bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Intellectual Capital for Firm Performance: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Gan Christopher , Nguyen Cuong
Published: July 2017

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and firm performance (FP) through system generalised methods of moments, when previous studies produced divergent results based on static OLS or fixed‐effects estimations. Based on 571 listed firms in Australia for the period of 2005–2014 (5518 firm‐years) this study reveals that IC efficiency is positively significant with ROA and ROE – which endorses resource‐based theory. Further analysis shows that human capital, structural capital and physical capital are also significant and confidently endorse resource‐dependency and organisation‐learning theories. The findings of this study are vital for stakeholders such as management, shareholders and potential investors to understand the role of IC for FP. Moreover, the findings are particularly important for policy‐setters to highlight the importance of IC and develop a systematic framework for IC disclosure. This study also opens new avenues for future research to consider the dynamic nature of the IC–FP relationship and account for endogeneity.
High‐risk prescribing in an Irish primary care population: trends and variation
Authors: Byrne Catherine J. , Cahir Caitriona , Curran Carmel , Bennett Kathleen
Published: July 2017

Aims

The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence of high‐risk prescribing (HRP) in community‐dwelling adults in Ireland from 2011–2015 using consensus‐validated indicators, factors associated with HRP, and the variation in HRP between general practitioners (GPs) and in the dispensing of high‐risk prescriptions between pharmacies.

Methods

A repeated cross‐sectional national pharmacy claims database study was conducted. Prescribing indicators were based on those developed in formal consensus studies and applicable to pharmacy claims data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with HRP and dispensing.

Results

There were significant reductions in the rates of most indicators over time (P < 0.001). A total of 66 022 of 300 906 patients at risk in 2011 [21.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21.8, 22.1%], and 42 109 of 278 469 in 2015 (15.1%, 95% CI 15.0, 15.3%), received ≥1 high‐risk prescription (P < 0.001). In 2015, indicators with the highest rates of HRP were prescription of a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) without gastroprotection in those ≥75 years (37.2% of those on NSAIDs), coprescription of warfarin and an antiplatelet agent or high‐risk antibiotic (19.5% and 16.2% of those on warfarin, respectively) and prescription of digoxin ≥250 μg day–1 in those ≥65 years (14.0% of those on digoxin). Any HRP increased significantly with age and number of chronic medications (P < 0.001). a) After controlling for patient variables, the variation in the rate of HRP between GPs was significant (P < 0.05); and b) after controlling for patient variables and the prescribing GP, the variation in the rate of dispensing of high‐risk prescriptions between pharmacies was significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

HRP in Ireland has declined over time, although some indicators persist. The variation between GPs and pharmacies suggests the potential for improvement in safe medicines use in community care, particularly in vulnerable older populations.
Does transcranial electrical stimulation enhance corticospinal excitability of the motor cortex in healthy individuals? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dissanayaka Thusharika , Zoghi Maryam , Farrell Michael , Egan Gary F. , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: July 2017

Numerous studies have explored the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) – including anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a‐tDCS), cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c‐tDCS), transcranial alternative current stimulation (tACS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) – on corticospinal excitability (CSE) in healthy populations. However, the efficacy of these techniques and their optimal parameters for producing robust results has not been studied. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to consolidate current knowledge about the effects of various parameters of a‐tDCS, c‐tDCS, tACS, tRNS and tPCS on the CSE of the primary motor cortex (M1) in healthy people. Leading electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 1990 and February 2017; 126 articles were identified, and their results were extracted and analysed using RevMan software. The meta‐analysis showed that a‐tDCS application on the dominant side significantly increases CSE (P < 0.01) and that the efficacy of a‐tDCS is dependent on current density and duration of application. Similar results were obtained for stimulation of M1 on the non‐dominant side (P = 0.003). The effects of a‐tDCS reduce significantly after 24 h (P = 0.006). Meta‐analysis also revealed significant reduction in CSE following c‐tDCS (P < 0.001) and significant increases after tRNS (P = 0.03) and tPCS (P = 0.01). However, tACS effects on CSE were only significant when the stimulation frequency was ≥140 Hz. This review provides evidence that tES has substantial effects on CSE in healthy individuals for a range of stimulus parameters.
Impaired corticomuscular coherence during isometric elbow flexion contractions in humans with cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Cremoux Sylvain , Tallet Jessica , Dal Maso Fabien , Berton Eric , Amarantini David
Published: July 2017

