bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae displays a stable transcription start site landscape in multiple conditions
Authors: Börlin Christoph S. , Cvetesic Nevena , Holland Petter , Bergenholm David , Siewers Verena , Lenhard Boris , Nielsen Jens
Published: August 2018

One of the fundamental processes that determine cellular fate is regulation of gene transcription. Understanding these regulatory processes is therefore essential for understanding cellular responses to changes in environmental conditions. At the core promoter, the regulatory region containing the transcription start site (TSS), all inputs regulating transcription are integrated. Here, we used Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) to analyze the pattern of transcription start sites at four different environmental conditions (limited in ethanol, limited in nitrogen, limited in glucose and limited in glucose under anaerobic conditions) using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CEN.PK113-7D. With this experimental setup we were able to show that the TSS landscape in yeast is stable at different metabolic states of the cell. We also show that the shape index, a characteristic feature of each TSS describing the spatial distribution of transcription initiation events, has a surprisingly strong negative correlation with the measured expression levels. Our analysis supplies a set of high quality TSS annotations useful for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches in the industrially relevant laboratory strain CEN.PK113-7D, and provides novel insights into yeast TSS dynamics and gene regulation.
Prediction and analysis of skin cancer progression using genomics profiles of patients
Authors: Bhalla Sherry , Kaur Harpreet , Dhall Anjali , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: August 2018

Metastatic state of the Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) has led to high mortality rate worldwide. Previously, various studies have revealed the association of the metastatic melanoma with the diminished survival rate in comparison to primary tumors. Thus, prediction of melanoma at primary tumor state is crucial to employ optimal therapeutic strategy for prolonged survival of patients. The RNA, miRNA and methylation data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort of SKCM is comprehensively analysed to recognize key genomic features that can categorize various states of metastatic tumors from primary tumors with high precision. Subsequently, various prediction models were developed using filtered genomic features implementing various machine learning techniques to classify these primary tumors from metastatic tumors. The SVC model (with class weight and RBF kernel) developed using 17 mRNA features achieved maximum MCC 0.73 with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy 89.19%, 90.48% and 89.47% respectively on independent validation dataset. Our study reveals that gene expression based features performs better than features obtained from miRNA profiling and epigenomic profiling. Our analysis shows that the expression of genesC7, MMP3, KRT14, KRT17, MASP1, and miRNA hsa-mir-205 and hsa-mir-203a are among the key genomic features that may substantially contribute to the oncogenesis of melanoma even on the basis of simple expression threshold. The major prediction models and analysis modules to predict metastatic and primary tumor samples of SKCM are available from a webserver, CancerSPP (http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/cancerspp/).
Tendon Structure Quantified using Ultrasound Imaging Differs Based on Location and Training Type
Authors: Hagan Kenton L. , Hullfish Todd , Casey Ellen , Baxter Josh R.
Published: August 2018

Achilles tendinopathy is ten-times more common amongst running athletes compared to age-matched peers. Load induced tendon remodeling and its progression in an at-risk population of developing symptomatic tendinopathy is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize Achilles and patellar tendon structure in competitive collegiate distance runners over different competitive seasons using quantitative ultrasound imaging. Twenty-two collegiate cross country runners and eleven controls were examined for this study. Longitudinal and cross-sectional ultrasound images of bilateral Achilles and patellar tendons were obtained at the one week prior to start of formal collegiate cross country practices, one week after the conclusion of cross country season, and one week prior to outdoor track and field championships. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, tendon thickness, and neovascularity were determined using well established image processing techniques. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond differently to high-volume running and transitions from one sport season to another, suggesting that tendon structure is sensitive to differences in tendon loading biomechanics. Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon structure in trained runners differ structurally to control tendons but is stable throughout training while patellar tendon structure changes in response to the transition in training volume between cross country and track seasons. These findings expand upon prior reports that some degree of tendon remodeling may act as a protective adaptation for sport specific loading.

News and Noteworthy

In this study we prospectively examined the Achilles and patellar tendon structure of distance runners to determine if continued training through multiple seasons elicits tendon remodeling or pathology. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond uniquely to the changing loads required during each season. Achilles tendon collagen alignment is mostly stable throughout the competitive cycle, but the patellar tendon undergoes structural changes following the transition from cross-country to track season.
A quantitative genetics approach to the evolution of phenotypic (co)variance under limited dispersal, with an application to socially synergistic traits
Authors: Mullon Charles , Lehmann Laurent
Published: August 2018

