bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Activity and Thermostability of GH5 Cellulase Chimeras from Mesophilic and Thermophilic Parents
Authors: Zheng Fei , Vermaas Josh V. , Zheng Jie , Wang Yuan , Tu Tao , Wang Xiaoyu , Xie Xiangming , Yao Bin , Beckham Gregg T. , Luo Huiying
Published: August 2018

Cellulases from glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 5 are key enzymes in the degradation of diverse polysaccharide substrates and are used in industrial enzyme cocktails to break down biomass. The GH5 family shares a canonical (βα)8-barrel structure, where each (βα) module is essential for the enzyme stability and activity. Despite their shared topology, the thermostability of GH5 enzymes can vary significantly, and highly thermostable variants are often sought for industrial applications. Based on a previously characterized thermophilic GH5 cellulase from Talaromyces emersonii (TeEgl5A, with an optimal temperature of 90°C), we created ten hybrid enzymes with the mesophilic cellulase from Prosthecium opalus (PoCel5) to determine which elements are responsible for enhanced thermostability. Five of the expressed hybrid enzymes exhibit enzyme activity. Two of these hybrids exhibited pronounced increases in the temperature optima (10 and 20°C), T50 (15 and 19°C), Tm (16.5 and 22.9°C), and extended half life, t1/2 (~240- and 650-fold at 55°C) relative to the mesophilic parent enzyme, and demonstrated improved catalytic efficiency on selected substrates. The successful hybridization strategies were validated experimentally in another GH5 cellulase from Aspergillus nidulans (AnCel5), which demonstrated a similar increase in thermostability. Based on molecular dynamics simulations (MD) of both PoCel5 and TeEgl5A parent enzymes as well as their hybrids, we hypothesize that improved hydrophobic packing of the interface between α2 and α3 is the primary mechanism by which the hybrid enzymes increase their thermostability relative to the mesophilic parent PoCel5.

IMPORTANCE

Thermal stability is an essential property of enzymes in many industrial biotechnological applications, as high temperatures improve bioreactor throughput. Many protein engineering approaches, such as rational design and directed evolution, have been employed to improve the thermal properties of mesophilic enzymes. Structure-based recombination has also been used to fuse TIM-barrel fragments and even fragments from unrelated folds, to generate new structures. However, there are not many research on GH5 cellulases. In this study, two GH5 cellulases, which showed TIM-barrel structure, PoCel5 and TeEgl5A with different thermal properties were hybridized to study the roles of different (βα) motifs. This work illustrates the role that structure guided recombination can play in helping to identify sequence function relationships within GH5 enzymes by supplementing natural diversity with synthetic diversity.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of intramyocellular lipid composition in lipodystrophic patients and athletes
Authors: Savage David B , Watson Laura , Carr Katie , Adams Claire , Brage Soren , Chatterjee Krishna K , Hodson Leanne , Boesch Chris , Kemp Graham J , Sleigh Alison
Published: August 2018

Context

Paradoxically, intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation has been linked to both insulin-resistant and to insulin-sensitive (athletes) states. The composition of this lipid store is unknown in these states.

Design and Methods

We used a recently validated and potentially widely applicable 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy method to compare the compositional saturation index (CH2:CH3 ratio) and concentration independent of composition (CH3) of intramyocellular lipid in the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of 16 female insulin-resistant lipodystrophic patients with that of age- and gender-matched athletes (n=14) and healthy controls (n = 41).

Main Outcome

IMCL compositional saturation index (CH2:CH3 ratio).

Results

The IMCL CH2:CH3 ratio was significantly higher in both muscles of the lipodystrophic patients compared with age- and gender-matched controls but not compared to athletes. IMCL CH2:CH3 was dependent on IMCL concentration in the controls and after adjusting the composition index for quantity (CH2:CH3adj) was able to distinguish patients from athletes. With groups pooled, this CH2:CH3adj marker had the strongest relation to insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to other measures of lipid concentration and composition, especially in the soleus muscle. Contrary to the ‘athlete’s paradox’, IMCL in athletes was similar in tibialis anterior (p>0.05) and significantly lower in the soleus (p < 0.004) compared to both controls and patients.

