bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4q-D4Z4 chromatin architecture regulates the transcription of muscle atrophic genes in FSHD
Authors: Cortesi Alice , Pesant Matthieu , Sinha Shruti , Marasca Federica , Sala Eleonora , Gregoretti Francesco , Antonelli Laura , Oliva Gennaro , Chiereghin Chiara , Soldà Giulia , Bodega Beatrice 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite increasing insights in genome structure organization, the role of DNA repetitive elements, accounting for more than two thirds of the human genome, remains elusive. Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with deletion of D4Z4 repeat array below 11 units at 4q35.2. It is known that the deletion alters chromatin structure in cis, leading to genes upregulation. Here we show a genome-wide role of 4q-D4Z4 array in modulating gene expression via 3D nuclear contacts. We have developed an integrated strategy of 4q-D4Z4 specific 4C-seq and chromatin segmentation analyses, showing that 4q-D4Z4 3D interactome and chromatin states of interacting genes are impaired in FSHD1 condition; in particular, genes which have lost the 4q-D4Z4 interaction and with a more active chromatin state are enriched for muscle atrophy transcriptional signature. Expression level of these genes is restored by the interaction with an ectopic 4q-D4Z4 array, suggesting that the repeat directly modulates the transcription of contacted targets.Of note, the upregulation of atrophic genes is a common feature of several FSHD1 and FSHD2 patients, indicating that we have identified a core set of deregulated genes involved in FSHD pathophysiology.
Persistence of learning-induced synapses depends on neurotrophic-priming of glucocorticoid receptors
Authors: Arango-Lievano M. , Borie A. , Dromard Y. , Murat M. , Desarménien M.G. , Garabedian M.J. , Jeanneteau F. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTStress can either promote or impair learning and memory. Such opposing effects depend on whether synapses persist or decay after learning. Maintenance of new synapses formed at the time of learning upon neuronal network activation depends on the stress hormone activated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and neurotrophic factor release. Whether and how concurrent GR and neurotrophin signaling integrate to modulate synaptic plasticity and learning is unknown. Here we show that deletion of the neurotrophin BDNF-dependent GR phosphorylation sites (GR-PO4) impairs long-term memory retention and maintenance of newly formed postsynaptic dendritic spines in the mouse cortex after motor skills training. Chronic stress and the BDNF polymorphism Val66Met disrupt the BDNF-dependent GR-PO4 pathway necessary for preserving training-induced spines and previously acquired memories. Conversely, enrichment living promotes spine formation but fails to salvage training-related spines in mice lacking BDNF-dependent GR-PO4 sites, suggesting it is essential for spine consolidation and memory retention. Mechanistically, spine maturation and persistence in the motor cortex depend on synaptic mobilization of the glutamate receptor GluA1 mediated by GR-PO4. Together, these findings indicate that regulation of GR-PO4 via activity-dependent BDNF signaling is important for learning-dependent synapses formation and maintenance. They also define a new signaling mechanism underlying these effects.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSignal transduction of receptors tyrosine kinase and nuclear receptors is essential for homeostasis. Phosphorylation is one of the currencies used by these receptors to support homeostatic reactions in learning and memory. Here we show that consolidation of learning-induced neuroplasticity is made possible via stress activated glucocorticoid nuclear receptor phosphorylation through the brain-derived neurotrophic tyrosine kinase pathway. Crosstalk between these pathways is specific of cell types and behavioral experience (e.g. learning, stress and enrichment living). Disruption of this response may contribute to the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders and treatment resistance.