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the reorganization of the neuromuscular system leads to increased antagonist muscles’ co‐activation—that is, increased antagonist vs. agonist muscles activation ratio—during voluntary contractions. Increased muscle co‐activation is supposed to result from reduced cortical influences on spinal mechanisms inhibiting antagonist muscles. The assessment of the residual interactions between cortical and muscles activity with corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in participants with SCI producing different force levels may shed new lights on the regulation of muscle co‐activation. To achieve this aim, we compared the net joint torque, the muscle co‐activation and the CMC ~ 10 and ~ 20 Hz with both agonist and antagonist muscles in participants with SCI and healthy participants performing actual isometric elbow flexion contractions at three force levels. For all participants, overall CMC and muscle co‐activation decreased with the increase in the net joint torque, but only CMC ~ 10 Hz was correlated with muscle co‐activation. Participants with SCI had greater muscle co‐activation and lower CMC ~ 10 Hz, at the highest force levels. These results emphasize the importance of CMC as a mechanism that could take part in the modulation of muscle co‐activation to maintain a specific force level. Lower CMC ~ 10 Hz in SCI participants may reflect the decreased cortical influence on spinal mechanisms, leading to increased muscle co‐activation, although plasticity of the corticomuscular coupling seems to be preserved after SCI to modulate the force level. Clinically, the CMC may efficiently evaluate the residual integrity of the neuromuscular system after SCI and the effects of rehabilitation.
Comparative trophic impacts of two globally invasive cyprinid fishes reveal species‐specific invasion consequences for a threatened native fish
Authors: Busst Georgina M. A. , Britton J. Robert
Published: July 2017

Predicting the ecological consequences of invasions by non‐native species is a fundamental aspect of their risk‐based management. As impacts can include the negative consequences of resource sharing with native species, the application of in situ cohabitation field experiments can test hypotheses relating to invasion ecology via competitive interactions and processes. As fishes are adaptable and tractable experimental organisms, they are strong model species for use in studies on competitive interactions.

The trophic consequences of invasion by two globally invasive freshwater fishes, common carp Cyprinus carpio and goldfish Carassius auratus, were tested on the threatened native fish crucian carp Carassius carassius. Cohabitation experiments, completed in pond enclosures, used all species in allopatric and sympatric treatments using a substitutive design where the number of fish per treatment was kept constant. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) assessed alterations in the trophic ecology of each species across treatments, with growth rates used to assess any consequent impacts on the fish.

When in sympatry with C. auratus and C. carassius, the Cy. carpio isotopic niche was at a significantly lower trophic position compared to allopatry. This resulted in niche overlap with C. auratus, while for C. carassius, their isotopic niche shifted to a higher trophic position compared with allopatry. The growth rate of Cy. carpio was always significantly higher in sympatry than in allopatry, whereas growth rates for C. carassius and C. auratus were significantly depressed in Cy. carpio presence. In contrast, the isotopic niche sizes and positions and growth rates of the Carassius fishes were not significantly different between allopatry and when they cohabited.

Plasticity in the isotopic niche of Cy. carpio resulted in significant alterations in their trophic position between allopatry and sympatry and, when coupled with their depressed growth in allopatry, suggests the competitive processes driving this were intra‐specific rather than inter‐specific. This then resulted in detrimental impacts on cohabiting Carassius fishes. These results emphasise that ecological consequences of Cy. carpio in invaded freshwaters include impacts on the trophic ecology of native fishes.
Increasing temperature cuts back crop yields in Hungary over the last 90 years
Authors: Pinke Zsolt , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: July 2017

The transformation of climatic regime has an undeniable impact on plant production, but we rarely have long enough date series to examine the unfolding of such effects. The clarification of the relationship between crop plants and climate has a near‐immediate importance due to the impending human‐made global change. This study investigated the relationship between temperature, precipitation, drought intensity and the yields of four major cereals in Hungary between 1921 and 2010. The analysis of 30‐year segments indicated a monotonously increasing negative impact of temperature on crop yields. A 1°C temperature increase reduced the yield of the four main cereals by 9.6%–14.8% in 1981–2010, which revealed the vulnerability of Eastern European crop farming to recent climate change. Climate accounted for 17%–39% of yield variability over the past 90 years, but this figure reached 33%–67% between 1981 and 2010. Our analysis supports the claim that the mid‐20th century green revolution improved yields “at the mercy of the weather”: during this period, the impact of increasing fertilization and mechanisation coincided with climatic conditions that were more favourable than today. Crop yields in Eastern Europe have been stagnating or decreasing since the mid‐1980s. Although usually attributed to the large socio‐economic changes sweeping the region, our analysis indicates that a warming climate is at least partially responsible for this trend. Such a robust impact of increasing temperatures on crop yields also constitutes an obvious warning for this core grain‐growing region of the world.
Validity and reliability of the oral health‐related caregiver burden index
Authors: Matsuda Yuhei , Izumi Maya , Nakamichi Atsuko , Isobe Ayaka , Akifusa Sumio
Published: July 2017

Objective

This study developed the Oral Health‐related Caregiver Burden Index (OHBI), which contains nine questions with five response options each. As a secondary objective, we aimed to clarify the relationship between oral health‐related caregiver burden and general caregiver burden.

Background

There are a few reports of the oral health‐related caregiver burden.