Conclusions

The IMCL saturation index adjusted for quantity, which likely reflects accumulation of saturated IMCL, is more closely associated with insulin resistance than concentration alone.
Measuring “Intolerance to Mutation” in Human Genetics
Authors: Fuller Zachary L. , Berg Jeremy J. , Mostafavi Hakhamanesh , Sella Guy , Przeworski Molly
Published: August 2018

In numerous applications, from working with animal models to mapping the genetic basis of human disease susceptibility, it is useful to know whether a single disrupting mutation in a gene is likely to be deleterious1–4. With this goal in mind, a number of measures have been developed to identify genes in which protein-truncating variants (PTVs), or other types of mutations, are absent or kept at very low frequency in large population samples—genes that appear “intolerant to mutation”3,5–9. One measure in particular, pLI, has been widely adopted7. By contrasting the observed versus expected number of PTVs, it aims to classify genes into three categories, labelled “null”, “recessive” and “haploinsufficient”7. Such population genetic approaches can be useful in many applications. As we clarify, however, these measures reflect the strength of selection acting on heterozygotes, and not dominance for fitness or haploinsufficiency for other phenotypes.
Cell type-specific structural plasticity of the ciliary transition zone inC. elegans
Authors: Akella Jyothi S. , Silva Malan , Morsci Natalia S. , Nguyen Ken C. , Rice William J. , Hall David H. , Barr Maureen M.
Published: August 2018

Background information

The current consensus on cilia development posits that the ciliary transition zone (TZ) is formed via extension of nine centrosomal microtubules. In this model, TZ structure remains unchanged in microtubule number throughout the cilium life cycle. This model does not however explain structural variations of TZ structure seen in nature, and could also lend itself to the misinterpretation that deviations from nine-doublet microtubule ultrastructure represent an abnormal phenotype. Thus, a better understanding of events that occur at the TZin vivoduring metazoan development is required.

Results

To address this issue, we characterized ultrastructure of two types of sensory cilia in developingCaenorhabditis elegans. We discovered that, in cephalic male (CEM) and inner labial quadrant (IL2Q) sensory neurons, ciliary TZs are structurally plastic and remodel from one structure to another during animal larval development. The number of microtubules doublets forming the TZ can be increased or decreased over time, depending on cilia type. Both cases result in structural TZ intermediates different from TZ in adult cilia. In CEM cilia, axonemal extension and maturation occurs concurrently with TZ structural maturation.

Conclusions and Significance

Our work extends the current model to include the structural plasticity of metazoan transition zone, which can be structurally delayed, maintained or remodeled in cell type-specific manner.
A molecular inversion probe and sequencing-based microsatellite instability assay for high throughput cancer diagnostics and Lynch syndrome screening
Authors: Gallon Richard , Hayes Christine , Redford Lisa , Alhilal Ghanim , O’Brien Ottie , Waltham Amanda , Needham Stephanie , Arends Mark , Oniscu Anca , Alonso Angel Miguel , Laguna Sira Moreno , Sheth Harsh , Santibanez-Koref Mauro , Jackson Michael S , Burn John
Published: August 2018

Background

Clinical guidelines recommend microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF V600E testing of all colorectal cancers (CRCs) to screen for Lynch syndrome (LS), a hereditary predisposition to cancer. MSI is also associated with response to immunotherapy. However, uptake of MSI testing is poor and current assays are not suitable for high throughput diagnostics.

We aimed to develop a cheap and scalable sequencing assay for MSI classification, which is robust to variables in clinical samples and simultaneously tests for BRAF V600E to streamline the LS screening pipeline.

Methods

24 short (7-12bp) microsatellites and the BRAF V600E locus were amplified in multiplex using single molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs) and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Reads were aligned to reference genome hg19. An MSI classifier was trained from 98 CRCs and validated in 99 independent CRCs collected in pathology laboratories in Edinburgh, Spain and Newcastle.

Results

The smMIP-based MSI assay has 100% accuracy for MSI status relative to MSI Analysis System (Promega). MSI classification is reproducible (100% concordance) and is robust to sample variables, detecting less than 5% MSI-high content in template DNA and giving reliable classification from sequencing only 75 DNA molecules per marker. BRAF V600E was detected with mutant allele frequencies down to 1.7%.

Conclusions

Our short microsatellite, smMIP-based, MSI assay provides a cheap and fully automatable assessment of MSI status and BRAF mutation. It is readily scalable to high throughput cancer diagnostics, and is suitable both as a companion diagnostic for immunotherapy and for streamlined LS screening.
Liquid droplet germ granules require assembly and localized regulators for mRNA repression
Authors: Aoki Scott Takeo , Lynch Tina R , Crittenden Sarah L , Bingman Craig A , Wickens Marvin , Kimble Judith
Published: August 2018

Cytoplasmic RNA-protein (RNP) granules have diverse biophysical properties, from liquid to solid, and play enigmatic roles in RNA metabolism. Nematode P-granules are paradigmatic liquid droplet granules and central to germ cell development. Here we analyze a key P-granule scaffolding protein, called PGL, to investigate the functional relationship between P-granule assembly and function. Using a protein-RNA tethering assay, we find that reporter mRNA expression is repressed when recruited to PGL granules. We determine the crystal structure of the PGL N-terminal region to 1.5 Å, discover its dimerization and identify key residues at the dimer interface.In vivomutations of those interface residues prevent P-granule assembly, de-repress PGL-tethered mRNA and reduce fertility. Therefore, PGL dimerization lies at the heart of both P-granule assembly and function. Finally, we identify the P-granule-associated Argonaute WAGO-1 as crucial for repression of PGL-tethered mRNA. We conclude that P-granule function requires both assembly and localized regulators.
Cerebellar folding is initiated by mechanical constraints on a fluid-like layer without a cellular pre-pattern
Authors: Lawton Andrew K , Engstrom Tyler , Rohrbach Daniel , Omura Masaaki , Turnbull Daniel H , Mamou Jonathan , Zhang Teng , Schwarz Jennifer M , Joyner Alexandra L
Published: August 2018

