bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial reconstruction of single enterocytes uncovers broad zonation along the intestinal villus axis
Authors: Moor Andreas E. , Harnik Yotam , Ben-Moshe Shani , Massasa Efi E. , Halpern Keren Bahar , Itzkovitz Shalev
Published: February 2018

The intestinal epithelium is a highly structured tissue composed of repeating crypt-villus units1,2. Enterocytes, which constitute the most abundant cell type, perform the diverse tasks of absorbing a wide range of nutrients while protecting the body from the harsh bacterial-rich environment. It is unknown if these tasks are equally performed by all enterocytes or whether they are spatially zonated along the villus axis3. Here, we performed whole-transcriptome measurements of laser-capture-microdissected villus segments to extract a large panel of landmark genes, expressed in a zonated manner. We used these genes to localize single sequenced enterocytes along the villus axis, thus reconstructing a global spatial expression map. We found that most enterocyte genes were zonated. Enterocytes at villi bottoms expressed an anti-bacterial Reg gene program in a microbiome-dependent manner, potentially reducing the crypt pathogen exposure. Translation, splicing and respiration genes steadily decreased in expression towards the villi tops, whereas distinct mid-top villus zones sub-specialized in the absorption of carbohydrates, peptides and fat. Enterocytes at the villi tips exhibited a unique gene-expression signature consisting of Klf4, Egfr, Neat1, Malat1, cell adhesion and purine metabolism genes. Our study exposes broad spatial heterogeneity of enterocytes, which could be important for achieving their diverse tasks.
Extinction recall of fear memories formed before stress is not affected despite amygdalar hyperactivity
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mostafizur , Shukla Ashutosh , Chattarji Sumantra
Published: February 2018

Stress is known to exert its detrimental effects not only by enhancing fear, but also by impairing its extinction. However, in earlier studies stress exposure invariably preceded both processes. Thus, compared to unstressed animals, stressed animals had to extinguish fear memories from higher levels of freezing caused by prior exposure to stress. Here we decouple the two processes to examine if stress specifically impairs fear extinction. Strikingly, when fear memories were formed before stress exposure, thereby allowing animals to initiate extinction from comparable levels of fear, recall of fear extinction was unaffected. Despite this we observed a persistent increase in theta activity in the BLA. Theta activity in the mPFC, by contrast, was normal. Stress also disrupted mPFC-BLA theta-frequency synchrony and directional coupling. Thus, in the absence of the fear-enhancing effects of stress, the expression of fear reflects normal regulation of mPFC activity, not stress-induced hyperactivity in the amygdala.
High-quality ultrastructural preservation using cryofixation for 3D electron microscopy of genetically labeled tissues
Authors: Tsang Tin Ki , Bushong Eric A. , Boassa Daniela , Hu Junru , Romoli Benedetto , Phan Sebastien , Dulcis Davide , Su Chih-Ying , Ellisman Mark H.
Published: February 2018

Electron microscopy (EM) offers unparalleled power to study cell substructures at the nanoscale. Cryofixation by high-pressure freezing offers optimal morphological preservation, as it captures cellular structures instantaneously in their near-native states. However, the applicability of cryofixation is limited by its incompatibilities with diaminobenzidine labeling using genetic EM tags and the high-contrast en bloc staining required for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM). In addition, it is challenging to perform correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with cryofixed samples. Consequently, these powerful methods cannot be applied to address questions requiring optimal morphological preservation and high temporal resolution. Here we developed an approach that overcomes these limitations; it enables genetically labeled, cryofixed samples to be characterized with SBEM and 3D CLEM. Our approach is broadly applicable, as demonstrated in cultured cells, Drosophila olfactory organ and mouse brain. This optimization exploits the potential of cryofixation, allowing quality ultrastructural preservation for diverse EM applications.
Influenza A Virus Negative Strand RNA is Translated for CD8+ T Cell Immunosurveillance
Authors: Hickman Heather D. , Mays Jacqueline W. , Gibbs James , Kosik Ivan , Magadan Javier , Takeda Kazuyo , Das Suman , Reynoso Glennys V. , Ngudiankama Barbara F. , Wei JiaJie , Shannon John P. , McManus Daniel , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: February 2018

To probe the limits of CD8+ T cell immunosurveillance, we inserted the model peptide SIINFEKL into influenza A virus (IAV) negative strand gene segments. Although IAV genomic RNA is widely considered as non-coding, there is a conserved, relatively long open reading frame present in the genomic strand of segment eight, encoding a potential protein termed NEG8. The biosynthesis of NEG8 from IAV has yet to be demonstrated. While we failed to detect NEG8 protein expression in IAV infected cells, cell surface Kb-SIINFEKL complexes are generated when SIINFEKL is genetically appended to the predicted COOH-terminus of NEG8, as shown by activation of OT-I T cellsin vitroandin vivo. Moreover, recombinant IAV encoding SIINFEKL embedded in the negative strand of the NA-stalk coding sequence also activates OT-I T cellsin vivo. Together, our findings demonstrate both the translation of sequences on the negative strand of a single stranded RNA virus and its relevance anti-viral immunosurveillance.