Darwinian evolution consists of the gradual transformation of heritable quantitative traits due to natural selection and the input of random variation by mutation. Here, we use a quantitative genetics approach to investigate the coevolution of multiple traits under selection, mutation, and limited dispersal. We track the dynamics of trait means and variance-covariances between traits that experience frequency-dependent selection. Assuming a multivariate-normal trait distribution, we recover classical dynamics of quantitative genetics, as well as stability and evolutionary branching conditions of invasion analyses, except that due to limited dispersal, selection depends on indirect fitness effects and relatedness. In particular, correlational selection that associates different traitswithin-individuals depends on the fitness effects of such associationsbetween-individuals. These kin selection effects can be as relevant as pleiotropy for correlation between traits. We illustrate this with an example of the coevolution of two social traits whose association within-individual is costly but synergistically beneficial between-individuals. As dispersal becomes limited and relatedness increases, associations between-traits between-individuals become increasingly targeted by correlational selection. Consequently, the trait distribution goes from being bimodal with a negative correlation under panmixia to unimodal with a positive correlation under limited dispersal. More broadly, our approach can help understand the evolution of intra-specific variation.
Consequences of PCA graphs, SNP codings, and PCA variants for elucidating population structure
Authors: Gauch Hugh G. , Qian Sheng , Piepho Hans-Peter , Zhou Linda , Chen Rui
Published: August 2018

SNP datasets are high-dimensional, often with thousands to millions of SNPs and hundreds to thousands of samples or individuals. Accordingly, PCA graphs are frequently used to provide a low-dimensional visualization in order to display and discover patterns in SNP data from humans, animals, plants, and microbes—especially to elucidate population structure. Given the popularity of PCA, one might expect that PCA is understood well and applied effectively. However, our literature survey of 125 representative articles that apply PCA to SNP data shows that three choices have usually been made poorly: PCA graph, SNP coding, and PCA variant. Our main three recommendations are simple and easily implemented: Use PCA biplots, SNP coding 1 for the rare allele and 0 for the common allele, and double-centered PCA (or AMMI1 if main effects are of interest). The ultimate benefit from informed and optimal choices of PCA graph, SNP coding, and PCA variant, is expected to be discovery of more biology, and thereby acceleration of medical, agricultural, and other vital applications.
Dual RNA-seq reveals large-scale non-conserved genotype x genotype specific genetic reprograming and molecular crosstalk in the mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Mateus Ivan D. , Masclaux Frédéric G. , Aletti Consolée , Rojas Edward C. , Savary Romain , Dupuis Cindy , Sanders Ian R.
Published: August 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) impact plant growth and are a major driver of plant diversity and productivity. We quantified the contribution of intra-specific genetic variability in cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Rhizophagus irregularis to gene reprogramming in symbioses using dual RNA-sequencing. A large number of cassava genes exhibited altered transcriptional responses to the fungus but transcription of most of these plant genes (72%) responded in a different direction or magnitude depending on the plant genotype. Two AMF isolates displayed large differences in their transcription, but the direction and magnitude of the transcriptional responses for a large number of these genes was also strongly influenced by the genotype of the plant host. This indicates that unlike the highly conserved plant genes necessary for the symbiosis establishment, plant and fungal gene transcriptional responses are not conserved and are greatly influenced by plant and fungal genetic differences, even at the within-species level. The transcriptional variability detected allowed us to identify an extensive gene network showing the interplay in plant-fungal reprogramming in the symbiosis. Key genes illustrated that the two organisms jointly program their cytoskeleton organisation during growth of the fungus inside roots. Our study reveals that plant and fungal genetic variation plays a strong role in shaping the genetic reprograming in response to symbiosis, indicating considerable genotype x genotype interactions in the mycorrhizal symbiosis. Such variation needs to be considered in order to understand the molecular mechanisms between AMF and their plant hosts in natural communities.
Cooperativity and Avidity in Membrane Binding by C2AB Tandem Domains of Synaptotagmins 1 and 7
Authors: Tran H. , Anderson L. , Knight J.
Published: August 2018

Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) and synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) contain analogous tandem C2 domains, C2A and C2B, which together serve as a Ca2+ sensor to bind membranes and promote the stabilization of exocytotic fusion pores. Functionally, Syt-1 triggers fast release of neurotransmitters, while Syt-7 is involved in lower-Ca2+ processes such as hormone secretion. Evidence suggests that Syt-1 C2 domains bind membranes cooperatively, penetrating farther into membranes as the C2AB tandem than as individual C2 domains. In contrast, we previously reported that the two C2 domains of Syt-7 bind membranes independently, based in part on measurements of their liposome dissociation kinetics. Here, we have investigated the effects of C2A-C2B interdomain cooperativity with Syt-1 and Syt-7 using directly comparable measurements. We report Ca2+ sensitivities, dissociation kinetics, and membrane insertion using liposomes approximating physiological lipid compositions. Equilibrium Ca2+ titrations confirm that the Syt-7 C2AB tandem has a greater Ca2+ sensitivity of membrane binding than either of its individual domains. Stopped-flow fluorescence kinetic measurements show that Syt-1 C2AB dissociates from liposome membranes much more slowly than either of its isolated C2 domains, suggesting that the two C2 domains of Syt-1 bind membranes cooperatively. In contrast, the dominant population of Syt-7 C2AB has a dissociation rate comparable to its C2A domain, indicating a lack of cooperativity, while only a small subpopulation dissociates at a slower rate. Measurements using an environment-sensitive fluorescent probe indicate that the Syt-7 C2B domain inserts more deeply into membranes as part of the C2AB tandem, similarly to Syt-1. Overall, these measurements are consistent with a model in which the structural linkage of C2A and C2B impacts the membrane-binding geometry of synaptotagmin C2B domains, but imparts little or no cooperativity to Syt-7 membrane binding and dissociation events that are dominated by its C2A domain.
Higher order assembling of the mycobacterial essential polar growth factor DivIVA/Wag31
Authors: Choukate Komal , Gupta Aanchal , Basu Brohmomoy , Virk Karman , Ganguli Munia , Chaudhuri Barnali
Published: August 2018

How proteins localize at the pole remains an enigma. DivIVA/Wag31, which is an essential pole organizing protein in mycobacteria, can assemble at the negatively curved side of the membrane at the growing pole to form a higher order structural scaffold for maintaining cellular morphology and localizing various target proteins for cell-wall biogenesis. A single-site phosphorylation in Wag31 is linked to the regulation of peptidoglycan biosynthesis for optimal mycobacterial growth. The structural organization of polar scaffold formed by coiled-coil rich Wag31, which is a target for anti-tubercular agent amino-pyrimidine sulfonamide, remains to be determined. Here, we report biophysical characterizations of a phospho-mimetic (T73E) and a phospho-ablative (T73A) form of mycobacterial Wag31 using circular dichroism, small angle solution X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. While data obtained from both variants of Wag31 in solution states suggested formation of alpha-helical, large, elongated particles, their structural organizations were different. Atomic force microscopic images of Wag31 indicate polymer formation, with occasional curving, sharp bending and branching. Observed structural features in this first view of the polymeric forms of Wag31 suggest a basis for higher order network scaffold formation for polar protein localization.
Extensive Secondary Contact Among Three Glacial Lineages of Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Salisbury Sarah J. , McCracken Gregory R. , Keefe Donald , Perry Robert , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: August 2018

We sequenced a portion of the D-loop region in over 1000 Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) samples from 67 locations across Newfoundland and Labrador to assess the extent of secondary contact among the Arctic, Atlantic, and Acadian glacial lineages in Newfoundland and Labrador. Within Labrador, the Arctic and Atlantic lineages were widespread. Two locations (one landlocked and one with access to the sea) also contained individuals of the Acadian lineage, constituting the first record of this lineage in Labrador. Atlantic and Acadian lineage individuals were found in both eastern and western Newfoundland. Multiple sampling locations in Newfoundland and Labrador contained fish of two or more different glacial lineages, implying their introgression. Glacial lineage did not appear to dictate contemporary genetic divergence between the pale and dark morph of char present in Gander Lake, Newfoundland. Both were predominately of the Atlantic lineage, suggesting the potential for their divergence in sympatry. This study reveals Newfoundland and Labrador to be a unique junction of three glacial lineages which have likely hybridized extensively in this region.
Genome Analyses of a New Mycoplasma Species From the scorpion Centruroides vittatus
Authors: Yamashita Tsunemi , Rhoads Douglas D. , Pummill Jeff
Published: August 2018

Arthropod Mycoplasma are little known endosymbionts in insects, primarily known as plant disease vectors. Mycoplasma in other arthropods such as arachnids are unknown. We report the first complete Mycoplasma genome sequenced, identified, and annotated from a scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and designate it as Mycoplasma vittatus. We find the genome is at least a 683,827 bp single circular chromosome with a GC content of 43.7% and with 1,010 protein-coding genes. The putative virulence determinants include 20 genes associated with the virulence operon associated with protein synthesis (SSU ribosomal proteins) and nine genes with fluoroquinolone resistance. Comparative analysis revealed that the M. vittatus genome is smaller than other Mycoplasma genomes and exhibits a higher GC content. Phylogenetic analysis shows M. vittatus as part of the Hominis group of Mycoplasma. As arthropod genomes accumulate, further novel Mycoplasma genomes may be identified and characterized.
Sae2/CtIP prevents R-loop accumulation in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Makharashvili Nodar , Arora Sucheta , Yin Yizhi , Fu Qiong , Leung Justin W. C. , Miller Kyle M. , Paull Tanya T.
Published: August 2018

