bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ATP binding site of the chromatin remodeling homolog Lsh is required for nucleosome density and de novo DNA methylation at repeat sequences
Authors: Ren Jianke , Briones Victorino , Barbour Samantha , Yu Weishi , Han Yixing , Terashima Minoru , Muegge Kathrin
Published: January 2015

Lsh, a chromatin remodeling protein of the SNF2 family, is critical for normal heterochromatin structure. In particular, DNA methylation at repeat elements, a hallmark of heterochromatin, is greatly reduced in Lsh−/− (KO) cells. Here, we examined the presumed nucleosome remodeling activity of Lsh on chromatin in the context of DNA methylation. We found that dynamic CG methylation was dependent on Lsh in embryonic stem cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that ATP function is critical for de novo methylation at repeat sequences. The ATP binding site of Lsh is in part required to promote stable association of the DNA methyltransferase 3b with the repeat locus. By performing nucleosome occupancy assays, we found distinct nucleosome occupancy in KO ES cells compared to WT ES cells after differentiation. Nucleosome density was restored to wild-type level by re-expressing wild-type Lsh but not the ATP mutant in KO ES cells. Our results suggest that ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling is the primary molecular function of Lsh, which may promote de novo methylation in differentiating ES cells.
Repressor activity of the RpoS/σS-dependent RNA polymerase requires DNA binding
Authors: Lévi-Meyrueis Corinne , Monteil Véronique , Sismeiro Odile , Dillies Marie-Agnès , Kolb Annie , Monot Marc , Dupuy Bruno , Duarte Sara Serradas , Jagla Bernd , Coppée Jean-Yves , Beraud Mélanie , Norel Françoise
Published: January 2015

The RpoS/σS sigma subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP) activates transcription of stationary phase genes in many Gram-negative bacteria and controls adaptive functions, including stress resistance, biofilm formation and virulence. In this study, we address an important but poorly understood aspect of σS-dependent control, that of a repressor. Negative regulation by σS has been proposed to result largely from competition between σS and other σ factors for binding to a limited amount of core RNAP (E). To assess whether σS binding to E alone results in significant downregulation of gene expression by other σ factors, we characterized an rpoS mutant of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium producing a σS protein proficient for EσS complex formation but deficient in promoter DNA binding. Genome expression profiling and physiological assays revealed that this mutant was defective for negative regulation, indicating that gene repression by σS requires its binding to DNA. Although the mechanisms of repression by σS are likely specific to individual genes and environmental conditions, the study of transcription downregulation of the succinate dehydrogenase operon suggests that σ competition at the promoter DNA level plays an important role in gene repression by EσS.
DNA-mediated cooperativity facilitates the co-selection of cryptic enhancer sequences by SOX2 and PAX6 transcription factors
Authors: Narasimhan Kamesh , Pillay Shubhadra , Huang Yong-Heng , Jayabal Sriram , Udayasuryan Barath , Veerapandian Veeramohan , Kolatkar Prasanna , Cojocaru Vlad , Pervushin Konstantin , Jauch Ralf
Published: January 2015

Sox2 and Pax6 are transcription factors that direct cell fate decision during neurogenesis, yet the mechanism behind how they cooperate on enhancer DNA elements and regulate gene expression is unclear. By systematically interrogating Sox2 and Pax6 interaction on minimal enhancer elements, we found that cooperative DNA recognition relies on combinatorial nucleotide switches and precisely spaced, but cryptic composite DNA motifs. Surprisingly, all tested Sox and Pax paralogs have the capacity to cooperate on such enhancer elements. NMR and molecular modeling reveal very few direct protein–protein interactions between Sox2 and Pax6, suggesting that cooperative binding is mediated by allosteric interactions propagating through DNA structure. Furthermore, we detected and validated several novel sites in the human genome targeted cooperatively by Sox2 and Pax6. Collectively, we demonstrate that Sox–Pax partnerships have the potential to substantially alter DNA target specificities and likely enable the pleiotropic and context-specific action of these cell-lineage specifiers.
Protein mistranslation protects bacteria against oxidative stress
Authors: Fan Yongqiang , Wu Jiang , Ung Matthew H. , De Lay Nicholas , Cheng Chao , Ling Jiqiang
Published: January 2015