Significance

Every gene encodes complementary information on the opposite strand that can potentially be used for immunosurveillance. In this study, we show that the influenza A virus “non-coding” strand translated into polypeptides during a viral infection of either cultured cells or mice that can be recognized by CD8+ T cells. Our findings raise the possibility that influenza virus uses its negative strand to generate proteins useful to the virus. More generally, it adds to a growing literature showing that immunosurveillance extends to gene sequences generally thought not to be converted into proteins. The relevance of translating this “dark” information extends from viral immunity to cancer immunotherapy and autoimmunity.
Enhancer transcription: what, where, when, and why?
Authors: Tippens Nathaniel D. , Vihervaara Anniina , Lis John T.
Published: February 2018

Following the discovery of widespread enhancer transcription, enhancers and promoters have been found to be far more similar than previously thought. In this issue of Genes & Development, two studies (Henriques and colleagues [pp. 26–41] and Mikhaylichenko and colleagues [pp. 42–57]) shine new light on the transcriptional nature of promoters and enhancers in Drosophila. Together, these studies support recent work in mammalian cells that indicates that most active enhancers drive local transcription using factors and mechanisms similar to those of promoters. Intriguingly, enhancer transcription is shown to be coordinated by SPT5- and P-TEFb-mediated pause–release, but the pause half-life is shorter, and termination is more rapid at enhancers than at promoters. Moreover, bidirectional transcription from promoters is associated with enhancer activity, lending further credence to models in which regulatory elements exist along a spectrum of promoter-ness and enhancer-ness. We propose a general unified model to explain possible functions of transcription at enhancers.
Financial stress and farm bankruptcies in US agriculture
Authors: Dinterman Robert , Katchova Ani L. , Harris James Michael
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate farm financial stress within the USA over the past 20 years and the agricultural and economic factors which have impacted farm businesses. The effect of the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) on farm financial stress is further evaluated. In particular, Chapter 12 bankruptcies – which can only be filed by farmers – were only a temporary measure until BAPCPA made Chapter 12 a permanent fixture in bankruptcy law.

Design/methodology/approach

Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings from 1997 until 2016 are used as a proxy for farm financial stress. Panel fixed effects models are used to determine relevant factors affecting financial stress for farmers from agricultural and macroeconomic perspectives. Further, models incorporating pre- and post-BAPCPA regimes are utilized.

Findings

The results show that macroeconomic factors (interest and unemployment rates) are strong predictors of farm bankruptcies for farms while agricultural land values are the only consistent strong predictor among the agricultural factors. When evaluating the post-BAPCPA regime, only agricultural land values continue to be a significant predictor of farm bankruptcies. The findings also indicate a dynamic relationship with agricultural land values, where current year values are negatively related but previous year land values are positively related to bankruptcies.

Originality/value

The authors provide an analysis of the post-BAPCPA regime on farm bankruptcies that has not been evaluated within the literature yet. Further, the findings illuminate discussion on a potentially dynamic relationship with financial stress and agricultural land values.
Researching drinking “with” young people: a palette of methods
Authors: Wilkinson Samantha , Wilkinson Catherine
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a study characterised by “pockets” of co-production and argue for the benefits of offering young people a palette of interdisciplinary methods to “opt into”, giving participants the opportunity to discuss their drinking practices and experiences “on their own terms”.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 40 young people, aged 15-24 years, from the suburban case study locations of Chorlton and Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK, were recruited for multi-stage qualitative research. The participants were presented with a suite of both long-standing and innovative methods that they could “opt into”, including: interviews, peer interviews, diaries, mobile phone interviews, text messaging and participant observation.

Findings

This paper shows that both long-standing and innovative methods have their own individual strengths for researching into young people’s alcohol consumption practices and experiences. Yet, each of the methods utilised in this study also had specific drawbacks for researching substance use. Offering a palette of methods for participants to “opt into” was thus beneficial in: offsetting the weaknesses of other methods; triangulating the study findings; and enabling participants to communicate with the researcher in culturally credible ways.

