bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The zoogeographic significance of urban bushland remnants to reptiles in the Perth region, Western Australia
Authors: A. How R. , Dell J.
Published: May 2016

The 71 reptile species occurring in the Perth region make this area as diverse as any similar sized coastal region in Australia. Cluster analysis of the lizard assemblages of 17 bushland remnants in the region indicate that three main sub-regions can be identified; Darling Plateau and Scarp, Offshore Islands and Swan Coastal Plain. Within the Swan Coastal Plain the lizard and skink faunas of remnant bushlands on the same landform are more similar to one another than they are to those of adjacent landforms. The Swan River appears to be a distributional boundary for some species. Species-area relationships indicate a variety of responses amongst the different taxonomic groups of reptiles, with snakes being the most sensitive to loss of habitat. The isolated remnant bushlands of inner urban areas retain a variety of reptile species, but there is no significant relationship with remnant size. The implications of zoogeographic and area relationships to conservation are discussed.
The need for a more sophisticated approach toward wildlife corridor design in the multiple-use forests of southeastern Australia: the case for mammals
Authors: W. Claridge Andrew , B. Lindenmayer David
Published: May 2016

The native eucalypt forests of southeastern Australia are managed for wood production, water protection, human recreation and the conservation of plants and wildlife. One strategy to conserve forest wildlife within wood production areas involves the use of unlogged strips or corridors of habitat. Most corridors are situated in gullies within forest catchments. However, a review of recent studies undertaken in southeastern Australia shows that many species of forest mammals either require habitat outside of gullies to find food and shelter, or make regular movements between forest on different parts of the topographic sequence. These findings illustrate that strategies for the design and implementation of wildlife corridors need to become more sophisticated and ensure: (i) the conservation of forest on ridges and midslopes, and (ii) the linkage of uncut stands on ridges and midslopes with forest in gullies.
Population numbers, response to weather, movements and management of the threatened New Zealand skinks Oligosoma grande and O. otagense in tussock grassland
Authors: J. Coddington Emma , Cree Alison
Published: May 2016

The threatened skinks Oligosoma grande and O. otagense currently exist in small, fragmented populations inhabiting rock outcrops among subalpine tussock grassland in southern New Zealand. This habitat is disappearing as farm production increases. Population numbers in three prime sites on Emerald Creek are low in absolute terms (11?56 individuals of each species; 15?78/ha). Low numbers and habitat fragmentation place populations at demographic and genetic risk. Emergence of both species from outcrops is highly weather-dependent, being negatively correlated with cloud cover and positively correlated with vapour pressure deficit and either air or rock temperature. Although higher numbers of both species emerge in warm, dry and sunny weather, O. grande is more likely than O. otagense to be seen in marginal conditions. Many animals showed site fidelity but some moved between outcrops; maximum distances between sightings were 139 m for O. grande and 79 m for O. otagense. Pair bonding may occur in O. otagense. We recommend that annual censuses with moderate-low confidence intervals be carried out at a range of sites, that future surveys and censuses consider weather variables explicitly, and that the effects of habitat degradation and habitat enhancement on dispersal between outcrops be investigated.
Towards scientific contributions in applying the precautionary principle: an example from southwestern Australia
Authors: C. Calver M. , S. Bradley J. , W. Wright I.
Published: May 2016

Scientific suspicion of the widely stated precautionary principle is based largely on confusion as to procedures for incorporating scientific data into a philosophical-political process. Here we take published guidelines on applying the precautionary principle and illustrate how they allow scientific input to the question of whether or not current multipleuse forestry takes a precautionary approach to conserving threatened or vulnerable marsupials in the jarrah forest of Western Australia. The scientific input involves (i) identification of outcomes in similar situations elsewhere in Australia, (ii) selection of indicator species for monitoring based on predictions made on the basis of (i) above and published accounts of the species' biology, and (iii) a prescription for monitoring/experimentation that includes a quantitative requirement for a probability of detecting impacts based on statistical power analysis. On the standards suggested, contemporary management falls short of a quantitative definition of precaution that involves adherence to measurable standards.
The Precautionary Principle
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

The Precautionary Principle is one of those ideas which is easy for governments, industry and individuals to endorse, but which is seldom applied. As the exchange by David Goodall and Mike Calver and his colleagues in this issue indicate, at least part of the problem with implementation is the difficulty in really defining what the principle means and how its application might be monitored. My own opinion is that the precautionary principle is a little like the Ten Commandments ? an excellent idea, but something few people actually follow and which is not yet a significant factor in government and industry environmental policies.
Conservation Biology for the Australian Environment
Authors: Agocs A. , Eyres J. , Goeft U. , Horrocks D. , McQuillan L. , Norwood C. , Robertson M. , Watson A.
Published: May 2016