Accurate flow of genetic information from DNA to protein requires faithful translation. An increased level of translational errors (mistranslation) has therefore been widely considered harmful to cells. Here we demonstrate that surprisingly, moderate levels of mistranslation indeed increase tolerance to oxidative stress in Escherichia coli. Our RNA sequencing analyses revealed that two antioxidant genes katE and osmC, both controlled by the general stress response activator RpoS, were upregulated by a ribosomal error-prone mutation. Mistranslation-induced tolerance to hydrogen peroxide required rpoS, katE and osmC. We further show that both translational and post-translational regulation of RpoS contribute to peroxide tolerance in the error-prone strain, and a small RNA DsrA, which controls translation of RpoS, is critical for the improved tolerance to oxidative stress through mistranslation. Our work thus challenges the prevailing view that mistranslation is always detrimental, and provides a mechanism by which mistranslation benefits bacteria under stress conditions.
Repeated Exposure to Ketamine–Xylazine during Early Development Impairs Motor Learning–dependent Dendritic Spine Plasticity in Adulthood
Authors: Huang Lianyan , Yang Guang
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

Early multiple exposures to ketamine/xylazine, a veterinary anesthetic combination, resulted in impaired motor learning and learning-dependent spine plasticity in motor cortex, both of which could be prevented by an enriched environment. Further studies are necessary to determine whether early exposure to more clinically relevant anesthetics has similar effects on learning and synaptic plasticity.

Background:

Recent studies in rodents suggest that repeated and prolonged anesthetic exposure at early stages of development leads to cognitive and behavioral impairments later in life. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we tested whether exposure to general anesthesia during early development will disrupt the maturation of synaptic circuits and compromise learning-related synaptic plasticity later in life.

Methods:

Mice received ketamine–xylazine (20/3 mg/kg) anesthesia for one or three times, starting at either early (postnatal day 14 [P14]) or late (P21) stages of development (n = 105). Control mice received saline injections (n = 34). At P30, mice were subjected to rotarod motor training and fear conditioning. Motor learning–induced synaptic remodeling was examined in vivo by repeatedly imaging fluorescently labeled postsynaptic dendritic spines in the primary motor cortex before and after training using two-photon microscopy.

Results:

Three exposures to ketamine–xylazine anesthesia between P14 and P18 impair the animals’ motor learning and learning-dependent dendritic spine plasticity (new spine formation, 8.4 ± 1.3% [mean ± SD] vs. 13.4 ± 1.8%, P = 0.002) without affecting fear memory and cell apoptosis. One exposure at P14 or three exposures between P21 and P25 has no effects on the animals’ motor learning or spine plasticity. Finally, enriched motor experience ameliorates anesthesia-induced motor learning impairment and synaptic deficits.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that repeated exposures to ketamine–xylazine during early development impair motor learning and learning-dependent dendritic spine plasticity later in life. The reduction in synaptic structural plasticity may underlie anesthesia-induced behavioral impairment.
Ecology of information: social transmission dynamics within groups of non-social insects
Authors: Battesti Marine , Pasquaretta Cristian , Moreno Celine , Teseo Serafino , Joly Dominique , Klensch Elizabeth , Petit Odile , Sueur Cedric , Mery Frederic
Published: January 2015

While many studies focus on how animals use public information, the dynamics of information spread and maintenance within groups, i.e. the ‘ecology of information’, have received little attention. Here we use fruitflies trained to lay eggs on specific substrates to implement information into groups containing both trained and untrained individuals. We quantify inter-individual interactions and then measure the spread of oviposition preference with behavioural tests. Untrained individuals increase their interactive approaches in the presence of trained individuals, and the oviposition preference transmission is directly proportional to how much trained and untrained individuals interact. Unexpectedly, the preference of trained individuals to their trained oviposition substrate decreases after interactions with untrained individuals, leading to an overall informational loss. This shows that social learning alone is not enough to support informational stability.
Wave-transmitting method for a travelling-wave-type omnidirectional mobile robot
Authors: Konno Masashi , Mizota Yutaka , Nakamura Taro
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a wave-transmitting mechanism for a travelling-wave-type omnidirectional mobile robot. Existing omnidirectional mechanisms are prone to movement instability because they establish a small contact area with the ground. The authors have developed a novel omnidirectional mobile robot that achieves stable movement by a large ground-contact area. The proposed robot moves by a wave-transmitting mechanism designed for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve stable movement, a spiral-type travelling-wave-propagation mechanism that mimics the locomotion mechanism of a snail was developed. The mechanism was applied to an omnidirectional mobile robot.

Findings

– The practicality of magnetic attraction was verified in experiments of the wave-transmitting mechanism. Moreover, omnidirectional movement was confirmed in a robot prototype adopting this mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed robot will eventually be deployed in human spaces such as factories and hospitals. A mechanically improved version of the robot will be evaluated in load-driving experiments and equipped with control systems.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes an omnidirectional mobile robot with a large ground contact area that moves by continuous travelling waves. The practicability of this mechanism was experimentally confirmed, and a prototype robot achieved omnidirectional movement.
Investigating experts’ opinion on outsourcing decision in facilities management practice in public Universities in Nigeria
Authors: GBADEGESIN JOB TAIWO , Babatunde Theophilus Olugbenga
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to empirically investigate the factors and the level of influence on facilities management practice and analyze the relationship among the factors. It also examines the level of effectiveness of outsourcing decision. Recent research effort on outsourcing identified some factors that influence outsourcing decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

– Copies of instrument titled “Questionnaire on Outsourcing Decision” designed through a review of outsourcing literature, pilot-tested on the professionals, with valid reliability test results, were used to collect data. Collected data were analyzed using percentage, t-test, Pearson correlation and chi-square.

