bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On generating functions of Hausdorff moment sequences
Authors: Liu Jian-Guo , Pego Robert
Published: February 2016

The class of generating functions for completely monotone sequences (moments of finite positive measures on

[
0
,
1
]

[0,1]

) has an elegant characterization as the class of Pick functions analytic and positive on

(
−
∞
,
1
)

(-\infty ,1)

. We establish this and another such characterization and develop a variety of consequences. In particular, we characterize generating functions for moments of convex and concave probability distribution functions on

[
0
,
1
]

[0,1]

. Also we provide a simple analytic proof that for any real

p
p

and

r
r

with

p
>
0

p>0

, the Fuss-Catalan or Raney numbers

r

p
n
+
r

(

p
n
+
r

n

)

\frac {r}{pn+r}\binom {pn+r}{n}

,

n
=
0
,
1
,
…

n=0,1,\ldots

, are the moments of a probability distribution on some interval

[
0
,
τ
]

[0,\tau ]

if and only if

p
≥
1

p\ge 1

and

p
≥
r
≥
0

p\ge r\ge 0

. The same statement holds for the binomial coefficients

(

p
n
+
r
−
1

n

)

\binom {pn+r-1}n

,

n
=
0
,
1
,
…

n=0,1,\ldots \,

.
Public Incentives, Private Investment, and Outlooks for Hybrid Rice in Bangladesh and India
Authors: Spielman David J. , Ward Patrick S. , Kolady Deepthi E. , Ar‐Rashid Harun
Published: February 2016

The governments of Bangladesh and India have set impressive targets to expand hybrid rice cultivation as part of their national food security strategies for the next decade. Although hybrid rice offers significant yield improvements over varietal rice, adoption by farmers remains low and unstable. This paper analyzes the technical challenges, market opportunities, and policy constraints associated with hybrid rice in both countries. It argues that while many of the technical constraints can be addressed through continued investment in breeding, significant challenges remain relating to product development, marketing, and economic policy. Solutions require new insight into relationships between industry structure, business strategies, and public policy incentives.
Miltefosine for Mucosal and Complicated Cutaneous Old World Leishmaniasis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mosimann Vincent , Blazek Claudia , Grob Heini , Chaney Matthew , Neumayr Andreas , Blum Johannes
Published: February 2016

Complicated Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) and Old World mucosal leishmaniasis (OWML) constitute an indication for systemic treatment. To date, there no controlled clinical studies that compare treatment options for these diseases. We compiled a case series of 24 cases successfully treated with miltefosine. We conclude that oral miltefosine is an effective treatment option for both OWCL and OWML.
Suzaku observation of a high-entropy cluster Abell 548W
Authors: Nakazawa Kazuhiro , Kato Yuichi , Gu Liyi , Kawaharada Madoka , Takizawa Motokazu , Fujita Yutaka , Makishima Kazuo
Published: February 2016

Abell 548W, one of the galaxy clusters located in the Abell 548 region, has about an order of magnitude lower X-ray luminosity compared to ordinal clusters in view of the well-known intracluster medium (ICM) temperature vs. X-ray luminosity (kT–LX) relation. The cluster hosts a pair of diffuse radio sources to the northwest and north, both about 10′ apart from the cluster center. They are candidate radio relics, frequently associated with merging clusters. A Suzaku deep observation with exposure of 84.4 ks was performed to search for signatures of merging in this cluster. The XIS detectors successfully detected the ICM emission out to 16′ from the cluster center. The temperature is ∼ 3.6 keV around its center, and ∼ 2 keV at the outermost regions. The hot region (∼ 6 keV) beside the relic candidates shifted to the cluster center reported by XMM-Newton was not seen in the Suzaku data, although its temperature of 3.6 keV itself is higher than the average temperature of 2.5 keV around the radio sources. In addition, the signature of a cool (kT ∼ 0.9 keV) component was found around the northwest source. A marginal temperature jump at its outer edge was also found, consistent with the canonical idea of the shock acceleration origin of the radio relics. The cluster has among the highest central entropy of ∼ 400 keV cm2 and is one of the so-called low surface brightness clusters. Taking into account the fact that its shape itself is relatively circular and smooth and also that its temperature structure is nearly flat, possible scenarios for merging are discussed.
Patient physiological status during emergency care and rapid response team or cardiac arrest team activation during early hospital admission
Authors: Considine Julie , Jones Daryl , Pilcher David , Currey Judy
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between rapid response team (RRT) or cardiac arrest team (CAT) activation within 72 h of emergency admission and (i) physiological status in the emergency department (ED) and (ii) risk for ICU admission and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted in three hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. The exposed cohort (n=660) included randomly selected adults admitted to the medical or surgical ward through the ED who had RRT or CAT activation within 72 h of admission. Unexposed matched controls (n=1320) did not have RRT or CAT activation.

