bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active syphilis and its association with HIV and sexual risk behaviours in a multicity sample of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Peru
Authors: Pizzicato Lia N. , Vagenas Panagiotis , Gonzales Pedro , Lama Javier R. , Pun Monica , Sanchez Jorge , Altice Frederick L.
Published: May 2017

Background
Syphilis in Peru is heavily concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). The aim of the present study was to understand the risk factors for active syphilis infection among MSM and TGW in Peru. Methods: Independent correlates suggestive of active syphilis infection were examined to better understand risk factors for syphilis in MSM and TGW, with separate analyses conducted based on location and among TGW. In 2011, 5101 MSM and TGW completed both self-report surveys and HIV and syphilis testing in five Peruvian cities. Results: Overall, 261 (5.1%) MSM and TGW met the criteria for active syphilis, with higher prevalence in Lima than elsewhere (7.0% vs 3.0%) and in TGW than in MSM (10.7% vs 4.2%). Significant independent correlates of active syphilis infection differed greatly by location. In Lima, they included being HIV-infected (aware or unaware of status), being a TGW, being a high school graduate, engaging in receptive anal intercourse, no recent sex with a female partner and having had any symptomatic sexually transmissible infection, including syphilis, in the previous 6 months. Outside Lima, the independent correlates included being HIV-infected and unaware of status, engaging in recent sex work, no recent sex with a female partner and age 35–44 years. Among TGW, independent correlates of active syphilis included being HIV-infected (aware or unaware of status), a recent syphilis diagnosis in the previous 6 months and recent drug use. Conclusion: The findings of the present study support the need not only for combined HIV and syphilis screening, but also for increased screening and treatment of syphilis in MSM and TGW populations. Stratified analyses suggest different syphilis epidemics throughout the country and in TGW, yet being HIV-infected and aware were consistently associated with active syphilis, suggesting higher syphilis risk in HIV-infected MSM and TGW.
Assembly of the U5 snRNP component PRPF8 is controlled by the HSP90/R2TP chaperones
Authors: Malinová Anna , Cvačková Zuzana , Matějů Daniel , Hořejší Zuzana , Abéza Claire , Vandermoere Franck , Bertrand Edouard , Staněk David , Verheggen Céline
Published: May 2017

Splicing is catalyzed by the spliceosome, a complex of five major small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). The pre-mRNA splicing factor PRPF8 is a crucial component of the U5 snRNP, and together with EFTUD2 and SNRNP200, it forms a central module of the spliceosome. Using quantitative proteomics, we identified assembly intermediates containing PRPF8, EFTUD2, and SNRNP200 in association with the HSP90/R2TP complex, its ZNHIT2 cofactor, and additional proteins. HSP90 and R2TP bind unassembled U5 proteins in the cytoplasm, stabilize them, and promote the formation of the U5 snRNP. We further found that PRPF8 mutants causing Retinitis pigmentosa assemble less efficiently with the U5 snRNP and bind more strongly to R2TP, with one mutant retained in the cytoplasm in an R2TP-dependent manner. We propose that the HSP90/R2TP chaperone system promotes the assembly of a key module of U5 snRNP while assuring the quality control of PRPF8. The proteomics data further reveal new interactions between R2TP and the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), pointing to a potential link between growth signals and the assembly of key cellular machines.
Qualitative Effect of Added Gluten on Dough Properties and Quality of Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Ma Fengyun , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: May 2017

