bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast glutamate sensors resolve high-frequency release at Schaffer collateral synapses
Authors: Helassa Nordine , Dürst Céline D. , Coates Catherine , Kerruth Silke , Arif Urwa , Schulze Christian , Wiegert J. Simon , Geeves Michael , Oertner Thomas G. , Török Katalin
Published: December 2017

Glutamatergic synapses display a rich repertoire of plasticity mechanisms on many different time scales, involving dynamic changes in the efficacy of transmitter release as well as changes in the number and function of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. The genetically encoded glutamate sensor iGluSnFR enables visualization of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals at frequencies up to ∼10 Hz. However, to resolve glutamate dynamics during high frequency bursts, faster indicators are required. Here we report the development of fast (iGluf) and ultrafast (iGluu) variants with comparable brightness, but increased Kd for glutamate (137 μM and 600 μM, respectively). Compared to iGluSnFR, iGluu has a 6-fold faster dissociation rate in vitro and 5-fold faster kinetics in synapses. Fitting a three-state model to kinetic data, we identify the large conformational change after glutamate binding as the rate-limiting step. In rat hippocampal slice culture stimulated at 100 Hz, we find that iGluu is sufficiently fast to resolve individual glutamate release events, revealing that glutamate is rapidly cleared from the synaptic cleft. Depression of iGluu responses during 100 Hz trains correlates with depression of postsynaptic EPSPs, indicating that depression during high frequency stimulation is purely presynaptic in origin. At individual boutons, the recovery from depression could be predicted from the amount of glutamate released on the second pulse (paired pulse facilitation/depression), demonstrating differential frequency-dependent filtering of spike trains at Schaffer collateral boutons.

Significance Statement

Excitatory synapses convert presynaptic action potentials into chemical signals that are sensed by postsynaptic glutamate receptors. To eavesdrop on synaptic transmission, genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for glutamate have been developed. However, even the best available sensors lag behind the very fast glutamate dynamics in the synaptic cleft. Here we report the development of an ultrafast genetically encoded glutamate sensor, iGluu, which allowed us to image glutamate clearance and synaptic depression during 100 Hz spike trains. We found that only boutons showing paired-pulse facilitation were able to rapidly recover from depression. Thus, presynaptic boutons act as frequency-specific filters to transmit select features of the spike train to specific postsynaptic cells.
Carriers of mitochondrial DNA macrohaplogroup L3 basic lineages migrated back to Africa from Asia around 70,000 years ago
Authors: Cabrera Vicente M. , Marrero Patricia , Abu-Amero Khaled K. , Larruga Jose M.
Published: December 2017

Background

After three decades of mtDNA studies on human evolution the only incontrovertible main result is the African origin of all extant modern humans. In addition, a southern coastal route has been relentlessly imposed to explain the Eurasian colonization of these African pioneers. Based on the age of macrohaplogroup L3, from which all maternal Eurasian and the majority of African lineages originated, that out-of-Africa event has been dated around 60-70 kya. On the opposite side, we have proposed a northern route through Central Asia across the Levant for that expansion. Consistent with the fossil record, we have dated it around 125 kya. To help bridge differences between the molecular and fossil record ages, in this article we assess the possibility that mtDNA macrohaplogroup L3 matured in Eurasia and returned to Africa as basic L3 lineages around 70 kya.

Results

The coalescence ages of all Eurasian (M,N) and African L3 lineages, both around 71 kya, are not significantly different. The oldest M and N Eurasian clades are found in southeastern Asia instead near of Africa as expected by the southern route hypothesis. The split of the Y-chromosome composite DE haplogroup is very similar to the age of mtDNA L3. A Eurasian origin and back migration to Africa has been proposed for the African Y-chromosome haplogroup E. Inside Africa, frequency distributions of maternal L3 and paternal E lineages are positively correlated. This correlation is not fully explained by geographic or ethnic affinities. It seems better to be the result of a joint and global replacement of the old autochthonous male and female African lineages by the new Eurasian incomers.

Conclusions

These results are congruent with a model proposing an out-of-Africa of early anatomically modern humans around 125 kya. A return to Africa of Eurasian fully modern humans around 70 kya, and a second Eurasian global expansion by 60 kya. Climatic conditions and the presence of Neanderthals played key roles in these human movements.
Pre-mature senescence in the oldest leaves of low nitrate-grown Atxdh1 mutant uncovers a role for purine catabolism in plant nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Soltabayeva Aigerim , Srivastava Sudhakar , Kurmanbayeva Assylay , Bekturova Aizat , Fluhr Robert , Sagi Moshe
Published: December 2017

