bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic analysis of theMyxococcus xanthusdevelopmental gene regulatory network supports posttranslational regulation of FruA by C-signaling
Authors: Saha Shreya , Patra Pintu , Igoshin Oleg , Kroos Lee
Published: September 2018

Upon starvationMyxococcus xanthusundergoes multicellular development. Rod-shaped cells move into mounds in which some cells differentiate into spores. Cells begin committing to sporulation at 24-30 h poststarvation, but the mechanisms governing commitment are unknown. FruA and MrpC are transcription factors that are necessary for commitment. They bind cooperatively to promoter regions and activate developmental gene transcription, including that of thedevoperon. Leading up to and during the commitment period,devmRNA increased in wild type, but not in a mutant defective in C-signaling, a short-range signaling interaction between cells that is also necessary for commitment. The C-signaling mutant exhibited ∼20-fold lessdevmRNA than wild type at 30 h poststarvation, despite a similar level of MrpC and only twofold less FruA. Boosting the FruA level twofold in the C-signaling mutant had little effect on thedevmRNA level, anddevmRNA was not less stable in the C-signaling mutant. Neither did high cooperativity of MrpC and FruA binding upstream of thedevpromoter explain the data. Rather, our systematic experimental and computational analyses support a model in which C-signaling activates FruA at least ninefold posttranslationally in order to commit a cell to spore formation.
Esterase Activity is Affected by Genetics, Age, Insecticide Exposure, and Viral Infection in the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Rinkevich Frank D. , Margotta Joseph W. , Simone-Finstrom Michael , de Guzman Lilia I. , Healy Kristen B.
Published: September 2018

Non-target impacts of insecticide treatments are a major public and environmental concern, particularly in contemporary beekeeping. Therefore, it is important to understand the physiological mechanisms contributing to insecticide sensitivity in honey bees. In the present studies, we sought to evaluate the role of esterases as the source of variation in insecticide sensitivity. To address this question, the following objectives were completed: 1) Evaluated esterase activity among honey bee stocks, 2) Assessed the correlation of esterase activity with changes in insecticide sensitivity with honey bee age, 3) Established if esterases can be used as a biomarker of insecticide exposure, and 4) Examined the effects of Varroa mite infestation and viral infection on esterase activity.

Results indicated that honey bees have a dynamic esterase capacity that is influenced by genetic stock and age. However, there was no consistent connection of esterase activity with insecticide sensitivity across genetic stocks or with age, suggests other factors are more critical for determining insecticide sensitivity. The trend of increased esterase activity with age in honey bees suggests this physiological transition is consistent with enhanced metabolic rate with age. The esterase inhibition with naled but not phenothrin or clothianidin indicates that reduced esterase activity levels may only be reliable for sublethal doses of organophosphate insecticides. The observation that viral infection, but not Varroa mite infestation, reduced esterase activity shows viruses have extensive physiological impacts. Taken together, these data suggest that honey bee esterase activity toward these model substrates may not correlate well with insecticide sensitivity. Future studies include identification of esterase substrates and inhibitors that are better surrogates of insecticide detoxification in honey bees as well as investigation on the usefulness of esterase activity as a biomarker of pesticide exposure, and viral infection.
Evaluating the effects of data visualisation techniques on interpretation and preference of feedback reports
Authors: Koh Harvey , Earnest Arul , Davis Ian D. , Loh Erwin , Evans Sue M
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate the different methods of data visualisation and how it affects preference and data interpretation.

Design

A cross-sectional survey, assessing interpretation and preference for four methods of data presentation, was distributed to participants.

Setting

Melbourne, Victoria

Participants

Members of Prostate Cancer Outcome Registry-Victoria (PCOR-Vic) and senior hospital staff in three metropolitan Victorian hospitals.

Interventions

Different methods of data visualisation. Mainly, funnel plots, league charts, risk adjusted sequential probability ratio test (RASPRT) charts and dashboard.

Main Outcome Measure

Interpretation scores assessed capacity by participants to identify outliers and poor performers. Preference was based on a 9-point Likert-scale (0 – 9).

Results

In total, 113 participants responded to the online survey (16/58 urologists and 97/297 senior hospital staff, response rate 32%). Respondents reported that funnel plots were easier to interpret compared to league charts (mean interpretability score difference of 28% (95% CI: 19.2% - 37.0%, P<0.0001). Predictors of worse interpretability of charts in the adjusted model were being a hospital executive compared to a urologist (coefficient= −2.50, 95% CI = −3.82, - 1.18, P<0.01) and having no statistical training compared to those with statistical training (coefficient = −1.71, 95% CI=-2.85, −0.58, P=0.003). Participants preferred funnel plots and dashboards compared to league charts and RASPRT charts (median score 7/9 vs 5/9), and preferred charts which were traffic-light coloured versus greyscale charts (43/60 (71.6%) vs 17/60 (28.3%)).

