bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Nasal Traumas: Contribution of Epidemiological Features to Detect the Distinction Between Nasal Fractures and Nasal Soft Tissue Injuries
Authors: Cakabay Taliye , Ustun Bezgin Selin
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

Nasal bone is prone to injury due of its prominent position on the face. Epidemiologic surveys are necessary to investigate nasal traumas. The aim of the present study is to examine the distribution of trauma etiologies according to age, sex, and seasonality in pediatric patients who present with nasal trauma, and to classify the pathologies according to their etiology as nasal fractures or nasal soft tissue injuries.

Methods:

A total of 200 pediatric patients aged between 0 and 18 years who were admitted to the emergency room with sustained nasal trauma between September 1, 2015 and August 1, 2016 and who were diagnosed with an either nasal fracture or nasal soft tissue injury were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the nasal bone fractures and nasal soft tissue injuries and age, sex, admission date, and trauma etiology were investigated.

Results:

Of 200 patients, 70.5% were males and 29.5% were females with a mean age of 8.93 ± 5.50 years. Of these patients, 33.0% were in the 0 to 5 years age group, 24.0% were in the 6 to 10 years age group, 18.5% were in the 11 to 14 years age group, and 24.5% were in the 15 to 18 years age group. Of these, 82.5% had a nasal soft tissue injury and 17.5% had a nasal fracture. The etiology of trauma was most commonly fall from a height in 42.5% of the patients. Impact injuries and falls were the most common etiologies in the 0 to 5 age group, falls were the most common etiologies in the 6 to 10 age group, sports injuries were the most common etiologies in the 11 to 14 age group, and physical assault was the most common etiology in the 15 to 18 age group (P = 0.001; P < 0.01). According to the paired comparisons, the rate of nasal fracture in the 0 to 5 age group was significantly higher than the rates in the 11 to 14 (P = 0.001) and 15 to 18 (P = 0.001) age groups (P < 0.05). The rate of nasal soft tissue injuries was significantly higher in the patients presenting to the emergency room with sustained impact injury to the nose or falls. The majority of the patients presenting with physical assault and sports injuries were males. Nasal soft tissue injuries were mostly seen in girls, whereas the rate of nasal fractures was higher in boys, which was directly proportional to the trauma etiology and severity of injury. The patients often presented in the summer season.

Conclusion:

Our study results suggest that age, sex, time of trauma, and type of trauma guide the diagnosis of specific pathologies in pediatric patients presenting with sustained trauma. These characteristics must be specifically questioned and taken into consideration in the follow-up and treatment.
Results Following Adoption of a Modified Melbourne Technique of Total Scaphocephaly Correction
Authors: Sharma Julia D. , O’Hara Justine L. , Borghi Alessandro , Rodriguez-Florez Naiara , Breakey William , Ong Juling , Jeelani Nu Owase , Dunaway David J. , James Greg
Published: May 2018

The Melbourne technique was described in 2008 as a novel method for complete correction of scaphocephaly. Since 2015, it has become our operation of choice for children with sagittal synostosis who are too old at presentation for minimally invasive techniques. Our modifications were 2-position (initially supine then prone) technique and undertaking a formal fronto-orbital remodeling to correct forehead contour. Retrospective chart review was used to record demographics, blood transfusion frequency and volumes, operating time, length of stay, clinical outcome, and complications. Eleven underwent modified Melbourne procedure between July 2015 and March 2017; 9 of 11 were male. All had a diagnosis of nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. Mean age at surgery was 29 months. Mean surgical time was 6 hours. All patients required blood transfusion with a mean volume transfused of 29 mL/kg (range 13–83 mL/kg). For those 5 patients where preoperative and postoperative measurements were available, there was an increase in mean cephalic index (CI) from 0.64 to 0.75. All postoperative patients had a CI of over 0.70. Three-dimensional shape analysis indicated head shape change addressing all phenotypic aspects of scaphocephaly. In the 5 patients in which analysis could be undertaken, the mean intracranial volume increased from 1481 cm3 preoperatively to 1671 cm3 postoperatively, a mean increase in intracranial volume of 14%. The postoperative intracranial volume was higher than preoperative in all 5 patients. There were 4 minor and no major complications. Modified Melbourne procedure is safe and effective for the treatment of severe scaphocephaly in sagittal synostosis.
The Many Faces of Patient-Centered Simulation
Authors: Arnold Jennifer L. , McKenzie Frederic (Rick) D. , Miller Jane Lindsay , Mancini Mary E.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Patient-centered simulation for nonhealthcare providers is an emerging and innovative application for healthcare simulation. Currently, no consensus exists on what patient-centered simulation encompasses and outcomes research in this area is limited. Conceptually, patient-centered simulation aligns with the principles of patient- and family-centered care bringing this educational tool directly to patients and caregivers with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.

