bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARAFOVEAL MICROVASCULAR FEATURES ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN EYES WITH CIRCUMSCRIBED CHOROIDAL HEMANGIOMA
Authors: Sioufi Kareem , Say Emil A. T. , Ferenczy Sandor C. , Shields Carol L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate parafoveal microvasculature in eyes with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

Fourteen eyes with unilateral circumscribed choroidal hemangioma were imaged using OCT for central macular thickness and optical coherence tomography angiography for superficial and deep foveal avascular zone area, and superficial and deep capillary density (CD), comparing affected and paired fellow eyes.

Results:

Mean patient age was 53 years, and mean visual acuity was 20/60 in the involved eye and 20/25 in the fellow eye. In the affected eye, clinical findings included cystoid macular edema (CME) in 1, parafoveal/subfoveal subretinal fluid (SRF) in three, and both CME and SRF in two eyes. OCT revealed current CME/SRF in six eyes, and normal foveal contour in eight eyes, among which five never demonstrated OCT evidence of CME or SRF. By OCT (affected vs. fellow eye), mean central macular thickness was greater in affected eyes (312 vs. 264 μm, P = 0.042). By optical coherence tomography angiography, there was no difference in superficial foveal avascular zone (P = 0.327), deep foveal avascular zone (P = 0.563), and superficial CD (P = 0.159), but mean deep plexus CD was reduced in affected eyes (50% vs. 54%, P = 0.010). Subgroup analysis showed that eyes with previous or current CME and/or SRF had reduced deep plexus CD (53% vs. 57%, P = 0.005), while eyes without previous/current CME/SRF had similar deep plexus CD (P = 0.399) compared with fellow eyes.

Conclusion:

Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma generally does not affect parafoveal inner retinal microvasculature. However, a reduction in deep plexus CD can be expected in eyes with previous or current CME/SRF.
Improving the Odds
Authors: Riggs Kyle W. , Zeltsman David , Gu Bo , Sung Chris C. , Lobko Igor
Published: May 2017

Precise localization of a rib lesion for its resection remains a challenge because of multiple factors including nonpalpable pathology, unfavorable body habitus, inaccurate clinical examination, and unreliable rib count on physical examination, unfavorable lesion location within a rib (its posterior aspect), and resection of sclerotic lesions with grossly intact rib cortex. We describe a novel rib localization technique that eliminates potential mistakes and avoids resection of an inappropriate rib. Our method of rib localization includes placement of metallic coils by interventional radiologists under computed tomography guidance where two coils are deployed within the intercostal spaces, one superior and one inferior to the rib lesion. Intraoperative use of fluoroscopy results in precise localization of rib lesions even in cases where the pathology is not grossly apparent. We implemented this approach in 2014 and have since performed it in five patients for both lytic and sclerotic lesions. Placement of markers superficial to the intercostal spaces resulted in their displacement in one case. Successfully, we removed the correct ribs in each patient without technical difficulties or complications. Our series demonstrates a novel strategy for a highly accurate and relatively easy way to identify the exact portion of the rib for surgical resection. Intercostal space positioning of the coil markers superior and inferior to the lesion prevents their dislodgement during patient transport and positioning on the operating room table, which improves rib identification accuracy and reliability. When combined with intraoperative fluoroscopy, it will greatly eliminate resection of incorrect ribs.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of pelvic floor disorders in adolescents: a diagnostic framework for the general practitioner
Authors: Pai Anita Kochikar , Ballal Sonia Arora
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) can present with gastrointestinal complaints in the adolescent patient, and identification of PFDs is aided by clues in the history and physical examination apparent to the knowledgeable clinician. The aim of this article is to provide a framework for the diagnostic evaluation of the adolescent patient with a PFD and introduce management strategies.

Recent findings

Patients with PFDs can present with gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, incomplete evacuation, and fecal incontinence or nongastrointestinal complaints around genitourinary symptoms or sexual health. Although such symptoms can be attributed to a variety of diagnoses, PFDs should be considered in the adolescent patient based on history and physical examination findings, including a careful digital rectal examination. Adolescent patients in high-risk groups may be especially susceptible to PFDs. Such groups include postpartum women, victims of sexual abuse, those with congenital anorectal malformations, or acquired spinal cord or pelvic floor injuries. Biofeedback can be beneficial in patients with PFDs.

PFDs may present with a spectrum of symptoms, but a familiarity with the clinical characteristics and understanding of the digital rectal examination may guide the skillful clinician in diagnosis, initial management, and subspecialist referral if needed.
The Cancer Worry Scale Revised for Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling
Authors: Caruso Anita , Vigna Cristina , Gremigni Paola
Published: May 2017

Background:

The Cancer Worry Scale was revised to be used in breast cancer genetic counseling (CWS-GC). This scale is used to identify dimensions that are relevant in the genetic counseling context, such as worry about developing breast cancer, impact of worries on daily life, and risk perception in women attending a counseling session for BRCA1/2 mutations.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to estimate the psychometric properties of the CWS-GC in a sample of Italian women.