Findings

– Majority of the respondents reported that outsourcing is an effective decision. Except for functional characteristics, all other factors (strategic, management, technical, economical and quality) are significantly different from the group mean values. While there is a positive and significant relationship among the influencing factors, there is no significant relationship between the years of experience and the perception on the effectiveness of outsourcing decision.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to five selected tertiary institutions. The justification for their selection is attributed to their relative adequate infrastructural facilities, the existing practice of outsourcing and the size of the institutions. The further frontier of knowledge can be extended from here.

Practical implications

– The findings exposed the policymakers and stakeholders in the public universities to the major factors that affect the effectiveness of outsourcing and the direction for future practical research in the area of facilities management within the tertiary institutions of learning.

Originality/value

– The thrust of this paper provides check and balance in the adoption of outsourcing approach with tested instrument that ranks the influencing factors in facilities management practice in a developing economy within educational institutions.
A stage-oriented model (SOM) for e-commerce adoption: a study of Saudi Arabian organisations
Authors: Al-Somali Sabah Abdullah , Gholami Roya , Clegg Ben
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct a new e-commerce innovation and adoption model that takes into account various stages of e-commerce adoption (interactive, non-interactive and stabilised) and covers technological, organisational and environmental factors. This was tested using data collected from manufacturing and service companies in Saudi Arabia (SA) to reveal inhibitors and catalysts for e-commerce adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses new data from surveys from 202 companies and then uses exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling for analyses.

Findings

– This study shows that the new stage-oriented model (SOM) is valid and can reveal specific detailed nuances of e-commerce adoption within a particular setting. Surprising results show that SA is not so very different to developed western countries in respect to e-commerce adoption. However there are some important differences which are discussed in detail.

Research limitations/implications

– A new SOM for e-commerce adoption is provided which may be used by other IS adoption researchers.

Practical implications

– Managers responsible for the adoption of e-commerce in SA, the Middle East and beyond can learn from these findings to speed up adoption rates and make e-commerce more effective.

Social implications

– This work may help spread e-commerce use throughout SA, the Middle East and to other developing nations.

Originality/value

– The results add to the extremely limited number of empirical studies that has been conducted to investigate e-commerce adoption in the context of Arabic countries.
Joint pricing of VIX and SPX options with stochastic volatility and jump models
Authors: Kokholm Thomas , Stisen Martin
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper studies the performance of commonly employed stochastic volatility and jump models in the consistent pricing of The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) and The S&P 500 Index (SPX) options. With the existence of active markets for volatility derivatives and options on the underlying instrument, the need for models that are able to price these markets consistently has increased. Although pricing formulas for VIX and vanilla options are now available for commonly used models exhibiting stochastic volatility and/or jumps, it remains to be shown whether these are able to price both markets consistently. This paper fills this vacuum.

Design/methodology/approach

– In particular, the Heston model, the Heston model with jumps in returns and the Heston model with simultaneous jumps in returns and variance (SVJJ) are jointly calibrated to market quotes on SPX and VIX options together with VIX futures.

Findings

– The full flexibility of having jumps in both returns and volatility added to a stochastic volatility model is essential. Moreover, we find that the SVJJ model with the Feller condition imposed and calibrated jointly to SPX and VIX options fits both markets poorly. Relaxing the Feller condition in the calibration improves the performance considerably. Still, the fit is not satisfactory, and we conclude that one needs more flexibility in the model to jointly fit both option markets.

Originality/value

– Compared to existing literature, we derive numerically simpler VIX option and futures pricing formulas in the case of the SVJ model. Moreover, the paper is the first to study the pricing performance of three widely used models to SPX options and VIX derivatives.
Trait emotional intelligence, emotional labour, and burnout among Malaysian HR professionals
Authors: Santos Angeli , Mustafa Michael J. , Gwi Terk Chern
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the concepts of trait emotional intelligence (EI), emotional labour strategies and burnout among internal human resources (HR) service providers. It proposes a model to deepen our understanding of the processes explaining the protective effects of trait EI on employee burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present study comprises a sample of 143 HR professionals from a large Malaysian financial institution.