Methods

This descriptive article is a summary of findings presented at the 2nd International Meeting for Simulation in Healthcare Research Summit. Experts in the field delineated a categorization for better describing patient-centered simulation and reviewed the literature to identify a research agenda.

Results

Three types of patient-centered simulation patient-directed, patient-driven, and patient-specific are presented with research priorities identified for each.

Conclusions

Patient-centered simulation has been shown to be an effective educational tool and has the potential to directly improve patient care outcomes. Presenting a typology for patient-centered simulation provides direction for future research.
Early Impact of Medicare Accountable Care Organizations on Inpatient Surgical Spending
Authors: Nathan Hari , Thumma Jyothi R. , Ryan Andrew M. , Dimick Justin B.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To evaluate whether hospital participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs) is associated with reduced Medicare spending for inpatient surgery.

Background:

ACOs have proliferated rapidly and now cover more than 32 million Americans. Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs have shown modest success in reducing medical spending. Whether they have reduced surgical spending remains unknown.

Methods:

We used 100% Medicare claims from 2010 to 2014 for patients aged 65 to 99 years undergoing 6 common elective surgical procedures [abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, colectomy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), hip or knee replacement, or lung resection]. We compared total Medicare payments for 30-day surgical episodes, payments for individual components of care (index hospitalization, readmissions, physician services, and postacute care), and clinical outcomes for patients treated at MSSP ACO hospitals versus matched controls at non-ACO hospitals. We accounted for preexisting trends independent of ACO participation using a difference-in-differences approach.

Results:

Among 341,675 patients at 427 ACO hospitals and 1,024,090 matched controls at 1531 non-ACO hospitals, patient and hospital characteristics were well-balanced. Average baseline payments were similar at ACO versus non-ACO hospitals. ACO participation was not associated with reductions in total Medicare payments [difference-in-differences estimate=-$72, confidence interval (CI95%): -$228 to +$84] or individual components of payments. ACO participation was also not associated with clinical outcomes. Duration of ACO participation did not affect our estimates.

Conclusion:

Although Medicare ACOs have had success reducing spending for medical care, they have not had similar success with surgical spending. Given that surgical care accounts for 30% of total health care costs, ACOs and policymakers must pay greater attention to reducing surgical expenditures.
OPTN Vascularized Composite Allograft Waiting List: Current Status and Trends in the United States
Authors: Wainright Jennifer L. , Wholley Christopher L. , Cherikh Wida S. , Musick Jennifer M. , Klassen David K.
Published: May 2018

Background

Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation is a developing area in the field of transplantation.

Methods

This study used Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) VCA waiting list and transplant data from July 3, 2014 through February 28, 2018, to characterize the OPTN VCA waiting list in terms of composition, removal patterns, waiting time, resulting transplants, and trends over time.

Results

Between implementation of the OPTN VCA waiting list on July 3, 2014 and February 28, 2018, 54 candidates—53.7% were male, 79.6% were white, and 70.4% aged 18 to 44 years—were added to the OPTN VCA waiting list. Of these, 22 received deceased donor VCA transplants (6 bilateral upper limb, 4 unilateral upper limb, 5 craniofacial, 1 scalp, 1 abdominal wall, 1 penile, and 4 uterine), and 6 received living donor uterine transplants. Registrations increased in 2016 after uterine and penile transplants were introduced in the United States, resulting in a large shift in the composition of the VCA waiting list. Waiting times for VCA candidates vary greatly, with some VCA candidates receiving deceased donor transplants quickly and others waiting more than 3 years before transplantation.

Conclusions

The field of VCA transplantation and the composition of the OPTN VCA waiting list are evolving rapidly. Additional research is needed to understand these changes and investigate whether differences in need or differences in access have resulted in the variation seen on the VCA waiting list.
Outcomes of Pediatric ABO-incompatible Living Kidney Transplantations From 2002 to 2015: An Analysis of the Japanese Kidney Transplant Registry
Authors: Hattori Motoshi , Mieno Makiko , Shishido Seiichiro , Aikawa Atsushi , Ushigome Hidetaka , Ohshima Shinichi , Takahashi Kota , Hasegawa Akira
Published: May 2018

Background

Extensive data have been accumulated for adults who have undergone ABO-incompatible (ABOi)-living kidney transplantation (LKT). In contrast, available published data on pediatric recipients who underwent ABOi-LKT from the early to middle 2000s is very limited. Thus, pediatric ABOi-LKT has remained relatively rare, and there is a lack of large, multicenter data.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Japanese Kidney Transplant Registry to clarify the patient and graft outcomes of pediatric recipients who underwent ABOi-LKT from 2002 to 2015. A total of 102 ABOi and 788 ABO-compatible (ABOc) recipients were identified in this study. All recipients had received basiliximab and a triple immunosuppressive protocol comprising calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. The ABOi recipients also received preconditioning therapies including B-cell depletion by a splenectomy or rituximab treatment and therapeutic apheresis.