Methods:

A total of 304 women aged 19 to 90 years, 58% with history and 42% with no history of breast or ovarian cancer, participated in the study. Validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change of the CWS-GC were assessed.

Results:

Confirmatory factor analysis suggested a 2-factor structure of the CWS-GC measuring cancer worry and risk perception and with Cronbach’s α coefficients of .90 and .70, respectively. Criterion validity was attested by substantial yet not overlapping correlations with anxiety and fear of medical procedures. In a subsample of 50 women, test-retest reliability at a 4-week interval ranged from 0.70 to 0.87, and the CWS-GC was able to detect small to medium changes 1 month after genetic counseling.

Conclusions:

Overall, the CWS-GC showed good psychometric characteristics in this population.

Implications for Practice:

The CWS-GC would be appropriate for use by healthcare professionals to better understand how women react and adapt to information on genetic cancer risk to provide them with emotional support and encourage surveillance behaviors.
Defining Quality of Rheumatolgic Care: Argentina
Authors: Soriano Enrique R.
Published: May 2017

Health care system in Argentina is highly fragmented and disconnected. Argentina’s health system is divided into 3 major nonintegrated subsystems as follows: public subsystem, financed through taxes; the social security subsystem, financed through obligatory insurance schemes; and the private subsystem, financed through voluntary insurance. There are approximately 800 rheumatologists in Argentina, serving a population of approximately 40 million people, representing approximately 1.8 rheumatologists per 100.000 inhabitants; however, most of them are concentrated in large cities, and patients need to travel several hours to reach a specialist. Although the health care system in Argentina is highly fragmented and disconnected, health coverage is universal, accessible, and of good quality. Quality or value assessment of care and use of electronic medical records are not part of the system in Argentina, and there does not appear they would be in the near future.
A National Survey on the Use of Immersive Simulation for Interprofessional Education in Physical Therapist Education Programs
Authors: Stockert Brad , Ohtake Patricia J.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

There is growing recognition that collaborative practice among healthcare professionals is associated with improved patient outcomes and enhanced team functioning, but development of collaborative practitioners requires interprofessional education (IPE). Immersive simulation, a clinically relevant experience that deeply engages the learner in realistic clinical environments, is used increasingly for IPE. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of immersive simulation as a strategy for IPE in physical therapist (PT) education programs.

Methods

During fall 2014 and spring 2015, we contacted all 214 Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredited PT education programs in the United States and invited a faculty member to participate in our online survey.

Results

One hundred fourteen PT programs responded (53% response rate). Eighty responding programs (70%) identified themselves as users of immersive simulation, and 45 programs (39%) used simulation for IPE. Of these 45 programs, more than 90% included Interprofessional Education Collaborative competency learning objectives of roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams/teamwork and 51% reported learning objectives for values/ethics for interprofessional practice. Interprofessional simulations with PT students commonly included nursing (91%). In programs using immersive simulation for IPE, 91% included debriefing and 51% included debriefing by interprofessional teams.

Conclusions

Eighty accredited PT programs (70%) that responded to the survey use immersive simulation, and 45 programs (39%) use simulation for IPE. Most programs conduct simulations consistent with recognized best practice, including debriefing and Interprofessional Education Collaborative competency learning objectives for promoting interprofessional collaborative practice. We anticipate an increase in the use of immersive simulation for IPE as an educational strategy to comply with the revised Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accreditation standards related to interprofessional collaborative practice that will become effective on January 1, 2018.
Expanding the computable reactome inPseudomonas putidareveals metabolic cycles providing robustness
Authors: Nogales Juan , Gudmundsson Steinn , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan Luis , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: May 2017

Genome-scale network reconstructions are organism-specific representations of metabolism and powerful tools for analyzing systemic metabolic properties. The use of reconstructions is limited by the lack of coverage of the metabolic reactome. We present an exhaustive and validated reconstruction of the biotechnologically relevant bacteriumPseudomonas putidaKT2440, greatly expanding its computable metabolic states. The reconstruction,iJN1411, represents a significant expansion over other reconstructed bacterial metabolic networks. Computations based on the reconstruction exhibit high accuracy in predicting nutrient sources, growth rates, carbon flux distributions, and gene essentiality, thus providing a deep understanding ofPseudomonasmetabolism.iJN1411 was used for: i) the assessment of the metabolic capabilities ofP. putidaas a species through multi-strain modeling, ii) deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic robustness, and iii) identification of metabolic “capacitors” based on ATP-fueled metabolic cycles. This study represents the most complete and comprehensive bacterial metabolic reconstruction built to date, while providing computational and experimental evidence about how bacteria increase metabolic robustness, paving the way for engineering more robust biocatalysts and searching for drug targets in robust pathogens.
Simultaneous activation of parallel sensory pathways promotes a grooming sequence inDrosophila
Authors: Hampel Stefanie , McKellar Claire E. , Simpson Julie H. , Seeds Andrew M.
Published: May 2017

