bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy demand and the context-dependent effects of genetic interactions
Authors: Hoekstra Luke A. , Julick Cole R. , Mika Katelyn M. , Montooth Kristi L.
Published: October 2017

Genetic effects are often context dependent, with the same genotype differentially affecting phenotypes across environments, life stages, and sexes. We used an environmental manipulation designed to increase energy demand during development to investigate energy demand as a general physiological explanation for context-dependent effects of mutations, particularly for those mutations that affect metabolism. We found that increasing the photoperiod during which Drosophila larvae are active during development phenocopies a temperature-dependent developmental delay in a mitochondrial-nuclear genotype with disrupted metabolism. This result indicates that the context-dependent fitness effects of this genotype are not specific to the effects of temperature and may generally result from variation in energy demand. The effects of this genotype also differ across life stages and between the sexes. The mitochondrial-nuclear genetic interaction disrupts metabolic rate in growing larvae, but not in adults, and compromises female, but not male, reproductive fitness. These patterns are consistent with a model where context-dependent genotype-phenotype relationships may generally arise from differences in energy demand experienced by individuals across environments, life stages, and sexes.

IMPACT SUMMARY

Genetic effects on traits are often context dependent, such that a genotype that improves fitness under one context may have no effect or even a deleterious effect in another context. The external environment is a common context that affects the degree to which a genotype determines a phenotype, but the internal environment of an organism (e.g., its genetic background, sex or life stage) also provides an important context that may modify the phenotypic expression of a genotype. Here we combine new data on the phenotypic effects of a well-characterized genetic interaction between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of the fruit fly Drosophila with prior observations to support a model of energy demand as a general explanation for context-dependent genetic effects, particularly for mutations that affect metabolism. We show that the magnitude of fitness effects of this genetic interaction correlates positively with the degree of energy demand among developmental treatments that accelerate growth rate, across developmental stages that differ in the cost of growth, and between sexes with potentially different costs of reproduction. These internal and external contexts create variable demands on energy metabolism that will impact the efficacy of natural selection acting on metabolic mutations in populations.
Discovery and Evaluation of Biosynthetic Pathways for the Production of Five Methyl Ethyl Ketone Precursors
Authors: Tokic Milenko , Hadadi Noushin , Ataman Meric , Neves Dário , Ebert Birgitta E. , Blank Lars M. , Miskovic Ljubisa , Hatzimanikatis Vassily
Published: October 2017

The limited supply of fossil fuels and the establishment of new environmental policies shifted research in industry and academia towards sustainable production of the 2ndgeneration of biofuels, with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) being one promising fuel candidate. MEK is a commercially valuable petrochemical with an extensive application as a solvent. However, as of today, a sustainable and economically viable production of MEK has not yet been achieved despite several attempts of introducing biosynthetic pathways in industrial microorganisms. We used BNICE.ch as a retrobiosynthesis tool to discover all novel pathways around MEK. Out of 1’325 identified compounds connecting to MEK with one reaction step, we selected 3-oxopentanoate, but-3-en-2-one, but-1-en-2-olate, butylamine, and 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanenitrile for further study. We reconstructed 3’679’610 novel biosynthetic pathways towards these 5 compounds. We then embedded these pathways into the genome-scale model ofE. coli, and a set of 18’622 were found to be most biologically feasible ones based on thermodynamics and their yields. For each novel reaction in the viable pathways, we proposed the most similar KEGG reactions, with their gene and protein sequences, as candidates for either a direct experimental implementation or as a basis for enzyme engineering. Through pathway similarity analysis we classified the pathways and identified the enzymes and precursors that were indispensable for the production of the target molecules. These retrobiosynthesis studies demonstrate the potential of BNICE.ch for discovery, systematic evaluation, and analysis of novel pathways in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering studies.

Graphical abstract
Control of septin filament flexibility and bundling
Authors: Khan Anum , Newby Jay , Gladfelter Amy S.
Published: October 2017

Septins self-assemble into heteromeric rods and filaments to act as scaffolds and modulate membrane properties. How cells tune the biophysical properties of septin filaments to control filament flexibility and length, and in turn the size, shape, and position of higher-order septin structures is not well understood. We examined how rod composition and nucleotide availability influence physical properties of septins such as annealing, fragmentation, bundling and bending. We found that septin complexes have symmetric termini, even when both Shs1 and Cdc11 are coexpressed. The relative proportion of Cdc11/Shs1 septin complexes controls the biophysical properties of filaments and influences the rate of annealing, fragmentation, and filament flexibility. Additionally, the presence and exchange of guanine nucleotide also alters filament length and bundling. An Shs1 mutant that is predicted to alter nucleotide hydrolysis has altered filament length and dynamics in cells and impacts cell morphogenesis. These data show that modulating filament properties through rod composition and nucleotide binding can control formation of septin assemblies that have distinct physical properties and functions.
Nanopore Sequencing Reveals High-Resolution Structural Variation in the Cancer Genome
Authors: Gong Liang , Wong Chee-Hong , Cheng Wei-Chung , Tjong Harianto , Menghi Francesca , Ngan Chew Yee , Liu Edison T. , Wei Chia-Lin
Published: October 2017

