bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AnoniMME: Bringing Anonymity to the Matchmaker Exchange Platform for Rare Disease Gene Discovery
Authors: Oprisanu Bristena , Cristofaro Emiliano De
Published: February 2018

Motivation

Advances in genome sequencing and genomics research are bringing us closer to a new era of personalized medicine, where healthcare can be tailored to the individual’s genetic makeup, and to more effective diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases. Much of this progress depends on collaborations and access to data, thus, a number of initiatives have been introduced to support seamless data sharing. Among these, the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health has developed and operates a platform, called Matchmaker Exchange, which allows researchers to perform queries for rare genetic disease discovery over multiple federated databases. Queries include gene variations which are linked to rare diseases, and the ability to find other researchers that have seen or have interest in those variations is extremely valuable. Nonetheless, in some cases, researchers may be reluctant to use the platform since the queries they make (thus, what they are working on) are revealed to other researchers, and this creates concerns with respect to privacy and competitive advantage.

Contributions

In this paper, we present AnoniMME, a framework geared to enable anonymous queries within the Matchmaker Exchange platform. The framework, building on a cryptographic primitive called Reverse Private Information Retrieval, let researchers anonymously query the federated platform, in a multi-server setting—specifically, they write their query, along with a public encryption key, anonymously in a public database. Responses are also supported, so that other researchers can respond to queries by providing their encrypted contact details.

Availability and Implementation

https://github.com/bristena-op/AnoniMME.
Differential role of prefrontal and parietal cortices in controlling level of consciousness
Authors: Pal Dinesh , Dean Jon , Liu Tiecheng , Watson Christopher , Hudetz Anthony G. , Mashour George A.
Published: February 2018

There is current controversy regarding the role of prefrontal versus posterior cortices in consciousness. Clinical and correlative data have been used both to support and refute a causal role for prefrontal cortex in the level of consciousness, but a definitive relationship has not been demonstrated. We used anesthetic-induced unconsciousness as a model system to study the effect of cholinergic and noradrenergic stimulation of rat prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices on the level of consciousness. We demonstrate that cholinergic stimulation of prefrontal cortex, but not parietal cortical areas, restored wakefulness in rats despite continuous exposure to sevoflurane anesthesia. Noradrenergic stimulation of the prefrontal or parietal areas did not reverse the anesthetized state. We conclude that cholinergic mechanisms in prefrontal cortex can control the level of consciousness.

One Sentence Summary

Prefrontal cholinergic stimulation restores consciousness in rats despite continuous exposure to sevoflurane anesthesia
Zinc(II) binding on human wild-type ISCU and Met140 variants modulates Fe-S complex activity
Authors: Fox Nicholas G. , Martelli Alain , Nabhan Joseph F. , Janz Jay , Borkowska Oktawia , Bulawa Christine , Yue Wyatt W.
Published: February 2018

The human de novo iron-sulfur (Fe-S) assembly complex consists of the cysteine desulfurase NFS1, accessory protein ISD11, scaffold protein ISCU, and allosteric activator frataxin (FXN). FXN has been shown to bind the NFS1-ISD11-ISCU complex (SDU), to activate the desulfurase activity and thus Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. Conversely, in the absence of FXN, the NFS1-ISD11 (SD) complex was reported to be inhibited by the binding of recombinant ISCU. Here, we show that recombinant ISCU binds zinc(II) ion, and that the presence of zinc in as-isolated ISCU has impacts on the SDU desulfurase activity as measured by sulfide production. Indeed, the removal of this zinc(II) ion from ISCU causes a moderate but significant increase in activity compared to SD alone, and FXN can activate both zinc-depleted and zinc-bound forms of ISCU complexed to SD. Recent yeast studies have reported a substitution on the yeast ISCU orthologue Isu, at position Met141 (Met140 in human numbering of precursor protein) to Ile, Leu, Val, or Cys that could bypass the requirement of FXN for Fe-S cluster assembly and cell viability. Using recombinant human proteins, we report no significant differences in the biochemical and biophysical properties observed between wild-type and variants M140I, M140 L, and M140 V of ISCU. Importantly, in the absence of FXN, ISCU variants behaved like wild-type and did not stimulate the desulfurase activity of the SD complex. This study therefore identifies an important regulatory role for ISCU-bound zinc in modulation of the human Fe-S assembly system in vitro but no ‘FXN bypass’ effect on mutations at position Met140 in human ISCU.