A central model that describes how behavioral sequences are produced features a neural architecture that readies different movements simultaneously, and a mechanism where prioritized suppression between the movements determines their sequential performance. We previously described a model whereby suppression drives aDrosophilagrooming sequence that is induced by simultaneous activation of different sensory pathways that each elicit a distinct movement (Seeds et al. 2014). Here, we confirm this model using transgenic expression to identify and optogenetically activate sensory neurons that elicit specific grooming movements. Simultaneous activation of different sensory pathways elicits a grooming sequence that resembles the naturally induced sequence. Moreover, the sequence proceeds after the sensory excitation is terminated, indicating that a persistent trace of this excitation induces the next grooming movement once the previous one is performed. This reveals a mechanism whereby parallel sensory inputs can be integrated and stored to elicit a delayed and sequential grooming response.
Telomerecat: A ploidy-agnostic method for estimating telomere length from whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Farmery James HR , Smith Mike L ,   NIHR BioResource - Rare Diseases, Lynch Andy G
Published: May 2017

Telomere length is a risk factor in disease and the dynamics of telomere length are crucial to our understanding of cell replication and vitality. The proliferation of whole genome sequencing represents an unprecedented opportunity to glean new insights into telomere biology on a previously unimaginable scale. To this end, a number of approaches for estimating telomere length from whole-genome sequencing data have been proposed. Here we present Telomerecat, a novel approach to the estimation of telomere length. Previous methods have been dependent on the number of telomeres present in a cell being known, which may be problematic when analysing aneuploid cancer data and non-human samples. Telomerecat is designed to be agnostic to the number of telomeres present, making it suited for the purpose of estimating telomere length in cancer studies. Telomerecat also accounts for interstitial telomeric reads and presents a novel approach to dealing with sequencing errors. We show that Telomerecat performs well at telomere length estimation when compared to leading experimental and computational methods. Furthermore, we show that it detects expected patterns in longitudinal data, technical replicates, and cross-species comparisons. We also apply the method to a cancer cell data, uncovering an interesting relationship with the underlying telomerase genotype.
ALPK1 and TIFA dependent innate immune response triggered by the Helicobacter pylori type IV secretion system
Authors: Zimmermann Stephanie , Pfannkuch Lennart , Al-Zeer Munir A. , Bartfeld Sina , Koch Manuel , Liu Jianping , Rechner Cindy , Soerensen Meike , Sokolova Olga , Zamyatina Alla , Kosma Paul , Mäurer André P. , Glowinski Frithjof , Pleissner Klaus-Peter , Schmid Monika , Brinkmann Volker , Naumann Michael , Rother Marion , Machuy Nikolaus , Meyer Thomas F.
Published: May 2017

Activation of transcription factor NF-κB is a hallmark of infection with the gastric pathogenHelicobacter pyloriand associated with inflammation and carcinogenesis. Genome-wide RNAi screening revealed numerous hits involved inH. pylori-, but not IL-1β- and TNF-α- dependent NF-κB regulation. Pathway analysis including CRISPR/Cas9-knockout and recombinant protein technology, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, mass spectrometry and mutantH. pyloristrains, identified theH. pylorimetabolite D-glycero-β-D-manno-heptose1,7-bisphosphate (βHBP) as a cagPAI type IV secretion system (T4SS)-dependent effector of NF-κB activation in infected cells. Upon pathogen-host cell contact, TIFA forms large complexes (TIFAsomes) including interacting host factors, such as TRAF2. NF-κB activation, TIFA phosphorylation as well as TIFAsome formation depended on a functional ALPK1 kinase, highlighting the ALPK1-TIFA axis as core of a novel innate immune pathway. ALPK1-TIFA-mediated NF-κB activation was independent of CagA protein translocation, indicating that CagA translocation and HBP delivery to host cells are distinct features of the pathogen’s T4SS.
STRIDE: Species Tree Root Inference from Gene Duplication Events
Authors: Emms David M. , Kelly Steven
Published: May 2017