Results

The exposed cohort was more likely to have physiological abnormalities fulfilling hospital RRT activation criteria during ED care (36.7 vs. 23.8%, P<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, tachypnoea (adjusted odds ratio=1.92, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–2.67) or hypotension (AOR=1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–2.03), fulfilling RRT activation criteria during ED care, was associated with RRT or CAT activation within 72 h of admission. The exposed cohort had more in-hospital deaths (16.5 vs. 3.6%, P<0.001), more unexpected in-hospital deaths (2.05 vs. 0.2%, P<0.001), more ICU admissions (11.8 vs. 0.7%, P<0.001) and longer lengths of hospital stay (median=8 vs. 5 days, P<0.001).

Conclusion

CAT/RRT activations within 72 h of emergency admission are associated with higher mortality and increased length of stay. Factors associated with CAT/RRT activation in the wards are often identifiable when patients are in the ED. Further studies are required to determine whether early identification and intervention in patients at risk for RRT or CAT activation can improve their eventual outcomes.
Paediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: De Greef Elisabeth , Hoffman Ilse , Smets Francoise , Van Biervliet Stephanie , Bontems Patrick , Hauser Bruno , Paquot Isabelle , Alliet Philippe , Arts Wim , Dewit Olivier , De Vos Martine , Baert Filip , Bossuyt Peter , Rahier Jean‐Francois , Franchimont Denis , Vermeire Severine , Fontaine Fernand , Louis Edouard , Coche J.C. , Veereman Gigi ,   IBD working group of BESPGHAN, BIRD
Published: February 2016

Objective:

The Belgian registry for paediatric Crohn disease (BELCRO) cohort is a prospective, multicentre registry for newly diagnosed paediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) (<18 years) recruited from 2008 to 2010 to identify predictive factors for disease activity and growth.

Methods:

Data from the BELCRO database were evaluated at diagnosis, 24 and 36 months follow‐up.

Results:

At month 36 (M36), data were available on 84 of the 98 patients included at diagnosis. Disease activity evolved as follows: inactive 5% to 70%, mild 19% to 24%, and moderate to severe 76% to 6%. None of the variables such as age, sex, diagnostic delay, type of treatment, disease location, disease activity at diagnosis, and growth were associated with disease activity at M36. Paediatricians studied significantly less patients with active disease at M36 compared with adult physicians. Sixty percent of the patients had biologicals as part of their treatment at M36. Adult gastroenterologists initiated biologicals significantly earlier. They were the only factor determining biologicals’ initiation, not disease location or disease severity at diagnosis. Median body mass index (BMI) z score evolved from −0.97 (range −5.5–2.1) to 0.11 (range −3.4–2) and median height z score from −0.15 (range −3.4–1.6) to 0.12 (range −2.3–2.3) at M36. None of the variables mentioned above influenced growth over time.

Conclusions:

Present treatment strategies lead to good disease control in the BELCRO cohort after 3 years. Logistic regression analysis did not show any influence of disease location or present treatment strategy on disease activity and growth, but patients under paediatric care had significantly less severe disease at M36.
Plasma Cytokeratin‐18 Level As a Novel Biomarker for Liver Fibrosis in Children With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mandelia Chetan , Collyer Elizabeth , Mansoor Sana , Lopez Rocio , Lappe Sara , Nobili Valerio , Alkhouri Naim
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the obesity epidemic and affects approximately 10% of children in the US. The presence of hepatic fibrosis may be the most important factor in determining the prognosis of NAFLD. Noninvasive methods to identify the presence of fibrosis in children with NAFLD are greatly needed. Hepatocyte apoptosis activates hepatic stellate cells and plays a central role in fibrosis progression in NAFLD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of plasma cytokeratin‐18 (CK18) fragment levels, a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis, as a noninvasive biomarker in detecting liver fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD.

Methods:

Consecutive children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were included and blood samples and anthropometric measurements were collected at the time of the biopsy. NAFLD activity score was calculated (0–8) and fibrosis stage was scored (0–4). We measured plasma CK18 levels using the M30‐Apoptosense enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results:

A total of 201 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 10.7 ± 2.5 years, and 37 % were boys. Sixty‐eight percent of the patients had any fibrosis, with 56% having F1, 6% having F2, and 6 % having F3. CK18 levels were found to be significantly higher in subjects with any fibrosis compared with those without fibrosis (304.6 ± 124.8 vs 210.4 ± 70.9, P < 0.001). CK18 level revealed good accuracy for prediction of any fibrosis (F1‐F3) with AUROC of 0.75. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess whether CK18 in combination with another clinical factor could improve accuracy of prediction of fibrosis. Together, CK18 with waist circumference percentile generated an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.842 for prediction of any fibrosis.