The Sae2/CtIP protein is required for efficient processing of DNA double-strand breaks that initiate homologous recombination in eukaryotic cells. Sae2/CtIP is also important for survival of single-stranded Top1-induced lesions and CtIP is known to associate directly with transcription-associated complexes in mammalian cells. Here we investigate the role of Sae2/CtIP at single-strand lesions in budding yeast and in human cells and find that depletion of Sae2/CtIP promotes the accumulation of stalled RNA polymerase and RNA-DNA hybrids at sites of highly expressed genes. Overexpression of the RNA-DNA helicase Senataxin suppresses DNA damage sensitivity and R-loop accumulation in Sae2/CtIP-deficient cells, and a catalytic mutant of CtIP fails to complement this sensitivity, indicating a role for CtIP nuclease activity in the repair process. Based on this evidence, we propose that R-loop processing by 5’ flap endonucleases is a necessary step in the stabilization and removal of nascent R-loop initiating structures in eukaryotic cells.
Whole brain imaging reveals distinct spatial patterns of amyloid beta deposition in three mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Whitesell Jennifer D. , Buckley Alex R. , Knox Joseph E. , Kuan Leonard , Graddis Nile , Pelos Andrew , Mukora Alice , Wakeman Wayne , Bohn Phillip , Ho Anh , Hirokawa Karla E. , Harris Julie A.
Published: August 2018

A variety of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models overexpress mutant forms of human amyloid precursor protein (APP), producing high levels of amyloid β (Aβ) and forming plaques However, the degree to which these models mimic spatiotemporal patterns of Aβ deposition in brains of AD patients is unknown. Here, we mapped the spatial distribution of Aβ plaques across ages in three APP-overexpression mouse lines (APP/PS1, Tg2576, hAPP-J20) using in vivo labeling with methoxy-X04, high throughput whole brain imaging, and an automated informatics pipeline. Images were acquired with high resolution serial 2-photon tomography and labeled plaques were detected using custom-built segmentation algorithms. Image series were registered to the Allen Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework, a 3D reference atlas, enabling automated brain-wide quantification of plaque density, number, and location. In both APP/PS1 and Tg2576 mice, plaques were identified first in isocortex, followed by olfactory, hippocampal, and cortical subplate areas. In hAPP-J20 mice, plaque density was highest in hippocampal areas, followed by isocortex, with little to no involvement of olfactory or cortical subplate areas. Within the major brain divisions, distinct regions were identified with high (or low) plaque accumulation; e.g., the lateral visual area within the isocortex of APP/PS1 mice had relatively higher plaque density compared with other cortical areas, while in hAPP-J20 mice, plaques were densest in the ventral retrosplenial cortex. In summary, we show how whole brain imaging of amyloid pathology in mice reveals the extent to which a given model recapitulates the regional Aβ deposition patterns described in AD.
The impact of drugs of abuse on executive function: characterizing long-term changes in neural correlates following chronic drug exposure and withdrawal in rats
Authors: Brockett Adam T. , Pribut Heather J. , Vázquez Daniela , Roesch Matthew R.
Published: August 2018

Addiction has long been characterized by diminished executive function, control, and impulsivity management. In particular, these deficits often manifest themselves as impairments in reversal learning, delay discounting, and response inhibition. Understanding the neurobiological substrates of these behavioral deficits is of paramount importance to our understanding of addiction. Within the cycle of addiction, periods during and after withdrawal represent a particularly difficult point of intervention in that the negative physical symptoms associated with drug removal and drug craving increase the likelihood that the patient will relapse and return to drug use in order to abate these symptoms. Moreover, it is often during this time that drug induced deficits in executive function hinder the ability of the patient to refrain from drug use. Thus, it is necessary to understand the physiological and behavioral changes associated with withdrawal and drug craving—largely manifesting as deficits in executive control—to develop more effective treatment strategies. In this review, we address the long-term impact that drugs of abuse have on the behavioral and neural correlates that give rise to executive control as measured by reversal learning, delay discounting, and stop-signal tasks, focusing particularly on our work using rats as a model system.
Heterogeneous dopamine signals support distinct features of motivated actions: implications for learning and addiction
Authors: Saddoris Michael P. , Siletti Kayla A. , Stansfield Katherine J. , Bercum Maria Florencia
Published: August 2018