ABBREVIATIONS

ACP

acyl carrier transfer protein

BLI

biolayer interferometry

BSA

bovine serum albumin

CD

circular dichroism

DMPD

NN-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine

DSF

differential scanning fluorimetry

DTT

dithiothreitol; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetracetic acid

Fe-S

iron sulfur

FRDA

Friedreich’s ataxia

FXN

frataxin

HEPES

4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid

IPTG

isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside

PLP

pyridoxal 5′-phosphate

SD

protein complex composed of NFS 1 and ISD11

SDU

protein complex composed of NFS 1, ISD11

ISCU

SDUF, protein complex composed of NFS 1, ISD11, ISCU, and frataxin

TCA

trichloroacetic acid

TCEP

tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine

Tris

tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
Diet Modifies Colonic Microbiota and CD4+ T Cell Repertoire to Trigger Flares in a Novel Model of Colitis Induced by IL-23
Authors: Chen Lili , He Zhengxiang , Iuga Alina Cornelia , Filho Sebastião N. Martins , Faith Jeremiah J. , Clemente Jose C. , Deshpande Madhura , Jayaprakash Anitha , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Lafaille Juan J. , Sachidanandam Ravi , Furtado Glaucia C. , Lira Sergio A.
Published: February 2018

A wealth of experimental data points to immunological and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here we study the role of IL-23, the microbiome, and the diet in the development of colitis. To promote IL-23 expression in vivo, we generated a mouse model in which IL-23 was conditionally expressed by CX3CR1+ myeloid cells, upon cyclic administration of tamoxifen in a specific diet (diet 2019). IL-23 expression induced an intestinal inflammatory disease that resembled ulcerative colitis in humans with cycles of acute disease and remission. The relapses were caused by the diet switch from the conventional diet used in our facility (diet 5053) to the diet 2019, and were not dependent on tamoxifen after the first cycle. The switch in the diet modified the microbiota, but did not alter the levels of IL-23. Colitis induction depended on the microbiota and required CD4 T lymphocytes. Colitis-inducing CD4+ T cells were found in the mesenteric lymph node and large intestine during remission and were able to trigger disease when transferred to lymphopenic mice, but only upon diet modification. The CD4 TCR repertoire in the diseased recipient Rag-/- mice had reduced diversity associated with the expansion of dominant T cell clones. These findings reveal a critical role for IL-23 in generation of a CD4+ T cell population in mice that is sensitive to a modification of intestinal bacterial flora subsequent to a dietary manipulation. Dietary changes occurring in the context of altered IL-23 expression may contribute to the onset and progression of IBD.
A folded viral noncoding RNA blocks host cell exoribonucleases through programmed remodeling of RNA structure
Authors: Steckelberg Anna-Lena , Akiyama Benjamin M. , Costantino David A. , Sit Tim L. , Nix Jay C. , Kieft Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2018

Folded RNA elements that block processive 5′→3′ cellular exoribonucleases (xrRNAs) to produce biologically active viral non-coding RNAs were discovered in flaviviruses, potentially revealing a new mode of RNA maturation. However, it was unknown if this RNA structure-dependent mechanism exists elsewhere and if so, whether a singular RNA fold is required. Here, we demonstrate the existence of authentic RNA structure-dependent xrRNAs in dianthoviruses, plant-infecting viruses unrelated to animal-infecting flaviviruses. These novel xrRNAs have no sequence similarity to known xrRNAs, thus we used a combination of biochemistry and virology to characterize their sequence requirements and mechanism of stopping exoribonucleases. By solving the structure of a dianthovirus xrRNAs by x-ray crystallography, we reveal a complex fold that is very different from the flavivirus xrRNAs. However, both versions of xrRNAs contain a unique topological feature that is created by a different set of intramolecular contacts; this may be a defining structural feature of xrRNAs. Remarkably, the dianthovirus xrRNA can use ‘co-degradational remodeling,’ exploiting the exoribonuclease’s degradation-linked helicase activity to help form their resistant structure; such a mechanism has not previously been reported. Convergent evolution has created RNA structure-dependent exoribonuclease resistance in different contexts, which establishes it as a general RNA maturation mechanism and defines xrRNAs as an authentic functional class of RNAs.
Clonal Level Lineage Commitment Pathways of Hematopoietic Stem CellsIn Vivo
Authors: Lu Rong , Czechowicz Agnieszka , Seita Jun , Jiang Du , Weissman Irving L.
Published: February 2018

While hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been extensively studied at the population level, little is known about the lineage commitment of individual clones. Here, we provide comprehensive maps ofin vivoHSC clonal development in mice under homeostasis and after depletion of the endogenous hematopoietic system. Under homeostasis, all donor-derived HSC clones regenerate blood homogeneously throughout all measured stages and lineages of hematopoiesis. In contrast, after the hematopoietic system has been depleted by irradiation or by an anti-ckit antibody, only a small fraction of donor-derived HSC clones differentiates while dominantly expanding and exhibiting lineage bias. We identified the cellular origins of clonal dominance and lineage bias, and uncovered the lineage commitment pathways that lead HSC clones to differential blood production. This study reveals surprising alterations in HSC regulation by irradiation, and identifies the key hematopoiesis stages that may be manipulated to control blood production and balance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sustain daily blood production through a complex step-wise lineage commitment process. In this work, we present the first comprehensive study of HSC lineage commitment at the clonal level and identify new HSC regulatory mechanisms that are undetectable by conventional population level studies. First, we uncover distinct HSC clonal pathways that lead to differential blood production and imbalances. Second, we reveal that HSC regulation under physiological conditions is strikingly different from that after injury. Third, we present a comprehensive map of HSC activities in vivo at the clonal level.
Multi-Omic Profiling Reveals the Opposing Forces of Excess Dietary Sugar and Fat on Liver Mitochondria Protein Acetylation and Succinylation
Authors: Meyer Jesse G. , Softic Samir , Basisty Nathan , Rardin Matthew J. , Verdin Eric , Gibson Bradford W. , Ilkayeva Olga , Newgard Christopher B. , Kahn C. Ronald , Schilling Birgit
Published: February 2018

Dietary macronutrient composition alters metabolism through several mechanisms, including post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins. To connect diet and molecular changes, here we performed short- and long-term feeding of mice with standard chow diet (SCD) and high-fat diet (HFD), with or without glucose or fructose supplementation, and quantified liver metabolites, 861 proteins, and 1,815 protein level-corrected mitochondrial acetylation and succinylation sites. Nearly half the acylation sites were altered by at least one diet; nutrient-specific changes in protein acylation sometimes encompass entire pathways. Although acetyl-CoA is an intermediate in both sugar and fat metabolism, acetyl-CoA had a dichotomous fate depending on its source; chronic feeding of dietary sugars induced protein hyperacetylation, whereas the same duration of HFD did not. Instead, HFD resulted in citrate accumulation, anaplerotic metabolism of amino acids, and protein hypo-succinylation. Together, our results demonstrate novel connections between dietary macronutrients, protein post-translational modifications, and regulation of fuel selection in liver.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical Abstract
Molecular characterization of ERBB2-amplified colorectal cancer identifies potential mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies: a report of two instructive cases
Authors: Owen Daniel R. , Wong Hui-li , Bonakdar Melika , Jones Martin , Hughes Christopher S. , Morin Gregg B. , Jones Steven J.M. , Renouf Daniel J. , Lim Howard , Laskin Janessa , Marra Marco , Yip Stephen , Schaeffer David F.
Published: February 2018

ERBB2 amplification has been identified in ∼5% of KRAS wild-type colorectal cancers (CRCs). A recent clinical trial showed response to HER2-directed therapy in a subset of ERBB2-amplified metastatic CRCs resistant to chemotherapy and EGFR-directed therapy. With the aim of better understanding mechanisms of resistance to HER2-directed and EGFR-directed therapies, we report the complete molecular characterization of two cases of ERBB2-amplified CRC. PCR-free whole-genome sequencing was used to identify mutations, copy-number alterations, structural variations, and losses of heterozygosity. ERBB2 copy number was also measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Single-stranded mRNA sequencing was used for gene expression profiling. Immunohistochemistry and protein mass spectrometry were used to quantify HER2 protein expression. The cases showed ERBB2 copy number of 86 and 92, respectively. Both cases were immunohistochemically positive for HER2 according to CRC-specific scoring criteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and protein mass spectrometry corroborated significantly elevated ERBB2 copy number and abundance of HER2 protein. Both cases were microsatellite stable and without mutation of RAS pathway genes. Additional findings included altered expression of PTEN, MET, and MUC1 and mutation of PIK3CA. The potential effects of the molecular alterations on sensitivity to EGFR and HER2-directed therapies were discussed. Identification of ERBB2 amplification in CRC is necessary to select patients who may respond to HER2-directed therapy. An improved understanding of the molecular characteristics of ERBB2-amplified CRCs and their potential mechanisms of resistance will be useful for future research into targeted therapies and may eventually inform therapeutic decision-making.
The development of a competency model and its implementation in a power utility cooperative: an action research study
Authors: Brown LeAnn , George Babu , Mehaffey-Kultgen Candace
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the development of a competency model in a medium-scale power utility company located in the Midwest USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed based on insights drawn from the literature, company documents, and primary interviews with the key company stakeholders. The research process was carried out according to the guidelines of action research methodology.

Findings

Competencies required for employees were identified and operationally defined. Existing competencies were inventoried and superimposed on the required competencies. Gaps in competency presence and proficiency levels were noticed. The competencies required for effective performance were distributed across different levels in the hierarchy, according to the competency needs of each hierarchical level.

