bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of FDA-approved drugs as novel allosteric inhibitors of human executioner caspases
Authors: Krishna Deepak R. N. V. , Abdullah Ahmad , Talwar Priti , Fan Hao , Ravanan Palaniyandi
Published: June 2018

The regulation of apoptosis is a tightly-coordinated process and caspases are its chief regulators. Of special importance are the executioner caspases, caspase-3/7, the activation of which irreversibly sets the cell on the path of death. Dysregulation of apoptosis, particularly an increased rate of cell death lies at the root of numerous human diseases. Although several peptide-based inhibitors targeting the homologous active site region of caspases have been developed, owing to their non-specific activity and poor pharmacological properties their use has largely been restricted. Thus, we sought to identify FDA-approved drugs that could be repurposed as novel allosteric inhibitors of caspase-3/7. In this study, we virtually screened a catalog of FDA-approved drugs targeting an allosteric pocket located at the dimerization interface of caspase-3/7. From among the top-scoring hits we short-listed five compounds for experimental validation. Our enzymatic assays using recombinant caspase-3 suggested that four out of the five drugs effectively inhibited caspase-3 enzymatic activity in vitro with IC50 values ranging ~10-55 μM. Structural analysis of the docking poses show the four compounds forming specific non-covalent interactions at the allosteric pocket suggesting that these molecules could disrupt the adjacently-located active site. In summary, we report the identification of four novel non-peptide allosteric inhibitors of caspase-3/7 from among FDA-approved drugs.
Mycis dispensable for cardiac development in the mouse but rescuesMycn-deficient hearts through functional replacement and cell competition
Authors: Muñoz-Martín Noelia , Sierra Rocío , Schimmang Thomas , Campo Cristina Villa del , Torres Miguel
Published: June 2018

Myc is considered an essential transcription factor for heart development, but cardiac defects have only been studied in global Myc loss of function models. Here, we eliminated Myc by recombining aMycfloxed allele with theNkx2.5Credriver. We observed no anatomical, cellular or functional alterations in either fetuses or adult cardiac Myc-deficient mice. We re-examined Myc expression during development and found no expression in developing cardiomyocytes. In contrast, we confirmed thatMycnis essential for cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiogenesis. Mosaic Myc overexpression in aMycn-deficient background, shows that Myc can replace Mycn function, recovering heart development. We further show that this recovery involves the elimination of Mycn-deficient cells by Cell Competition. Our results indicate thatMycis dispensable during cardiogenesis and adult heart homeostasis andMycnis exclusively responsible for cardiomyocyte proliferation during heart development. Nonetheless, our results show thatMyccan functionally replaceMycn. We also show that cardiomyocytes compete according to their overall Myc+Mycn levels and that Cell Competition eliminates flawed cardiomyocytes, suggesting its relevance as a quality control mechanism in cardiac development.
Genome plasticity, a key factor of evolution in prokaryotes
Authors: Sela Itamar , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: June 2018

In prokaryotic genomes, the number of genes that belong to distinct functional classes shows apparent universal scaling with the total number of genes [1–5] (Fig. 1). This scaling can be approximated with a power law, where the scaling power can be sublinear, near-linear or super-linear. Scaling laws are robust under various statistical tests [4], across different databases and for different gene classifications [1–5]. Several models aimed at explaining the observed scaling laws have been proposed, primarily, based on the specifics of the respective biological functions [1, 5–8]. However, a coherent theory to explain the emergence of scaling within the framework of population genetics is lacking. We employ a simple mathematical model for prokaryotic genome evolution [9] which, together with the analysis of 34 clusters of closely related microbial genomes [10], allows us to identify the underlying forces that dictate genome content evolution. In addition to the scaling of the number of genes in different functional classes, we explore gene contents divergence to characterize the evolutionary processes acting upon genomes [11]. We find that evolution of the gene content is dominated by two factors that are specific to a functional class, namely, selection landscape and genome plasticity. Selection landscape quantifies the fitness cost that is associated with deletion of a gene in a given functional class or the advantage of successful incorporation of an additional gene. Genome plasticity, that can be considered a measure of evolvability, reflects both the availability of the genes of a given functional class in the external gene pool that is accessible to the evolving microbial population, and the ability of microbial genomes to accommodate these genes. The selection landscape determines the gene loss rate, and genome plasticity is the principal determinant of the gene gain rate.
Tropomyosin 3.5 protects F-actin networks required for tissue biomechanical properties
Authors: Cheng Catherine , Nowak Roberta B. , Amadeo Michael B. , Biswas Sondip K. , Lo Woo-Kuen , Fowler Velia M.
Published: June 2018

