bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the structural properties of sites modified by theO-linked 6-N-acetylglucosamine transferase
Authors: Britto-Borges Thiago , Barton Geoffrey J.
Published: March 2017

Protein O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) is an essential post-translational modification (PTM) in higher eukaryotes. The O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT), targets specific Serines and Threonines (S/T) in intracellular proteins. However, unlike phosphorylation, fewer than 25% of known O-GlcNAc sites match a clear sequence pattern. Accordingly, the three dimensional structures of O-GlcNAc sites were characterised to investigate the role of structure in molecular recognition. Of the 143/1,584 O-GlcNAc sites in 620 proteins were mapped to protein X-ray structures. The modified S/T were 1.7x more likely to be annotated in the REM465 field which defines missing residues in a protein structure, while 7 O-GlcNAc sites were solvent inaccessible and unlikely to be targeted by OGT. The 132/143 sites with complete backbone atoms clustered into 10 groups, but these were indistinguishable from clusters from unmodified S/T. This suggests there is no prevalent three-dimensional motif for OGT recognition. Predicted features from the 620 proteins were compared to unmodified S/T in O-GlcNAcylated proteins and globular proteins. The Jpred4 predicted secondary structure shows that modified S/T were more likely to be coils. 5/6 methods to predict intrinsic disorder indicated O-GlcNAcylated S/T to be significantly more disordered than unmodified S/T. Although the analysis did not find a pattern in the site three-dimensional structure, it revealed the residues around the modification site are likely to be disordered and suggests a potential role of secondary structure elements in OGT site recognition.
Traversing the fantasy of the heroic entrepreneur
Authors: Johnsen Christian Garmann , Sørensen Bent Meier
Published: March 2017

Purpose

While considerable critical energy has been devoted to unmasking the figure of the heroic entrepreneur, the idea that entrepreneurs are unique individuals with special abilities continues to be widespread in scholarly research, social media and popular culture. The purpose of this paper is to traverse the fantasy of the heroic entrepreneur by offering a reading of Richard Branson’s autobiography,Losing My Virginity.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical approach of this paper is informed by Slavoj Žižek’s concept of fantasy and his critical analytical strategy of “traversing the fantasy”. Žižek offers a theoretical framework that allows us to understand how narratives of famous entrepreneurs create paradoxical fantasies that produce desire.

Findings

By offering a reading of Richard Branson’s autobiography,Losing My Virginity, this paper serves to illustrate how the fantasy of the heroic entrepreneur creates the injunction to overcome oneself and become true to oneself, but also how this figure is ridden with contradictions and impossibilities. Branson’s book will eventually be shown to be a religious narrative, where the entrepreneur is responsible for redeeming the crises not only of the economy, but of being as such.

Originality/value

Rather than striving towards a processual approach that lays emphasis on the collective effort involved in entrepreneurship, this paper critically engages directly with the heroic entrepreneur by exploring how this figure is a fantasy that structures desire. This paper shows how critical entrepreneurship studies could benefit from an approach that analyses how the cultural representation of business celebrates the heroic entrepreneur as a source of value creation. The authors further argue that it is the contradictions and impossibilities embodied in the figure of the heroic entrepreneur that carry its far-reaching appeal.
Come on out of the ghetto, please! – Building the future of entrepreneurship research
Authors: Baker Ted , Welter Friederike
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make the argument that previously marginalized but now flourishing subfields of entrepreneurship research continue to provide insights that can form the basis for future entrepreneurship research that is more broadly practical and critical. What is currently core or “mainstream” in entrepreneurship research would then be seen as an important but rare special case.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay briefly explores a number of illustrative themes that have emerged and become important in women’s entrepreneurship research (acknowledging that some similar themes have emerged in other subfields). These themes are used to suggest how broader application of such insights to theory-building about entrepreneurship in general – rather than “just” to “women’s entrepreneurship” – might greatly enrich the field.

Findings

The authors’ arguments suggest that research focused on ghettoized subfields such as women’s entrepreneurship challenge the assumptions of what entrepreneurship is and what it contributes. For example the richer perspective on motivations, goals, and outcomes and on the possibilities of emancipation that currently animate research on women’s entrepreneurship can improve the understanding of all entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Too much of current entrepreneurship research is both of limited practical value for “practitioners” and of little “critical value” for scholars interested in how things might work better. The authors argue that by broadening the set of goals, motivations, contexts and accomplishments that are taken as legitimate targets of study, entrepreneurship research can become both more practical and more critical and thus more broadly useful and legitimate.
Adaptive neural network visual servoing of dual-arm robot for cyclic motion
Authors: Qu Jiadi , Zhang Fuhai , Fu Yili , Li Guozhi , Guo Shuxiang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a vision-based dual-arm cyclic motion method, focusing on solving the problems of an uncertain grasp position of the object and the dual-arm joint-angle-drift phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel cascade control structure is proposed which associates an adaptive neural network with kinematics redundancy optimization. A radial basis function (RBF) neural network in conjunction with a conventional proportional–integral (PI) controller is applied to compensate for the uncertainty of the image Jacobian matrix which includes the estimated grasp position. To avoid the joint-angle-drift phenomenon, a dual neural network (DNN) solver in conjunction with a PI controller and dual-arm-coordinated constraints is applied to optimize the closed-chain kinematics redundancy.