Acquired genomic structural variants (SVs) are major hallmarks of the cancer genome. Their complexity has been challenging to reconstruct from short-read sequencing data. Here, we exploit the long-read sequencing capability of the nanopore platform using our customized pipeline,Picky, to reveal SVs of diverse architecture in a breast cancer model. From modest sequencing coverage, we identified the full spectrum of SVs with superior specificity and sensitivity relative to short-read analyses and uncovered repetitive DNA as the major source of variation. Examination of the genome-wide breakpoints at nucleotide-resolution uncovered micro-insertions as the common structural features associated with SVs. Breakpoint density across the genome is associated with propensity for inter-chromosomal connectivity and transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, an over-representation of reciprocal translocations from chromosomal double-crossovers was observed through phased SVs. The comprehensive characterization of SVs using the robust long-read sequencing approach in cancer cohorts will facilitate strategies to monitor genome stability during tumor evolution and improve therapeutic intervention.
Orientational order-disorder γ ↔ β ↔ α′ ↔ α phase transitions in Sr2B2O5 pyroborate and crystal structures of β and α phases
Authors: Volkov Sergey , Dušek Michal , Bubnova Rimma , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria , Ugolkov Valery , Obozova Ekaterina , Filatov Stanislav
Published: October 2017

Crystal structures of γ-, β- and α-Sr2B2O5 polymorphs resulting from the γ ↔ (at 565 K) β ↔ (at 637 K) α′ ↔ (at 651 K) α sequence of reversible first-order phase transitions are studied by high-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and impedance spectroscopy. Out of these phases, the structure of γ-Sr2B2O5 was already known whereas the structures of β- and α-Sr2B2O5 were determined for the first time. The sequence of phase transitions is associated with an unusual change of symmetry, with triclinic intermediate β-Sr2B2O5 phase and monoclinic low-temperature γ-Sr2B2O5 as well as high-temperature α-Sr2B2O5 phase. Taking the α-Sr2B2O5 phase with space group P21/c as a parent structure, the γ-Sr2B2O5 phase was refined as a twofold superstructure with symmetry P21/c, whereas the β-Sr2B2O5 phase was a sixfold superstructure with symmetry P{\overline 1}. To construct a unified structure model for all Sr2B2O5 modifications, phases of γ- and β-Sr2B2O5 were also refined as commensurately modulated structures using the basic unit cell of the parent α-Sr2B2O5. The phase transitions are related to the orientational order–disorder arrangement of B2O5 pyroborate groups, where the degree of disorder grows towards the high-temperature phase. Thermal expansion is strongly anisotropic and dictated by preferable orientations of BO3 triangles in the structure. The intermediate phase α′-Sr2B2O5, stable over a narrow temperature range (637–651 K), features the largest anisotropy of expansion for the known borates: α11 = 205, α22 = 57, α33 = −81 × 10−6 K−1.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a two-dimensional CoIIcoordination polymer: poly[(μ3-3-carboxybenzoato)[μ2-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H,2′H-3,3′-bi[1,2,4-triazole]]cobalt(II)]
Authors: Du Chao-Jun , Zhao Xiao-Na , Chen Bao-Yong
Published: October 2017

In the title compound, [Co(C8H5O4)(C9H6N7)]n, the divalent CoIIatom is six-coordinated to three N atoms from two symmetrical 5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H,2′H-3,3′-bi[1,2,4-triazole] (H2pyttz) ligands and three O atoms from three symmetrical 3-carboxybenzoate (Hbdic) ligands, leading to a distorted {CoN3O3} octahedral coordination environment. Two CoIIcations are linked by four bridging carboxylate groups to generate a dinuclear [Co2(CO2)4] unit. The dinuclear units are further connected into a chain along [010]viathe Hbdic ligands. The other infinite chain, along [100], is formed through the H2pyttz ligands. Finally, the two kinds of chains are cross-linked, by sharing the CoIIcations, into a two-dimensional network. In the crystal, adjacent layers are further linked by O—H...N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional framework.
(2R,4S,5S)-5-Hydroxy-4-methyl-3-oxohept-6-en-2-yl benzoate
Authors: Kiedrowski Valeska von , God Claudia , Knauer Lena , Strohmann Carsten , Preut Hans , Hiersemann Martin
Published: October 2017