Glutens isolated from 15 soft red winter (SRW) wheat flours were added into a SRW wheat flour to obtain protein levels of 9.6 and 11.3% for determination of the qualitative effect of added gluten on the dough properties and quality of northern‐style Chinese steamed bread (CSB). Sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation (SDSS) volume of the gluten source flour exhibited positive relationships with mixograph absorption, midline peak time (MPT), and midline peak value (MPV) of the gluten‐added flours and with surface smoothness, crumb structure, and total score of CSB prepared from the gluten‐added flours regardless of protein content. Positive correlations were also observed between SDSS volume of the gluten source flour and specific volume and stress relaxation score of CSB prepared from the gluten‐added flours of 11.3% protein. The increase in protein content from 9.6 to 11.3% by gluten addition raised mixograph absorption, MPT, and MPV but had no apparent effect on resistance breakdown, dough maximum force for extension, and extensibility, and it increased CSB specific volume and crumb structure score without affecting surface smoothness, stress relaxation, and total score. Mixograph parameters exhibited significant relationships with CSB total score, indicating that they could be effective predictors of the CSB‐making quality of flours.
The Effect of Formulation, Dose, and Adjuvants on Uptake of Phosphite Into Pine Foliage
Authors: Rolando Carol A. , Gaskin Robyn E. , Gous Stefan F. , Horgan David B. , Raymond Laura G.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of dose and adjuvant on uptake of two phosphite products (Phos-A and Phos-B) into Pinus radiata needles. In experiment 1, uptake of 6 kg ha−1 phosphite, applied as Phos-A, in 100 liters of water, together with an organosilicone superspreader (0.2%), was high (>60%). Uptake at doses greater than 6 kg ha−1 (12, 15, 18, and 24 kg ha−1) and applied in volumes less than 100 liters of water (75 and 50 liters) was poor (1 to 30%). Using stability tests and NMR spectroscopy in experiment 2, this appeared to be linked to a concentration dependent reaction resulting in the degradation of the organosilicone adjuvant that facilitated uptake of Phos-A. In experiment 3, uptake of phosphite applied as Phos-B, between 6 and 24 kg ha−1 in 100 liters of water, was tested alone and with four adjuvants (an organosilicone, alcohol ethoxylate, lecithin, and esterified seed oil). Uptake of Phos-B without any adjuvant was high (>50%) across all doses, indicating the formulation was optimized for P. radiata needles. Uptake of Phos-B increased with concentration up to 72% at 24 kg ha−1 in 100 liters of water. Symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed at rates of ≥12 kg ha−1. This study highlighted the effect of formulation, dose, concentration, and adjuvant on the uptake of phosphite into P. radiata needles.
Knee Recurvatum in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bauer Jeremy , Patrick Do K. , Feng Jing , Pierce Rosemary , Aiona Michael
Published: May 2017

Background:

The purpose of this study is to determine which factors drive patients with diplegic cerebral palsy to walk without knee recurvatum despite hyperextension of the knee on physical examination.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of all data collected in the Gait Analysis Laboratory between 1999 and 2014. Patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and at least 5 degrees of knee extension on clinical examination were identified for the study. After IRB approval, a total of 60 children ranging in age from 4 to 17 were included in the study. There were 27 female patients. Gross Motor Function Classification System level was distributed in the population as follows: 34 patients at Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, 18 at level II, and 8 at level III. Patients were excluded from this study if they had extrapyramidal involvement, history of selective dorsal rhizotomy or lower extremity surgery. Patient who received botulinum toxin A injections within 1 year of the study were excluded as well. Patients were divided into 2 groups: children that walked with knee hyperextension (KH) and children that walked without knee hyperextension (KF, “knee flexion”). There were 15 subjects in the KH group and 45 subjects in the KF group. Motion Laboratory evaluation included a comprehensive examination, kinematics, and kinetic analysis with a VICOM system. All data were analyzed with unpaired t test to detect differences between the 2 groups. All statistical analysis was done only for the right legs (unless the right leg did not meet the exclusion then the left leg was analyzed) to meet the statistical requirement for independence. The Pearson correlation was applied to correlate the maximum knee extension in stance with maximum ankle dorsiflexion in stance.

Results:

The static measurement of dorsiflexion with knee flexed showed statistically significant difference (P=0.004) with KH group having 2.3±11.6 degrees and KF group having 13.1±12.2 degrees. There was also a statistically significant difference in the static measurement of dorsiflexion with knee extended (P=0.0014) with KH group having −3.3±9.0 degrees and KF group having 5.8±9.1 degrees. Maximum dorsiflexion in stance phase also showed significant difference (P=0.0022) with the KH group having 0.1±14.0 degrees and KF group having 11.5±11.2 degrees. Maximum dorsiflexion in stance phase also showed significant difference (P<0.001) with the DH group having 0.1 (SD) 14.0 degrees and KF group having 11.5 (SD) 11.2 degrees. There were no significant differences in popliteal angle measurements or any strength measurement.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that the plantar flexion knee extension couple is the major contributing factor to cause patients with passive knee hyperextension to walk in a recurvatum pattern. This would have implications of further treatment of the knee hyperextension in stance.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—case-control study.
Acute Pediatric Monteggia Fractures: A Conservative Approach to Stabilization
Authors: Foran Ian , Upasani Vidyadhar V. , Wallace Charles D. , Britt Elise , Bastrom Tracey P. , Bomar James D. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: May 2017

Background:

In 2015, a multicenter study group proposed a treatment algorithm for pediatric Monteggia fractures based upon the ulnar fracture pattern. This strategy recommends surgical stabilization for all complete ulna fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an initial nonoperative approach to pediatric Monteggia fractures resulted in poorer outcomes and a higher rate of complications.

Methods:

This institutional review board approved retrospective study evaluated all Monteggia fractures presenting to a level 1 pediatric trauma center between 2008 and 2014. Chart and radiographic reviews were performed on 94 patients who met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.5 years (range, 1 to 13 y). The mean clinical follow-up was 18 weeks. Major complications were defined as those requiring an unplanned second procedure (other than implant removal) or that may result in long-term disability (residual radial head subluxation/dislocation). Univariate (P<0.05) and Multivariate Classification and Regression Tree (CART) (P<0.05) analyses were used to identify variables associated with the need for surgical stabilization.