Findings

The proposed method was implemented on an industrial robotic MOTOMAN with two 7-degrees of freedom robotic arms. Two experiments of carrying a tray repeatedly and turning a steering wheel were carried out, and the results indicate that the closed-trajectories tracking is achieved successfully both in the image plane and the joint spaces with the uncertain grasp position, which validates the accuracy and realizability of the proposed PI-RBF-DNN control strategy.

Originality/value

The adaptive neural network visual servoing method is applied to the dual-arm cyclic motion with the uncertain grasp position of the object. The proposed method enhances the environmental adaptability of a dual-arm robot in a practical manipulation task.
Seamless autonomous navigation based on the motion constraint of the mobile robot
Authors: Chen Weina , Zeng Qinghua , Liu Jianye , Wang Huizhe
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a seamless autonomous navigation method based on the motion constraint of the mobile robot, which is able to meet the practical need of maintaining the navigation accuracy during global positioning system (GPS) outages.

Design/methodology/approach

The seamless method uses the motion constraint of the mobile robot to establish the filter model of the system, in which the virtual observation about the speed is used to overcome the shortage of the navigation accuracy during GPS outages. The corresponding motion constraint model of the mobile robot is established. The proposed seamless navigation scheme includes two parts: the micro inertial navigation system (MINS)/GPS-integrated filter model and the motion constraint filter model. When the satellite signals are good, the system works on the MINS/GPS-integrated mode. If some obstacles block the GPS signals, the motion constraint measurement equation will be effective so as to improve the navigation accuracy of the mobile robot.

Findings

Three different vehicle tests of the mobile robot show that the seamless navigation method can overcome the shortage of the navigation accuracy during GPS outages, so as to improve the navigation performance in practical applications.

Originality/value

A seamless navigation system based on the motion constraint of the mobile robot is proposed to overcome the shortage of the navigation accuracy during GPS outages, thus improving the adaptability of the robot navigation.
Tele-operated propeller-type climbing robot for inspection of petrochemical vessels
Authors: Alkalla Mohamed Gouda , Fanni Mohamed A. , Mohamed Abdelfatah M. , Hashimoto Shuji
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new propeller-type climbing robot called EJBot for climbing various types of structures that include significant obstacles, besides inspection of industrial vessels made of various materials, including non-ferromagnetic material. The inspection includes capturing images for important spots and measuring the wall thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

The design mainly consists of two coaxial upturned propellers mounted on a mobile robot with four standard wheels. A new hybrid actuation system that consists of propeller thrust forces and standard wheel torques is considered as the adhesion system for this climbing robot. This system generates the required adhesion force to support the robot on the climbed surfaces. Dynamic simulation using ADAMS is performed and ensures the success of this idea.

Findings

Experimental tests to check the EJBot’s capabilities of climbing different surfaces, such as smooth, rough, flat and cylindrical surfaces like the real vessel, are successfully carried out. In addition, the robot stops accurately on the climbed surface at any desired location for inspection purposes, and it overcomes significant obstacles up to 40 mm.

Practical implications

This proposed climbing robot is needed for petrochemical and liquid gas vessels, where a regular inspection of the welds and the wall thickness is required. The interaction between the human and these vessels is dangerous and not healthy due to the harmful environment inside these vessels.

Originality/value

This robot utilizes propeller thrusts and wheel torques simultaneously to generate adhesion and traction forces. Therefore, a versatile robot able to climb different kinds of structures is obtained.
Design of an electromagnetic prismatic joint with variable stiffness
Authors: Zhao Yong , Yu Jue , Wang Hao , Chen Genliang , Lai Xinmin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an electromagnetic prismatic joint with variable stiffness. The joint can absorb the sudden shocks and improve the natural dynamics of robotics. The ability of regulating the output stiffness can also be used for force control in industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike some existing designs of variable stiffness joints (VSJs) in which the stiffness regulation is implemented using the stiffness adjustment motor and mechanisms, the main structure of the electromagnetic VSJ is a permanent magnet (PM) arranged inside coaxial cylinder coils. The adjustment of input current can cause the change of magnetic force between the PM and the cylinder coils, and thus leads to the variation of output stiffness.