Conclusions:

CK18 is a promising noninvasive biomarker for fibrosis in NAFLD in children. A fibrosis prediction model that includes CK18 and waist circumference percentile should be validated in other populations.
Assessment of Endothelial Dysfunction With Adhesion Molecules in Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Comba Atakan , Çaltepe Gönül , Yanık Keramettin , Gör Ufuk , Yüce Özlem , Kalaycı Ayhan G.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic immune disorder. We assessed serum levels of adhesion molecules as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with CD at first diagnosis and in those on a gluten‐free diet.

Methods:

Sixty‐five patients with CD (mean age 6.74 ± 4.6 years) and 51 age‐ and sex‐matched control patients participated in the present case‐controlled, prospective clinical study. Serum levels of vascular adhesion molecule‐1, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, endothelial selectin, vascular endothelial cadherin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and homocysteine levels were measured.

Results:

Average soluble vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (CD vs control group: 1320 ± 308 vs 1120 ± 406 ng/mL, P = 0.006), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (336 ± 99 vs 263 ± 67 ng/mL, P = 0.025), and soluble endothelial selectin (113.9 ± 70 vs 76.9 ± 32 ng/mL, P = 0.007) levels were significantly higher in cases of newly diagnosed CD than in the control group. Soluble vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (1050 ± 190 ng/mL) and soluble endothelial selectin (68.7 ± 45 ng/mL) levels in patients with CD, who were fully compliant with a gluten‐free diet, were significantly lower than that in those newly diagnosed as having CD (P = 0.003 and P = 0.0012, respectively).

Conclusions:

These results show that serum adhesion molecule levels are higher in patients with CD. Some of the risks associated with endothelial dysfunction may be related to CD and these risks can be reduced with an appropriate and fully controlled diet.
Sex differences in sleep: impact of biological sex and sex steroids
Authors: Mong Jessica A. , Cusmano Danielle M.
Published: February 2016

Men and women sleep differently. While much is known about the mechanisms that drive sleep, the reason for these sex differences in sleep behaviour is unknown and understudied. Historically, women and female animals are underrepresented in studies of sleep and its disorders. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of sex disparities in sleep and rhythm disorders. Women typically report poorer quality and more disrupted sleep across various stages of life. Findings from clinical and basic research studies strongly implicate a role for sex steroids in sleep modulation. Understanding how neuroendocrine mediators and sex differences influence sleep is central to advancing our understanding of sleep-related disorders. The investigation into sex differences and sex steroid modulation of sleep is in its infancy. Identifying the mechanisms underlying sex and gender differences in sleep will provide valuable insights leading to tailored therapeutics that benefit each sex. The goal of this review is to discuss our current understanding of how biological sex and sex steroids influence sleep behaviour from both the clinical and pre-clinical perspective.
Establishing a link between sex-related differences in the structural connectome and behaviour
Authors: Tunç Birkan , Solmaz Berkan , Parker Drew , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Elliott Mark A. , Calkins Monica E. , Ruparel Kosha , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Verma Ragini
Published: February 2016

Recent years have witnessed an increased attention to studies of sex differences, partly because such differences offer important considerations for personalized medicine. While the presence of sex differences in human behaviour is well documented, our knowledge of their anatomical foundations in the brain is still relatively limited. As a natural gateway to fathom the human mind and behaviour, studies concentrating on the human brain network constitute an important segment of the research effort to investigate sex differences. Using a large sample of healthy young individuals, each assessed with diffusion MRI and a computerized neurocognitive battery, we conducted a comprehensive set of experiments examining sex-related differences in the meso-scale structures of the human connectome and elucidated how these differences may relate to sex differences at the level of behaviour. Our results suggest that behavioural sex differences, which indicate complementarity of males and females, are accompanied by related differences in brain structure across development. When using subnetworks that are defined over functional and behavioural domains, we observed increased structural connectivity related to the motor, sensory and executive function subnetworks in males. In females, subnetworks associated with social motivation, attention and memory tasks had higher connectivity. Males showed higher modularity compared to females, with females having higher inter-modular connectivity. Applying multivariate analysis, we showed an increasing separation between males and females in the course of development, not only in behavioural patterns but also in brain structure. We also showed that these behavioural and structural patterns correlate with each other, establishing a reliable link between brain and behaviour.
Genetic regulation of sex differences in songbirds and lizards
Authors: Wade Juli
Published: February 2016

