bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tagging of the vaccinia virus protein F13 with mCherry causes aberrant virion morphogenesis
Authors: Carpentier David C. J. , Hollinshead Michael S. , Ewles Helen A. , Lee Stacey-Ann , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: September 2017

Vaccinia virus produces two distinct infectious virions; the single-enveloped intracellular mature virus (IMV), which remains in the cell until cell lysis, and the double-enveloped extracellular enveloped virus (EEV), which mediates virus spread. The latter is derived from a triple-enveloped intracellular enveloped virus (IEV) precursor, which is transported to the cell periphery by the kinesin-1 motor complex. This transport involves the viral protein A36 as well as F12 and E2. A36 is an integral membrane protein associated with the outer virus envelope and is the only known direct link between virion and kinesin-1 complex. Yet in the absence of A36 virion egress still occurs on microtubules, albeit at reduced efficiency. In this paper double-fluorescent labelling of the capsid protein A5 and outer-envelope protein F13 was exploited to visualize IEV transport by live-cell imaging in the absence of either A36 or F12. During the generation of recombinant viruses expressing both A5-GFP and F13-mCherry a plaque size defect was identified that was particularly severe in viruses lacking A36. Electron microscopy showed that this phenotype was caused by abnormal wrapping of IMV to form IEV, and this resulted in reduced virus egress to the cell surface. The aberrant wrapping phenotype suggests that the fluorescent fusion protein interferes with an interaction of F13 with the IMV surface that is required for tight association between IMVs and wrapping membranes. The severity of this defect suggests that these viruses are imperfect tools for characterizing virus egress.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Cystoviridae
Authors: Poranen Minna M. , Mäntynen Sari ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: September 2017

The family Cystoviridae includes enveloped viruses with a tri-segmented dsRNA genome and a double-layered protein capsid. The innermost protein shell is a polymerase complex responsible for genome packaging, replication and transcription. Cystoviruses infect Gram-negative bacteria, primarily plant-pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Cystoviridae, which is available at http://www.ictv.global/report/cystoviridae.
De novo damaging coding mutations are strongly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and overlap with autism
Authors: Cappi Carolina , Oliphant Melody E. , Péter Zsanett , Zai Gwyneth , Sullivan Catherine A. W. , Gupta Abha R. , Hoffman Ellen J. , Virdee Manmeet , Jeremy Willsey A. , Shavitt Roseli G. , Miguel Euripedes C. , Kennedy James L. , Richter Margaret A. , Fernandez Thomas V.
Published: September 2017

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating developmental neuropsychiatric disorder with a genetic risk component, yet identification of high-confidence risk genes has been challenging. We performed whole-exome sequencing in 222 OCD parent-child trios (184 trios after quality control), finding strong evidence that de novo likely gene disrupting and predicted damaging missense variants contribute to OCD risk. Together, these de novo damaging variants are enriched in OCD probands (RR 1.52, p=0.0005). We identified two high-confidence risk genes, each containing two de novo damaging variants in unrelated probands:CHD8 (Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 8)andSCUBE1 (Signal Peptide, CUB Domain And EGF Like Domain Containing 1). Based on our data, we estimate that 34% of de novo damaging variants seen in OCD contribute to risk, and that de novo damaging variants in approximately 335 genes contribute to risk in 22% of OCD cases. Furthermore, genes harboring de novo damaging variants in OCD are enriched for those reported in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders. An exploratory network analysis reveals significant functional connectivity and enrichment in canonical pathways related to immune response.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Decades of genetic studies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have yet to provide reproducible, statistically significant findings. Following an approach that has led to tremendous success in gene discovery for several neuropsychiatric disorders, here we report findings from DNA whole-exome sequencing of patients with OCD and their parents. We find strong evidence for the contribution of spontaneous, or de novo, predicted-damaging genetic variants to OCD risk, identify two high-confidence risk genes, and detect significant overlap with genes previously identified in autism. These results change the status quo of OCD genetics by identifying novel OCD risk genes, clarifying the genetic landscape of OCD with respect to de novo variation, and suggesting underlying biological pathways that will improve our understanding of OCD biology.
Maternal depression and child behaviours: sex-dependent mediation by glucocorticoid receptor gene methylation in a longitudinal study from pregnancy to age 5 years
Authors: Hill Jonathan , Pickles Andrew , Wright Nicola , Quinn John P , Murgatroyd Chris , Sharp Helen
Published: September 2017

Background

Evolutionary hypotheses predict that male fetuses are more vulnerable to poor maternal conditions than females (Sex-biased Maternal Investment), but that the adaptive female fetus, with a more responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is put at later risk of glucocorticoid mediated disorders where there is a mismatch between fetal and postnatal environments (Predictive Adaptive Response). Self-report measures of prenatal and postnatal depression and maternal report of child anxious depressed symptoms at 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years were obtained from an ‘extensive’ sample of first time mothers recruited from the general population (N = 794). SalivaryNR3C11-F promoter methylation was assayed at 14 months in an ‘intensive’ subsample (N = 176) stratified during pregnancy by psychosocial risk. Generalised structural equation models (SEM) were fitted and estimated by maximum likelihood to allow inclusion of participants from both intensive and extensive samples.