Tropomyosins (Tpms) stabilize F-actin and regulate interactions with other actin-binding proteins. The eye lens changes shape in order to fine focus light to transmit a clear image, and thus lens organ function is tied to its biomechanical properties, presenting an opportunity to study Tpm functions in tissue mechanics. The major mouse lens Tpm is Tpm3.5 (TM5NM5), a previously unstudied isoform. Decreased levels of Tpm3.5 lead to softer and less mechanically resilient lenses that are unable to resume their original shape after compression. While cell organization and morphology appear unaffected, Tmod1 dissociates from the membrane in Tpm3.5-deficient lens fiber cells resulting in reorganization of the spectrin-F-actin and α-actinin-F-actin networks at the membrane. These rearranged F-actin networks appear to be less able to support mechanical load and resilience leading to an overall change in tissue mechanical properties. This is the firstin vivoevidence that Tpm is essential for cell biomechanical stability in a load-bearing non-muscle tissue and indicates that Tpm3.5 protects mechanically stable, load-bearing F-actinin vivo.

Tropomyosin 3.5 stabilizes F-actin in eye lens fiber cells and promotes normal tissue biomechanical properties. Tpm3.5 deficiency leads to F-actin network rearrangements and decreased lens stiffness and resilience.
Alpha-synuclein-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is mediated via a sirtuin 3-dependent pathway
Authors: Park Jae-Hyeon , Delenclos Marion , Faroqi Ayman H. , DeMeo Natasha N. , McLean Pamela J.
Published: June 2018

The sirtuins are highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzymes that play a broad role in cellular metabolism and aging. Mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is downregulated in aging and age-associated diseases such as cancer and neuro-degeneration and plays a major role in maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing oxidative stress. Mitochondria dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease with mutations in mitochondrial-associated proteins such as PINK1 and parkin causing familial Parkinson disease. Here, we demonstrate that the presence of alpha-synuclein (αsyn) oligomers in mitochondria induce a corresponding decrease in mitochondrial SIRT3 activity and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. We show that SIRT3 downregulation in the presence of αsyn accumulation is accompanied by increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), as well as increased phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and decreased levels of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which is indicative of impaired mitochondrial dynamics. Treatment with the AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) restores SIRT3 expression and activity and improves mitochondrial function by decreasing αsyn oligomer formation. The accumulation of αsyn oligomers in mitochondria corresponds with SIRT3 down-regulation not only in an experimental cellular model, but also in vivo in a rodent model of Parkinson disease, and importantly, in human post mortem brains with neuropathologically confirmed Lewy body disease (LBD). Taken together our findings suggest that pharmacologically increasing SIRT3 levels will counteract αsyn-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by normalizing mitochondrial bioenergetics. These data support a protective role for SIRT3 in Parkinson disease-associated pathways and reveals significant mechanistic insight into the interplay of SIRT3 and αsyn.
The Genetic Basis for the Cooperative Bioactivation of Plant Lignans by a Human Gut Bacterial Consortium
Authors: Bess Elizabeth N. , Bisanz Jordan E. , Spanogiannopoulos Peter , Ang Qi Yan , Bustion Annamarie , Kitamura Seiya , Alba Diana L. , Wolan Dennis W. , Koliwad Suneil K. , Turnbaugh Peter J.
Published: June 2018

Plant-derived lignans, consumed daily by most individuals, are inversely associated with breast cancer; however, their bioactivity is only exerted following gut bacterial conversion to enterolignans. Here, we dissect a four-species bacterial consortium sufficient for all four chemical reactions in this pathway. Comparative genomics and heterologous expression experiments identified the first enzyme in the pathway. Transcriptional profiling (RNAseq) independently identified the same gene and linked a single genomic locus to each of the remaining biotransformations. Remarkably, we detected the complete bacterial lignan metabolism pathway in the majority of human gut microbiomes. Together, these results are an important step towards a molecular genetic understanding of the gut bacterial bioactivation of lignans and other plant secondary metabolites to downstream metabolites relevant to human disease.

One Sentence Summary

Besset al.provide a first step towards elucidating the molecular genetic basis for the cooperative gut bacterial bioactivation of plant lignans, consumed daily by most individuals, to phytoestrogenic enterolignans.
An analog to digital converter creates nuclear localization pulses in yeast calcium signaling
Authors: Hsu Ian S , Strome Bob , Plotnikov Sergey , Moses Alan M
Published: June 2018