Results:

At final follow-up, there were no cases of residual radiocapitellar joint subluxation or dislocation and all fractures had healed. The majority (83%) of patients were successfully managed with a cast. Univariate analysis found Bado type and maximum ulna angulation as significant predictors (P<0.05), whereas the CART analysis found ulna angulation >36.5 degrees as the only primary predictor of requiring surgical stabilization. Overall, good outcomes were achieved in all patients with few major complications.

Conclusions:

Although treatment algorithms are intended to minimize complications and maximize good outcomes, we believe that an unintentional consequence of the recently proposed pediatric Monteggia fracture treatment guideline may be the overtreatment of these injuries. In our cohort, the majority of patients were able to avoid the operating room and surgical implants without compromising outcomes or complications. This more conservative approach, however, requires close monitoring of patients in the first 3 weeks during which most reductions were lost.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic studies, case series.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury at the Time of Anterior Tibial Spine Fracture in Young Patients: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Mayo Meredith H. , Mitchell Justin J. , Axibal Derek P. , Chahla Jorge , Palmer Claire , Vidal Armando F. , Rhodes Jason T.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSF) in the skeletally immature parallel anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in adult patients, yet these injuries are generally regarded as mutually exclusive. Biomechanical analysis suggests that intrinsic ACL damage occurs during ATSF, and long-term clinical studies demonstrate residual anteroposterior knee laxity following ATSF. We aim to describe prevalence, demographics, and characteristics of pediatric patients who sustained ATSF with concomitant ACL injury.

Methods:

We included 129 patients with ATSF over a 16-year period. Age, sex, injury mechanism, ATSF type, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation, treatment modality, ACL injury, and concomitant meniscal/chondral injuries were analyzed. Concurrent ACL injury was confirmed either from MRI or intraoperatively.

Results:

Nineteen percent (n=25) of ATSF patients had concomitant ACL injury, with ACL injury significantly more likely in type II or type III ATSF compared with type I ATSF (P=0.03). Patients with combined ATSF/ACL injury were significantly older (P=0.02) and more likely to be male (P=0.01). Mechanism of ATSF injury was not associated with ACL injury (P=0.83). Preoperative MRI had low sensitivity (0.09) for recognizing ACL injury at the time of ATSF relative to intraoperative assessment. Half of ATSF/ACL-injured patients had additional meniscal or chondral injury, with meniscal repair or debridement required in 37.5% of the type II ATSF/ACL injury.

Conclusions:

There are demographic characteristics, such as age (older) and sex (male), associated with a higher risk of concomitant ACL injury at the time of ATSF. Type II and type III ATSF patterns had a higher prevalence of ACL injury. MRI failed to correctly identify ACL injury at the time of ATSF. Concomitant ACL injury at the time of ATSF is highly prevalent in the skeletally immature, occurring in 19.4% of patients with ATSF.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—case series.
Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Levy David M. , Reid Kristoff , Gross Christopher E.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The syndesmosis is critical in maintaining the structural integrity of the distal tibiofibular joint, and perhaps as much as 10% of all ankle fractures are accompanied by a syndesmotic injury. The purpose of this study is to review all relevant literatures on the treatment of syndesmotic ankle fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The keyword selection was designed to capture all levels I to IV evidence English-language studies that reported clinical and/or radiographic outcomes. All case reports and studies with a minimum follow-up of <1 year were excluded. In total, 18 studies with 951 patients and ankles were selected for inclusion. P-value of 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results:

The studies ranged from January 1974 through August 2014, and the average age was 43.7±5.6 years with 57.4% of patients being male. All studies evaluated the efficacy of open reduction internal fixation. Metallic screws were the primary mode of fixation in 16 studies, whereas none of the studies evaluated the efficacy of nonoperative or endoscopic treatment. Totally, 148 screws were reported broken at the time of final follow-up, and syndesmotic screws were removed 8.5±3.7 weeks after surgery. The average time to clinical follow-up was 43.0±56.7 months. Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores (maximum 10) were 2.3±1.3, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 88.7±4.1, and Olerud-Molander scores were 80.1±5.3. Only 4 studies reported 14 complications (2.8±3.1), whereas 5 studies reported 8 revision operations (1.0±1.3).

Discussion:

This systematic review primarily confirms that syndesmotic injuries are successfully treated with open reduction internal fixation. Syndesmotic screws are commonly removed within first 3 months after surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—systematic review of levels I to IV studies.
Family History of Migraine Associated With Posttraumatic Migraine Symptoms Following Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Sufrinko Alicia , McAllister-Deitrick Jamie , Elbin RJ , Collins Michael W. , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To determine whether family history of migraine increased the likelihood of posttraumatic migraine (PTM) symptom presentation in adolescents following concussion, and examine the influence of family history of migraine and PTM on postinjury outcomes.