Larval growth and survival in Indian Butter Catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch): effect of light intensity and photoperiod
Authors: Arambam Kalpana , Biswas Pradyut , Singh Soibam Khogen , Patel A. B. , Jena Alok Kumar , Singh Rajkumar Debarjeet , Pandey P. K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTwo sequential indoor rearing trials each of 21 days duration were conducted to investigate the effect of light intensity and photoperiod respectively on the growth and survival of Ompok bimaculatus larvae. In first trial, five different light intensities viz. 0, 300, 500, 900, 1200 lx were applied randomly to 800 larvae (0.003 g; 0.51 cm) stocked in triplicate following a completely randomized design into aquarium (30.0 x 15.0 x 15.0 cm) tanks. Sequentially, in second trial, five photoperiod cycles (light: dark, L: D) namely, 24L: 0D, 16L: 8D, 12L: 12D, 8L: 16D and 0L: 24D in combination with the best performing light intensity (300 lx) as observed from the first trial were employed in triplicates in similar set up. From the first trial, significantly higher survival was observed in 0 and 300 lx, whereas growth was highest in 900 lx (P < 0.05). In the second trial, survival was higher in continuous darkness (0L: 24D), whereas, maximum growth was recorded in 24L: 0D and 16L: 8D groups (P < 0.05). Performance index (PI) showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) among 0 and 300 lx light intensities, but were reduced at higher light intensities. The lowest PI was found in 12L: 12D and 8L: 16D condition but did not have any effect in other photoperiod cycles. Overall, from the present study it can be concluded that growth of the larvae is found to be higher in higher light intensity (900lx) and longer photoperiodic cycles (24L: 0D and 16L: 8D), however, better survival was recorded in total dark conditions suggesting that continuous dark condition is recommended for better hatchery performance of the larvae.
Effects of artificially introduced Enterococcus faecalis strains in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Delaplain Patrick T. , Bell Brandon A. , Wang Jin , Isani Mubina , Zhang Emily , Gayer Christopher P. , Grishin Anatoly V. , Ford Henri R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis is a ubiquitous intestinal symbiont and common early colonizer of the neonatal gut. Although colonization with E. faecalis has been previously associated with decreased NEC pathology, these bacteria have been also implicated as opportunistic pathogens. Here we characterized 21 strains of E. faecalis, naturally occurring in 4-day-old rats, for potentially pathogenic properties and ability to colonize the neonatal gut. The strains differed in hemolysis, gelatin liquefaction, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and ability to activate the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in cultured enterocytes. Only 3 strains appreciably colonized the neonatal intestine on day 4 after artificial introduction with the first feeding. The best colonizer, strain BB70, effectively displaced maternal E. faecalis and significantly increased NEC pathology. Our results show that colonization with E. faecalis may predispose neonates to NEC.
Survey of intertidal ecosystem reveals a legacy of potentially toxic elements from industrial activity in the Skeena Estuary, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Sizmur Tom , Campbell Lily , Dracott Karina , Jones Megan , O’Driscoll Nelson J. , Gerwing Travis 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRelationships between concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in estuarine sediments and their impact benthic invertebrate communities are poorly understood. We sampled and analysed PTEs in sediments and benthic invertebrates from five sites surrounding the Skeena Estuary, including sites adjacent to an abandoned cannery and a decommissioned papermill. There was no indication that sediments of the salmon cannery are polluted, but acidic sediments adjacent to the papermill contained elevated concentrations of Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb. Benthic invertebrate community assemblages confirm that sediments have recovered from prior disturbances associated with discharge of papermill sludge. Oregon pill bugs (Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis), observed at all five sites, feed on the fibers associated with the papermill discharge. Thus, G. oregonensis are useful biomonitors for quantifying the impact of the decommissioned papermill, and similar industrial development projects, on intertidal ecosystems along the north coast of British Columbia, Canada.