Conclusion

When developing reports for clinicians and hospitals, consideration should be given to preference of end-users and ability of groups to interpret the graphs.
Identification and capsular serotype sequetyping ofStreptococcus pneumoniaestrains
Authors: Gonzales-Siles Lucia , Salvà-Serra Francisco , Degerman Anna , Nordén Rickard , Lindh Magnus , Skovbjerg Susann , Moore Edward R. B.
Published: September 2018

Correct identification ofStreptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) and differentiation from the closely related species of the Mitis group of the genusStreptococcus, as well as serotype identification, is important for monitoring disease epidemiology and assessing the impacts of pneumococcal vaccines. In this study, we assessed the taxonomic identifications of 422 publicly available genome sequences ofS. pneumoniae, S. pseudopneumoniaeandS. mitis, using different methods. Identification ofS. pneumoniae, by comparative analysis of thegroELpartial sequence, was possible and accurate, whereasS. pseudopneumoniaeandS. mitiscould be misclassified asS. pneumoniae, suggesting thatgroELis unreliable as a biomarker for differentiatingS. pneumoniaefrom its closest related species. The genome sequences ofS. pneumoniaeandS. pseudopneumoniaefulfilled the suggested thresholds of average nucleotide identity (ANI), i.e., > 95% genome sequence similarity to the sequence of respective type strains for identification of species, whereas none of theS. mitisgenome sequences fulfilled this criterion. However, ANI analyses of all sequencesversusall sequences allowed discrimination of the different species by clustering, with respect to species type strains. Thein silicoDNA-DNA distance method was also inconclusive for identification ofS. mitisgenome sequences, whereas presence of the “Xisco” gene proved to be a reliable biomarker forS. pneumoniaeidentification. Furthermore, we present an improved sequetyping protocol including two newly-designed internal sequencing primers with two PCRs, as well as an improved workflow for differentiation of serogroup 6 types. The proposed sequetyping protocol generates a more specific product by generating the whole gene PCR-product for sequencing, which increases the resolution for identification of serotypes. Validations of both protocols were performed with publicly availableS. pneumoniaegenome sequences, reference strains at the Culture Collection University of Gothenburg (CCUG), as well as with clinical isolates. The results were compared with serotype identifications, using real-time Q-PCR analysis, as well as the Quellung reaction or antiserum panel gel-precipitation. Our protocols provide a reliable diagnostic tool for taxonomic identification as well as serotype identification ofS. pneumoniae.
Growth of Sphagnum riparium is strongly rhythmic: Contribution of the seasonal, circalunar and third rhythmic components
Authors: Mironov Victor L. , Kondratev Aleksei Y. , Shkurko Anna V.
Published: September 2018

Continuous high-resolution monitoring of Sphagnum growth can provide insights into the biological rhythms of moss growth. Moss Sphagnum riparium is a convenient model for growth monitoring. Application of the method of geotropic curvatures has enabled a three-year monitoring with two to five-day intervals. We measured the increment in ca. 85000 shoots and produced ca. 3500 growth rate estimates, making this study a champion in precision compared to previous efforts. The zeitgeber for seasonal growth rhythms is the temperature seasonal cycle (R2=0.21–0.52). When the temperature changes by 10°C, moss growth rate is modified by 0.10–0.17cm/day according to the linear model, and 1.47–2.06-fold in the exponential model. The zeitgeber for circalunar rhythms is the lunar synodic cycle (R2=0.14–0.26). The average amplitude of the fluctuations it induces in the growth rate is 0.0425– 0.0572cm/day, which is equivalent to the effect of a 3.43–4.53°C change in temperature. The third rhythm can be distinguished in periodograms. Its period ranges from 10 to 16 days, but we did not detect the zeitgeber.

In total, three rhythms explain 51–78% of the growth rate. We believe that the strong rhythmicity in Sphagnum growth is associated with shoot growth synchronization.
A conserved MFS orchestrates a subset of O-glycosylation to facilitate macrophage dissemination and tissue invasion
Authors: Valošková Katarína , Biebl Julia , Roblek Marko , Emtenani Shamsi , Gyoergy Attila , Mišová Michaela , Ratheesh Aparna , Shkarina Kateryna , Larsen Ida S.B. , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Clausen Henrik , Siekhaus Daria E.
Published: September 2018