Setting:

Outpatient concussion clinic.

Participants:

A total of 153 patients with concussion (103 males and 50 females) aged 15.72 ± 1.48 years (range 12–18 years).

Design:

Cross-sectional, observational study of patients presenting for initial evaluation 4.72 ± 3.05 days (range 1–14) postinjury.

Main Measures:

Computerized neurocognitive testing, symptom report, and vestibular/oculomotor screening.

Results:

Patients with a family history of migraine were 2.6 times (odds ratio = 2.60, confidence interval = 1.35–5.02, P = .003) more likely to present with PTM compared with patients without a family history. Results of multivariate analyses of covariance, controlling for concussion history, revealed significant main effects for PTM on (1) Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)/Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) (F = 15.43, P <.001) and (2) Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) (F = 8.52, P < .001). There was no main effect for family history of migraine on ImPACT/PCSS (P = .22) and VOMS (P = .83) or interaction between family history of migraine and PTM on ImPACT/PCSS (P = .84) and VOMS (P = .52).

Conclusion:

Family history of migraine is associated with PTM symptoms following sport-related concussion, suggesting a genetic predisposition for migraine may serve as a catalyst or trigger for onset of PTM. However, only presence of PTM, rather than family history of migraine, was related to worse neurocognitive and vestibular/oculomotor outcomes.
Investigating the Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Adolescents
Authors: Rhine Tara , Cassedy Amy , Yeates Keith Owen , Taylor Hudson Gerry , Kirkwood Michael W. , Wade Shari L.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To identify potentially modifiable individual and social-environmental correlates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among adolescents hospitalized for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:

Four pediatric hospitals and 1 general hospital in the United States.

Participants:

Children ages 11 to 18 years, hospitalized for moderate-severe TBI within the past 18 months.

Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Main Measures:

The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reaction Index and the Youth Self-Report (YSR) PTSD subscale.

Results:

Of 147 adolescents enrolled, 65 (44%) had severe TBI, with an average time since injury of 5.8 ± 4 months. Of the 104 who completed the UCLA-PTSD Reaction Index, 22 (21%) reported PTSS and 9 (8%) met clinical criteria for PTSD. Of the 143 who completed the YSR-PTSD subscale, 23 (16%) reported PTSS and 6 (4%) met clinical criteria for PTSD. In multivariable analyses, having a negative approach to problem solving and depressive symptoms were both associated (P < .001) with higher levels of PTSS based on the UCLA-PTSD Reaction Index (β = 0.41 and β = 0.33, respectively) and the YSR-PTSD subscale (β = 0.33 and β = 0.40, respectively).

Conclusion:

Targeting negative aspects of problem solving in youths after brain injury may mitigate PTSS.
A longitudinal study of the influence of comorbidities and lifestyle factors on low back pain in older men
Authors: Parreira Patricia C.S. , Maher Chris G. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Machado Gustavo C. , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J. , Handelsman David , Cumming Robert G.
Published: May 2017

Older adults are largely under-represented in low back pain (LBP) research. In light of the ageing population, it is crucial to understand the influence of comorbidities and lifestyle factors on the risk and prognosis of LBP in older adults. The aims of this study were to describe the course of LBP in older men; to investigate whether comorbidities/lifestyle factors can predict the course of LBP in older men; to assess if comorbidities/lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing LBP in older men. The study sample comprised 1685 older men living in suburban Sydney, Australia. Low back pain, sociodemographic measures, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities were assessed. Of the 1012 men with LBP at baseline, 58% still reported having pain at the 24-month follow-up. Of those without pain at baseline (n = 673), 28% reported pain at follow-up. The odds of persistent pain at 24 months increased with each additional alcoholic drink/wk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.22; P = 0.03) and each additional unit of body mass index (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.60; P = 0.02), but reduced for men who speak English at home (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.96; P = 0.03). In older men, free of LBP at baseline (n = 673), for every additional comorbidity there was an increased risk of developing LBP (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.37; P = 0.05). These results demonstrate the influence of lifestyle factors and comorbidities on LBP in older men and suggest that the consideration of these issues in management may improve outcomes.
“Modulation of apoptosis controls inhibitory interneuron number in the cortex”
Authors: Denaxa Myrto , Neves Guilherme , Rabinowitz Adam , Kemlo Sarah , Liodis Petros , Burrone Juan , Pachnis Vassilis
Published: May 2017