Transcriptional programs define intratumoral heterogeneity of Ewing sarcoma at single cell resolution
Authors: Aynaud M-M , Mirabeau O , Gruel N , Grossetête S , Boeva V , Durand S , Surdez D , Saulnier O , Zaïdi S , Gribkova S , Kairov U , Raynal V , Tirode F , Grünewald TGP , Bohec M , Baulande S , Janoueix-Lerosey I , Vert J-P , Barillot E , Delattre O , Zinovyev A 
Published: April 2019

SummaryEWSR1-FLI1, the chimeric oncogene specific for Ewing sarcoma (EwS), induces a cascade of signaling events leading to cell transformation. However, it remains elusive how genetically homogeneous EwS cells can drive heterogeneity of transcriptional programs. Here, we combined independent component analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing data from diverse cell types and model systems with time-resolved mapping of EWSR1-FLI1 binding sites and of open chromatin regions to characterize dynamic cellular processes associated with EWSR1-FLI1 activity. We thus defined an exquisitely specific and direct, super-enhancer-driven EWSR1-FLI1 program. In EwS tumors, cell proliferation was associated with a well-defined range of EWSR1-FLI1 activity; moreover, cells with a high EWSR1-FLI1 activity presented a strong oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. In contrast, a subpopulation of cells from below and above optimal EWSR1-FLI1 activity was characterized by increased hypoxia. Overall, our study reveals sources of intratumoral heterogeneity within Ewing tumors.
Teaching metadiscourse features and IELTS writing performance of Iranian EFL learners
Authors: Vasheghani Farahani Mehrdad , Pahlevansadegh Vahid 
Published: April 2019

PurposeIn spite of the growing interest in using corpora in language teaching and learning, applying computers and software (especially corpora software) is still new in second language teaching and learning. In addition, employing a learner corpus-based perspective in teaching metadiscourse features in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) writing tasks is not reported to the best knowledge of the researchers. Understanding and spotting this gap, the purpose of this paper is to utilize a learner corpus-based approach in teaching metadiscourse features and investigate its possible impacts on IELTS writing performance of the Iranian second language learners. Therefore, this study addressed the following research questions and hypotheses.Design/methodology/approachThe current research utilized a quasi-experimental research design. In addition, this research used a learner corpus-based methodology. The corpus-based methodology was exploited to enable the researchers to have access to a large body of authentic language materials. In other words, a corpus-based methodology was used due to the fact that it made it possible for the researchers to elicit the metadiscourse features from a large number of authentic writing materials and to employ them during the treatment process with authentic examples.FindingsThe findings showed that there was a positive correlation between teaching metadiscourse features and writing performance of IELTS learners; in that, teaching metadiscourse features could soar the writing performance of the subjects. In addition, interactional metadiscourse features had more impact than interactive metadiscourse features on writing performance.Practical implicationsThe results of this research can have useful implications for second language teachers and learners as well as researchers in learner corpus as they can learn the creation and application of learner corpora in second language teaching and learning.Originality/valueThis paper is value in that it uses corpus software and methodology in teaching metadiscourse features in writing section of IELTS test.
Board composition and corporate reporting on internet: Indian evidence
Authors: Sandhu Akasha , Singh Balwinder 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of board composition on the level of corporate internet reporting (CIR) practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses content analysis to examine the CIR practices of 140 Indian companies selected from the Bombay Stock Exchange 200 index for the year 2015. CIR was measured on a comprehensive internet disclosure index of 136 items capturing both content and presentation dimensions. Regression analysis was used to explore the impact of board composition (board size, board independence, frequency of board meetings, CEO duality and family members on the board) and audit committee characteristics on CIR while controlling the impact of variables firm size, leverage, profitability and industry type.FindingsThe findings reveal that larger boards, boards with less family members and audit committees that meet more frequently are more likely to engage in CIR practices. In addition, larger firms and firms that make less use of debt tend to disclose more information on their websites.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the study has been on one aspect of corporate governance mechanisms i.e. board characteristics. Future studies can explore the impact of ownership structure on CIR practices.Originality/valueThis study extends the prior CIR research by demonstrating the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in particular board characteristics in adopting internet reporting practices for Indian companies. The examination of the relationship between corporate reporting on the internet and corporate governance aids regulators in evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of the boards.
Do globalisation and adoption of IFRS by banks in Africa lead to less earnings management?
Authors: Amidu Mohammed , Issahaku Haruna 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to analyse the implications of globalisation and the adoption of international standards (International Financial Reporting Standards [IFRS]) for accounting information quality.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a sample of 329 banks across 29 countries leading up to and beyond the implementation of IFRS to test for related hypotheses.