Practical implications

Attempts to tie these competencies to employee selection, succession planning, performance appraisal, training need assessment, leadership development, etc., are currently ongoing. The case company has also initiated a competency-driven leadership development process. Possible adaptations of this model for similarly placed companies in other sectors are discussed.

Originality/value

This is an original case study based on primary data, conducted as action research.
Power relations in organizational change: an activity-theoretic perspective
Authors: Schirmer Frank , Geithner Silke
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a multi-level and politically informed perspective on organizational learning and change based on the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) in order to contribute to a less managerialist and more multi-voiced understanding of change. The authors aim for a better understanding of the links between expansive learning, contradictions in and of activity systems and episodic and systemic power.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a framework on expansive learning, integrating the concept of faces of power. The framework is applied to a case study.

Findings

The authors show productive and restrictive effects of episodic and systemic power for dealing with contradictions in expansive learning and organizational change. The productive role of change critics and non-managerial actors is shown.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is illustrative and findings need to be validated and expanded through more detailed empirical investigations. Future studies should particularly investigate how patterns of power could itself become the object of expansive learning.

Practical implications

The framework fosters an understanding of organizational change as multi-voiced, decentralized and driven by contradictions. Emancipation of actors and protected social spaces are essential for unfolding the productive potential of multi-voicedness against the backdrop of asymmetric power relations in organizations.

Originality/value

The authors step back from a managerialist perspective on organizational change by developing a politically informed, activity theoretic perspective on learning systems. The paper contributes to a better understanding of contradictions, related multi-voicedness and effects of episodic/systemic power in expansive learning and change.
How strategic knowledge management drives intellectual capital to superior innovation and market performance
Authors: Cabrilo Slaðana , Dahms Sven
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderation effect of strategic knowledge management (SKM) on the relationship between three components of intellectual capital (IC) and firm innovation and market performance. The authors argue that specific combinations of IC components and SKM activities can lead to higher innovation and market performance. It is also trying to assist companies to capitalize on both their IC and SKM.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data have been collected from 101 Serbian companies, and these have been analyzed by using structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques.

Findings

The SEM results show that structural capital and relational capital have a direct effect on innovation performance. Although, there is no significant direct effect of human capital on innovation performance, the relationship becomes significant when moderated by SKM. The effects of human and structural capital on innovation performance are negatively moderated by SKM activities, while SKM positively moderates the effect of relational capital on innovation performance, but remained insignificant. Moreover, the insights from fsQCA show a clear pattern of equifinality, in that there are multiple combinations of static and dynamic conditions that can lead to higher innovation and market performance.

Originality/value

Two separate research fields of “static” IC and “dynamic” knowledge management have been combined in one integrated framework. From a methodological perspective, symmetric and asymmetric statistical tools have been combined to better understand contingency and interactions. This approach contributes to the literature and potentially offers a better understanding of how static intangible assets should be enabled by dynamic knowledge-based managerial activities to achieve high performance. The paper demonstrates that SKM capability matters with only a specific constellation of IC resources and therefore suggests a novel explanation for performance variances.
Green supply chain management in food retailing: survey-based evidence in Croatia
Authors: Petljak Kristina , Zulauf Katrin , Štulec Ivana , Seuring Stefan , Wagner Ralf
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Green supply chain management (GSCM) research is so far dominated by studies focusing on manufacturing companies, while research on retailers is missing. The purpose of this study is to assess the interaction between green in-store activities (environment-related infrastructure and retail in-store processes), GSCM and environmental and economic performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on empirical evidence gathered from 190 responses by Croatian food retailers to a self-administered survey. The identified relationships in the conceptual model are tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal a positive relation between green in-store activities and GSCM in food retailing regarding environmental and economic performance. The relevance of these relationships accrues from the positive association between GSCM and food retailers’ environmental performance, which in turn drives economic performance. It is noteworthy that green supply chain practices drive environmental and then also economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends the application of GSCM to retailing and, therefore, broadens its scope. However, the data collected are based on one country and, thus, should be extended to assess the impact of green retailing practices in the supply chain on environmental and economic performance in other countries.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first empirical analysis on the relationship between green in-store activities and GSCM in the context of food retail. This important link to customers has rarely been explored. Further, the representative sample of food retailers in Croatia is unique as generally data from Central and Eastern European countries are still rare. Finally, the operationalization of GSCM practices into three constructs as green logistics, green purchasing and cooperation with suppliers’ offers conceptual contributions to the GSCM field.
Developing a theory of focal company business sustainability efforts in connection with supply chain stakeholders
Authors: Svensson Göran , Ferro Carlos , Hogevold Nils , Padin Carmen , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the structural properties of a stakeholder research model of focal company business sustainability and the associated consideration of upstream, downstream, market and societal stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on two industrial business samples in Norway and Spain, partial least squares– structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to empirically test a research model consisting of five stakeholder constructs.