Aberrant display of the truncated core1 O-glycan T-antigen is a common feature of human cancer cells that correlates with metastasis. Here we show that T-antigen inDrosophila melanogastermacrophages is involved in their developmentally programmed tissue invasion. Higher macrophage T-antigen levels require an atypical major facilitator superfamily (MFS) member that we named Minerva which enables macrophage dissemination and invasion. We characterize for the first time the T and Tn glycoform O-glycoproteome of theDrosophila melanogasterembryo, and determine that Minerva increases the presence of T-antigen on protein pathways previously linked to cancer, most strongly on the protein sulfhydryl oxidase Qsox1 which we show is required for macrophage invasion. Minerva’s vertebrate ortholog, MFSD1, rescues theminervamutant’s migration and T-antigen glycosylation defects. We thus identify a key conserved regulator that orchestrates O-glycosylation on a protein subset to activate a program governing migration steps important for both development and cancer metastasis.
Versican Proteolysis Predicts Immune Effector Infiltration and Post-Transplant Survival in Myeloma
Authors: Dhakal Binod , Pagenkopf Adam , Mushtaq Muhammad Umair , Cunningham Ashley M , Flietner Evan , Morrow Zachary , Papadas Athanasios , Hope Chelsea , Leith Catherine , Hematti Peiman , Hari Parameswaran , Callander Natalie S , Asimakopoulos Fotis
Published: September 2018

High-dose alkylator-based conditioning followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is a therapeutic mainstay for eligible patients with multiple myeloma. However, post-transplant relapses are common and prognostic biomarkers are scarce. Relapses are characterized by the influx of regulatory myeloid cells and dysfunctional T effectors. We have shown that myeloma-infiltrating myeloid cells produce versican (VCAN), a large matrix proteoglycan with tolerogenic activities. VCAN proteolysis by a-disintegrin-and-metalloproteinase-with-thrombospondin-motifs (ADAMTS) proteases generates versikine, a bioactive fragment (“matrikine”) that regulates Batf3-dendritic cells, known to control CD8+-attracting chemokine networks. Here we demonstrate that intense VCAN proteolysis predicts CD8+ infiltration post-transplant and paradoxically portends significantly inferior survival outcomes. Our data suggest that VCAN proteolysis promotes the influx of CD8+ effectors that are rendered overwhelmingly dysfunctional and/or frankly immunoregulatory (CD8+ Treg) at the tumor site. Thus, complex immunosuppressive circuits orchestrated through VCAN accumulation and turnover generate conditions favorable for myeloma tumor regrowth and point to a readily-assayed biomarker to identify the patients at risk for relapse and early death. The dismal outcomes associated with VCAN proteolysis may be rationally overcome through immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibition (e.g., anti-TIGIT), tumor vaccines or anti-myeloid (e.g., anti-CSF-1R) approaches.
Synthetic Lethality of Wnt Pathway Activation and Asparaginase in Drug-Resistant Acute Leukemias
Authors: Hinze Laura , Pfirrmann Maren , Karim Salmaan , Degar James , McGuckin Connor , Vinjamur Divya , Sacher Joshua , Stevenson Kristen E. , Neuberg Donna S. , Bauer Daniel E. , Wagner Florence , Stegmaier Kimberly , Gutierrez Alejandro
Published: September 2018

Resistance to asparaginase, an antileukemic enzyme that depletes asparagine, is a common clinical problem. Using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we found a synthetic lethal interaction between Wnt pathway activation and asparaginase in acute leukemias resistant to this enzyme. Wnt pathway activation induced asparaginase sensitivity in distinct treatment-resistant subtypes of acute leukemia, including T-lymphoblastic, hypodiploid B-lymphoblastic, and acute myeloid leukemias, but not in normal hematopoietic progenitors. Sensitization to asparaginase was mediated by Wnt-dependent stabilization of proteins (Wnt/STOP), which inhibits GSK3-dependent protein ubiquitination and degradation. Inhibiting the alpha isoform of GSK3 phenocopied this effect, and pharmacologic GSK3α inhibition profoundly sensitized drug-resistant leukemias to asparaginase. Our findings provide a molecular rationale for activation of Wnt/STOP signaling to improve the therapeutic index of asparaginase.

SIGNIFICANCE

The intensification of asparaginase-based therapy has improved outcomes for several subtypes of acute leukemia, but the development of treatment resistance has a poor prognosis. We hypothesized, from the concept of synthetic lethality, that gain-of-fitness alterations in drug-resistant cells had conferred a survival advantage that could be exploited therapeutically. We found a synthetic lethal interaction between activation of Wnt-dependent stabilization of proteins (Wnt/STOP) and asparaginase in acute leukemias resistant to this enzyme. Inhibition of the alpha isoform of GSK3 was sufficient to phenocopy this effect, and the combination of GSK3α-selective inhibitors and asparaginase had marked therapeutic activity against leukemias resistant to monotherapy with either agent. These data indicate that drug-drug synthetic lethal interactions can improve the therapeutic index of cancer therapy.
Multiple sources of signal amplification within the B cell Ras/MAPK pathway
Authors: Mclaurin Justin D. , Weiner Orion D.
Published: September 2018