Results

Postnatal depression was associated withNR3C1methylation and with anxious-depressed symptoms in the daughters of mothers lacking the hypothesised protective effect of high prenatal depression (prenatal-postnatal depression interaction for methylation, p =.00001; for child symptoms, p = .011). In girls,NR3C1methylation mediated the association between maternal depression and child anxious-depressed symptoms. The effects were greater in girls than boys, and the test of the sex differences in the effect of the prenatal-postnatal depression interaction on both outcomes gave χ2(2) = 5.95 (p=.051).

Conclusions

This is the first study to show in humans that, as a result of sex-biased reproductive investment and fetal adaptation, epigenetic and early behavioural outcomes may arise through different mechanisms in males and females. Epigenetic effects at theNR3C1promoter mediated mismatch between prenatal and postnatal maternal conditions and child anxious-depressed symptoms, specifically in females.
Brief optogenetic inhibition of rat lateral or ventrolateral periaqueductal gray augments the acquisition of Pavlovian fear conditioning
Authors: Assareh Neda , Bagley Elena E. , Carrive Pascal , McNally Gavan P.
Published: September 2017

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) coordinates the expression and topography of defensive behaviors to threat and also plays an important role in Pavlovian fear learning itself. Whereas the role of PAG in expression of defensive behavior is well understood, the relationship between activity of PAG neurons and fear learning, the exact timing of PAG contributions to learning during the conditioning trial, and the contributions of different PAG columns to fear learning are poorly understood. We assessed the effects of optogenetic inhibition of lateral (LPAG) and ventrolateral (VLPAG) PAG neurons on fear learning. Using adenoassociated viral vectors expressing halorhodopsin (eNpHR3.0), we show that brief optogenetic inhibition of LPAG or VLPAG during delivery of the shock unconditioned stimulus (US) augments acquisition of contextual or cued fear conditioning and we also show that this inhibition augments post-encounter defensive responses to a non-noxious threat. Taken together, these results show that LPAG and VLPAG serve a key role in regulation of Pavlovian fear learning at the time of US delivery. These findings provide strong support for existing models which state that LPAG and VLPAG contribute to a fear prediction error signal determining variations in the effectiveness of the aversive US in supporting learning.
Clofazimine targets essential nucleoid associated protein, mycobacterial integration host factor (mIHF), inMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Shi Wanliang , Zhang Shuo , Feng Jie , Cui Peng , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2017

Clofazimine (CFZ) is a phenazine derivative used for treatment of leprosy, MDR-TB and XDR-TB. There is recent interest in understanding how CFZ works following the demonstration of its unique ability to shorten the treatment of MDR-TB. However, the target of CFZ in mycobacteria has remained elusive. Here, we show that CFZ binds to mycobacterial integration host factor (mIHF), which is an essential nucleoid associated protein in mycobacteria involved in DNA protection, chromosome organization and global gene regulation. We demonstrate that CFZ inhibits mIHF binding to DNA and interferes with mycobacterial gene expression. This mode of action is unique among all antibiotics including antimycibacterial agents and may help to explain its unusual action againstMycobacterium tuberculosis. Our study provides new insight about the mechanism of action of this intriguing drug and has implications for developing more effective treatment of TB.
Systematic risk and deposit insurance pricing
Authors: Zhang Yaojie , Shi Benshan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to alleviate the moral hazard problem created by deposit insurance and therefore develop a deposit insurance pricing model explicitly considering systematic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the market model, the authors introduce the systematic risk component consisting of market risk and beta risk. A closed-form solution for the authors’ pricing model is derived based on the option pricing framework.

Findings

Compared with the authors’, the pricing model that ignores systematic risk underestimates deposit insurance premium, and cannot cover the excessive loss created by systematic risk. To examine the effect of the systematic risk component on the deposit insurance premiums estimated by the authors’ model, this paper also provides empirical evidence from China by regression analysis. The results demonstrate that, in addition to the individual failure risk, the systematic risk component is properly priced and explicitly reflected in the authors’ model.

Research limitations/implications

More risk factors such as liquidity risk should be introduced in the pricing of deposit insurance.

Practical implications

Deposit insurance premiums estimated by the authors’ model can alleviate the moral hazard problem that banks have an incentive to take on excessive systematic risk, because substantial higher insurance premiums would be charged in doing so.