The correct interpretation of a phylogenetic tree is dependent on it being correctly rooted. A gene duplication event at the base of a clade of species is synapamorphic, and thus excludes the root of the species tree from that clade. We present STRIDE, a fast, effective, and outgroup-free method for species tree root inference from gene duplication events. STRIDE identifies sets of well-supported gene duplication events from cohorts of gene trees, and analyses these events to infer a probability distribution over an unrooted species tree for the location of the true root. We show that STRIDE infers the correct root of the species tree for a large range of simulated and real species sets. We demonstrate that the novel probability model implemented in STRIDE can accurately represent the ambiguity in species tree root assignment for datasets where information is limited. Furthermore, application of STRIDE to inference of the origin of the eukaryotic tree resulted in a root probability distribution that was consistent with, but unable to distinguish between, leading hypotheses for the origin of the eukaryotes. In summary, STRIDE is a fast, scalable, and effective method for species tree root inference from genome scale data.
Functional role of lanthanides in enzymatic activity and transcriptional regulation of PQQ-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Wehrmann Matthias , Billard Patrick , Meriadec Audrey Martin , Zegeye Asfaw , Klebensberger Janosch
Published: May 2017

The oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes is crucial for detoxification and efficient catabolism of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thus, many Gram-negative bacteria have evolved periplasmic oxidation systems, based on pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (PQQ-ADHs), which are often functionally redundant. Using purified enzymes from the soil-dwelling model organism Pseudomonas putida KT2440, the present study reports the first description and characterization of a lanthanide-dependent PQQ-ADH (PedH) in a non-methylotrophic bacterium. PedH exhibits enzyme activity on a similar substrate range as its Ca2+-dependent counterpart PedE, including linear and aromatic primary and secondary alcohols as well as aldehydes, however, only in the presence of lanthanide ions including La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Sm3+ or Nd3+. Reporter assays revealed that PedH not only has a catalytic function, but is also involved in the transcriptional regulation of pedE and pedH, most likely acting as a sensory module. Notably, the underlying regulatory network is responsive to as little as 1 – 10 nM of lanthanum, a concentration assumed to be of ecological relevance. The present study further demonstrates that the PQQ-dependent oxidation system is crucial for efficient growth with a variety of volatile alcohols. From these results we conclude that functional redundancy and inverse regulation of PedE and PedH represents an adaptive strategy of P. putida KT2440 to optimize growth with volatile alcohols in response to different lanthanide availability.

IMPORTANCE

Due to their low bioavailability, lanthanides have long been considered as biologically inert. In recent years however, the identification of lanthanides as a cofactor in methylotrophic bacteria has attracted tremendous interest among various biological fields. The present study reveals that one of the two PQQ-ADHs produced by the model organism P. putida KT2440 also utilizes lanthanides as a cofactor, thus expanding the scope of lanthanide employing bacteria beyond the methylotrophs. Similar to methyloptrophic bacteria, a complex regulatory network is involved in the lanthanide-responsive switch between the two PQQ-ADHs encoded by P. putida KT2440. We further show that functional production of at least one of the enzymes is crucial for efficient growth with several volatile alcohols. Overall, our study provides a novel understanding for the redundancy of PQQ-ADHs observed in many organisms and further highlights the importance of lanthanides for bacterial metabolism, particularly in soil environments.
Mobius Assembly: A Versatile Framework For Golden Gate Assembly
Authors: Andreou Andreas I. , Nakayama Naomi
Published: May 2017

Golden Gate Assembly is a powerful synthetic biology tool, which utilizes Type IIS enzymes for unidirectional assembly of multiple DNA fragments. The simplicity of its DNA assembly and the exchangeability of standard parts greatly facilitate the generation of combinatorial assembly libraries. Currently there are two popular Golden Gate Assembly frameworks that allow multigene augmentation (MoClo and Golden Braid); they render either high cloning capacity or vector toolkit simplicity. We have developed a new Golden Gate Assembly framework called Mobius Assembly, which combines vector toolkit simplicity with high cloning capacity. Mobius Assembly is based on a two-level approach and embraces the standard overhangs defined by MoClo and Golden Braid to confer exchangeability, but with reduced domestication requirement. Furthermore, we have implemented drop-out cassettes encoding chromogenic proteins for visible cloning screening. As proofs of concept, we have functionally assembled up to 16 transcriptional units of various pigmentation genes in both operon and multigene arrangements.
A Theta Band Network Involving Prefrontal Cortex Unique to Human Episodic Memory
Authors: Young James J , Rudebeck Peter H , Marcuse Lara V , Fields Madeline C , Yoo Ji Yeoun , Panov Fedor , Ghatan Saadi , Fazl Arash , Mandelbaum Sarah , Baxter Mark G
Published: May 2017

Episodic memory, everyday memory for events, is fundamental to our lives. We tested patients undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (intracranial EEG) monitoring for the localization of medically-refractory epilepsy on a well-characterized paradigm that requires episodic memory. Here we report that an anatomically diffuse network characterized by thetaband (4-7 Hz) coherence is activated at the time of a choice that requires episodic memory. This distinct network pattern of oscillatory activity is absent in situations that do not require episodic memory. The episodic network we identified spans prefrontal and temporal lobes and coherence between these areas was greatest during memory encoding. Our data provide novel empirical evidence for a set of brain areas that supports episodic memory in humans.