Findings

According to the theoretical model, the output stiffness of the electromagnetic VSJ is linearly proportional to the input current. The experiments further indicate that the current-controlled stiffness can make the stiffness variation response of this VSJ more rapid for practical applications. Due to the large damping introduced by the copper-based self-lubrication bearings, the VSJ shows good properties in motion positioning and trajectory tracking.

Originality/value

In summary, the electromagnetic VSJ is compact in size and light in weight. It is possible to realize the online adaptability to work conditions with dynamic load by using this VSJ.
The value of textual haptic information in online clothing shopping
Authors: Rodrigues Tomé , Silva Susana C. , Duarte Paulo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential of textual haptic information to minimize the effects of need for touch (NFT) in global online environments by testing the effect of hands on description on consumer perception and intention to purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed in three stages. A total of 140 valid responses were obtained in stage three. Multiple linear regression models and paired-samples t-test were applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that textual haptic information has a positive impact on consumers’ perception and on the intention to purchasing.

Practical implications

To improve online sales firms should minimize the drawback of the inability of touching the product by providing textual haptic information.

Originality/value

The findings are especially valuable since the number of studies assessing NFT in online apparel commerce is currently very limited. Thus, this study adds new empirical evidences to existent body of knowledge and could assist the development of global marketing strategies for increasing online fashion sales.
Women’s activewear trends and drivers: a systematic review
Authors: O’Sullivan Grant Anthony , Hanlon Clare , Spaaij Ramon , Westerbeek Hans
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The activewear industry would benefit from an evidence-based understanding of how activewear is incorporated into women’s lives and their changing participation in physical activity. Activewear brands may be missing the trend of women moving from organised sport to non-organised and individualised sport and recreation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the degree to which academic and industry research understood patterns and influences on female’s activewear consumption and identified what significant gaps are evident in understanding the drivers and industry trends that pertain to female consumers of activewear.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review sought academic and industry research papers. Articles were selected if they included female participants; and/or addressed consumer related information; and focussed on active wear. Article findings were thematically analysed.

Findings

Most literature exploring activewear consumption fails to take gender into consideration or explore unique female consumer profiles. Females are bringing activewear into other parts of their wardrobe and place more value on fashion, even for sports attire. Research identified the need for activewear brands to consider lifestyle, emotional and personality elements of consumer behaviour. However a specific focus on women’s branding was absent. Women’s age and generation influenced their activewear consumption. Although some industry reports discussed the shift in use of activewear, no studies explored the impact of the critical shift in women’s physical activity patterns on the activewear industry.

Originality/value

This review identifies the gap in knowledge regarding women’s activewear consumption patterns and needs, and the importance of reflecting the changes in female physical activity participation. It also links marketing and design of women’s activewear to the needs of female consumers based on their actual patterns and trends in physical activity. The findings are relevant to activewear researchers, brands, marketers and producers.
Facebook practices for business communication among fashion retailers
Authors: Escobar-Rodríguez Tomás , Bonsón-Fernández Rocío
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The present study examines relationship building of major players in fashion retailing through social media. Using the theories of word-of-mouth marketing and brand community as theoretical frameworks, this paper analyses the impact of social media marketing in creating brand community. To that end, the use of the popular networking site Facebook was studied. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extent and main purposes of the usage of this communication channel and to examine companies’ activity on their Facebook pages as well as to observe their audiences and the effect in their audiences’ engagement. Additionally, this paper analyses the main type of content and the most commonly used type of media.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was based on a content analysis performed on 2,326 Facebook posts; a sample of 46 international leading companies in the fashion industry was analyzed in the time period between March 1 and May 31, 2015.

Findings

Facebook audience is positively related to retailer’s size. However, audiences in this sector are not related to the level of activity of the retailers’ Facebook pages. Audience engagement and participation in fashion retailer’s Facebook sites is higher in small retailers. The main content of the Facebook pages of top fashion retailers is marketing, photo albums and videos being the most popular drivers of this means.

Originality/value

No previous research analyzed fashion retailers use of Facebook sites. This study examines the variables size and engagement of fashion retailers’ audience on Facebook according to retailers’ size and activity on their corporate profiles.
Deterministic influences exceed dispersal effects on hydrologically‐connected microbiomes
Authors: Graham Emily B. , Crump Alex R. , Resch Charles T. , Fansler Sarah , Arntzen Evan , Kennedy David W. , Fredrickson Jim K. , Stegen James C.
Published: March 2017