Several examples of transcription factors that show stochastic, unsynchronized pulses of nuclear localization have been described. Here we show that under constant calcium stress, nuclear localization pulses of the transcription factor Crz1 follow stochastic variations in cytoplasmic calcium concentration. We find that the size of the stochastic calcium pulses is positively correlated with the number of subsequent Crz1 pulses. Based on our observations, we propose a simple stochastic model of how the signaling pathway converts a constant external calcium concentration into a digital number of Crz1 pulses in the nucleus, due to the time delay from nuclear transport and the stochastic decoherence of individual Crz1 molecule dynamics. We find support for several additional predictions of the model and conclude that stochastic input to nuclear transport may produce digital responses to analog signals in other signaling systems.
Nuclear actin is required for transcription during Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Sokolova Maria , Moore Henna M. , Prajapati Bina , Dopie Joseph , Meriläinen Leena , Honkanen Mikko , Matos Rita Cerejeira , Poukkula Minna , Hietakangas Ville , Vartiainen Maria K.
Published: June 2018

Actin influences gene expression at multiple levels. It regulates the activity of specific transcription factors, such as myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), is a component of many chromatin remodelers and linked to transcription by all three RNA polymerases (Pol). However, the molecular mechanisms by which actin participates in the gene-specific vs. general transcription have remained unclear. Here we use chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) in Drosophila ovaries to demonstrate that binding of actin to the Act5C gene is not dependent on the Mrtf transcription cofactor. At the genome-wide level, actin interacts with essentially all transcribed genes and co-occupies most gene promoters together with Pol II. On highly expressed genes, actin and Pol II can be found also on the gene bodies. Manipulation of nuclear transport factors for actin leads to decreased expression of egg shell genes, demonstrating the in vivo relevance of balanced nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of actin for transcription.
Peak p-values and false discovery rate inference in neuroimaging
Authors: Schwartzman Armin , Telschow Fabian
Published: June 2018

Peaks are a mainstay of neuroimage analysis for reporting localization results. The current peak detection procedure in SPM12 requires a pre-threshold for approximating p-values and a false discovery rate (FDR) nominal level for inference. However, the pre-threshold is an undesirable feature, while the FDR level is meaningless if the signal is assumed to be nonzero everywhere. This article provides: 1) a peak height distribution for smooth Gaussian error fields that does not require a screening pre-threshold; 2) a signal-plus-noise model where FDR of peaks can be controlled and properly interpreted. Matlab code for calculation of p-values using the exact peak height distribution is available as an SPM extension.
Rarity of microbial species: In search of reliable associations
Authors: Cougoul Arnaud , Bailly Xavier , Vourc’h Gwenaëel , Gasqui Patrick
Published: June 2018

The role of microbial interactions on the properties of microbiota is a topic of key interest in microbial ecology. Microbiota contain hundreds to thousands of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), most of which are rare. This feature of community structure can lead to methodological difficulties: simulations have shown that methods for detecting pairwise associations between OTUs (which presumably reflect interactions) yield problematic results. The performance of association detection tools is impaired for a high proportion of zeros in OTU table. Here, we explored the statistical testability of such associations given occurrence and read abundance data. The goal was to understand the impact of OTU rarity on the testability of correlation coefficients. We found that a large proportion of pairwise associations, especially negative associations, cannot be reliably tested. This constraint could hamper the identification of candidate biological agents that could be used to control rare pathogens. Consequently, identifying testable associations could serve as an objective method for trimming datasets (in lieu of current empirical approaches). This trimming strategy could significantly reduce the computation time and improve inference of association networks. When OTU prevalence is low, association measures for occurrence and read abundance data are correlated, raising questions about the information actually being captured.
MEIOB and SPATA22 resemble RPA subunits and interact with the RPA complex to promote meiotic recombination
Authors: Ribeiro Jonathan , Dupaigne Pauline , Duquenne Clotilde , Veaute Xavier , Petrillo Cynthia , Saintomé Carole , Faklaris Orestis , Busso Didier , Guerois Raphaël , Keeney Scott , Jain Devanshi , Martini Emmanuelle , Livera Gabriel
Published: June 2018

Homologous recombination is a conserved DNA repair process mandatory for chromosome segregation during meiosis. RPA, a ubiquitous complex essential to recombination, is thought to play a similar role during mitotic and meiotic recombination. MEIOB, a meiosis-specific factor with unknown molecular function, ressembles a RPA subunit. Here we usein vivoapproaches to show that in mouse spermatocytes, DMC1 and RAD51 appear to be normally loaded in the absence of MEIOB but are prematurely lost from unrepaired recombination sites. This loss correlates with an accumulation of the BLM helicase on meiotic chromosomes. We also show that MEIOB alters the immunodetection of RPA subunits at meiotic recombination sites. Using electron microscopy and purified proteins, we demonstrate that the MEIOB-SPATA22 complex associates with and modifies the conformation of RPA-coated ssDNA. Finally, we identify structural homology between MEIOB, SPATA22 and RPA subunits, and show that MEIOB and SPATA22 interact through C-terminal OB-fold containing domains (OBCDs) like RPA subunits. Moreover, MEIOB and SPATA22 cooperate to interact with RPA through their OBCDs. Our results suggest that MEIOB, SPATA22 and RPA work together to ensure proper processing of meiotic recombination intermediates.
Yra1-bound RNA–DNA hybrids cause orientation-independent transcription–replication collisions and telomere instability
Authors: García-Rubio María , Aguilera Paula , Lafuente-Barquero Juan , Ruiz José F. , Simon Marie-Noelle , Geli Vincent , Rondón Ana G. , Aguilera Andrés
Published: June 2018