Significance Statement

Synchronous oscillations of electrical fields are thought to support brain processes such as language, movement, memory and learning. However, little is known about which types of synchronous oscillations are needed for which process. We performed invasive recordings of electrical activity in patients undergoing surgical management for epilepsy while they perform different types of memory tasks. We found synchronous oscillations in the theta band (4-7 Hz) correlate with performance in an episodic memory. This pattern of oscillations activates a distinct network of brain regions from a task that does not require episodic memory. This finding advances our understanding of the brain systems that support each process.
mTORC2/AKT/HSF1/HuR constitute a feed-forward loop regulating Rictor expression and tumor growth in glioblastoma
Authors: Holmes Brent , Benavides-Serrato Angelica , Freeman Ryan S. , Landon Kenna A. , Bashir Tariq , Nishimura Robert N. , Gera Joseph
Published: May 2017

Overexpression of Rictor has been demonstrated to result in increased mTORC2 nucleation and activity leading to tumor growth and increased invasive characteristics in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However the mechanisms regulating Rictor expression in these tumors is not clearly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that Rictor is regulated at the level of mRNA translation via HSF1-induced HuR activity. HuR is shown to directly bind the 3′ UTR of the Rictor transcript and enhance translational efficiency. Moreover, we demonstrate that mTORC2/AKT signaling activates HSF1 resulting in a feed-forward cascade in which continued mTORC2 activity is able to drive Rictor expression. RNAi-mediated blockade of AKT, HSF1 or HuR is sufficient to downregulate Rictor and inhibit GBM growth and invasive characteristicsin vitroand suppresses xenograft growth in mice. We further demonstrate that constitutive overexpression of HuR is able to maintain Rictor expression under conditions of AKT or HSF1 loss. In an additional level of regulation,miR-218, a known Rictor targeting miRNA is shown to be subject to mTORC2/STAT3-mediated repression. The expression of these components is also examined in patient GBM samples and correlative associations between the relative expression of these factors support the presence of these signaling relationships in GBM. These data support a role for a feed-forward loop mechanism by which mTORC2 activity stimulates Rictor translational efficiency and suppressesmiR-218resulting in enhanced mTORC2 activity in these tumors.
TDG regulates cell cycle progression in human neural progenitors
Authors: Germanguz I , Park J , Cinkornpumin J , Soloman A , Ohashi M , Lowry WE
Published: May 2017

As cells divide, they must replicate both their DNA and generate a new set of histone proteins. The newly synthesized daughter strands and histones are unmodified and must therefore be covalently modified to allow for transmission of important epigenetic marks to daughter cells. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) display a unique cell cycle profile, and control of the cell cycle is known to be critical for their proper differentiation and survival. A major unresolved question is how hPSCs regulate their DNA methylation status through the cell cycle, namely how passive and active demethylation work to maintain a stable genome. TDG, an embryonic essential gene, has been recently implicated as a major enzyme involved in demethylation1. Here we present new data showing that TDG regulates cell cycle related gene expression in human neural progenitors (NPCs) derived from hPSCs and controls their capacity for neural differentiation. These observations suggest that TDG and active demethylation play an important role in hPSC cell cycle regulation and differentiation.
Cooperative Accumulation of Dynein-Dynactin at Microtubule Minus-Ends Drives Microtubule Network Reorganization
Authors: Tan Ruensern , Foster Peter J. , Needleman Daniel J. , McKenney Richard J.
Published: May 2017

Cytoplasmic dynein-1 (dynein) is minus-end directed motor protein that transports cargo over long distances and organizes microtubules (MTs) during critical cellular processes such as mitotic spindle assembly. How dynein motor activity is harnessed for these diverse functions remains unknown. Here, we have uncovered a mechanism for how processive dynein-dynactin complexes drive MT-MT sliding, reorganization, and focusing, activities required for mitotic spindle assembly. We find that motors cooperatively accumulate, in limited numbers, at MT minus-ends. Minus-end accumulations drive MT-MT sliding, independent of MT orientation, and this activity always results in the clustering of MT minus-ends. At a mesoscale level, activated dynein-dynactin drives the formation and coalescence of MT asters. Macroscopically, dynein-dynactin activity leads to bulk contraction of millimeter-scale MT networks, demonstrating that minus-end accumulations produce network scale contractile stresses. Our data provides a model for how localized dynein activity is harnessed by cells to produce contractile stresses within the mitotic spindle.