Conservation biology draws from a diverse tange of academic fields. Already a number of textbooks are available on the subject. This book is the first attempt to place the concepts of conservation biology into a uniquely Australian context. The book aim1l to provide an introduction to the principles of conservation biology and supply information on the main quantitative methods and procedures important in detecting and solving conservation problems in Australia.
Views of HIV-negative partners in heterosexual serodiscordant relationships regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: a qualitative study
Authors: Falcão Joana R. S. P. , Bradshaw Catriona C. , Garrett Cameryn C. , Bilardi Jade E. , Chen Marcus Y. , Zablotska Iryna , Fairley Christopher K. , Williams Henrietta
Published: May 2016

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an effective option for HIV prevention among heterosexual serodiscordant couples. However, there are knowledge gaps in social research about PrEP in heterosexual serodiscordant relationships, including motivations and barriers to its use and possible impacts of PrEP uptake on the sexual practices of these couples. The aim of this study was to explore the views of HIV-negative men and women in stable serodiscordant heterosexual relationships about the possible use of PrEP. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to understand participants’ views on the use of PrEP. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Results: In total, 13 HIV-negative partners were interviewed; six men and seven women. Participants demonstrated a high interest in the use of PrEP for conception. PrEP was also considered an option for general HIV prevention, although men saw more benefits for this use than women. Participants’ main concerns around PrEP usage were about cost, efficacy, daily adherence and side-effects. HIV-positive partner support is likely to play a central role for PrEP uptake and adherence. Conclusions: This study is one of the first studies to explore the views of HIV-negative heterosexual partners in serodiscordant relationships around the use of PrEP while trying to conceive, as well as for general HIV prevention. These study results provide new insights for the further development of guidelines governing the use of PrEP for serodiscordant couples.
Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Vance David E. , Marson Daniel C. , Triebel Kristen L. , Ball Karlene K. , Wadley Virginia G. , Cody Shameka L.
Published: May 2016

Depressive symptoms and social networks may influence the relationship between physical activity and cognition. Using structural equation modeling, depressive symptoms and social networks were examined as mediators between physical activity and cognition in community-dwelling older adults (N = 122), with a range of cognitive abilities (e.g., normal, mild cognitive impairment). The model included age, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleeping, social networks, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. A path was observed between physical activity, depressive symptoms, and cognition; specifically, those who were more physically active experienced less depression and better cognitive functioning. No relationship between social networks and cognition was found. This model fits the data well (goodness-of-fit index = .93, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = .90, root mean square error of approximation = .06). Results suggest that physical activity may mitigate depressive symptoms, with beneficial effects on cognitive functioning in both those with and without mild cognitive impairment. Suggestions for managing depression and improving cognitive functioning are provided.
The role of ascitic fluid viscosity in differentiating the nature of ascites and in the prediction of renal impairment and duration of ICU stay
Authors: Hanafy Amr S.
Published: May 2016

Background and aim

Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) has been used in the classification of ascites for the last 20 years but it has some drawbacks. This study searches for possible correlations between ascitic fluid viscosity and the etiology of ascites, renal impairment, and length of ICU stay.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. It included 240 patients with ascites due to various causes. The patients were divided into two groups: the cirrhotic ascites group, which included 120 patients, and the noncirrhotic ascites group, which included 120 patients. Ascitic patients on medical management with diuretics, antibiotics, paracentesis, and infusion of plasma or albumin were excluded.

The laboratory analysis included routine investigations to detect the cause of ascites as well as specific investigations such as ascitic fluid viscosity using a falling ball viscosimeter (microviscosimeter) at 37°C.

Results

The mean ascitic viscosity of patients with SAAG at least 1.1 was 1.16±0.56, which was associated with serum creatinine 1.35±0.52 mg/dl and ICU stay of 3.3±1.2 days. In patients with SAAG less than 1.1 g/dl, the mean ascitic viscosity was 2.98±0.87, with serum creatinine 2.1±0.56 mg/dl and ICU stay of 7.1±1.3 days. Ascitic viscosity can discriminate ascites due to portal hypertension from those associated with nonportal hypertension at a cut-off value of 1.65; it can predict renal impairment in hepatic patients at a cut-off of 1.35 and long ICU stay at a cut-off of 1.995 using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusion

Ascitic viscosity measurement is rapid, inexpensive, and requires small sample volumes. Ascitic viscosity can discriminate ascites due to portal hypertension from those associated with nonportal hypertension at a cut-off value of 1.65. It can predict renal impairment in hepatic patients at a cut-off of 1.35 and long ICU stay at a cut-off of 1.995.
Concomitant Liposuction Reduces Complications of Vertical Medial Thigh Lift in Massive Weight Loss Patients
Authors: Schmidt Manfred , Pollhammer Michael S. , Januszyk Michael , Duscher Dominik , Huemer Georg M.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Medial thigh lift procedures in the massive weight loss population have been associated with significant complication rates. Liposuction-assisted medial thighplasty has recently been introduced as a technical advancement to improve outcomes. To date, no study is available directly comparing the traditional approach and this new technique. Here, the authors evaluate outcomes and complications of both techniques in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Outcomes of 59 patients undergoing vertical medial thighplasty at the authors’ institution between 2008 and 2014 were assessed retrospectively. Evaluated parameters include age, sex, body mass indices, method of weight loss, comorbidities, and complications (e.g., seroma, infection, wound dehiscence, hematoma, and surgical revision). Appropriate statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

There were 29 patients in the excision-only group and 30 patients in the liposuction-assisted group (all women; average age, 41.5 years). The overall complication rate was significantly reduced in the liposuction-assisted group (13 percent versus 59 percent; p < 0.001). The incidence of individual complications such as seroma formation (zero patients versus 10 patients; p < 0.001) and wound infection (one patient versus eight patients; p = 0.01) was significantly less in the liposuction-assisted group. In addition, we observed a significantly shorter hospital stay (6.0 days versus 7.8 days), reduced number of follow-up visits (2.0 versus 4.4), and reduced time to drain removal (1.8 days versus 4.1 days; p < 0.001) in the liposuction-assisted group.

Conclusions:

Liposuction-assisted medial thighplasty led to a significant reduction of complications and faster recovery in the massive weight loss patient population. As a consequence, the excision-only vertical thigh lift has been completely abandoned in the authors’ clinical practice.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Overview of Auditing for the Busy Rheumatologist
Authors: Huffstutter Jessica G. , Huffstutter J. Eugene
Published: May 2016

Medical audits have become commonplace in the United States. A variety of companies service government and private payers to document accuracy of medical services provided as reflected in the medical record. When audited, the physician may not understand the nature of the inquiry, jurisdictions, methods, or purpose. This article gives practicing rheumatologists a reference to learn the types of audits and suggests responses that should minimize the impact of the audit to the practice.
Efficacy and Safety of Levosulpiride Versus Haloperidol Injection in Patients With Acute Psychosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Lavania Sagar , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Bains Hariender Singh , Sinha Vishal , Kumar Abhinav
Published: May 2016

Background

Injectable antipsychotics are frequently required for controlling agitation and aggression in acute psychosis. No study has examined the use of injectable levosulpiride for this indication.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of injectable levosulpiride and haloperidol in patients with acute psychosis.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in which 60 drug-naive patients having acute psychosis were randomly assigned to receive either intramuscular haloperidol (10–20 mg/d) or levosulpiride (25–50 mg/d) for 5 days. All patients were rated on Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Overt Agitation Severity Scale (OASS), Overt Aggression Scale–Modified (OAS-M) scores, Simpson Angus Scale (SAS), and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS).

Results

Repeated-measures ANOVA for BPRS scores showed significant effect of time (P < 0.001) and a trend toward greater reduction in scores in haloperidol group as shown by group × time interaction (P = 0.076). Repeated-measures ANOVA for OASS showed significant effect of time (P < 0.001) but no group × time interaction. Repeated-measures ANOVA for OAS-M scores showed significant effect of time (P < 0.001) and greater reduction in scores in haloperidol group as shown by group × time interaction (P = 0.032). Lorazepam requirement was much lower in haloperidol group as compared with those receiving levosulpiride (P = 0.022). Higher rates of akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms were noted in the haloperidol group.