Despite decades of research, investigations into effective neural and pharmacological therapies for many drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, have produced no FDA-approved approaches. This difficulty derives from the complexity of substance use disorders, which encompass a variety of behavioral, psychological, and neural circuit-based changes that occur as a result of repeated experience with the drug. Dopamine signaling has been demonstrated to play a key role in several aspects of drug abuse—from mediating its reinforcing properties and drug-seeking to triggering relapse—while also mediating a number of important aspects of normal (nondrug related) motivated behaviors and actions. Real-time recording methods such as in vivo voltammetry, electrophysiology, and calcium imaging demonstrate that the signaling properties of dopamine for motivationally relevant stimuli are highly dynamic and spatiotemporally circumscribed within afferent target regions. In this review, we identify the origins and functional consequences of heterogeneous dopamine release in the limbic system, and how these properties are persistently altered in the drug-experienced brain. We propose that these spatiotemporally parallel dopaminergic signals are simultaneously available to the animal, but that these circuits are impaired following prolonged drug experience by disrupting the location and content of dopamine signals in afferent target regions. These findings are discussed in the context of relapse and pathways to discovering new treatments for addiction disorders.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a 1D coordination polymer catena-poly[[diaquabis(nicotinamide-κN
1)nickel(II)]-μ-fumarato-κ2
O
1:O
4]
Authors: Kansiz Sevgi , Dege Necmi , Kalibabchuk Valentina A.
Published: August 2018

The reaction of NiCl2 with fumaric acid and nicotinamide in basic solution produces the title polymeric complex, [Ni(C4H2O4)(C6H6N2O)2(H2O)2]
n
. The NiII cation, located on an inversion centre, is coordinated by two O atoms of the fumarate dianions, two N atoms from nicotinamide ligands and two water molecules in a distorted octahedral fashion. In the crystal, the fumarate dianions bridge the NiII cations, forming polymeric chains propagating along the [101] direction; the polymeric chains are further linked by O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Hirshfeld surface analyses and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were used to analyse the intermolecular interactions present in the crystal, indicating that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...O/O...H (35.9%), H...H (31.7%) and C...C (10.4%) interactions.
Adaptive efficiency of the Mexican Stock Exchange
Authors: Brito-Cervantes Esmeralda , Coronado Semei , Morales-García Manuel , Rojas Omar
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the adaptive market efficiency in the price–volume (P–V) relationship of the stocks listed in the Mexican Stock Exchange. The period under study goes from 1982 to 2015. In order to detect causality and, thus, determine adaptive efficiency in the market, one linear and two non-linear tests are applied. There are few papers in the literature that study the P–V relationship in Latin American markets; as such, this paper may be of interest and importance to financial academics and practitioners alike.

Design/methodology/approach

The Diks and Panchenko (DP) non-parametric Granger causality and the Brooks and Hinich (BH) cross-bicorrelation tests are applied.

Findings

Derived from the DP test, the findings show that there exists bi-directional non-linear Granger causality in 25.71 per cent of the firms studied, compared to 8 per cent when applying the linear Granger causality test. Therefore, there is evidence of weak-form efficiency in the market. From the BH test, evidence is shown of the adaptive market efficiency, since 71.42 per cent of firms exhibited some form of non-linear dependence in certain periods of time. With these results, the information process should be better studied for a greater comprehension of regulatory policies in the market and better decision-making tools for the investors.

Originality/value

This paper complements studies on the P–V relationship and efficiency in a Latin American market.
BIM adoption model for small and medium construction organisations in Australia
Authors: Hong Ying , Hammad Ahmed W.A. , Sepasgozar Samad , Akbarnezhad Ali
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model for building information modelling (BIM) implementation at small and medium-sized construction contractor organisations (SMOs). The proposed BIM adoption model assesses BIM implementation benefits, costs and challenges faced by SMOs. Correlation between BIM adoption in SMOs and the associated impacting factors, including knowledge support and BIM adoption motivation, is captured through the model.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of BIM adoption in construction was first presented. Research data, collected from 80 SMOs in Australia through a conducted survey, are then analysed. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modelling were used to investigate SMOs’ understanding of BIM, and to qualify the correlations among the proposed latent variables impacting BIM implementation at SMOs, respectively. Additionally, this study used χ2 test to compare differences between BIM users and non-BIM users regarding BIM understanding, interested applications and attitudes towards implementation benefits and challenges.

Findings

Potential benefits associated with BIM implementation are a major motivation factor when it comes to BIM adoption at SMOs. In addition, existing staff’s capability in using BIM tools positively affects the establishment of an organisational knowledge-support system, which determines the decision of adopting BIM eventually. Ultimately, there is a need for further emphasis on staff engagement in the implementation process.

Research limitations/implications

The results presented in this paper are applicable to SMOs in the building sector of construction. BIM implementation at organisations involved in non-building activities, including civil works and infrastructure, needs to be assessed in the future.

Practical implications

The results indicate that rather than placing the focus mainly on benefits of BIM implementation, successful implementation of BIM in practice requires adequate effort to assess implementation problems, establish knowledge support and engage staff in using BIM.

