas Claudia E. , Kronenberger Thales , Roos Nora , Dietsche Tobias , Poso Antti , Wagner Samuel
Published: June 2019

Type III secretion injectisomes are essential virulence factors for many pathogenic bacteria by mediating the transport of effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. The secretion conduit of injectisomes is formed by a helical assembly of three hydrophobic proteins (SctR, SctS and SctT), an inner rod (SctI) and a needle filament (SctF). SctI is thought to play a role in switching between the secretion of different substrate classes and assembly of the inner rod has been implicated in regulating the length of the needle filament. While high‐resolution structures of the hydrophobic components and of the needle filament have been solved, little is known about the structure and the assembly of the inner rod, which impedes the deeper assessment of its function. Here we show by exhaustive in vivo photocrosslinking that SctI engages in extensive interactions with SctR and SctT throughout its entire length. Our data imply that the inner rod serves as an adapter between the export apparatus and the needle filament by forming one helical turn. We show that assembly of the inner rod does not play a role in needle length control nor in substrate specificity switching. Instead, our findings imply that inner rod assembly must precede assembly of the needle filament.
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor is a key oncogenic driver of aggressive human meningioma progression
Authors: Kim H. , Park K.‐J. , Ryu B.‐K. , Park D.‐H. , Kong D.‐S. , Chong K. , Chae Y.‐S. , Chung Y.‐G. , Park S. I. , Kang S.‐H.
Published: June 2019

Aims

Aggressive meningioma remains incurable with neither chemo‐ nor targeted therapies proven effective, largely due to unidentified genetic alterations and/or aberrant oncogenic pathways driving the disease progression. In this study, we examined the expression and function of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor during meningioma progression.

Methods

Human meningioma samples (n = 101) were collected, followed by Western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemical and progression‐free survival (PFS) analyses. For in vitro assays, FOXM1 was overexpressed or knocked‐down in benign (SF4433 and SF4068) or malignant (SF3061 and IOMM‐Lee) human meningioma cell lines respectively. For in vivo studies, siomycin A (a FOXM1 inhibitor)‐pretreated or control IOMM‐Lee cells were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice.

Results

FOXM1 expression was increased in higher grades of meningioma and correlated with the mitotic index in the tumour tissue. Moreover, FOXM1 was increased in recurrent meningioma compared with the matched primary lesions. The patients who had higher FOXM1 expression had shorter PFS. In the subsequent in vitro assays, knockdown of FOXM1 in malignant meningioma cell lines resulted in decreased tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, potentially via regulation of β‐catenin, cyclin D1, p21, interleukin‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, PLAU, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐related genes, whereas overexpression of FOXM1 in benign meningioma cell lines had the opposite effects. Last, suppression of FOXM1 using a pharmacological inhibitor, siomycin A, decreased tumour growth in an in vivo mouse model.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that FOXM1 is a key transcription factor regulating oncogenic signalling pathways in meningioma progression, and a promising therapeutic target for aggressive meningioma.
Evolutionary origin of O‐acetyltransferases responsible for glucomannan acetylation in land plants
Authors: Zhong Ruiqin , Cui Dongtao , Ye Zheng‐Hua
Published: June 2019

Mannans are an abundant cell wall polysaccharide in bryophytes, seedless vascular plants and gymnosperms. A previous study has shown that mannan acetylation in Arabidopsis and konjac is mediated by mannan O‐acetyltransferases belonging to the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF) 231 family. However, little is known about the acetylation patterns of mannans in bryophytes and seedless vascular plants, and the evolutionary origin of mannan O‐acetyltransferases in land plants has not yet been studied.

Phylogenetic analysis of the DUF231 family revealed that DUF231 members were present in the charophycean green algae and evolved to form overlapped and divergent phylogenetic groups in different taxa of land plants.

Acetyltransferase activity assays of recombinant proteins demonstrated that a number of group II DUF231 members from moss, Selaginella, pine, spruce, rice and poplar were mannan 2‐O‐ and 3‐O‐acetyltransferases, whereas the two group I DUF231 members from the alga Klebsormidium nitens were not. Structural analysis of mannans from moss and Selaginella showed they were composed of mannosyl and glucosyl residues and the mannosyl residues were acetylated at O‐2 and O‐3.