Subsurface groundwater‐surface water mixing zones (hyporheic zones) have enhanced biogeochemical activity, but assembly processes governing subsurface microbiomes remain a critical uncertainty in understanding hyporheic biogeochemistry. To address this obstacle, we investigated (a) biogeographical patterns in attached and waterborne microbiomes across three hydrologically‐connected, physicochemically‐distinct zones (inland hyporheic, nearshore hyporheic and river); (b) assembly processes that generated these patterns; (c) groups of organisms that corresponded to deterministic changes in the environment; and (d) correlations between these groups and hyporheic metabolism. All microbiomes remained dissimilar through time, but consistent presence of similar taxa suggested dispersal and/or common selective pressures among zones. Further, we demonstrated a pronounced impact of deterministic assembly in all microbiomes as well as seasonal shifts from heterotrophic to autotrophic microorganisms associated with increases in groundwater discharge. The abundance of one statistical cluster of organisms increased with active biomass and respiration, revealing organisms that may strongly influence hyporheic biogeochemistry. Based on our results, we propose a conceptualization of hyporheic zone metabolism in which increased organic carbon concentrations during surface water intrusion support heterotrophy, which succumbs to autotrophy under groundwater discharge. These results provide new opportunities to enhance microbially‐explicit ecosystem models describing hyporheic zone biogeochemistry and its influence over riverine ecosystem function.
Niche specialization of bacteria in permanently ice‐covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Kwon Miye , Kim Mincheol , Takacs‐Vesbach Cristina , Lee Jaejin , Hong Soon Gyu , Kim Sang Jong , Priscu John C , Kim Ok‐Sun
Published: March 2017

Perennially ice‐covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, are chemically stratified with depth and have distinct biological gradients. Despite long‐term research on these unique environments, data on the structure of the microbial communities in the water columns of these lakes are scarce. Here, we examined bacterial diversity in five ice‐covered Antarctic lakes by 16S rRNA gene‐based pyrosequencing. Distinct communities were present in each lake, reflecting the unique biogeochemical characteristics of these environments. Further, certain bacterial lineages were confined exclusively to specific depths within each lake. For example, candidate division WM88 occurred solely at a depth of 15 m in Lake Fryxell, whereas unknown lineages of Chlorobi were found only at a depth of 18 m in Lake Miers, and two distinct classes of Firmicutes inhabited East and West Lobe Bonney at depths of 30 m. Redundancy analysis revealed that community variation of bacterioplankton could be explained by the distinct conditions of each lake and depth; in particular, assemblages from layers beneath the chemocline had biogeochemical associations that differed from those in the upper layers. These patterns of community composition may represent bacterial adaptations to the extreme and unique biogeochemical gradients of ice‐covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
Plasmid‐mediated resistance to cephalosporins and quinolones in Escherichia coli from American crows in the USA
Authors: Jamborova Ivana , Dolejska Monika , Zurek Ludek , Townsend Andrea K. , Clark Anne B. , Ellis Julie C. , Papousek Ivo , Cizek Alois , Literak Ivan
Published: March 2017

American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) faeces were tested for Escherichia coli with plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC beta‐lactamases. A total of 590 faecal samples were collected at four roosting sites in the USA and cultivated on selective media. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to assess clonality. Transferability of resistance genes was studied using conjugation and transformation bioassays. In total, 78 (13%, n = 590) cefotaxime‐resistant isolates were obtained, of which 66 and 12 displayed AmpC and ESBL phenotypes, respectively. Fifty‐four AmpC‐producing isolates carried blaCMY‐2. Isolates producing ESBLs contained genes blaCTX‐M‐27 (5 isolates), blaCTX‐M‐15 (4), blaCTX‐M‐14 (2) and blaCTX‐M‐1 (1). Ninety isolates (15%, n = 590) with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin were obtained, among which 14 harboured PMQR genes aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr (4 isolates), qnrB19 (3), qnrS1 (2), qnrA1 (2), qnrB2 (1), qnrB6 (1) and qnrD3 (1). High genetic diversity was revealed by PFGE and MLST. Epidemiologically important E. coli clones (e.g., ST131, ST405) were identified. Plasmids carrying blaCMY‐2 were assigned predominantly to IncA/C (8 plasmids), IncI1/ST23 (5) and IncI1/ST12 (3). The study demonstrates a widespread occurrence of E. coli with ESBL, AmpC and PMQR genes associated with clinically important multidrug‐resistant clones and epidemic plasmids, in American crows.
Sulfolobus islandicus meta‐populations in Yellowstone National Park hot springs
Authors: Campbell Kate M. , Kouris Angela , England Whitney , Anderson Rika E. , McCleskey R. Blaine , Nordstrom D. Kirk , Whitaker Rachel J.
Published: March 2017

