bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid cortical plasticity induced by active associative learning of novel words in human adults
Authors: Razorenova Alexandra M. , Chernyshev Boris V. , Nikolaeva Anastasia Yu. , Butorina Anna V. , Prokofyev Andrey O. , Tyulenev Nikita B. , Stroganova Tatiana A.
Published: July 2019

Human speech requires that new words are routinely memorized, yet neurocognitive mechanisms of such acquisition of memory remain highly debatable. Major controversy concerns the question whether cortical plasticity related to word learning occurs in neocortical speech-related areas immediately after learning, or neocortical plasticity emerges only on the second day after a prolonged time required for consolidation after learning. The functional spatiotemporal pattern of cortical activity related to such learning also remains largely unknown. In order to address these questions, we examined magnetoencephalographic responses elicited in the cerebral cortex by passive presentations of eight novel pseudowords before and immediately after an operant conditioning task. This associative procedure forced participants to perform an active search for unique meaning of four pseudowords that referred to movements of left and right hands and feet. The other four pseudowords did not require any movement and thus were not associated with any meaning. Familiarization with novel pseudowords led to a bilateral repetition suppression of cortical responses to them; the effect started before or around the uniqueness point and lasted for more than 500 ms. After learning, response amplitude to pseudowords that acquired meaning was greater compared with response amplitude to pseudowords that were not assigned meaning; the effect was significant within 144–362 ms after the uniqueness point, and it was found only in the left hemisphere. Within this time interval, a learning-related selective response initially emerged in cortical areas surrounding the Sylvian fissure: anterior superior temporal sulcus, ventral premotor cortex, the anterior part of intraparietal sulcus and insula. Later within this interval, activation additionally spread to more anterior higher-tier brain regions, and reached the left temporal pole and the triangular part of the left inferior frontal gyrus extending to its orbital part. Altogether, current findings evidence rapid plastic changes in cortical representations of meaningful auditory word-forms occurring almost immediately after learning. Additionally, our results suggest that familiarization resulting from stimulus repetition and semantic acquisition resulting from an active learning procedure have separable effects on cortical activity.
A single-cell expression simulator guided by gene regulatory networks
Authors: Dibaeinia Payam , Sinha Saurabh
Published: July 2019

A common approach to benchmarking of single-cell transcriptomics tools is to generate synthetic data sets that resemble experimental data in their statistical properties. However, existing single-cell simulators do not incorporate known principles of transcription factor-gene regulatory interactions that underlie expression dynamics. Here we present SERGIO, a simulator of single-cell gene expression data that models the stochastic nature of transcription as well as linear and non-linear influences of multiple transcription factors on genes according to a user-provided gene regulatory network. SERGIO is capable of simulating any number of cell types in steady-state or cells differentiating to multiple fates according to a provided trajectory, reporting both unspliced and spliced transcript counts in single-cells. We show that data sets generated by SERGIO are comparable with experimental data in terms of multiple statistical measures. We also illustrate the use of SERGIO to benchmark several popular single-cell analysis tools, including GRN inference methods.
Rapid pacing by circulating traveling waves improves maturation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in self-organized tissue ring
Authors: Li Junjun , Zhang Lu , Yu Leqian , Minami Itsunari , Hörning Marcel , Dong Ji , Qiao Jing , Fujimoto Nanae , Shiba Yuji , Zhao Yang , Tang Fuchou , Miyagawa Shigeru , Chen Yong , Sawa Yoshiki , Tang Chao , Liu Li
Published: July 2019

Directed differentiation methods allow acquisition of high-purity cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs); however, their immaturity characteristic limits their application for drug screening and regenerative therapy. The rapid electrical pacing of cardiomyocytes have been used for efficiently promoting the maturation of cardiomyocytes, here we describe a simple device in modified culture plate on which hiPSC-derived CMs (hiPSC-CMs) can form three-dimensional self-organized tissue rings (SOTRs). Using calcium imaging, we show that within the ring, traveling waves (TWs) of action potential spontaneously originated and ran robustly at a frequency up to 4 Hz. After 2 weeks, SOTRs with TW training showed matured features including structural organization, increased cardiac-specific gene expression, enhanced Ca2+-handling properties, an increased oxygen-consumption rate, and enhanced contractile force. We subsequently used a mathematical model to interpret the origination, propagation, and long-term behavior of the TWs within the SOTRs. This new idea for spontaneous hiPSC-CM maturation also has potential for pacing the electrical excitable cells such as neuron and retina cells for various applications.
Preclinical validation of a repurposed metal chelator as a community-based therapeutic for hemotoxic snakebite
Authors: Albulescu Laura-Oana , Hale Melissa , Ainsworth Stuart , Alsolaiss Jaffer , Crittenden Edouard , Calvete Juan J. , Wilkinson Mark C. , Harrison Robert A. , Kool Jeroen , Casewell Nicholas R.
Published: July 2019