Originality/value

Applying the option pricing theory and market model, this paper develops a deposit insurance pricing model with explicit consideration of systematic risk. The systematic risk component contains not only the market volatility but also the sensitivity of market risk.
What a difference a role makes
Authors: Nadiv Ronit , Raz Aviad , Kuna Shani
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Based on the human resources (HR) role framework (Conner and Ulrich, 1996), the purpose of this paper is to empirically explore why HR practitioners differ in their strategic partner role positioning. The present study suggests and tests a descriptive model regarding occupational and organizational characteristics associated with strategic HR role positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 100 questionnaires were collected from Israeli HR practitioners. Hierarchical regressions were used to test the association between occupational and organizational characteristics and the strategic role perception among HR practitioners.

Findings

Although the findings only partially supported the suggested model, significant associations between occupational and organizational characteristics and HR strategic positioning were found. HR practitioners in volatile organizational environments adopt a strategic role perception. Moreover, years of experience are also associated with an HR strategic role perception. Specifically, the major predictors of attaining a strategic partner role amongst HR practitioners are location of organizational activities mainly in the metropolitan area, and involvement in major organizational changes.

Research limitations/implications

The sample had a positive bias of respondents. Questionnaires were delivered mainly to highly educated HR practitioners in notably professional HR departments. Data were based on self-reported one-time questionnaires.

Practical implications

The research has implications for the processes of academic education and professional training of HR practitioners and also their recruitment in organizations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, recent studies aimed at exploring sources of variance in the strategic role perception amongst HR practitioners are rather scarce. This research helps to address this gap, while also broadening the literature regarding HR communities in the Middle East.
Mentoring in international assignments: a personality traits perspective
Authors: Schuster Tassilo , Ambrosius Judith , Bader Benjamin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of personality and mentorship on expatriates’ psychological well-being. The authors argue that certain personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experience) have positive effects on expatriates’ psychological well-being and that these personality traits enable them to derive a greater benefit from mentorship. By doing so, this study identifies for which personality traits which type of mentoring (home or host country mentor) is most beneficial.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on socioanalytic theory, the authors develop theory-driven hypotheses and test them against data of 334 expatriates.

Findings

The study shows that several personality traits as well as home country mentorship have a significant positive impact on psychological well-being, whereas host country mentorship shows no significant positive effects. Moreover, the study indicates that home and host country mentorship partially moderates the relationship between personality traits and psychological well-being.

Originality/value

Since the authors derive important implications for the selection process of expatriates as well as for the implementation of mentoring in multinational corporations, this study is of value for researchers and practitioners in the areas of human resource management and organizational studies.
The impact of legislation on the internal audit function
Authors: Jones Kevin K. , Baskerville Richard L. , Sriram Ram S. , Ramesh Balasubramaniam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show how the presence of change caused a shift in the roles and responsibilities of the internal audit function (IAF).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design/approach was constructed by combining specific aspects of widely known management accounting and organizational change frameworks. The theoretical premise was based on the old institutional economics component of institutional theory. As such, this study used the case study method to examine and analyze the impact of this change in eight specific organizations using the new two-tiered organizational change framework.

Findings

This new framework analyzes the multidimensional facets of organizational change in the IAF. From the findings, it was observed that the change can be evolutionary, episodic, continuous and/or teleological, and people, organisms and organizations that are subject to it will react or respond to that change in a myriad of ways.

Practical implications

Moreover, the implications of change can be environmental, socioeconomic and political.

Originality/value

This study makes an intellectual contribution by introducing a new two-tiered organizational change framework to explain the IAF’s response to the environmental change factor of regulation.
The role of customers in co-creating m-services in the O2O model
Authors: Hsieh Jung-Kuei
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer loyalty in the online-to-offline (O2O) model by conceptualizing and measuring emotion and cognition.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect 514 questionnaire responses. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Three emotional factors influence two cognitive factors, which in turn affect customer loyalty. The type of message source acts as a moderator. In addition to pleasure and arousal, dominance is a key factor of emotion. The effects of social enhancement and store environment on customer loyalty reflect the O2O model’s integration of online and offline environments.

Practical implications

The moderating role of the type of message source implies that marketers of brick-and-mortar stores can promote positive offline experiences to attract online customers and then encourage these customers to disseminate personal messages in their social circles. By attracting online customers through appealing m-services and retaining these customers through favorable store environments, marketers can maximize the utility of the O2O model.