Originality/value

By offering an honest account about the successes and failures of deploying a range of methods when exploring young people’s drinking practices and experiences, this paper is valuable for researchers in, and beyond, the field of substance use, seeking to broaden their methodological toolkit.
Big Data information governance by accountants
Authors: Coyne Emily M. , Coyne Joshua G. , Walker Kenton B.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Big Data has become increasingly important to multiple facets of the accounting profession, but accountants have little understanding of the steps necessary to convert Big Data into useful information. This limited understanding creates a gap between what accountants can do and what accountants should do to assist in Big Data information governance. The study aims to bridge this gap in two ways.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the study introduces a model of the Big Data life cycle to explain the process of converting Big Data into information. Knowledge of this life cycle is a first step toward enabling accountants to engage in Big Data information governance. Second, it highlights informational and control risks inherent to this life cycle, and identifies information governance activities and agents that can minimize these risks.

Findings

Because accountants have a strong ability to identify the informational and control needs of internal and external decision-makers, they should play a significant role in Big Data information governance.

Originality/value

This model of the Big Data life cycle and information governance provides a first attempt to formalize knowledge that accountants need in a new field of the accounting profession.
Development of tactical solutions for the e-credit card issuing industry
Authors: Fan Bojun , Ji Hannah , Wei June , Lambert Sherwood
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a set of tactical electronic business solutions for the electronic credit card issuing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, a strategic credit card issuing (SCCI) model is developed to analyze e-business in the credit card issuing industry. Second, a set of tactical solutions is derived on the basis of the SCCI model. Third, pattern analysis is conducted on the basis of data collected from dominant credit card issuing companies to further investigate the implementation status on these electronic business solutions in the credit card issuing industry.

Findings

The findings show that three categories of electronic business solution items can be classified. The average variability of electronic business implementation patterns for business-to-business, business-to-customer and business-to-internal in each company shows a variety of electronic business strategies implemented by these dominant companies.

Originality/value

The results will help managers and executives when they make strategic and tactical decisions on electronic business in the credit card issuing industry.
The impact of mandatory IFRS adoption on capital markets: evidence from Korea
Authors: Kim Saerona , Ryu Haeyoung
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of adoption of the mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the cost of equity capital in a unique Korean setting. In Korea, individual financial statements were taken as primary financial statements. Before the adoption of IFRS, consolidated financial statements were taken as supplementary financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measure the cost of equity using the average estimates from the implied cost of capital models proposed by Claus and Thomas (2001), Gebhardt et al. (2001), Easton (2004) and Ohlson and Juettner-Nauroth (2005), using it as the primary dependent variable. Mandatory IFRS adoption, the independent variable in this study, is assigned a value of 1 for the post-adoption period and 0 otherwise.

Findings

Using a sample of listed Korean companies during the period from 2000 to 2013, the authors find evidence of a significant reduction in the cost of equity capital in Korean listed companies after mandatory adoption of the IFRS in 2011, after controlling for a set of market variables.

Originality/value

This study is one of a growing body of literature on the relations between mandatory IFRS adoption and the cost of equity capital (Easley and O’Hara 2004; Covrig et al. 2007; Lambert et al. 2007; Daske et al. 2008). According to the results of this study, increased financial disclosure and enhanced information comparability, along with changes in legal and institutional enforcement, seem to have had a joint effect on the cost of equity capital, leading to a large decrease in expected equity returns.
An exploratory analysis of earnings management practices in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Sun Lan , Al Farooque Omar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore corporate earnings management practices in Australia and New Zealand before and after the regulatory changes and corporate governance reforms. The study argues that the effectiveness of regulatory reforms has to be reflected in constraining earnings management in post-reform period as compared to pre-reform period.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 3,966 firm-year observations, including all ASX and NZX listed firms for the period 2001-2006, the study examines earnings management practices in both countries in pre- and post-reform periods with appropriate statistical methods.

Findings

The results indicate some interesting phenomenon: the magnitude of earnings management did not decline after the governance reform as a positive time trend is observed in the entire sample as well as in Australian and New Zealand sub-samples, suggesting that earnings management has been growing over time. Additional test indicates no structural change has occurred before and after the new regulations. The shifting from decreasing earnings management to increasing earnings management can be interpreted as an evidence that earnings become more ‘informative’ in a more transparent disclosure regime to capture short-run benefits from regulator reforms.