Results

Death rates for ABOi and ABOc recipients were 0.17 versus 0.17 deaths per 100 patient-years. Graft loss rates for ABOi and ABOc recipients were 1.58 versus 1.45 events per 100 patient-years. No particular causes of death or graft loss predominantly affected ABOi or ABOc recipients.

Conclusions

The results of this registry analysis suggest that pediatric ABOi-LKT can be performed efficiently. Although further studies are clearly required to perform pediatric ABOi-LKT more safely and less invasively, ABOi-LKT is now an acceptable treatment for pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease.
Donor-specific Antibodies, Immunoglobulin-free Light Chains, and BAFF Levels in Relation to Risk of Late-onset PTLD in Liver Recipients
Authors: Engels Eric A. , Jennings Linda W. , Everly Matthew J. , Landgren Ola , Murata Kazunori , Yanik Elizabeth L. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Onaca Nicholas , Klintmalm Goran B.
Published: May 2018

Background

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a neoplastic complication of transplantation, with early cases largely due to immunosuppression and primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. Etiology may differ for later-onset cases, but the contributions of immunosuppression, immune reactivity to the donor organ, and chronic B cell activation are uncertain.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of late-onset PTLD (diagnosed >1 year posttransplant) in a cohort of liver recipients. We assessed serum samples (obtained >6 months before diagnosis in cases) from N = 60 cases and N = 166 matched controls for donor-specific antibodies (DSAs, evaluable for N = 221 subjects), immunoglobulin kappa and lambda free light chains (FLCs, N = 137), and B cell activating factor (BAFF, N = 226). Conditional or unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results

Circulating DSAs were less common in PTLD cases than controls (18% vs 30%), although this difference was borderline significant (aOR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.10; P = 0.09). Donor-specific antibodies against class II HLA antigens predominated and likewise showed a borderline inverse association with PTLD (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.27-1.24). The FLC levels were less frequently abnormal in cases than controls, but measurements were available for only a subset and confidence intervals were wide (elevated kappa: aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.15-2.12; P = 0.40; elevated lambda: aOR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.30-1.50; P = 0.34). B cell–activating factor levels were not associated with PTLD.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that circulating DSAs are associated with decreased risk of late-onset PTLD. Because DSAs may develop in the setting of underimmunosuppression, the inverse association with DSAs supports a role for immunosuppression in the etiology of late-onset PTLD.
Early Steroid Withdrawal Compared With Standard Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplantation - Interim Analysis of the Amsterdam-Leiden-Groningen Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van Sandwijk Marit S. , de Vries Aiko P.J. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , ten Berge Ineke J.M. , Berger Stefan P. , Bouatou Yassine R. , de Fijter Johan W. , Florquin Sandrine , Homan van der Heide Jaap J. , Idu Mirza M. , Krikke Christina , van der Pant Karlijn A.M.I. , Reinders Marlies E. , Ringers Jan , van der Weerd Neelke C. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Sanders Jan-Stephan S.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The optimal immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplant recipients, delivering maximum efficacy with minimal toxicity, is unknown.

METHODS

The Amsterdam, LEiden, GROningen trial is a randomized, multicenter, investigator-driven, noninferiority, open-label trial in 305 kidney transplant recipients, in which 2 immunosuppression minimization strategies—one consisting of early steroid withdrawal, the other of tacrolimus minimization 6 months after transplantation—were compared with standard immunosuppression with basiliximab, corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolic acid. The primary endpoint was kidney function. Secondary endpoints included death, primary nonfunction, graft failure, rejection, discontinuation of study medication, and a combined endpoint of treatment failure. An interim analysis was scheduled at 6 months, that is, just before tacrolimus minimization.

RESULTS

This interim analysis revealed no significant differences in Modification of Diet in Renal Disease between the early steroid withdrawal group and the standard immunosuppression groups (43.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2 vs 45.0 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.408). There were also no significant differences in the secondary endpoints of death (1.0% vs 1.5%; P = 0.737), primary nonfunction (4.1% vs 1.5%, P = 0.159), graft failure (3.1% vs 1.5%, P = 0.370), rejection (18.6% vs 13.6%, P = 0.289), and discontinuation of study medication (19.6% vs 12.6%, P = 0.348). Treatment failure, defined as a composite endpoint of these individual secondary endpoints, was more common in the early steroid withdrawal group (P = 0.027), but this group had fewer serious adverse events and a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these interim results, early steroid withdrawal is a safe short-term immunosuppressive strategy. Long-term outcomes, including a comparison with tacrolimus minimization after 6 months, will be reported in the final 2-year analysis.
Bordetella pertussis population dynamics and phylogeny in Japan after adoption of acellular pertussis vaccines
Authors: Zomer Aldert , Otsuka Nao , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Kamachi Kazunari , Nishimura Naoko , Ozaki Takao , Poolman Jan , Geurtsen Jeroen
Published: May 2018