Highlights

Processive dynein-dynactin complexes cooperatively form stable accumulations at MT minus-ends.

Minus-end accumulations of motors slide MTs without orientation bias, leading to minus-end focusing.

Minus-end accumulations of motors organize dynamic MTs into asters.

Minus-end accumulations of motors drive bulk contractions of large-scale MT networks.
Badnaviruses of sweetpotato: symptomless co-inhabitants on a global scale
Authors: Kreuze Jan F. , Perez Ana , Galvez Marco , Cuellar Wilmer J.
Published: May 2017

Sweetpotato is among the most important root-crops worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and its production is affected severely by a variety of virus diseases. During the last decade a number of new viruses have been discovered in sweetpotatoes from different continents through next generation sequencing studies, among them belonging to the genusBadnavirusand collectively assigned to the speciesSweet potato pakkakuy virus(SPPV). We determined the complete genome sequence of two SPPV isolates and show the ubiquitous presence of similar viruses in germplasm and field material from around the globe. We show SPPV is not integrated into the sweetpotato genome, occurs only at extremely low titers but is nevertheless efficiently transmitted through seeds and cuttings. They are unaffected by virus elimination therapy and lack any discernible symptoms in sweetpotatoes or indicator host plants. Nevertheless, they show considerable variation in their nucleotide sequences and correspond to several genetic lineages. Studies of their interaction with the two most important sweetpotato viruses showed only limited synergistic increase in the titres of one of two SPPV isolates. We contend that these viruses may pose little threat to sweetpotato production and more likely represent a new type of persistent virus in a possibly commensal or mutualistic relationship with sweetpotato.

Importance

Next generation sequencing approaches have in the last few years led to the discovery of many virus like sequences in different crop plants including sweetpotatoes. The significance of such discoveries can sometimes be elusive when they have not been associated with specific symptoms due to mixed infections or have been found in apparently healthy plants. Badnavirus sequences found in sweetpotatoes provide a typical case. Considering they have now been reported globally, it was important to determine how common these viruses are and what their possible impact may be on sweetpotato production. The significance of our research lies in resolving the case of badnaviruses, providing evidence they represent a new type of vertically transmitted persistent and apparently harmless episomal viruses living in a state of commensalism with their host.
Comparison of US and UK rankings of LIS journals
Authors: Taylor Lynsey , Willett Peter
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate UK academics’ views of the importance and prestige of journals relevant to library and information science (LIS) teaching and research.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire, based on one used previously in the USA, was sent to UK academics involved in LIS teaching and research. The questionnaire asked respondents to rate the importance of 87 LIS journals, to suggest others that were of importance to them but that were not amongst the 87, and to identify the five most prestigious journals for promotion purposes. In addition, those journals were identified that had figured in institutional submissions to the LIS Unit of Assessment in Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Findings

While there was a fair measure of overall agreement between US and UK rankings of the 87 journals, with both highlighting the standing of the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology and of the Journal of Documentation, some substantial differences were also noted. Evidence is presented for a strong locational component to academics’ assessments of journal prestige, and analysis of the REF2014 submissions demonstrates the highly inter-disciplinary nature of LIS research in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small, comprising 30 completed responses.

Originality/value

This is the first study to report UK academics’ rankings of LIS journals, and to compare those with comparable data for US academics.
Do customers care about types of hotel service recovery efforts?
Authors: Jeong Miyoung , Lee Seonjeong Ally
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Focusing on hotel managers’ service recovery efforts to service failures, this study aims to explore effects of different types of service recovery strategies on customers’ trust, satisfaction and behavioral intentions in the context of consumer-generated media.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design to examine effects of hotels’ sincere apology, compensation and existing relationship with customers on customers’ subsequent psychological behavior. An online self-administered survey was used to recruit participants who posted their experiences with a hotel on consumer-generated review sites.

Findings

Results of this study identified that when managers incorporated authenticity and compensation components, customers were more likely to show a higher level of trust, satisfaction and behavioral intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Derived from the justice theory and the relationship investment theory, this study identified the main effects of three treatments and their interaction effects on customers’ subsequent behaviors.

Practical implications

Results of this study suggested that service recovery communication processes, in particular, authenticity and compensation, be an integral part of the service recovery strategies in the social media context.

Originality/value

This paper investigated the importance of hotel managers’ service recovery communication strategies in the social media context.
Effects of relationship types on customers’ parasocial interactions
Authors: Lee Seonjeong Ally , Lee Minwoo
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate different types of customer relationships on customers’ interaction with the brand, based on prior social media and relationship marketing research.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted to investigate the role of different types of relationships on customers’ brand-relevant responses in the context of hotel social media platforms.

Findings

Results identified customers’ relationships with services and brands, and how other customers influenced their parasocial interactions (PSIs). Customers’ PSIs then positively influenced their self-brand connection and their brand usage intention.