Cortical networks are composed of excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Finding the right balance between the two is important for controlling overall cortical excitation and network dynamics. However, it is unclear how the correct number of cortical interneurons (CIs) is established in the mammalian forebrain. CIs are generated in excess from basal forebrain progenitors and their final numbers are adjusted via an intrinsically determined program of apoptosis that takes place during an early postnatal window. Here, we provide evidence that the extent of CI apoptosis during this critical period is plastic, cell type specific and can be reduced in a cell autonomous manner by acute increases in neuronal activity. We propose that the physiological state of the emerging neural network controls the activity levels of local CIs to modulate their numbers in a homeostatic manner.
Filopodyan: An Open-Source Pipeline For The Analysis Of Filopodia
Authors: Urbančič Vasja , Butler Richard , Richier Benjamin , Peter Manuel , Mason Julia , Livesey Frederick J. , Holt Christine E. , Gallop Jennifer L.
Published: May 2017

Filopodia have important sensory and mechanical roles in motile cells. The recruitment of actin regulators, such as ENA/VASP proteins, to sites of protrusion underlies diverse molecular mechanisms of filopodia formation and extension. We developed Filopodyan (
filopo
dia
dy
namics
an
alysis) in Fiji and R to measure fluorescence in filopodia and at their tips and bases concurrently with their morphological and dynamic properties. Filopodyan supports high-throughput phenotype characterization as well as detailed interactive editing of filopodia reconstructions through an intuitive graphical user interface. Our highly customizable pipeline is widely applicable, capable of detecting filopodia in four different cell types in vitro and in vivo. We use Filopodyan to show that recruitment of ENA and VASP precedes filopodia formation in neuronal growth cones, and uncover a molecular heterogeneity whereby different filopodia display markedly different responses to changes in the accumulation of ENA and VASP in their tips over time.
The human visual cortex response to melanopsin-directed stimulation is accompanied by a distinct perceptual experience
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Bock Andrew S. , Ryan Jack , Frazzetta Giulia , Brainard David H. , Aguirre Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2017

The photopigment melanopsin supports reflexive visual functions in people, such as pupil constriction and circadian photoentrainment. What contribution melanopsin makes to conscious visual perception is less studied. We devised a stimulus that targeted melanopsin separately from the cones using pulsed (3 s) spectral modulations around a photopic background. Pupil-lometry confirmed that the melanopsin stimulus drives a retinal mechanism distinct from luminance. In each of four subjects, a functional MRI response in area V1 was found. This response scaled with melanopic contrast and was not easily explained by imprecision in the silencing of the cones. Twenty additional subjects then observed melanopsin pulses and provided a structured rating of the perceptual experience. Melanopsin stimulation was described as an unpleasant, blurry, minimal brightening that quickly faded. We conclude that isolated stimulation of melanopsin is likely associated with a response within the cortical visual pathway and with an evoked conscious percept.
Mechanistic Insights into the Active Site and Allosteric Communication Pathways in Human Nonmuscle Myosin-2C
Authors: Chinthalapudi Krishna , Heissler Sarah M. , Preller Matthias , Sellers James R. , Manstein Dietmar J.
Published: May 2017

The cyclical interaction of myosin with F-actin and nucleotides is the basis for contractility of the actin cytoskeleton. Despite a generic, highly conserved motor domain, ATP turnover kinetics and their activation by F-actin vary greatly between myosins-2 isoforms. Here, we present a 2.25 Å crystal structure of the human nonmuscle myosin-2C motor domain, one of the slowest myosins characterized. In combination with integrated mutagenesis, ensemble-solution kinetics, and molecular dynamics simulations approaches, this study reveals an allosteric communication pathway that connects the distal end of the motor domain with the active site. Genetic disruption of this pathways reduces nucleotide binding and release kinetics up to 85-fold and abolishes nonmuscle myosin-2 specific kinetic signatures. These results provide insights into structural changes in the myosin motor domain that are triggered upon F-actin binding and contribute critically to the mechanochemical behavior of stress fibers, actin arcs, and cortical actin-based structures.
Revisiting theAncylostoma caninumsecretome provides new information on hookworm-host interactions
Authors: Morante Taylor , Shepherd Catherine , Constantinoiu Constantin , Loukas Alex , Sotillo Javier
Published: May 2017

Hookworm infection is a major tropical parasitic disease affecting almost 500 million people worldwide. These soil-transmitted helminths can survive for many years in the intestine of the host, where they feed on blood, causing iron deficiency anaemia and other complications. To avoid the host’s immune response the parasite releases excretory/secretory products (ESPs), a complex mixture of glycans, lipids and proteins that represent the major host-parasite interface. Using a combination of separation techniques such as SDS-PAGE and OFFGEL electrophoresis, in combination with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry we have reanalysed the dog hookworm,Ancylostoma caninum, ESPs (AcES). We identified 315 proteins present in theAcES, compared with just 105 identified in previous studies. The most highly represented family of proteins is the SCP/TAPs (90 of the 315 proteins), and the most abundant constituents ofAcES are homologues of the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMP) family. We identified putative vaccine candidates and proteins that could have immunomodulatory effects for treating inflammatory diseases. This study provides novel information about the proteins involved in host-hookworm interactions, and constitutes a comprehensive dataset for the development of vaccines and the discovery of new immunoregulatory biologics.
Modeling science trustworthiness under publish or perish pressure
Authors: Grimes David Robert , Bauch Chris T. , Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: May 2017