These findings indicate that although the DUF231 genes originated in algae, their recruitment as mannan O‐acetyltransferases probably occurred in bryophytes, and the biochemical functions of these O‐acetyltransferases are evolutionarily conserved throughout land plants.
Alzheimer's disease and symbiotic microbiota: an evolutionary medicine perspective
Authors: Fox Molly , Knorr Delaney A. , Haptonstall Kacey M.
Published: June 2019

Microorganisms resident in our bodies participate in a variety of regulatory and pathogenic processes. Here, we describe how etiological pathways implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be regulated or disturbed by symbiotic microbial activity. Furthermore, the composition of symbiotic microbes has changed dramatically across human history alongside the rise of agriculturalism, industrialization, and globalization. We postulate that each of these lifestyle transitions engendered progressive depletion of microbial diversity and enhancement of virulence, thereby enhancing AD risk pathways. It is likely that the human life span extended into the eighth decade tens of thousands of years ago, yet little is known about premodern geriatric epidemiology. We propose that microbiota of the gut, oral cavity, nasal cavity, and brain may modulate AD pathogenesis, and that changes in the microbial composition of these body regions across history suggest escalation of AD risk. Dysbiosis may promote immunoregulatory dysfunction due to inadequate education of the immune system, chronic inflammation, and epithelial barrier permeability. Subsequently, proinflammatory agents—and occasionally microbes—may infiltrate the brain and promote AD pathogenic processes. APOE genotypes appear to moderate the effect of dysbiosis on AD risk. Elucidating the effect of symbiotic microbiota on AD pathogenesis could contribute to basic and translational research.
Myopia control with novel central and peripheral plus contact lenses and extended depth of focus contact lenses: 2 year results from a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sankaridurg Padmaja , Bakaraju Ravi C , Naduvilath Thomas , Chen Xiang , Weng Rebecca , Tilia Daniel , Xu Pauline , Li Wayne , Conrad Fabian , Smith Earl L , Ehrmann Klaus
Published: June 2019

Purpose

We aimed to determine myopia control efficacy with novel contact lenses (CL) that (1) reduced both central and peripheral defocus, and (2) provided extended depth of focus with better global retinal image quality for points on, and anterior to, the retina and degraded for points posterior to the retina.

Methods

Children (n = 508, 8–13 years) with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) −0.75 to −3.50D were enrolled in a prospective, double blind trial and randomised to one of five groups: (1) single vision, silicone hydrogel (SH) CL; (2) two groups wearing SH CL that imposed myopic defocus across peripheral and central retina (test CL I and II; +1.00D centrally and +2.50 and +1.50 for CL I and II at 3 mm semi‐chord respectively); and (3) two groups wearing extended depth of focus (EDOF) hydrogel CL incorporating higher order aberrations to modulate retinal image quality (test CL III and IV; extended depth of focus of up to +1.75D and +2.50D respectively). Cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length (AL) measurements were conducted at six monthly intervals. Compliance to lens wear was assessed with a diary and collected at each visit. Additionally, subjective responses to various aspects of lens wear were assessed. The trial commenced in February 2014 and was terminated in January 2017 due to site closure. Myopia progression over time between groups was compared using linear mixed models and where needed post hoc analysis with Bonferroni corrections conducted.

Results

Myopia progressed with control CL −1.12 ± 0.51D/0.58 ± 0.27 mm for SE/AL at 24 months. In comparison, all test CL had reduced progression with SE/AL ranging from −0.78D to −0.87D/0.41–0.46 mm at 24 months (AL: p < 0.05 for all test CL; SE p < 0.05 for test CL III and IV) and represented a reduction in axial length elongation of about 22% to 32% and reduction in spherical equivalent of 24% to 32%. With test CL, a greater slowing ranging from 26% to 43% was observed in compliant wearers (≥6 days per week; Control CL: −0.64D/0.30 mm and −1.14D/0.58 mm vs test CL: −0.42D to −0.47D/0.12–0.18 mm and −0.70 to −0.81D/0.19–0.25 mm at 12 and 24 months respectively).

Conclusions

Contact lenses that either imposed myopic defocus at the retina or modulated retinal image quality resulted in a slower progression of myopia with greater efficacy seen in compliant wearers. Importantly, there was no difference in the myopia control provided by either of these strategies.
A new species of Achnanthes (Bacillariophyceae) from a freshwater habitat in a karst landform from south‐central China
Authors: You Qingmin , Yu Pan , Kociolek John P. , Wang Yanlu , Luo Fen , Lowe Rex , Wang Quanxi
Published: June 2019