Originality/value

Results of this study provide an insight into the adoption challenges of BIM in SMOs, given that the focus of previous studies has been mostly placed on BIM adoption in architectural firms and large contractors.
Impact of interest rates of bank loans on road construction: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Manamgoda Manamgoda Gamage Nimantha , Perera B.A.K.S. , Perera Colombapatabendige Savindi Ranthika
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Infrastructure systems play a dominant role in the economic growth of countries. Projects involved with the construction of roads, which is vital for the development of a country, are financed mainly using borrowed funds because of the reliability of debt financing. The cost of borrowing is the interest that has to be paid. In Sri Lanka, there is a high tendency for interest rates of bank loans to fluctuate, and this makes the road projects in the country that are funded with borrowed money to be highly risky. Thus, this paper aims to identify the impact of bank loan interest rates on road construction in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of two questionnaire surveys conducted among financial specialists and road construction experts, followed by a documentary review. The collected data were analysed using Relative Importance Index. The relationship between the interest rates of bank loans and the prices of the resources used in road projects were determined using regression and correlation analyses.

Findings

The research revealed a strong, linear relationship between interest rate fluctuations and bitumen, aggregate base course, metal and earth price fluctuations. It also identified the pattern of interest rate fluctuations to help practitioners to predict the pattern of input price variations.

Originality/value

When developing the capital structure of road projects, it is necessary to consider the prices of materials used in the projects when determining the financial risks of debt financing.
#Palestine2Ferguson a community created through words
Authors: Carroll Darrian Robert
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to highlight how the digital age makes visible community expression and organization on an international scale.

Design/methodology/approach

This project provides a rhetorical analysis of the sub-cultural twitter hashtag “#Palestine2Ferguson”. By focusing on #Palestine2Ferguson, this piece interrogates the ways groups that have been displaced by oppression can build bridges in the new digital age. Through the adaptation of Deluca and Peeples “public screen”, this project reveals how increased sophistication of discernment adds a new “touch” to the screen.

Findings

An analysis of #Palestine2Ferguson through the lens of “the public touchscreen” emboldens rhetorical studies understanding of how ethnic/racial minority individuals are capable of self-selecting their method and modes of self-expression when building community.

Originality/value

The transformation of life within the digital age has created an exigence for a reconsideration and expansion of Deluca and Peeples concept of “public screens”.
Reflections on developing a blended learning recovery programme for family carers of people who have mental ill-health
Authors: Fox Joanna , Smith Anne-Marie , Kenedler Lizzie , Evangelinos George
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the development of a recovery-oriented training programme for mental health care-givers. It also considers the effectiveness of using participatory research methods that promote involvement of people with diverse expertise to co-produce this programme. It presents a rationale for developing recovery-oriented training, which employs blended learning, comprising face-to-face and e-learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A small advisory group consisting of professionals, experts-by-experience (service users) and -by-caring (care-givers) and an academic developed a blended learning programme about the recovery approach for mental health carer-givers. This paper details the participatory approach supported by an action research cycle that contributed to the design of the programme, and the specific impact of experiential knowledge on its development.

Findings

Reflections on the advisory group process are described that led to the co-production of the course. This leads to consideration of the value of using this research approach to develop a carer-focused programme. The content of the recovery-oriented training programme is presented which adopts blended learning. This leads to discussion of potential of this format to improve carers’ access to training.

Originality/value

It is proposed that this recovery-oriented course, building on a previous study, has the potential to positively influence outcomes for the training programme participants (the care-givers) and the person they support. It is suggested that blended learning may in part overcome some of the barriers carers experience to accessing and participating in traditional interventions. Reflections on the process of co-production underline the value of participatory research in designing this recovery-oriented course for carers.
Multi-path selection based on fractional cuckoo search algorithm for QoS aware routing in MANET
Authors: A. Rama Rao , Reddy Satyananda , V. Valli Kumari
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Multimedia applications such as digital audio and video have stringent quality of service (QoS) requirement in mobile ad hoc network. To support wide range of QoS, complex routing protocols with multiple QoS constraints are necessary. In QoS routing, the basic problem is to find a path that satisfies multiple QoS constraints. Moreover, mobility, congestion and packet loss in dynamic topology of network also leads to QoS performance degradation of protocol.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors proposed a multi-path selection scheme for QoS aware routing in mobile ad hoc network based on fractional cuckoo search algorithm (FCS-MQARP). Here, multiple QoS constraints energy, link life time, distance and delay are considered for path selection.

Findings

The experimentation of proposed FCS-MQARP is performed over existing QoS aware routing protocols AOMDV, MMQARP, CS-MQARP using measures such as normalized delay, energy and throughput. The extensive simulation study of the proposed FCS-based multipath selection shows that the proposed QoS aware routing protocol performs better than the existing routing protocol with maximal energy of 99.1501 and minimal delay of 0.0554.