Findings

The model was tested in Norway and validated in Spain. An analysis of the path coefficients and levels of significance shows that all relationships in the research model were significant and meaningful.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops a model that explains and predicts company considerations of other stakeholders in the business sustainability efforts within supply chains (both upstream and downstream) and also beyond in the market and society.

Practical implications

The results of this study can guide companies in structuring, planning and implementing business sustainability in their supply chains, the marketplace and the society. It can also provide a foundation for monitoring and follow-up assessment of corporate decision-making.

Originality/value

This study contributes to supply chain management (SCM) and stakeholder theory to establish a framework for business sustainability with respect to company stakeholders in supply chains.
Game changing value from Artificial Intelligence: eight strategies
Authors: Plastino Eduardo , Purdy Mark
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The article shares the results of a survey Accenture undertook to measure AI’s potential economic impact on 16 industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal was to understand the chief reasons for AI’s potential impact and to identify a set of strategies that companies in any industry can use to benefit from advances in AI technologies.

Findings

AI’s unique characteristics as a capital–labor hybrid, which confers the ability to augment human labor at scale and speed, self-learn and continuously improve over time—will require organizations to adopt new approaches and models in a variety of functional areas.

Practical implications

AI can augment labor productivity by taking on low value-added or supporting tasks and thus enable workers to focus on high value work. Bosch has adopted a “thinking factory” approach in one of its German automotive plants…to enable AI-powered machines to self-diagnose technical failures, order replacement parts autonomously and anticipate maintenance needs.

Originality/value

All industries studied stand to benefit from AI, though three -- information and communication, manufacturing and financial services sectors -- will likely realize the biggest gains. Businesses in every industry will need to consider AI as a potential change agent in their investment, innovation and human capital development strategies. To prepare their organizations for a successful future with AI, business leaders should adopt eight strategies.
Gender in tourism research: perspectives from Latin America
Authors: Vizcaino-Suárez Laura Paola , Díaz-Carrión Isis Arlene
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the knowledge production on tourism gender research in Latin America and to reflect on the main challenges faced by this subfield.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the journal articles on tourism gender research in the largest scientific databases in Latin America: Redalyc, Scielo and Latindex. The paper examines variables such as year of publication, journal, authors, affiliation, types of articles, research topics, methodologies and geographical location of fieldwork.

Findings

The study identified 153 gender aware papers from 70 journals for the period 2001-2015. The leading countries in the subfield are Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The majority of papers are empirical and have a local scope. The main theoretical approaches derive from sociological and anthropological perspectives with a predominance of qualitative methodologies. There is a need to strengthen the theoretical and epistemological frameworks and increase international collaboration for knowledge exchange among tourism gender scholars.

Research limitations/implications

The bibliometric analysis was limited to indexed journals with online access. It focused on academic articles and excluded research notes, book reviews and conference proceedings.

Originality/value

As the main working languages of scientific production in Latin America are Spanish and Portuguese, this is the first attempt to make tourism gender research from this region visible for the predominantly Anglophone tourism academy, with the intention of identifying common challenges.
Immunocryosurgery as monotherapy for lentigo maligna or combined with surgical excision for lentigo maligna melanoma
Authors: Matas‐Nadal Clara , Sòria Xavier , García‐de‐la‐Fuente María R. , Huerva Valentín , Ortega Eugenia , Vilardell Felip , Gatius Sònia , Casanova Josep M. , Martí Rosa M.
Published: February 2018

The incidence of lentigo maligna (LM), in situ (LM) or invasive (lentigo maligna melanoma, LMM), has increased during the last decades. Due to functional or cosmetic outcomes, optimal treatment with surgical excision may not be appropriate in some cases. We tried less invasive therapy, immunocryosurgery, as a single treatment for LM or combined with surgery for LMM, with better aesthetic results. Three patients with LM or LMM not amenable to complete surgical excision were selected. LMM patients underwent limited surgical resection of the invasive area. Subsequently, a combined treatment with topical imiquimod and cryosurgery was performed. The LM patient received immunocryosurgery directly. All of them were free of local and systemic disease at 48, 42 and 41 months after discontinuation of therapy. We consider that immunocryosurgery is an alternative option for LM or even for LMM (after removal of the invasive tissue with narrow margins) in poor surgical candidates, with good therapeutic, functional and cosmetic results.
Linking host traits, interactions with competitors and disease: Mechanistic foundations for disease dilution
Authors: Strauss Alexander T. , Bowling Anna M. , Duffy Meghan A. , Cáceres Carla E. , Hall Spencer R.
Published: February 2018

The size of disease epidemics remains difficult to predict, especially when parasites interact with multiple species. Traits of focal hosts like susceptibility could directly predict epidemic size, while other traits including competitive ability might shape it indirectly in communities with a “dilution effect.”