The nitrogen rich ureides allantoin and allantoate, are known to play a role in nitrogen delivery in Leguminosae, in addition to their role as reactive oxygen species scavengers. However, their role as a nitrogen source in non-legume plants has not been shown. Xanthine dehydrogenase1 (AtXDH1) activity is a catalytic bottleneck step in purine catabolism. Atxdh1 mutant exhibited early leaf senescence, lower soluble protein and organic-N levels as compared to wild-type (WT) older leaves when grown with 1 mM nitrate, whereas under 5mM, mutant plants were comparable to WT. Similar nitrate-dependent senescence phenotypes were evident in the older leaves of allantoinase (Ataln) and allantoate amidohydrolase (Ataah) mutants, impaired in further downstream steps of purine catabolism. Importantly, under low nitrate conditions, xanthine was accumulated in older leaves of Atxdh1, whereas allantoin in both older and younger leaves of Ataln but not in WT leaves, indicating remobilization of xanthine degraded products from older to younger leaves. Supporting this notion, ureide transporters UPS1, UPS2 and UPS5 were enhanced in older leaves of 1 mM nitrate-fed WT as compared to 5 mM. Enhanced AtXDH, AtAAH and purine catabolic transcripts, were detected in WT grown in low nitrate, indicating regulation at protein and transcript levels. Higher nitrate reductase activity in Atxdh1 than WT leaves, indicates their need for nitrate assimilation products. It is further demonstrated that the absence of remobilized purine-degraded N from older leaves is the cause for senescence symptoms, a result of higher chloroplastic protein degradation in older leaves of nitrate starved Atxdh1 plants.

The absence of remobilized purine-degraded N from older to the young growing leaves is the cause for senescence symptoms, a result of higher chloroplastic protein degradation in older leaves of nitrate starved Atxdh1 plants.
Cryptic, extensive and non-random chromosome reorganization revealed by a butterfly chromonome
Authors: Hill Jason , Rastas Pasi , Hornett Emil A. , Neethiraj Ramprasad , Clark Nathan , Morehouse Nathan , Paz Celorio-Mancera Maria de la , Cols Jofre Carnicer , Dircksen Heinrich , Meslin Camille , Keehnen Naomi , Pruisscher Peter , Sikkink Kristin , Vives Maria , Vogel Heiko , Wiklund Christer , Woronik Alyssa , Boggs Carol L. , Nylin Sören , Wheat Christopher
Published: December 2017

Chromosome evolution, an important component of mico- and macroevolutionary dynamics 1–5, presents an enigma in the mega-diverse Lepidoptera6. While most species exhibit constrained chromosome evolution, with nearly identical haploid chromosome counts and chromosome-level shared gene content and collinearity among species despite more than 140 Million years of divergence7, a small fraction of species independently exhibit dramatic changes in chromosomal count due to extensive fission and fusion events that are facilitated by their holocentric chromosomes7–9. Here we address this enigma of simultaneous conservation and dynamism in chromosome evolution in our analysis of the chromonome (chromosome level assembly10) of the green-veined white butterfly, Pieris napi (Pieridae, Linnaeus, 1758). We report an unprecedented reorganization of the standard Lepidopteran chromosome structure via more than 90 fission and fusion events that are cryptic at other scales, as the haploid chromosome number is identical to related genera and gene collinearity within the large rearranged segments matches other Lepidoptera. Furthermore, these rearranged segments are significantly enriched for clusters of functionally related genes and the maintenance of ancient telomeric ends. These results suggest an unexpected role for selection in shaping chromosomal evolution when the structural constraints of monocentricq chromosomes are relaxed.
ZMYND10 functions in a chaperone relay during axonemal dynein assembly
Authors: Mali Girish R , Yeyati Patricia , Mizuno Seiya , Keighren Margaret A , zur Lage Petra , Garcia-Munoz Amaya , Shimada Atsuko , Takeda Hiroyuki , Edlich Frank , Takahashi Satoru , von Kriegsheim Alex , Jarman Andrew , Mill Pleasantine
Published: December 2017

Molecular chaperones promote the folding and macromolecular assembly of a diverse set of substrate ‘client’ proteins. How the ubiquitous chaperone machinery directs its activities towards a specific set of substrates and whether this selectivity could be targeted for therapeutic intervention is of intense research. Through the use of mouse genetics, imaging and quantitative proteomics we uncover that ZMYND10 is a novel co-chaperone for the FKBP8-HSP90 chaperone complex during the biosynthesis of axonemal dynein heavy chains required for cilia motility. In the absence of ZMYND10, defects in dynein heavy chains trigger broader dynein motor degradation. We show that FKBP8 inhibition phenocopies dynein motor instability in airway cells, and human disease-causing variants of ZMYND10 disrupt its ability to act as FKBP8-HSP90 co-chaperone. Our study indicates that the motile ciliopathy Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) should be considered a cell-type specific protein-misfolding disease and opens the potential for rational drug design that could restore specificity to the ubiquitous chaperone apparatus towards dynein subunits.
mRNA structure determines specificity of a polyQ-driven phase separation
Authors: Langdon Erin M. , Qiu Yupeng , Niaki Amirhossein Ghanbari , McLaughlin Grace A. , Weidmann Chase , Gerbich Therese M. , Smith Jean A. , Crutchley John M. , Termini Christina M. , Weeks Kevin M. , Myong Sua , Gladfelter Amy S.
Published: December 2017