Originality/value

This paper presents a hybrid optimization algorithm called the FCS algorithm for the multi-path selection. Also, a new fitness function is developed by considering the QoS constraints such as energy, link life time, distance and delay.
Nonlinear effects of phylogenetic distance on early‐stage establishment of experimentally introduced plants in grassland communities
Authors: Malecore Eva M. , Dawson Wayne , Kempel Anne , Müller Gregor , van Kleunen Mark
Published: August 2018

The phylogenetic distance of an introduced plant species to a resident native community may play a role in determining its establishment success. While Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis predicts a positive relationship, the preadaptation hypothesis predicts a negative relationship. Rigorous tests of this now so‐called Darwin’s naturalization conundrum require not only information on establishment successes but also of failures, which is frequently not available. Such essential information, however, can be provided by experimental introductions.

Here, we analysed three datasets from two field experiments in Germany and Switzerland. In the Swiss experiment, alien and native grassland species were introduced as seeds only with and without disturbance (tilling). In the German experiment, alien and native grassland species were introduced both as seeds and as seedlings with and without disturbance (tilling) and with and without fungicide application. For the seedling‐introduction experiment, there was an additional herbivore‐exclusion treatment.

Phylogenetic distance affected establishment in the three datasets differently, with success peaking at intermediate distances for the seed datasets, but decreasing with increasing distances in the seedling dataset. Disturbance favoured seedling survival, most likely by weakening the resident community.

Synthesis. By analysing experimental introductions, we show that the relationship between phylogenetic distance and establishment, at least for seedling emergence, may actually be nonlinear with an optimum at intermediate distances. Therefore, Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis and the preadaptation hypothesis need not be in conflict. Rather, the mechanisms underlying them can operate simultaneously or alternately depending on the life stage and on the environmental conditions of the resident community.
Trends in Intergenerational Educational Mobility in Canada
Authors: Latif Ehsan
Published: August 2018

Using data from the General Social Survey (2011), this study examines trends in the intergenerational persistence in education in Canada for the birth cohorts 1940 through 1989. The study estimates a correlation coefficient between children's and fathers’ number of years of education attained. The study finds that, over the period of study, the correlation coefficient increased slightly for sons while it decreased for daughters. Decomposition of the correlation coefficient shows that sons with less educated fathers are still very likely to be less educated. However, for daughters, there is less persistence at the lower end of fathers’ education distribution.
Empirically derived dietary patterns and serum inflammatory markers in Iranian female teachers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khatibi Nasim , Shahvazi Simin , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Samadi Morteza , Zare Fateme , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: August 2018

Aim

To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and inflammatory markers including serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) in females.

Methods

In the present cross‐sectional study in female teachers living in Yazd, central Iran, data on anthropometric measurements and general information were gathered. A food frequency questionnaire was completed by participants and then, subjects were invited to give blood samples. Major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and serum inflammatory markers were compared according to quintiles of dietary patterns scores.

Results

In total, 320 subjects aged 40.38 ± 8.08 years were included. Three dietary patterns were derived: (i) ‘traditional’ with a high intake of poultry, salt, eggs, other vegetables and red meat; (ii) ‘vegetables and fruits’ with a higher intake of tomatoes, yoghurt drinks, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, fruits, other vegetables and organ meats and (iii) ‘dairy and saturated fat’ with a high loading of high‐fat dairy products, butter, low‐fat dairy, margarine, eggs, other vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Participants in the highest quintile of the ‘vegetables and fruits’ dietary pattern had significantly lower serum hs‐CRP levels compared to those in the lowest quintile (3.6 ± 0.4 mg/L vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.05). None of the dietary patterns were associated with circulating IL‐17 levels.

Conclusions

Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with serum hs‐CRP but not IL‐17 levels. Studies investigating the dietary patterns in association with IL‐17 in other populations are recommended.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for the management of radiation‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Sherlock Susannah , Way Mandy , Tabah Alexis
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is widely used for the treatment of the late effects of radiation therapy. We report a prospective observational cohort study of 51 patients designed to examine the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for xerostomia following radiotherapy.

Methods

Objective (saliva volume) and subjective (quality of life scoring and visual analogue scale (VAS) of discomfort) measurements associated with xerostomia were compared prior to commencement of HBOT, after 30 sessions (over 6 weeks) of HBOT at 243 kPa for 90 minutes daily for five days per week and at 6‐week review (12 weeks from commencement).