The title compound, C15H18O4, which crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit, was obtained in the course of the total synthesis of curvicollides A–C and fusaequisin A. It features the relative configuration of the Western aldol part of the natural products. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Hobson’s choice: the effects of research evaluation on academics’ writing practices in England
Authors: Mcculloch Sharon
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of research evaluation policies and their interpretation on academics’ writing practices in three different higher education institutions and across three different disciplines. Specifically, the paper discusses how England’s national research excellence framework (REF) and institutional responses to it shape the decisions academics make about their writing.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 49 academics at three English universities were interviewed. The academics were from one Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics discipline (mathematics), one humanities discipline (history) and one applied discipline (marketing). Repeated semi-structured interviews focussed on different aspects of academics’ writing practices. Heads of departments and administrative staff were also interviewed. Data were coded using the qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti.

Findings

Academics’ ability to succeed in their career was closely tied to their ability to meet quantitative and qualitative targets driven by research evaluation systems, but these were predicated on an unrealistic understanding of knowledge creation. Research evaluation systems limited the epistemic choices available to academics, partly because they pushed academics’ writing towards genres and publication venues that conflicted with disciplinary traditions and partly because they were evenly distributed across institutions and age groups.

Originality/value

This work fills a gap in the literature by offering empirical and qualitative findings on the effects of research evaluation systems in context. It is also one of the only papers to focus on the ways in which individuals’ academic writing practices in particular are shaped by such systems.
Establishing the financial returns arising from an evaluation of a retail training programme
Authors: Olexová Cecília
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an evaluation of training for shop assistants, specifically in retail chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed evaluation is based on Kirkpatrick’s model and Phillips’ modification. The representative case study includes the application of the training evaluation at the fourth and fifth levels of evaluation in a particular chain of retail stores. The data were collected from the retail chain’s financial reports, internal documents related to training of employees and interviews with managers in the retail chain.

Findings

The results contribute to the training evaluation literature by presenting a training evaluation for shop assistant using evidence from a retail chain. The training focussed on selling skills and product knowledge; the details of evaluating the training are presented, encompassing mainly the benefits and costs of the training and return on investment calculation.

Research limitations/implications

The training evaluation was tested only in selected types of training courses for shop assistants. To generalise the results, its adoption in different types of training and retail companies is required in future research.

Practical implications

The application of this training evaluation should help to achieve training objectives and enhance the quality of training in the retail chain. The results of the paper can be used as practical inspiration for managers of retail stores.

Originality/value

This paper proposes and applies a specific evaluation of training courses in retail.
Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity
Authors: Chachula Desiree , Grant Cathy , Antolino Prado , Davis Jenna , Hanson Desiree , Harris Lesley , Rivera-Colon Venessa , Green B. Lee
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a multifaceted institutional approach to minimizing cancer health disparities, presenting a novel organizational framework entitled, “A.C.C.E.S.S.” to guide those efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study of an organization that operates under the theory that cancer health disparities are a result of the cumulative incongruence of differences that exist between people in various contexts and interactions over time. Consequently, the A.C.C.E.S.S. framework is used to demonstrate the range of opportunities within an organization to intervene and mitigate gaps that result in inequality.

Findings

Addressing A.C.C.E.S.S. in various interactions and contexts over a sustained period of time results in a continuous improvement cycle that attenuates cancer health disparity.

Originality/value

The antecedents and impacts of cancer health disparities are well documented. However, there is a dearth of directionality for institutions and organizations in achieving equality in cancer treatment and care. This paper provides a framework to consider in organizing such endeavors.
Translation, adaptation, and cross-language validation of student: thinking about my homework scale (STP)
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Jami Humaira , Ahmed Ammar
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the reliability and validity of an expended scale with translation, adaptation and cross-language validation of the student: thinking about my homework (STP) (Bareno, 1997; Hoover-Dempsey et al., 1999; Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler, 2005).

Design/methodology/approach

Response items rating are made from four-point Likert-type scales ranging from the 1 (never) to 4 (always). This study includes two versions of the scale: mother’s school involvement version (STPM) and father’s school Involvement version (STPF). Both versions have been translated from English language into Urdu language with a sample of 200 students. Standard back translation method was used for translation and adaption of the scale (Brislin, 1976; Hambleton, 1994). The ages of the students ranged from 12 to 18 years.

