bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpressed microRNA-141-3p enhance proliferation via targeting PLAG1 in non-diabetic macrosomia
Authors: Guo Dan , Jiang Hua , Chen Yiqiu , Yang Jing , Fu Ziqiang , Li Jing , Han Xiumei , Wu Xian , Xia Yankai , Wang Xinru , Chen Liping , Tang Qiuqin , Wu Wei
Published: June 2018

Several studies have shown microRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the placental development, yet the role and mechanism of miRNAs in the development of non-diabetic macrosomia (NDFMS) remains unclear. The key miRNA that abnormal expressed in NDFMS placentas was screened out by miRNA microarray and verified using qRT-PCR in 91 subjects. The effects of the key miRNA were verified by proliferation assay and invasion assay in HTR-8/SVneo cell, and also in pregnant C57BL/6J mice. miR-141-3p was determined as the key miRNA with the most significant difference, which could promote the proliferation and invasion by regulating the expression of target gene PLAG1. Overexpression of PLAG1 could reverse the effect of cell proliferation and invasion ability caused by miR-141-3p overexpression. Significant difference in fetal birth weight was observed between the control group and treated group with miR-141-3p agomir in late pregnancy, but not in early pregnancy. This study revealed miR-141-3p could increase the proliferation of placenta to participate in the occurrence and development of NDFMS through regulating PLAG1 expression.
Heteromeric GABAAreceptor structures in positively-modulated active states
Authors: Miller Paul S. , Masiulis Simonas , Malinauskas Tomas , Kotecha Abhay , Rao Shanlin , Chavali Sreenivas , De Colibus Luigi , Pardon Els , Hannan Saad , Scott Suzanne , Sun Zhaoyang , Frenz Brandon , Klesse Gianni , Li Sai , Diprose Jonathan M. , Siebert C. Alistair , Esnouf Robert M. , DiMaio Frank , Tucker Stephen J. , Smart Trevor G. , Steyaert Jan , Babu M. Madan , Sansom Mark S. P. , Huiskonen Juha T. , Aricescu A. Radu
Published: June 2018

Type-A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs), typically consisting of α/β/γ subunit combinations. They are the principal mediators of inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system and targets of major clinical drugs, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs) used to treat epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, panic disorder and muscle spasm. However, the structures of heteromeric receptors and the molecular basis of BZD operation remain unknown. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of a human α1β3γ2 GABAAR in complex with GABA and a nanobody that acts as a novel positive allosteric modulator (PAM). The receptor subunits assume a unified quaternary activated conformation around an open pore. We also present crystal structures of engineered α5 and α5γ2 GABAAR constructs, revealing the interfacial site for allosteric modulation by BZDs, including the binding modes and the conformational impact of the potent anxiolytic and partial PAM, bretazenil, and the BZD antagonist, flumazenil. These findings provide the foundation for understanding the mechanistic basis of GABAAR activation.
Proteomics reveals ablation of placental growth factor inhibits the insulin resistance pathways in diabetic mouse retina
Authors: Lennikov Madhu Sudhana , Lennikov Anton , Tang Shibo , Huang Hu
Published: June 2018

The underlying molecular mechanisms that placental growth factor (PlGF) mediates the early complications at non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) remain largely elusive. The objective of this study is to characterize expression profile due to PlGF ablation in the retina of diabetic mice. The quantitative label-free proteomics was carried out on retinal tissues collected from mouse strains (Akita; PlGF−/− and Akita.PlGF−/−). We have identified 3176 total proteins, and 107 were significantly different between the experimental groups, followed by gene ontology, functional pathways, and protein-protein network interaction analysis. Gnb1, Gnb2, Gnb4, Gnai2, Gnao1, Snap25, Stxbp1, Vamp2 and Gngt1 proteins are involved in insulin resistance pathways, which are down-regulated in PlGF ablation in Akita diabetics (Akita.PlGF−/− vs. Akita), up-regulation in Akita vs. C57, PlGF−/− vs. C57. Prdx6, Prdx5 (up-regulation) are known of antioxidant activity; Map2 is involved in neural protection pathways which are up-regulated in Akita.PlGF−/− vs. Akita. Our results suggest that inhibition of insulin resistance pathway and the enhancement of antioxidant defence and neural function may represent the potential mechanisms of anti-PlGF compounds in the treatment of DR.
Astrocytes promote a protective immune response to brainToxoplasma gondiiinfection via IL-33-ST2 signaling
Authors: Still Katherine M. , Batista Samantha J. , O’Brien Carleigh , Oyesola Oyebola O. , Früh Simon P. , Webb Lauren M. , Smirnov Igor , Kovacs Michael A. , Cowan Maureen N. , Hayes Nikolas W. , Thompson Jeremy A. , Tait-Wojno Elia D. , Harris Tajie H.
Published: June 2018