Conclusions

Haloperidol was more effective than levosulpiride injection for psychotic symptoms, aggression, and severity of agitation in acute psychosis, but extrapyramidal adverse effects were less frequent with levosulpiride as compared with those receiving haloperidol.
Brain serotonergic activation in growth-stunted farmed salmon: adaption versus pathology
Authors: Vindas Marco A. , Johansen Ida B. , Folkedal Ole , Höglund Erik , Gorissen Marnix , Flik Gert , Kristiansen Tore S. , Øverli Øyvind
Published: May 2016

Signalling systems activated under stress are highly conserved, suggesting adaptive effects of their function. Pathologies arising from continued activation of such systems may represent a mismatch between evolutionary programming and current environments. Here, we use Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
) in aquaculture as a model to explore this stance of evolutionary-based medicine, for which empirical evidence has been lacking. Growth-stunted (GS) farmed fish were characterized by elevated brain serotonergic activation, increased cortisol production and behavioural inhibition. We make the novel observation that the serotonergic system in GS fish is unresponsive to additional stressors, yet a cortisol response is maintained. The inability of the serotonergic system to respond to additional stress, while a cortisol response is present, probably leads to both imbalance in energy metabolism and attenuated neural plasticity. Hence, we propose that serotonin-mediated behavioural inhibition may have evolved in vertebrates to minimize stress exposure in vulnerable individuals.
Estimation of self-motion duration and distance in rodents
Authors: Kautzky Magdalena , Thurley Kay
Published: May 2016

Spatial orientation and navigation rely on information about landmarks and self-motion cues gained from multi-sensory sources. In this study, we focused on self-motion and examined the capability of rodents to extract and make use of information about own movement, i.e. path integration. Path integration has been investigated in depth in insects and humans. Demonstrations in rodents, however, mostly stem from experiments on heading direction; less is known about distance estimation. We introduce a novel behavioural paradigm that allows for probing temporal and spatial contributions to path integration. The paradigm is a bisection task comprising movement in a virtual reality environment in combination with either timing the duration ran or estimating the distance covered. We performed experiments with Mongolian gerbils and could show that the animals can keep track of time and distance during spatial navigation.
Superior discrimination for hue than for saturation and an explanation in terms of correlated neural noise
Authors: Danilova M. V. , Mollon J. D.
Published: May 2016

The precision of human colour discrimination depends on the region of colour space in which measurements are made and on the direction in which the compared colours—the discriminanda—differ. Working in a MacLeod–Boynton chromaticity diagram scaled so that thresholds at the white point were equal for the two axes, we made measurements at reference points lying on lines that passed at 45° or −45° through the white point. At a given reference chromaticity, we measured thresholds either for
saturation
(i.e. for discriminanda lying radially along the line passing through the white point) or for
hue
(i.e. for discriminanda lying on a tangent of a circle passing through the reference point and centred on the white point). The discriminanda always straddled the reference point in chromaticity. The attraction of this arrangement is that the two thresholds can be expressed in common units. All that differs between saturation and hue measurements is the phase with which the short-wave signal is combined with the long-/middle-wave signal. Except for chromaticities very close to the white point, saturation thresholds were systematically higher than hue thresholds. We offer a possible explanation in terms of correlated neural noise.
A precision metric for clinical genome sequencing
Authors: Goldfeder Rachel L. , Ashley Euan A.
Published: May 2016

A requisite precondition for the application of next-generation sequencing to clinical medicine is the ability to confidently call genotype at each coding/splicing position of every gene of interest. Current gold standard technologies, such as Sanger sequencing and microarrays, allow confident identification of the genomic origin of the DNA of interest. A commonly used minimum standard for the adoption of new technology in medicine is non-inferiority. We developed a metric to quantify the extent to which current sequencing technologies reach this clinical grade reporting standard. This metric, the rationale for which we present here, is defined as the absolute number of base pairs per gene not callable with confidence, as specified by the presence of 20 high quality (Q20) bases from uniquely mapped (mapq>0) reads per locus. To illustrate the utility of this metric, we apply it across data from several commercially available clinical sequencing products. We present specific examples of coverage for genes known to be important for clinical medicine. We derive data from a variety of platforms including whole genome sequencing (Illumina Hiseq and X chemistry) and exome capture (including medically optimized capture from Agilent, Baylor Clinical Lab, and Personalis). We observe that compared to whole genomes (with ˜30x average coverage), augmented exomes perform far better for known disease causing genes, but less well for other genes and in untranslated regions. Increasing whole genome coverage improves this discrepancy with an average coverage of ˜45x representing the cross over point where performance equals that of exome capture for disease causing genes. A combination of some genome-wide coverage and augmented exon coverage may offer the most cost effective solution for clinical grade genome sequencing today. In summary, this coverage metric provides transparency regarding the current state of next-generation sequencing for clinical medicine and will inform genotype interpretation, technology improvement, and sequencing platform choices for physicians and laboratories. We provide an application on precision.fda.gov (Coverage of Key Genes app) to calculate this metric.
Exploring the Relationship between Abundance and Temperature with a Chemostat Model
Authors: Solari Cristian A. , Galzenati Vanina J. , McGill Brian J.
Published: May 2016