Originality/value

Three emotional factors and two cognitive factors are conceptualized to predict customer loyalty in the O2O model. This study shows that the relationships between cognitive factors and customer loyalty are moderated by the type of message source. When check-in activity messages are sent by friends, the perception of social enhancement can lead to greater customer loyalty. In contrast, when check-in activity messages are sent by unfamiliar sources, customer loyalty is driven more by cognition of the store environment than by online interaction. The findings enrich existing knowledge of the O2O model and m-services, and have implications for researchers and marketers.
Using critical design to explore the future of libraries
Authors: Clarke Rachel Ivy
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of critical design as an approach for considering the future of libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a specific instance of critical design: timeline of the far future of libraries.

Findings

Reflections on the critical design are presented.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first application of critical design in the context of librarianship.
Awareness about equity investment among retail investors: a kaleidoscopic view
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jayashree , Singh Ranjit
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature published on the various aspects of awareness about equity investment. The paper highlights the major issues and aspects with respect to equity investment awareness. It also aims to raise specific questions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on secondary information collected primarily through the review of existing literature.

Findings

It is found that the important determinants of equity awareness are demographic, socio-economic and psychological factors. Financial well-being is attributable largely to financial awareness. Growth of the financial market can be credited to equity awareness. Equity awareness enables an investor to make better financial decisions, to appreciate their rights and responsibilities and to understand and manage the risk as an investor.

Practical implications

Policy makers can design the equity awareness campaign considering the different demographic and socio-economic factors. While designing such a campaign, the impact and importance of equity awareness should be illustrated, considering their demographic and socio-economic profile.

Originality/value

This study is the first one using the literature review method in the area of equity investment awareness, in particular, and financial awareness in general. This paper will be useful to researchers, academicians and those working in the area of equity investment awareness and in their understanding about the various aspects of awareness about equity investment. The paper is first of its kind, hence original in nature.
A patchwork pathway for oxygenase‐independent degradation of side chain containing steroids
Authors: Warnke Markus , Jacoby Christian , Jung Tobias , Agne Michael , Mergelsberg Mario , Starke Robert , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Richnow Hans‐Hermann , Brüls Thomas , Boll Matthias
Published: September 2017

The denitrifying betaproteobacterium Sterolibacterium denitrificans serves as model organism for studying the oxygen‐independent degradation of cholesterol. Here, we demonstrate its capability of degrading various globally abundant side chain containing zoo‐, phyto‐ and mycosterols. We provide the complete genome that empowered an integrated genomics/proteomics/metabolomics approach, accompanied by the characterization of a characteristic enzyme of steroid side chain degradation. The results indicate that individual molybdopterin‐containing steroid dehydrogenases are involved in C25‐hydroxylations of steroids with different isoprenoid side chains, followed by the unusual conversion to C26‐oic acids. Side chain degradation to androsta‐1,4‐diene‐3,17‐dione (ADD) via aldolytic C–C bond cleavages involves acyl‐CoA synthetases/dehydrogenases specific for the respective 26‐, 24‐ and 22‐oic acids/‐oyl‐CoAs and promiscuous MaoC‐like enoyl‐CoA hydratases, aldolases and aldehyde dehydrogenases. Degradation of rings A and B depends on gene products uniquely found in anaerobic steroid degraders, which after hydrolytic cleavage of ring A, again involves CoA‐ester intermediates. The degradation of the remaining CD rings via hydrolytic cleavage appears to be highly similar in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic cholesterol degradation employs a composite repertoire of more than 40 genes partially known from aerobic degradation in gammaproteobacteria/actinobacteria, supplemented by unique genes that are required to circumvent oxygenase‐dependent reactions.
Pressure and traction on a model fetal head and neck associated with the use of forceps, Kiwi™ ventouse and the BD Odon Device™ in operative vaginal birth: a simulation study
Authors: O'Brien SM , Winter C , Burden CA , Boulvain M , Draycott TJ , Crofts JF
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine the pressure and traction forces exerted on a model fetal head by the BD Odon Device, forceps and Kiwi ventouse during simulated births.

Design

Simulation study.

Setting

Simulated operative vaginal birth.

Population or sample

Eighty‐four simulated operative vaginal births.

Methods

A bespoke fetal mannequin with pressure sensors around the head and strain gauge across the neck was used to investigate pressure applied over the head, and traction across the neck during 84 simulated births using the BD Odon Device, non‐rotational forceps and Kiwi ventouse.

Main outcome measures

Peak pressure on the fetal face and lateral aspects of the head during correct use of the BD Odon Device and forceps. Peak pressure on orbits and neck during misplacement of the BD Odon Device and forceps. Peak traction force generated until instrument failure using the BD Odon Device, forceps and Kiwi ventouse.