RNA promotes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to build membrane-less compartments in cells. How distinct molecular compositions are established and maintained in these liquid compartments is unknown. Here we report that secondary structure allows mRNAs to self-associate and determines if an mRNA is recruited to or excluded from liquid compartments. The polyQ-protein Whi3 induces conformational changes in RNA structure and generates distinct molecular fluctuations depending on the RNA sequence. These data support a model in which structure-based, RNA-RNA interactions promote assembly of distinct droplets and protein-driven, conformational dynamics of the RNA maintain this identity. Thus, the shape of RNA can promote the formation and coexistence of the diverse array of RNA-rich liquid compartments found in a single cell.

One Sentence Summary

Identity in cellular, phase-separated compartments arises from RNA-RNA complexes encoded by mRNA secondary structures.
The aphelid-like phagotrophic origins of fungi
Authors: Torruella Guifre , Grau-Bove Xavier , Moreira David , Karpov Sergey A , Burns John , Sebe-Pedros Arnau , Volcker Eckhard , Lopez-Garcia Purificacion
Published: December 2017

Aphelids are poorly known phagotrophic parasites of algae whose life cycle and morphology resemble those of the widely diverse parasitic rozellids (Cryptomycota, Rozellomycota). In previous phylogenetic analyses of RNA polymerase and rRNA genes, aphelids and rozellids formed a monophyletic group together with the extremely reduced parasitic Microsporidia, named Opisthosporidia, which was sister to Fungi. However, the statistical support for that group was always moderate. We generated the first transcriptome data for one aphelid species, Paraphelidium tribonemae. In-depth multi-gene phylogenomic analyses using various protein datasets place aphelids as the closest relatives of Fungi to the exclusion of rozellids and Microsporidia. In contrast with the comparatively reduced Rozella allomycis genome, we infer a rich, free-living-like aphelid proteome, including cellulases likely involved in algal cell-wall penetration, enzymes involved in chitin biosynthesis and several metabolic pathways. Our results suggest that Fungi evolved from a complex aphelid-like ancestor that lost phagotrophy and became osmotrophic.
Dynamic protein aggregation regulates bacterial dormancy depth critical for antibiotic tolerance
Authors: Pu Yingying , Li Yingxing , Ma Qi , Tian Tian , Zhao Ziyi , McVey Alexander F. , Bai Fan
Published: December 2017

The ability of some bacteria within a population to tolerate antibiotic treatment is often attributed to prolonged bacterial infection1-3. Unlike antibiotic resistance, which generally results from genetic mutations or plasmid transfer4,5, antibiotic tolerance usually refers to the phenomenon that a subgroup of cells can survive high dose antibiotic treatment as a result of phenotypic heterogeneity6,7. Previous studies mainly associate antibiotic tolerance with cell dormancy, by hypothesizing that the lethal effects of antibiotics are disabled due to the extremely slow metabolic and proliferation rates in dormant bacteria 8,9. However, less is known about how surviving bacteria subsequently escape from the dormant state and resuscitate, which is equally important for disease recurrence. Here we monitored the process of bacterial antibiotic tolerance and regrowth at the single-cell level, and found that each individual survival cell shows different ‘dormancy depth’, which in return regulates whether and when it can resume growth after removal of antibiotic. The persister cells are considered to be in shallow dormancy depth, while the viable but non-culturable cells (VBNC cells) are in deep dormancy depth. We further implemented time-lapse fluorescent imaging and biochemical analysis to establish that dynamic endogenous protein aggregation is an important indicator of bacterial dormancy depth. For cells to leave the dormant state and resuscitate, clearance of cellular protein aggregates and recovery of proteostasis are required. Through additional mutagenesis studies, we found the ability to recruit functional DnaK-ClpB machineries, which facilitate protein disaggregation in an ATP-dependent manner, determines the timeline (whether and when) for bacterial regrowth. Better understanding of the key factors regulating bacterial regrowth after surviving antibiotic attack could lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial antibiotic tolerance.
Neural network control of focal position during time-lapse microscopy of cells
Authors: Wei Ling , Roberts Elijah
Published: December 2017