Methods

Between January 2016 and February 2016, 155 participants enrolled in the study. We conducted the survey to examine the validity and reliability of OHBI. Additionally, the cut‐off score for this scale was calculated, and the relationship between OHBI and general caregiver burden (BIC‐11) was examined by binomial logistic regression.

Results

Survey 1 was completed by 102 caregivers, of whom 58 (56.9%) were female. Survey 2 was completed by 40 caregivers, of whom 22 (55.0%) were female. Factor analysis revealed four factors in OHBI. Cronbach's α was .691‐.866. OHBI scores were significantly associated with scores for each factor of the BIC‐11. OHBI had a cut‐off score of 10 (AUC=.881, sensitivity=.828, specificity=.744). A good‐poor analysis revealed significant differences for discriminant validity. ICC, an indicator of reliability, was .449‐.842. There was a significant relationship between caregiver burden and oral health‐related caregiver burden according to binomial logistic regression analysis (P<.05).

Conclusion

We developed the OHBI as a multidimensional care burden scale, which comprises nine items covering five domains. Further, we verified the relationship between general caregiver burden and oral health‐related caregiver burden.
Torsional resistance of XP‐endo Shaper at body temperature compared with several nickel‐titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Elnaghy A. M. , Elsaka S. E.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To compare the torsional resistance of XP‐endo Shaper (XPS; size 30, .01 taper, FKG Dentaire, La Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland) instruments at body temperature with TRUShape (TRS; size 30, .06 taper, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK, USA), ProFile Vortex (PV; size 30, .04 taper, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties) and FlexMaster (FM; size 30, .04 taper, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) nickel‐titanium rotary instruments.

Methodology

A metal block with a square‐shaped mould (5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm) was positioned inside a glass container. Five millimetres of the tip of each instrument was held inside the metal block by filling the mould with a resin composite. The instruments were tested for torsional resistance in saline solution at 37 °C. Data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey post hoc tests. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

FM had the greatest torsional resistance amongst the instruments tested (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between FM and PV instruments (P = 0.211). The ranking for torsional resistance values was: FM > PV > TRS > XPS.

Conclusions

FlexMaster and ProFile Vortex instruments were more resistant to torsional stress compared with TRUShape and XP‐endo Shaper instruments. The manufacturing process used to produce XP‐endo Shaper instruments did not enhance their resistance to torsional stress as compared with the other instruments.
The effect of furcation involvement on tooth loss in a population without regular periodontal therapy
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Krajewski Anna , Donos Nikos , Völzke Henry , Pink Christiane , Kocher Thomas , Holtfreter Birte
Published: July 2017

Aim

We aimed to assess the association between furcation involvement (FI) and tooth loss for subjects not undergoing regular periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods

Data from 2333 subjects participating in the baseline and 11‐year follow‐up of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were used. All subjects had half‐mouth periodontal examinations, including FI in one upper and one lower molar, at baseline. A total of 1897 subjects and 3267 molars were included in the final analysis.

Results

In total, 375 subjects (19.8%) lost molars during the follow‐up period. Respectively, 5.6%, 12.7%, 34.0% and 55.6% of molars without FI, degree I FI, degree II FI and degree III FI were lost. Initial probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were associated with molar loss (p < .001). Baseline degree I FI was associated with a 1.73 IRR (incidence rate ratio) (95% CI=1.34‐2.23, p < .001) of tooth loss while degree II‐III was associated with a 3.88 IRR (95% CI=2.94‐5.11, p < .001) of tooth loss compared to molars without FI at baseline.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for an increased risk of molar loss affected by periodontal furcation involvement in a general population not undergoing regular periodontal care.
Learning remotely: R&D satellites, intra‐firm linkages, and knowledge sourcing
Authors: Blit Joel
Published: July 2017

Firms venture abroad not only to access resources and markets but also to learn. Yet there remains limited empirical evidence that headquarters can access geographically remote knowledge by establishing a presence in the remote location. Using U.S. patent data, I show that firm headquarters disproportionately source knowledge from third parties in remote locations where they have an R&D satellite. This “satellite effect” on knowledge flow is economically significant, representing up to 60% of the knowledge‐flow premium associated with collocation. Furthermore, the effect seems to be stronger for recent knowledge, as well as in areas of satellite technological specialization, suggesting that firms can target cutting‐edge knowledge in specific sectors. In addition, the results show that firms with stronger internal linkages between headquarters and satellites, and those that staff satellites with inventors that previously patented while at other local firms, experience a larger satellite effect on knowledge acquisition.
Involvement of cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the branchial immune response of experimentally infected silver catfish with Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Baldissera M D , Souza C F , Doleski P H , Moreira K L S , da Veiga M L , da Rocha M I U M , Santos R C V , Baldisserotto B
Published: July 2017