The Ras-Map kinase (MAPK) cascade underlies functional decisions in a wide range of cell types and organisms. In B cells, positive feedback-driven Ras activation is the proposed source of the digital (all-or-none) MAPK responses following antigen stimulation. However, an inability to measure endogenous Ras activity in living cells has hampered our ability to test this model directly. Here we leverage biosensors of endogenous Ras and ERK activity to revisit this question. We find that BCR ligation drives switch-like Ras activation and that lower BCR signaling output is required for the maintenance versus the initiation of Ras activation. Surprisingly, digital ERK responses persist in the absence of positive feedback-mediated Ras activation, and digital ERK is observed at a threshold level of Ras activation. These data suggest an independent analog-to-digital switch downstream of Ras activation, and reveals that multiple sources of signal amplification exist within the Ras-ERK module of the BCR pathway.
Nanostructured copper-carbon nanotubes composites for aircraft applications
Authors: Graça Isabel , Seixas Tomás , Ferro Alberto C. , Guedes Mafalda
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The reliable performance of critical components working under extreme conditions is paramount to the safe operation of aircraft, and material selection is critical. Copper alloys are an obvious choice for such applications whenever a combination of transport, mechanical and tribological properties is required. However, low strength and hardness issues require development of new copper alloys and composites to improve service life and reliability. This study aims to investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes as reinforcement phase in copper-matrix composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of novel copper-based composites refined to the nanoscale was envisaged through mechanical milling of mixtures containing copper and carbon nanotubes (2 Wt.%). Milling took place in a planetary ball mill for times varying between 1 h and 16 h at 400 rpm. A ball-to-powder ratio of 20:1 and alumina vial and copper spheres were used under dry conditions or with addition of isopropyl alcohol. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, size distribution, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to study the produced powders.

Findings

Attained results show that mechanical milling of the studied system produces nanostructured powders containing second-phase carbon nanotubes homogeneously distributed in the metallic matrix, together with severe copper grain refinement. This should correspond to increased residual microstresses, envisaging significant improvement of mechanical properties of the produced copper composites.

Originality/value

The novelty of the work resides in the use of carbon nanotubes for the reinforcement of copper, and on the systematic microstructural characterisation of the produced composites.
Enhancing the value of facilities information management (FIM) through BIM integration
Authors: Wijekoon Christaline , Manewa Anupa , Ross Andrew David
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) provides a robust platform for information management in built environment facilities. However, one of the consequences of the limited application of BIM in facilities information management (FIM) is that the potential value gain through the integration of as-built information during the operations management process has had limited exploration in current practice. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential impact of BIM to enhance the value of FIM.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed literature review was undertaken to identify BIM application in a construction context, and to develop a framework to investigate the value of information. An interpretative approach was adopted for data collection and analysis. A total of 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with construction industry professionals to identify how value of FIM can be enhanced through BIM integration. The interview data were analysed using open and selective coding.

Findings

The findings confirm that information exchange between the construction and facilities management (FM) phases of a project are important in terms of efficient and effective maintenance of a facility as well as optimising the design task. With these promising benefits, BIM is an efficient mechanism to facilitate construction information exchange. However, there is an uncertainty over the optimum level of information that ought to be on a BIM model for FM purposes. The relationship between different aspects of value is a starting point to filter the required information for each individual project. In contrast, limited awareness of value of information exchange and the potential of BIM enabled FIM during construction is noted.

Research limitations/implications

The information exchange considered within this investigation was limited to two key phases of the facility life cycle, namely, construction and FM (in-use).

Practical implications

The findings bring insight into an unseen aspect of FM information needs that should be given priority in upcoming BIM developments. Also, it draws attention to how value is concerned in a daily basis beyond monetary terms.

Originality/value

The investigation of value enhancement through BIM integration in particular to FIM and ongoing research with new value dimensions.
Accountants’ satisfaction following unification of Canadian accounting bodies
Authors: Looknauth Tamaishwar , Bélanger Charles H.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the levels of satisfaction of legacy designation accountants, namely, Chartered Accountants (CAs), Certified General Accountants (CGAs) and Certified Management Accountants, under the new Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) banner; to measure differences in satisfaction among the three designations; and to identify the factors associated with the levels of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A 30-item questionnaire was designed, pilot tested for face validity and further tested for reliability using a Cronbach’s alpha. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: sociodemographic questions, bipolar questions to fit the SERVQUAL model of satisfaction and questions about professional identity and general perceptions of the new CPA organization.