Models based in differential expansion of elastic material, axonal constraints, directed growth, or multi-phasic combinations have all been proposed to explain brain folding. However, the cellular and physical processes at the time of folding have not been defined. We used the murine cerebellum to challenge the standard folding models with in vivo data from the time of folding initiation. We show that at folding initiation differential expansion is created by the outer layer of proliferating progenitors expanding faster than the core. However, the stiffness differential, compressive forces, and emergent thickness variations required by elastic material models are not present. We find that folding occurs without an obvious cellular pre-pattern, that the outer layer expansion is uniform and fluid-like, and that the cerebellum is under radial and circumferential constraints. Lastly, we find that a multi-phase model incorporating differential expansion of a fluid outer layer and radial and circumferential constraints approximates the in vivo shape evolution observed during initiation of cerebellar folding. We discuss how our findings provide a new mechanistic framework to understand brain folding.
Endometrial cancer with an EML4-ALK rearrangement
Authors: Craig Jeffrey W. , Quade Bradley J. , Muto Michael G. , MacConaill Laura E.
Published: August 2018

An 85-yr-old woman was diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma, endometrioid type. Imaging studies showed a large tumor distending the endometrial canal without evidence of local invasion or extrauterine disease. A hysterectomy was performed, followed by microscopic examination of longitudinal tissue sections. Histopathological review showed only focal myometrial invasion, equivocal lymphovascular invasion, and negative bilateral sentinel lymph nodes (FIGO stage IA). A sample of the tumor was submitted for molecular testing (massively parallel sequencing on OncoPanel) and was found to harbor an inversion on Chromosome 2 resulting in an EML4-ALK gene fusion. Confirmatory immunohistochemistry showed ALK overexpression in just a portion of the tumor. Additional genomic characterization on a region of the tumor lacking ALK overexpression by immunohistochemistry was highly congruous with the genomic profile of the ALK-positive portion, showing similar patterns of copy-number variation and mutations in TP53 and KDM5C, with no evidence for an EML4-ALK gene fusion, confirming that EML4-ALK rearrangement had occurred as a subclonal process. EML4-ALK fusions are driver events in 2%–5% of non-small-cell lung cancers; crizotinib is an approved targeted therapy for these patients. EML4-ALK rearrangements have not previously been reported in endometrial cancer.
Generation of Control Ligation Product Libraries for 3C Analyses
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: August 2018

Control libraries are used to determine differences in the efficiency of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers in detecting 3C ligation products as well as any differences in the efficiency of amplification. Control libraries are generated by random ligation of restriction fragments so that each ligation product is present in equimolar amounts. This protocol begins with preparations of genomic DNA or BAC DNA preparations. The restriction enzyme used here should be the same as the one used for generation of the 3C or ChIP-loop library. For small genomes, such as those of bacteria and yeast, this protocol can be started with purified genomic DNA. For organisms with larger genomes, such as mouse and human, control libraries are generated from purified BAC clones that cover the genomic region under study. When the region of interest is large and multiple BAC clones are required, select BAC clones that overlap only minimally. Any gaps between the regions covered by the BACs should also be kept to a minimum. Several kits for purifying BAC clones are available (e.g., the Large-Construct Kit from QIAGEN). BAC clones should be mixed in equimolar amounts to ensure that each restriction fragment is present in equal concentration. This is achieved by quantifying the molar concentration of each BAC preparation using real-time PCR and primers that recognize the common BAC vector backbone. Alternatively, the concentration of BAC preparations can be quantified using gel quantification or a NanoDrop detection system.
Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay—Xenopus (FETAX): Use in Alternative Preclinical Safety Assessment
Authors: Fort Douglas J. , Mathis Michael
Published: August 2018