It has been recognized that the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems have an essential role in immune and inflammatory responses during bacterial fish pathogens, such as the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), which are responsible for catalysis of the anti‐inflammatory molecules acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine (Ado) respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the immune response and inflammatory process in gills of experimentally infected Rhamdia quelen with Streptococcus agalactiae. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased, while ACh levels increased in gills of infected animals compared to uninfected animals. On the other hand, a significant increase in ADA activity with a concomitant decrease in Ado levels was observed in infected animals compared to uninfected animals. Based on this evidence, we concluded that infection by S. agalactiae in silver catfish alters the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems, suggesting the involvement of AChE and ADA activities on immune and inflammatory responses, regulating the ACh and Ado levels. In summary, the downregulation of AChE activity exerts an anti‐inflammatory profile in an attempt to reduce or prevent the tissue damage, while the upregulation of ADA activity exerts a pro‐inflammatory profile, contributing to disease pathophysiology.
Interleukin‐10 release from astrocytes suppresses neuronal apoptosis via the TLR2/NFκB pathway in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage
Authors: He Mu Lan , Lv Ze Yu , Shi Xia , Yang Ting , Zhang Yun , Li Ting‐Yu , Chen Jie
Published: July 2017

The biological function of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and the relationship between IL‐10 secretion and the Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression levels in the central nervous system following hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage (HIBD) are poorly understood. Here, we intend to elucidate the biological function and mechanism of IL‐10 secretion following HIBD. In this study, we used a neonatal rat model of HIBD and found that rats injected with adeno‐associated virus‐IL‐10‐shRNA (short hairpin RNA) exhibited partially impaired learning and memory function compared to rats administered adeno‐associated virus‐control‐shRNA. In vitro oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) induced IL‐10 release from astrocytes but not from neurons. Pretreatment with exogenous recombinant IL‐10 alleviated OGD‐mediated apoptosis of neurons but not astrocytes. In addition, we also observed that hypoxic injury induced a marked increase in IL‐10 expression in astrocytes as a result of activation of the TLR2/phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p‐NFκB) p65 signaling cascade; furthermore, this effect disappeared upon small interfering RNA targeting rat TLR2 gene (siTLR2) treatment. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NFκB activation, reduced the IL‐10 expression levels in both OGD‐injured astrocytes in vitro and the hippocampi of HIBD rats in vivo but did not significantly affect TLR2 expression. Furthermore, a luciferase assay revealed that p‐NFκB p65 could bind the −1700/−1000 bp proximal region of the IL‐10 gene promoter to regulate IL‐10 secretion from astrocytes and that this interaction could be controlled by OGD treatment. These data suggest that HIBD induces IL‐10 secretion from astrocytes to exert a paracrine‐induced anti‐apoptotic effect on injured neurons via the TLR2/NFκB signaling pathway, which may improve learning and memory dysfunction after ischemic injury.

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An integrative review of supports, facilitators and barriers to patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit
Authors: Jakimowicz Samantha , Perry Lin , Lewis Joanne
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To systematically review the literature describing factors perceived by nurses as impacting the provision of patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit.

Background

Patient‐centred nursing in critical care differs from other healthcare areas, and the aggressive curative environment of the ICU has potential to compromise some of its elements. Understanding critical care, nurses’ perceptions of promoting and deterrent factors may inform development of strategies to support effective patient‐centred nursing and job satisfaction in this workforce.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Review method

Whittemore and Knafl's method was used with “best‐fit” framework synthesis. CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline and EMBASE were searched for 2000–2016 literature using search terms drawn from the ICU patient‐centred framework.

Results

In total, 3,079 papers were identified, with 23 retained after applying eligibility criteria. Five themes were identified: Nurse identity; Organisation; Communication; Relationships; and Ideology of ICU. Almost every theme and related categories referred to factors acting as barriers to patient‐centred nursing in the ICU; only four referred to supports/facilitators. Findings showed that provision of patient‐centred nursing may be compromised by some factors of the critical care environment, and illustrate the challenges and complexity of providing effective patient‐centred nursing in this environment.

Conclusion

Findings should be applied to address barriers and to enhance facilitators of effective patient‐centred nursing in critical care. The emotional and physical demands of critical care nursing are major considerations; supporting these nurses to fulfil their challenging role may empower them in their professional quality of life and provide a basis for workforce retention as well as delivery of effective patient‐centred nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice

Measures to enhance patient‐centred nursing could promote critical care nurses’ job satisfaction and workforce retention, and be applied more broadly and collaboratively to promote multidisciplinary patient‐centred care.
Opportunities for Innovation in Social Media Analytics
Authors: Moe Wendy W. , Schweidel David A.
Published: July 2017