Originality/value

This study was the first attempt to propose a conceptual framework to explain different types of customer relationships on customers’ interactions with the brand in the context of hotel social media platforms.
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS): factorial validity and psychometric properties in a sample of medical students in Malaysia
Authors: Phang Cheng-Kar , Mukhtar Firdaus , Ibrahim Normala , Mohd. Sidik Sherina
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The principles of mindfulness have been increasingly applied in medical education for stress reduction. One of the most often used measures for mindfulness research is the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The purpose of this paper is to determine the factor structure, and investigate its reliability and validity in a sample of multi-ethnic medical students in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 590 medical students were involved in the study. After minor modification of the MAAS, a test battery including sociodemographic information, the MAAS, Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Five-facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered to the participants.

Findings

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-dimensional factor structure of the MAAS. Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.92 and in a sub-sample (n=118), it showed satisfactory temporal stability in two weeks period. There were significant positive correlations with SHS, SWLS, and four subscales of FFMQ scores (convergent validity); and negative correlations (discriminant validity) with the DASS and PSS scores (p<0.05). In another sub-sample (n=52) who participated in a four-week mindfulness-based intervention, the scale showed significant change in scores (p=0.002).

Originality/value

The study provided preliminary results supporting the use of the MAAS as a valid, reliable and stable factor structure of mindfulness measure among medical students in Malaysia.
Open dialogue: offering possibilities for dialogical practices in mental health and psychiatric nursing
Authors: Piippo Jukka , MacGabhann Liam
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate discussion within mental health and psychiatric nursing as to how the open dialogue approach can contribute to their work. The paper is mainly theoretical, though relates to practical examples of open dialogue in mental health care research and practice to illustrate the actual potential in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

First the authors raise issue with the narrow lens of psychiatric diagnosis and question its usefulness against a contemporary backdrop of personalised care and recovery orientated practice. Open dialogue as a way of being and as a process are explored as they relate to people interaction and contribute to therapeutic interaction, organisational and community development. The authors reflect on how open dialogue can be and is practiced in different ways and at different levels.

Findings

The authors consider open dialogue as a suitable approach for working with people who have mental health and/or psychiatric problems. The approach is also recommended for working in larger circumstances as families and social network, on organisational and community levels in different ways. Open dialogue should be considered not as a method or technique but as a process of interaction which can be applied to different conditions and circumstances.

Originality/value

Within mental health discourse open dialogue is increasingly evident and filtering into the broader discussion on increasing effectiveness of mental health interventions. Perfectly suited to mental health and psychiatric nursing as a way of being with service user, this reflection on open dialogue offers further thoughts on how as a process it has already filtered into nursing practice and how as nurses we can easily accommodate it within the therapeutic approach.
The rise (and fall?) of HR analytics
Authors: van den Heuvel Sjoerd , Bondarouk Tanya
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Driven by the rapidly accelerating pace of technology-enabled developments within human resource management (HRM), human resource (HR) analytics is infiltrating the research and business agenda. As one of the first in its field, the purpose of this paper is to explore what the future of HR analytics might look like.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 20 practitioners of HR analytics, based in 11 large Dutch organizations, the authors investigated what the application, value, structure, and system support of HR analytics might look like in 2025.

Findings

The findings suggest that, by 2025, HR analytics will have become an established discipline, will have a proven impact on business outcomes, and will have a strong influence in operational and strategic decision making. Furthermore, the development of HR analytics will be characterized by integration, with data and IT infrastructure integrated across disciplines and even across organizational boundaries. Moreover, the HR analytics function may very well be subsumed in a central analytics function – transcending individual disciplines such as marketing, finance, and HRM.

Practical implications

The results of the research imply that HR analytics, as a separate function, department, or team, may very well cease to exist, even before it reaches maturity.

Originality/value

Empirical research on HR analytics is scarce, and studies on scenarios, values, and structures of expected developments in HR analytics are non-existent. This research intends to contribute to a better understanding of the development of HR analytics, to facilitate business and HR leaders in taking informed decisions on investing in the further development of the HR analytics discipline. Such investments may lead to an enhanced HR analytics capability within organizations, and cultivate the fact-based and data-driven culture that many organizations and leaders try to pursue.
TQM implementation for the healthcare sector
Authors: Chiarini Andrea , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the debate on total quality management (TQM) implementation in the healthcare sector and to evaluate how and whether leadership can affect TQM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on findings from a literature review of TQM and leadership. The authors analysed these findings to categorise causes of a lack of leadership in TQM programme implementations.