The primary objective of this protocol is to provide alternative developmental toxicity data using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay—Xenopus (FETAX) model for preclinical safety assessment. FETAX is most useful in the prioritization of developmental toxicity hazard for sets of discovery-level compounds. Assessment of teratogenic potential is based on teratogenic indices (TI), which measure the teratogenic potential of a given test material. The relative hazard ranking is based on a set of weighted endpoints that include developmental toxicity potency, teratogenic potential, and growth inhibition. Because of the importance of potency and teratogenic potential in determining relative hazard, these endpoints are weighted 2×. Growth inhibition is weighted 1×. These data determine a generic ranking. The generic hazard rank is based on numerical endpoint data derived from an assessment of potency, teratogenic potential as determined by the TI value, and concentration at which growth inhibition is detected when expressed as a proportion of the 4-d LC50 value. With the generic rank, the lower the generic hazard ranking the greater the developmental toxicity hazard relative to the other materials evaluated. However, the relative severity of the malformation syndromes induced is not incorporated into the generic ranking process. An objective evaluation of the severity of the deformities induced is an important process in the evaluation of FETAX results; therefore, a final definitive ranking process is used. A final definitive ranking is determined using the generic rank and the severity of the malformations induced (weighted 5×).
Chromatin Interaction Analysis Using Paired-End-Tag (ChIA-PET) Sequencing in Tadpole Tissues
Authors: Buisine Nicolas , Ruan Xiaoan , Ruan Yijun , Sachs Laurent M.
Published: August 2018

Proper gene expression involves communication between the regulatory elements and promoters of genes. Today, chromosome conformation capture (3C)-based methods efficiently probe chromosome folding in the nucleus and thus provide a molecular description of physical proximity through DNA looping between enhancer(s) and their target promoter(s). One such method, chromatin interaction analysis using paired-end-tag (ChIA-PET) sequencing is a powerful high-throughput method for detection of genome-wide chromatin interactions. Following enrichment of the chromatin complexes with a dedicated antibody, through a process of immunoprecipitation (IP), DNA fragments are end-joined with specifically designed DNA-linkers through proximity ligation. The DNA-linkers contain the binding site for the type II restriction enzyme MmeI, which cleaves 20 bp from each end of the ligated fragments, thus releasing a “paired end tag” (PET): [20 bp tag]-[linker]-[20 bp tag]. The PETs are then deep-sequenced and reads are mapped to the reference genome, revealing both binding sites, as well as remote chromatin interactions mediated by the protein factors of interest. The method detailed here focuses on ChIA-PET library construction and can be completed in 2 wk.
Lean healthcare: scale, scope and sustainability
Authors: Hallam Cory R.A. , Contreras Carolina
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Lean healthcare is highlighted in the literature as an approach to quality improvement and operational efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to study how Lean healthcare has been implemented by analyzing empirical outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a literature review as the primary research method, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses process. Peer-reviewed journals were analyzed – searching for Lean healthcare implementation, tools used, wastes addressed, outcomes and sustainability.

Findings

Evidence suggests that Lean can improve healthcare operational effectiveness. However, empirical studies show implementation is still highly localized with small successes. Most transformations are focused on implementing one or two Lean tools that primarily target patient waiting times and there is minimal evidence about sustainability. Establishing clear definitions for healthcare-related Lean terminology may improve practice, especially episodic care and service quality.

Originality/value

This work provides a Lean healthcare case review. The research makes a significant contribution to Lean healthcare by increasing understanding (scale, scope and sustainability). From a theory building perspective, the authors suggest that barriers to adoption include a common healthcare-specific Lean terminology, and a need to expand implementation beyond small successes. This understanding will help identify key areas for further research in Lean healthcare management.
Unmet need among married women: examining socio-religious influences on family planning use in Rwanda, 2005-2015
Authors: Mahoro Justin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the socio-religious factors associated with unmet need for family planning among married Rwandan women, and examine individual and contextual characteristics of married fecund women influencing their contraceptive use and future intentions to use contraception.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed merge data, which were extracted from 2005, 2010, 2014–2015 Rwanda Demographic And Health Survey’s individual women data sets. Characteristics of married fecund women with unmet need for family planning were compared using Pearson’s χ2 test. A binary logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the influence of socio-religious factors on contraceptive use, and future intentions to use contraception among married fecund women.

Findings

Unmet need for family planning among married Rwandan women has significantly decreased over the past decade, from 39.9 percent in 2005 to 19.5 percent in 2010 and 17.5 percent in 2015. Women who are Protestants, residing in rural area, and having five or more children were significantly more likely to have an unmet need for family planning. Overall, the likelihood of having unmet need for family planning, not using contraceptives and future intentions for not using contraception was found statistically high among Protestant women compared to Catholics and low-educated women.

Research limitations/implications

Unmarried women and men are not included to examine their role play and characteristics influences on family planning use in Rwanda. Investing in education of girls should be a priority for the future, without that there will not be equality in reproductive health and rights. Factors behind the recent slow motion of family planning initiatives need to be addressed in order to meet the reproductive needs and rights of all women.

Practical implications

Public-religious collaboration to promote nationally Natural Family Planning in all healthcare facilities is extremely needed. Since the family planning initiatives have been recently very slow, investing in behavioral change programs through mass communication seems deliberately prudent.