R loops are an important source of genome instability, largely due to their negative impact on replication progression. Yra1/ALY is an abundant RNA-binding factor conserved from yeast to humans and required for mRNA export, but its excess causes lethality and genome instability. Here, we show that, in addition to ssDNA and ssRNA, Yra1 binds RNA–DNA hybrids in vitro and, when artificially overexpressed, can be recruited to chromatin in an RNA–DNA hybrid-dependent manner, stabilizing R loops and converting them into replication obstacles in vivo. Importantly, an excess of Yra1 increases R-loop-mediated genome instability caused by transcription–replication collisions regardless of whether they are codirectional or head-on. It also induces telomere shortening in telomerase-negative cells and accelerates senescence, consistent with a defect in telomere replication. Our results indicate that RNA–DNA hybrids form transiently in cells regardless of replication and, after stabilization by excess Yra1, compromise genome integrity, in agreement with a two-step model of R-loop-mediated genome instability. This work opens new perspectives to understand transcription-associated genome instability in repair-deficient cells, including tumoral cells.
Complex rearrangements and oncogene amplifications revealed by long-read DNA and RNA sequencing of a breast cancer cell line
Authors: Nattestad Maria , Goodwin Sara , Ng Karen , Baslan Timour , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Rescheneder Philipp , Garvin Tyler , Fang Han , Gurtowski James , Hutton Elizabeth , Tseng Elizabeth , Chin Chen-Shan , Beck Timothy , Sundaravadanam Yogi , Kramer Melissa , Antoniou Eric , McPherson John D. , Hicks James , McCombie W. Richard , Schatz Michael C.
Published: June 2018

The SK-BR-3 cell line is one of the most important models for HER2+ breast cancers, which affect one in five breast cancer patients. SK-BR-3 is known to be highly rearranged, although much of the variation is in complex and repetitive regions that may be underreported. Addressing this, we sequenced SK-BR-3 using long-read single molecule sequencing from Pacific Biosciences and develop one of the most detailed maps of structural variations (SVs) in a cancer genome available, with nearly 20,000 variants present, most of which were missed by short-read sequencing. Surrounding the important ERBB2 oncogene (also known as HER2), we discover a complex sequence of nested duplications and translocations, suggesting a punctuated progression. Full-length transcriptome sequencing further revealed several novel gene fusions within the nested genomic variants. Combining long-read genome and transcriptome sequencing enables an in-depth analysis of how SVs disrupt the genome and sheds new light on the complex mechanisms involved in cancer genome evolution.
Characterization of the crystal structure, kinematics, stresses and rotations in angular granular quartz during compaction
Authors: Hurley Ryan C. , Herbold Eric B. , Pagan Darren C.
Published: June 2018

Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3DXRD), a method for quantifying the position, orientation and elastic strain of large ensembles of single crystals, has recently emerged as an important tool for studying the mechanical response of granular materials during compaction. Applications have demonstrated the utility of 3DXRD and X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) for assessing strains, particle stresses and orientations, inter-particle contacts and forces, particle fracture mechanics, and porosity evolution in situ. Although past studies employing 3DXRD and XRCT have elucidated the mechanics of spherical particle packings and angular particle packings with a small number of particles, there has been limited effort to date in studying angular particle packings with a large number of particles and in comparing the mechanics of these packings with those composed of a large number of spherical particles. Therefore, the focus of the present paper is on the mechanics of several hundred angular particles during compaction using in situ 3DXRD to study the crystal structure, kinematics, stresses and rotations of angular quartz grains. Comparisons are also made between the compaction response of angular grains and that of spherical grains, and stress-induced twinning within individual grains is discussed.
In situ and real-time monitoring of structure formation during non-reactive sputter deposition of lanthanum and reactive sputter deposition of lanthanum nitride
Authors: Krause Bärbel , Kuznetsov Dmitry S. , Yakshin Andrey E. , Ibrahimkutty Shyjumon , Baumbach Tilo , Bijkerk Fred
Published: June 2018