Findings
First, banks’ financial statements are prepared on the basis of international standards as national economies are integrated when social norms are diffused. Building on these results, the second test suggests that the relatively high-quality earnings among banks in Africa during the period is attributable to the adoption of and interaction of IFRS with globalisation and the strategy of banks to diversify within and across interest and non-interest income.

Originality/value
The authors investigate how globalisation and the adoption of IFRS affect accounting information quality.
The relationship between the extent of online financial disclosure and profitability of Islamic banks
Authors: Al-Sartawi Abdalmuttaleb M.A Musleh , Reyad Sameh M. Reda 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between online financial disclosure (OFD) and profitability of Islamic banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of the literature was carried out and a checklist of 90 items (71 for content and 19 for presentation) was adopted to measure the level of OFD for the Islamic banks that are listed on the GCC stock exchanges. Additionally, the study used three indicators to measure profitability, namely, return on equity, return on assets and earnings per share.FindingsThe findings show that the overall OFD by Islamic banks in the GCC is 72.5 per cent, and a negative and insignificant relationship between OFD and profitability.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that regulatory bodies should develop a guideline of disclosing information through the internet to enhance the transparency and performance among Islamic banks, which leads to reasonable economic decision-making.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the financial reporting and the Islamic economy literature relating to the GCC countries as previous studies gave no attention to Islamic banks.
Female directors and the cost of debt: does gender diversity in the boardroom matter to lenders?
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Zhang Junrui , Makki Muhammad Abdul Majid , Khan Muhammad Kaleem 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the question concerning whether gender diversity in the boardroom matters to lenders or not?Design/methodology/approachTo answer this question, the authors use the data from 2009 to 2015 of all A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. The authors use ordinary least squares regression and firm fixed effect regression to draw our inferences. To check and control the issue of endogeneity the authors use one-year lagged gender diversity regression, two-stage least squares regression, propensity score matching method and Heckman two-stage regression.FindingsThe results suggest that the presence of female directors on the board reduces managerial opportunistic behavior and information asymmetry and, consequently, creditors’ perceptions about the probability of loan default and the cost of debt. The authors find that lenders charge 4 per cent less from borrowers that have at least one female board member than they do from borrowers with no female board members. The authors also find that the board structure (i.e. gender diversity) of government-owned firms also matters to lenders, as government-owned firms that have gender-diverse boards have a lower cost of debt (i.e. 5 per cent lower interest rate).Practical ImplicationsThe findings have implications for individual borrowers and for regulators. For example, borrowers can get debt financing at lower rates by altering their boards’ composition (i.e. through gender diversity). From the regulatory perspective, the results support recent legislative initiatives around the world regarding female directors’ representation on boards.Originality ValueThis paper makes several contributions. First, beyond the recent studies on boardroom gender, the authors investigate the relationship between gender diversity in the boardroom and the cost of debt. Second, the authors extend the literature on the association between government ownership and cost of debt by first time providing evidence that the board composition (e.g. gender diversity) of government-owned firms also matters to the lenders. The other contributions are discussed in the introduction section.
Optimal Contract Design in Residential Brokerage
Authors: Liu Peng , Xie Jia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe introduce a principal–agent model where a real estate agent has private information that is important for a home seller to make decisions on marketing strategies. The seller designs a commission contract that motivates the agent to acquire information and then truthfully reveal it. We find that fixed commission rates are optimal if the agent has no private information or if his private information is given. If the agent's private information is acquired endogenously, the optimal commission rate should vary with the information revealed by the agent. The varying commission rate, however, is associated with distorted decisions on marketing strategies.