Research limitations/implications

The shifting of earnings management behaviour from decreasing to increasing income can be interpreted as the outcome of more “informative”, rather than “deliberate”, earnings management in a more transparent disclosure regime to capture short-run benefits of regulatory reforms, which is worth further investigation. The findings of the study can lead regulatory authorities taking appropriate measures to promote earnings quality in corporate financial reporting from a long-run decision usefulness context. Any future reforms should be directed to protecting the interest of stakeholders as well as ensuring benefits outweighing costs for them.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can lead regulatory authorities in taking appropriate measures to promote earnings quality in corporate financial reporting from a long-run decision usefulness context.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the existing earnings management literature as well as effectiveness of regulations for the benefit of wider stakeholder groups.
Migrant mental health and representation in routine administrative registers
Authors: Close Ciara Mary , Bosqui Tania , O’Reilly Dermot , Donnelly Michael , Kouvonen Anne
Published: February 2018

Purpose

There has been an increase in the use of registers and record linkages to study migrant mental health. However, the accuracy of these registers and the degree to which they are representative of the migrant population in Northern Ireland (NI) are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore: the coverage of the NI migrant population in general practitioner (GP) data and Census records; the issues faced by migrants in terms of registering and accessing the local health system; and the reporting of racial hate crimes against migrants to police.

Design/methodology/approach

Two focus groups of professionals (n=17) who worked with migrants were conducted. Group discussions were guided by a research-informed topic guide, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three main themes emerged: issues with the use of GP registration, Census and hate crime data for researching migrant mental health; barriers to health service use (e.g. low cultural awareness among health staff and access to interpreters); and risk factor exposure and mental health status in migrant communities (e.g. poverty, isolation and poor working conditions).

Originality/value

Record linkage and registry studies of migrant health and well-being using Census and health service sources need to be mindful of the likelihood that some migrants may be missed. The possible underrepresentation of migrants in health registers may be explained by reduced use of such services which may be caused my encountering staff with limited cultural competency and the inability to access an interpreter promptly.
Understanding Chinese students’ values – insights for tomorrow’s managers
Authors: Cao Ziying , Anderson Verl , Xu Feng , Caldwell Cam
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the values of Chinese university students as future leaders and employees in a global economy. Despite the fact that China’s role in the world economy has become increasingly important, little has been done to examine the nature of tomorrow’s Chinese business leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

A values survey was administered to business major students at a Tier 1 Chinese university and data were collected from 984 respondents to test five hypotheses relevant to values for Chinese youths.

Findings

This study suggests that today’s Chinese business students view traditional Chinese values through a lens influenced by western cultural and economic thinking as well as positive and negative impacts from rapid economic development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is an empirical study based on a survey being administered to Chinese university students in two major cities in China. A limitation would be that all Chinese youth of the same age may not have the same values as this set of university students, or even those of Chinese students from a different region of China.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to identify the current cultural values of the younger Chinese of university age population.
Understanding tag functions in a moderated, user-generated metadata ecosystem
Authors: Gursoy Ayse , Wickett Karen , Feinberg Melanie
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate tag use in a metadata ecosystem that supports a fan work repository to identify functions of tags and explore the system as a co-constructed communicative context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using modified techniques from grounded theory (Charmaz, 2007), this paper integrates humanistic and social science methods to identify kinds of tag use in a rich setting.

Findings

Three primary roles of tags emerge out of detailed study of the metadata ecosystem: tags can identify elements in the fan work, tags can reflect on how those elements are used or adapted in the fan work, and finally, tags can express the fan author’s sense of her role in the discursive context of the fan work repository. Attending to each of the tag roles shifts focus away from just what tags say to include how they say it.

Practical implications

Instead of building metadata systems designed solely for retrieval or description, this research suggests that it may be fruitful to build systems that recognize various metadata functions and allow for expressivity. This research also suggests that attending to metadata previously considered unusable in systems may reflect the participants’ sense of the system and their role within it.

Originality/value

In addition to accommodating a wider range of tag functions, this research implies consideration of metadata ecosystems, where different kinds of tags do different things and work together to create a multifaceted artifact.
Determinantes y pronóstico de la actividad bursátil del mercado accionario colombiano
Authors: Agudelo David , Agudelo Diego A. , Peláez Julián
Published: February 2018

Propósito

Se estudian los determinantes y la evolución de la actividad bursátil mensual en el mercado accionario colombiano de 2007 a 2016.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Para ello se emplean modelos de series de tiempo tipo ARIMAX y GARCH, incluyendo variables exógenas, recomendadas por la literatura previa.

Hallazgos

Encontramos que la actividad bursátil puede ser pronosticada en buena parte por el valor rezagado a un mes y las innovaciones de cinco y 12 meses. También contribuyen a predecirla, como variables exógenas, una dummy de rendimientos positivos en los últimos tres meses, la presencia de emisiones primarias y el índice VIX de volatilidad del SP500. Estos resultados se mantienen en un alto grado al emplear medidas alternativas de actividad bursátil, el número total de operaciones y la rotación.