Abiotic and biotic forces shape the structure and evolution of microbial populations. We investigated forces that shape the spatial and temporal population structure of Sulfolobus islandicus by comparing geochemical and molecular analysis from seven hot springs in five regions sampled over 3 years in Yellowstone National Park. Through deep amplicon sequencing, we uncovered 148 unique alleles at two loci whose relative frequency provides clear evidence for independent populations in different hot springs. Although geography controls regional geochemical composition and population differentiation, temporal changes in population were not explained by corresponding variation in geochemistry. The data suggest that the influence of extinction, bottleneck events and/or selective sweeps within a spring and low migration between springs shape these populations. We suggest that hydrologic events such as storm events and surface snowmelt runoff destabilize smaller hot spring environments with smaller populations and result in high variation in the S. islandicus population over time. Therefore, physical abiotic features such as hot spring size and position in the landscape are important factors shaping the stability and diversity of the S. islandicus meta‐population within Yellowstone National Park.
The role of the vaginal microbiome in gynaecological cancer
Authors: Champer M , Wong AM , Champer J , Brito IL , Messer PW , Hou JY , Wright JD
Published: March 2017

Human microbiome research has shown commensal bacteria to be a major factor in both wellness and disease pathogenesis. Interest in the microbiome has recently expanded beyond the gut to include a multitude of other organ systems for which the microbiome may have health implications. Here, we review the role of the vaginal microbiome in health and disease, with a particular focus on gynaecologic malignancies. Further, we suggest that it may be possible to expand the use of probiotics in the treatment of gynaecological cancers.

Tweetable abstract

A review of the research to date on the relation between the vaginal microbiome and gynaecological cancers.
The XylS/Pm regulator/promoter system and its use in fundamental studies of bacterial gene expression, recombinant protein production and metabolic engineering
Authors: Gawin Agnieszka , Valla Svein , Brautaset Trygve
Published: March 2017

The XylS/Pm regulator/promoter system originating from the Pseudomonas putida TOL plasmid pWW0 is widely used for regulated low‐ and high‐level recombinant expression of genes and gene clusters in Escherichia coli and other bacteria. Induction of this system can be graded by using different cheap benzoic acid derivatives, which enter cells by passive diffusion, operate in a dose‐dependent manner and are typically not metabolized by the host cells. Combinatorial mutagenesis and selection using the bla gene encoding β‐lactamase as a reporter have demonstrated that the Pm promoter, the DNA sequence corresponding to the 5′ untranslated end of its cognate mRNA and the xylS coding region can be modified and improved relative to various types of applications. By combining such mutant genetic elements, altered and extended expression profiles were achieved. Due to their unique properties, obtained systems serve as a genetic toolbox valuable for heterologous protein production and metabolic engineering, as well as for basic studies aiming at understanding fundamental parameters affecting bacterial gene expression. The approaches used to modify XylS/Pm should be adaptable for similar improvements also of other microbial expression systems. In this review, we summarize constructions, characteristics, refinements and applications of expression tools using the XylS/Pm system.
New insights into a hot environment for early life
Authors: Dai Jianghong
Published: March 2017

Investigating the physical‐chemical setting of early life is a challenging task. In this contribution, the author attempted to introduce a provocative concept from cosmology – cosmic microwave background (CMB), which is the residual thermal radiation from a hot early Universe – to the field. For this purpose, the author revisited a recently deduced biomarker, the 1,6‐anhydro bond of sugars in bacteria. In vitro, the 1,6‐anhydro bond of sugars reflects and captures residual thermal radiation in thermochemical processes and therefore is somewhat analogous to CMB. In vivo, the formation process of the 1,6‐anhydro bond of sugars on the peptidoglycan of prokaryotic cell wall is parallel to in vitro processes, suggesting that the 1,6‐anhydro bond is an ideal CMB‐like analogue that suggests a hot setting for early life. The CMB‐like 1,6‐anhydro bond is involved in the life cycle of viruses and the metabolism of eukaryotes, underlying this notion. From a novel perspective, the application of the concept of the CMB to microbial ecology may give new insights into a hot environment, such as hydrothermal vents, supporting early life and providing hypotheses to test in molecular palaeontology.
Immune cell subsets, cytokine and cortisol levels during the first week of life in neonates born to pre‐eclamptic mothers
Authors: Sava Florentina , Toldi Gergely , Treszl András , Hajdú Júlia , Harmath Ágnes , Rigó János , Tulassay Tivadar , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: March 2017

Problem

To address the hypothesis that pre‐eclampsia (PE) impacts the fetal immune system, we investigated the prevalence of distinct immune cell subsets along with plasma cortisol and cytokine levels in pre‐term newborns of PE mothers.

Method of study

Cord blood and peripheral blood samples on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postnatal days of life were collected from 14 pre‐term infants affected by PE and 14 non‐PE pregnancies. We measured plasma cortisol and cytokine levels with immunoassays and assessed the prevalence of T, NK and DC subsets using flow cytometry.

Results

The prevalence of CD4+ cells was lower in PE infants, while that of memory T cells was higher. Myeloid DCs had a lower prevalence in PE neonates. Cytokine and cortisol levels were lower in PE neonates.