While the data from social media platforms are abundant, social media has primarily been viewed as a channel through which marketers can reach consumers. While its use as a promotional channel is important, this perspective ignores the potential value of social media data. From social media data, much can be learned about individual consumers and more broadly networks of consumers. Viewed in this way, social media data can be an important source of insights into consumers that can be used to support marketing decisions. In contrast to more traditional means of gathering insights, social media data are freely provided by the consumers themselves, allowing marketers to hear the “voice of the consumer” directly. In this paper, the authors introduce a framework that views social media data as a source of marketing insights. They then discuss the characteristics of social data that have required innovation in the analytic approaches used to derive actionable marketing insights. The authors identify and elaborate on specific topics in which they believe that social media analytics can serve as a valuable tool for marketers, as well as discuss areas of opportunity for future research.
An alternative method for the analysis of melanin production in Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato and Cryptococcus gattii sensu lato
Authors: Brilhante Raimunda S. N. , España Jaime D. A. , de Alencar Lucas P. , Pereira Vandbergue S. , Castelo‐Branco Débora de S. C. M. , Pereira‐Neto Waldemiro de A. , Cordeiro Rossana de A. , Sidrim José J. C. , Rocha Marcos F. G.
Published: July 2017

Melanin is an important virulence factor for several microorganisms, including Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato and Cryptococcus gattii sensu lato, thus, the assessment of melanin production and its quantification may contribute to the understanding of microbial pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to standardise an alternative method for the production and indirect quantification of melanin in C. neoformans sensu lato and C. gattii sensu lato. Eight C. neoformans sensu lato and three C. gattii sensu lato, identified through URA5 methodology, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 (negative control) and one Hortaea werneckii (positive control) were inoculated on minimal medium agar with or without L‐DOPA, in duplicate, and incubated at 35°C, for 7 days. Pictures were taken from the third to the seventh day, under standardised conditions in a photographic chamber. Then, photographs were analysed using grayscale images. All Cryptococcus spp. strains produced melanin after growth on minimal medium agar containing L‐DOPA. C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 did not produce melanin on medium containing L‐DOPA, while H. werneckii presented the strongest pigmentation. This new method allows the indirect analysis of melanin production through pixel quantification in grayscale images, enabling the study of substances that can modulate melanin production.
Non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in an advanced stage of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Tadokoro Koh , Sato Kota , Morihara Ryuta , Shang Jingwei , Takemoto Mami , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Hishikawa Nozomi , Abe Koji
Published: July 2017

Patients with progressive supranuclear palsy often suffer from dysphagia, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a treatment option for the advanced stage of this disease. The present percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patient had slightly impaired glucose tolerance, but the condition became considerably worse with normal nutrients due to limited activity and an infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, resulting in a non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma. After receiving supplementary fluid, intravenous insulin, antibiotics and endotracheal intubation, the patient recovered from the non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma state. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement at an advanced stage of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, should have a careful follow‐up, especially when glucose tolerance worsens.
Regulation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) drought responses by mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade‐mediated phosphorylation of GhWRKY59
Authors: Li Fangjun , Li Maoying , Wang Ping , Cox Kevin L. , Duan Liusheng , Dever Jane K. , Shan Libo , Li Zhaohu , He Ping
Published: July 2017

Drought is a key limiting factor for cotton (Gossypium spp.) production, as more than half of the global cotton supply is grown in regions with high water shortage. However, the underlying mechanism of the response of cotton to drought stress remains elusive.

By combining genome‐wide transcriptome profiling and a loss‐of‐function screen using virus‐induced gene silencing, we identified Gossypium hirsutum GhWRKY59 as an important transcription factor that regulates the drought stress response in cotton.

Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed a drought stress‐activated mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade consisting of GhMAP3K15–Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (GhMKK4)–Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase 6 (GhMPK6) that directly phosphorylates GhWRKY59 at residue serine 221. Interestingly, GhWRKY59 is required for dehydration‐induced expression of GhMAPK3K15, constituting a positive feedback loop of GhWRKY59‐regulated MAP kinase activation in response to drought stress. Moreover, GhWRKY59 directly binds to the W‐boxes of DEHYDRATION‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT‐BINDING PROTEIN 2 (GhDREB2), which encodes a dehydration‐inducible transcription factor regulating the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA)‐independent drought response.