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, has experienced a resurgence in the past 15 years, despite the existence of both whole-cell and acellular vaccines. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing analysis of 149 clinical strains, provided by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Japan, isolated in 1982–2014, after Japan became the first country to adopt acellular vaccines against B. pertussis. Additionally, we sequenced 39 strains provided by the Konan Kosei Hospital in Aichi prefecture, Japan, isolated in 2008–2013. The genome sequences afforded insight into B. pertussis genome variability and population dynamics in Japan, and revealed that the B. pertussis population in Japan was characterized by two major clades that divided more than 40 years ago. The pertactin gene was disrupted in about 20 % of the 149 NIID isolates, by either a deletion within the signal sequence (ΔSS) or the insertion of IS element IS481 (prn :: IS481). Phylogeny suggests that the parent clones for these isolates originated in Japan. Divergence dating traced the first generation of the pertactin-deficient mutants in Japan to around 1990, and indicated that strains containing the alternative pertactin allele prn2 may have appeared in Japan around 1974. Molecular clock data suggested that observed fluctuations in B. pertussis population size may have coincided with changes in vaccine usage in the country. The continuing failure to eradicate the disease warrants an exploration of novel vaccine compositions.
Attentional Bias Modification is associated with fMRI Response towards Negative Stimuli in Residual Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hilland E. , Landrø N.I. , Harmer C. J. , Browning M. , Maglanoc L. A. , Jonassen R.
Published: May 2018

Background

Modification of attentional biases (ABM) may lead to more adaptive emotion perception and emotion regulation. Understanding the neural basis of these effects may lead to greater precision for future treatment development. Task-related fMRI following ABM training has so far not been investigated in depression. The main aim of the RCT was to explore differences in brain activity after ABM training in response to emotional stimuli.

Methods

A total of 134 previously depressed individuals were randomized into 14 days of ABM- or a placebo training followed by an fMRI emotion regulation task. Depression symptoms and subjective ratings of perceived negativity during fMRI was examined between the training groups. Brain activation was explored within predefined areas (SVC) and across the whole brain. Activation in areas associated with changes in attentional biases (AB) and degree of depression was explored.

Results

The ABM group showed reduced activation within the amygdala and within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) when passively viewing negative images compared to the placebo group. No group differences were found within predefined SVC’s associated with emotion regulation strategies. Response within the temporal cortices was associated with degree of change in AB and with degree of depressive symptoms in ABM versus placebo.

Limitations

The findings should be replicated in other samples of depressed patients and in studies using designs that allow analyses of within-group variability from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusions

ABM training has an effect on brain function within circuitry associated with emotional appraisal and the generation of affective states.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02931487
Cold Shock Fail to Restrain Pre-formed Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Yu Wenying , Han Qiao , Song Xueying , Fu Jiaojiao , Liu Haiquan , Guo Zhuoran , Malakar Pradeep K , Pan Yingjie , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2018

Environmental temperature fluctuation has great impact on the formation of bacterial biofilm, while little information is available for assessing the influence of sharp temperature shifts on the fate of pre-formed biofilm. In this study, experimental evidence is firstly explored on the response ofVibrio parahaemolyticuspre-formed biofilm under cold shock (4 °C and 10 °C). Surprisingly, biofilm biomass ofV. parahaemolyticussignificantly increased during the period of cold shock as revealed by crystal violet staining. Polysaccharides and proteins contents in extracellular polymeric substances were gradually enhanced after cold shocks and exhibited high consistency. RT-qPCR demonstrated the expression of flagella and virulence-related genes were up-regulated. Most of QS and T3SS genes were slightly up-regulated, and three T3SS genes (vcrD1,vcrD2βandvopD1) were down-regulated. Furthermore, the biofilm structure ofV parahaemolyticushave been analyzed by Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which sharply changed under cold shocks. The correlation analysis further displayed the significant correlation (P < 0.01) among biofilm structure parameters, and weak correlation (P < 0.05) between biofilm related genes and biofilm structure parameters. In conclusion, our results novel discovered thatV. parahaemolyticusbiofilm related genes were actively expressed and biofilm biomass was continuously increased, biofilm structure was tremendously changed after cold shock. This study underscored the risk that biofilm cells had the ability to adapt to low temperature shift.