Findings

The overall scale has good internal consistency reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to explore covert and novel configuration of these versions (father’s school involvement and mother’s school involvement). Results revealed that mother’s school involvement consisted of 21 items, and father’s school involvement consisted of 22 items.

Originality/value

The investigated scale provides assessment of father’s and mother’s school involvement, respectively, in order to achieve better understanding of family’s role in academics.
A critical review of current police training and policy for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hepworth Diana
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review the current police training and criminal justice policy regarding the treatment of suspects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the initial stages of the criminal justice system (CJS), and provide potential policy reform and areas for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing extant literature, research and policy documents, this paper provides a critical review of the current policy and training for dealing with suspects with ASD in the current CJS in England and Wales for suspects with ASD.

Findings

This paper proposes that current policy and police staff training is insufficient during all initial stages of the criminal justice process. Although there are emerging policies and schemes which are promising, they require further research and national participation. Policy reform and improved training is required to ensure minimal opportunities for miscarriages of justice to those individuals with ASD.

Originality/value

This paper provides a chronological journey through the initial stages of the CJS in England and Wales for a suspect with ASD, and the challenges that they may face. Suggestions are made based on criminological and psychological research to remedy the potential opportunities for miscarriages of justice.
Revealing the training on intellectual and developmental disabilities among forensic mental health professionals: a survey report
Authors: Sarrett Jennifer C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the training forensic mental health professionals in the USA receive on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Given the difficulties obtaining accurate prevalence rates of these disabilities in criminal justice settings, it is important to understand how these disabilities are being evaluated and the level of understanding about these disabilities evaluators hold.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was distributed to forensic mental health professionals in the USA that included questions on training opportunities in graduate education, post-graduate forensic training, and professional training opportunities. Participants were also asked about their current work, how they assess I/DD, and their estimates on the percentage of cases they see with I/DD.

Findings

Respondents reported some training that focused heavily on assessment methods. Most respondents estimated between 5 and 25 percent of their cases involving I/DD and reported using a wide range of assessment methods. Finally, many respondents reporting more training needed in this area.

Practical implications

More training is needed for forensic mental health professionals on identifying I/DD. Additionally, professional guidelines on what tools and methods to rely on to identify these disabilities is paramount to ensure homogeneity of methods and, thus, better estimates of overall prevalence in criminal justice settings.

Originality/value

This is the first assessment focused on how forensic mental health professionals are trained to identify I/DD and can be used to improve identification of I/DD in forensic settings.
ASAP-ID: substance abuse programme for a forensic ID population
Authors: Sakdalan Joseph Allan , Kittner Daniel McGarry , Judd Devika
Published: October 2017

Purpose

There are a lack of recourses for substance abuse (SA) treatment for forensic clients with intellectual disabilities (ID). Many complexities arise when treating this population, calling for the creation of comprehensive resources which not only address the SA, but also account for the risk and offending issues. The purpose of this paper is to detail a pilot programme which aims to provide treatment for forensic ID clients with substance abuse issues as well as a significant risk of reoffending.

Design/methodology/approach

Six participants completed a 27-week SA treatment programme (the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programme-Intellectual Disability) which incorporated the use of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and the Good Lives Model concepts. Pre- and post-measures aimed to assess readiness for change and confidence in ability to stay clean and sober.

Findings

Preliminary findings showed a marked improvement in confidence of the participants’ ability to stay clean and sober in risk-related situations as well as an increase in overall readiness for change.

Originality/value

This research paper addresses a gap in the current forensic ID research and clinical treatment options pertaining to SA, by focussing on supporting forensic ID clients in their recovery journey from SA. Being at the forefront of SA treatment for forensic ID, further research in this domain should attempt to consolidate the findings of this programme.
Humanistic perspectives in virtual reference
Authors: Prieto Adolfo G.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Virtual reference is a part of the services offered at academic and other types of libraries. This paper discusses humanistic perspectives that merit consideration in the provision of virtual reference (VR), including mindfulness, authenticity, emotional intelligence (EI) and counseling. This study aims to make these perspectives become a part of the language and practice of virtual reference through this discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper establishes a framework for the VR perspectives it discusses by examining relevant literature for background information and practical applications.

Findings

VR has the potential to benefit from the interrelated humanistic perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity, EI and counseling. It is through the counseling perspective that mindfulness, authenticity and EI are embodied to offer a more transformational and less transactional experience for both librarians and users.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper provides examples of language used by the author to illustrate the counseling perspective, a future study, whereby virtual reference transcripts are formally analyzed, may be beneficial to determine other expressions of counseling and its related perspectives of mindfulness, authenticity and EI.