Results

When correctly sited and using 80 kPa inflation pressure on the cuff, the BD Odon Device generated a lower peak pressure on the fetal head than forceps (83 versus 146 kPa). When instruments were purposefully misplaced over the orbits, the BD Odon Device generated a lower peak pressure on the orbits compared with forceps (70 versus 123 kPa). When purposefully misplaced over the neck, the BD Odon Device, compared with forceps, generated a greater peak pressure on the anterio‐lateral aspect of the neck (56 versus 17 kPa) and a lower peak pressure on the posterior aspect of the neck (76 versus 93 kPa) than forceps. In cases of true cephalic disproportion, the BD Odon Device ‘popped‐off’ at a lower traction force than did forceps (208 versus 270 N).

Conclusions

In simulated assisted vaginal birth with correctly placed instruments, the peak pressure exerted on the fetal head by a BD Odon Device is lower than the pressure exerted by non‐rotational forceps. In cases in which delivery of the fetal head is not possible due to cephalo‐pelvic disproportion, lower traction forces could be applied using the BD Odon Device than with forceps before the procedure was abandoned due to device failure.

Tweetable abstract

BD Odon Device exerts less pressure on a model fetal head than forceps, but more than Kiwi ventouse.
Renal involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A retrospective study of 103 biopsy‐proven cases from a single center in China
Authors: Yang Hua‐Xia , Wang Jing , Wen Yu‐Bing , Fei Yun‐Yun , Jiang Meng‐Di , Zhou Meng‐yu , Zhang Wen , Li Hang , Li Xue‐Mei , Zhang Feng‐Chun , Li Xue‐Wang , Zhang Xuan , Chen Li‐Meng
Published: September 2017

Aim

To retrospectively investigate the features of renal involvements in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with biopsy results.

Methods

A total of 2096 pSS inpatients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China from 2005 to 2015 were identified. Patients with biopsy‐proven renal involvement (SS‐renal) and matched controls (SS‐only) were recruited. The clinical and pathologic features as well as treatments and outcomes were systematically analyzed.

Results

One hundred and three pSS nephritis (inpatients had biopsy‐proven renal involvement. Tubulointerstitial 53, 51.5%) was the prominent pathologic pattern with glomerulonephritis (GN) present in 50 (48.5%) of the renal lesions. The patterns of GN lesions included membranous nephropathy (37, 35.9%), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (six, 5.8%) or immunoglobulin A nephropathy (three, 2.9%), minimal change disease (four, 3.9%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (three, 2.9%). Compared to SS‐only patients, SS‐renal patients had fewer dry eyes and positive objective xerostomia (P < 0.05). They presented with a significantly lower incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), leukocytopenia and elevated immunoglobulin G levels (P < 0.05). They received a larger initial dosage of corticosteroid and had a higher mortality rate (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This Chinese SS‐renal population with biopsy results has diverse pathologic patterns and distinct clinical features. They are characterized with prominent renal‐associated and mild SS‐associated features. They received more vigorous treatment but had poorer prognosis.
Phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II in the rat dorsal medial prefrontal cortex is associated with alcohol‐induced cognitive inflexibility
Authors: Natividad Luis A. , Steinman Michael Q. , Laredo Sarah A. , Irimia Cristina , Polis Ilham Y. , Lintz Robert , Buczynski Matthew W. , Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Roberto Marisa , Parsons Loren H.
Published: September 2017

Repeated cycles of alcohol [ethanol (EtOH)] intoxication and withdrawal dysregulate excitatory glutamatergic systems in the brain and induce neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that contribute to cognitive dysfunction. The mPFC is composed of subdivisions that are functionally distinct, with dorsal regions facilitating drug‐cue associations and ventral regions modulating new learning in the absence of drug. A key modulator of glutamatergic activity is the holoenzyme calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) that phosphorylates ionotropic glutamate receptors. Here, we examined the hypothesis that abstinence from chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure dysregulates CaMKII activity in the mPFC to impair cognitive flexibility. We used an operant model of strategy set shifting in male Long–Evans rats demonstrating reduced susceptibility to trial omissions during performance in a visual cue‐guided task versus albino strains. Relative to naïve controls, rats experiencing approximately 10 days of abstinence from CIE vapor exposure demonstrated impaired performance during a procedural shift from visual cue to spatial location discrimination. Phosphorylation of CaMKII subtype α was upregulated in the dorsal, but not ventral mPFC of CIE‐exposed rats, and was positively correlated with perseverative‐like responding during the set shift. The findings suggest that abstinence from CIE exposure induces an undercurrent of kinase activity (e.g. CaMKII), which may promote aberrant glutamatergic responses in select regions of the mPFC. Given the role of the mPFC in modulating executive control of behavior, we propose that increased CaMKII subtype α activity reflects a dysregulated ‘top‐down’ circuit that interferes with adaptive behavioral performance under changing environmental demands.
Designing and evaluating sustainable development pathways for semi‐subsistence crop–livestock systems: lessons from Kenya
Authors: Valdivia Roberto O. , Antle John M. , Stoorvogel Jetse J.
Published: September 2017