Findings

The authors propose three categories of causes of a lack of leadership in TQM programme implementation. The first cause is well-known: a lack of senior managers’ involvement and commitment. The second category is the “combined leadership” that occurs in large healthcare organisations; and the third category is the influence of an external “political leadership” on public healthcare.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents researchers with three categories of causes of failure of leadership in TQM implementation that can be investigated. It also encourages reflections from practitioners concerning TQM leadership in the healthcare sector.

Practical implications

The authors request that practitioners reflect on ways to create or sustain a “monolithic” leadership, especially in large organisations, to ensure a common vision, values and attitude for unitary TQM governance.

Originality/value

In an original way, this paper analyses and proposes three categories of causes linked to a lack of TQM leadership in the healthcare sector.
Net-shape manufacturing using hybrid selective laser melting/hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Hassanin Hany , Essa Khamis , Qiu Chunlei , Abdelhafeez Ali M. , Adkins Nicholas J.E. , Attallah Moataz M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a manufacturing technology using hybrid selective laser melting/hot isostatic pressing (SLM/HIP) process to produce full density net-shape components more rapidly and at lower cost than processing by SLM alone.

Design/methodology/approach

Ti-6Al-4V powder was encapsulated in situ by the production of as-SLMed shell prior to the HIP process. After HIPping, the SLM shell is an integral part of the final component. Finite element (FE) modelling based on pure plasticity theory of porous metal coupled with an iterative procedure has been adopted to simulate HIPping of the encapsulated Ti-6Al-4V powder and SLMed shell. Two demonstrator parts have been modelled, designed, produced and experimentally validated. Geometrical analysis and microstructural characterisation have been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the process.

Findings

The FE model is in agreement with the measured data obtained and confirms that the design of the shell affects the resulting deformed parts. In addition, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Electron backscatter diffraction EBSD (EBSD) of the interior and exterior parts reveal a considerably different grain structure and crystallographic orientation with a good bonding between the SLMed shell and HIPped powder.

Originality/value

An approach to improve SLM productivity by combining it with HIP is developed to further innovate the advanced manufacturing field. The possibility of the hybrid SLS/HIP supported by FEA simulation as a net shape manufacturing process for fabrication of high performance parts has been demonstrated.
Effect of laser processing parameters on mechanical properties of porous tantalum fabricated by laser multi-layer micro-cladding
Authors: Chen Changjun , Li Yang , Zhang Min , Wang Xiaonan , Zhang Chao , Jing Hemin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM), a method used in the nuclear, space and racing industries, allows the creation of customized titanium alloy scaffolds with highly defined external shape and internal structure using rapid prototyping as supporting external structures within which bone tissue can grow. AM allows porous tantalum parts with mechanical properties close to that of bone tissue to be obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, porous tantalum structures with different scan distance were fabricated by AM using laser multi-layer micro-cladding.

Findings

Porous tantalum samples were tested for resistance to compressive force and used scanning electron microscope to reveal the morphology of before and after compressive tests. Their structure and mechanical properties of these porous Ta structures with porosity in the range of 35.48 to 50 per cent were investigated. The porous tantalum structures have comparable compressive strength 56 ∼ 480 MPa, and elastic modulus 2.8 ∼ 9.0GPa, which is very close to those of human spongy bone and compact bone.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not demonstrate the implant results.

Practical implications

It can be used as implant material for the repair bone.

Social implications

It can be used for fabrication of other porous materials.

Originality/value

This paper system researched the scan distance on how to influence the mechanical properties of fabricated porous tantalum structures.
Evaluating the deposition quality of parts produced by an open-source 3D printer
Authors: Santana Leonardo , Ahrens Carlos Henrique , da Costa Sabino Netto Aurélio , Bonin Cassiano
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the deposition of parts manufactured in poly(lactic acid) with variations in print speed and extrusion temperature. Specimens were analyzed through optical microscopy, mass measurements and flexural tests. The extruder-head evaluation consisted of monitoring the feedstock material displacement on entering the system during deposition under different processing conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the factors affecting the deposition, parts were manufactured in poly(lactic acid) with variations in print speed and extrusion temperature. Specimens were analyzed through optical microscopy, mass measurements and flexural tests. The extruder-head evaluation consisted of monitoring the feedstock material displacement on entering the system during deposition under different processing conditions.

Findings

The results showed low repeatability in the manufacturing of parts, as significant variations in the evaluated responses were found for specimens built under the same process parameters. The main cause for this effect was deposition failure, owing to filament slippage in the extruder head hobbed pulley.

Practical implications

The results found should alert users to the fact that performance tests need to be carried out on every subcomponent of the equipment before conducting experiments on printing parameters. The components of the equipment can influence the final quality of the parts obtained as much as the building parameters and this influence can be significant enough to overlap with that of the process parameters.

Originality/value

The effect of slippage on the deposition quality was quantified and the command loss in the machine control board was identified.