Implicaciones prácticas

Se propone un modelo de predicción de la actividad bursátil que puede servir de modelo para otros mercados accionarios de Latinoamérica. El modelo obtenido es altamente predictivo del valor transado total del mercado al siguiente mes. La estimación de la actividad bursátil es de utilidad para instituciones como la Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, reguladores de los mercados financieros, así como para grandes inversionistas institucionales.

Implicaciones sociales

El propósito central de los mercados financieros secundarios consiste en facilitar la transacción de activos financieros, lo que debe reflejarse en alta actividad bursátil, tanto en número de operaciones como en valor transado total. La posibilidad de transar altos montos es una medida importante del desarrollo de un mercado financiero. De esta manera, el modelo aquí propuesto puede usarse para monitorizar y explicar el desarrollo del mercado. En particular, se evidencia el nocivo efecto de la debacle de Interbolsa a finales de 2012 y el positivo efecto de las emisiones primarias.

Originalidad/valor

Este es el primer paper en estudiar la actividad bursátil del mercado accionario colombiano en años recientes. Sirve como modelo para el estudio y seguimiento de esta variable en otros mercados accionarios latinoamericanos.
Retirement saving in the UK: a life-cycle analysis
Authors: Adami Roberta , Carosi Andrea , Sharma Anita
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study long-term savings accumulation in the UK. The authors use cross-sectional information from the extensive data set of the Family Resources Survey to compare long-term saving amongst different ethnic groups with the control group, the native population. The paper reflects on whether different groups are more likely to suffer poverty in retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this analysis, the authors apply the life-cycle framework to explain saving profiles. This theoretical model has been used extensively in the field of economics and can be applied to empirical studies to examine changes in income and saving patterns over the life-course. The framework contends that individuals make savings decisions to smooth consumption over different phases of their life-cycle.

Findings

The findings indicate that socio-economic factors are key elements in determining whether individuals plan for retirement if factors are controlled for the differences in saving behaviours between ethnic minorities and the control population decrease considerably. Asian women, with good education and social standing, display greater saving rates than the control group, while the socio-economic disadvantage suffered especially by Pakistani and Bangladeshi women is key to their inability to save long-term. High levels of poverty in retirement are more likely to be caused by the interaction of low levels of education, part-time work and long spells of unemployment than by ethnicity.

Originality/value

The important contribution to the debate on savings by ethnic minorities is the extension of the life-cycle model to specific sections of the population and to proffer new insights into their saving/dis-saving patterns and ultimately their welfare in retirement.
Estimation of tool wear according to cutting forces during machining procedure
Authors: Anicic Obrad , Jovic Srdjan , Stanojevic Nenad , Marsenic Mladen , Pejovic Branko , Nedic Bogdan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between cutting forces and tool wear during turning of steel 30CrNiMo8.

Design/methodology/approach

It is very important to find the optimal machining conditions to increase the tool life and to improve product quality. Width of tool wear was measured by universal microscope.

Findings

During experimental procedure, one chip shape was obtained for the given machining parameters. Results showed negligible tool wear for the given experimental conditions. In other words, the tool wear is negligible for one chip shape.

Originality/value

To increase tool wear, there are different chip shapes.
Developing indicators for the Age-Friendly Cities and Counties Programme in Ireland
Authors: Gibney Sarah , Shannon Sinead
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a study undertaken in Ireland to develop a set of local age-friendly indicators which have been used to support the Age-Friendly Cities and Counties Programme.

Design/methodology/approach

A concept-validation approach was used to translate the principles and domains of age-friendly communities into a quantitative indicator set. This iterative process involved five steps: identifying potential indicators; consultation; survey testing; data collection and fieldwork; and finalising the indicator set. A participatory approach was also taken to involve local stakeholders in the development and subsequent use of the indicator set and associated data set. A multi-arm approach to communicating and translating these indicators was taken in order to build capacity within multi-stakeholder groups to engage with and appraise quantitative local evidence in this field.

Findings

A set of 120 local age-friendly indicators that can be reported nationally and disaggregated to the local authority level was developed. There were challenges faced in communicating the results and supporting the translation of these indicators into local actions. These challenges included indicator, user, and policy factors and involved instrumental, conceptual, and political issues.

Originality/value

The resulting indicator set is the first of its kind in Ireland and fills and important data gap in the local data landscape. Future work will focus on planning for sustaining collection of local data and building capacity among local stakeholders in the management and use of these indicators.
Related herbivore species show similar temporal dynamics
Authors: Blanchet F. Guillaume , Roslin Tomas , Kimura Masahito T. , Huotari Tea , Kaartinen Riikka , Gripenberg Sofia , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: February 2018

Within natural communities, different taxa display different dynamics in time. Why this is the case we do not fully know. This thwarts our ability to predict changes in community structure, which is important for both the conservation of rare species in natural communities and for the prediction of pest outbreaks in agriculture.