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in African agriculture requires a better understanding why high levels of poverty and resource degradation persist in African agriculture despite decades of policy interventions and development projects. In this article, we hypothesize that policies need to account for the key features of the semi‐subsistence crop–livestock systems (CLS) in the region to become effective. The semi‐subsistence CLS are characterized by a high degree of biophysical and economic heterogeneity and a complex, diversified production system involving a combination of subsistence and cash crops with livestock. We investigated the potential for interventions proposed by the Government of Kenya to meet the SDGs by 2030. The analysis uses an integrated modeling approach designed to deal with the key features of these systems. A strategy that stimulates rural development, increases farm size to a sustainable level, and reduces distortions and inefficiencies in input and output markets could lead to a sustainable development pathway and achieve the SDGs for rural households dependent on CLS.
Canine conjoined twinning: A pathoanatomical study of a Lhasa Apso symmetrical cephalothoracopagus
Authors: Moura E. , Thon B. , Pimpão C. T.
Published: September 2017

A female pair of conjoined twins of the Lhasa Apso canine breed was subjected to tomographic and anatomical examinations. The twins had only one head and neck. The two ribcages were joined, extending to the umbilicus, with duplicated structures thereafter. They had three thoracic limbs and two pelvic girdles with four limbs, as well as a number of abnormalities in their internal organs. The data obtained were compared with the rare canine cases reported so far and with human cases.
Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb
Authors: Siqueira R. C. , Rahal S. C. , Inamassu L. R. , Mamprim M. J. , Felix M. , Castilho M. S. , Mesquita L. R. , Ribeiro V. L. , Teixeira C. R. , Rassy F. B.
Published: September 2017

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II ‐ V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).
Videolaryngoscopy vs. direct laryngoscopy use by experienced anaesthetists in patients with known difficult airways: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pieters B. M. A. , Maas E. H. A. , Knape J. T. A. , van Zundert A. A. J.
Published: September 2017

Experienced anaesthetists can be confronted with difficult or failed tracheal intubations. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to ascertain if the literature indicated if videolaryngoscopy conferred an advantage when used by experienced anaesthetists managing patients with a known difficult airway. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials up to 1 January 2017. Outcome parameters extracted from studies were: first‐attempt success of tracheal intubation; time to successful intubation; number of intubation attempts; Cormack and Lehane grade; use of airway adjuncts (e.g. stylet, gum elastic bougie); and complications (e.g. mucosal and dental trauma). Nine studies, including 1329 patients, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. First‐attempt success was greater for all videolaryngoscopes (OR 0.34 (95%CI 0.18–0.66); p = 0.001). Use of videolaryngoscopy was associated with a significantly better view of the glottis (Cormack and Lehane grades 1 and 2 vs. 3–4, OR 0.04 (95%CI 0.01–0.15); p < 0.00001). Mucosal trauma occurred less with the use of videolaryngoscopy (OR 0.16 (95%CI 0.04–0.75); p = 0.02). Videolaryngoscopy has added value for the experienced anaesthetist, improving first‐time success, the view of the glottis and reducing mucosal trauma.
Relationship of aquaporins 3 (AQP3), 7 (AQP7), and 11 (AQP11) with boar sperm resilience to withstand freeze–thawing procedures
Authors: Prieto‐Martínez N. , Vilagran I. , Morató R. , Rivera del Álamo M. M. , Rodríguez‐Gil J. E. , Bonet S. , Yeste M.
Published: September 2017

Cryopreservation is the most suitable method to preserve boar spermatozoa over long‐term storage. However, freeze–thawing protocols inflict extensive damage to sperm cells, reducing their viability and compromising their fertilizing ability. In addition, high individual variability is known to exist between boar ejaculates, which may be classified as of good (GFE) or poor (PFE) freezability. While conventional spermiogram parameters fail to predict sperm cryotolerance in fresh spermatozoa, high levels of certain proteins, also known as freezability markers, have been found to be related to the sperm resilience to withstand freeze–thawing procedures. In this context, the hypothesis of this study was that aquaporins AQP3, AQP7, and AQP11 could be linked to boar sperm cryotolerance. Twenty‐nine ejaculates were evaluated and subsequently classified as GFE or PFE based upon their sperm viability and motility at post‐thawing. Fourteen ejaculates resulted to be GFE, whereas the other fifteen were found to be PFE. Relative abundances of AQP3, AQP7, and AQP11 and their localization patterns were evaluated in all fresh and frozen–thawed ejaculates through immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Prior to cryopreservation, relative amounts of AQP3 and AQP7 were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GFE than in PFE. In contrast, no significant differences (p > 0.05) between freezability groups were found for AQP11, despite GFE tending to present higher levels of this protein. The localization of AQP7, but not that of AQP3 or AQP11, was observed to be affected by cryopreservation procedures. In conclusion, these results suggest that AQP3 and AQP7 are related to boar sperm cryotolerance and may be used as freezability markers.
Seeding alters plant community trajectory: Impacts of seeding, grazing and trampling on semi‐arid re‐vegetation
Authors: Farrell Hannah L. , Fehmi Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2017