Lanthanum and lanthanum nitride thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering onto silicon wafers covered by natural oxide. In situ and real-time synchrotron radiation experiments during deposition reveal that lanthanum crystallizes in the face-centred cubic bulk phase. Lanthanum nitride, however, does not form the expected NaCl structure but crystallizes in the theoretically predicted metastable wurtzite and zincblende phases, whereas post-growth nitridation results in zincblende LaN. During deposition of the initial 2–3 nm, amorphous or disordered films with very small crystallites form, while the surface becomes smoother. At larger thicknesses, the La and LaN crystallites are preferentially oriented with the close-packed lattice planes parallel to the substrate surface. For LaN, the onset of texture formation coincides with a sudden increase in roughness. For La, the smoothing process continues even during crystal formation, up to a thickness of about 6 nm. This different growth behaviour is probably related to the lower mobility of the nitride compared with the metal. It is likely that the characteristic void structure of nitride thin films, and the similarity between the crystal structures of wurtzite LaN and La2O3, evoke the different degradation behaviours of La/B and LaN/B multilayer mirrors for off-normal incidence at 6.x nm wavelength.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3,3′,3′′-[(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(oxy)]tris(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one)
Authors: Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Toze Flavien A. A. , Mammadova Gunay Z. , Panahova Humay M.
Published: June 2018

The three cyclohexenone rings of the title compound, C27H33N3O6, adopt slightly distorted envelope conformations, with the C atom bearing two methyl groups as the flap atom in each case. These cyclohexenone mean planes form dihedral angles of 87.41 (11), 70.73 (11) and 70.47 (11)° with the 1,3,5-triazine ring, while the dihedral angle between the cyclohexenone mean planes are 57.52 (12), 23.75 (12) and 53.21 (12)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethane-1,2-diaminium 3-[2-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-diphenylpropan-2-ylidene)hydrazinyl]-5-nitro-2-oxidobenzenesulfonate dihydrate
Authors: Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Toze Flavien A. A. , Huseynov Fatali E. , Hajiyeva Sarvinaz F.
Published: June 2018

In the anion of the title hydrated salt, C2H10N2
2+·C21H13N3O8S2−·2H2O, the planes of the phenyl rings and the benzene ring of the 5-nitro-2-oxidobenzenesulfonate group are inclined to one another by 44.42 (11), 56.87 (11) and 77.70 (12)°. In the crystal, the anions are linked to the cations and the water molecules by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. Furthermore, there are face-to-face π–π stacking interactions between the centroids of one phenyl ring and the benzene ring of the 5-nitro-2-oxidobenzenesulfonate group [centroid–centroid distance = 3.8382 (13) Å and slippage = 1.841 Å]. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to verify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a pyridiniminium bromide salt: 1-[2-(adamantan-1-yl)-2-oxoethyl]pyridin-4-iminium bromide
Authors: Kwong Huey Chong , Mahmud Pathi Imdad , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Quah Ching Kheng , Arafath Md. Azharul
Published: June 2018

In the cation of the title salt, C17H23N2O+·Br−, the adamantyl moiety and the pyridiniminium ring are inclined to the ketone bridge by torsion angles of −78.1 (2) (C—C—C=O) and 58.3 (2)° (C—C—N—C), respectively, and the ketone bridge has a C—C—C—N torsion angle of 174.80 (15)°. In the crystal, the cations are connected into chains parallel to the c axis by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The chains are further linked into layers parallel to the bc plane by N—H...Br and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, C—H...π interactions and π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.5657 (11) Å]. A Hirshfeld surface analysis, which comprises the d
norm surface, electrostatic potential map and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, was carried out to verify the contribution of the various intermolecular interactions.
Dynamic supply chain capabilities
Authors: Aslam Haris , Blome Constantin , Roscoe Samuel , Azhar Tashfeen M.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper positions market sensing, supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability as a coherent cluster of dynamic supply chain capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to understand how dynamic supply chain capabilities interrelate and their effect on supply chain ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of Pakistani manufacturing firms, a theoretically-derived model was tested in a structural equation model.

Findings

The results of the study show that a market-sensing capability is an antecedent of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability. Furthermore, supply chain agility, directly, and supply chain adaptability, indirectly, affect supply chain ambidexterity. Supply chain agility, therefore, mediates the relationship between supply chain adaptability and supply chain ambidexterity.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study lies in: first, identifying dynamic capability clusters relevant for achieving supply chain ambidexterity; second, evaluating performance implications of dynamic capabilities in the supply chain, specifically supply chain agility and adaptability; and third, proposing a unique measurement of supply chain ambidexterity in the light supply chain theory, and empirically evaluating the relationship between dynamic capabilities and supply chain ambidexterity.
Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module
Authors: McWhirter Nathan Daniel , Shealy Tripp
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a case-based module teaching sustainable engineering, linking the Envision rating system with behavioral decision science. Three complete modules are publicly available in a repository for any instructor to adapt, use and review.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was written about the Tucannon River Wind Farm, a project-certified Gold by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision™ rating system. The case was used as the basis for an in-class PowerPoint module to achieve student learning outcomes related to sustainability.