Results

One hundred and one courses of treatment in 99 patients were examined. For 53 (53%) courses in 51 patients, data were recorded before and after HBOT and so could be included in the analysis. Thirty‐four (34%) of these patients had complete data for all three time points. The unit of study was per treatment course, not per person. There were no major complications to HBOT. There was a statistically significant difference in saliva volume following HBOT (P = 0.016). The mean saliva volume increase was 0.9 mL over a 5‐min collection period (95% CI 0.2–1.5). There was also a statistically significant improvement in discomfort after HBOT (P < 0.001) and QOL (P < 0.001). The mean visual analogue scale for discomfort (VAS on a 0–10 scale) score decreased by 1.4 units (95% CI 0.7–2.1), whilst the mean QOL score was 10 points lower after treatment (95% CI 5.9–14.4).

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of xerostomia after radiation therapy and should be considered when available.
Michigan Emergency Department Leader Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Clinical Pathways to Guide Admission Decisions: A Mixed‐methods Study
Authors: Schechtman Megan , Kocher Keith E , Nypaver Michele M. , Ham Jason J. , Zochowski Melissa K. , Macy Michelle L.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The objective was to characterize emergency department (ED) leader's attitudes toward potentially avoidable admissions and experiences with the use of clinical pathways to guide admission decisions, including the challenges and successes with implementation of these pathways.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study of Michigan ED leaders was conducted. First, a cross‐sectional Web‐based survey was distributed via e‐mail to all 135 hospital‐based EDs in the state. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Survey participants who provided contact information were considered eligible for follow‐up. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, reviewed for accuracy, and thematically coded. Representative quotes were extracted for reporting.

Results

Survey responses were received from 64 ED leaders (48% eligible response rate). Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 11 of the 29 representatives willing to be contacted. Eight sites implemented clinical care pathways as a strategy to reduce avoidable admissions. Pathways were developed for high‐frequency conditions. Many pathways were multidisciplinary, incorporating case managers and outpatient care providers, which was thought to improve acceptability. Five models of care emerged 1) standardized care, 2) observation medicine, 3) enhanced follow‐up, 4) care coordination, and 5) comprehensive programs. We identified barriers to and facilitators of discharging a patient from the ED when an admission otherwise could be avoided. Barriers included limited access to follow‐up, lack of care coordination, and lack of trust in patient's ability to provide self‐care or navigate the system. Facilitators included strong relationships with outpatient providers, care coordination, and shared decision making.

Conclusions

Potential solutions to help avoid hospitalization from the ED include multidisciplinary clinical care pathways. Successful pathways emerged from bringing stakeholders from the ED, hospital, and health care community together. Additionally, emergency providers need systems and supports in place to help their patients navigate follow‐up care in a timely fashion.
Bone Effects of Binge Alcohol Drinking Using Prepubescent Pigs as a Model
Authors: Föger‐Samwald Ursula , Knecht Christian , Stimpfl Thomas , Szekeres Thomas , Kerschan‐Schindl Katharina , Mikosch Peter , Pietschmann Peter , Sipos Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

Background

Although chronic alcohol consumption in adults is an established risk factor for osteoporotic fractures, there is a huge gap in our knowledge about bone effects of binge drinking in adolescents. The aim of this pilot study was therefore to assess skeletal effects of binge alcohol drinking using prepubescent pigs as a large animal model.

Methods

Piglets aged 2 months were offered alcohol orally as a mixture of hard liquor and apple juice. Those with the highest propensity to drink alcohol were included in the experiment and received 1.4 g alcohol/kg bodyweight 2 times per week for 2 months (alcohol group); control piglets received apple juice in an identical manner. At the age of 4 months, the animals were euthanized; trabecular and cortical bone samples from the femur, the tibia, the humerus, and the fourth vertebral body harvested during necropsy were assessed by microcomputed tomography and dynamic histomorphometry. In addition, blood chemistry and blood alcohol determinations were performed.

Results

Blood alcohol levels assessed 1 hour after alcohol administration were 0.99‰ ± 0.15, 1.12‰ ± 0.2, and 1.14‰ ± 0.18 at the ages of 2, 3, and 4 months, respectively. In the alcohol group, serum calcium and phosphate levels were decreased. In the femur, trabecular number and connectivity density were lower in the alcohol than in the control group, and in the humerus and the fourth vertebral bodies, an opposite pattern was seen for trabecular number and connectivity density, respectively. Cortical density was higher in the humerus and trabecular density higher in the tibia of the alcohol group compared to the control group. Cortical porosity was lower in the humerus of the alcohol group. No significant differences were seen for trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, bone volume fraction, and static and dynamic histomorphometric parameters.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we have assessed skeletal effects of binge alcohol drinking by using prepubescent pigs as a promising large animal model. Binge drinking has bone effects that are site‐specific. However, these data have to be verified in a larger study population.