Findings

Legacy accountants in Ontario had a lower level of satisfaction than they expected before unification. A pre- and post-unification comparison found statistically significant differences on all five dimensions of the SERVQUAL model and on overall service. Responses to questions about professional identity and general perceptions of the new organization were mixed. An analysis of variance test revealed a statistically significant difference in satisfaction between CAs and the two other designations – CAs were the least satisfied. A varimax rotated factor analysis indicated that the SERVQUAL’s five dimensions appear to be good predictors of service quality.

Research limitations/implications

Merging professional cultures can be as challenging as merging companies. Increased membership volume needs to translate into additional benefits and services. As indicated by the respondents, the new CPA entity has much work to do, particularly with the former CAs.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine satisfaction, specifically following the merger of the three accounting designations.
Creating a service platform – how to co-create value in a remote service context
Authors: Löfberg Nina , Åkesson Maria
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further develop the construct of service platform and to clarify the definition of service platform in an industrial context. To do so, an understanding of the foundations for service platforms, based on a service perspective, is created.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has adopted a qualitative case study approach and builds on in-depth interviews with remote service teams in two multinational firms: one in the food processing and packaging industry and the other in the pulp and paper industry.

Findings

The foundations for successful service platforms consist of modularising resources, integrations and service processes to create value propositions. The value propositions could result in variations of a service or in variations of different services. When defining the concept service platform, the perspective of service needs to be made evident; therefore, the authors define service platform as: value proposition(s) consisting of a modular structure that invites to and facilitates value co-creation between resources, through integration opportunities in a continuous service process.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on the perspective of two suppliers in similar industries; only remote services were studied. Firms from different types of industries and other types of services could add to the research on service modularity according to a service perspective. Moreover, information about customers and other actors’ involvement on the platform was gathered from the firms studied, no customers or other actors were interviewed.

Practical implications

This study shows the importance of a firm involving itself in the value creation of the customer, that is, focusing on value co-creation. This implies a close cooperation between the manufacturer and its customer – not only at a given point in time but also over a longer period of cooperation. Through the different types of modules building up the service platform, value co-creation can take place in various ways.

Originality/value

This study offers original empirical contributions on platforms from a service perspective. The study contributes to servitisation, service modularity and service (dominant) logic research by developing an understanding of the foundations for service platforms based on a service perspective. It also contributes to platform research more specifically by developing a definition of service platform in an industrial context.
Role of religiosity in purchase of green products by Muslim students
Authors: Khan Mohammed Naved , Kirmani Mohd Danish
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of religiosity in Indian Muslim students with the objective of mapping their attitude towards green products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from 306 Muslim students enrolled in educational institutes located in the national capital of India (i.e. New Delhi). The study sample was identified through purposive sampling, and then the questionnaire was personally administered. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS, and research hypotheses were validated using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings of the present study suggest that environmental concern is a precursor of consumer attitude towards green products, and antecedents of environmental concern are collectivism and eco-literacy. Further, the findings also suggest that religiosity significantly and positively affects collectivism values of consumers. However, religiosity was not found to be significantly associated with the level of eco-literacy of consumers.

Practical implications

Religiosity emerged as one of the main factors that needs to be considered while promoting green products in India. In their promotion messages, green marketers attempting to target Muslim students ought to emphasize that Islamic tenets enjoin upon them to collectively take the responsibility of preserving the environment. The natural resources and the environment may be presented as a gift of Almighty Allah, and steps towards environmental conservation may be projected as a mode of pleasing Allah.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in the sense that it proposes a comprehensive and practical model for mapping attitude towards green products for young Indian Muslim consumers. In fact, the study takes a lead in examining the role of religiosity as antecedent in mapping of attitude towards green products and the role of collectivism and eco-literacy in influencing environmental concern.
Examining how context change foster service innovation
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Frow Pennie , Jaakkola Elina , Keiningham Timothy Lee , Koskela-Huotari Kaisa , Mele Cristina , Tombs Alastair
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of context in service innovation by developing a conceptual framework that illuminates the key elements and trends in context change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a service ecosystem lens for understanding how elements and trends in context foster service innovation. A conceptual framework identifying the role of context change in fostering service innovation is developed and justified through illustrations across industry settings of health, retailing, banking and education.

Findings

Context change is conceptualized by three trends – speed, granularity and liquification – that provide an analytical foundation for understanding how changes in the elements of context – space, resources and institutional arrangements – can foster service innovation. The analysis indicates emerging patterns across industries that allow exploring scenarios, grounded in emerging trends and developments in service innovation toward 2050.