The scientific endeavor pivots on the accurate reporting of experimental and theoretical findings, and consequently scientific publication is immensely important. As the number of active scientists continues to increase, there is concern that rewarding scientists chiefly on publication creates a perverse incentive where careless and fraudulent research can thrive. This is compounded by the predisposition of top-tier journals towards novel or positive findings rather than negative results or investigations that merely confirm a null hypothesis, despite their intrinsic value, potentially compounding a reproducibility crisis in several fields. This is a serious problem for both science and public trust in scientific findings. To date, there has been comparatively little mathematical modeling on the factors that influence science trustworthiness, despite the importance of quantifying the problem. In this work, we present a simple phenomenological model with cohorts of diligent, careless and unethical scientists with funding allocated based on published outputs. The results of this analysis suggest that trustworthiness of published science in a given field is strongly influenced by the false positive rate and the pressures from journals for positive results, and that decreasing available funding has negative consequences for the resulting trustworthiness. We also examine strategies to combat propagation of irreproducible science, including increasing fraud detection and awarding diligence, discussing the implications of these findings.
Cryo-EM of aMarseilleviridaevirus particle reveals a large internal microassembly
Authors: Okamoto Kenta , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Reddy Hemanth K.N. , Hantke Max F. , Maia Filipe R.N.C. , Larsson Daniel S. D. , Abergel Chantal , Claverie Jean-Michel , Hajdu Janos , Murata Kazuyoshi , Svenda Martin
Published: May 2017

Nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) blur the line between viruses and cells. Melbournevirus (MelV, fam.Marseilleviridae) belongs to a new family of NCLDVs. Here we present an electron cryo-microscopy structure of the MelV particle, with the largest known triangulation number (T=309) for a virus. The 230-nm particle is constructed by 3080 pseudo-hexagonal capsomers and encloses a membrane bilayer. Its most distinct feature is a large dense body (LDB) consistently found in all particles. Electron cryo-tomography of 147 particles showed that the LDB is located preferentially in proximity to the bilayer. The LDB is 30 nm in size and its density matches that of a genome/protein complex. More than 58 proteins are associated with the purified particle, including histone-like proteins, putative membrane proteins and capsid proteins. The observed intricate structural organization reinforces the genetic complexity of MelV, setting it apart from other viruses, and suggests an evolutionary link with cellular organisms.
Globalization and bank efficiency nexus: empirical evidence from the Malaysian banking sector
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Kamarudin Fakarudin , Md. Nassir Annuar
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new empirical evidence on the impact of economic globalization on the efficiency of the banking sector. The paper also investigates to what extent the internal (i.e. bank specific characteristics) and external (i.e. macroeconomic conditions) factors influence the efficiency of banks while controlling for the impact of the different dimensions of globalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is confined into two stages. In the first stage, the authors employ the bias-corrected data envelopment analysis method to compute the efficiency of individual banks during the period 1999-2012. The authors then use bootstrap regressions to examine the impact of economic globalization on bank efficiency, while controlling for the potential impacts of contextual variables.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the impacts of personal contacts, information flows, and cultural proximity seem to work in favor of Malaysian banks’ efficiency. A plausible reason could be due to the fact that capital account liberalization is usually accompanied by liberalization of the financial services sector, resulting in a greater competition and subsequently eroding monopolistic profits. The empirical findings also bring forth the importance of and political globalization in determining the efficiency of banks operating in the Malaysian banking sector.

Originality/value

The present study aims to provide for the first time empirical evidence on the performance of the banking sector and to establish new empirical evidence on the impact of globalization. The empirical evidence on the impact of globalization on the banking sector is completely missing from the literature.
Capability assessment of Army spare parts replenishment system
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Kulkarni Makarand S. , Parlikad Ajith
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current spare parts replenishment system of the Army. This exercise is being done with an aim to assess the capability of the current system to implement a time separated lean-agile system of spare parts replenishment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey conducted on people in managerial ranks, working in the field of military logistics. The survey is thereafter summarised to ascertain the current status of spare parts replenishment system in the Army. The findings of the survey are elaborated at the end of the paper.

Findings

The strengths of the current spare parts replenishment system are highlighted. This is followed with the weaknesses of the system in implementing a dynamic lean-agile replenishment system.