Live-cell microscopy is quickly becoming an indispensable technique for studying the dynamics of cellular processes. Maintaining the specimen in focus during image acquisition is crucial for high-throughput applications, especially for long experiments or when a large sample is being continuously scanned. Automated focus control methods are often expensive, imperfect, or ill-adapted to a specific application and are a bottleneck for widespread adoption of high-throughput, live-cell imaging. Here, we demonstrate a neural network approach for automatically maintaining focus during bright-field microscopy. Z-stacks of yeast cells growing in a microfluidic device were collected and used to train a convolutional neural network to classify images according to their z-position. We studied the effect on prediction accuracy of the various hyperparameters of the neural network, including downsampling, batch size, and z-bin resolution. The network was able to predict the z-position of an image with ±1 μm accuracy, outperforming human annotators. Finally, we used our neural network to control microscope focus in real-time during a 24 hour growth experiment. The method robustly maintained the correct focal position compensating for 40 μm of focal drift and was insensitive to changes in the field of view. Only ~100 annotated z-stacks were required to train the network making our method quite practical for custom autofocus applications.
Crystal structure of cytoplasmic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Zhu Zhongliang , Hidayatullah Khan Muhammad , Zheng Peiyi , Teng Maikun , Niu Liwen
Published: December 2017

Thiolases are vital enzymes which participate in both degradative and biosynthetic pathways. Biosynthetic thiolases catalyze carbon–carbon bond formation by a Claisen condensation reaction. The cytoplasmic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae, ERG10, catalyses carbon–carbon bond formation in the mevalonate pathway. The structure of aS. cerevisiaebiosynthetic thiolase has not previously been reported. Here, crystal structures of apo ERG10 and its Cys91Ala variant were solved at resolutions of 2.2 and 1.95 Å, respectively. The structure determined shows that ERG10 shares the characteristic thiolase superfamily fold, with a similar active-site architecture to those of type II thiolases and a similar binding pocket, apart from Ala159 at the entrance to the pantetheine-binding cavity, which appears to be a determinant of the poor binding ability of the substrate. Moreover, comparative binding-pocket analysis of moleculeBin the asymmetric unit of the apo structure with that of the CoA-bound complex of human mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase indicates the canonical binding mode of CoA. Furthermore, the steric hindrance revealed in a structural comparison of moleculeAwith the CoA-bound form raise the possibility of conformational changes that are associated with substrate binding.
Structure and stability of theHuman respiratory syncytial virusM2–1RNA-binding core domain reveals a compact and cooperative folding unit
Authors: Molina Ivana G. , Josts Inokentijs , Almeida Hernandez Yasser , Esperante Sebastian , Salgueiro Mariano , Garcia Alai Maria M. , de Prat-Gay Gonzalo , Tidow Henning
Published: December 2017

Human syncytial respiratory virusis a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus with serious implications for respiratory disease in infants, and has recently been reclassified into a new family,Pneumoviridae. One of the main reasons for this classification is the unique presence of a transcriptional antiterminator, called M2–1. The puzzling mechanism of action of M2–1, which is a rarity among antiterminators in viruses and is part of the RNA polymerase complex, relies on dissecting the structure and function of this multidomain tetramer. The RNA-binding activity is located in a monomeric globular `core' domain, a high-resolution crystal structure of which is now presented. The structure reveals a compact domain which is superimposable on the full-length M2–1tetramer, with additional electron density for the C-terminal tail that was not observed in the previous models. Moreover, its folding stability was determined through chemical denaturation, which shows that the secondary and tertiary structure unfold concomitantly, which is indicative of a two-state equilibrium. These results constitute a further step in the understanding of this unique RNA-binding domain, for which there is no sequence or structural counterpart outside this virus family, in addition to its implications in transcription regulation and its likeliness as an antiviral target.
Tolerance analysis of assemblies with sculptured components in composites materials: comparison between an analytical method and a simulation approach
Authors: Ascione Rocco , Polini Wilma
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare two different tools for tolerance analysis. Tolerance analysis is an important task to design and manufacture high-precision mechanical assemblies; it has received considerable attention in the literature. Many are the tools required to carry out a tolerance analysis, and may be divided into two categories: the analytical models and the statistical software packages. No comparison exists in the literature among these two categories.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents a comparison between two different approaches to tolerance analysis: an analytical method, the variational model, and a statistical software, eM-Tolmate. The comparison has been developed on the same aeronautical case study that constitutes an actual product.

Findings

The proposed approach has been applied to an aeronautical case study. The results of the case study show how, when 2D tolerance analysis problems need to be solved, the two adopted tools give the same results. When the complexity of the tolerance analysis problems increases, the statistical software becomes the only choice to use. The new findings of the present paper are related to the fact that computer-aided tolerance analysis software packages remain the only choice to approach actual complex industrial products despite the extensive development of theoretical research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper deals with a unique case study. However, the two adopted approaches and the obtained results are general, that is, they may be applied to any assembly.

Practical implications

Tolerance analysis is a valid tool to foresee geometric interferences among the components of an assembly, before getting the physical assembly. It involves a decrease of the manufacturing costs.