Practical implications

Managers are offered a framework to guide service innovation and help them prepare for the future. The paper also suggests areas for further research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes with a new conceptualization of context change to identify and explain service innovation opportunities. Managers are offered a framework to guide service innovation and help them prepare for 2050. The paper also suggests areas for further service innovation research, zooming in on contextual changes to prepare for 2050.
Consumption or prosumption? A question of resources
Authors: Nagel Duane M. , Cronin Jr J. Joseph , Utecht Richard L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Despite the recent growth of the do-it-yourself market, very little is known as to how or why individuals actually choose to engage in prosumption behavior. The purpose of this study is to specifically examine the decision process of actors when determining the level of resource commitment and integration necessary to prosume or consume a service, thus offering insights to both managers and academics alike.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method study using both qualitative and quantitative research examines the decision of actors to consume or prosume a service. A conceptual model is presented and tested.

Findings

The results identify the primary drivers individuals considered when evaluating the resource commitment necessary for a make or buy decision. This research offers empirical support for the application of transaction cost analysis as an appropriate theoretical explanation of how actors decide to prosume or consume a service. The authors further suggest, based on these findings, that transaction cost analysis is a viable middle-range theory to explain the commitment and sharing of resources between actors engaged in co-production within the perspective of a service-dominant logic.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed to identify opportunities for hybrid models that consider the appropriateness of these findings within larger service networks, as well as potential moderating or mediating influences of the direct effects identified and investigated.

Originality/value

This study offers an initial attempt to provide a theoretical explanation for the resource integration decisions (e.g. make or buy) faced by individuals in a growing segment of the economy. The findings enable better informed strategies to be identified by both service providers and retailers.
Can threat assessment help police prevent mass public shootings? Testing an intelligence-led policing tool
Authors: Capellan Joel A. , Lewandowski Carla
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether threat assessment, an intelligence-led policing (ILP) tool, can prevent mass public shootings.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to gauge the potential effectiveness of this ILP tool, the authors conduct a retrospective analysis of 278 mass public shootings that occurred in the USA between 1966 and 2016. This retrospective analysis allows us to determine how successful threat assessment protocols could be in preventing mass public shootings by examining how successful this tool would have been in identifying the offenders in our data.

Findings

The results show that threat assessment has the potential to be an effective tool in the ILP arsenal to identify and prevent impending mass public shootings. However, our results also point to several obstacles for the effective implementation of this ILP tool. The underreporting of threats and using the content of threats and characteristics of threateners are problematic in correctly assigning risk. The authors make suggestions for how to overcome these obstacles.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the intelligence-led policing and mass murder field. This is the first study to test the potential effectiveness of an intelligence-led policing tool to prevent mass public shootings. Additionally, this is one of the first studies to examine the leaks, types, context and follow-though of threats made by mass public shooters in the United States. Consequently, it provides unique information on the foreshowing behaviors of mass public shooters.
The new H.R. conversation
Authors: Efron Louis
Published: September 2018

Purpose

DaVita, Inc., a Fortune 200 health-care company has recently undertaken a Human Resource (HR) transformation. Today, good HR departments can help people and businesses grow. However, many HR departments are stuck in the past and see their role as “personnel” responsible mainly for hiring, firing, attendance and payroll. This is an antiquated perspective of what an HR function does.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study based on DaVita’s HR team illustrates how people services drive business objectives in part through aligning with operators across the business, ensuring a robust talent and leadership pipeline and differentiated workforce experience. This was done through developing a people strategy and governance model grounded in the business strategy.

Findings

This case study concludes that any HR transformation must include the language of the business, including strategic financial and operational topics and proposals that effectively operationalize and measure people practices to engage workforces and grow businesses. This transformation was grounded in changing the conversation about HR, allowing people services to better serve and address the complex organizational and workforce dynamics that exists today, thus helping organizations win and grow.

Originality/value

DaVita is evolving the role of HR to be a critical part of the business that drives results through alignment with operators across the organization.
Interactive governance and implementation effectiveness in India's National Health Insurance Program
Authors: Maurya Dayashankar , Kwan Chang Yee
Published: September 2018

Many public sector programs, such as those directed at public health, are often multiagency tasks where structural incongruity in the program design is liable to emerge over time from changing operational requirements. Yet, successful implementation remains possible because of the interactions and relationships between implementation parties that encourage cooperation and collaboration despite incongruence in the program design. We examine how the dynamics of these interparty relationships influence implementation success in a comparative study of India's National Health Insurance Scheme. We find that implementation parties exhibiting support and complementarity in their interactions created a virtuous cycle of continually encouraging better performance and vice versa. Thus, our findings exhibit a distinct functionary role of interparty interactions and relationships for eliciting effective implementation and governance. The analysis also showcases the need for policy makers and policy designers to be cognizant of the inadvertent introduction of structural inconsistencies and veto points into program designs and their potential influence on implementation outcomes.
Association between Continuity and Team‐Based Care and Health Care Utilization: An Observational Study of Medicare‐Eligible Veterans in VA Patient Aligned Care Team
Authors: Reddy Ashok , Wong Edwin , Canamucio Anne , Nelson Karin , Fihn Stephan D. , Yoon Jean , Werner Rachel M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

It remains unknown whether high‐functioning teams can compensate for poor continuity of care to support important patient outcomes.