Sex differences in the morphology of neural and peripheral structures related to reproduction often parallel the frequency of particular behaviours displayed by males and females. In a variety of model organisms, these sex differences are organized in development by gonadal steroids, which also act in adulthood to modulate behavioural expression and in some cases to generate parallel anatomical changes on a seasonal basis. Data collected from diverse species, however, suggest that changes in hormone availability are not sufficient to explain sex and seasonal differences in structure and function. This paper pulls together some of this literature from songbirds and lizards and considers the information in the broader context of taking a comparative approach to investigating genetic mechanisms associated with behavioural neuroendocrinology.
Hypothalamic control of the male neonatal testosterone surge
Authors: Clarkson Jenny , Herbison Allan E.
Published: February 2016

Sex differences in brain neuroanatomy and neurophysiology underpin considerable physiological and behavioural differences between females and males. Sexual differentiation of the brain is regulated by testosterone secreted by the testes predominantly during embryogenesis in humans and the neonatal period in rodents. Despite huge advances in understanding how testosterone, and its metabolite oestradiol, sexually differentiate the brain, little is known about the mechanism that actually generates the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge. This review examines the evidence for the role of the hypothalamus, and particularly the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, in generating the neonatal testosterone surge in rodents and primates. Kisspeptin–GPR54 signalling is well established as a potent and critical regulator of GnRH neuron activity during puberty and adulthood, and we argue here for an equally important role at birth in driving the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge in rodents. The presence of a male-specific population of preoptic area kisspeptin neurons that appear transiently in the perinatal period provide one possible source of kisspeptin drive to neonatal GnRH neurons in the mouse.
Sex differences in partner preferences in humans and animals
Authors: Balthazart Jacques
Published: February 2016

A large number of morphological, physiological and behavioural traits are differentially expressed by males and females in all vertebrates including humans. These sex differences, sometimes, reflect the different hormonal environment of the adults, but they often remain present after subjects of both sexes are placed in the same endocrine conditions following gonadectomy associated or not with hormonal replacement therapy. They are then the result of combined influences of organizational actions of sex steroids acting early during development, or genetic differences between the sexes, or epigenetic mechanisms differentially affecting males and females. Sexual partner preference is a sexually differentiated behavioural trait that is clearly controlled in animals by the same type of mechanisms. This is also probably true in humans, even if critical experiments that would be needed to obtain scientific proof of this assertion are often impossible for pragmatic or ethical reasons. Clinical, epidemiological and correlative studies provide, however, converging evidence strongly suggesting, if not demonstrating, that endocrine, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms acting during the pre- or perinatal life control human sexual orientation, i.e. homosexuality versus heterosexuality. Whether they interact with postnatal psychosexual influences remains, however, unclear at present.
Perils and pitfalls of reporting sex differences
Authors: Maney Donna L.
Published: February 2016

The idea of sex differences in the brain both fascinates and inflames the public. As a result, the communication and public discussion of new findings is particularly vulnerable to logical leaps and pseudoscience. A new US National Institutes of Health policy to consider both sexes in almost all preclinical research will increase the number of reported sex differences and thus the risk that research in this important area will be misinterpreted and misrepresented. In this article, I consider ways in which we might reduce that risk, for example, by (i) employing statistical tests that reveal theextent to whichsex explains variation, rather thanwhether or notthe sexes ‘differ’, (ii) properly characterizing the frequency distributions of scores or dependent measures, which nearly always overlap, and (iii) avoiding speculative functional or evolutionary explanations for sex-based variation, which usually invoke logical fallacies and perpetuate sex stereotypes. Ultimately, the factor of sex should be viewed as an imperfect, temporary proxy for yet-unknown factors, such as hormones or sex-linked genes, that explain variation better than sex. As scientists, we should be interested in discovering and understanding the true sources of variation, which will be more informative in the development of clinical treatments.
Sex differences in the gut microbiome–brain axis across the lifespan
Authors: Jašarević Eldin , Morrison Kathleen E. , Bale Tracy L.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain has emerged as a factor that influences immunity, metabolism, neurodevelopment and behaviour. Cross-talk between the gut and brain begins early in life immediately following the transition from a sterile
in utero
environment to one that is exposed to a changing and complex microbial milieu over a lifetime. Once established, communication between the gut and brain integrates information from the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, neuroendocrine and neuroimmune signals, and peripheral immune and metabolic signals. Importantly, the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome undergoes many transitions that parallel dynamic periods of brain development and maturation for which distinct sex differences have been identified. Here, we discuss the sexually dimorphic development, maturation and maintenance of the gut microbiome–brain axis, and the sex differences therein important in disease risk and resilience throughout the lifespan.
Prenatal androgen exposure alters girls' responses to information indicating gender-appropriate behaviour
Authors: Hines Melissa , Pasterski Vickie , Spencer Debra , Neufeld Sharon , Patalay Praveetha , Hindmarsh Peter C. , Hughes Ieuan A. , Acerini Carlo L.
Published: February 2016