Our study identified a complete MAP kinase cascade that phosphorylates and activates a key WRKY transcription factor, and elucidated a regulatory module, consisting of GhMAP3K15‐GhMKK4‐GhMPK6‐GhWRKY59‐GhDREB2, that is involved in controlling the cotton drought response.
Being in a standstill‐of‐life: women's experience of being diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus: a hermeneutic‐phenomenological study
Authors: Larsen Janni Lisander , Hall Elisabeth O.C. , Jacobsen Søren , Birkelund Regner
Published: July 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly unpredictable and potentially lethal disease which ultimately challenges identity, future and the meaning of life. In a caring context, the experience of good health is perceived to be a balance between biomedical health and the existential experience of having a good life. This balance is jeopardised in the face of severe chronic illness and leads to extensive suffering if not handled carefully. Research suggests that patients suffering from severe chronic illness need support on an existential level, but also emphasises that, given its elusive nature, caring for the existential dimension is difficult to manage. This paper explores the experience of being diagnosed with SLE as an existential phenomenon. Through repeated phenomenological and hermeneutic interviews with 15 women conducted from 2013 to 2015, data concerning the diagnostic phase of SLE were analysed using Van Manen's phenomenology of practice. The essence was found to be a standstill in life comprehended through three inter‐related themes: standing in a swirl of events, standing on uneven ground and standing at a turning point with oneself and others. The paper elucidates how existential life phenomena are lived, during the course of being diagnosed. In conclusion, it provides an ethical awareness of how a standstill in life is lived and of the patients’ existential transition during the diagnostic phase. A holistic approach is recommended in caring for patients with SLE.
Optimizing the Manufacturing Processes of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Resin Composite Panels
Authors: Hamdan Bayan , Lafi Sarah , Hassan Noha M.
Published: July 2017

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are sustainable materials compared to others due to their distinctive properties and light weight. On the other hand, producing CFRP products with minimum manufacturing costs and high quality can be quite challenging. This research aims to formulate a mathematical model that determines the optimum manufacturing process/processing parameters and takes into consideration the effect of the selected processes on the quality of panels and the environmental impact surface roughness and percentage of voids are used as metrics to assess the desired quality level of the finished product. Energy consumption is used to quantify the environmental cost. Design of experiment (DOE) was performed to study the effect of varying the process parameters, namely application method, pressure, and temperature on the response variables. Regression models were used to model the response variables. A generalized model was developed and validated both numerically and experimentally. Results signify the need for a systematic approach to determine optimum manufacturing processes without resorting to trial and error.
Grinding Energy Modeling Based on Friction, Plowing, and Shearing
Authors: Linke Barbara S. , Garretson Ian , Torner Francois , Seewig Joerg
Published: July 2017

Grinding is an important abrasive machining process at the end of many process chains. Understanding energy transformation in grinding is not only important to improve energy efficiency but also crucial for understanding the chip formation process itself. Grinding energy can be studied at the macroscopic or microscopic levels, wherein the entire grinding tool is considered or the phenomena at the single cutting edges are studied. This paper explores existing energy modeling approaches in grinding with particular emphasis on physical models. Models on energy transformation during the ductile grit–workpiece engagement for three regimes —being friction, plowing, and shearing —are explained. In addition to the critical depth of cut (DOC) when chip formation starts, a critical depth when plowing begins is introduced to divide between the different regimes. Selected models for each regime are combined to an integrated grinding energy model that allows researchers to investigate forces and energy during grit engagement.
Investigation of the Dynamic Loads on a Vertically Oscillating Circular Cylinder Close to the Sea Bed: The Role of Viscosity
Authors: Pierro Alessio , Tinti Enrico , Lenci Stefano , Brocchini Maurizio , Colicchio Giuseppina
Published: July 2017

The flow around an oscillating cylinder close to a horizontal solid boundary is studied to gather information about the load acting on pipelines, while they are laid on the sea bottom. The problem is simplified assuming that the pipeline section is rigid and oscillates harmonically only in the normal-to-seabed direction so that the problem can be tackled in two dimensions. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver is used to take into account viscous effects in the hypothesis of laminar flow conditions. This best suits the conditions of pipeline layering when the Reynolds number, Re=Um·D/ν, ranges in order of 450–120,000, while the Keulegan–Carpenter number, KC=Um·D/T, ranges in order of 0.45–2. Nonetheless, boundary layer separation and vortex shedding are considered. Focus is on the determination of the lift force for which a novel analytical approximate expression is proposed. Such an analytical result can provide useful support to the studies related with the structural analysis of the pipe laying.
Data-Driven Styling: Augmenting Intuition in the Product Design Process Using Holistic Styling Analysis
Authors: Ranscombe Charlie , Kinsella Philip , Blijlevens Janneke
Published: July 2017

Styling or product appearance is well known for holding great influence on its differentiation, branding, and overall success in the market. However, the styling process is difficult due to the intuitive and subjective way in which designers evaluate designs. In particular, negotiating iterations between designers and engineers is challenging since engineers have objective, data-driven approaches to rationalize decisions whereas designers rely on instinct and intuition. While the literature shows sustained interest in this issue and provides methods to analyze appearance objectively, many approaches rely on abstracted or simplified versions of a product's appearance as the basis for analyses, ignoring the holistic nature of product appearance. This article contributes by proposing an improvement employing digital shape comparison tools applied to three-dimensional (3D) geometry of products, and generating data on differentiation in product shape—that is, the holistic styling analysis (HSA). The HSA provides an objective assessment of difference in appearance to form the basis for designers to rationalize styling to other stakeholders during the design process. The HSA is tested through an automotive industry case study. Results show the method adds objectivity to decision-making by providing objective reference measures for differentiation in the styling of previous and competing products. Such measures can be used to inform styling goals and to identify intended degrees of difference in key features while highlighting areas to maintain consistency. As such, we contribute by providing a means for styling designers to use data to drive their activities in the same manner as other stakeholders.
A Controller Avoiding Dynamic Model Degeneracy of Parallel Robots During Singularity Crossing
Authors: Six Damien , Briot Sébastien , Chriette Abdelhamid , Martinet Philippe
Published: July 2017