Although there is a well developed theory on the relationship between the intrinsic growth raterand temperatureT, it is not yet clear howrrelates to abundance, and how abundance relates toT. Many species often have stable enough population dynamics that one can talk about a stochastic equilibrium population sizeN*. There is sometimes an assumption thatN* andrare positively correlated, but there is lack of evidence for this. To try to understand the relationship betweenr, N*, andTwe used a simple chemostat model. The model shows that N* not only depends onr, but also on the mortality rate, the half-saturation constant of the nutrient limitingr, and the conversion coefficient of the limiting nutrient. Our analysis shows that N* positively correlates to r only with high mortality rate and half-saturation constant values. The response curve of N* vs.Tcan be flat, Gaussian, convex, and even temperature independent depending on the values of the variables in the model and their relationship toT. Moreover, whenever the populations have not reached equilibrium and might be in the process of doing so, it could be wrongly concluded that N* andrare positively correlated. Because of their low half-saturation constants, unless conditions are oligotrophic, microorganisms would tend to have flat abundance response curves to temperature even with high mortality rates. In contrast, unless conditions are eutrophic, it should be easier to get a Gaussian temperature response curve for multicellular organisms because of their high half-saturation constant. This work sheds light to why it is so difficult for any general principles to emerge on the abundance response to temperature. We conclude that directly relating N* toris an oversimplification that should be avoided.
Population structure and coalescence in pedigrees: comparisons to the structured coalescent and a framework for inference
Authors: Wilton Peter R. , Baduel Pierre , Landon Matthieu M. , Wakeley John
Published: May 2016

Contrary to what is often assumed in population genetics, independently segregating loci do not have completely independent ancestries, since all loci are inherited through a single, shared population pedigree. Previous work has shown that the non-independence between gene genealogies of independently segregating loci created by the population pedigree is weak in panmictic populations, and predictions made from standard coalescent theory are accurate for populations that are at least moderately sized. Here, we investigate patterns of coalescence in pedigrees of structured populations. We find that the pedigree creates deviations away from the predictions of the structured coalescent that persist on a longer timescale than in the case of panmictic populations. Nevertheless, we find that the structured coalescent provides a reasonable approximation for the coalescent process in structured population pedigrees so long as migration events are moderately frequent and there are no migration events in the recent pedigree of the sample. When there are migration events in the recent sample pedigree, we find that distributions of coalescence in the sample can be modeled as a mixture of distributions from different initial sample configurations. We use this observation to motivate a maximum-likelihood approach for inferring migration rates and mutation rates jointly with features of the pedigree such as recent migrant ancestry and recent relatedness. Using simulation, we show that our inference framework accurately recovers long-term migration rates in the presence of recent migration events in the sample pedigree.
Metagenomic Covariation Along Densely Sampled Environmental Gradients in the Red Sea
Authors: Thompson Luke R. , Williams Gareth J. , Haroon Mohamed F. , Shibl Ahmed , Larsen Peter , Shorenstein Joshua , Knight Rob , Stingl Ulrich
Published: May 2016

Oceanic microbial diversity covaries with physicochemical parameters. Temperature, for example, explains approximately half of global variation in surface taxonomic abundance. It is unknown, however, whether covariation patterns hold over narrower parameter gradients and spatial scales, and extending to mesopelagic depths. We collected and sequenced 45 epipelagic and mesopelagic microbial metagenomes on a meridional transect through the eastern Red Sea. We asked which environmental parameters explain the most variation in relative abundances of taxonomic groups, gene ortholog groups, and pathways—at a spatial scale of <2000 km, along narrow but well-defined latitudinal and depth-dependent gradients. We also asked how microbes are adapted to gradients and extremes in irradiance, temperature, salinity, and nutrients, examining the responses of individual gene ortholog groups to these parameters. Functional and taxonomic metrics were equally well explained (75-79%) by environmental parameters. However, only functional and not taxonomic covariation patterns were conserved when comparing with an intruding water mass with different physicochemical properties. Temperature explained the most variation in each metric, followed by nitrate, chlorophyll, phosphate, and salinity. That nitrate explained more variation than phosphate suggested nitrogen limitation, consistent with low surface N:P ratios. Covariation of gene ortholog groups with environmental parameters revealed patterns of functional adaptation to the challenging Red Sea environment: high irradiance, temperature, salinity, and low nutrients. Nutrient acquisition gene ortholog groups were anticorrelated with concentrations of their respective nutrient species, recapturing trends previously observed across much larger distances and environmental gradients. This dataset of metagenomic covariation along densely sampled environmental gradients includes online data exploration supplements, serving as a community resource for marine microbial ecology.
An open-hardware platform for optogenetics and photobiology
Authors: Gerhardt Karl P. , Olson Evan J. , Castillo-Hair Sebastian M. , Hartsough Lucas A. , Landry Brian P. , Ekness Felix , Yokoo Rayka , Gomez Eric J. , Ramakrishnan Prabha , Suh Junghae , Savage David F. , Tabor Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2016