Species sharing phylogeny, natural enemies and/or life‐history traits have been hypothesized to share similar temporal dynamics. We operationalized these concepts into testing whether feeding guild, voltinism, similarity in parasitoid community and/or phylogenetic relatedness explained similarities in temporal dynamics among herbivorous community members.

Focusing on two similar datasets from different geographical regions (Finland and Japan), we used asymmetric eigenvector maps as temporal variables to characterize species‐ and community‐level dynamics of specialist insect herbivores on oak (Quercus). We then assessed whether feeding guild, voltinism, similarity in parasitoid community and/or phylogenetic relatedness explained similarities in temporal dynamics among taxa.

Species‐specific temporal dynamics varied widely, ranging from directional decline or increase to more complex patterns. Phylogeny was a clear predictor of similarity in temporal dynamics at the Finnish site, whereas for the Japanese site, the data were uninformative regarding a phylogenetic imprint. Voltinism, feeding guild and parasitoid overlap explained little variation at either location. Despite the rapid temporal dynamics observed at the level of individual species, these changes did not translate into any consistent temporal changes at the community level in either Finland or Japan.

Overall, our findings offer no direct support for the notion that species sharing natural enemies and/or life‐history traits would be characterized by similar temporal dynamics, but reveal a strong imprint of phylogenetic relatedness. As this phylogenetic signal cannot be attributed to guild, voltinism or parasitoids, it will likely derive from shared microhabitat, microclimate, anatomy, physiology or behaviour. This has important implications for predicting insect outbreaks and for informing insect conservation. We hope that future studies will assess the generality of our findings across plant‐feeding insect communities and beyond, and establish the more precise mechanism(s) underlying the phylogenetic imprint.
High‐throughput environmental sequencing reveals high diversity of litter and moss associated protist communities along a gradient of drainage and tree productivity
Authors: Heger Thierry J. , Giesbrecht Ian J. W. , Gustavsen Julia , del Campo Javier , Kellogg Colleen T. E. , Hoffman Kira M. , Lertzman Ken , Mohn William W. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: February 2018

Although previous studies, mostly based on microscopy analyses of a few groups of protists, have suggested that protists are abundant and diverse in litter and moss habitats, the overall diversity of moss and litter associated protists remains elusive. Here, high‐throughput environmental sequencing was used to characterize the diversity and community structure of litter‐ and moss‐associated protists along a gradient of soil drainage and forest primary productivity in a temperate rainforest in British Columbia. We identified 3262 distinct protist OTUs from 36 sites. Protists were strongly structured along the landscape gradient, with a significant increase in alpha diversity from the blanket bog ecosystem to the zonal forest ecosystem. Among all investigated environmental variables, calcium content was the most strongly associated with the community composition of protists, but substrate composition, plant cover and other edaphic factors were also significantly correlated with these communities. Furthermore, a detailed phylogenetic analysis of unicellular opisthokonts identified OTUs covering most lineages, including novel OTUs branching with Discicristoidea, the sister group of Fungi, and with Filasterea, one of the closest unicellular relatives to animals. Altogether, this study provides unprecedented insight into the community composition of moss‐ and litter‐associated protists.
The Innovation‐R&D Nexus in an Emerging Economy: Evidence from the Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Kanwar Sunil , Singh Shailu
Published: February 2018

While R&D is considered an important input for innovation, its relationship with the output of the innovation process continues to remain enigmatic, especially in developing countries with low levels of domestic research. Using patents and knowledge capital stock as proxies for the output and input of the innovation process, we study their nexus in the emerging economy of India using a large sample of manufacturing firms over the period 2001–2010. Using a specification that addresses the problem of ‘excess zeroes’ in count data, the firm's non‐technical knowledge stock as an additional factor of the success with which R&D transforms into patents, and a linear feedback mechanism that yields consistent estimators, we find that a one unit increase in knowledge capital likely raises expected patent count by only about 4.3% at most. Further, although patenting experience, resource access and knowledge spillovers are strongly significant in explaining patent counts, the magnitude of these effects is marginal at best. In brief, evidence for the knowledge production function is rather weak even in the context of a dynamic developing economy.
Case of advanced pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma cured by resection through preoperative induction of immune checkpoint inhibitor
Authors: Kawai Hideki , Saito Yoshitaro , Demura Ryo , Odaka Hidesato , Takahashi Susumu , Takahashi Kento , Kurokawa Hirokazu , Enomoto Katsuhiko
Published: February 2018