Parallel robots present singular configurations that divide the operational workspace into several aspects. It was proven that type 2 and leg passive joint twist system (LPJTS) singularities can be crossed with a trajectory respecting a given dynamic criterion. However, the practical implementation of a controller able to track such trajectories is up to now limited to restrictive cases of type 2 singularities crossing. Analyzing the structure of the inverse dynamic model, this paper proposes a global solution allowing the tracking of trajectories respecting the general criterion for any singularity that leads to potential issues of dynamic model degeneracy. The tracking is operated in the robot joint space. Experimental results on a five-bar mechanism showed the controller ability to successfully cross type 2 singularities.
Variation in echolocation call frequencies in two species of free-tailed bats according to temperature and humidity
Authors: Chaverri Gloriana , Quirós Oscar E.
Published: July 2017

Bats can actively adjust their echolocation signals to specific habitats and tasks, yet it is not known if bats also modify their calls to decrease atmospheric attenuation. Here the authors test the hypothesis that individuals emit echolocation calls ideally suited to current conditions of temperature and humidity. The authors recorded two species, Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii, in the field under different conditions of humidity and temperature. For each species, two calls were analyzed: the shorter frequency modulated (FM) signals that bats emitted as they approached the recording microphone, and the longer constant frequency (CF) calls emitted thereafter. For each signal, the authors extracted peak frequency and duration, and compared these parameters among species, call type, and environmental conditions. The authors' results show significant differences in peak frequency and duration among environmental conditions for both call types. Bats decreased the frequency and increased duration of CF calls as atmospheric attenuation increased; using a lower-frequency call may increase the range of detection by a few meters as atmospheric attenuation increases. The same trend was not observed for FM calls, which may be explained by the primary role of these signals in short-range target localization.
Cellulosic biofuel contributions to a sustainable energy future: Choices and outcomes
Authors: Robertson G. Philip , Hamilton Stephen K. , Barham Bradford L. , Dale Bruce E. , Izaurralde R. Cesar , Jackson Randall D. , Landis Douglas A. , Swinton Scott M. , Thelen Kurt D. , Tiedje James M.
Published: July 2017

The promise of cellulose

Cellulosic bioenergy, obtained from the lignocellulose that makes up nearly half of plant
biomass, has considerable potential as an environmentally friendly energy source, but it
still requires substantial resources to produce. Robertson
et al.
review the trade-offs between the use of cellulosic biofuels and climate mitigation,
biodiversity, reactive nitrogen loss, and water use to direct more effective policies
for their production. Growing native species on unfarmed land is a promising way
forward.

Science
, this issue p.
eaal2324
Hypothalamic regulation of regionally distinct adult neural stem cells and neurogenesis
Authors: Paul Alex , Chaker Zayna , Doetsch Fiona
Published: July 2017

Specialization in brain neurogenic niche

The adult mammalian brain generates neurons from the subventricular zone (SVZ). In mice,
Paul
et al.
were able to link environmental signals with the type of
neurons that are generated and showed that anatomical subspecialization occurrs in the
SVZ. Neural circuits that respond to hunger or satiety enervate a subregion of the SVZ
and retune the production of new olfactory neurons just from that portion of the
subventricular niche.

Science
, this issue p.
1383
Metalloprotein entatic control of ligand-metal bonds quantified by ultrafast x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Mara Michael W. , Hadt Ryan G. , Reinhard Marco Eli , Kroll Thomas , Lim Hyeongtaek , Hartsock Robert W. , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Chollet Matthieu , Glownia James M. , Nelson Silke , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Kunnus Kristjan , Hodgson Keith O. , Hedman Britt , Bergmann Uwe , Gaffney Kelly J. , Solomon Edward I.
Published: July 2017

Sulfur's balancing act in cytochrome c

Cytochrome c enzymes have two distinct functions that depend on the position of a methionine residue. When the sulfur in the methionine side chain coordinates with iron in the enzyme's active site, the protein is optimized for electron transfer; otherwise, it is poised for peroxidase activity. Mara
et al.
used ultrafast x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy to probe the energetics of this Fe-S bond (see the Perspective by Bren and Raven). By breaking the bond transiently with light and then timing its reformation, they determined that the surrounding protein environment boosts the bond strength by 4 kilocalories per mole—just enough to toggle between each functional state at a practical rate.