In optogenetics, researchers use light and genetically encoded photoreceptors to control biological processes with unmatched precision. However, outside of neuroscience, the impact of optogenetics has been limited by a lack of user-friendly, flexible, accessible hardware. Here, we engineer the Light Plate Apparatus (LPA), a device that can deliver two independent 310 to 1550 nm light signals to each well of a 24-well plate with intensity control over three orders of magnitude and millisecond resolution. Signals are programmed using an intuitive web tool named Iris. All components can be purchased for under $400 and the device can be assembled and calibrated by a non-expert in one day. We use the LPA to precisely control gene expression from blue, green, and red light responsive optogenetic tools in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells and simplify the entrainment of cyanobacterial circadian rhythm. The LPA dramatically reduces the entry barrier to optogenetics and photobiology experiments.
Regulatory architecture of gene expression variation in the threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Pritchard Victoria L. , Viitaniemi Heidi M. , McCairns R.J. Scott , Merilä Juha , Nikinmaa Mikko , Primmer Craig R. , Leder Erica H.
Published: May 2016

Much adaptive evolutionary change is underlain by mutational variation in regions of the genome that regulate gene expression rather than in the coding regions of the genes themselves. An understanding of the role of gene expression variation in facilitating local adaptation will be aided by an understanding of underlying regulatory networks. Here, we characterize the genetic architecture of gene expression variation in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), an important model in the study of adaptive evolution. We collected transcriptomic and genomic data from 60 half-sib families using an expression microarray and genotyping-by-sequencing, and located QTL underlying the variation in gene expression (eQTL) in liver tissue using an interval mapping approach. We identified eQTL for several thousand expression traits. Expression was influenced by polymorphism in both cis and trans regulatory regions. Trans eQTL clustered into hotspots. We did not identify master transcriptional regulators in hotspot locations: rather, the presence of hotspots may be driven by complex interactions between multiple transcription factors. One observed hotspot co-located with a QTL recently found to underlie salinity tolerance in the threespine stickleback. However, most other observed hotspots did not co-locate with regions of the genome known to be involved in adaptive divergence between marine and freshwater habitats.
Detecting differential growth of microbial populations with Gaussian process regression
Authors: Tonner Peter D , Darnell Cynthia L , Engelhardt Barbara E , Schmid Amy K
Published: May 2016

Microbial growth curves are used to study differential effects of media, genetics, and stress on microbial population growth. Consequently, many modeling frameworks exist to capture microbial population growth measurements. However, current models are designed to quantify growth under conditions that produce a specific functional form. Extensions to these models are required to quantify the effects of perturbations, which often exhibit non-standard growth curves. Rather than fix expected functional forms of different experimental perturbations, we developed a general and robust model of microbial population growth curves using Gaussian process (GP) regression. GP regression modeling of high resolution time-series growth data enables accurate quantification of population growth, and can be extended to identify differential growth phenotypes due to genetic background or stress. Additionally, confounding effects due to experimental variation can be controlled explicitly. Our framework substantially outperforms commonly used microbial population growth models, particularly when modeling growth data from environmentally stressed populations. We apply the GP growth model to a collection of growth measurements for seven transcription factor knockout strains of a model archaeal organism,Halobacterium salinarum. Using these models fitted to growth data, two statistical tests were developed to quantify the differential effects of genetic and environmental perturbations on microbial growth. These statistical tests accurately identify known regulators and implicate novel regulators of growth under standard and stress conditions. Furthermore, the fitted GP regression models are interpretable, recapitulating biological knowledge of growth response while providing new insights into the relevant parameters affecting microbial population growth.
Evo TV
Authors: Rawani Meenakshi , Awasthi Ashwini K. , Sarkar Siddhartha
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Marketing.

Study level/applicability

Post Graduate.