Findings

– Results suggest that trait EI predicted personal- and work-related burnout but not client-related burnout. Trait EI was also found to be partly related to emotional labour (EL), exhibiting a negative relationship with surface acting but not with deep acting. While surface acting exhibited a significant relationship on all three forms of burnout, deep acting was only significantly related to client burnout. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that surface acting partly mediated the relationship between EI and burnout.

Originality/value

– This study examines the relationship between EI, EL and burnout in HR professionals. This study is the first in the literature to examine these relationships in the context of internal service providers and in a non-Western context. Our study enhances our understanding of the processes explaining the protective effects of trait EI on employee burnout in a non-Western context.
A framework for Six Sigma project selection in higher educational institutions, using a weighted scorecard approach
Authors: Holmes Monica C. , Jenicke Lawrence O. , Hempel Jessica L.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper discusses the importance of the Six Sigma selection process, describes a Six Sigma project in a higher educational institution and presents a weighted scorecard approach for project selection.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of the Six Sigma approach being used to improve student support at a university computer help desk was used. An error related to the timeliness of service was defined and improved over the course of the project.

Findings

– The Six Sigma approach was useful for improving timely service, but a methodology for selecting the project was needed by the project leader. Using such a methodology would have ensured higher probability of project success.

Practical implications

– This framework provides directions for selecting a Six Sigma project in a higher educational setting. The weighted scorecard method is presented and may be used for selecting a project which would likely be the most efficient use of time and resources.

Originality/value

– While project selection methodologies have been published with regard to Six Sigma projects in business, this paper fills the need for selection criteria as they relate to higher educational settings.
Social integration confers thermal benefits in a gregarious primate
Authors: McFarland Richard , Fuller Andrea , Hetem Robyn S. , Mitchell Duncan , Maloney Shane K. , Henzi S. Peter , Barrett Louise
Published: January 2015

Sociality has been shown to have adaptive value for gregarious species, with more socially integrated animals within groups experiencing higher reproductive success and longevity. The value of social integration is often suggested to derive from an improved ability to deal with social stress within a group; other potential stressors have received less attention.

We investigated the relationship between environmental temperature, an important non‐social stressor, and social integration in wild female vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), using implanted data loggers to obtain direct measures of core body temperature.

Heterothermy (as measured by 24‐h amplitude of body temperature) increased, and 24‐h minima of body temperature decreased, as the 24‐h minimum ambient temperature decreased. As winter progressed, monkeys became increasingly heterothermic and displayed lower 24‐h minima of body temperature.

Monkeys with a greater number of social partners displayed a smaller 24‐h amplitude (that is, were more homoeothermic) and higher 24‐h minima of body temperature (that is, became less hypothermic), than did animals with fewer social partners.

Our findings demonstrate that social integration has a direct influence on thermoregulatory ability: individual animals that form and maintain more social relationships within their group experience improved thermal competence compared to those with fewer social relationships.

Given the likely energetic consequences of thermal benefits, our findings offer a viable physiological explanation that can help account for variations in fitness in relation to individual differences in social integration.
Microbial biogeography of drinking water: patterns in phylogenetic diversity across space and time
Authors: Roeselers Guus , Coolen Jordy , van der Wielen Paul W. J. J. , Jaspers Marco C. , Atsma Adrie , de Graaf Bendert , Schuren Frank
Published: January 2015

In this study, we collected water from different locations in 32 drinking water distribution networks in the Netherlands and analysed the spatial and temporal variation in microbial community composition by high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. We observed that microbial community compositions of raw source and processed water were very different for each distribution network sampled. In each network, major differences in community compositions were observed between raw and processed water, although community structures of processed water did not differ substantially from end‐point tap water. End‐point water samples within the same distribution network revealed very similar community structures. Network‐specific communities were shown to be surprisingly stable in time. Biofilm communities sampled from domestic water metres varied distinctly between households and showed no resemblance to planktonic communities within the same distribution networks. Our findings demonstrate that high‐throughput sequencing provides a powerful and sensitive tool to probe microbial community composition in drinking water distribution systems. Furthermore, this approach can be used to quantitatively compare the microbial communities to match end‐point water samples to specific distribution networks. Insight in the ecology of drinking water distribution systems will facilitate the development of effective control strategies that will ensure safe and high‐quality drinking water.
Soil bacterial communities are shaped by temporal and environmental filtering: evidence from a long‐term chronosequence
Authors: Freedman Zachary , Zak Donald R.
Published: January 2015