IMPORTANCE

Biofilms are widespread in natural environments, especially on the surface of food and medical biomaterials, which threaten human safety from persistent infections. Previous studies simply focused on biofilm formation of microorganisms under steady state, however, the actual environment frequently fluctuated.V. parahaemolyticusis a widely distributed foodborne pathogen, temperature play a great role in its survival. Researchers generally assume that cold environment can restrain biofilm formation and bacterial activity. This study explored the effects ofV. parahaemolyticusbiofilm upon a shift from 37 °C to 4 °C or 10 °C from two aspects. On the one hand, the changes of biofilm biomass and EPS contents, the expression of biofilm related genes directly described that pre-formed bacterial biofilm could not be controlled efficiently in cold environment. On the other hand, the CLSM images revealed biofilm morphological structure change, the correlation analysis showed inner relationship among biofilm structure parameters and biofilm related genes. These results suggested that cold shock fail to restrain pre-formed bacterial biofilm, therefore be a potential risk in nature environment.
zetadiv: an R package for computing compositional change across multiple sites, assemblages or cases
Authors: Latombe Guillaume , McGeoch Melodie A. , Nipperess David A. , Hui Cang
Published: May 2018

Spatial variation in compositional diversity, or species turnover, is necessary for capturing the components of heterogeneity that constitute biodiversity. However, no incidence-based metric of pairwise species turnover can calculate all components of diversity partitioning. Zeta (ζ) diversity, the mean number of species shared by any given number of sites or assemblages, captures all diversity components produced by assemblage partitioning. zetadiv is an R package for analysing and measuring compositional change for occurrence data using zeta diversity. Four types of analyses are performed on bird composition data in Australia: (i) decline in zeta diversity; (ii) distance decay; (iii) multi-site generalised dissimilarity modelling; and (iv) hierarchical scaling. Some analyses, such as the zeta decline, are specific to zeta diversity, whereas others, such as distance decay, are commonly applied to beta diversity, and have been adapted using zeta diversity to differentiate the contribution of common and rare species to compositional change.

Highlights

An R package to analyse compositional change using zeta diversity is presented.

Zeta diversity is the mean number of species shared by any number of assemblages

Zeta diversity captures all diversity components produced by assemblage partitioning

Analyses relate zeta diversity to space, environment and spatial scale

Analyses differentiate the contribution of rare and common species to biodiversity
Radiographic evaluation of subcutaneously injected, water-soluble, iodinated contrast for lymphography
Authors: Lee Christopher E. , Matz Brad M. , Cole Robert C. , Boothe Harry W. , Tillson D Michael
Published: May 2018

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is common in many types of human cancers, and is gaining utility in veterinary medicine. There are currently many different methods described in veterinary medicine for pre-operative SLN mapping, however, most of these are restricted to referral institutions due to cost and need for specialized equipment. The purpose of this prospective, pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of radiographic evaluation of water-soluble, iodinated contrast (WIC) injected subcutaneously for lymphography in dogs. Eight dogs were injected with 1-2 milliliters of WIC into the subcutaneous tissues overlying the tarsus in 4 separate locations mimicking a circumferential, peri-tumoral injection. Radiographs were taken at select time points up to 50 minutes. Image sequences were evaluated by a single, board-certified radiologist. All 8 dogs had visible contrast-enhancing lymphatic channels. Median time to lymphatic enhancement was immediately post-injection. Seven dogs (88%) had 8 contrast enhancing lymph nodes (7 popliteal and 1 superficial inguinal). Median time to lymph node enhancement was 20 minutes. In this study, the plantar aspect of the pes drained to the superficial inguinal lymph node, and the dorsal aspect of the pes drained to the popliteal lymph node. Subcutaneously-injected WIC was readily identifiable in the lymphatic channels and draining lymph node(s). Subcutaneously injected WIC may offer a practical alternative to previously described pre-operative methods of SLN mapping. Additionally, one cannot assume that the popliteal lymph node alone, drains the distal pelvic limb.
Agronomic Linked Data (AgroLD): a Knowledge-based System to Enable Integrative Biology in Agronomy
Authors: Venkatesan Aravind , Tagny Gildas , El Hassouni Nordine , Chentli Imene , Guignon Valentin , Jonquet Clement , Ruiz Manuel , Larmande Pierre
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have resulted in a tremendous increase in the amount of omics data produced in plant science. This increase, in conjunction with the heterogeneity and variability of the data, presents a major challenge to adopt an integrative research approach. We are facing an urgent need to effectively integrate and assimilate complementary datasets to understand the biological system as a whole. The Semantic Web offers technologies for the integration of heterogeneous data and their transformation into explicit knowledge thanks to ontologies. We have developed the Agronomic Linked Data (AgroLD – www.agrold.org), a knowledge-based system relying on Semantic Web technologies and exploiting standard domain ontologies, to integrate data about plant species of high interest for the plant science community e.g., rice, wheat, arabidopsis. We present some integration results of the project, which initially focused on genomics, proteomics and phenomics. AgroLD is now an RDF (Resource Description Format) knowledge base of 100M triples created by annotating and integrating more than 50 datasets coming from 10 data sources –such as Gramene.org and TropGeneDB– with 10 ontologies –such as the Gene Ontology and Plant Trait Ontology. Our evaluation results show users appreciate the multiple query modes which support different use cases. AgroLD’s objective is to offer a domain specific knowledge platform to solve complex biological and agronomical questions related to the implication of genes/proteins in, for instances, plant disease resistance or high yield traits. We expect the resolution of these questions to facilitate the formulation of new scientific hypotheses to be validated with a knowledge-oriented approach.
A length-dependent evolutionarily conserved pathway controls nuclear export of circular RNAs
Authors: Huang Chuan , Liang Dongming , Tatomer Deirdre C. , Wilusz Jeremy E.
Published: May 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generated from many protein-coding genes. Most accumulate in the cytoplasm, but how circRNA localization or nuclear export is controlled remains unclear. Using RNAi screening, we found that depletion of the Drosophila DExH/D-box helicase Hel25E results in nuclear accumulation of long (>800-nucleotide), but not short, circRNAs. The human homologs of Hel25E similarly regulate circRNA localization, as depletion of UAP56 (DDX39B) or URH49 (DDX39A) causes long and short circRNAs, respectively, to become enriched in the nucleus. These data suggest that the lengths of mature circRNAs are measured to dictate the mode of nuclear export.
Detecting, quantifying, and discriminating the mechanism of mosaic chromosomal aneuploidies using MAD-seq
Authors: Kong Yu , Berko Esther R. , Marcketta Anthony , Maqbool Shahina B. , Simões-Pires Claudia A. , Kronn David F. , Ye Kenny Q. , Suzuki Masako , Auton Adam , Greally John M.
Published: May 2018