Findings

Before and after surveys showed significant (p < 0.05) learning increases. Word clouds show changes in student perceptions of sustainable design. Rubric scoring of writing assignments and concept maps yielded valuable insights and improvements and demonstrated the overall validity of the module approach.

Research limitations/implications

Modules lasting only one or two class days must be well-integrated into courses and curricula to promote greater learning value. Concept mapping may be a useful addition but involves a learning curve for both instructors and students.

Practical implications

By offering instructors access to a set of case-based modules, it becomes more practical for them to teach about sustainable infrastructure and decision-making.

Social implications

The module exemplifies a project owner and an engineering firm strongly committed to social and environmental sustainability. Envision’s Quality of Life and Leadership categories emphasize community well-being, involvement and collaboration.

Originality/value

This module offers a unique transdisciplinary focus meeting several needs in engineering education on sustainability, complex problems and decision-making.
Entry market choices and post-entry growth patterns among born globals in consumer goods sectors
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Chung Jae-Eun , Yang Heesoon , Jeong So Won
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Contrary to the mainstream born global (BG) perspective, some previous studies report the incremental expansion of BGs. In addition, the reasons behind BGs initiating specific steps, if any, and BGs’ entry market choices are still unknown or rather contrasting. This study views that such contrasting findings may be attributed to the contexts in which BGs operate. Within the context of consumer goods BGs, the purpose of this paper is to examine the entry market choices and post-entry growth patterns, and investigate the underlying reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted in-depth historiographic case research from seven Korean BGs in the consumer goods sector that demonstrated success in internationalization. Multiple sources were used to gather data from each case. A total of 14 interviews, approximately two one-on-one interviews per firm, were the major means of data collection.

Findings

The findings revealed that first entry market choices among BGs functioned largely as attempts at emergent opportunities. However, after the first wave of entry into countries with available selling opportunities, entry market choice became a simultaneous pursuit of strategic markets and emergent selling opportunities. BGs focusing on image-oriented consumer goods appeared more strategic when entering the world’s leading markets to gain brand reputation. The analyses of internationalization processes revealed three patterns, which collectively implied that each move to the next stage came from a strategic decision to solve the problems related to survival and strategic visions for growth.

Originality/value

One contribution of this paper is the provision of empirical evidence for entry market choices among consumer goods BGs. The findings suggest that BGs’ entry market choices may not be a simple matter of simultaneous expansion to the world’s lead market. Instead, they may comprise more strategic decision. While previous studies have suggested such evolutionary or path-dependent internationalization processes, this study is among the first to reveal specific growth patterns and the possible reasons behind them.
Households’ financial vulnerability in Southern Europe
Authors: Terraneo Marco
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether and to what extent households living in southern Europe, i.e. Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy, experience similar conditions of financial vulnerability, considering that in comparative research these countries are often grouped together because of the substantial instability of their economies and the similarity of social and welfare model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from Household Finance and Consumption Survey, a quite novel data set that covers the whole balance sheet of a sample of households. The authors compute four indicators of debt burden and in order to study households’ risk of default the authors apply two-part model, which is a valuable alternative to the application of conventional regression models with zero-inflated data.

Findings

Analysis reveals that the burden of debts and the risk of default are very different among the four countries, in particular Spain and Portugal have the highest proportion of financially vulnerable households.

Originality/value

The study is one a few that have directly compared objectives indicators of households’ financial vulnerability in all Southern European countries. Moreover, the authors employ a two-part model, a valuable alternative to the application of conventional logit or linear regression models. In the first part of the model the authors estimate the probability that households suffer financial vulnerability; in the second part, the authors estimate households’ level of vulnerability only for vulnerable families.
Retirement preparation of men and women in their positive savings periods
Authors: Lee Yun Doo , Hassan M. Kabir , Lawrence Shari
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study analyzes financial preparation for retirement of American men and women, using the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). The purpose of this paper is to research the adequacy of retirement preparation for men and women in their positive savings periods.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses probit analysis and multiple regression models to observe the statistical significance of several independent variables on retirement savings. The specific variables of analysis are socio-demographic, work related, financial assets, and attitudes about saving and investing for a sub-sample of individuals aged 35–45, 46–59, and 60–67.