Conclusion

Our observations show that PE pregnancies are associated with altered newborn immune status during the first week of life.
Taking the tube: Uptake of salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications
Authors: Lin Yee S. , Cole Alana M. , Lyes Susannah , Hunter Erika K.
Published: March 2017

Background

International guidelines recommend the fallopian tubes be removed at the time of hysterectomy, to lower the incidence of ovarian cancer in women.

Aims

To determine the rate of salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy at our institution and to discuss a standard rate.

Materials and Methods

Hysterectomies (n = 200) performed for benign indications from 13 January 13, 2015 until 26 April 26, 2016 were reviewed.

Results

The overall rate of salpingectomy was 76.0%. Factors associated with non‐completion were uterovaginal prolapse indication and vaginal surgical approach.

Conclusions

Rates of completing salpingectomy with hysterectomy are high. There may be additional opportunity for ovarian cancer reduction. No standard rate has been published but considering difficulty with removal of fallopian tubes in certain cases, it may not be 100%. Our data allows for comparison by other units performing similar studies. We recommend the formal adoption of local guidelines regarding salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications in order to keep local practice up to date with international recommendations.
Rethinking Global Business Ethics: The North‐South Paradigm
Authors: de George Richard
Published: March 2017

This paper looks at the changes that have taken place during the past three decades in developing countries (the South) as reported in the 2013 UN Human Development Report and how they affect the obligations of multinationals from developed countries (the North). It argues that the changes call for greater attention to the growing North‐South paradigm and its implicit Respect‐cooperation model rather than the still dominant Developed/Developing Nations paradigm and its Dependency‐victim model. It examines some of the rethinking such a paradigm change makes in approaching poverty reduction and corporate social responsibility.
The Corporate Objective after eBay v. Newmark
Authors: Boatright John R.
Published: March 2017

The Delaware court's decision in eBay v. Newmark has been viewed by many commentators as a decisive affirmation of shareholder wealth maximization as the only legally permissible objective of a for‐profit corporation. The implications of this court case are of particular concern for the emerging field of social enterprise, in which some organizations, such as, in this case, Craigslist, choose to pursue a social benefit mission in the for‐profit corporate form. The eBay v. Newmark decision may also threaten companies that seek to be socially responsible by serving constituencies other than shareholders at the expense of some profit. This examination of the court decision concludes that a legal requirement to maximize shareholder value may not preclude a commitment to social responsibility and may even permit the pursuit of a social benefit objective, such as the preservation of the culture developed by Craigslist. In particular, the court's decision in eBay v. Newmark reflects unique features of the case that could have been avoided by Craigslist and by other similar companies.
Levels of Ethical Quality of Metaphor in Stock Market Reporting
Authors: O'Mara‐Shimek Michael
Published: March 2017

While many news media organizations offer guidelines about specific journalism practices such as fact checking, attribution, mandatory referrals, etc., to promote quality and integrity of their news products in congruence with the publicly defended principles of journalism ethics such as truthfulness, objectivity, and balance, that news companies of all editorial positions defend, it appears that news media organizations have not benefitted from the more than 30 years of research in Cognitive Linguistics demonstrating how metaphor influences how readers perceive events in the news and how it impacts their attitudes and behavior. Focusing on stock market reporting, this article identifies and explores levels of ethical quality in metaphor production by financial news media providers because improving the ethical quality of specific news reporting mechanisms is one step toward improving the ethical quality of news media organizations as a whole. In this model, high levels of ethical quality, or trustworthiness in metaphor, is the result of achieving high levels of communicative accuracy. Communicative accuracy is the product of metaphorical efficiency, or the lowest ratio of cognitive force—input‐output—needed by financial news consumers to process metaphor in order to stimulate predictable entailments, or limited creative and exploratory thought, resulting in high cognitive efficiency. Low ratios of cognitive force is achieved by using metaphors that reduce domain disparity in semantic fields employing domain concepts that are as familiar to the public or as similar in salient semantic features as possible. In the Appendix, this article provides a step‐by‐step rubric for implementing this model for journalists and editors in the production and editing phases.
Electronic case report forms and electronic data capture within clinical trials and pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Rorie David A. , Flynn Robert W. V. , Grieve Kerr , Doney Alexander , Mackenzie Isla , MacDonald Thomas M. , Rogers Amy
Published: March 2017

Aims

Researchers in clinical and pharmacoepidemiology fields have adopted information technology (IT) and electronic data capture, but these remain underused despite the benefits. This review discusses electronic case report forms and electronic data capture, specifically within pharmacoepidemiology and clinical research.

Methods

The review used PubMed and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers library. Search terms used were agreed by the authors and documented. PubMed is medical and health based, whereas Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers is technology based. The review focuses on electronic case report forms and electronic data capture, but briefly considers other relevant topics; consent, ethics and security.