Originality/value

The paper is aimed at assessing the capability of the current spare parts replenishment system and its ability to adapt to a novel replenishment system that is lean in peacetime to save money and agile during war to increase reliability of equipment achieved by a certainty of supply. The survey conducted on the persons actually involved in this logistics reveals areas that need emphasis in order to achieve such a time separated lean-agile replenishment system.
Relationships among ERP, supply chain orientation and operational performance
Authors: Acar Mehmet Fatih , Zaim Selim , Isik Mine , Calisir Fethi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interactions among enterprise resource planning (ERP) practices, supply chain orientation (SCO), and operational performance (OPER) by forming a macro perspective based on a scientific foundation powered by a resource-based view.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to verify the underlying dimensions of SCO and ERP practices. The covariance-based structural equation modeling was employed to test the direct and indirect effects of SCO and ERP practices constructs on OPER.

Findings

Results revealed that SCO has significant and positive effects on OPER, whereas ERP practices do not. Moreover, the indirect effect of ERP practices with the mediating effects of SCO is stronger than their direct effects. In addition, the origin of the ERP practices is found to be an important critical success factor.

Originality/value

Although much research has investigated the direct effect of ERP practices on performance, this study points out the importance of SCO in observing the stronger impacts of ERP practices.
An approach to address principal supplier development impediments
Authors: C.V. Sunil Kumar , Routroy Srikanta
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assist a manufacturer for determining the principal supplier development impediments (SDIs) that are affecting the supplier development programs (SDPs) and yield a basis for drawing the appropriate mitigation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach starts with the application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and Pareto analysis to obtain the principal SDIs. Subsequently, the interpretive structural modeling and Fuzzy-Matrice d’Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement analysis are applied on the principal SDIs to explore the root causes inducing ineffectiveness in the SDPs.

Findings

The outcomes of the proposed approach were demonstrated through a case study conducted in an Indian automotive components manufacturing company. The principal SDIs were identified, ranked, classified and structurally related for the said case company’s manufacturing environment. It was found that the lack of competent workforce, level of nascent relationship between manufacturer and suppliers and poor devolution of authority were the main SDIs that the case company has to primarily focus to make its SDPs effective.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study was conducted in a practical case situation, the obtained results are not indiscriminate to the other case situations. However, the proposed approach can be applied for analyzing the SDIs in any manufacturing environment once the set of SDIs relevant to that environment are carefully chosen.

Practical implications

The methodology would assist a manufacturer to proactively identify the SDIs that it has to primarily focus and subsequently devise the mitigation strategies for smooth running of its SDPs.

Originality/value

By utilizing the identified SDIs and applying the proposed methodology a manufacturer can find the main SDIs that are making the SDPs ineffective and accordingly fix the hindrances through certain mitigation strategies designed.
Embeddedness and turnover intentions in extra roles
Authors: DiRenzo Marco , Aten Kathryn , Rosikiewicz Blythe , Barnes Jason , Brown Caroline , Shapiro Adam , Volkmann Benny
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers of turnover intention in extra roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-methods study began with a qualitative analysis of interviews of US Marine Corps reservists, which identified drivers of turnover and suggested a predictive model and hypotheses, tested with a subsequent quantitative analysis.

Findings

The results show that relations, meaning, and role conflict predict embeddedness in the US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR), which is negatively related to turnover intentions. The sub-dimensions of the three drivers are clarified.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to understanding the antecedents of embeddedness and turnover in extra roles. It also highlights extra roles as a source of role conflict. This study was limited to the USMCR, one extra role. All participants in the qualitative phase of the study were male officers. Although the quantitative study included enlisted and officers, men were still more strongly represented. The results should be replicated across different types of extra roles and should include different job types and personal characteristics.

Originality/value

This study develops and tests a predictive model of embeddedness and turnover in the understudied context of salient extra roles. It clarifies antecedents of embeddedness in an extra role context and indicates that salient extra roles may be an additional source of role conflict in people’s lives.
Is social upgrading occurring in South Asia’s apparel industry?
Authors: Khattak Amira , Haworth Nigel , Stringer Christina , Benson-Rea Maureen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between economic upgrading (implementing higher value-added activities) and social upgrading (improvements in workers’ rights and employment) of supplier firms in global value chains (GVCs) governed by multinational enterprises (MNEs). This paper answers Buckley and Ghauri’s (2004) and Buckley and Strange (2015) calls to incorporate other theoretical approaches within the international business (IB) literature. Furthermore, the paper also responds to Lee and Gereffi (2015) argument, published in Critical perspectives on international business, of the need to incorporate the social impact of upgrading in the IB literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with representatives from five supplier firms each in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as with industry representatives.