Current approaches to detect and characterize mosaic chromosomal aneuploidy are limited by sensitivity, efficiency, cost, or the need to culture cells. We describe the mosaic aneuploidy detection by massively parallel sequencing (MAD-seq) capture assay and the MADSEQ analytical approach that allow low (<10%) levels of mosaicism for chromosomal aneuploidy or regional loss of heterozygosity to be detected, assigned to a meiotic or mitotic origin, and quantified as a proportion of the cells in the sample. We show results from a multi-ethnic MAD-seq (meMAD-seq) capture design that works equally well in populations of diverse racial and ethnic origins and how the MADSEQ analytical approach can be applied to exome or whole-genome sequencing data, revealing previously unrecognized aneuploidy or copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity in samples studied by the 1000 Genomes Project, cell lines from public repositories, and one of the Illumina Platinum Genomes samples. We have made the meMAD-seq capture design and MADSEQ analytical software open for unrestricted use, with the goal that they can be applied in clinical samples to allow new insights into the unrecognized prevalence of mosaic chromosomal aneuploidy in humans and its phenotypic associations.
Modeling leaderless transcription and atypical genes results in more accurate gene prediction in prokaryotes
Authors: Lomsadze Alexandre , Gemayel Karl , Tang Shiyuyun , Borodovsky Mark
Published: May 2018

In a conventional view of the prokaryotic genome organization, promoters precede operons and ribosome binding sites (RBSs) with Shine-Dalgarno consensus precede genes. However, recent experimental research suggesting a more diverse view motivated us to develop an algorithm with improved gene-finding accuracy. We describe GeneMarkS-2, an ab initio algorithm that uses a model derived by self-training for finding species-specific (native) genes, along with an array of precomputed “heuristic” models designed to identify harder-to-detect genes (likely horizontally transferred). Importantly, we designed GeneMarkS-2 to identify several types of distinct sequence patterns (signals) involved in gene expression control, among them the patterns characteristic for leaderless transcription as well as noncanonical RBS patterns. To assess the accuracy of GeneMarkS-2, we used genes validated by COG (Clusters of Orthologous Groups) annotation, proteomics experiments, and N-terminal protein sequencing. We observed that GeneMarkS-2 performed better on average in all accuracy measures when compared with the current state-of-the-art gene prediction tools. Furthermore, the screening of ∼5000 representative prokaryotic genomes made by GeneMarkS-2 predicted frequent leaderless transcription in both archaea and bacteria. We also observed that the RBS sites in some species with leadered transcription did not necessarily exhibit the Shine-Dalgarno consensus. The modeling of different types of sequence motifs regulating gene expression prompted a division of prokaryotic genomes into five categories with distinct sequence patterns around the gene starts.
Carbonic anhydrase II microcrystals suitable for XFEL studies
Authors: Lomelino Carrie L. , Kim Jin Kyun , Lee Cheol , Lim Seon Woo , Andring Jacob T. , Mahon Brian P. , Chung Moses , Kim Chae Un , McKenna Robert
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources have permitted the study of protein dynamics. Femtosecond X-ray pulses have allowed the visualization of intermediate states in enzyme catalysis. In this study, the growth of carbonic anhydrase II microcrystals (40–80 µm in length) suitable for the collection of XFEL diffraction data at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory is demonstrated. The crystals diffracted to 1.7 Å resolution and were indexed in space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 42.2, b = 41.2, c = 72.0 Å, β = 104.2°. These preliminary results provide the necessary framework for time-resolved experiments to study carbonic anhydrase catalysis at XFEL beamlines.
Initiating and maintaining a recovery process – experiences of persons with dual diagnosis
Authors: Skogens Lisa , von Greiff Ninive , Topor Alain
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internal and social factors that persons with experience from severe mental illness and alcohol and other drugs problems, and who have received treatment for these problems, describe as important for initiating and maintaining a recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 40 persons were interviewed and asked to describe factors they perceived as important for initiating and maintaining recovery. The software Nvivo was used to categorise data in internal and social factors with subcategories.