Results

There were 1126 papers found using the search terms. Manual filtering and reviewing of abstracts further condensed this number to 136 relevant manuscripts. The papers were further categorized: 17 contained study data; 40 observational data; 27 anecdotal data; 47 covering methodology or design of systems; one case study; one literature review; two feasibility studies; and one cost analysis.

Conclusion

Electronic case report forms, electronic data capture and IT in general are viewed with enthusiasm and are seen as a cost‐effective means of improving research efficiency, educating participants and improving trial recruitment, provided concerns about how data will be protected from misuse can be addressed. Clear operational guidelines and best practises are key for healthcare providers, and researchers adopting IT, and further work is needed on improving integration of new technologies with current systems. A robust method of evaluation for technical innovation is required.
Investigation of correlations between DNA methylation, suicidal behavior and aging
Authors: Jeremian Richie , Chen Yi‐an , De Luca Vincenzo , Vincent John B , Kennedy James L , Zai Clement C , Strauss John
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Suicidal behavior (SB) is a major cause of mortality for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD). In this study, we investigated epigenetic differences in BD participants with and without a history of SB.

Methods

We used suicidality scores constructed from Schedule for Clinical Assessments in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) interview questions about suicidal thought and behavior to identify individuals from a BD cohort of n=452; participants with the most extreme high (H‐SB, n=18) and most extreme low (L‐SB, n=22) scores were used as cases and controls, respectively. Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation patterns were compared between the two groups using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip microarray. DNA methylation age was compared to chronological tissue age.

Results

We observed highly significant differences in methylation between cases and controls in three genomic regions enriched for epigenetic modifications corresponding to gene regulatory regions. BD participants with a history of SB showed less overall methylation in the 5′ untranslated region of Membrane palmitoylated protein 4 (MPP4) (P=7.42×10−7) and in intron 3 of TRE2/BUB2/CDC16 domain family member 16 (TBC1D16) (P=6.47×10−7), while exon 1 of Nucleoporin 133 (NUP133) was less methylated in controls (P=1.17x10‐6). Moreover, we observed a greater correlation between DNA methylation age and tissue age in controls (r=.91, P<.0001) than in the H‐SB group (r=.83, P<.0001).

Conclusions

We report significant findings at three loci based on a methylome scan of participants with BD for an SB phenotype, and potentially altered molecular aging in suicide attempters. Despite the small sample size, our proof‐of‐concept study highlights the potential for epigenetic factors to be useful in understanding the molecular underpinnings of suicide with the ultimate aim of its prevention.
The mutation p.D313Y is associated with organ manifestation in Fabry disease
Authors: du Moulin M. , Koehn A.F. , Golsari A. , Dulz S. , Atiskova Y. , Patten M. , Münch J. , Avanesov M. , Ullrich K. , Muschol N.
Published: March 2017

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystem lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene. The clinical significance of the mutation p.D313Y is still under debate. Retrospective chart analysis of clinical (neurological, cardiac, renal, and ophthalmological), genetic, and biochemical (lyso‐globotriaosylsphingosine, lyso‐Gb3; enzyme activity) data was performed in all our patients carrying the p.D313Y mutation. Fourteen patients from 5 families (10 female, 4 male; age range 10‐51) were included. Symptoms and organ manifestations compatible with FD could be identified in 10 patients. Cerebrovascular events occurred in 4 females. Seven patients reported pain or acroparaesthesia. Cornea verticillata was found in 1 patient, mild retinal vascular tortuosity in 5 patients. Lyso‐Gb3 was elevated in 2 females with cerebrovascular involvement. Classical cardiac, renal or skin manifestations could not be identified. The mutation p.D313Y in the GLA gene may lead to organ manifestations and elevation of the Fabry‐specific biomarker lyso‐Gb3. Neurological symptoms (stroke and pain) and ocular manifestations seem to be the leading findings. Annual routine visits are recommended for patients carrying the p.D313Y mutation. Enzyme replacement therapy might be considered in symptomatic patients.
Tertiary remnants and Holocene colonizers: Genetic structure and phylogeography of Scots pine reveal higher genetic diversity in young boreal than in relict Mediterranean populations and a dual colonization of Fennoscandia
Authors: Dering Monika , Kosiński Piotr , Wyka Tomasz P. , Pers–Kamczyc Emilia , Boratyński Adam , Boratyńska Krystyna , Reich Peter B. , Romo Angel , Zadworny Marcin , Żytkowiak Roma , Oleksyn Jacek
Published: March 2017

Aim

Scots pine is one of the dominant tree species in forest ecosystems of the temperate and boreal zones in Eurasia. Since the Tertiary, it has persisted also in the Mediterranean region, forming relict populations. In this study, we investigate range‐wide genetic diversity of Scots pine, aiming to provide comprehensive information on the phylogeography and genetic resources of the species.

Location

Europe and Asia.