Soil microbial communities are abundant, hyper‐diverse and mediate global biogeochemical cycles, but we do not yet understand the processes mediating their assembly. Current hypothetical frameworks suggest temporal (e.g. dispersal limitation) and environmental (e.g. soil pH) filters shape microbial community composition; however, there is limited empirical evidence supporting this framework in the hyper‐diverse soil environment, particularly at large spatial (i.e. regional to continental) and temporal (i.e. 100 to 1000 years) scales. Here, we present evidence from a long‐term chronosequence (4000 years) that temporal and environmental filters do indeed shape soil bacterial community composition. Furthermore, nearly 20 years of environmental monitoring allowed us to control for potentially confounding environmental variation. Soil bacterial communities were phylogenetically distinct across the chronosequence. We determined that temporal and environmental factors accounted for significant portions of bacterial phylogenetic structure using distance‐based linear models. Environmental factors together accounted for the majority of phylogenetic structure, namely, soil temperature (19%), pH (17%) and litter carbon:nitrogen (C:N; 17%). However, of all individual factors, time since deglaciation accounted for the greatest proportion of bacterial phylogenetic structure (20%). Taken together, our results provide empirical evidence that temporal and environmental filters act together to structure soil bacterial communities across large spatial and long‐term temporal scales.
A Comparison of the Degree of Student Satisfaction using a Simulation or a Traditional Wet Lab to Teach Physical Properties of Ice
Authors: Crandall Philip G. , O'Bryan Corliss A. , Killian Susan A. , Beck Dennis E. , Jarvis Nathan , Clausen Ed
Published: January 2015

It is often difficult to offer food chemistry students traditional, hands‐on laboratory experiences due to lack of funds for equipment, insufficient laboratory space, or the nature of distance education. A traditional wet laboratory exercise was developed to demonstrate the effects of the physical properties of ice formation when making high‐quality sorbets, varying the amounts of sugar, water, and stabilizer. This wet lab was compared to a simulated, detective‐based crime scene investigation (CSI) of why a famous food scientist's sorbet had become a “stiff.” Forty‐six food chemistry students were randomly assigned to groups, completing either the traditional wet lab or the simulated lab 1st before completing the 2nd type of laboratory. While there were preferences for one lab over another, there were no differences in the learning outcomes between the 2 laboratory formats. Students who preferred the simulated lab felt they could move at their own pace and were able to stop and review the simulation to understand the concepts more clearly. Traditional wet lab proponents liked working in groups and having immediate access to instructors. From the initial evaluation it appears that simulations could be used as replacements for hands‐on laboratory experiences or could serve as effective introductions to laboratory principles and concepts, resulting in increased student learning.
Steady state is reached within 2–3 days of once‐daily administration of degludec, a basal insulin with an ultralong duration of action
Authors: Heise Tim , Korsatko Stefan , Nosek Leszek , Coester Hans Veit , Deller Sigrid , Roepstorff Carsten , Segel Stine , Kapur Rahul , Haahr Hanne , Hompesch Marcus
Published: January 2015

Background

Various factors influence the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin analogs. The aim of the present study was to determine time to steady state of insulin degludec (IDeg), a basal insulin analog with an ultralong duration of action, after once‐daily subcutaneous administration in subjects of varying age, diabetes type, and ethnicity.

Methods

Time to steady state was analyzed in 195 subjects across five Phase I randomized single‐center double‐blind studies: three in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), including one in elderly subjects, and two in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), including one with African American and Hispanic/Latino subpopulations. Subjects received once‐daily IDeg (100 U/mL, s.c.) at doses of 0.4–0.8 U/kg for 6–12 days. Time to clinical steady state was measured from first dose until the serum IDeg trough concentration exceeded 90% of the final plateau level. The IDeg concentrations were log‐transformed and analyzed using a mixed‐effects model with time from first dose and dose level (where applicable) as fixed effects, and subject as a random effect.

Results

Steady state serum IDeg concentrations were reached after 2–3 days in all subjects. In trials with multiple dose levels, time to steady state was independent of dose level in T1DM (P = 0.51) and T2DM (P = 0.75).

Conclusions

Serum IDeg concentrations reached steady state within 2–3 days of once‐daily subcutaneous administration in all subjects with T1DM or T2DM, including elderly and African American and Hispanic/Latino subjects. At steady state, serum IDeg concentrations were unchanged from day to day.
Hyperemesis gravidarum, nutritional treatment by nasogastric tube feeding: a 10‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stokke Guro , Gjelsvik Bente L. , Flaatten Katrine T. , Birkeland Elisabeth , Flaatten Hans , Trovik Jone
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate maternal and fetal outcome in hyperemesis gravidarum comparing enteral tube feeding of the mothers with other fluid/nutrition regimens.

Design

Retrospective hospital‐based cohort.

Setting

University hospital, Norway.