Findings

For retirement preparation, income is a significant factor for both men and women aged 35–45. Excellent health is significant for both men and women aged 46–59, whereas the number of weeks worked per year was significant for men and women aged 60–67. In addition, health has significant positive effects on the amount of financial wealth invested in stocks while age has significant negative effects.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses data from the 2013 SCF to analyze factors affecting retirement preparation for men and women in their positive savings periods. The findings from this study can aid policy makers in designing retirement saving programs that can effectively incentivize individuals for adequately prepare for retirement.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on the effect of factors such as age, health, marital status, work history, education, income, family/household composition, and occupation on retirement savings over an individual’s lifetime. This study focuses specifically on retirement preparation or adequacy for men and women who are in their positive savings periods.
Electronic records management research in ESARBICA: a bibliometric study
Authors: Chigariro Dickson , Khumalo Njabulo Bruce
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to find out how the e-records management subject has been researched and tackled by researchers in the Eastern and Southern African Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA).

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper applied a bibliometric survey, where a quantitative survey of the literature pertaining to the study of e-records management in the ESARBICA region, covering the period from 2000 to 2016, was conducted applying bibliometric methods. The survey aimed at providing descriptive data that cast a spotlight on the features and development of the e-records management base literature in the ESARBICA region.

Findings

The research data display a lamentable outlook in the contribution to the electronic records management body of knowledge from the ESARBICA region. Few research articles from professionals in the records and archives management are being published. These figures call for increased investments in electronic records management research by institutions in ESARBICA, as management of electronic content has become the centre of political and socio-economic development. Follow-up studies need to be done to counter limitations placed on this research paper. The findings show that there is under production of research publications in the ESARBICA region. The region only contributed 2 per cent of the total world output in the period under review and in the study of electronic records management from journals indexed by Scopus.

Research limitations/implications

A bibliometric study places researchers at the mercy of analysing incomplete information due to limitations of resources. The variance in use of terminology (key words) by authors in published research articles may entail some being left out in an analysis of articles the same subject matter. As much as due diligence was placed on using Boolean search methods to counter such limitations they are unavoidable. An interpretation of bibliometric or citation analysis research is subjective as some analysts may label results incomplete or unreliable; hence, this paper finds itself in the same predicament. Inability to access the Thompson Reuters Web of Science database left the authors with Scopus as the only option, as Google Scholar was overlooked due to difficulties of having to rely on third-party software for analysing its indexed content that are mostly inaccurate and or ambiguous.

Practical implications

The findings of this study help uncover areas in e-records management, which have been researched over the years, and identify the prominent e-records management researchers in the ESARBICA region.

Originality/value

A number of bibliometric studies have been conducted; however, none has been conducted to establish e-records management research trends in the ESRABICA region.
Successful treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with intense pulsed light: Report of 13 cases
Authors: Tsunoda Kanako , Akasaka Kiyomi , Akasaka Toshihide , Amano Hiroo
Published: June 2018

Here, we describe the use of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for 13 cases of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea delivered in three sessions. For two‐step irradiation, after the whole face had been irradiated using conventional IPL equipment covering a wide area, localized IPL spot irradiation was performed for visibly dilated capillaries. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by image analysis using Image J and scored by 10 dermatologists using two IPL instruments in combination. This therapeutic approach was found to be much more effective than irradiation using a single instrument. Our findings demonstrate that IPL irradiation using the present method can deliver a sufficient therapeutic effect even with a small number of treatment sessions. Although rosacea is difficult to treat, we believe that IPL can be therapeutically useful in such cases.
Modelling landscape connectivity for greater horseshoe bat using an empirical quantification of resistance
Authors: Pinaud David , Claireau Fabien , Leuchtmann Maxime , Kerbiriou Christian
Published: June 2018

Habitat fragmentation and isolation as a result of human activities have been recognized as great threats to population viability. Evaluating landscape connectivity in order to identify and protect linkages has therefore become a key challenge in applied ecology and conservation.

One useful approach to evaluate connectivity is least‐cost path (LCP) analysis. However, several studies have highlighted importance of parameterization with empirical, biologically relevant proxies of factors affecting movements as well as the need to validate the LCP model with an independent dataset.

We used LCP analysis incorporating quantitative, empirical data about behaviour of the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum to build up a model of functional connectivity in relation to landscape connecting features. We then validated the accumulated costs surface from the LCP model with two independent datasets; one at an individual level with radiotracking data and one at a population level with acoustic data.

When defining resistance, we found that the probability of bat presence in a hedgerow is higher when the distance between hedgerows is below 38 m, and decrease rapidly when gaps are larger than 50 m. The LCP model was validated by both datasets: the independent acoustic data showed that the probability of bat presence was significantly higher in areas with lower accumulated costs, and the radiotracking data showed that foraging was more likely in areas where accumulated costs were significantly lower.