Individual variability in human gender-related behaviour is influenced by many factors, including androgen exposure prenatally, as well as self-socialization and socialization by others postnatally. Many studies have looked at these types of influences in isolation, but little is known about how they work together. Here, we report that girls exposed to high concentrations of androgens prenatally, because they have the genetic condition congenital adrenal hyperplasia, show changes in processes related to self-socialization of gender-related behaviour. Specifically, they are less responsive than other girls to information that particular objects are for girls and they show reduced imitation of female models choosing particular objects. These findings suggest that prenatal androgen exposure may influence subsequent gender-related behaviours, including object (toy) choices, in part by changing processes involved in the self-socialization of gendered behaviour, rather than only by inducing permanent changes in the brain during early development. In addition, the findings suggest that some of the behavioural effects of prenatal androgen exposure might be subject to alteration by postnatal socialization processes. The findings also suggest a previously unknown influence of early androgen exposure on later processes involved in self-socialization of gender-related behaviour, and thus expand understanding of the developmental systems regulating human gender development.
Beyond sex differences: new approaches for thinking about variation in brain structure and function
Authors: Joel Daphna , Fausto-Sterling Anne
Published: February 2016

In the study of variation in brain structure and function that might relate to sex and gender, language matters because it frames our research questions and methods. In this article, we offer an approach to thinking about variation in brain structure and function that pulls us outside the sex differences formulation. We argue that the existence of differences between the brains of males and females does not unravel the relations between sex and the brain nor is it sufficient to characterize a population of brains. Such characterization is necessary for studying sex effects on the brain as well as for studying brain structure and function in general. Animal studies show that sex interacts with environmental, developmental and genetic factors to affect the brain. Studies of humans further suggest that human brains are better described as belonging to a single heterogeneous population rather than two distinct populations. We discuss the implications of these observations for studies of brain and behaviour in humans and in laboratory animals. We believe that studying sex effects in context and developing or adopting analytical methods that take into account the heterogeneity of the brain are crucial for the advancement of human health and well-being.
Intracranial Markers of Conscious Face Perception in Humans
Authors: Baroni Fabiano , van Kempen Jochem , Kawasaki Hiroto , Kovach Christopher K. , Oya Hiroyuki , Howard Matthew A. , Adolphs Ralph , Tsuchiya Naotsugu
Published: February 2016

The comparison between perceived and unperceived trials at perceptual threshold isolates not only the core neuronal substrate of a particular conscious perception, but also aspects of brain activity that facilitate, hinder or tend to follow conscious perception. We take a step towards the resolution of these confounds by combining an analysis of ECoG neuronal responses observed during the presentation of faces partially masked by Continuous Flash Suppression, and those responses observed during the unmasked presentation of faces and other images in the same subjects. Neuronal activity in both the fusiform gyrus and the superior temporal sulcus discriminated seen vs. unseen faces in the masked paradigm and upright faces vs. other categories in the unmasked paradigm. However, only the former discriminated upright vs. inverted faces in the unmasked paradigm. Our results suggest a prominent role for the fusiform gyrus in the configural perception of faces.
Analysis of Two-State Folding Using Parabolic Approximation III: Non-Arrhenius Kinetics of FBP28 WW Part-I
Authors: Sade Robert S.
Published: February 2016

A model which treats the denatured and the native conformers as being confined to harmonic Gibbs energy wells has been used to analyse the non-Arrhenius behaviour of spontaneously-folding fixed two-state systems. The results demonstrate that when pressure and solvent are constant: (i) a two-state system is physically defined only for a finite temperature range; (ii) irrespective of the primary sequence, the 3-dimensional structure of the native conformer, the residual structure in the denatured state, and the magnitude of the folding and unfolding rate constants, the equilibrium stability of a two-state system is a maximum when its denatured conformers bury the least amount of solvent accessible surface area (SASA) to reach the activated state; (iii) the Gibbs barriers to folding and unfolding are not always due to the incomplete compensation of the activation enthalpies and entropies; (iv) the difference in heat capacity between the reaction-states is due to both the size of the solvent-shell and the non-covalent interactions; (v) the position of the transition state ensemble along the reaction coordinate (RC) depends on the choice of the RC; and (vi) the atomic structure of the transiently populated reaction-states cannot be inferred from perturbation-induced changes in their energetics.
Admixture Into and Within Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Busby George B.J. , Band Gavin , Si Le Quang , Jallow Muminatou , Bougama Edith , Mangano Valentina , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Emimil Anthony , Apinjoh Tobias , Ndila Carolyne , Manjurano Alphaxard , Nyirongo Vysaul , Doumbo Ogobara , A. Rockett Kirk , Kwiatkowski Domnic P. , Spencer Chris C.A. ,   In Association with the Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network
Published: February 2016