In a dilution effect, diluter taxa can reduce disease by regulating (lowering) the density of focal hosts (i.e. through competition) or by reducing encounters between focal hosts and parasites. However, these dilution mechanisms are rarely grounded in focal host traits, and the relative importance of host regulation vs. encounter reduction remains understudied.

Here, we map focal host traits to disease—via these dilution mechanisms—in communities with diluters. We measured two traits (competitive ability and susceptibility) for eight genotypes of a focal host (Daphnia), tracked the densities of each genotype in experimental mesocosms (+/− Ceriodaphnia competitor/diluters) and monitored their infections with a virulent fungal parasite (Metschnikowia) over 6–8 host generations. We disentangled the impacts of both traits on the density of infected hosts and partitioned dilution mechanisms using path models.

Higher susceptibility directly fuelled larger epidemics. Simultaneously, weaker competitive ability indirectly suppressed epidemics by enabling higher densities of diluters. These higher densities of diluters reduced the density of infected hosts indirectly via host regulation. In contrast, encounter reduction was much weaker.

Our experiment strengthens the dilution effect paradigm with a predictable, traits‐oriented framework. Similar traits—susceptibility, competitive ability and their covariance—could help predict epidemic severity in a variety of other systems. Partitioning the direct and indirect effects of diluters could also delineate how they impact disease. Such trait‐based insights could help broadly predict the size of epidemics in diverse communities.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Infrapopulation size and mate availability influence reproductive success of a parasitic plant
Authors: Yule Kelsey M. , Bronstein Judith L.
Published: February 2018

Aggregated distributions of parasite individuals across host individuals are nearly ubiquitous among parasitic taxa. The size and sex ratio of the population of one parasite species infecting a single host (hereafter “infrapopulation”) can influence parasite fitness through intraspecific competition, mate availability and the ability to attract vectors for transmission of parasite propagules. Competition for resources and for pollen and seed vector services may limit reproductive success (pollen receipt, fruit production and seed dispersal) in large infrapopulations of parasitic plants, while mate limitation or reduced ability to attract vectors may limit this success in small infrapopulations.

Using a dioecious parasitic plant, desert mistletoe Phoradendron californicum, we experimentally removed reproductive tissue from male parasites in whole infrapopulations to test for independent effects of infrapopulation size and within‐host mate availability on female fitness. As desert mistletoe requires both pollen and seed vectors for successful reproduction, the species provides the opportunity to test how infrapopulation characteristics affect multiple components of parasite fitness.

We found that insect‐mediated pollen receipt decreased for parasites on treated hosts, consistent with within‐host mate limitation. Additionally, the relationship between mate availability and fruit production per flower ranged from neutral to positive depending on year of the experiment.

As expected if competition for host resources limits reproductive success more than mate availability in larger infrapopulations, the greater pollen receipt to females in large infrapopulations did not generally translate into increased mistletoe fruit production. Relationships between mistletoe fruit production per flower and infrapopulation size ranged from negative to neutral.

Both pollen receipt and pollinator visitation increased with infrapopulation size, indicating that larger populations can be more attractive to pollen vectors independent of mate availability. However, we found no relationship between infrapopulation size and fruit removal by dispersers and, thus, no evidence that attraction of seed dispersal vectors increases with infrapopulation size.

Synthesis. These results highlight the interactive roles of within‐host processes (resource competition, mate availability and vector attraction) in determining the fitness of biotically transmitted parasite individuals.
Imaging assessment of rounded atelectasis: A pictorial essay
Authors: Riley Jan YJ , Naidoo Parm
Published: February 2018

Rounded atelectasis is an increasingly recognized but under‐diagnosed and sometimes misdiagnosed pulmonary entity. This pictorial essay will present a broad range of examples of rounded atelectasis across different imaging modalities with inclusion of typical and atypical presentations. These examples will highlight imaging features that allow confident diagnosis and those that warrant further management, such as imaging surveillance, alternate imaging or invasive procedures for histological evaluation.
Assessment of cost‐effective changes to the current and potential provision of smoking cessation services: an analysis based on the EQUIPTMOD
Authors: Anraad Charlotte , Cheung Kei‐Long , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Coyle Kathryn , Coyle Doug , Owen Lesley , West Robert , de Vries Hein , Evers Silvia M. , Pokhrel Subhash
Published: February 2018

Background and aims

Increasing the reach of smoking cessation services and/or including new but effective medications to the current provision may provide significant health and economic benefits; the scale of such benefits is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness from a health‐care perspective of viable national level changes in smoking cessation provision in the Netherlands and England.