Originality/value

Many are the tools for tolerance analysis, such as different analytical models and different commercial software packages. Some are the comparisons among the different tools in the literature, but they are not exhaustive. Therefore, when a user has to solve an assembly problem to foresee the geometric interferences during the design stage, he/she does not know what to choose. The original contribution of the paper is to address the user’s choice through a comparison between an analytical model and a statistical software to solve the tolerance analysis problems of an actual aeronautical assembly.
US farmers’ insurance choices under budget heuristics
Authors: Bulut Harun
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Regional differences in crop insurance uptake have persisted over time. To partly explain this phenomenon, the purpose of this paper is to propose and evaluate a budget constraint (heuristic) effect within the standard expected utility theory (EUT) framework through simulation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the EUT framework, a standard simulation model is used to gain insights into farm insurance decisions when a budget constraint is in effect. The budget constraint is modeled as it has been revealed through the data on farmers’ insurance expenditures. In the simulation analysis, certainty equivalent values are used to rank farm options subject to the revealed budget constraint.

Findings

A budget constraint effect within the EUT framework stands out in explaining the observed regional differences. The proposed explanation is consistent with the historical trends on the ratio of crop insurance expenditure to expected crop value, higher premium rates in regions with lower crop insurance uptake, and the limited turnout for the 2014 Farm Bill’s supplemental area-based crop insurance products. Farmers’ crop insurance choices are found to be mostly constrained-optimal.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first study taking the revealed preferences approach to farmers’ crop insurance choices in a simulation analysis. Some policy implications are drawn and future research avenues are suggested. The findings should be of considerable value to policymakers, academics, bankers, and producers in regard to the design and use of risk management tools.
The interplay of rules, asymmetries in language fluency, and team dynamics in culturally diverse teams
Authors: Vigier Mary , Spencer-Oatey Helen
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how newly formed culturally diverse project teams develop and implement rules, and how these processes may be affected by language-fluency asymmetries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case-study research design, the authors investigated three multicultural project teams within a management integration program in a multinational company in France. Their complete data set includes 37.5 hours of observations and 49 hours of semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Findings revealed that subgroups formed on the basis of language-fluency and this affected the development and implementation of rules. While rule-setting mechanisms emerged across teams, they varied in form. On the one hand, tightly structured rules emerged and rules were rigidly applied when there were greater language inequalities. In contrast, implicit behavior controls guided interactions when language-fluency subgroupings were less salient. The findings also revealed that the alignment of other individual attributes with language fluency reinforced subgroup divisions, further impacting the rule development and implementation processes.

Practical implications

Understanding rule development and implementation in culturally diverse teams and how these processes are impacted by language disparities enables managers to help members develop more successful behavioral patterns by keeping language-fluency (and other) attributes in mind.

Originality/value

The study extends and complements previous team research by providing in-depth insights into the process of rule development and implementation. It demonstrates the impact of language-fluency asymmetries and subgroup dynamics on these processes. The authors propose a model to capture the processes by which culturally diverse teams create rules, and how the rule-setting mechanisms might be moderated by faultlines such as language-based disparities.
Service innovation and customer satisfaction: the role of customer value creation
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Hinson Robert E. , Anim Patrick Amfo
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between service innovation, customer value creation (CVC) and customer satisfaction (CS) with specific emphasis to Ghanaian telecommunication operators.

Design/methodology/approach

Assuming a positivist philosophical approach with a quantitative data analysis technique, the study samples 510 registered adult customers of at least one telecommunication network in Ghana. An exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to assess and confirm the proposed scales validity and the relationships of the research model.

Findings

The study unveiled that a service firm’s ability to achieve CS is dependent on how telecommunication operators harness and deploy their service innovation activities. In addition, the study showed that CVC mediates the relationship between service innovation and CS. Thus, service innovation must create value for customers in order to enhance CS.

Practical implications

By relating the study findings to firms’ innovation strategies, managers can improve the strength of their service offerings to achieve CS by spending more on consumer research, market research and increased customer interactions.

Originality/value

Considering the uniqueness of this study in a Ghanaian context, the research draws on two influential theories, which are signaling theory and expectation disconfirmation theory to examine the differential role played by service innovation in enabling telecommunication operators in Ghana, to create customer value in order to achieve CS amidst the constraints in the business environment.
Labour reputation and financial performance: is there a causal relationship?
Authors: Odriozola María Dolores , Martin Antonio , Luna Ladislao
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse if there is a circular relationship of causality between the labour dimension of corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is formed by the best companies to work for in Spain according to the labour reputation (LR) ranking developed by MERCO from 2006 to 2013. This study overcomes the limitations of previous studies using the panel data methodology (System generalised method of moments) and the Granger causality test.

Findings

The results suggest that the labour dimension of CSP cause CFP, but there is not causality in the opposite direction.

Originality/value

Studies about the relationship between dimensions of CSP and CFP demonstrated that there are divergences in the results depending on the dimension analysed. Despite managers and employees are interested in the impact of labour dimension of CSP on CFP, there are few studies about it and they have important limitations.
Antecedents of frontline manager handling relationship conflicts
Authors: Tanveer Yasir , Jiayin Qi , Akram Umair , Tariq Anum
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Conflicts are inevitable in organizations and are a significant challenge for frontline managers (FLMs). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the leadership styles of FLMs and relationship conflicts (RLCs), with the indirect intervention of emotion regulation (ER) and five conflict-handling styles (CHSs).