Findings

There is significant variation in how recovery emerged but involved in general having a proper social situation and finding meaning in life. Initially, the majority had a marginalised situation with need of assistance with housing, employment, financial and social support.

Research limitations/implications

The change process in the investigated group is interpreted as related to individual resources rather than belonging to a group defined as having “double trouble”.

Practical implications

The study implies that in addition to professional help to handle diagnosed problems, the group in focus also need support and interventions that address individual complex needs.

Social implications

Supporting activities/peer support seem to be important for those lacking support from family. At the same time, it is important to recognise the risk of being forced into a recovery identity which might lead to worsening the situation for those who do not fit into this.

Originality/value

By using the same design as in previous studies, comparisons with other groups are possible while still keeping the qualitative meaning of the investigated factors.
Thirty years of the Academic Journal (ARLA)
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique , Pombo Carlos , Salgado Elvira
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the anniversary issue marking 30 years of academic publication.

Design/methodology/approach

This anniversary issue contains 12 articles from 11 countries and 17 academic institutions which present literature reviews, meta-analyses, and novel studies. It also contains testimonials about the history of the journal from Enrique Ogliastri (Editor and/or Director between 1998 and 2018), Elvira Salgado (Editor between 2002 and 2013), and Carlos Pombo (Chief Editor, 2013 to the present).

Findings

The history of the journal may be divided into five stages: first, the foundation at the Universidad de Chile (1988-1998); second, the move to the Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá) and the preparation of a proposal to the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) for inclusion among the scientific journals of the world (1999-2004); third, a period of consolidation in Latin America (2004-2007); fourth, the acceptance of the journal in ISI and the development of an electronic platform with free access to the journal (2008-2013); and fifth, the entry of the Emerald group as editorial partner (2013-2018).

Originality/value

The 12 articles present literature reviews, meta-analyzes, and novel studies.
The Latin American art market: literature and perspectives
Authors: Garay Urbi
Published: May 2018

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to present the progress and trends of the literature on art as an investment and to outline potential research lines to be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This work gathers, analyses and critically discusses the attributes of investments in art in general, and in Latin American art in particular.

Findings

Most studies report that art (art in general, and Latin American in particular) has offered relatively low but positive real returns, which have tended to be below those offered by stocks and similar to those realized by bonds. Art has a low correlation with other investments.

Research limitations and implications

The literature on the attributes of Latin American art as an investment is limited and new research would help to close the knowledge gap with respect to this segment of the art market as it continues to grow.

Practical implications

Similarly to the research carried out into other segments of the art market, studies on Latin American art suggest that the works of art are worth more, ceteris paribus: the more renowned the artist, the larger the work, whether they were executed in oil, and if they were auctioned at Sotheby’s or Christie’s. The paper also details a series of practical implications for those who participate in the art market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first exhaustive review of the literature on the attributes of Latin American art as an investment. The findings of this study are useful for academics, art collectors, auction houses, gallerists and others who take part in the arts market.
Sponsorship antecedents and outcomes in participant sport settings
Authors: Eddy Terry , Cork Benjamin Colin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure participants’ sponsorship awareness, and assess a model designed to predict participants’ behavioral intentions toward the sponsors of the Fayetteville Race Series.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on non-experimental survey research design using path analysis.

Findings

Perceived sponsor goodwill had a positive direct effect on participants’ sponsor behavioral intentions, as well as a positive indirect effect partially mediated by sponsor image. Sponsor image and future event participation also had positive direct effects on behavioral intentions. Overall, participants had very positive perceptions of the sponsors’ goodwill and image, and indicated positive future intentions. Participants’ ability to identify event sponsors through aided recall was inconsistent between the two events studied.