Snakebite envenoming causes 138,000 deaths annually and ~400,000 victims are left with permanent disabilities. Envenoming by saw-scaled vipers (Viperidae: Echis) leads to systemic hemorrhage and coagulopathy, and represents a major cause of snakebite mortality and morbidity in Africa and Asia. The only specific treatment for snakebite, antivenom, has poor specificity, low affordability, and must be administered in clinical settings due to its intravenous delivery and high rates of adverse reactions. This requirement results in major treatment delays in resource-poor regions and impacts substantially on patient outcomes following envenoming. Here we investigated the value of metal chelators as novel community-based therapeutics for snakebite. Among the tested chelators, dimercaprol (British anti-Lewisite) and its derivative 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS), were found to potently antagonize the activity of Zn2+-dependent snake venom metalloproteinase toxins in vitro. Moreover, DMPS prolonged or conferred complete survival in murine preclinical models of envenoming against a variety of saw-scaled viper venoms. DMPS also significantly extended survival in a ‘challenge and treat’ model, where drug administration was delayed post-venom injection, and the oral administration of this chelator provided partial protection against envenoming. Finally, the potential clinical scenario of early oral DMPS therapy combined with a later, delayed, intravenous dose of conventional antivenom provided prolonged protection against the lethal effects of envenoming in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that safe and affordable repurposed metal chelators effectively neutralize saw-scaled viper venoms in vitro and in vivo and highlight the great promise of DMPS as a novel, community-based, early therapeutic intervention for hemotoxic snakebite envenoming.
Polyploidy increases overall diversity despite higher turnover than diploids in the Brassicaceae
Authors: Román-Palacios Cristian , Molina-Henao Y. Franchesco , Barker Michael S.
Published: July 2019

Although polyploidy, or whole-genome duplication, is widespread across the Plant Tree of Life, its long-term evolutionary significance is still poorly understood. Here we examine the effects of polyploidy in driving macroevolutionary patterns within the angiosperm family Brassicaceae, a speciose clade exhibiting extensive inter-specific variation in chromosome numbers. We inferred ploidal levels from haploid chromosome numbers for 80% of species in the most comprehensive species-level chronogram for the Brassicaceae published to date. After evaluating a total of 54 phylogenetic models of diversification, we found that ploidy drives diversification rates across the Brassicaceae, with polyploids experiencing faster rates of speciation and extinction, but relatively slower rates of diversification. Nevertheless, diversification rates are, on average, positive for both polyploids and diploids. We also found that despite diversifying significantly slower than diploids, polyploids have played a significant role in driving present-day differences in species richness among clades. Overall, although most polyploids go extinct before sustainable populations are established, rare successful polyploids persist and significantly contribute to the long-term evolution of lineages. Our findings suggest that polyploidy has played a major role in shaping the long-term evolution of the Brassicaceae and highlight the importance of polyploidy in shaping present-day diversity patterns across the plant Tree of Life.

Significance statement

Although polyploidy is a source of innovation, its long-term evolutionary significance is still debated. Here we analyze the evolutionary role of polyploidy within the Brassicaceae, a diverse clade exhibiting extensive variation in chromosome numbers among species. We found that, although polyploids diversify slower than diploids, polyploids have faster extinction and speciation rates. Our results also suggest that polyploidy has played an important role in shaping present-day differences in species richness within the Brassicaceae, with potential implications in explaining diversity patterns across the plant Tree of Life.
Advection and habitat loss interactively reduce persistence: maintaining threatened riverine populations while restoring natural flow regimes
Authors: Karatayev Vadim A. , Burlakova Lyubov E. , Karatayev Alexander Y. , Yang Luojun , Miller Thomas
Published: July 2019