Sample

All 558 women treated for hyperemesis gravidarum 2002–2011; 273 received water/electrolytes intravenously, 177 received nutritional supplements by peripheral line, 107 received enteral feeding by gastroscopically positioned nasojejunal tube and 10 received total parenteral nutrition.

Methods

Different fluid/nutritional groups were compared by chi‐squared or non‐parametric tests. The influence (odds ratio) of nutritional regimens on having small‐for‐gestational‐age infants was evaluated by binary logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Maternal weight gain during hospitalization and pregnancy, birthweight and gestational age at delivery.

Results

Women receiving enteral nutrition had significantly greater weight loss on admission (median 5.0 kg) and at start of nutrition (5.5 kg) than the other treatment groups (4.0 kg) (p < 0.001). Enteral nutrition was administered for up to 41 days (median 5 days) during hospitalization, leading to 0.8 kg weight gain (95% CI 0.5–1.0, p = 0.005). The tube‐fed women achieved similar weight gain during pregnancy and experienced similar incidence of preterm birth or small‐for‐gestational age compared with the other treatment groups. Women with <7 kg total weight gain had increased risk of birthweight <2500 g and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants (odds ratio 3.68, 95% CI 1.89–7.18, p < 0.001). The nutritional regimen used was not an independent risk factor.

Conclusion

Compared with other fluid/nutrition regimens, enteral tube feeding for women affected by severe hyperemesis gravidarum is associated with adequate maternal weight gain and favorable pregnancy outcomes.
Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards management of men with locally advanced prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy: an Australian survey of urologists
Authors: Brown Bernadette , Young Jane , Kneebone Andrew B , Brooks Andrew J , Dominello Amanda , Haines Mary
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate Australian urologists’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and the association of these with treatment preferences relating to guideline‐recommended adjuvant radiotherapy for men with adverse pathologic features following radical prostatectomy.

Subjects and methods

A nationwide mailed and web‐based survey of Australian urologist members of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ).

Results

157 surveys were included in the analysis (45% response rate). Just over half of respondents (54%) were aware of national clinical practice guidelines for the management of prostate cancer. Urologists’ attitudes and beliefs towards the specific recommendation for post‐operative adjuvant radiotherapy for men with locally advanced prostate cancer were mixed. Just over half agreed the recommendation is based on a valid interpretation of the underpinning evidence (54.1%, 95% CI [46%, 62.2%]) but less than one third agreed adjuvant radiotherapy will lead to improved patient outcomes (30.2%, 95% CI [22.8%, 37.6%]). Treatment preferences were varied, demonstrating clinical equipoise. A positive attitude towards the clinical practice recommendation was significantly associated with treatment preference for adjuvant radiotherapy (rho = 0.520, P < 0.0001). There was stronger preference for adjuvant radiotherapy in more recently trained urologists (registrars) while preference for watchful waiting was greater in more experienced urologists (consultants) (b = 0.156, P = 0.034; 95% CI [0.048, 1.24]). Urologists’ attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines in general were positive.

Conclusion

There remains clinical equipoise among Australian urologists in relation to adjuvant radiotherapy for men with adverse pathologic features following radical prostatectomy.
ON THE CONCAVITY AND QUASICONCAVITY PROPERTIES OF UTILITY FUNCTIONS
Authors: Lajeri‐Chaherli Fatma
Published: January 2015

Concavity and quasiconcavity have always been important properties in financial economics particularly in decision problems when an objective function has to be maximized over a convex set. Both properties have mainly been used as purely technical assumptions. In this paper, we link concavity and quasiconcavity of a utility function to the basic concepts of risk aversion, prudence, risk vulnerability and temperance. We show that concavity means the agent is more risk vulnerable than prudent. In particular, we can see when a function is both concave and quasiconcave and when it is only quasiconcave.
Discovery of Novel 2‐(piperidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Li Qing , Hu Qinghua , Wang Xinning , Zong Yang , Zhao Leilei , Xing Junhao , Zhou Jinpei , Zhang Huibin
Published: January 2015

A novel 2‐(piperidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole derivative 5 with good anti‐inflammatory activity was identified from our in‐house library. Based on hit compound 5, two series of 2‐(piperidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole derivative 6a–g and 7a–h were designed and synthesized as novel anti‐inflammatory agents. Most of synthesized compounds exhibited good inhibitory activity on NO and TNF‐α production in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, in which the compound 6e showed most potent inhibitory activity on NO (IC50 = 0.86 μm) and TNF‐α (IC50 = 1.87 μm) production. Further evaluation revealed that compound 6e displayed more potent in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity than ibuprofen did on xylene‐induced ear oedema in mice. Additionally, Western blot analysis revealed that compound 6e could restore phosphorylation level of IκBα and protein expression of p65 NF‐κB in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Genetic Influences Can Protect Against Unresponsive Parenting in the Prediction of Child Social Competence
Authors: Van Ryzin Mark J. , Leve Leslie D. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Shaw Daniel S. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Reiss David
Published: January 2015