Understanding patterns of genetic diversity is a crucial component of medical research in Africa. Here we use haplotype-based population genetics inference to describe gene-flow and admixture in a collection of 48 African groups with a focus on the major populations of the sub-Sahara. Our analysis presents a framework for interpreting haplotype diversity within and between population groups and provides a demographic foundation for genetic epidemiology in Africa. We show that coastal African populations have experienced an influx of Eurasian haplotypes as a series of admixture events over the last 7,000 years, and that Niger-Congo speaking groups from East and Southern Africa share ancestry with Central West Africans as a result of recent population expansions associated with the adoption of new agricultural technologies. We demonstrate that most sub-Saharan populations share ancestry with groups from outside of their current geographic region as a result of large-scale population movements over the last 4,000 years. Our in-depth analysis of admixture provides an insight into haplotype sharing across different geographic groups and the recent movement of alleles into new climatic and pathogenic environments, both of which will aid the interpretation of genetic studies of disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
Auxin-induced expression divergence between Arabidopsis species likely originates within the TIR1/AFB-AUX/IAA-ARF module
Authors: Trenner Jana , Poeschl Yvonne , Grau Jan , Gogol-Döring Andreas , Quint Marcel , Delker Carolin
Published: February 2016

Highlight

TIR1/AFB, AUX/IAA, and ARF proteins show interspecies expression variation correlating with variation in downstream responses which indicates a source for natural variation within this conserved signaling module.

Auxin is an essential regulator of plant growth and development and auxin signaling components are conserved among land plants. Yet, a remarkable degree of natural variation in physiological and transcriptional auxin responses has been described amongArabidopsis thalianaaccessions. As intra-species comparisons offer only limited genetic variation, we here inspect the variation of auxin responses betweenA. thalianaandA. lyrata.This approach allowed the identification of conserved auxin response genes including novel genes with potential relevance for auxin biology. Furthermore, promoter divergences were analyzed for putative sources of variation.De novomotif discovery identified novel and variants of known elements with potential relevance for auxin responses, emphasizing the complex, and yet elusive, code of element combinations accounting for the diversity in transcriptional auxin responses. Furthermore, network analysis revealed correlations of inter-species differences in the expression ofAUX/IAAgene clusters and classic auxin-related genes. We conclude that variation in general transcriptional and physiological auxin responses may originate substantially from functional or transcriptional variations in the TIR1/AFB, AUX/IAA, and ARF signaling network. In that respect,AUX/IAAgene expression divergence potentially reflects differences in the manner in which different species transduce identical auxin signals into gene expression responses.
Gene Expression Signatures of Sporadic ALS Motor Neuron Populations
Authors: Batra Ranjan , Hutt Kasey , Vu Anthony , Rabin Stuart J , Baughn Michael W , Libby Ryan T , Hoon Shawn , Ravits John , Yeo Gene W
Published: February 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting motor neurons (MNs) to cause progressive paralysis. Ninety percent of cases are sporadic (sALS) and ten percent are familial (fALS). The molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration remain elusive and there is a lack of promising biomarkers that define ALS phenotypes and progression. To date, most expression studies have focused on either complex whole tissues that contain cells other than MNs or induced pluripotent derived MNs (iMNs). Furthermore, as human tissue samples have high variability, estimation of differential gene-expression is not a trivial task. Here, we report a battery of orthogonal computational analyses to discover gene-expression defects in laser capture microdissected and enriched MN RNA pools from sALS patient spinal cords in regions destined for but not yet advanced in neurodegenerative stage. We used total RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), applied multiple percentile rank (MPR) analysis to analyze MN-specific gene-expression signatures, and used high-throughput qPCR to validate RNA-seq results. Furthermore, we used a systems-level approach that identified molecular networks perturbed in sALS MNs. Weighted gene co-expression correlation network (WGCNA) analysis revealed defects in neurotransmitter biosynthesis and RNA-processing pathways while gene-gene interaction analysis showed abnormalities in networks that pertained to cell-adhesion, immune response and wound healing. We discover gene-expression signatures that distinguish sALS from control MNs and our findings illuminate possible mechanisms of cellular toxicity. Our systematic and comprehensive analysis serves as a framework to reveal expression signatures and disrupted pathways that will be useful for future mechanistic studies and biomarker based therapeutic research. *Corresponding authors: geneyeo@ucsd.edu, jravits@ucsd.edu
2,5-Bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Kamoto Ryota , Jalli Venkataprasad , Tsuge Akihiko
Published: February 2016