Achnanthes maolanensis nov. sp. is a large diatom collected from subaerial, freshwater habitats in karst landforms in central‐south China. Living cells have two chloroplasts. Valves of this new species are panduriform in outline, slightly constricted in the middle part of the margins, with uniseriate areolae; the raphe is filiform, and there is a linear, thickened stauros in the central area of the RV. On the ARV, there is no central area, and as well there are no terminal orbiculi, marginal ridge, or terminal spine externally. The axial area (rapheless sternum) is located down the center, not offset from the center as in many other species of the genus and is narrow and almost straight. This suite of characters makes the new species easy to distinguish from other species in the genus. Its presence adds further documentation of the unique and diverse freshwater diatom flora from karst habitats in this region of China.
Taxation of Housing: Killing Several Birds with One Stone
Authors: Bø Erlend Eide
Published: June 2019

High and sustained housing‐price growth has been observed in many countries over recent decades. In Norway, real housing prices increased by 200 percent between 1990 and 2015, and many households have high debts. In addition, maintaining the welfare state as the population ages likely involves higher taxes in the coming years. Norway taxes housing leniently. Increased taxation of housing is a way of killing several birds with one stone: generating tax revenue, moderating housing prices, and increasing efficiency. In this paper, I use a microsimulation model to determine the effects on revenue and distribution of a hypothetical tax change where housing is taxed as other capital assets. I take into account the effect of taxation on housing demand, using a simple user‐cost model. This housing tax would increase personal tax revenue by 11 percent and make the tax system more progressive. Housing prices would fall by 20 percent.
Teacher Pay and Educational Outcomes: Evidence from the Rural Hardship Allowance in Zambia
Authors: Chelwa Grieve , Pellicer Miquel , Maboshe Mashekwa
Published: June 2019

This paper studies the effect of unconditional teacher salary increases on teacher and student outcomes. To study the issue, we evaluate the rural hardship allowance in Zambia, which corresponds to a salary increase of 20%. This allowance is allocated to schools on the basis of a distance criterion allowing us to use a regression discontinuity design. We use administrative data from 2004 to 2015 on school, teacher characteristics and test scores. The administrative data are complemented with a telephone survey of schools close to the eligibility threshold. We find that crossing the threshold increases the share of teachers obtaining the allowance by 40%. Because of some non‐compliance with the allocation rule, our estimates are fairly imprecise. Focusing on provinces with better compliance we find some, albeit weak, evidence that the allowance increases the stock of teachers. We, however, find no effects on teacher characteristics or on student test scores.
The role of severity and intentionality in the intensity of Schadenfreude attribution: A developmental study of Danish children
Authors: Jensen de López Kristine M. , Quintanilla Laura
Published: June 2019

Understanding envy and schadenfreude requires complex interpersonal social cognitive abilities, such as social comparison and evaluating the Self, but also understanding agency and intentionality. Previous studies of children's development of envy/schadenfreude addressed whether children understand and experience schadenfreude as opposed to compassion/sympathy or whether children's attribution of schadenfreude is a consequence of envy provoked by a disadvantageous social comparison. In this study, we take a step further and investigate the roles that agency and severity of the damage play in mediating children's attribution of schadenfreude. The participants were 144 Danish children aged 3–9 years divided into two age groups. Children were presented with eight stories supported by pictures showing intentional versus accidental and irreparable versus reparable damage to envied objects. The results show that the intensity of envy/schadenfreude, as well as the happy victimizer phenomenon, varies depending on the severity of damage, agency and intentionality. When damage is accidental, schadenfreude is expressed with less intensity compared to when damage is intentional (led by an agent). When damage is irreparable, children attribute less intense feelings of schadenfreude compared to when it is reparable. In addition, only the older children expressed reparable damage carrying more intense schadenfreude and only in the accidental condition. In general, children consider intentional and reparable damage more intense than accidental and irreparable damage, and this is mediated by age. The results are important for understanding the developmental trajectory of children's complex emotions and for educational programmes directed towards supporting this development.
Inverse dispersal patterns in a group of ant parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae: Oraseminae) and their ant hosts
Authors: Baker Austin J. , Heraty John M. , Mottern Jason , Zhang Junxia , Hines Heather M. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty
Published: June 2019