Although social competence in children has been linked to the quality of parenting, prior research has typically not accounted for genetic similarities between parents and children, or for interactions between environmental (i.e., parental) and genetic influences. In this article, the possibility of a Gene x Environment (G × E) interaction in the prediction of social competence in school‐age children is evaluated. Using a longitudinal, multimethod data set from a sample of children adopted at birth (N = 361), a significant interaction was found between birth parent sociability and sensitive, responsive adoptive parenting when predicting child social competence at school entry (age 6), even when controlling for potential confounds. An analysis of the interaction revealed that genetic strengths can buffer the effects of unresponsive parenting.
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric disorders: cross‐sectional results from the Brazilian Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil)
Authors: Benseñor Isabela M. , Nunes Maria Angélica , Sander Diniz Maria de Fátima , Santos Itamar S. , Brunoni André R. , Lotufo Paulo A.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric disorders using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

The study included 12 437 participants from the ELSA‐Brasil with normal thyroid function (92·8%), 193 (1·4%) with subclinical hyperthyroidism and 784 (5·8%) with subclinical hypothyroidism, totalling 13 414 participants (50·6% of women).

Measurements

The mental health diagnoses of participants were assessed by trained raters using the Clinical Interview Schedule – Revised (CIS‐R) and grouped according to the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD‐10). Thyroid dysfunction was assessed using TSH and FT4 as well as routine use of thyroid hormones or antithyroid medications. Logistic models were presented using psychiatric disorders as the dependent variable and subclinical thyroid disorders as the independent variable. All logistic models were corrected for multiple comparisons using Bonferroni correction.

Results

After multivariate adjustment for possible confounders, we found a direct association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and panic disorder odds ratio [OR], 2·55; 95% confidence Interval (95% CI), 1·09–5·94; and an inverse association between subclinical hypothyroidism and generalized anxiety disorder (OR, 0·75; 95% CI, 0·59–0·96). However, both lost significance after correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

Subclinical hyperthyroidism was positively associated with panic disorder and negatively associated with anxiety disorder, although not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
Separation of Cash Flow and Voting Rights and Firm Performance in Large Family Business Groups in Korea
Authors: Jin Kyuho , Park Choelsoon
Published: January 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study examines how separation of cash flow and voting rights influences performance of firms affiliated with large family business groups. Complementing the dominant view grounded in agency theory, we suggest that the separation of cash flow and voting rights has positive influence on firm performance in the context of large family business groups.

Research Findings/Insights

Using the data from the large family business groups in Korea, or Chaebols, between 2003 and 2010, we found that the separation is positively associated with firm accounting performance, but not with market performance. We also found that the effect of the separation is moderated by analyst coverage, R&D expenditure, and sales share in the business group.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study reveals that in the large family business groups, the context in which the separation most frequently occurs, the separation not only induces the controlling minority shareholders to pursue private benefits of control but also accompanies financing benefits from active use of the internal capital market. In addition, this study notes the importance of addressing the endogeneity in the analysis of the relation between ownership structure and performance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study offers insights to policy makers planning to enforce/revoke the regulation on the separation of cash flow and voting rights in the pursuit of corporate governance reform especially in countries with poor shareholder protection.
Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis with celiac disease (Lane–Hamilton syndrome) in an adult – a case report
Authors: Berger Natalie , Nichols Julianne , Datta Debapriya
Published: January 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder of unknown cause characterised by haemoptysis, diffuse alveolar infiltrates and iron‐deficiency anaemia. IPH predominantly affects children; it is rare in adults, in whom it usually manifests before 30 years. In adults, course is protracted with a better prognosis, in contrast to children. Even rarer is the Lane–Hamilton syndrome, a condition in which IPH is associated with celiac disease. Only 15 cases of Lane–Hamilton syndrome affecting adults are reported in literature. Treatment of IPH is based on anecdotal case reports and case series because of its rare occurrence. High‐dose steroids reportedly reduce morbidity and mortality and delays or stops disease progression; more effectively in adults than children. In Lane–Hamilton syndrome, a gluten‐free diet for the celiac disease in addition to steroids for IPH, is the mainstay of therapy. The optimal treatment duration of steroid therapy is not known but anecdotally a more prolonged course results in improved outcome. We report a case of a young woman who presented with exertional dyspnoea, intermittent haemoptysis, severe anaemia and lung infiltrates but no gastrointestinal complaints. After extensive work‐up, she was diagnosed with Lane–Hamilton syndrome based on a diagnosis of IPH made from lung biopsy and concomitant celiac disease because of positive anti‐gliadin antibody and endomyosial antibody and jejunal biopsy. She was treated with sustained low‐dose steroid therapy for a year and a gluten‐free diet with resolution of her symptoms, anaemia and lung infiltrates. At 4 years of follow‐up, she remains stable, without recurrence.
Description of Relational Processes: Recent Changes in DSM‐5 and Proposals for ICD‐11
Authors: Wamboldt Marianne , Kaslow Nadine , Reiss David
Published: January 2015