The options for lung cancer treatment have increased due to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, but there has been no report of inoperable cases whereby the treatment effects rendered the case operable, an operation was subsequently performed, and histological assessment of the surgical specimen was carried out. Here, we report a 67‐year‐old man who was given pembrolizumab for T3N0 lung squamous cell carcinoma suspected of pericardial infiltration and judged inoperable. Treatment effect was evaluated after four courses. Computed tomography indicated a partial response, and operability was feasible. Therefore, thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy was performed after six courses of pembrolizumab, and histological assessment of the treatment effect was determined to be Ef 3, a complete response. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on the third postoperative day. We encountered a case that could be surgically treated after pembrolizumab administration. This treatment was safe and effective for advanced lung cancer.
Environmental drivers of ant species richness and composition across the Argentine Pampas grassland
Authors: Ramos Carolina S. , Isabel Bellocq M. , Paris Carolina I. , Filloy Julieta
Published: February 2018

Understanding the underlying mechanisms causing diversity patterns is a fundamental objective in ecology and science‐based conservation biology. Energy and environmental‐heterogeneity hypotheses have been suggested to explain spatial changes in ant diversity. However, the relative roles of each one in determining alpha and beta diversity patterns remain elusive. We investigated the main factors driving spatial changes in ant (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) species richness and composition (including turnover and nestedness components) along a 500 km longitudinal gradient in the Pampean region of Argentina. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps in 12 sample sites during the summer. We performed a model selection approach to analyse responses of ant richness and composition dissimilarity to environmental factors. Then, we computed a dissimilarity partitioning of the contributions of spatial turnover and nestedness to total composition dissimilarity. Temporal habitat heterogeneity and temperature were the primary factors explaining spatial patterns of epigean ant species richness across the Pampas. The distance decay in species composition similarity was best accounted by temperature dissimilarity, and turnover had the greatest contribution to the observed beta diversity pattern. Our findings suggest that both energy and environmental‐heterogeneity‐related variables are key factors shaping richness patterns of ants and niche‐based processes instead of neutral processes appear to be regulating species composition of ant assemblages. The major contribution of turnover to the beta diversity pattern indicated that lands for potential reconversion to grassland should represent the complete environmental gradient of the Pampean region, instead of prioritizing a single site with high species richness.
Editorial: weighing the global risk of cancer with thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Laharie D. , Riviere P.
Published: February 2018

Linked content

This is article is linked to Lu et al and Qui et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14436 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14498.
Editorial: weighing the global risk of cancer with thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease—Authors' reply
Authors: Qiu X. Y. , Lu M. J. , Zhang H. J.
Published: February 2018

Linked content

This article is linked to Lu et al and Laharie and Riviere papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14436 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14475.
Editorial: looking for patients at risk of cirrhosis in the general population—many needles in a haystack
Authors: Ampuero J. , Romero‐Gómez M.
Published: February 2018

Linked content

This article is linked to Harman et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14463.
Body mass index and motor coordination: Non‐linear relationships in children 6–10 years
Authors: Lopes V. P. , Malina R. M. , Maia J. A. R. , Rodrigues L. P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Given the concern for health‐related consequences of an elevated body mass index (BMI; obesity), the potential consequences of a low BMI in children are often overlooked. The purpose was to evaluate the relationship between the BMI across its entire spectrum and motor coordination (MC) in children 6–10 years.

Methods

Height, weight, and MC (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, KTK test battery) were measured in 1,912 boys and 1,826 girls of 6–10 years of age. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated. KTK scores for each of the four tests were also converted to a motor quotient (MQ). One‐way ANOVA was used to test differences in the BMI, individual test items, and MQ among boys and girls within age groups. Sex‐specific quadratic regressions of individual KTK items and the MQ on the BMI were calculated. Girls and boys were also classified into four weight status groups using International Obesity Task Force criteria: thin, normal, overweight, and obese. Differences in specific test items and MQ between weight status groups were evaluated by age group in each sex.

Results

Thirty‐one percent of the sample was overweight or obese, whereas 5% was thin. On average, normal weight children had the highest MQ in both sexes across the age range with few exceptions. Overweight/obese children had a lower MQ than normal weight and thin children. The quadratic regression lines generally presented an inverted parabolic relationship between the BMI and MC and suggested a decrease in MC with an increase in the BMI.

Conclusion

In general, BMI shows a curvilinear, inverted parabolic relationship with MC in children 6–10 years.
Bone mineral density in young adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover GH trial
Authors: Donze Stephany H. , Kuppens Renske J. , Bakker Nienke E. , van Alfen‐van der Velden Janiëlle A.E.M. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: February 2018

Context

The prevalence of osteoporosis is increased in adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS). In children with PWS, growth hormone (GH) treatment has beneficial effects on bone mineral density (BMD). BMD might deteriorate after cessation of GH at adult height (AH), while continuing GH might maintain BMD.