Social implications

Investing in behavioral change programs and promoting sexual and reproductive health education would improve women’s social well-being.

Originality/value

This is the first-ever effort to examine the influence of the socio-religious values on family planning use among Rwandan fecund women.
Grounded theory of knowledge process on public ecosystem managers in Seoul
Authors: Lee Jeongseok
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the utility of employing knowledge management (KM) as a framework for understanding how public managers perform ecosystem management. The question of how public managers in Seoul acquire, utilize and share knowledge in managing their ecosystems has been responded to by offering a particular conceptual model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the grounded theory method to build a conceptual model. The model is generated by applying the concept of knowledge process to an investigation of how the urban ecosystem is publicly managed by civil servants in various offices within the municipality of Seoul, Korea. The case study encompasses the management of the 12 regions of Seoul designated as Eco-scenery Preservation Regions (ESPRs) by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Findings

The knowledge process of public managers in managing the ESPRs can be explained by understanding the conceptual model of “learning-by-doing,” which means public managers cannot count much on their knowledge gained previously through their past experience or education and training. Instead, they learn individually in the process of discharging their duties on a daily basis.

Research limitations/implications

Although the focus is on the knowledge process of public managers, there is no escaping the fact that managerial activities are not performed in a vacuum. Rather, they take place in a complex policy and government context that is not easily captured as the important variables that influence the knowledge process. Thus, it would be worthwhile to extend this study with group, intra-, and extra-organizational-level analyses.

Practical implications

Usually different contexts lead to different interpretations on the concept of learning-by-doing. This study supplies such an interpretation that diverse ecosystems in Seoul have been managed by the learning-by-doing of public managers, which is characterized specifically as their reactive response, tinkering and limited personal network.

Social implications

There has not been a definite consensus on the question of what ecosystem management is. Scientists, policymakers and citizens all have different viewpoints on that question. Nonetheless, this study provides a useful perspective on the issue of how various ecosystems have been managed by public managers, who must be a central entity of ecosystem management particularly under the context of municipality.

Originality/value

Even though KM has been a popular subject of study in business management rather than public management, KM as a framework of study is promising as a means of understanding and potentially supporting the further development of effective ecosystem management by public managers.
Remaining useful life estimation of metropolitan train wheels considering measurement error
Authors: Jiang Zengqiang , Banjevic Dragan , E. Mingcheng , Jardine Andrew , Li Qi
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach for estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of metropolitan train wheels considering measurement error.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a wear model of a metropolitan train wheel based on a discrete state space model; the model considers the wheel’s stochastic degradation and measurement error simultaneously. The paper estimates the RUL on the basis of the estimated degradation state. Finally, it presents a case study to verify the proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed method is superior to methods that do not consider measurement error and can improve the accuracy of the estimated RUL.

Findings

RUL estimation is a key issue in condition-based maintenance and prognostics and health management. With the rapid development of advanced sensor technologies and data acquisition facilities for the maintenance of metropolitan train wheels, condition monitoring (CM) is becoming more accurate and more affordable, creating the possibility of estimating the RUL of wheels using CM data. However, the measurements of the wheels, especially the wayside measurements, are not yet precise enough. On the other hand, few existing studies of the RUL estimation of train wheels consider measurement error.

Practical implications

The approach described in this paper will make the RUL estimation of metropolitan train wheels easier and more precise.

Originality/value

Hundreds of million yuan are wasted every year due to over re-profiling of rail wheels in China. The ability to precisely estimate RUL will reduce the number of re-profiling activities and achieve significant economic benefits. More generally, the paper could enrich the body of knowledge of RUL estimation for a slowly degrading system considering measurement error.
Lean implementation for rail substation processes
Authors: Croucamp Patrick Lindsay , Telukdarie Arnesh
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Traction substations are an integral part of the railway infrastructure. In order to ensure that machinery and equipment is available and utilised at full capacity, intelligent maintenance methods should be implemented. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of lean maintenance strategies implemented on traction substations and offer the maintenance manager an alternative maintenance method to be utilised during optimisation initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The rail company under consideration has various improvement options, the maintenance supply chain is a priority. The existing maintenance process of 3 kVDCtraction substations is examined and all operations and activities directly and indirectly associated with maintenance are analysed with lean methodologies. The analysis of maintenance operations and activities reveals that some of these operations and activities are non-value-adding and, therefore, regarded as waste. These activities only prolong the maintenance process without adding value to the process. Alternative operations and activities are suggested and simulated.

Findings

The application of lean indicates that the maintenance process could be optimised to deliver on a more efficient process, which would improve the quality of maintenance by ensuring that maintenance is timeously carried out. Through reducing the downtime caused by maintenance, the availability of the system is preserved and the railway lines could be used to capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to 3 kVDCtraction substations and the associated maintenance process, as this was the area of opportunity for the company. The track and overhead traction equipment maintenance is not included.