Modification of flow regimes and habitat degradation are the strongest, most common, and often co-occurring human activities affecting riverine populations. Ongoing efforts to restore peak flow events found under pristine flow regimes could increase advection-driven dispersal for many species. In rivers with extensive habitat loss, increased advection could transport individuals from remnant populations into degraded downstream areas, causing restored flow regimes to decrease persistence of threatened species. To resolve the capacity for such ‘washout’ effects across imperiled taxa, we evaluate population growth in spatial matrix models of insect, fish, and mollusc taxa experiencing advective dispersal and either long-term habitat loss or temporary disturbances. As a case study to quantify advective dispersal in threatened species, we use intensive mark-recapture methods in a Rio Grande population of the federally endangered unionid mussel Texas horhshell (Popenaias popeii). Among unionids, the most threatened freshwater taxa of North America, we find high levels of annual downstream emigration (16-51%) of adultP. popeii, concomitant with strong immigration from upstream habitats. For different taxa experiencing such advective dispersal during specific life stages, our population model shows that washout effects strongly reduce population recovery under high levels of habitat loss. Averting this negative consequence of restoring hydrology requires simultaneously restoring or protecting long, contiguous stretches of suitable habitats. Across taxa in heavily impacted systems, we suggest integrating hydrodynamic studies and field surveys to detect the presence of advective dispersal and prioritize areas for habitat restoration to enhance population persistence.
Age-related Gene Expression Signatures (AGES) in rats demonstrate early, late, and linear transcriptional changes from multiple tissues
Authors: Shavlakadze Tea , Morris Melody , Fang Jian , Wang Sharon X. , Zhou Weihua , Tse Herman W. , Mondragon-Gonzalez Ricardo , Roma Guglielmo , Glass David J.
Published: July 2019

In order to understand changes in gene expression that occur as a result of age, which might create a permissive or causal environment for age-related diseases, we produced a multi-timepoint Age-related Gene Expression Signature (AGES) from liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and hippocampus of rats, comparing 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, 24 and 27-month old animals. We focused on genes that changed in one direction throughout the lifespan of the animal, either early in life (early logistic changes); at mid-age (mid-logistic); late in life (late-logistic); or linearly, throughout the lifespan. The pathways perturbed as a result of chronological age demonstrate organ-specific and more global effects of aging, and point to mechanisms that might be counter-regulated pharmacologically in order to treat age-associated diseases. A small number of genes were regulated by aging in the same manner in every tissue, suggesting they may be more universal markers of aging.
Imprinted maternally-expressed microRNAs antagonize paternally-driven gene programs in neurons
Authors: Whipple Amanda J. , Jacobs Hannah N. , Breton-Provencher Vincent , Sur Mriganka , Sharp Phillip A.
Published: July 2019

Imprinted genes with parental-biased expression are hypothesized to result from an evolutionary conflict between the parental genomes over procurement of maternal resources. Accordingly, imprinted genes are enriched in pathways regulating nutrient acquisition, energy homeostasis, and growth. Here, we functionally characterize a large cluster of maternally-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) to explore why they evolved imprinted expression in neurons. Using an induced neuron (iN) culture system, we show maternally-expressed miRNAs from the miR-379/410 cluster repress paternally-expressed genes, including known regulators of energy homeostasisPlagl1andPeg3. Additional non-imprinted metabolic regulators are also co-targeted by miR-379/410. Maternal deletion of this imprinted miRNA cluster results in de-repression of its targets and up-regulation of a broader gene program regulating feeding behavior and synaptic transmission. These data suggest non-coding RNAs actively engage in parental genomic conflict, whereby maternally-expressed miRNAs antagonize paternally-driven gene programs in neurons.
Reshaping theHexagone: the genetic landscape of modern France
Authors: Biagini Simone Andrea , Ramos-Luis Eva , Comas David , Calafell Francesc
Published: July 2019

Unlike other European countries, the human population genetics and demographic history of Metropolitan France is surprisingly understudied. In this work, we combined newly genotyped samples from various zones in France with publicly available data and applied both allele frequency and haplotype-based methods in order to describe the internal structure of this country, by using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array genotypes. We found out that French Basques are genetically distinct from all other populations in theHexagoneand that the populations from southwest France (namely the Gascony region) share a large proportion of their ancestry with Basques. Otherwise, the genetic makeup of the French population is relatively homogeneous and mostly related to Southern and Central European groups. However, a fine-grained, haplotype-based analysis revealed that Bretons slightly separated from the rest of the groups, due mostly to gene flow from the British Isles in a time frame that coincides both historically attested Celtic population movements to this area between the 3th and the 9th centuries CE, but also with a more ancient genetic continuity between Brittany and the British Isles related to the shared drift with hunter-gatherer populations. Haplotype-based methods also unveiled subtle internal structures and connections with the surrounding modern populations, particularly in the periphery of theHexagone.
An overview of data-driven HADDOCK strategies in CAPRI rounds 38-45
Authors: Koukos P.I. , Roel-Touris J. , Ambrosetti F. , Geng C. , Schaarschmidt J. , Trellet M.E. , Melquiond A.S.J. , Xue L.C. , Honorato R.V. , Moreira I. , Kurkcuoglu Z. , Vangone A. , Bonvin A.M.J.J.
Published: July 2019

Our information-driven docking approach HADDOCK has demonstrated a sustained performance since the start of its participation to CAPRI. This is due, in part, to its ability to integrate data into the modelling process, and to the robustness of its scoring function. We participated in CAPRI both as server and as manual predictors.