Synthesis and applications. Through our modelling approach, we recommend a maximum of 38 m (and no more than 50 m) between connecting features around colonies of greater horseshoe bats. Our quantitative study highlights the value of this framework for conservation: results are directly applicable in the field and the framework can be applied to other species sensitive to habitat loss, including other bats. Provided that it is parameterized with empirical, biologically relevant data, this modelling approach can be used for restoring and evaluating green networks in agri‐environmental schemes and management plans.
Regional Practice Patterns and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Intensity of End‐of‐Life Care
Authors: Wang Shi‐Yi , Hsu Sylvia H. , Huang Siwan , Doan Kathy C. , Gross Cary P. , Ma Xiaomei
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine whether regional practice patterns impact racial/ethnic differences in intensity of end‐of‐life care for cancer decedents.

Data Sources

The linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database.

Study Design

We classified hospital referral regions (HRRs) based on mean 6‐month end‐of‐life care expenditures, which represented regional practice patterns. Using hierarchical generalized linear models, we examined racial/ethnic differences in the intensity of end‐of‐life care across levels of HRR expenditures.

Principal Findings

There was greater variation in intensity of end‐of‐life care among Hispanics, Asians, and whites in high‐expenditure HRRs than in low‐expenditure HRRs.

Conclusions

Local practice patterns may influence racial/ethnic differences in end‐of‐life care.
The Impact of Medicaid Managed Care Plan Type on Continuous Medicaid Enrollment: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Gordon Sarah H. , Lee Yoojin , Ndumele Chima D. , Vivier Patrick M. , Gutman Roee , Swaminathan Shailender , Gadbois Emily A. , Shield Renee R. , Kind Amy Jo Haavisto , Trivedi Amal N.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of assignment to a Medicaid‐focused versus mixed managed care plan on continuity of Medicaid coverage.

Data Sources

2011–2016 Medicaid claims from a Northeastern state.

Study Design

Following the exit of a Medicaid managed care insurer, Medicaid administrators prioritized provider networks in reassigning enrollees, but randomly assigned beneficiaries whose providers were equally represented in the two plans. We leveraged the natural experiment created by random plan assignment and conducted an instrumental variable analysis.

Data Collection

We analyzed Medicaid claims for 12,083 beneficiaries who were members of the exiting Blue Cross Blue Shield plan prior to January 1, 2011.

Principal Findings

Managed care plan type did not significantly impact continuous enrollment in the Medicaid program. Greater outpatient utilization and the presence of a special need among children were associated with longer enrollment in Medicaid.

Conclusions

Managed care plans did not differ in their capacity to keep Medicaid beneficiaries continuously enrolled in coverage, despite differences in plan features.
Traveling There and Back Again: A Fingernail's Tale
Authors: Mancuso Christy J. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: June 2018

This study focuses on the examination of stable isotope biomarkers in human fingernails of travelers who ventured away from Salt Lake City, UT and subsequently returned. Here, we describe three case studies examining: individual travelers (n = 4), paired travelers (n = 2), and a traveler (n = 1) who repeatedly left and returned. Our case studies examined the influences of dietary and drinking water inputs on fingernail stable isotope profiles for reconstructing travel histories. Stable isotope data were compared with theoretical and predictive models that laid the groundwork for anthropological and forensic geospatial reconstruction of travel histories. Drinking water inputs strongly influenced stable isotope profiles and the patterns observed were consistent with reported travel histories. Finally, observed fingernail stable isotope ratio data were consistent with modeled rates of stable isotope turnover and transition to expected values for the new environment. The results of our study further support the use of fingernail tissues for travel history reconstruction.
Prognostic value of the number of negative lymph nodes in esophageal carcinoma without lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Wu HanRan , Liu ChangQing , Xu MeiQing , Guo MingFa , Xu ShiBin , Xie MingRan
Published: June 2018

Background

The impact of the number of negative lymph nodes (LNs) on survival in patients with esophageal cancer remains a controversial issue. This study investigated the association between the number of resected LNs and the prognosis of patients with node‐negative esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of the data of 429 patients who underwent esophagectomy with modern two‐field lymphadenectomy for the treatment of esophageal cancer between January 1998 and December 2008. Histopathology showed no LN involvement in the patient sample. The prognostic impact of the number of negative LNs and the clinicopathological factors were analyzed.

Results

The overall median survival time and the one, three, and five‐year overall survival rates were 63.0 months and 78.5%, 64.0%, and 51.2%, respectively. Survival analysis confirmed that the number of negative LNs and the depth of tumor invasion were independent prognostic factors. Patients with a high number of negative LNs had a better overall survival rate than patients with a low number of negative LNs (P < 0.001). Patients with dissected LNs > 14 for pT1 tumors (P < 0.001) and > 19 for pT2–3 tumors (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) had better long‐term survival outcomes.

Conclusions

The number of negative LNs is an independent prognostic factor for node‐negative esophageal carcinoma. Extended LN dissection is recommended to improve the survival of patients with node‐negative esophageal carcinoma.