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were obtained from 243 FLMs in the Pakistan textile industry. SPSS 23 and PROCESS macros software were used to test and verify hypotheses regarding leadership styles, ER, CHSs and RLC. The authors conducted 5,000 bootstrap replications to verify mediation.

Findings

Leadership styles are significantly associated with RLC. A high degree of ER can negatively moderate RLCs through transformational leadership (TFL) and transactional leadership (TCL) styles and positively moderate RLCs through alaissez-faireleadership (LZF) style. Among CHSs, a compromise style mediates the relationship between RLC and the TFL and LZF styles, and a domination style mediates the relationship between RLC and the TCL style.

Practical implications

FLMs should be trained to overcome workplace interpersonal conflicts. Appropriate cognizance of a conflict before it occurs is a requisite skill. FLMs must be able to use all five given CHSs.

Originality/value

This study identifies the association of leadership styles with CHSs and ER to manage RLC in a non-Western context. The study enhances understanding of the use of the ER factor with the different CHSs of FLMs.
Towards a sustainability reporting guideline in higher education
Authors: Huber Sandra , Bassen Alexander
Published: December 2017

Purpose

So far, sustainability reporting in higher education is in a very early stage – partly, because of the lack of an established and widely recognized sustainability reporting framework for higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, a modification of the sustainability code for the use in the higher education context was recently developed in Germany. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate this modification from an academic point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation of the sustainability code is based on selected reporting principles drawn from frameworks of sustainability and financial reporting.

Findings

The evaluation shows that to a large extent, the modification of the sustainability code for HEIs contributes to the fulfillment of the selected reporting principles. However, it also became evident that there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of clarity and the inclusion of material aspects.

Practical implications

The need for an implementation manual regarding the modified HEI-specific sustainability code is emphasized, as the sustainability code requires further clarification to be manageable for HEIs.

Originality/value

This paper provides suggestions for the further development of a sustainability reporting guideline for HEIs to enhance its alignment with both sustainability reporting principles and the needs of HEIs.
Franchising and Entrepreneurship: High Reward or High Risk?
Authors: Selig Gad J.
Published: December 2017

According to the Department of Commerce, start-up, small, and family businesses are among the fastest growing areas of employment. Even under the best economic environment, starting a business is risky. To reduce the risks and to establish their own businesses, an increasing number of entrepreneurs and corporate converts are buying franchises.

Franchising has enjoyed a major increase in popularity during the early 1990s, fueled largely by the growing pool of available candidates made possible by significant corporate and government downsizing. According to the Department of Commerce, franchising accounts for nearly one-third of all U.S. retail sales and employs over 7 million people.

If an individual has the motivation, skills, capital, leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and risk-taking attributes required to start and manage a business, franchising provides a structured alternative to accomplish this objective. Franchising encompasses both high risks and high rewards. While it is not for everyone, franchising represents a method to start and/or transition into your own business.

This refereed article describes the why, what, and how of franchising. It discusses the driving forces for franchising from both the franchiser's and franchisee's perspective, what it takes to be a franchisee, how to become an educated businessperson, what to do once you have selected a franchise, the do's and don'ts, the risks and rewards, and how to sell a franchise.
Renewed hope for the low-profit limited liability company
Authors: Toson Sonia J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to challenge the notion that low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs) are an ineffective or flawed choice of entity for social entrepreneurs. Most of the literature surrounding L3Cs has been critical of the form; however, a detailed analysis shows that the form is not only still viable but also, in fact, experiencing growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes key literature and an analysis of current L3C activity in the USA to provide a unique viewpoint on the utility and viability of L3Cs in the USA.

Findings

Analysis demonstrates that despite criticisms throughout the legal community, the L3C is experiencing recent growth and continues to be a viable choice of entity for social entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

This piece fills a significant gap in the literature surrounding L3Cs. Much has been written about L3Cs in the legal academy, but analysis is scarce when reviewing management and entrepreneurship literature.

Originality/value

This piece furthers the literature by providing the business academy with an in-depth analysis of the legal components of L3Cs and draws research-based conclusions about the state of the form and its viability for social entrepreneurs. It is unique in that it challenges the prevailing legal opinion that the L3C form is useless and unnecessary.
Early cutaneous eruptions after oral hydroxychloroquine in a lupus erythematosus patient: A case report and review of the published work
Authors: Matsuda Tomoko , Ly Nhung Thi My , Kambe Naotomo , Nguyen Chuyen Thi Hong , Ueda‐Hayakawa Ikuko , Son Yonsu , Okamoto Hiroyuki
Published: December 2017