In CAPRI rounds 38-45, we have used various strategies depending on the information at hand. These ranged from imposing restraints to a few residues identified from literature as being important for the interaction, to binding pockets identified from homologous complexes or template-based refinement / CA-CA restraint-guided docking from identified templates. When relevant, symmetry restraints were used to limit the conformational sampling. We also tested for a large decamer target a new implementation of the MARTINI coarse-grained force field in HADDOCK. Overall in the current rounds, we obtained acceptable or better predictions for 13 and 11 server and manual submissions, respectively, out of the 22 interfaces. Our server performance (acceptable models) was better (59%) than the manual (50%) one, in which we typically experiment with various combinations of protocols and data sources. Again, our simple scoring function based on a linear combination of intermolecular van der Waals and electrostatic energies and an empirical desolvation term demonstrated a good performance in the scoring experiment with a 63% success rate across all 22 interfaces.

An analysis of model quality indicates that, while we are consistently performing well in generating acceptable models, there is room for improvement for generating/identifying higher quality models.
The role of specialist inpatient rehabilitation services for people with intellectual disability, autism and mental health, behavioural or forensic needs
Authors: Odiyoor Mahesh , Tromans Samuel Joseph , Alexander Regi T. , Akbari Srinaveen , Bell Gill , Bering Sandy , Jaydeokar Sujeet , Shetty Amrith
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a professional consensus position with regard to the provision of specialist inpatient rehabilitation services for people with intellectual disability (ID), autism and mental health, behavioural or forensic needs in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of rehabilitation is discussed, as well as the functions and goals of specialist inpatient rehabilitation services with regard to the aforementioned contexts. Current use of rehabilitation beds is considered, both on a regional and national scale, as well as various outcome measures, including effectiveness, patient safety and patient experience.

Findings

There is a clear need for specialist inpatient rehabilitation services, though historically there have been instances of inappropriate admissions, as well as lengthy inpatient stays that could have been significantly reduced with the right type of community support package. Such services should be subjected to rigorous measurement of outcome measures, to determine that patients within such services are receiving a consistently high standard of care. Additionally, amendments to current legal frameworks should be considered, with a view to accommodating for individuals with capacity who require continuous community-based supervision.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first article detailing a professional consensus position for specialist inpatient rehabilitation services for people with ID, autism and mental health, behavioural or forensic needs.
MNE as a catalyst for field-level institutional change in the Russian bakery sector
Authors: Pelto Elina , Karhu Anna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on analysing how foreign entry by a multinational enterprise (MNE) can act as a catalyst for change in field-level institutional logics in a transition economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an empirical single-case study on the effects of an MNE’s entry on a particular industry in an emerging market’s context. The empirical study follows abductive reasoning; based on the interplay of previous literature and empirical observations, it identifies mechanism through which MNEs can catalyse change in field-level institutional logics.

Findings

The study shows that in addition to general market transition influenced by state-level policies, individual companies’ strategies, actions and market behaviour also significantly contribute to the development of a host industry’s field-level institutional logics. More precisely, a case study of a Finnish MNE’s entry into the Russian bakery market identifies the mechanisms and various change pathways through which the entry of a single MNE into a transition economy can significantly alter the institutional logics of a particular industry.

Originality/value

The study employs a novel perspective that incorporates the ideas, concepts and insights of an institutional logics perspective to MNE entry research for empirical analysis and theory building.
Conditions that mediate teacher agency during assessment reform
Authors: Willis Jill , McGraw Kelli , Graham Linda
Published: July 2019

Purpose

A new senior curriculum and assessment policy in Queensland, Australia, is changing the conditions for teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to consider the personal, structural and cultural conditions that mediated the agency of Senior English teachers as they negotiated these changes. Agency is conceptualised as opportunities for choice in action arising from pedagogic negotiations with students within contexts where teachers’ decision-making is circumscribed by other pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

An action inquiry project was conducted with English teachers and students in two secondary schools as they began to adjust their practices in readiness for changes to Queensland senior assessment. Four English teachers (two per school) designed a 10-week unit of work in Senior English with the aim of enhancing students’ critical and creative agency. Five action/reflection cycles occurred over six months with interviews conducted at each stage to trace how teachers were making decisions to prioritise student agency.