Case overview

Rajiv Bapna and Pradeep Bapna co-founded Allied Electronics & Magnetics Limited (widely known as Amkette) in the year 1985 for the production of floppy diskettes in India. By the year 1995, Amkette was the largest selling floppy diskette brand in India. With the advent of new technology in storage media sale of floppy diskette observed a constant decline. By the end of year 2004, floppy diskettes completely vanished from the market. Amkette anticipated the changes in the computer peripherals market and introduced a wide range of products in storage media, wireless and wired peripherals, accessories and digital lifestyle products. After the launch of Evo TV on June 2012, Amkette was hopeful for a major success in digital lifestyle segment. Evo TV, a connected TV device, allowed consumers to use smart apps on their television sets and was a cost-effective substitute to Smart TVs. Amkette was betting very high on Evo TV for revenue generation and market development.

Expected learning outcomes

Following are the learning outcomes: to review the product life cycle of technology products, to understand evolving customers’ expectations and behavior, to assess the adoption process of innovative products and to explore the challenges associated with innovative products for market development.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Reviving heritage brands – the case of Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Authors: Frösén Johanna , Laukkanen Mikko
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Branding and brand management.

Study level/applicability

This case is intended for advanced-level marketing courses (MSc, MBA and EMBA). Students should have some familiarity with central marketing issues and concepts, specifically related to segmentation, targeting and positioning; branding and brand management; and consumer behaviour.

Case overview

This teaching case concentrates on branding in an emerging markets context, heritage branding, brand revival and entrepreneurial marketing. The case illustrates the challenges and opportunities related to re-launching a heritage brand in the Russian market.

Expected learning outcomes

The teaching objectives of the case are to provide students with an understanding of how branding tools are applied in an entrepreneurial context and how brands, especially heritage brands, are revived and managed.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

Marketing.
Delhi traffic police: social media for better traffic management
Authors: Singh Anjali
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Social media.

Study level/applicability

Under graduate/Easy.

Case overview

The case study presents a discussion on how the Delhi Traffic Police has used social media, Facebook in particular, to collaborate with the commuters on Delhi road to improve its traffic management. This case study can be as an example to illustrate the use of social media by a government department, to address operational and resources limitations. The case traces the start and evolution of the Delhi Traffic Police’s journey on the social media as the department responds to the inputs from the commuters on its Facebook page.

Expected learning outcomes

The case study is an illustration of a non-traditional application of a new technology by a non-business organization, the challenges it faces in its adoption and the solutions it provides.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
The Snow Festival: what went wrong?
Authors: Ackaradejruangsri Pajaree
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Strategic and Business Management.

Study level/applicability

Sophomore level.

Case overview

This case is about unexpected incident at a Snow Festival, Plearn Park Thailand. Despite a great number of visitors, many serious concerns were raised, particularly the health and safety of people and the environmental impact of the fake snow. Mr Sun and his team tried their very best to address and solve the concerns. But no matter what actions were taken, the concerns and anxieties still remained. As the founder of Plearn Park, Sun decided to end the event. But still he could not get over it. He thought over and over, “what really went wrong with the Snow Festival?”

Expected learning outcomes

This case offers a rich context for examining the situation, analyzing the cause of the problem, evaluating the decision and exploring the potential problem with an aim to enhance students’ skills in problem-solving and decision-making through an actual incident in a larger environment.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 5: International Business.
Can IKEA adapt its service experience to India?
Authors: McNamara Tom , Descubes Irena
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Marketing and Strategy.

Study level/applicability

BA level.

Case overview

The case deals with IKEA’s unique service experience, and the company’s plans to expand into India. The question that is dealt with primarily is, “Can IKEA successfully introduce and adapt its service experience to the Indian market”. IKEA’s service experience is critically explored, as well as the concept of “service” in India.

Expected learning outcomes

After studying the case, it is expected that students will have a better understanding of what is a “service experience”, as well as how it can give a company a competitive advantage. It is also expected that students will have a better understanding of the retail market and consumer behavior in India.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or emailsupport@emeraldinsight.comto request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Design optimization of a mine-blast-venting solution for protection of light-tactical-vehicle subjected to shallow-buried underbody mine detonation
Authors: Grujicic M. , Yavari R. , Snipes J. S. , Ramaswami S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is computer-aided engineering analysis of the recently proposed side-vent-channel concept for mitigation of the blast-loads resulting from a shallow-buried mine detonated underneath a light tactical vehicle. The concept involves the use of side-vent-channels attached to the V-shaped vehicle underbody, and was motivated by the concepts and principles of operation of the so-called “pulse detonation” rocket engines. By proper shaping of the V-hull and side-vent-channels, venting of supersonically expanding gaseous detonation products is promoted in order to generate a downward thrust on the targeted vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

– The utility and the blast-mitigation capacity of this concept were examined in the prior work using computational methods and tools which suffered from some deficiencies related to the proper representation of the mine, soil, and vehicle materials, as well as air/gaseous detonation products. In the present work, an attempt is made to remove some of these deficiencies, and to carry out a bi-objective engineering-optimization analysis of the V-hull and side-vent-channel shape and size for maximum reduction of the momentum transferred to and the maximum acceleration acquired by the targeted vehicle.