Practical implications

The practical application of this research is in optimisation of the value chain for maintenance, specifically in the rail industry.

Originality/value

This research could be applied by maintenance managers to effectively implement if a run-to-failure (RTF) maintenance philosophy is being utilised. The research offers maintenance techniques within the RTF maintenance scope which reduces the maintenance cycle and equipment downtime.
Measuring maintenance activity effectiveness
Authors: Rana Anil , Koroitamana Emosi V.M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for measuring the imprecise and subjective “effectiveness” of a major maintenance activity. Such a measure will not only bring objectivity in gauging the effectiveness of maintenance task carried out by the workforce without any intervention from an expert but also help in measuring the slow degradation of the performance of the concerned major equipment/system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a three-step approach. First, identify a set of parameters considered important for estimating the maintenance activity effectiveness. Second, generate a set of data using expert opinions on a fuzzy performance measure of maintenance activity effectiveness (output). Also, find an aggregated estimate of the effectiveness by analysing the consensus among experts. This requires using a part of the “fuzzy multiple attribute decision making” process. Finally, train a neuro-fuzzy inference system based on input parameters and generated output data.

Findings

The paper analysed major maintenance activity carried out on diesel engines of a power plant company. Expert opinions were used in selection of key parameters and generation of output (effectiveness measure). The result of a trained adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) matched acceptably well with that aggregated through the expert opinions.

Research limitations/implications

In view of unavailability of data, the method relies on training a neuro-fuzzy system on data generated through expert opinion. The data as such are vague and imprecise leading to lack of consensus between experts. This can lead to some amount of error in the output generated through ANFIS.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in presentation of a method to estimate the effectiveness of a maintenance activity.
The emergence and evolution of researcher identities
Authors: Omanović Vedran
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and reflect on mutual relationships between the researcher’s life experiences, encounters and personal learning, and how they can influence the research process of designing and writing research publications as well as their dialectical influences on the emergence and evolution of researcher identities in these processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is inspired by auto-ethnography. While the descriptions and analyses of the selected moments from the pre-research period are based on retrospective reflection and memory, the descriptions and analyses of the moments from the research period are in addition to the memories, based on notes and diary entries about my encounters with various people, documents, events and literature.

Findings

The paper shows that researchers’ attempts to understand the Other through studies of certain phenomena are a production between them and their past, their experiences and people encountered, as well as between them and the research literature they use. In these encounters and processes, the researcher’s multiple identities emerge and evolve with significance for how the research is socially produced.

Originality/value

The paper takes a broader perspective than usually seen in studies of researcher identities and is based on a researcher’s life history rather than only on a specific field-situation. As such, it has a longitudinal character, and it implies a broader, multilevel area of reflection, emphasizing dialectical relationships between the researcher, the context(s) and people involved in these, as well as the subject(s) of research, which are characterized by mutuality and continuality.
Decarbonisation and wholesale electricity market design
Authors: Nelson Tim , Orton Fiona , Chappel Tony
Published: August 2018

In recent decades, many power systems have introduced electricity generator competition. Market designs have varied with some countries adopting ‘energy‐only’ markets and others utilising capacity remuneration mechanisms. With increasing deployment of cost competitive renewable energy and the introduction of policy measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, concerns are emerging about the sustainability of these market designs. In Australia, wholesale electricity prices have increased markedly – the result of a ‘disorderly’ transition away from coal to new renewable energy. This paper critically examines the ‘energy‐only’ market in a high‐penetration renewables system, with a particular focus on the vertically and horizontally restructured National Electricity Market (NEM). We propose that the ‘energy‐only’ market can indeed work within a decarbonised energy system. But as renewables increasingly replace coal‐fired power stations, ‘unintended consequences’ will need to be addressed to facilitate an ‘orderly’ transition. It will be important that policy ensures appropriate new investment in firm capacity is forthcoming; and pricing outcomes are acceptable given political economy constraints.
Gendered imaginaries: situating knowledge of epigenetic programming of health
Authors: Chiapperino Luca , Panese Francesco
Published: August 2018