Practical implications

This paper provides a resource especially helpful to individuals new to VR or who seek opportunities for growth in providing VR.

Originality/value

In addition to taking a multifaceted view of VR through the humanistic perspectives presented, this paper also offers a multidisciplinary approach in its discussion, drawing from areas such as business and medicine.
Embedding digital and research-literacy support program into postgraduate studies curriculum
Authors: Besseah Bernard , Achiro Daisy , Mhando Joseph , Salau Sadiat Adetoro
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This viewpoint paper aims to propose a digital and research literacy support program for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviewed literature on postgraduate students’ skills and postgraduate information literacy programs and proposed one for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions.

Findings

Information literacy programs are not implemented at the postgraduate level in sub-Saharan Africa possibly because of lack of contents for these programs.

Research limitations/implications

The course is only a proposed course that can be embedded into the postgraduate curriculum in sub-Saharan African universities. The effectiveness of the course has not been evaluated in this study.

Originality/value

The proposed information literacy program focused on digital and research literacy, which is still relatively new in sub-Saharan Africa.
Accessibility of women to health information in Tanzania
Authors: Benard Ronald , Chipungahelo Monica Samwel
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine accessibility of health information to women in Tanzania with reference to the Morogoro region. The specific objectives of the study were: first, to identify the health information needs of women; second, to determine the accessibility of the needed health information to women in the study area; and third, to determine the preferred sources of information used by women in accessing health information in the study area.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey method – cross-sectional design – was used. Semi-structured questionnaires with both open- and close-ended questions were used to collect data from four wards of Morogoro Municipal Council, Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with 12 women from four wards, 3 women were selected from each ward.

Findings

The findings also indicated that there was a significant relationship between wards and accessibility to certain types of information which were concerning hypertension, family planning, malaria and typhoid. Although information on diabetes and hypertension had lower percentages of accessibility in all four wards, the study findings revealed that medical doctors, pharmacy shops and family were the main sources of information used by women to access health information. Radio and television were rated as preferred sources of information required by women, whereas internet, local herb hawkers and mobile phones were rated as non-preferable. It is therefore recommended that the government through health-care providers and medical librarians should be proactive in creating awareness and disseminate health information on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to women.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical recommendations on how to improve accessibility of health information in the communities.

Social implications

The paper has an implication of improving accessibility of health information to women in the communities.

Originality/value

The paper provides appropriate knowledge that is needed in improving access to health information in Tanzanian communities and in other developing countries communities.
Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors as facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria
Authors: Izuagbe Roland , Popoola Sunday Olanrewaju
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The study examined the applicability of TAM2 theoretical constructs of social influence and cognitive instrumental factors vis-à-vis the facilitation of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west Nigeria.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Descriptive research design of correlational type alongside the single-stage random sampling technique were used to select 212 respondents from a population size of 259 library personnel across the 21 private universities in South-west Nigeria. The instrument used to elicit data was the questionnaire. Of the 212 copies of the questionnaire administered, 181 (85.4 per cent) were found valid for analysis.

Findings

Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors significantly had relationship with and facilitated perceived usefulness of electronic resources. Similarly, the study revealed that cognitive instrumental factors are stronger facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources than social influence factors among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria.

Practical implications

Implementation of electronic resources without ascertaining library personnel usefulness perception leads to resource underutilisation and wastage. Management of private university libraries should, therefore, take into cognisance the usefulness perception of library personnel before the implementation of electronic resources for optimum utilisation.

Originality/value

There is no known research endeavour within the Nigerian context that examined perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in the private university domain, using the additional theoretical constructs of TAM2 as our research model suggests. This study is, therefore, a pioneering effort towards ascertaining library personnel’s perceived usefulness of electronic resources prior acceptance and use in private university libraries.
Promoting knowledge sharing in academic environments using non-monetary factors
Authors: Dezdar Shahin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Knowledge sharing is very important in non-profit organizations such as academic institutes and universities. This research is a laudable attempt in this vital area to collaborate, refine and advance knowledge production endeavours in universities. The purpose of this study is to formulate a theoretical framework to investigate the non-monetary factors that encourage knowledge-sharing behaviour among postgraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey was conducted among postgraduate students in Iranian public universities to obtain empirical evidence. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The results revealed that knowledge-sharing behaviour is influenced by humility, interpersonal trust, reputation, self-efficacy and enjoyment of helping others.