When postulating evolutionary hypotheses for diverse groups of taxa using molecular data, there is a tradeoff between sampling large numbers of taxa with a few Sanger‐sequenced genes or sampling fewer taxa with hundreds to thousands of next‐generation‐sequenced genes. High taxon sampling enables the testing of evolutionary hypotheses that are sensitive to sampling bias (i.e. dating, biogeography and diversification analyses), whereas high character sampling improves resolution of critical nodes. In a group of ant parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae: Oraseminae), we analyse both of these types of datasets independently (203 taxa with five Sanger loci, 92 taxa with 348 anchored hybrid enrichment loci) and in combination (229 taxa, 353 loci) to explore divergence dating, biogeography, host relationships and differential rates of diversification. Oraseminae specialize as parasitoids of the immature stages of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with ants in the genus Pheidole being their most common and presumed ancestral host. A general assumption is that the distribution of the parasite must be limited by any range contraction or expansion of its host. Recent studies support a single New World to Old World dispersal pattern for Pheidole at c. 11–27 Ma. Using multiple phylogenetic inference methods (parsimony, maximum likelihood, dated Bayesian and coalescent analyses), we provide a robust phylogeny showing that Oraseminae dispersed in the opposite direction, from Old World to New World, c. 24–33 Ma, which implies that they existed in the Old World before their presumed ancestral hosts. Their dispersal into the New World appears to have promoted an increased diversification rate. Both the host and parasitoid show single unidirectional dispersals in accordance with the presence of the Beringian Land Bridge during the Oligocene, a time when the changing northern climate probably limited the dispersal ability of such tropically adapted groups.
Molecular phylogeny of Omaliinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and its implications for evolution of atypically long elytra in rove beetles
Authors: Kim Tae‐Kyu , Song Jeong‐Hun , Thayer Margaret K. , Ahn Kee‐Jeong
Published: June 2019

Staphylinidae, or rove beetles, are a megadiverse family known for their typically very short elytra exposing most of the abdomen, but the putatively early‐derived subfamily Omaliinae and its relatives have been known to include multiple taxa with unusually long elytra. The ancestral elytral length of the family and of this subfamily have long been debated. We present a phylogenetic analysis of Omaliinae based on partial mitochondrial COI (1488 bp), COII (366 bp), 12S rDNA (353 bp), nuclear 18S rDNA (1814 bp), 28S rDNA (876 bp) and CAD (869 bp) data. In all, 51 species in 31 genera and four outgroup species were included. The concatenated sequences were analysed by both parsimony‐ and model‐based (Bayesian and maximum likelihood) methods. The subfamily Omaliinae was not supported as a monophyletic group. The model‐based analyses (Bayesian and maximum likelihood trees) showed Empelinae nested within Omaliinae (excluding Corneolabiini), whereas parsimony analysis found all three putative ingroup subfamilies, Empelinae, Glypholomatinae and Microsilphinae, grouped within Omaliinae. Within the Omaliinae, the tribes Coryphiini and Eusphalerini were each supported as monophyletic, whereas Anthophagini and Omaliini were each nonmonophyletic. We hypothesize that there have been at least four independent origins of long elytra from short elytra in the omaliine lineage.
Maize HSFA2 and HSBP2 antagonistically modulate raffinose biosynthesis and heat tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gu Lei , Jiang Tao , Zhang Chunxia , Li Xudong , Wang Chunmei , Zhang Yumin , Li Tao , Dirk Lynnette M. A. , Downie A. Bruce , Zhao Tianyong
Published: June 2019

Raffinose is thought to play an important role in plant tolerance of abiotic stress. We report here that maize HEAT SHOCK FACTOR A2 (ZmHSFA2) and HEAT SHOCK BINDING PROTEIN 2 (ZmHSBP2) physically interact with each other and antagonistically modulate expression of GALACTINOL SYNTHASE2 (ZmGOLS2) and raffinose biosynthesis in transformed maize protoplasts and Arabidopsis plants. Overexpression of ZmHSFA2 in Arabidopsis increased the expression of Arabidopsis AtGOLS1, AtGOLS2 and AtRS5 (RAFFINOSE SYNTHASE), increased the raffinose content in leaves and enhanced plant heat stress tolerance. Contrary to ZmHSFA2, overexpression of ZmHSBP2 in Arabidopsis decreased expression of AtGOLS1, AtGOLS2 and AtRS5, decreased the raffinose content in leaves and reduced plant heat stress tolerance. ZmHSFA2 and ZmHSBP2 also interact with their Arabidopsis counterparts AtHSBP and AtHSFA2 as determined using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Furthermore, endogenous ZmHSBP2 and Rluc, controlled by the ZmHSBP2 promoter, are transcriptionally activated by ZmHSFA2 and inhibited by ZmHSBP2 in maize protoplasts. These findings provide insights into the transcriptional regulation of raffinose biosynthetic genes, and the tolerance their product confers to plant heat stress.