Science
, this issue p.
1276
; see also p.
1236
Neurodevelopmental protein Musashi-1 interacts with the Zika genome and promotes viral replication
Authors: Chavali Pavithra L. , Stojic Lovorka , Meredith Luke W. , Joseph Nimesh , Nahorski Michael S. , Sanford Thomas J. , Sweeney Trevor R. , Krishna Ben A. , Hosmillo Myra , Firth Andrew E. , Bayliss Richard , Marcelis Carlo L. , Lindsay Susan , Goodfellow Ian , Woods C. Geoffrey , Gergely Fanni
Published: July 2017

Inherited microcephaly exposes Zika culprit

Microcephaly has been the terrifying hallmark of the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas. How the virus damages brain development in the fetus is enigmatic. Chavali
et al.
found that in congenital microcephaly, mutations in a neural precursor protein, Musashi-1 (MSI1), impede RNA binding to neural stem cell targets, resulting in abnormal brain development (see the Perspective by Griffin). MSI1 also binds ZIKV RNA to amplify viral replication in cells. This interaction could put a pregnant woman at risk of giving birth to a microcephalic child. Furthermore, MSI1 is expressed at high levels in the mouse testis, which may explain the sexual transmission of this virus.

Science
, this issue p.
83
; see also p.
33
Assembly principles and structure of a 6.5-MDa bacterial microcompartment shell
Authors: Sutter Markus , Greber Basil , Aussignargues Clement , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: July 2017

How to make a protein-based nanocontainer

Bacterial microcompartments are to bacteria what membrane-bound organelles are to eukaryotic cells. They are specialized subcellular compartments for colocalizing enzymes to enhance reaction rates, protect sensitive proteins, and sequester toxic intermediates. Sutter
et al.
determined the atomic-resolution structure of a complete 6.5-megadalton bacterial microcompartment shell. The shell is composed of hundreds of copies of five distinct proteins that form hexamers, pentamers, and three types of trimers. The assembly principles revealed by the structure provide the basis to rationally manipulate self-assembly in native and engineered systems and could help, for example, in the design of subcellular nanoreactors.

Science
, this issue p.
1293
What's the damage from climate change?
Authors: Pizer William A.
Published: July 2017

Improved damage models put social cost of carbon estimates on a firmer
footing
How to beat the traffic
Authors: Anderson Michael
Published: July 2017

Recent policy changes in Jakarta provide a test of the effectiveness of traffic restrictions
CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Reveals That the Intron Is Not Essential for
var2csa
Gene Activation or Silencing in
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Bryant Jessica M. , Regnault Clément , Scheidig-Benatar Christine , Baumgarten Sebastian , Guizetti Julien , Scherf Artur
Published: July 2017

Plasmodium falciparum
relies on monoallelic expression of 1 of 60
var
virulence genes for antigenic variation and host immune evasion. Each
var
gene contains a conserved intron which has been implicated in previous studies in both activation and repression of transcription via several epigenetic mechanisms, including interaction with the
var
promoter, production of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and localization to repressive perinuclear sites. However, functional studies have relied primarily on artificial expression constructs. Using the recently developed
P. falciparum
clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, we directly deleted the
var2csa P. falciparum
3D7_1200600 (Pf3D7_1200600) endogenous intron, resulting in an intronless
var
gene in a natural, marker-free chromosomal context. Deletion of the
var2csa
intron resulted in an upregulation of transcription of the
var2csa
gene in ring-stage parasites and subsequent expression of the PfEMP1 protein in late-stage parasites. Intron deletion did not affect the normal temporal regulation and subsequent transcriptional silencing of the
var
gene in trophozoites but did result in increased rates of
var
gene switching in some mutant clones. Transcriptional repression of the intronless
var2csa
gene could be achieved via long-term culture or panning with the CD36 receptor, after which reactivation was possible with chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) panning. These data suggest that the
var2csa
intron is not required for silencing or activation in ring-stage parasites but point to a subtle role in regulation of switching within the
var
gene family.

IMPORTANCE
Plasmodium falciparum
is the most virulent species of malaria parasite, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality in those infected. Chronic infection depends on an immune evasion mechanism termed antigenic variation, which in turn relies on monoallelic expression of 1 of ~60
var
genes. Understanding antigenic variation and the transcriptional regulation of monoallelic expression is important for developing drugs and/or vaccines. The
var
gene family encodes the antigenic surface proteins that decorate infected erythrocytes. Until recently, studying the underlying genetic elements that regulate monoallelic expression in
P. falciparum
was difficult, and most studies relied on artificial systems such as episomal reporter genes. Our study was the first to use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the functional study of an important, conserved genetic element of
var
genes—the intron—in an endogenous, episome-free manner. Our findings shed light on the role of the
var
gene intron in transcriptional regulation of monoallelic expression.