Originality/value

Most of the prior studies focussed on rewards and monetary incentive factors to encourage knowledge sharing, whereas this paper examines the non-monetary factors that increase the willingness to share knowledge.
Truth and reconciliation in psychiatry: a response to Spandler and McKeown
Authors: Cresswell Mark
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique Spandler and McKeown’s recent advocacy of a truth and reconciliation (T&R) process in psychiatry.

Design/methodology/approach

A critique of a recent paper inMental Health Review Journal.

Findings

That Spandler and McKeown’s advocacy of a T&R process in psychiatry can be criticised from a number of inter-related practical, political and ethical perspectives.

Originality/value

The present critique contributes to the ongoing debate about the desirability of a T&R process in psychiatry.
Effectiveness of resilience capabilities in mitigating disruptions: leveraging on supply chain structural complexity
Authors: Birkie Seyoum Eshetu , Trucco Paolo , Fernandez Campos Pablo
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of supply chain (SC) complexity on the effectiveness of resilience capabilities in mitigating SC disruptions. Hypotheses about direct and moderating influences of complexity on resilience capabilities and performance change after disruption are built and quantitatively tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square-based structural equation modelling with formative constructs was used as an overall approach. Secondary data on SC disruptions, related performance change and resilience practices were collected from multiple sources through a predefined procedure. The collected data were systematically encoded prior to performing statistical analysis.

Findings

SC structural complexity is found to have a significant positive relation with performance improvement after disruption, along with resilience capability; it also positively moderates the resilience–performance link.

Research limitations/implications

The SC complexity factors the authors considered in this study do not include dynamic forms because of the nature of data collected. Future research may attempt to include and test whether the results of this study also hold when additional complexity parameters are taken into account.

Practical implications

Managers are often trying to reduce SC complexity. This study implies that some level of complexity is beneficial also for a better recovery of operational performance affected because of disruption. Resilience capabilities become more effective when leveraged on complexity in the SC.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically investigate the influence of SC complexity on the resilience–performance link.
Ideological battles in and out 1911
Authors: Cheung Siu Keung
Published: October 2017

Purpose

During the centennial anniversary of Xinhai Revolution in 2011, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television supported the production of 1911 for celebrating such an important event that lead to the rise of the Republic of China in the contemporary Chinese history. This paper aims to reflect upon this film in relation to China’s propagation of “Greater China” for the Empire-building project.

Design/methodology/approach

By scrutinizing the film text and following the strait controversies over the film, this paper demonstrates how the Chinese Communist agents employed the coproduction model with Hong Kong for globalizing a cinematic discourse of Greater China in part of their Empire-building project.

Findings

The study challenges how contemporary Chinese history is ideologically and politically manipulated for advancing the Chinese Communist propaganda over Taiwan. The overall objective is to reflect upon the longstanding historical divergences that stand on the current geopolitical envision and strategy of China for reunification.

Originality/value

This paper provides an interdisciplinary reflection upon the intricate post-Cold War politics in part of the contemporary Chinese cinema under the China–Hong Kong coproduction model. The findings advance novel and timely insights into China’s current envision and strategy for reunification.
The colony writes back: nationalism and collaborative coloniality in the Ip Man series
Authors: Cheung Siu Keung , Law Wing Sang
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The majority of Hong Kong filmmakers have pursued co-production with China filmmakers for having the Mainland market at the expense of local styles and sensitivities. To many critics, the two-part series of Ip Man and Ip Man II provide a paradigmatic case of film co-production that sell the tricks of Chinese kung fu, regurgitating the overblown Chinese nationalism against Japanese and kwai-lo. The purpose of this study is to rectify such observation of the Ip Man series.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors read the series deconstructively as a postcolonial text in which Hong Kong identity is inscribed in the negotiated space in between different versions of Chinese nationalism.

Findings

The analysis points to the varying subversive features in the series from which Hong Kong’s colonial experiences are tacitly displayed, endorsed and rewritten into the Chinese nationalistic discourse whose dominance is questioned, if not debased.

Originality/value

This paper advances new research insights into the postcolonial reinvention of kung fu film and, by implication, the Hong Kong cinema in general.
Lost in Hong Kong
Authors: Lok Peter
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a neo-liberal nationalist discourse of China imagines the spatial identity of the post-1997 Hong Kong with reference to Lost in Hong Kong, a new Chinese middle-class film in 2015 with successful box office sales.

Design/methodology/approach

Textual analysis with the aid of psychoanalysis, postcolonial studies and semiotics is used to interpret the meaning of the film in this study. The study also utilizes the previous literature reviews about the formation of the Chinese national identity to help analyze the distinct identity of the Chinese middle class today.