Findings

Participating teachers drew on a variety of structural, personal and cultural resources, including previous experiences, time to develop shared understandings and the responsiveness of students that mediated their teacher agency. Teachers’ ability to exert agentic influence beyond their own classroom was affected by the perceived flexibility of established resources and the availability of social support to share student success.

Originality/value

These findings indicate that a range of conditions affected the development of teacher agency when they sought to design assessment to prioritise student agency. The variety of enabling conditions that need to be considered when supporting teacher and student agency is an important contribution to theories of agency in schools, and studies of teacher policy enactment in systems moving away from localised control to more remote and centralised quality assurance processes.
MHD mixed convection boundary layer stagnation-point flow on a vertical surface with induced magnetic field
Authors: Md Ali Fadzilah , Naganthran Kohilavani , Nazar Roslinda , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to perform a stability analysis on a steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection boundary-layer stagnation-point flow of an incompressible, viscous and electrically conducting fluid over a vertical flat plate. The effect of induced magnetic field is also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformations. The system is then solved numerically using the “bvp4c” function in MATLAB.

Findings

Dual solutions are found to exist for a certain range of the buoyancy parameter for both the assisting and opposing flows. The results from the stability analysis showed that the first solution (upper branch) is stable and valid physically, while the second solution (lower branch) is unstable.

Practical implications

This problem is important in many metallurgical processes, namely, drawing, annealing and tinning of copper wires. The results obtained are very useful for researchers to determine which solution is physically stable, whereby mathematically more than one solution exists for the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer characteristics.

Originality/value

The present results of the stability analysis are original and new for the problem of MHD mixed convection stagnation-point flow of viscous conducting fluid over a vertical flat plate, with the effect of induced magnetic field.
Improved hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seal by considering boundary slip and cavitation
Authors: Wang Yun-Lei , Wu Jiu-Hui , Hao Mu-Ming , Xu Lu-Shuai
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of boundary slip on hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seal considering cavitation.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model of liquid film seal with slip surface was established based on the Navier slip model and Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson (JFO) boundary condition. Liquid film governing equation was discretized by the finite difference method and solved by the SOR relaxation iterative algorithm and the hydrodynamic performance parameters of liquid film seal were obtained considering boundary slip and cavitation.

Findings

The results indicate that the values of performance parameters are affected significantly by the slip length under the condition of high speed and low differential pressure.

Originality/value

The performances of liquid film seal are investigated considering slip surface and cavitation. The results presented in the study are expected to provide a theoretical basis to improve the design method of liquid film seal.
Dynamic characteristics of elastic ring squeeze film damper
Authors: Wang Zhenlin , Liu Zhansheng , Zhang Guanghui
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical model to investigate the dynamic behavior and force coefficients of a compact squeeze film damper with dual film clearances adjusted by an elastic ring, known as elastic ring squeeze film damper (ERSFD).

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations of ERSFD as well as the boundary conditions are obtained based on Reynolds equation. A simplified Greenwood–Williamson model is implemented to investigate the contact behavior between the elastic ring and the journal. The interactions between the films and the elastic ring are achieved by block iterative method.

Findings

The radial deformation as well as velocity of the elastic ring are captured to illustrate the pressure profiles of the inner and outer films. High-order frequency components related to the number of the boss N are observed on the frequency spectrum of the film force. The force coefficients of the ERSFD are constant for a wider range of non-dimensional whirling radius ε compared with conventional squeeze film damper.

Originality/value

The force coefficients of the ERSFD are obtained by assuming that the journal center moves in a circular centered orbit. High-order frequency components related to the number of bosses N are observed. These findings may provide helpful materials for the application of the ERSFD.
Factors influencing research data communication on Zika virus: a grounded theory
Authors: da Costa Michelli Pereira , Lima Leite Fernando César
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model to illustrate factors influencing research data communication on diseases caused by the Zika virus.

Design/methodology/approach

The grounded theory methodology was adopted. For data collection, interviews were conducted with 13 Brazilian researchers involved with the Zika virus theme. Data analysis was performed using the open, axial and selective coding processes, according to the principles of the grounded theory.

Findings

Based on data collection and analysis, seven theoretical categories representing intervening factors in Zika virus research data communication were identified. The emerging theory showed the centrality of researchers’ expectations for acknowledgment and reward, influenced by the aspects of research funding and academic culture. Three factors involved in the macro processes of research data communication: data use, data production and data sharing. In the use and production processes, factors related to collaboration figured most strongly. In the production and sharing processes, the factors regarding data processing and the use of research data repositories were more pronounced. Finally, data sharing, and the possibility of reusing data are directly affected by the social context of Zika virus disease as an emerging disease.