Epidemiologic, prospective, and retrospective research confirms that family relational variables are significant risk factors for the development of mental and physical health problems in children as well as adults. In addition, relationships also play a moderating role in the maintenance, exacerbation, or amelioration of chronic health problems. Although acknowledgment of the importance of these variables in the pathophysiology of a number of health conditions is reaching more prominence, the integration of assessments of family factors as part of standard health care has made little progress. With the arrival of the Affordable Care Act in the United States, there is a desire for earlier identification of these risk factors, and the ability to implement prevention programs that reduce risk, and enhance protective factors. On a global level, there is increased awareness of the health impact of relational problems, for example, many countries have attempted to implement programs to decrease domestic violence. More reliable and standardized assessments of key relational processes will enhance both of these missions, and allow comparison of a variety of prevention and intervention programs. This article discusses progress over the last decade in constructing more reliable definitions of relationship processes, how these have been integrated into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM‐5), and progress toward implementation into the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11).
Human X‐DING‐CD4 mediates resistance to HIV‐1 infection through novel paracrine‐like signaling
Authors: Sachdeva Rakhee , Li Yuchang , Shilpi Rasheda Y. , Simm Malgorzata
Published: January 2015

X‐DING‐CD4 is a novel phosphatase mediating antiviral responses to HIV‐1 infection. This protein is constitutively expressed and secreted by HIV‐1 resistant CD4+ T cells and its mRNA transcription is up‐regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV‐1 elite controllers. The secreted/soluble X‐DING‐CD4 protein form is of particular importance because it blocks virus transcription when added to HIV‐1 susceptible cells. The present study aimed to determine the contribution of this factor to the induction of the antiviral response in target cells. We found that soluble X‐DING‐CD4 enters cells by endocytosis and that influx of this protein induced transcription of interferon‐α and endogenous X‐DING‐CD4 mRNA in transformed CD4+ T cells and primary macrophages. Treatment of HIV‐1 susceptible cells with exogenous X‐DING‐CD4 caused depletion of phosphorylated p50 and p65 nuclear factor kappa β subunits and a significant reduction in p50/p65 nuclear factor kappa β binding to the HIV‐1 long terminal repeat. Taken together, these findings indicate a novel antiviral mechanism mediated by the influx of soluble X‐DING‐CD4, its signaling to promote self‐amplification, and functional duality as an endogenous innate immunity effector and exogenous factor regulating gene expression in bystander cells.
Does the pressure dependence of kinetic isotope effects report usefully on dynamics in enzyme H‐transfer reactions?
Authors: Hoeven Robin , Heyes Derren J. , Hay Sam , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: January 2015

The temperature dependence of kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) has emerged as the main experimental probe of enzymatic H‐transfer by quantum tunnelling. Implicit in the interpretation is a presumed role for dynamic coupling of H‐transfer chemistry to the protein environment, the so‐called ‘promoting motions/vibrations hypothesis’. This idea remains contentious, and others have questioned the importance and/or existence of promoting motions/vibrations. New experimental methods of addressing this problem are emerging, including use of mass‐modulated enzymes and time‐resolved spectroscopy. The pressure dependence of KIEs has been considered as a potential probe of quantum tunnelling reactions, because semi‐classical KIEs, which are defined by differences in zero‐point vibrational energy, are relatively insensitive to kbar changes in pressure. Reported combined pressure and temperature (p‐T) dependence studies of H‐transfer reactions are, however, limited. Here, we extend and review the available p‐T studies that have utilized well‐defined experimental systems in which quantum mechanical tunnelling is established. These include flavoproteins, quinoproteins, light‐activated enzymes and chemical model systems. We show that there is no clear general trend between the p‐T dependencies of the KIEs in these systems. Given the complex nature of p‐T studies, we conclude that computational simulations using determined (e.g. X‐ray) structures are also needed alongside experimental measurements of reaction rates/KIEs to guide the interpretation of p‐T effects. In providing new insight into H‐transfer/environmental coupling, combined approaches that unite both atomistic understanding with experimental rate measurements will require careful evaluation on a case‐by‐case basis. Although individually informative, we conclude that p‐T studies do not provide the more generalized insight that has come from studies of the temperature dependence of KIEs.