Questions

How do seeding, cattle grazing, and vehicular use impact vegetation establishment and soil movement on a newly reclaimed pipeline right‐of‐way? Will these factors result in differing plant community trajectories?

Location

Southern Arizona (USA).

Methods

Within a pipeline disturbance, we randomly selected nine plots to be seeded with an 18 species mix and nine to be left unseeded. Adjacent to the disturbance, we selected nine undisturbed unseeded control plots for a total of 27 plots (30 m × 45 m each). Within each of the 27 plots, we established a grazed–trampled, grazed–untrampled and ungrazed–untrampled subplot. One year after pipeline reclamation, we analysed the impacts of seeding, grazing and trampling on native plant cover, undesirable plant cover, herbaceous biomass, species richness, soil movement and plant community trajectories in comparison to surrounding undisturbed sites.

Results

Seeding disturbed sites with a diverse seed mix resulted in greater native plant cover, higher species richness and fewer undesirable species than were found in unseeded disturbed sites. Unseeded disturbed areas were similar to the undisturbed control areas in species richness and had comparable plant community trajectories. The combined impacts of grazing and trampling reduced native plant cover and herbaceous biomass and were associated with increased soil erosion in comparison to subplots protected from grazing and trampling.

Conclusions

Natural vegetation recruitment can be a viable option in semi‐arid reclamation projects when the soil seed bank is preserved and there are proximal seed sources. While seeding improved quantitative vegetation metrics, using a seed mix comprised of different species than the preexisting vegetation may set the reclaimed vegetation on a different plant community trajectory. The general prescription of protecting new reclamation sites from grazing and trampling is supported.
Genetic mapping using 1.4M SNP array refined loci for fatty acid composition traits in Chinese Erhualian and Bamaxiang pigs
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhang Y. , Gong H. , Cui L. , Huang T. , Ai H. , Ren J. , Huang L. , Yang B.
Published: September 2017

Chinese indigenous pigs display marked genetic and phenotypic differences compared with western commercial pigs. In this study, we tested the association between 660K SNPs and longissimus muscle fatty acid composition traits in Chinese Erhualian (n = 331) and Bamaxiang (n = 315) pigs based on a customized 1.4 million SNP array. We identified a total of 64 significant associations for 20 fatty acid composition traits at the p‐value threshold of 1 × 10−6 among which 42 associations in low linkage disequilibrium (r2 < .2) with previously reported loci were considered novel. We substantially improved the strength and precision of the associations at four previously detected loci near FADS2, ELOVL7, ELOVL6 and FASN genes, facilitating follow‐up candidate gene studies. Moreover, we also identified loci near ABCD2, ACSBG1, ELOVL5, HPGDS, DAGT2, ACAD10 and ACSL1 genes with function relevant to metabolism of fatty acids. In this study, valuable genetic variants and candidate genes associated with fatty acid composition traits were identified in Erhualian and Bamaxiang pigs. Some identified loci could be used to improve pork nutrition in pig breeding practice. Using the SNP array with higher marker density and less ascertainment bias improved QTL detection power and precision in Chinese indigenous pigs.
Blood pressure response to metoprolol and chlorthalidone in European and African Americans with hypertension
Authors: Mehanna Mai , Gong Yan , McDonough Caitrin W. , Beitelshees Amber L. , Gums John G. , Chapman Arlene B. , Schwartz Gary L. , Johnson Julie A. , Turner Stephen T. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: September 2017