Methods

A Markov‐based state transition model [European study on Quantifying Utility of Investment in Protection from Tobacco model (EQUIPTMOD)] was used to estimate costs and benefits [expressed in quality‐adjusted life years (QALY)] of changing the current provision of smoking cessation programmes in the Netherlands and England. The changes included: (a) increasing the reach of top‐level services to increase potential quitters (e.g. brief physician advice); (b) increasing the reach of behavioural support (group‐based therapy and SMS text‐messaging support) to increase the success rates; (c) including a new but effective medication (cytisine); and (d) all changes implemented together (combined change). The costs and QALYs generated by those changes over 2, 5, 10 years and a life‐time were compared with that of the current practice in each country. Results were expressed as incremental net benefit (INB) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). A sequential analysis from a life‐time perspective was conducted to identify the optimal change.

Results

The combined change was dominant (cost‐saving) over all alternative changes and over the current practice, in both countries. The combined change would generate an incremental net benefit of €11.47 (2 years) to €56.16 (life‐time) per smoker in the Netherlands and €9.96 (2 years) to €60.72 (life‐time) per smoker in England. The current practice was dominated by all alternative changes.

Conclusion

Current provision of smoking cessation services in the Netherlands and England can benefit economically from the inclusion of cytisine and increasing the reach of brief physician advice, text‐messaging support and group‐based therapy.
Lesson of emotions in the family: The role of emotional intelligence in the relation between filial piety and life satisfaction among Taiwanese college students
Authors: Chen Wei‐Wen , Yan Jin Jin , Chen Ching‐Chen
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the relationships between reciprocal filial piety beliefs, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among Taiwanese young adults. A total of 481 college students from Taiwan were recruited for the study. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyze the data. The analysis produced the following results. First, reciprocal filial piety was positively related to all of the four types of emotional intelligence: self‐emotional appraisal (SEA), others' emotional appraisal (OEA), regulation of emotion (ROE), and use of emotion (UOE). Second, both ROE and UOE had a positive association with life satisfaction whereas SEA and OEA had a nonsignificant association with life satisfaction. Third, the two types of emotional intelligence, ROE and UOE, mediated the relation between reciprocal filial piety and young adults' life satisfaction. The findings suggest that reciprocal filial piety, representing high‐quality interaction between children and parents, can facilitate individuals' ability to control and use their emotions, which in turn improves their life satisfaction.
Animating creative selves: Pen names as property in the careers of Canadian and American romance writers
Authors: TAYLOR JESSICA
Published: February 2018

Most romance writers in Canada and the United States in the first decade of the 21st century wrote under at least one, and as many as three or four, pen names. In doing so, they typified the ideal of a middle‐class worker who is both a business and a brand. Yet writers went beyond the singular branded self to develop multiple brand names. Prompted by publishers, writers developed pen names as forms of property that, like brands, could be used to mediate between producer and consumer. These newly developed properties were created according to specifications that reflected the gendered and racialized structure of mass‐market publishing. This process of property creation and animation was imagined to create value for writers and publishers in an uncertain, recession‐era economy. [authors, branding, gender, labor, romance, United States, Canada]
Adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptomatology among pregnant women
Authors: Ångerud Katja , Annerbäck Eva‐Maria , Tydén Tanja , Boddeti Santosh , Kristiansson Per
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) result in somatic and mental health disturbances. Their influence on antenatal depression is scarcely studied. This study examined the association between experience of ACE and antenatal depressive symptomatology.

Material and methods

1257 women from 172 antenatal clinics in Sweden were surveyed during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery. Demographics, previous medical history and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were collected in pregnancy and postpartum and ACE 1 year postpartum. ACEs were partitioned into 10 categories. Statistical analyses used linear and logistic regression with EPDS score as main outcome measure.

Results

736 (58.6%) women reported at least one ACE category and 88 women (7%) reported five or more ACE categories. An EPDS score of ≥13, which qualifies for a probable depression diagnosis, was reported by 277 (23%) women. In simple regression analyses the EPDS score was positively associated with the number of ACEs, cigarette smoking before pregnancy, body mass index and psychiatric disorders, whereas education level was inversely associated. In a multiple regression analysis, ACEs, education level and psychiatric disorder remained associated to the EPDS score. Among women with an ACE score ≥5, the odds ratio of having an EPDS score indicating probable depression was 4.2 (CI 2.5–7.0).