Data Source

Linked VA administrative and Medicare claims data to measure the relationship of team‐based care and continuity of care with high‐cost utilization.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of 1.2 million VA‐Medicare dual eligible Veterans assigned to a VA primary care provider (PCP) in 2012. Continuity was the proportion of primary care visits to the assigned VA provider of care. Clinics were categorized as low, average, or high‐team functioning based on survey data. Our primary outcomes were the number of all‐cause hospitalizations, ambulatory care sensitive (ACSC) hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits in 2013.

Principal Findings

A 10‐percentage point increase in continuity with a VA PCP was associated with 4.5 fewer hospitalizations (p < .001), 3.2 fewer ACSC hospitalizations (p < .001), and 2.6 more ED visits (p = .07) per 1,000 patients. Team‐based care was not significantly associated with any high‐cost utilization category. Associations were heterogeneous across VA‐reliant and nonreliant Veterans. Finally, the interaction results demonstrated that the quality of team‐based care functioning could not compensate for poor continuity on hospitalizations, ACSC hospitalizations, or ED visits. Conclusions: In Veterans who were reliant on the VA for services, increasing continuity with a VA PCP and high‐functioning team‐based care clinics was associated with fewer ED visits and hospitalizations. Furthermore, leveraging combined data from VA and Medicare allowed to better measure continuity and assess high‐cost utilization among Veterans who are and are not reliant on the VA for services.
The Effects of Provider Choice Policies on Workers’ Compensation Costs
Authors: Neumark David , Savych Bogdan
Published: September 2018

Objective

To examine the effects of provider choice policies on workers’ compensation medical and indemnity costs.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Pooled cross‐sectional analysis of administrative claims records for workers with work‐related injuries primarily in 2007–2010 across 25 states (n = 4,489,729).

Study Design

We used linear and quantile regression analyses to evaluate differences in claim costs (medical and indemnity) based on whether policies give employers or injured workers control over the choice of provider.

Principal Findings

We find no difference in average medical costs by provider choice policies, although a distributional analysis indicates higher developed medical costs for the costliest back injury cases in states where workers control provider choice. The evidence for indemnity costs is similar, although the point estimates also indicate (statistically insignificantly) higher average costs when policies give workers more control of the choice of provider.

Conclusions

Our nuanced evidence suggests that policymakers seeking to reduce workers’ compensation costs may need to focus on the highest cost cases in states where policy gives workers more control over the choice of provider, rather than the simpler and broader issue of whether policy gives workers or employers more control.
Intact and Damaged Wheat Starch and Amylase Functionality During Multilayered Fermented Pastry Making
Authors: Ooms Nand , Vandromme Evert , Brijs Kristof , Delcour Jan A.
Published: September 2018

The roles of native and damaged starch (DS) during fermented pastry making were examined by increasing the level of DS in wheat flour by ball‐milling and/or by including amylase in the recipe. Increased DS levels increase laminated dough strength presumably by making less water available for the gluten. This effect was partly overcome by amylase use. During baking, a reduced resistance of the dough to gas cell expansion, as a result of enzymatic starch hydrolysis, seems responsible for increased pastry lift and improved crumb structure. Gelatinization of intact starch limits dough lift and expansion. Even at high amylase dosages structural collapse was limited, which suggests a significant role for gluten in pastry product structure formation. Differential scanning calorimetry and low‐resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance experiments indicated that increased levels of starch damage and amylase use impact the amylose network in the product and respectively increase and decrease the extent to which amylopectin retrogrades during storage.

Practical Application

This research article evaluates the role of intact and damaged wheat starch during the production of fermented pastry products. An expanded knowledge on starch functionality during the different pastry production steps allows for a targeted selection of additives to improve product quality and production efficiency. The results obtained in this study can contribute to the realization of industrially feasible solutions for the production of quality pastry products.
Double standards and gold standards in the evaluation of how a person feels and functions in substance use disorder pharmacotherapy trials
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie
Published: September 2018

Commentary to: What defines a clinically meaningful outcome in the treatment of substance use disorders: reductions in direct consequences of drug use or improvement in overall functioning?
Association of sperm source with miscarriage and take‐home baby after ICSI in cryptozoospermia: a meta‐analysis of testicular and ejaculated sperm
Authors: Ku F.‐Y. , Wu C.‐C. , Hsiao Y.‐W. , Kang Y.‐N.
Published: September 2018

Background

Miscarriage and take‐home baby are the most important issues to patients with cryptozoospermia in receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The ICSI usually use ejaculated or testicular sperm. Unfortunately, no synthesized evidence reported miscarriage and take‐home baby rate between the two sperm sources.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the miscarriage and take‐home baby rate of ICSI using testicular and ejaculated sperm in patient with cryptozoospermia.