Despite the availability of many antihypertensive drug classes, half of patients with hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). The authors sought to assess the effect of age on BP response in European American and African American patients with hypertension. Clinic BP from the PEAR2 (Pharmacogenomics Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses 2) study was used to estimate BP responses from baseline following sequential treatment with metoprolol 100 mg twice daily and chlorthalidone 25 mg daily for 8 to 9 weeks each, with a minimum 4‐week washout between treatments. BP responses to both drugs were compared in 159 European Americans and 119 African Americans by age with adjustment for baseline BP and sex. European Americans younger than 50 years responded better to metoprolol than chlorthalidone (diastolic BP: −9.6 ± 8.0 vs −5.9 ± 6.8 mm Hg, adjusted P = .003), whereas patients 50 years and older responded better to chlorthalidone than metoprolol (systolic BP: −18.7 ± 13.8 vs −13.6 ± 14.8 mm Hg, adjusted P = .008). African Americans younger than 50 years responded similarly to both drugs, whereas those 50 years and older responded better to chlorthalidone than metoprolol (−17.0 ± 13.2/−9.6 ± 7.5 vs −7.0 ± 18.6/−6.7 ± 9.3 mm Hg, adjusted P<.0001/.008). Therefore, age should be considered when selecting antihypertensive therapy in European and African American populations with hypertension.
Double‐Layer Surface Modification of Polyamide Denture Base Material by Functionalized Sol‐Gel Based Silica for Adhesion Improvement
Authors: Hafezeqoran Ali , Koodaryan Roodabeh
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Limited surface treatments have been proposed to improve the bond strength between autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base materials. Still, the bond strength of autopolymerizing resins to nylon polymer is not strong enough to repair the fractured denture effectively. This study aimed to introduce a novel method to improve the adhesion of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer by a double layer deposition of sol‐gel silica and N‐2‐(aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AE‐APTMS).

Materials and Methods

The silica sol was synthesized by acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursors. Polyamide specimens were dipped in TEOS‐derived sol (TS group, n = 28), and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light under O2 flow for 30 minutes. UV‐treated specimens were immersed in AE‐APTMS solution and left for 24 hours at room temperature. The other specimens were either immersed in AE‐APTMS solution (AP group, n = 28) or left untreated (NT group, n = 28). Surface characterization was investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two autopolymerizing resins (subgroups G and T, n = 14) were bonded to the specimens, thermocycled, and then tested for shear bond strength with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05).

Results

FTIR spectra of treated surfaces confirmed the chemical modification and appearance of functional groups on the polymer. One‐way ANOVA revealed significant differences in shear bond strength among the study groups. Tukey's HSD showed that TST and TSG groups had significantly higher shear bond strength than control groups (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, bond strength values of APT were statistically significant compared to controls (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Amino functionalized TEOS‐derived silica coating is a simple and cost‐effective method for improving the bond strength between the autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base. Clinical implications: Amino‐functionalized silica coating could represent a more applicable and convenient option for improving the repair strength of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer.
PROPERTY AND OWNERSHIP IN VANUATU: The Lengnangulong Sacred Stone from North Ambrym at the Pavillon des Sessions of the Musée du Louvre
Authors: DeBlock Hugo
Published: September 2017

The Lengnangulong sacred stone from the village of Magam, North Ambrym, which was collected in 1949 and has been exhibited at the Pavillon des Sessions of the Musée du Louvre in Paris since 2000, is at the forefront of discussions among local people in Vanuatu. Their concerns center on issues of meaning and ownership as well as on the value of intellectual and material cultural property. Since 1997, the stone's original owners in Magam have been appealing for its repatriation; they wish to either own it again or at least have a connection to it by being recognized as the proper owners. Based on fieldwork in the archipelago, primarily on Ambrym in 2009–10, I position these discussions within the contemporary context of the ongoing revival of kastom as well as the development of tourism. In addition, I situate them within the specific context of museums in the West and ongoing practices of production and sale in Vanuatu. The complex life history of the Lengnangulong sacred stone is entwined with history as well as contemporary society in Vanuatu. Objects that were collected over time still belong to local communities. I show how local people are active agents in property claims over their contested objects.
Comparison of fasting and non‐fasting patients receiving intravenous (IV) sedation
Authors: Besi E. , Besi C. , Lees R. , Morrison A. , O'Connor N.
Published: September 2017

Aim

In 2015 the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry published a national standard for the provision of conscious sedation in dentistry. This document highlighted the need for justification of the decision not to fast patients prior to administration ofIVsedation. The aim of this case control study was to compare a fasting (F) and non‐fasting (NF) group of patients undergoing oral surgery procedures underIVsedation, and to assess for sedation related complications in both groups.

Material and methods

A total of 228 patients were analysed, with 114 patients in each group.

Results

Mean age was 33 years for the F group and 30.2 years for theNFgroup. The average midazolam dose was 5.11 mg for the F group and 5.72 for theNFgroup (pa = 0.03). The mean recovery time was: 38.53 min for the F group and 36.57 min for theNFgroup (pa = 0.14). Extra measures required included: supplemental oxygen for 5 patients in the F group and 6 patients in theNFgroup, Oral glucose was given during the recovery period to 6 patients in the F group. 1 patient in the F group was unable to be cannulated.

Conclusions

Practicing minimal to moderate sedation inASA1 and 2 non‐fasting patients is safe and in our study appears to give less complications than the fasting patients.