Practical implications

The positive outcomes for sponsors observed in this study should make small, regional, participant-based sport events appealing marketing channels, especially for generating goodwill in the community. Further, even small sponsorship spends can have a significant impact on these smaller events, since traditional funding sources continue to be cut.

Originality/value

Existing literature on sponsorship of participant sport-based events has generally focused on large events (i.e. marathons that draw participants nationally), despite the prevalence of smaller scale, regional events around the world.
How citizen influencers persuade their followers
Authors: Martensen Anne , Brockenhuus-Schack Sofia , Zahid Anastasia Lauritsen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how today’s new type of opinion leaders, “Citizen Influencers” (CIs), persuade their followers by exploring which characteristics contribute to their persuasiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining theories within opinion leadership, celebrity endorsement, product placement and user-generated content (UGC) five source characteristics – namely, expertise, trustworthiness, likeability, similarity and familiarity – are investigated using fashion as an example. A longitudinal netnographic study of ten CIs and their UGC and six focus groups with followers of specific CIs on Instagram are conducted.

Findings

All five characteristics contribute to the persuasiveness of CIs with trustworthiness as the main contributor. CIs persuasiveness lies in their unique ability to encompass two opposing qualities simultaneously: being attainable and relatable like ordinary consumers; being taste leaders with superior, celebrity-like status.

Research limitations/implications

Only qualitative studies within the fashion category have been conducted, wherefore the relative weight between the two qualities cannot be quantified.

Practical implications

When choosing a CI, managers may consider: the amount of followers per CI as an indicator of influence; similarity between follower and CI as it provides the basis for trust; and the CIs personal universe on their Instagram profile as it leverage the meanings associated with the brand.

Originality/value

The key driver of CIs persuasiveness is their trustworthiness which mediates and amplifies the effect of the other four characteristics. CIs’ persuasive power rests upon the balancing act of being relatable and aspirational.
Quintessence of third party (3PL) logistics
Authors: Roy Sudipendra Nath , Sengupta Tuhin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review and contributes to academic understanding and practitioner needs of third party logistics (3PL) which were developed over the past decade.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a structured selection search of the entire English-language academic literature, after final refinement, the authors identified 95 relevant studies in this context. A succinct classification of literature has been performed to collate the entire literature encompassing viewpoints of both academicians and practitioners.

Findings

The key finding of this review suggests the opportunities exist in the understanding of the “optimization capabilities” of a 3PL provider. The authors found that when on the one side, constructs such as “supply chain vision”, “creativity”, “impact of geographical reach of services on the selection criteria” need more attention; on the other hand, operational dimensions of 3PL such as packaging ability, repair service, procedural compliance, conflict resolution, role of HR policies and mitigation of external risks provides a chance for future researchers to delve deeper into these domains. Furthermore, the authors also presented a comprehensive research gap framework highlighting potential research topics to be explored in near future.

Research limitations/implications

The paper captures peer-reviewed literature from the past decade and has been selected from the Web of Science database only.

Originality/value

The paper identifies different research gaps, namely, conceptual, contextual and methodological, to understand and develop opportunities for future research in the domain of 3PL. The paper makes a careful attempt by linking the synthesis of this literature review to previous literature reviews to establish the knowledge continuum of third party logistics.
Including transcendental needs in a unified model of motivation
Authors: Davila Andrés , Crawford Maria
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to existing models of human motivation by measuring transcendental needs along with the more commonly studied basic and social needs in order to take into account the multitude of needs experienced in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey combining the Big Five Inventory (John and Srivastava, 1999) with the authors’ 30-item need-level questionnaire was administered to 366 participants (162 males, 204 females). The authors examined the relation between need levels, particularly transcendental needs, and personality to detect the predictors of the different personality traits.

Findings

The results showed that extraversion (r=0.24; p<0.001) and agreeableness (r=0.19; p<0.001) are predicted by high social needs, whereas openness to experience is predicted by high transcendental needs (r=0.35; p<0.001). While the authors made no hypotheses about conscientiousness and neuroticism, they found that neuroticism was significantly correlated with transcendental needs (r=−0.15; p<0.01).

Research limitations/implications

The relations between needs and other individual dimensions, such as values or interests, could be further examined. The nature of the sample could be extended in additional studies.

Practical implications

Since need levels were able to predict personality traits, measuring need levels instead of personality could be a better predictor of both adaptability and performance in specific contexts.

Social implications

In a position that requires a specific vocation and sense of purpose (priest, counselor, etc.), transcendental needs could be a better predictor of job achievement than personality traits. Monitoring all levels of needs could also be valuable in helping managers develop a deeper understanding of their team members’ expectations for meaning and purpose.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the model on human motivation by adding one more level (transcendental) and by testing the hypothesis of a link between a need scale and personality traits.