Targets to improve quality of care for patients with hepatic encephalopathy: data from a multi‐centre cohort
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , O’Leary Jacqueline G. , Tandon Puneeta , Wong Florence , Kamath Patrick S. , Biggins Scott W. , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe , Lai Jennifer , Fallon Michael B. , Thuluvath Paul J. , Vargas Hugo E. , Maliakkal Benedict , Subramanian Ram M. , Thacker Leroy R. , Reddy K. Rajender 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundHepatic encephalopathy (HE) can adversely affect outcomes in both in‐patients and out‐patients with cirrhosis.AimTo define targets for improving quality of care in HE management in the multi‐centre North American Consortium for End‐Stage Liver Disease (NACSELD) cohort.MethodNACSELD in‐patient cohort was analysed for (a) medication‐associated precipitants, (b) aspiration pneumonia development, (c) HE medication changes, and (d) 90‐day HE recurrence/readmissions. Comparisons were made between patients on no‐therapy, lactulose only, rifaximin only or both. Ninety‐day HE‐readmission analysis was adjusted for MELD score.ResultsTwo thousand eight hundred and ten patients (1102 no‐therapy, 659 lactulose, 154 rifaximin, 859 both) were included. HE on admission, and HE rates during hospitalisation were highest in those on lactulose only or dual therapy compared to no‐therapy or rifaximin only (P < 0.001). Medications were the most prevalent precipitants (32%; 21% lactulose over/underuse, 5% benzodiazepines, 4% opioids, 1% rifaximin underuse, 1% hypnotics). Patients with medication‐associated precipitants had a better prognosis compared to other precipitants. A total of 23% (n = 217) reached grade 3/4 HE, of which 16% developed HE‐related aspiration pneumonia. Two thousand four hundred and twenty patients were discharged alive without liver transplant (790 no‐therapy, 639 lactulose, 136 rifaximin, 855 both); 12.5% (n = 99) of no‐therapy patients did not receive a discharge HE therapy renewal. Ninety‐day HE‐related readmissions were seen in 16% of patients (9% no‐therapy, 9% rifaximin only, lactulose only 18%, dual 21%, <0.001), which persisted despite MELD adjustment (P = 0.009).ConclusionSeveral targets to improve HE management were identified in a large cohort of hospitalised cirrhotic patients. Interventions to decrease medication‐precipitated HE, prevention of aspiration pneumonia, and optimisation of HE medications are warranted.
Blockade of the forward Na+/Ca2+ exchanger suppresses the growth of glioblastoma cells through Ca2+‐mediated cell death
Authors: Hu Hui‐Jie , Wang Shan‐Shan , Wang Yan‐Xia , Liu Yan , Feng Xue‐Mei , Shen Ying , Zhu Liang , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Song Mingke 
Published: April 2019

Background and PurposeThe Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) working in either forward or reverse mode participates in maintaining intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis, which is essential for determining cell fate. Previously, numerous blockers targeting reverse or forward NCX have been developed and studied in ischaemic tissue injury but barely examined in glioblastoma for the purpose of anti‐tumour therapy. We assessed the effect of NCX blockers on glioblastoma growth and whether NCX can become a therapeutic target.Experimental ApproachPatch‐clamp recording, Ca2+ imaging, flow cytometry, and Western blot were used to study the effects of specific and non‐specific NCX blockers on cultured glioblastoma cells. In vivo bioluminescent imaging was used to measure effects on grafted glioblastoma.Key ResultsSelectively blocking the reverse NCX with SEA0400, SN‐6, and YM‐244769 did not affect tumour cell viability. Blocking the forward NCX with bepridil, CB‐DMB, or KB‐R7943 elevated [Ca2+]i and killed glioblastoma cells. Bepridil and CB‐DMB caused Ca2+‐dependent cell cycle arrest together with apoptosis, which were all attenuated by a Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM. Systemic administration of bepridil inhibited growth of brain‐grafted glioblastoma. Bepridil did not appear to have a cytotoxic effect on human astrocytes, which have higher functional expression of NCX than glioblastoma cells.Conclusions and ImplicationsLow expression of the NCX makes glioblastoma cells sensitive to disturbance of [Ca2+]i. Interventions designed to block the forward NCX can cause Ca2+‐mediated injury to glioblastoma thus having therapeutic potential. Bepridil could be a lead compound for developing new anti‐tumour drugs.