Findings

– Due to the conflicting nature of the two objectives, a set of the Pareto designs was identified, which provide the optimal levels of the trade-off between the two objectives.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first public-domain report of the side-vent-channel blast-mitigation concept.
The influence of supply chain on the innovation process: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zimmermann Ricardo , D.F. Ferreira Luís Miguel , Carrizo Moreira Antonio
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The importance of innovation as a generator of competitive advantage and the collaborative nature of this process are recurring themes in the literature. This paper aims to contribute to the improvement of knowledge about the relationship between supply chains and the innovation process by means of a systematic literature review.

Methodology/approach

The method used consists of the identification, selection, analysis and synthesis of existing research on the subject and aims to ensure that the review is transparent, auditable and replicable. This paper presents the analysis of 94 papers from 37 journals and the major contributions are explored.

Findings

The identification and analysis of relevant articles showed the complexity, timeliness and the wide-ranging character of the theme. The analysis of articles allowed the identification of facilitators of the innovation process, as well as five approaches applicable to supply chains to drive the innovation process. From these analyses, a model synthesising the main practices identified for improving innovation performance is presented.

Research limitations/implications

When carrying out literature reviews, the selection of articles might be considered subjective. To circumvent this limitation, the papers have been assessed by three researchers.

Practical implications

The results presented can be applied in the decision-making process by managers in the areas of innovation and supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises knowledge involving the relationships between supply chains and the innovation process. The analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.
An exploration of clients’ experiences of group therapy
Authors: Akerman Geraldine , Geraghty Kate Anya
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Much previous research has explored the impact of group work on the therapist. The purpose of this paper is to examine how group members tolerate the powerful material discussed in groups in a prison-based therapeutic community. The authors briefly describe the regime at HMP Grendon and previous research into the impact of group work on therapists.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach using a focus group was used to explore the impact of group work from the perspective of the group members. Themes emerging from the focus group were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Participants included adult male violent and sexual offenders (n=10). The focus group was facilitated by two therapists, both based within HMP Grendon.

Findings

– Overarching themes emerged from the data which included – the type of material that has an impact on residents; the impact of this material on group members; and how residents manage it. A series of subthemes within these were identified, with salient themes including: the difficulty in listening to others offence histories and past experiences, managing the feelings of guilt and shame which can be overwhelming, feeling vulnerable/exposed, experiencing positive feelings for the first time as well as the benefits of therapy in eliciting change.

Research limitations/implications

– Uniquely the current study explores the impact of group therapy from the perspective of the group members. This is a previously unexplored area of research. As the study was conducted on a prison sample, it is unclear how well the findings would generalise to other populations. As such it is recommended that further research be conducted to validate the findings here.

Practical implications

– The present study indicates that group members process transference and counter-transference similar to therapists. It is suggested that therapists can use these findings to build resilience in group members.

Originality/value

– Previous research has described the impact of group work on therapists, uniquely this paper goes on to describe how group members process the material they are exposed to and how they manage their heightened emotions rather than acting on them. This should help therapists consider how best to develop resilience in group members.
Between righteous legacy and Pyrrhic victory – an administrator's dilemma
Authors: Hudson Monika , Hunter Keith O.
Published: May 2016

Synopsis

When do you throw it all away? The first senior female in a male-dominated business school decides it all comes down to a question of principle – and maybe a few others. What is the best balance between her responsibilities to students, family, and the next generation of female leaders? Can she both be true to herself and compromise? What factors should influence this decision? This case brings together questions about power and influence, rational decision-making, leadership, and the intra and inter-personal responsibilities of organizational “firsts.” Further, issues related to a university's effort to better compete within the global higher education marketplace, provide a valuable opportunity to explore institutional approaches to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency.

Research methodology

This case, which was developed from primary sources, highlights the array of competing objectives and personal and political tensions involved in university administration.

Relevant courses and levels

This case was designed for graduate students in Masters of Public Administration, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Education in Organizational Leadership, or similar graduate degrees that include significant management and leadership content. Students working with this case should have already completed foundational courses in topics such as organizational management, public policy, leadership, strategic human resources management, or their equivalents within their respective programs of study. Virtually all of the issues raised by this case address core themes, concepts, theses, and theories associated with an accredited graduate program in educational management, business or public administration.