Our paper explores the value‐laden and epistemic resources that scientists working in epigenetics and developmental programming of health and disease (DOHaD) mobilise to produce scientific representations of pregnancy and parenthood, which in turn imagine norms, values, and responsibilities for the protection of future generations. In order to do so, we first describe the place of questions regarding the relative weight of paternal and maternal influences on the health of the offspring in the discursive formalisation of this research in scientific publications. This enables us to identify the mutual constitution of ‘prototypes’ (i.e. experimental designs, settings, techniques) and ‘stereotypes’ (i.e. social meanings, beliefs, norms and values) of parental roles in DOHaD and epigenetic biomedical sciences, by means of a specific gendered figuration of paternal influences: the ‘father‐as‐sperm’. Second, and drawing from a set of interviews (N = 15), we describe a tension between this dominant, objectifying molecular discourse and the perspective of individual scientists. The situated perspective of individual researchers provides in fact evidence for a conflictual (moral and epistemic) economy of gendered engagements with parental figurations in DOHaD and epigenetic research, and consequently suggests a more fine‐grained, as well as conflictual web of socio‐political positioning of this ‘knowledge’ in its societal circulation.
Cost metafrontier approach for measuring the Malmquist productivity index: An example of bank groups formed after the financial reform in Taiwan
Authors: Cho Tsui‐Yueh
Published: August 2018

This study attempts to provide a framework under the variable returns to scale hypothesis to account for the effect of the cost scale efficiency change in the decomposition of the cost metafrontier Malmquist productivity index (CMMPI). In addition, the meta‐cost efficiency and cost frontier gap between subordinate banks of financial holding companies (FHC) and independent banks are also examined. A total of 34 banks in Taiwan are empirically analysed from 1999 to 2012. The results indicate that the meta‐cost efficiency, meta‐technical efficiency and meta‐allocative efficiency scores of subordinate banks of FHC are better than those of independent banks. The banking industry in Taiwan is found to have an improvement in cost metafrontier Malmquist productivity. The subordinate banks of FHC are also found to exhibit positive CMMPI and decomposition components, but do not achieve a significant improvement except in the case of the technical gap ratio change. The empirical results recommend that Taiwanese banks place more policy focus on the issue of scale adjustment, which should be beneficial. Based on the CMMPI decomposed results, we can gain further understanding of the growth path to enhance operational performance.
Prophylactic incisional negative pressure wound therapy reduces the risk of surgical site infection after caesarean section in obese women: a pragmatic randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hyldig N , Vinter CA , Kruse M , Mogensen O , Bille C , Sorensen JA , Lamont RF , Wu C , Heidemann LN , Ibsen MH , Laursen JB , Ovesen PG , Rorbye C , Tanvig M , Joergensen JS
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the reduction of surgical site infections by prophylactic incisional negative pressure wound therapy compared with standard postoperative dressings in obese women giving birth by caesarean section.

Design

Multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Five hospitals in Denmark.

Population

Obese women (prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) undergoing elective or emergency caesarean section.

Method

The participants were randomly assigned to incisional negative pressure wound therapy or a standard dressing after caesarean section and analysed by intention‐to‐treat. Blinding was not possible due to the nature of the intervention.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was surgical site infection requiring antibiotic treatment within the first 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included wound exudate, dehiscence and health‐related quality of life.

Results

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was applied to 432 women and 444 women had a standard dressing. Demographics were similar between groups. Surgical site infection occurred in 20 (4.6%) women treated with incisional negative pressure wound therapy and in 41 (9.2%) women treated with a standard dressing (relative risk 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.84; number needed to treat 22; P = 0.007). The effect remained statistically significant when adjusted for BMI and other potential risk factors. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy significantly reduced wound exudate whereas no difference was found for dehiscence and quality of life between the two groups.

Conclusion

Prophylactic use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy reduced the risk of surgical site infection in obese women giving birth by caesarean section.

Tweetable abstract

RCT: prophylactic incisional NPWT versus standard dressings postcaesarean in 876 women significantly reduces the risk of SSI.
Increasing Prevalence of Assisted Living as a Substitute for Private‐Pay Long‐Term Nursing Care
Authors: Silver Benjamin C. , Grabowski David C. , Gozalo Pedro L. , Dosa David , Thomas Kali S.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Given the tremendous growth in assisted living (AL) over the past 20 years, it is important to understand how expansion has affected the demand for long‐term care (LTC) provided in nursing homes (NHs). We estimated the effect of a change in county‐level AL beds on the prevalence of private‐pay residents and private‐pay resident days at the NH‐level.

Data Sources

National census of large AL providers (25+ beds), and Minimum Data Set combined with Medicare enrollment records and claims from 2007 and 2014.

Study Design

Retrospective longitudinal analysis of LTC markets.

Principal Findings

Mean AL beds per county increased from 285 to 324, while NHs exhibited a decrease in private‐pay residents (20.1 to 17.7 percent) and resident days (21.3 to 17.5 percent). An increase of 1,000 AL beds at the county level is associated with a reduction of 0.44 percentage points in private‐pay resident days but is not significantly associated with percent of private‐pay residents.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increases in AL capacity have potentially allowed NH residents to delay or decrease their privately financed lengths of stay. As demand for AL continues to grow, it will be important to assess the effects on other LTC sectors.
Effect of Hospital and Post‐Acute Care Provider Participation in Accountable Care Organizations on Patient Outcomes and Medicare Spending
Authors: Agarwal Divyansh , Werner Rachel M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To test for differences in patient outcomes when hospital and post‐acute care (PAC) providers participate in accountable care organizations (ACOs).