Methods

Thirteen paternally inherited chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) loci were used to investigate the genetic structure of 62 populations from Fennoscandia and 30 populations from the Mediterranean. We also surveyed variability of two maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions and additionally included literature data from 156 populations (248 populations in total).

Results

Scots pine retains an overall high genetic diversity in the chloroplast genome but, unexpectedly, the historically younger populations from Fennoscandia showed statistically higher mean intrapopulation diversity than the Mediterranean stands (0.807 and 0.750, respectively). The latter also contained a lower number of private cpSSR haplotypes. Population differentiation with respect to mtDNA was higher (GST = 0.628) than at cpSSR (GST = 0.015) indicating an efficient pollen‐mediated gene flow among refugial populations of the species. One novel haplotype mtDNA was found, increasing the number of known mitotypes for the species from 4 to 5. The geographic distribution of mitotypes was structured into four groups corresponding to the main refugial areas of the species.

Main conclusions

Genetic impoverishment of the Mediterranean populations may enhance their vulnerability to future environmental changes. The spatial distribution of two mitotypes in Fennoscandia, featuring predominance of mitotype a in Norway and Sweden and mitotype b in Finland, gives strong support for dual colonization of that region from south‐eastern (Finland) and south‐western (Sweden) directions. These results thus provide new insights into both Holocene expansion of Scots pine and the present distribution of species' genetic resources.
Assessing and predicting shifts in mountain forest composition across 25 years of climate change
Authors: Scherrer Daniel , Massy Stéphanie , Meier Sylvain , Vittoz Pascal , Guisan Antoine
Published: March 2017

Aim

Spatial predictions of future communities under climate change can be obtained by stacking species distribution models (S‐SDM), but proper evaluation of community S‐SDM predictions across time with fully independent data has rarely been carried out. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive abilities of S‐SDMs for whole forest communities across the last 25 years in a mountain region.

Location

The western Swiss Alps.

Methods

We used past vegetation surveys (2,984 plots) and environmental data from the 1990s to calibrate SDMs for 364 plant species and predict changes in forest composition under contemporary conditions. These projections were then evaluated by resurveying a random subset of 92 forest plots in summer 2014.

Results

Species distribution models showed the same accuracy in the past (calibration data) and present (evaluation data). The S‐SDMs correctly predicted the general trends in species richness and shift of ecological conditions (i.e., temperature, moisture) at the regional level. However, it proved more difficult to identify precisely which forest communities or areas are most or least affected by climate change.

Main conclusion

Our results show that, across a period of a few decades, S‐SDMs can usefully predict trends in macroecological properties such as richness or average ecological conditions, but fail to accurately predict changes in composition. This is likely due to the combined effects of the stochasticity of local colonization and extinction events, dispersal limitations, community assembly rules (e.g., competition), observer bias, model and location errors and interannual variation. Furthermore, these models cannot account for potential species adaptations leading to persistence in sites predicted unsuitable. This highlights the need for developing more accurate forest community predictions as support to help prioritizing conservation actions.
Traumatic dental injuries in children with special health care needs
Authors: Al‐Batayneh Ola B. , Owais Arwa I. , Al‐Saydali Majd O. , Waldman H. Barry
Published: March 2017

Background/Aim

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) are at an increased risk for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) due to unique predisposing factors; moreover, their access to dental care is compromised. In Jordan, there is a need to study TDI among CSHCN to highlight their dental care needs. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, types, possible risk factors associated with TDI, and treatment‐seeking behavior in CSHCN in Jordan.

Material and Methods

Children (n=959) were examined in schools/centers for CSHCN, and compared to a healthy age‐ and gender‐matched control group. Data concerning demographics, types of trauma, risk factors associated with TDI, and treatment‐seeking behavior were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and bivariate analyzes. Significance level was set at P≤.05.

Results

Prevalence of TDI in the study group (age, 11.76±4.2 years) and control group (age 11.70±4.2 years) was (83 of 959, 8.7%) and (42 of 1010, 4.1%), respectively. TDI prevalence was highest in children with multiple disabilities (14.0%), followed by intellectual disabilities (13.1%), and cerebral palsy (12.2%). The most common type of TDI was an uncomplicated crown fracture (91.0%). Increased overjet and incompetent lips were significant risk factors associated with TDI. Reasons for not seeking treatment in the study vs control group included parental attitude and lack of dental awareness (68.1% vs 60%), difficulties getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see CSHCN (36.2% vs 0%), P≤.01, and financial reasons (31.9% vs 40%).

Conclusions

Prevalence of TDI was higher in CSHCN, and associated with increased overjet and incompetent lips. Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most common injury. In both groups, the main reason for not seeking treatment was lack of dental awareness among parents/caregivers; however, difficulties in getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see children were more prominent in the CSHCN group.