In the title compound, C18H18N2O5, which was synthesized by reactingN,N′-bis-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)hydrazine with POCl3, the dihedral angles between the central oxadiazole ring and pendant 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl rings are 11.37 (7) and 3.09 (7)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and π–π [shortest centroid–centroid separation = 3.7370 (11) Å] interactions are present, giving rise to a layered packing motif.
Exploring internal crisis communication in multicultural environments
Authors: Ravazzani Silvia
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore managers’ perspectives on and practices of internal crisis communication in multicultural environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– After a review of relevant literature on crisis, culture and internal communication to define the framework and relevance of this study, results from qualitative interviews with Danish managers are presented.

Findings

– Interviewees acknowledge the relevance of the cultural backgrounds of employees in relation to internal communication, especially in crisis situations. Cultural aspects affect message framing and employee sensemaking, especially when it comes to employees located in other countries. Line managers and local communicators are key in the adaptation of verbal and non-verbal communicative features. Employees are also seen as active sensegivers and communicators.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings show how demographic and globalisation patterns, which are changing domestic and international workplaces, have important implications for internal communication and internal crisis communication. There is therefore a call for further research, especially from the perspective of employees.

Originality/value

– Although cultural aspects have been highlighted as a recurrent feature of most crises today, and one of the new research areas to be explored, studies within this area are very few and concern mainly external audiences and practices. The present research study contributes to this overlooked area by offering valuable insights into internal crisis communication in organisations with a multicultural environment.
Brand crisis communication through social media
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how companies make use of social media communication to turn crises into opportunities and how consumers respond to this brand management strategy, and evaluate the effects of this kind of advertising campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses the textual analysis method to examine the verbal fight between two brand competitors on Sina Weibo. An interpretative analysis approach is adopted to analyze a series of micro-blog messages and relevant responses and comments. A statistical analysis is conducted to reveal the public opinion on this case.

Findings

– The brand crisis due to trademark dispute has been successfully turned into an advertising campaign, which received eager and favorable responses from the consumers. In the name of making apologies, the company in crisis availed itself of the Weibo platform to make a veiled protest against the verdict of the Court. The technique “acting cute” was proved to be effective in diminishing the negative effect of a brand crisis and winning public sympathy and support.

Research limitations/implications

– The research findings may provide insights into the interplay between brand advertising and corporate crisis communication on the platform of social media.

Practical implications

– This study can inform practitioners of useful techniques to deal with brand crises via social media.

Originality/value

– The value of this study lies not only in its contribution to the body of knowledge on online crisis management with a case of Chinese companies, but also in its validation of the interplay between crisis communication and advertising.
Internal crisis communication
Authors: Strandberg Julia Matilda , Vigsø Orla
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the study of internal crisis communication, not only the communication from the management to the employees, but also the employees’ communication with each other, in order to highlight the role of communication in the employees’ sensemaking during a crisis situation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted as interviews with both managers and employees at a municipality in the Stockholm region, where a former employee had just been accused of embezzling approx. 25 million SEK. The interviews were analysed with particular interest to descriptions of how information was communicated, and how the sensemaking process developed.

Findings

– The crisis communication was successful when it came to informing external stakeholders and media. But the management and the employees had different views on the communication. The employees felt that management did not present all the information they needed, which made their sensemaking based on assumptions and rumours, and on the culture in the unit. Management interpreted that the crisis was not due to a culture problem, while the employees felt that there was a shared responsibility. Blaming the former employee was perceived as a way of dodging the cultural problems.

Practical implications

– Conclusions can be generalized into three points: first, differences between external and internal crisis communication need to be taken into account. Second, a crisis can strengthen existing patterns within a dysfunctional culture. Third, do not use single employees as scapegoats, putting all blame on them.

Originality/value

– The study shows the significance of culture and rumour as components of sensemaking in a crisis situation. The results should be applicable to most kinds of organizations, commercial or not.
Erosion wear performance of borax filled novel hybrid composites by using the Taguchi experimental design
Authors: Bagci Mehmet , Imrek Huseyin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to examine solid particle erosion behavior of novel hybrid composite materials where borax (B2O3) particles (∼150 μm) were added to glass fabric and epoxy resin at an amount of 15 and 30 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tests that involved slightly rounded and irregular Al2O3 particles having two erodent sizes (200, 400 μm) were conducted at these operational conditions; namely, three impact velocities (23, 34, 53 m/s), two fabric directions (0/90/0, 45/−45/45) and three impingement angles (30°, 60°, 90°). In addition, the design of experiments, which utilizes Taguchi’s robust orthogonal arrays approach, was used and an optimum parameter combination was established, which had a minimum erosion rate. Moreover, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction views show the visual effect of filler material.