Findings

Governance patterns within GVCs can create the conditions for economic upgrading leading to social upgrading achievements. Institutional factors also affect the conditions for social upgrading. Although moving to higher value-added activities is critical for supplier firms, this does not necessarily lead to social upgrading. This paper’s research findings suggest that the combination of economic and social upgrading is positively associated with suppliers manufacturing high value-added products and operating in relational networks. In contrast, economic upgrading, by itself, was limited to those firms manufacturing low value-added products, typically those in captive networks.

Originality value

This research is among an emerging body of literature seeking to integrate the GVC literature with the IB field. Importantly, it also contributes to the GVC literature by providing insight into an under-theorized aspect – the relationship between social and economic upgrading.
Commentary on “Estimating the number of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland and the cohort at elevated risk of early onset dementia”
Authors: Dodd Karen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications for people with Down’s syndrome and their families of identifying those people who are at risk of developing dementia from the research study “Estimating the number of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland and the cohort at elevated risk of early onset dementia”.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary is based on a review of the associated literature.

Findings

Estimating the numbers is important but has serious implications for people who have an elevated risk and their families. Preparation and ongoing support and planning are vital to ensure that quality of life is maintained as dementia is identified and progresses.

Originality/value

The commentary considers the research presented from a practitioner perspective.
Estimating the number of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland and the cohort at elevated risk of early onset dementia
Authors: Stuart Claire
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the size of the population of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland in order to provide a basis for estimating likely numbers of people with dementia in Down’s syndrome at a range of ages.

Design/methodology/approach

Recorded data were requested from all general practitioner (GP) services in Scotland on people with an identified READ code denoting Down’s syndrome. A statistical weighting model was then applied to account for non-response bias.

Findings

There were 3,261 people with Down’s syndrome estimated by the application of a statistical weighting model. Of these, 1,118 people (34 percent) were aged between 40 and 59. This age banding includes the age groups reported as having the highest incidence of early onset dementia in Down’s syndrome.

Research limitations/implications

It is not possible to apply a benchmark to the percentage of observed data which gives an indication of how accurate the estimates produced are. Rather, the quality of the estimates depends on the response rate itself and the extent to which response is correlated with the outcome variable. In short, the quality of the final weighted estimates depends on the extent to which the biasing effect is mitigated by the weighting. As a result, a different response rate to this survey would have resulted in variations in the weighting model and therefore provided a different set of estimates.

Social implications

Adults with Down’s syndrome have an elevated risk of developing dementia significantly earlier than the general population and require specific age appropriate supports and services to meet their needs both pre and post-diagnosis. The reality of this is currently not fully realized in either standard practice or national policy concerning the issue.

Originality/value

This is the first set of data collected from GP services in Scotland to examine this issue and attempt to identify the population of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland as a whole.
Impact of drinking water treatment and distribution on the microbiome continuum: an ecological disturbance's perspective
Authors: Zhang Ya , Oh Seungdae , Liu Wen‐Tso
Published: May 2017

While microbes are known to be present at different stages of a drinking water system, their potential functions and ability to grow in such systems are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment and distribution processes could be viewed as ecological disturbances exhibited over space on the microbiome continuum in a groundwater‐derived system. Results from 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis and metagenomics suggested that disturbances in the system were intense as the community diversity was substantially reduced during the treatment steps. Specifically, syntrophs and methanogens dominant in raw water (RW) disappeared after water abstraction, accompanied by a substantial decrease in both the abundance and number of functional genes related to methanogenesis. The softening effluent was dominated by anExiguobacterium‐related population, likely due to its ability to use the phosphotransferase system (PTS) as regulatory machinery to control the energy conditions of the cell. After disinfection and entering the distribution system, community‐level functionality remained relatively stable, whereas the community structure differed from those taken in the treatment steps. The diversity and high abundance of some eukaryotic groups in the system suggested that predation could be a disturbance to the bacterial microbiome, which could further drive the diversification of the bacterial community.
Avoiding Theoretical Stagnation: A Systematic Review and Framework for Measuring Public Value
Authors: Faulkner Nicholas , Kaufman Stefan
Published: May 2017

Public value theory has become a hot topic in public administration research, but its proponents have long recognised difficulties in empirically testing the theory's central propositions. There has been a lack of clarity about how to measure the extent to which organisations are generating public value, which has rendered researchers unable to quantitatively study the causes, consequences and correlates of public value. The current study systematically reviews the growing literature on public value measurement to identify, evaluate, and synthesise available measures. Through a qualitative synthesis of the themes present in published measures, we identify four key components for measuring public value that appear to be important across a range of policy and national contexts. Our review identifies a promising framework that could be used to structure a comprehensive measure of public value and, in doing so, provides a means to progress theoretical development and testing of the public value approach.