Conclusions

ACE was commonly reported. ACE and depressive symptomatology in late pregnancy were strongly associated in a dose–response manner. Women with several ACEs had high odds of depressive symptomatology in late pregnancy and were more likely to report depressive symptoms both in late pregnancy and postpartum.
Medical treatment in the management of deep endometriosis infiltrating the proximal rectum and sigmoid colon: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Vercellini Paolo , Buggio Laura , Borghi Alessandra , Monti Ermelinda , Gattei Umberto , Frattaruolo Maria P.
Published: February 2018

A comprehensive literature review was performed to evaluate the effect of various hormonal therapies, in terms of variations of intestinal and pain complaints and of patient satisfaction with treatment, in women with symptomatic, non‐severely sub‐occlusive endometriosis infiltrating the proximal rectum and sigmoid colon. A MEDLINE search through PubMed from 2000 to 2018 was conducted to identify all original English language articles published on medical treatment for colorectal endometriosis. Additional reports were identified by systematically reviewing reference lists and using the “similar articles” function in PubMed. A total of 420 women with colorectal endometriosis treated with combined oral contraceptives, progestins, gonadotropin releasing‐hormone (GnRH) agonists and aromatase inhibitors have been described in eight case series, two retrospective cohort studies and four case reports. Published data consistently suggest that several hormonal medications can control most symptoms associated with intestinal endometriosis, provided the relative bowel lumen stenosis is less than 60%. Patients with irritative‐type symptoms appear to respond better than those with constipation. Overall, about two‐thirds of women were satisfied with the treatment received, independently of the drug used. Progestins are the compound supported by the largest body of evidence. The addition of aromatase inhibitors or, alternatively, the use of GnRH agonists does not seem to be associated with better outcomes. Long‐term treatment with a progestin should be proposed as an alternative to surgery to patients with non‐severely sub‐occlusive endometriosis infiltrating the proximal rectum and sigmoid colon who are not seeking conception. The final decision should be shared together with the woman, respecting her preferences and priorities.
The Weanling: Iron for All or One
Authors: SIIMES M. A. , SALMENPERÄ L.
Published: February 2018

Siimes M. A. and Salmenperä, L. (Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland). The weanling: Iron for all or one.

Mild iron deficiency remains to be a problem of healthy infants even in Europe. In this paper we discuss some of the potential reasons. There are physiological variations which result in elevated need of iron during infancy. These include growth that is unusually rapid, change in hemoglobin level from low normal to high normal and quality of milk nutrition during infancy. Prolonged exclusive breast feeding is a particularly interesting mode of nutrition since the iron absorption seems to be extremely effective. Infants may compensate their increased needs of iron either by stimulation of intestinal absorption of iron or of mobilization of iron from the relatively large tissue stores. We conclude that healthy full‐term Infants need to be fed with iron supplemented infant milk formulas or solid foods fortified with iron to order guarantee an optimal iron nutrition.
Fortification of the Diet as a Strategy for Preventing Iron Deficiency
Authors: MacPHAIL A. P. , BOTHWELL T. H.
Published: February 2018

MacPhail, A. P. and Bothwell, T. H. (Joint University and MRC Iron and Red Cell Metabolism Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa). Fortification of the diet as a strategy for preventing iron deficiency.

Progress in the fortification of food with iron is reviewed in the light of the different circumstances prevailing in the developed and developing world. Although fortification programmes are well established in developed countries many were not based on sound principles and there is no good evidence that they have proved effective. The important steps in establishing a fortification programme include accurate establishment of the need for iron fortification in a particular group or population, the choice of an appropriate combination of food vehicle and iron compound which is both stable and acceptable, and confirmation that the iron in the chosen blend is bioavailable and in different dietary settings. Only after the successful completion of controlled field trials using the chosen combination is the establishment of a regional or national fortification programme worthwhile. These points are illustrated by the success of field trials in the developing world, at least one of which has led to the implementation of a national programme directed to infants and children. Finally, a case study is described in which these principles were followed in the planning and execution of a successful field trial in an iron deficient Indian population in South Africa. The vehicle was curry powder and the iron compound Fe(111)EDTA.
Iron for the Suckling
Authors: AGGETT P. J. , BARCLAY S. , WHITLEY J. E.
Published: February 2018

Aggett, P. J., Barclay, S. and Whitley, J. E. (Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, and Scottish Universities' Research and Reactor Centre, East Kilbride, Scotland). Iron for the suckling.

Knowledge of the metabolism of iron by young infants is incomplete but combining practical studies based on detecting the onset of iron depletion with isotopic studies of iron economy may improve our understanding of iron metabolism in infants and our strategies for ensuring their iron supply. The iron accumulated by the fetus is enough to delay the risk of iron deficiency until four, and two months of age in term and preterm infants respectively. Breast fed term infants may not need extra iron until they are six months or older; but whereas low iron formulas are adequate for other infants until about four months of age, therafter infants need extra iron which can be provided effectively in iron fortified formulas. Breast fed low birth weight infants need iron supplements from two months of age but those fed specific low birth weight formulas which are iron fortified should not need extra iron.