Originality/value

The study presents a theory developed systematically to explain the phenomenon of communication of research data on Zika virus. The theory presents a set of intervening factors of the process of communication of research data and discusses the factors in light of the fundamentals of information science.
Considering production time in allocating costs and estimating profits at a Fortune 500 manufacturing corporation
Authors: Lelkes Anne-Marie T. , Krueger Thomas M.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Prior research has used computer-generated data to illustrate the benefits of the recently developed duration-based costing (DBC) and its affiliate modified duration-based costing (MDBC). The purpose of this paper is to use data from a Fortune 500 corporation to compare its traditional, or functional-based, cost allocation method with that of the recently developed DBC and MDBC models.

Design/methodology/approach

A Fortune 500 company provided one month of production data for a particular, key machine within its manufacturing process. The data were used to apply DBC and MDBC.

Findings

Variations arising from differences in the models’ cost allocation reveal the advantages of using time-based cost allocation over the traditional, mostly non-time-based allocation to estimate profit.

Research limitations/implications

By using actual data, this case study enhances prior theoretical research concerning the benefits of utilizing DBC and MDBC over the traditional costing method.

Practical implications

This case study is of benefit to practitioners who use traditional costing since it will encourage them to explore DBC and/or MDBC that tend to be more accurate in situations where the old adage of “time is money” applies. Implementing DBC and MDBC was not difficult to do for the Fortune 500 company as all of the components to run the models were readily available.

Originality/value

This is the first study to utilize actual company data to illustrate DBC and MDBC, and thus, adding to the literature concerning DBC and MDBC.
The tension between intention and attention
Authors: Doornich June Borge , Kaarbøe Katarina , Bourmistrov Anatoli
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how changes in the coercive and enabling orientations of the organizational rule system influence the attention managers pay to rules.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of a case study covering a multinational energy company, which are interpreted based on insights from the coercive/enabling bureaucracy literature and the evolution of rules literature, help explain how rules can direct attention.

Findings

The findings suggest that the tensions between corporate management’s intentions for an organization’s rule system and the attention middle (country) managers pay to those rules were the main driver of dialectic changes in the rule system. The more coercive the rule system became, the more middle managers diverted their attention away from rule compliance. The paper shows how the dialect change process constituted a dynamic interaction between mindful “rule setters” and mindful “rule followers.” The alignment between intentions and attention was reestablished by better balancing the coercive and enabling orientations of the rule system: enabling better flexibility, enhancing internal transparency based on local business logic and improving global transparency through closer alignment of local and global growth and efficiency goals. Surprisingly, the repair characteristic was not as important.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature by showing how the enabling and coercive characteristics of an organizational rule system constitute managerial attention artifacts. The paper demonstrates how tensions between corporate intentions and local contingencies in the context of global organizations can lead to constrictive change and create a win-win situation for both central and local actors by better balancing the coercive and enabling orientations of the rule system. It also offers new insights into the dialectic change process in an organization’s rule system based on attention view toward organizational rules.
A critical assessment of retail sovereign sukuk in Indonesia
Authors: Sukmana Raditya
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the retail sovereign sukuk in Indonesia, which so far is not found elsewhere in the world and is an effective instrument to raise funds for covering government budget deficits.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts qualitative research combining literature studies, valid data from sukuk.com, government official documents and also in-depth interviews with relevant government officials to strengthen the arguments.

Findings

Competitive rates, ability to be bought by individual and risk-free funding are some of the specific features of sukuk, while economic growth and large populations are some of the key success factors.

Practical implications

This study will be the main reference for other governments which are keen to adopt similar instruments for their respective countries.

Social implications

As individual is eligible to buy this sukuk, this may lead to a better wealth distributions

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to comprehensively and critically evaluate the one and only retail sovereign sukuk as an alternative government instrument to raise funds.
J‐curve association between alcohol intake and varicose veins in Japan: The Shimane CoHRE Study
Authors: Kohno Kunie , Niihara Hiroyuki , Hamano Tsuyoshi , Takeda Miwako , Nakagawa Yusei , Shiwaku Kuninori , Nabika Toru , Zöller Bengt , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Morita Eishin
Published: July 2019