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an effective treatment of lupus erythematosus. Although adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal and cutaneous manifestations, are rare, they may result in the cessation of medication in some patients with severe reactions. Therefore, the evaluation of a patient's condition is important for a dermatologist to decide whether to cease or continue HCQ. We herein report a case of a 36‐year‐old Japanese woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous eruptions caused by the p.o. administration of HCQ. Because she wanted to continue the medication and had only mild cutaneous eruptions without any adverse effects in other organs, we continued HCQ with careful monitoring. All cutaneous eruptions disappeared within 1 week. We also reviewed published case reports on skin lesions that developed after HCQ treatments, and propose strategies for early cutaneous eruptions after HCQ treatments. When the cutaneous reactions are mild without any reactions in other organs, withdrawal of the drug is not required. However, when cutaneous eruptions are accompanied by some common reactions, HCQ needs to be stopped for a period of time and may subsequently be carefully re‐administrated.
Detection of novel syntrophic acetate‐oxidizing bacteria from biogas processes by continuous acetate enrichment approaches
Authors: Westerholm Maria , Müller Bettina , Singh Abhijeet , Karlsson Lindsjö Oskar , Schnürer Anna
Published: December 2017

To enrich syntrophic acetate‐oxidizing bacteria (SAOB), duplicate chemostats were inoculated with sludge from syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO)‐dominated systems and continuously supplied with acetate (0.4 or 7.5 g l−1) at high‐ammonia levels. The chemostats were operated under mesophilic (37°C) or thermophilic (52°C) temperature for about six hydraulic retention times (HRT 28 days) and were sampled over time. Irrespective of temperature, a methane content of 64–69% and effluent acetate level of 0.4–1.0 g l−1 were recorded in chemostats fed high acetate. Low methane production in the low‐acetate chemostats indicated that the substrate supply was below the threshold for methanization of acetate via SAO. Novel representatives within the family Clostridiales and genus Syntrophaceticus (class Clostridia) were identified to represent putative SAOB candidates in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions respectively. Known SAOB persisted at low relative abundance in all chemostats. The hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanoculleus bourgensis (mesophilic) and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus (thermophilic) dominated archaeal communities in the high‐acetate chemostats. In line with the restricted methane production in the low‐acetate chemostats, methanogens persisted at considerably lower abundance in these chemostats. These findings strongly indicate involvement in SAO and tolerance to high ammonia levels of the species identified here, and have implications for understanding community function in stressed anaerobic processes.
Risk of recurrence after a single manic or mixed episode – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Andersen Per Kragh , Vinberg Maj
Published: December 2017

Objectives

For the first time to estimate the risk of recurrence among patients with a single manic/mixed episode by systematically reviewing prior studies on cohorts of adults, and cohorts of children and adolescents, respectively.

Methods

A systematic literature search up to August 2017 was carried out including studies in which < 25% of the participants were estimated to have had a mood episode that required pharmacological treatment prior to the index manic or mixed episode at inclusion.

Results

Three studies including a total of 293 adult patients with a single manic or mixed episode and three studies of children and adolescents including 126 patients were identified. In the adult studies, 31%, 40% and 42% experienced recurrence after recovery within 1 year, 59% after 2 years, and 58% after 4 years, respectively. In the studies on children and adolescents, 40% and 52% experienced recurrence after recovery within 1 year, 30% and 60% after 2 years and 64% and 67% after 4 to 5 years, respectively. Results from meta‐analyses showed a 1‐year rate of recurrence of 35% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30‐41%) in adults, and in adolescents/children, a 1‐year rate of recurrence of 48% (95% CI: 38‐58%), a 2‐year rate of 46% (95% CI: 33‐60%) and a 4‐5‐year rate of recurrence of 65% (95% CI: 52‐77%; as data from different studies were included at 1, 2 and 5 years, rates of recurrence did not increase steadily with time).

Conclusions

The rate of recurrence is high among adults as well as children and adolescents. It is important that clinicians and patients as well as relatives are well informed about these high risks when deciding to start maintenance treatment or not following onset of a single manic or mixed episode.
Long‐term evaluation of quality of life and satisfaction between implant bar overdentures and conventional complete dentures: A 23 years retrospective study
Authors: Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Ballester‐Ferrandis Jose Francisco , Salazar‐Sánchez Noemí , Gómez‐García Francisco José , Moraleja‐Ruiz Román , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio
Published: December 2017

Background

Dental implants have been used in edentulous jaws to improve the retention and stability of complete dentures. Attachment to the implants improves stability and function of the prostheses and increases patient satisfaction.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life and satisfaction between patients with implant overdentures and complete dentures for more than 20 years.

Methods

Forty patients with overdentures and 40 patients with conventional complete dentures were included in this study. Both groups are carriers of their prosthesis more than 20 years. All patients completed an OHIP‐14 and perception and satisfaction questionnaire related their implant prothesis.

Results

Follow‐up mean in patients with overdentures were 23.27 ± 1.87 years and 23.20 ± 3.91 years for conventional prosthesis group. A worse quality of life was shown in the group of patients with conventional dentures in the 7 dimensions and in the total value, with statistically significant differences in 6 dimensions and in the total value (P ≤ .05). Patients with implants overdenture were more satisfied than patients with conventional dentures, with statistically significant differences (P < .001).