Findings

– All test specimens regardless of their dissimilar characteristics displayed maximum erosion rate at 30° impingement angle. Test specimens with 45/−45/45 fabric direction are more wear-resistant than their counterparts with 0/90/0 fabric direction. The erosion wear of glass fabric reinforced epoxy (GF/EP) composites whose matrix had 15 per cent addition of borax particles was higher than that of neat GF/EP composites. In addition, new composite material formed by including borax particles at a rate of 30 per cent of resin leads to a reduction in erosion rates.

Originality/value

– While fabric-reinforced polymers take place in most of the studies conducted on erosive wear of composites, studies involving erosion on composites with filler materials can hardly be encountered.
Thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis of large scale composite thrust bearing with sector pad faced by PTFE
Authors: Wang Shun , Tan Qingchang , Kou Zunquan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to construct lubrication model closer to the fact of thrust bearings and to calculate the bearings characteristics of lubrication for understanding how structures influence bearings performances and, importantly, what can be the most beneficial. Large-scale composite thrust bearings with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-faced sector pad backed by steel base are used increasingly in equipment. But there are plenty of puzzled problems in design and application.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors established a 3D thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) model. Oil film was formulated by Reynolds equation for pressure, and by energy equation for temperature varying through oil film thickness. Meanwhile, pad temperature was formulated by solid heat transfer equation. Elastic and thermal deformations of pad surface were calculated. Viscosity and density of oil were valued separately under different pressure and temperature. Load balance was considered as well as overturning moment balance. Finite difference method was applied to discrete these equations.

Findings

– PTFE layer and steel base have either helpful or detrimental impact on contact strength and full film lubrication of thrust bearing depending on their relationship in thickness. Temperature lag between middle layer of steel base and pad surface depends on PTFE layer, but not on the steel base. PTFE layer thickness should be considered when alarming threshold value of the bearings temperature is chosen.

Originality/value

– Three-dimensional TEHL model of large-scale composite thrust bearings was established, which included more factors close to the actual. Conclusions were drawn. These proposals are helpful to design the bearings.
Optimizing the shape of top piston ring face using inverse method
Authors: Zhang Zhinan , Liu Jun , Tang Yihu , Meng Xianghui
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This study aims at proposing an approach for optimizing the shape of the top piston ring face for minimum friction force using an inverse method. The shape of the top piston ring face determines the amount of oil distribution in the interface of the ring and liner. Therefore, the shape has a significant impact on the tribological performance of this interface.

Design/methodology/approach

– The shape of the ring face is represented by a polynomial function and is based on the load analysis of the ring. The optimization of the shape was performed using the Sequential Quadratic Programming method. The minimizing of the friction parameter at the interface was considered during the solving process to obtain an optimum ring shape.

Findings

– The optimized high degree of the shape of the ring face could lead to a reduced friction parameter. The proposed method could be applied for the tribological design and optimization of the piston rings.

Research limitations/implications

– There still need effort to investigate the effect of design parameters (e.g. property of lubricant)on the optimization of the ring face.

Originality/value

– The subject matter is important and the method has practical value.
Australian talkback radio prank strategy: a media-made crisis
Authors: Ali Saira , Khattab Umi
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse an Australian commercial radio talkback show that deployed prank as a strategy to scoop royal news to entertain an Australian audience, often commodified for popularity ratings and sponsorship dollars.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using textual analysis, the study empirically examined the crisis that followed the 2Day FM’s prank call to the Duchess of Cambridge at King Edward VII Hospital, London. The paper engages with the media-made disaster from the lens of issue and crisis management interrogating social conversations and news stories across three countries, i.e., Australia, Britain and India.

Findings

– Findings reflect that the media, in this case, radio, far more than any other public entity, is subject to public scrutiny and has a moral obligation to practice with public interest at heart. Both news and social media played crucial roles in the escalation of the crisis that ignited a range of public issues. While social media narratives were abusive, condemning and life-threatening, news stories focused on legality, ethics and privacy.

Practical implications

– The prank broadcast invited news and social media attention and raised public concern over the ethics of Australian radio entertainment. Crises, whilst often damaging, contribute to the rethinking and rejuvenation of organisational and professional values and practices.

Originality/value

– This project is significant in that it is the first to use a radio talk show as a case to engage with issue and crisis management literature and interrogate radio practice in Australia. Further, the project identifies this crisis as media-made and develops an innovative crisis lifecycle model.