The effect of alcohol intake on varicose veins (VV) has not been determined by its consumption level. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between alcohol intake and VV in an elderly general population. Using a cross‐sectional approach, the Shimane CoHRE Study data, comprising a total of 1060 participants, were analyzed. By multivariate regression analysis adjusted with basic characteristics, past work history, lifestyle‐related factors and medical history, compared with non‐drinkers, mild drinkers (<20.0 g/day) showed a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of VV (aOR = 0.64, P = 0.036). In a similar way, regular drinkers (1–5 days/week) showed a significantly lower aOR of VV when compared with occasional drinkers (aOR = 0.57, P = 0.032). VV and alcohol intake showed J‐curve relationships. In a stratified analysis by alcohol consumption levels, the association of smoking and VV were also observed in moderate to heavy drinkers and habitual drinkers. These findings can provide better understanding of pathophysiological mechanism and be used for evidence‐based patient education.
Metformin modulates cardiac endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation in irradiated rats: A new perspective of an antidiabetic drug
Authors: Karam Heba M. , Radwan Rasha R.
Published: July 2019

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most pivotal disorders after radiotherapy. The aim of this study investigates the possible protective effect of metformin against gamma radiation‐induced heart damage in male rats. Group 1 (control) received saline, group 2 was whole body gamma‐irradiated 5 Gy, group 3 was orally administered metformin 50 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks, group 4 received metformin 50 mg/kg/day for 1 week, then exposed to whole‐body gamma radiation at a dose of 5 Gy and continued with metformin for further 1 week. The results revealed that the administration of metformin to irradiated rats significantly ameliorated the changes in cardiac biomarkers (LDH and CK‐MB) compared with irradiated group. Heart catalase and SOD activities showed normal level when compared with the irradiated group. Also, NF‐κB, IL‐6 and TNF‐ α levels were markedly decreased compared with the corresponding values of irradiated group. Consequently, metformin reduced E‐selectin as well ICAM and VCAM‐1. These results confirmed by histopathological examination. In conclusion, concomitant administration of metformin during radiotherapy acts as a potent heart protector from oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and endothelial dysfunction induced damages. Results thus hold a great promise for a new implication of an antidiabetic drug (metformin) as adjunct to radiotherapy.
The characteristics of antibiotic resistance and phenotypes in 29 outer‐membrane protein mutant strains in Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Li Zeqi , Wang Yuqian , Li Xiaoyan , Lin Zhenping , Lin Yuexu , Srinivasan Ramanathan , Lin Xiangmin
Published: July 2019

Although many typical outer‐membrane proteins (OMPs) have been well characterized, the biological functions of many OMPs remain largely elusive. In this study, we successfully constructed 29 OMP knockout strains in the pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila, which account for about 50% of all predicted OMPs in this bacterial species. We then further validated the antibiotics' susceptibility characteristics against 20 antimicrobial reagents in these mutants considering several phenotypes. Our results showed that a total of 22 OMP mutants affected the susceptibility to at least one antibiotic. The deletion of some OMPs, such as ΔlamB and ΔbamA, revealed very important roles in the resistance to certain antibiotics. However, not a single OMP mutant presented a constant behaviour to all of the tested antibiotics, suggesting the existence of a complex intercellular regulation mechanism and a protein–protein interaction network underlying the OMP homeostasis in the presence of antibiotics. Meanwhile, some OMP mutants also affected biofilm formation, ECPase and haemolytic activity, and carbon resources utilization. This report demonstrates the biological functions of OMPs on a large scale and most of results have not been reported in A. hydrophila.
Functional responses of three guilds of spiders: Comparing single‐ and multiprey approaches
Authors: Benhadi‐Marín Jacinto , Pereira José A. , Sousa José P. , Santos Sónia A. P.
Published: July 2019

Spiders are successful natural enemies of pests occurring throughout the different strata of an agroecosystem. The study of their functional responses can provide information related to the potential effectiveness of different species and guilds on reducing a pest population. However, multiple prey availability may change the functional response of a predator. In this study, the functional responses of three species of spiders in single‐prey and multiple‐prey experiments were modelled. The spider species Haplodrassus rufipes, Araniella cucurbitina and Synema globosum were chosen as being representatives of ground runners, orb‐weavers and ambushers, respectively. Three prey species were selected: a target prey, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and two alternate prey species, the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella and the house cricket Acheta domesticus. When the selected target prey C. capitata was supplied in the single‐prey experiments, the most and the least efficient spider species were H. rufipes and S. globosum, respectively. However, opposite results were obtained when alternative preys were supplied. Also, A. cucurbitina significantly changed its functional response with the presence of alternative prey species. Considering the prey preference during the multiple‐prey experiments, A. domesticus, used as representative of a heavy, long‐sized and highly motile prey, was avoided whereas C. capitata, the target pest used as representative of light, small‐sized and moderately motile prey was preferred by the three species of spiders. Ephestia kuehniella, used as representative of light, medium‐sized and low motile prey was occasionally consumed. Each guild could include efficient predators against pests according to its hunting strategies and the ecological exploited niches. Orb‐weavers could be efficient predators against flying pests; ambushers such as S. globosum could contribute to the reduction of the populations of flower‐visiting pests, whereas active ground hunters may also play an important role preying on pests that develop a part or all of its life cycle in the ground. However, further research on feeding behaviour such as prey switching is needed for a better understanding of the effectiveness of spiders as natural enemies.
Childhood maltreatment and treatment outcome in psychotic disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Thomas S. , Höfler M. , Schäfer I. , Trautmann S.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Childhood maltreatment (CM) plays an important role in the aetiology and course of psychotic disorders and is associated with characteristics that could be relevant for treatment. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the association between CM and treatment outcome in psychotic disorders.