Conclusions

Implant overdentures on cobalt chrome and gold bars offer an excellent long‐term solution for edentulism compared with conventional denture.
Surgical anatomy of the round window—Implications for cochlear implantation
Authors: Luers J.C. , Hüttenbrink K.B. , Beutner D.
Published: December 2017

Background

The round window is an important portal for the application of active hearing aids and cochlear implants. The anatomical and topographical knowledge about the round window region is a prerequisite for successful insertion for a cochlear implant electrode.

Objective of review

To sum up current knowledge about the round window anatomy and to give advice to the cochlear implant surgeon for optimal placement of an electrode.

Type of review

Systematic Medline search.

Search strategy

Search term “round window[Title]” with no date restriction. Only publications in the English Language were included. All abstracts were screened for relevance, that is a focus on surgical anatomy of the round window. The search results were supplemented with hand searching of selected reviews and reference lists from included studies.

Evaluation method

Subjective assessment.

Results

There is substantial variability in size and shape of the round window. The round window is regarded as the most reliable surgical landmark to safely locate the scala tympani. Factors affecting the optimal trajectory line for atraumatic electrode insertion are anatomy of the round window, the anatomy of the intracochlear hook region and the variable orientation and size of the cochlea's basal turn.

Conclusions

The very close relation to the sensitive inner ear structures necessitates a thorough anatomic knowledge and careful insertion technique, especially when implanting patients with residual hearing. In order to avoid electrode migration between the scalae and to achieve protect the modiolus and the basilar membrane, it is recommended to aim for an electrode insertion vector from postero‐superior to antero‐inferior.
Association of prenatal exposure to gestational diabetes with offspring body composition and regional body fat distribution
Authors: Kearney M. , Perron J. , Marc I. , Weisnagel S. J. , Tchernof A. , Robitaille J.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this cohort study was to compare body composition and regional body fat distribution between children exposed (GDM+) or unexposed (GDM−) in utero to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate the association with the glycaemic and the insulin profile. Data from 56 GDM+ and 30 GDM− were analysed. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Total and regional body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Insulin, glucose and HbA1c were obtained from a fasting plasma sample, and the HOMA‐IR index was calculated. anova was performed to compare adiposity measures between GDM+ and GDM−. Associations between the glycaemic and insulin profile and adiposity measures were studied using partial Pearson correlations. Mean age was 6.6 ± 2.3 years. Waist circumference, fat mass percentage, android fat mass, android fat mass percentage and android‐to‐gynoid fat mass ratio were higher among GDM+, and lean mass percentage was lower (P < 0.05). Among GDM+ children, body mass index (BMI) z score, waist circumference, fat mass percentage, android fat mass percentage and android‐to‐gynoid fat mass ratio were all positively correlated with HbA1C (r = 0.32–0.43, P < 0.05). Prenatal exposure to GDM is associated with increased total and abdominal adiposity. This increased adiposity observed among GDM+ children is associated with an altered glycaemic profile. This study is registered in the Clinical Trials.gov registry (NCT01340924).
Executive functions in children with developmental coordination disorder: a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Bernardi Marialivia , Leonard Hayley C , Hill Elisabeth L , Botting Nicola , Henry Lucy A
Published: December 2017

Aim

Executive function impairments have been identified in children with poor motor skills, with and without a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). However, most studies are cross‐sectional. This study investigates the development of executive function in children with poor motor skills over 2 years.

Method

Children aged 7 to 11 years (n=51) were assessed twice, 2 years apart, on verbal and nonverbal measures of executive functions: executive‐loaded working memory (ELWM); fluency; response inhibition; planning; and cognitive flexibility. Typically developing children (n=17) were compared with those with a clinical diagnosis of DCD (n=17) and those with identified motor difficulties (n=17) but no formal diagnosis of DCD.

Results

Developmental gains in executive function were similar between groups, although a gap between children with poor motor skills and typically developing children on nonverbal executive functions persisted. Specifically, children with DCD performed significantly more poorly than typically developing children on all nonverbal executive function tasks and verbal fluency tasks at both time points; and children with motor difficulties but no diagnosis of DCD showed persistent executive function problems in nonverbal tasks of ELWM and fluency.

Interpretation

Children with DCD and motor difficulties demonstrated executive function difficulties over 2 years, which may affect activities of daily living and academic achievement, in addition to their motor deficit.

What this paper adds

Executive function difficulties in children with poor motor skills persist throughout middle childhood.

Children with motor difficulties, without a developmental coordination disorder (DCD) diagnosis, demonstrate less pervasive executive function difficulties than those with DCD.

Executive function problems in the groups with motor difficulties and DCD affect mostly nonverbal domains.

All groups showed similar developmental gains in executive function.