Data/Setting

Using Medicare claims, we examined changes in readmission, Medicare spending, and length of stay among patients admitted to ACO‐participating hospitals and PAC providers.

Design

We compared changes in outcomes among patients discharged from ACO‐participating hospitals/PACs before and after participation to changes among patients discharged from non‐participating hospitals/PACs over the same time period.

Results

Patients discharged from an ACO‐participating hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had lower readmission rates (−1.7 percentage points, p‐value = .03) than before ACO participation and non‐participants; and lower per‐discharge Medicare spending (−$940, p‐value = .001), and length of stay (−3.1 days, p‐value <.001) in SNF. Effects among ACO‐participating hospitals without a co‐participating SNF were smaller. Patients discharged from an ACO‐participating hospital and home health agency had lower Medicare per‐discharge spending (−$209; p‐value = .06) and length of stay (−1.6 days, p‐value <.001) for home health compared to before ACO participation and non‐participants. Discharge from an ACO‐participating hospital and inpatient rehabilitation facility did not impact patient outcomes or spending.

Conclusions

Hospital and SNF participation in an ACO was associated with lower readmission rates, Medicare spending on SNF, and SNF length of stay. These results lend support to the ACO payment model.
The pH regulator PacC: a host‐dependent virulence factor in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Rascle Christine , Dieryckx Cindy , Dupuy Jean William , Muszkieta Laetitia , Souibgui Eytham , Droux Michel , Bruel Christophe , Girard Vincent , Poussereau Nathalie
Published: August 2018

The phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea is able to infect a wide variety of plants and plant tissues with differing chemical compositions. During its interaction with the host, this pathogen modulates its ambient pH by secreting acids or ammonia. In this work, we examined the Pal/Pac pathway, the fungal ambient pH‐responsive signalling circuit, and investigated the role of the PacC transcription factor. Characterization of the BcpacC deletion mutant revealed an alteration of both fungal growth and virulence depending on the pH of the culture medium or of the host tissue. The pathogenicity of the mutant was altered on plants exhibiting a neutral pH and not on plants with acidic tissues. The capacity of the mutant to acidify its environment and, more particularly, to produce oxalic acid was affected, as was production of reactive oxygen species. Finally, proteomic profiling of the mutant secretome revealed significant changes in plant cell wall polysaccharides proteins and lipid degradation and oxidoreduction, highlighting the importance of BcPacC in the necrotrophic lifestyle of B. cinerea.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals differentially expressed genes associated with wool length in rabbit
Authors: Zhao B. , Chen Y. , Hao Y. , Yang N. , Wang M. , Mei M. , Wang J. , Qiu X. , Wu X.
Published: August 2018

Rabbit fur characteristics are primarily genetically determined traits. We used Illumina high‐throughput sequencing technology to assess gene expression in the skin tissues of rabbits derived from a cross between Wanxi Angora rabbits and Rex rabbits, which exhibit differential characteristics of short and long wool respectively, to investigate molecular mechanisms related to wool length determination. To identify key regulatory genes involved in rabbit wool length, genes that were differentially expressed between the long‐ and short‐wool rabbits based on a P‐value < 0.05 and log2|fold change| > 1 were characterized. A total of 798 genes were up‐regulated and 523 were down‐regulated in the long‐wool group compared to expression levels in the short‐wool group, and these genes were annotated with GO terms and KEGG pathways, revealing wool‐development‐related biological functions. The Wnt, Hedgehog and TGF‐β signaling pathways, which are related to cell proliferation, fibroblast proliferation and hair follicle regulation respectively, were identified. The expression levels of eight genes were validated by RT‐qPCR. In addition, an interaction network was constructed to show the regulatory relationships among the differentially expressed genes. In this study, we found that FGF5, WNT5A, BMP4 and BMP7 showed significant differential expression between the two groups. These transcriptomic profiling results provide comprehensive gene expression information for improving understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the growth and development of rabbit wool.
Monetary and fiscal policies in a heterogeneous‐agent economy
Authors: Sun Hongfei , Zhou Chenggang
Published: August 2018

We study the effects of long‐run inflation and income taxation in an economy where households face uninsurable idiosyncratic risks. We construct a tractable competitive‐search framework that generates dispersion of prices, income and wealth. We analytically characterize the stationary equilibrium and the policy effects on individual choices. Quantitative analysis finds that monetary and fiscal policies have distinct effects on macro aggregates, such as output, savings and wealth, income and consumption inequalities. There is a hump‐shaped relationship between welfare and the respective policies. Overall, welfare is maximized by a deviation from the Friedman rule, paired with distortionary income taxation.