Methods

Treatment outcome was defined as change in psychotic symptoms or in social or occupational functioning between first and last reported measurement in the course of a pharmacological and/or psychological treatment.

Results

Twelve treatment results from seven studies (636 patients, average treatment duration: 59.2 weeks) were included. CM was related to poorer treatment outcomes in psychotic disorders (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = [1.08, 2.10]). There is evidence that this association might increase with illness duration and increasing age and might be stronger in schizophrenia samples.

Conclusions

Childhood maltreatment is highly understudied with regard to treatment outcome in psychotic disorders. The need for more studies is emphasized by the fact that this meta‐analysis reveals evidence for a poorer treatment response in patients with CM. If this association is confirmed, the identification of patients with CM and the consideration of associated clinical and biological conditions could contribute to improve treatment outcome in psychotic disorders.
Impact of specialist and primary care stop smoking support on socio‐economic inequalities in cessation in the United Kingdom: a systematic review and national equity analysis
Authors: Smith Caroline E. , Hill Sarah E. , Amos Amanda
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess the impact of UK specialist and primary care‐based stop smoking support on socio‐economic inequalities in cessation.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis, with a national equity analysis of stop smoking services (SSS). Ten bibliographic databases were searched for studies of any design, published since 2012, which evaluated specialist or primary care‐based stop smoking support by socio‐economic status (SES) or within a disadvantaged group. Studies could report on any cessation‐related outcome. National Statistics were combined to estimate population‐level SSS reach and impact among all smokers by SES. Overall, we included 27 published studies and three collated, national SSS reports for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland (equivalent data for Wales were unavailable).

Results

Primary care providers and SSS in the United Kingdom were particularly effective at engaging and supporting disadvantaged smokers. Low SES groups were more likely to have their smoking status assessed, to receive general practitioner brief cessation advice/SSS referral and to attempt a quit with SSS support. Although disadvantaged SSS clients were less successful in quitting, increased service reach offset these lower quit rates, resulting in higher service impact among smokers from low SES groups. Interventions that offer tailored and targeted support have the potential to improve quit outcomes among disadvantaged smokers.

Conclusions

Equity‐orientated stop smoking support can compensate for lower quit rates among disadvantaged smokers through the use of equity‐based performance targets, provision of targeted services and the development of tailored interventions.
Are animal models of addiction useful?
Authors: Field Matt , Kersbergen Inge
Published: July 2019

Background

Pre‐clinical research involving non‐human animals has made important contributions to our understanding of risk factors for addiction, neuroadaptations that follow chronic drug exposure and to the development of some efficacious pharmacotherapies for addiction. Despite these contributions, we argue that animal models of addiction have impeded progress in our understanding of addiction and its treatment in humans.

Argument

First, the majority of pharmacological treatments that were initially developed using animal models have failed to prove effective for the treatment of addiction in humans, resulting in a huge waste of resources. Secondly, we demonstrate that prevailing animal models that portray addiction as a disorder of compulsion and habit cannot be reconciled with observations that psychoactive drug use in humans is a goal‐directed operant behaviour that remains under the control of its consequences, even in people who are addicted. Thirdly, addiction may be a uniquely human phenomenon that is dependent on language, which necessarily limits the validity of animal models. Finally, we argue that addicted brains must be understood as one component of broader networks of symptoms and environmental and social factors that are impossible to model in laboratory animals.

Conclusions

A case can be made that animal models of addiction have not served us well in understanding and treating addiction in humans. It is important to reconsider some widely held beliefs about the nature of addictive behaviour in humans that have arisen from the zeal to translate observations of laboratory animals.