Materials and methods

We conducted meta‐analyses that were based on data from Cochrane library, Ovid, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. The pooled analyses used risk ratio (RR) in random‐effects model. Sensitivity analyses by subgrouping were completed to explore the associations between mean age and outcome.

Results

This study identified 331 potential citations and included four cohort studies for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The four studies involved 331 patients with 479 ICSI cycles. The results showed no significant difference in miscarriage between testicular sperm group and ejaculated sperm group (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.48–2.35, p = 0.88). Yet, take‐home babies per embryo transfer in testicular sperm group (53/226, 23.45%) was more than ejaculated sperm group (59/429, 13.75%) (RR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.21–2.44, p = 0.002). Similar results can be found in take‐home babies per ICSI cycle (RR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.28–2.44, p = 0.0005), especially in younger couple (RR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.11–3.34, p = 0.02). No small study bias was detected in the analyses.

Discussion

This study found that testicular sperm has more advantage for ICSI in patients with cryptozoospermia, especially in younger couple. These findings may help guide us when deciding the optimal method of sperm harvest for men with cryptozoospermia.

Conclusion

Comparing to ejaculated sperm, testicular sperm showed benefits for take‐home baby rate, but not for miscarriage in patients with cryptozoospermia.
Review: Transition from children's to adult services: a review of guidelines and protocols for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in England
Authors: Eke Helen , Janssens Astrid , Ford Tamsin
Published: September 2018

Background

In recent years, the difficulty for young people with mental health issues who require a transition to adult services has been highlighted by several studies. In March 2018 the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produced detailed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), updated from previous versions in 2008 and 2016, which included general recommendations for transition to an adult service. Yet, there is limited research on transition specifically for those with ADHD. This review aims to systematically identify, review and compare guidelines, specifically focussed on transition for young adults with ADHD within England.

Methods

Following the general principles for systematic reviewing as published by the University of York, 10 electronic databases were searched. Further documents were identified through searches of grey literature and additional sources.

Results

Sixteen documents were included. Results indicate very limited publically accessible guidelines in England for transition of young people with ADHD. Nearly all identified documents based their recommendations for transition on the existing NICE guidelines. Neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD are often encompassed within one overarching health policy rather than an individual policy for each condition.

Conclusions

Guidelines should be available and accessible to the public in order to inform those experiencing transition; adjusting the guidelines to local service context could also be beneficial and would adhere to the NICE recommendations. Further review could examine transition guideline policies for mental health in general to help identify and improve current practice.
Time‐Domain Parallelization for Accelerating Cloth Simulation
Authors: Liang Junbang , Lin Ming C.
Published: September 2018

Cloth simulations, widely used in computer animation and apparel design, can be computationally expensive for real‐time applications. Some parallelization techniques have been proposed for visual simulation of cloth using CPU or GPU clusters and often rely on parallelization using spatial domain decomposition techniques that have a large communication overhead. In this paper, we propose a novel time‐domain parallelization technique that makes use of the two‐level mesh representation to resolve the time‐dependency issue and develop a practical algorithm to smooth the state transition from the corresponding coarse to fine meshes. A load estimation and a load balancing technique used in online partitioning are also proposed to maximize the performance acceleration. Our method achieves a nearly linear performance scaling on manycore clusters and outperforms spatial‐domain parallelization on a diverse set of benchmarks.
Distributing and Load Balancing Sparse Fluid Simulations
Authors: Shah C. , Hyde D. , Qu H. , Levis P.
Published: September 2018

This paper describes a general algorithm and a system for load balancing sparse fluid simulations. Automatically distributing sparse fluid simulations efficiently is challenging because the computational load varies across the simulation domain and time. A key challenge with load balancing is that optimal decision making requires knowing the fluid distribution across partitions for future time steps, but computing this state for an arbitrary simulation requires running the simulation itself. The key insight of this paper is that it is possible to predict future load by running a speculative low resolution simulation in parallel. We mathematically formulate the problem of load balancing over multiple time steps and present a polynomial time algorithm to compute an approximate solution to it. Our experimental results show that distributing and speculatively load balancing sparse FLIP simulations over 8 nodes speeds them up by 5.3× to 7.9×, and that speculative load balancing generates assignments that perform within 20% of optimal.