Findings

The discussion pinpoints how the new Chinese middle class as neo-liberal nationalists take Hong Kong as a “bizarre national redemptive space”. While Hong Kong is cinematically constructed as such a national other, this paper argues that the Hong Kong in question stands not for itself but in a form of “reverse hallucination” for pacifying the new Chinese middle class’ trauma under the rapid neo-liberalization of China in the 1990s.

Originality/value

This paper shows the new of formation of the Chinese nationalist’s discourse, especially the new Chinese middle-class discourse on Hong Kong after 1997.
Multiple Hfq‐Crc target sites are required to impose catabolite repression on (methyl)phenol metabolism in Pseudomonas putida CF600
Authors: Wirebrand Lisa , Madhushani Anjana W. K. , Irie Yasuhiko , Shingler Victoria
Published: October 2017

The dmp‐system encoded on the IncP‐2 pVI150 plasmid of Pseudomonas putida CF600 confers the ability to assimilate (methyl)phenols. Regulation of the dmp‐genes is subject to sophisticated control, which includes global regulatory input to subvert expression of the pathway in the presence of preferred carbon sources. Previously we have shown that in P. putida, translational inhibition exerted by the carbon repression control protein Crc operates hand‐in‐hand with the RNA chaperon protein Hfq to reduce translation of the DmpR regulator of the Dmp‐pathway. Here, we show that Crc and Hfq co‐target four additional sites to form riboprotein complexes within the proximity of the translational initiation sites of genes encoding the first two steps of the Dmp‐pathway to mediate two‐layered control in the face of selection of preferred substrates. Furthermore, we present evidence that Crc plays a hitherto unsuspected role in maintaining the pVI150 plasmid within a bacterial population, which has implications for (methyl)phenol degradation and a wide variety of other physiological processes encoded by the IncP‐2 group of Pseudomonas‐specific mega‐plasmids.
Glycosylate and move! The glycosyltransferase Maf is involved in bacterial flagella formation
Authors: Sulzenbacher Gerlind , Roig‐Zamboni Véronique , Lebrun Régine , Guérardel Yann , Murat Dorothée , Mansuelle Pascal , Yamakawa Nao , Qian Xin‐Xin , Vincentelli Renaud , Bourne Yves , Wu Long‐Fei , Alberto François
Published: October 2017

The flagella of various Gram‐negative bacteria are decorated with diverse glycan structures, amongst them nonulosonic acids related to the sialic acid family. Although nonulosonic sugar biosynthesis pathways have been dissected in various pathogens, the enzymes transferring the sugars onto flagellin are still poorly characterized. The deletion of genes coding for motility associated factors (Mafs) found in many pathogenic strains systematically gives rise to nonflagellated bacteria lacking specific nonulosonic sugars on the flagellins, therefore, relating Maf function to flagellin glycosylation and bacterial motility. We investigated the role of Maf from our model organism, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1, in the glycosylation and formation of the flagellum. Deletion of the gene amb0685 coding for Maf produced a nonflagellated bacterium where the flagellin was still produced but no longer glycosylated. Our X‐ray structure analysis revealed that the central domain of Maf exhibits similarity to sialyltransferases from Campylobacter jejuni. Glycan analysis suggested that the nonulosonic carbohydrate structure transferred is pseudaminic acid or a very close derivative. This work describes the importance of glycosylation in the formation of the bacterial flagellum and provides the first structural model for a member of a new bacterial glycosyltransferase family involved in nonulosonic acids transfer onto flagellins.
The effects of single‐ and multiple‐dose administration of bococizumab (RN316/PF‐04950615), a humanized IgG2Δa monoclonal antibody binding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, in hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with and without atorvastatin: Results from four phase I studies
Authors: Gumbiner Barry , Joh Tenshang , Liang Hong , Wan Hong , Levisetti Matteo , Vana Alicia M. , Shelton David L. , Forgues Philippe , Billotte Stephan , Pons Jaume , Baum Charles M. , Garzone Pamela D.
Published: October 2017

Aims

Three single‐dose and one multiple‐dose phase I studies were conducted in subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of bococizumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor.