Objective

To investigate the effects of GH vs placebo, and furthermore the effects of sex steroid replacement therapy (SSRT), on BMD in GH‐treated young adults with PWS who had attained AH.

Design

Two‐year, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover GH study.

Patients

Twenty‐seven young adults with PWS were stratified for gender and BMI and then randomly and blindly assigned to receive GH (0.67 mg/m2/day) or placebo for 1 year, after which they crossed over to the alternative treatment for another year.

Measurements

Bone mineral density of the total body (BMDTB) and lumbar spine (BMDLS) SDS were measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

At AH, BMDTBSDS was significantly lower compared to healthy peers (P < .01), while BMADLSSDS was similar. Both BMDTBSDS and BMADLSSDS were similar during 1 year of GH vs 1 year of placebo. In hypogonadal young adults without SSRT, BMDTBSDS and BMADLSSDS decreased during the 2‐year study (P = .11 and P = .01), regardless of GH or placebo, while BMDTBSDS increased in those with SSRT (P < .01).

Conclusions

Compared to GH treatment, 1 year of placebo after attainment of AH does not deteriorate BMD SDS in young adults with PWS. In addition, our data suggest that GH is not able to prevent the decline in BMD SDS in hypogonadal young adults with PWS, unless it is combined with SSRT.
2017 Japanese guidelines for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica: Achievements and challenges
Authors: Fujihara Kazuo
Published: February 2018

The 2017 Japanese guidelines for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica provide comprehensive, updated information and therapeutic evidence for the diseases, and are expected to improve our understanding and management of the diseases. Furthermore, the tasks ahead for the next guidelines are coming into sight.
Mechanism and spectrum of anti‐glycolipid antibody‐mediated chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Kuwahara Motoi , Kusunoki Susumu
Published: February 2018

The pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is composed of cellular and humoral immunities. Macrophages might play a crucial role in cellular immunity. In addition, autoantibodies participate in the pathogenesis of CIDP. To date, various autoantibodies have been reported to affect peripheral nerve myelin. Although antibodies to glycolipids are frequently identified in Guillain‐Barré syndrome and closely related to the development of neuropathies, these are detected in only a small percentage of CIDP instances. Among glycolipids, sialosylneolactotetraosylceramide (LM1) is predominantly localized in human peripheral nerve myelin. LM1‐related antibodies (e.g. anti‐LM1, GM1/LM1 and GD1b/LM1 antibodies) are detected in some patients with CIDP and Guillain‐Barré syndrome. CIDP patients with those antibodies frequently present ataxia, but rarely have cranial nerve deficits; these features are associated with the localization of LM1, which is more abundant in the dorsal root than the cranial nerves. In immunoglobulin M paraproteinemic neuropathies, except for the anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein neuropathies, antibodies to glycolipids with disialosyl residues, such as GD1b and GQ1b, are also detected on occasion. Notably, this feature is clinically characterized by chronic ataxic neuropathy, ophthalmoplegia, immunoglobulin M paraprotein, cold agglutinins and disialosyl antibodies. Such clinical features are related to the localization of GD1b or GQ1b in human peripheral nerves. Overall, these correlations suggest a direct involvement of the antibodies in the pathogenesis of those aforementioned neuropathies.
Rare, genetically conditioned forms of rickets: Differential diagnosis and advances in diagnostics and treatment
Authors: Michałus I. , Rusińska A.
Published: February 2018

Apart from the classic forms of rickets, there are rare genetic disorders from the group of vitamin D‐resistant rickets where the clinical picture is very similar to the classic forms. Diagnosis of genetically conditioned rickets is often delayed. It is very important to know that a disorder of genetic background may be the cause of the failure of classic treatment in patients with rachitic symptoms. In the group of genetically conditioned rickets there are, among others, congenital hypophosphatemic rickets and vitamin D‐dependent rickets type I and II. Congenital hypophosphatemic rickets is characterised by bone mineralisation disturbances related to hypophosphatemia secondary to renal loss of phosphates. The term “hypophosphatemic rickets” covers a group of diseases with similar phenotype but with different genotypes, inheritance models and etiopathogeneses. Mutation of at least 10 genes underlying this disease entity has been described. Vitamin D‐dependent rickets are caused by defects of vitamin D metabolism. There are 4 forms described in literature that are distinguished by their genetic causes: type 1A (vitamin D‐dependent rickets type IA), type 1B (vitamin D‐dependent rickets type IB) and type 2A (vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 2A), type 2B (vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 2B). A detailed family history in combination with a physical examination, biochemistry and X‐ray imaging helps in differential diagnostics of rare forms of rickets.