Methods

The dosing schedules for hypercholesterolemic subjects randomized in the four phase I studies were (1) ascending, single, intravenous (IV) bococizumab (0.3, 1, 3, 6, 12, or 18 mg/kg), or placebo (N = 48; baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C] ≥130 mg/dL); (2) single, IV bococizumab (0.5 or 4 mg/kg; no placebo) added to ongoing atorvastatin 40 mg/day (N = 24); (3) single, fixed, subcutaneous (SC) bococizumab (100 or 200 mg), or IV bococizumab (200 mg; no placebo; N = 49; baseline LDL‐C ≥130 mg/dL); and (4) weekly IV bococizumab (0.25, 0.5, 1, or 1.5 mg/kg) or placebo for 4 weeks (N = 67; baseline LDL‐C ≥130 mg/dL).

Results

Bococizumab pharmacokinetics were well characterized following single IV or SC doses and following multiple IV doses. Exposure to single‐dose bococizumab increased slightly greater than dose‐proportionally and clearance decreased with increasing dose. In the single‐dose studies, maximal mean percent reductions from baseline in LDL‐C ranged from 43% (0.3 mg/kg) to 84% (18 mg/kg) in bococizumab‐treated subjects, compared with 2% for placebo. For the multiple‐dose study, maximal reductions in LDL‐C ranged from 55% (0.25 mg/kg) to 66% (1 mg/kg) in bococizumab‐treated subjects, compared with 9% for placebo. In all studies, adverse events were infrequent, transient, and not dose‐related.

Conclusions

Bococizumab was generally safe and well tolerated. Bococizumab lowered LDL‐C levels substantially in all four studies.
Urine angiostatin and VCAM‐1 surpass conventional metrics in predicting elevated renal pathology activity indices in lupus nephritis
Authors: Soliman Samar , Mohamed Fatma A. , Ismail Faten M. , Stanley Samantha , Saxena Ramesh , Mohan Chandra
Published: October 2017

Aim

The goal of this study is to investigate how urinary angiostatin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) and established measures of renal function relate to specific histologic findings in paired kidney biopsy samples from patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

Method

Urine samples were collected from 54 LN patients together with paired kidney biopsy samples and examined for urinary angiostatin and VCAM‐1 protein levels. Nonparametric tests were used to examine the association of both urinary biomarkers and established traditional laboratory markers of renal function with nine specific renal histologic features seen in LN, including glomerular leukocyte infiltration, endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, fibrinoid necrosis, wire loops, interstitial inflammation, glomerulosclerosis, fibrous crescents, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis.

Results

Compared to traditional renal disease metrics, both urinary angiostatin and VCAM‐1 exhibited outstanding potential (area under the curve 0.97, 0.98, respectively) to predict renal biopsy activity index score ≥ 7, which is associated with poor long‐term prognosis. Whereas urine VCAM‐1 was most significantly associated with fibrous crescents, urine angiostatin was most significantly associated with endocapillary proliferation, cellular crescents, fibrinoid necrosis and fibrous crescents in concurrent renal biopsies.

Conclusion

Urinary angiostatin and VCAM‐1 are predictive of specific histological changes in concurrent LN renal biopsies. Both urinary biomarkers are good candidates for use as noninvasive measures of renal pathology activity changes in LN.
Generalised joint hypermobility and knee joint hypermobility: prevalence, knee joint symptoms and health‐related quality of life in a Danish adult population
Authors: Junge Tina , Henriksen Peter , Hansen Sebrina , Østengaard Lasse , Golightly Yvonne M. , Juul‐Kristensen Birgit
Published: October 2017

Aim

Several biomechanical factors, such as knee joint hypermobility (KJH), are suggested to play a role in the etiology of knee joint symptoms and knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the prevalence or consequences of KJH solely or included in the classification of generalized joint hypermobility (GJHk) is unknown for a general population. Therefore, the objectives were to report the prevalence of self‐reported GJHk and KJH, as well as the association of these conditions to knee joint symptoms, severity and duration of symptoms, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Danish adult population.

Method

This study is a cross‐sectional population‐based survey of 2056 Danish adults. Respondents received online questionnaires of GJHk and KJH, knee joint symptoms, the severity and duration of these, as well as HRQoL.

Results

Total response rate was 49% (n = 1006). The prevalence of self‐reported GJHk and KJH was 13% and 23%, mostly representing women. More than half of the respondents with GJHk and KJH had knee joint symptoms. The odds for reporting knee joint symptoms, severity of knee joint symptoms and duration of knee joint symptoms were twice as high for respondents with GJHk and KJH. Respondents with GJHk and KJH reported lower HRQoL.

Conclusion

GJHk and KJH were frequently reported in the Danish adult population, mostly in women. Respondents with GJHk and KJH were two times more likely to report knee joint‐related symptoms such as pain, reduced performance of usual activity and lower HRQoL. The impact of these conditions on HRQoL is comparable with knee osteoarthritis.