Understanding how invading pathogens are sensed within the brain is necessary to uncover how effective immune response are mounted in immunoprivileged sites. The eukaryotic parasiteToxoplasma gondiicolonizes the brain of its hosts and initiates robust immune cell recruitment, but little is known about innate recognition ofT. gondiiwithin brain tissue. The host damage signal IL-33 is one protein that has been implicated in control of chronicT. gondiiinfection, but the specific impact of IL-33 signaling within the brain is unclear. Here, we show that IL-33 is expressed by oligodendrocytes and astrocytes duringT. gondiiinfection, is released into the cerebrospinal fluid ofT. gondii-infected animals, and is required for control of infection. IL-33 signaling promotes chemokine expression within brain tissue and is required for the recruitment of peripheral anti-parasitic immune cells, including IFN-γ-expressing T cells and iNOS-expressing monocytes. Importantly, we find that the beneficial effects of IL-33 during chronic infection are not a result of signaling on infiltrating immune cells, but rather on radio-resistant responders, and specifically, astrocytes. Mice with IL-33R-deficient astrocytes fail to promote an adaptive immune response in the CNS and control parasite burden, demonstrating that astrocytes can directly respond to IL-33in vivo. Together, these results indicate a brain-specific mechanism by which IL-33 is released and sensed locally, to engage the peripheral immune system in controlling a neurotropic pathogen.
Unraveling the response of a biomimetic actin cortex to electric pulses in vesicles
Authors: Perrier Dayinta L. , Vahid Afshin , Kathavi Vaishnavi , Stam Lotte , Rems Lea , Mulla Yuval , Muralidharan Aswin , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Kreutzer Michiel T. , Boukany Pouyan E.
Published: June 2018

We study the role of a biomimetic actin cortex during the application of electric pulses that induce electroporation or electropermeabilization, using giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as a model system. The actin cortex, a subjacently attached interconnected network of actin filaments, regulates the shape and mechanical properties of the plasma membrane of mammalian cells, and is a major factor influencing the mechanical response of the cell to external physical cues. We demonstrate that the presence of an actin shell inhibits the formation of macropores in the electroporated GUVs. Additionally, experiments on the uptake of dye molecules after electroporation show that the actin network slows down the resealing process of the permeabilized membrane. We further analyze the stability of the actin network inside the GUVs exposed to high electric pulses. We find disruption of the actin layer that is likely due to the electrophoretic forces acting on the actin filaments during the permeabilization of the GUVs. Our findings on the GUVs containing a biomimetic cortex provide a step towards understanding the discrepancies between the electroporation mechanism of a living cell and its simplified model of the empty GUV.
Species-level bacterial community profiling of the healthy sinonasal microbiome using Pacific Biosciences sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA genes
Authors: Earl Joshua P. , Adappa Nithin D. , Krol Jaroslaw , Bhat Archana S. , Balashov Sergey , Ehrlich Rachel L. , Palmer James N. , Workman Alan D. , Blasetti Mariel , Sen Bhaswati , Hammond Jocelyn , Cohen Noam A. , Ehrlich Garth D. , Mell Joshua Chang
Published: June 2018

Background

Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA microbiome surveys performed with massively parallel DNA sequencing technologies have transformed community microbiological studies. Current 16S profiling methods, however, fail to provide sufficient taxonomic resolution and accuracy to adequately perform species-level associative studies for specific conditions. This is due to the amplification and sequencing of only short 16S rRNA gene regions, typically providing for only family- or genus-level taxonomy. Moreover, sequencing errors often inflate the number of taxa present. Pacific Biosciences’ (PacBio’s) long-read technology in particular suffers from high error rates per base. Herein we present a microbiome analysis pipeline that takes advantage of PacBio circular consensus sequencing (CCS) technology to sequence and error correct full-length bacterial 16S rRNA genes, which provides high-fidelity species-level microbiome data

Results

Analysis of a mock community with 20 bacterial species demonstrated 100% specificity and sensitivity. Examination of a 250-plus species mock community demonstrated correct species-level classification of >90% of taxa and relative abundances were accurately captured. The majority of the remaining taxa were demonstrated to be multiply, incorrectly, or incompletely classified. Using this methodology, we examined the microgeographic variation present among the microbiomes of six sinonasal sites, by both swab and biopsy, from the anterior nasal cavity to the sphenoid sinus from 12 subjects undergoing trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy. We found greater variation among subjects than among sites within a subject, although significant within-individual differences were also observed.Propiniobacterium acnes(recently renamedCutibacterium acnes[1]) was the predominant species throughout, but was found at distinct relative abundances by site.

Conclusions

Our microbial composition analysis pipeline for single-molecule real-time 16S rRNA gene sequencing (MCSMRT,https://github.com/jpearl01/mcsmrt) overcomes deficits of standard marker gene based microbiome analyses by using CCS of entire 16S rRNA genes to provide increased taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution. Extensions of this approach to other marker genes could help refine taxonomic assignments of microbial species and improve reference databases, as well as strengthen the specificity of associations between microbial communities and dysbiotic states.
The effects of habits on motor skill learning
Authors: Popp Nicola J. , Yokoi Atsushi , Gribble Paul L. , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: June 2018

Skill learning involves the formation of stable motor patterns. In musical and athletic training, however, these stable motor habits can also impede the attainment of higher levels of performance. We developed an experimental paradigm to induce a specific motor pattern in the context of a discrete sequence production task and to investigate how these habits affect performance over a 3-week training period. Participants initially practiced small segments of 2 to 3 finger movements (“chunks”) and then learned longer sequences composed of these chunks. This initial training induced a persistent temporal pattern during execution, with shorter inter-press-intervals within a chunk and longer ones at chunk boundaries. This pattern remained stable during the subsequent 10 days of training, in which participants were asked to produce the sequence as fast as possible from memory. The habit was also preserved when the sequences were directly displayed, removing the need for memory recall. We were able to induce chunking patterns that were either beneficial or detrimental to performance by taking into consideration the biomechanical constraints of the sequences. While we observed an overall reduction in the detrimental effect of the disadvantageous chunking instructions with training, our results show that the degree to which these detrimental chunk structures were maintained, was predictive of lower levels of final performance. In sum, we were able to induce beneficial and detrimental motor habits in a motor sequence production task and show that these initial instructions influenced performance outcomes over a prolonged period of time.

Significance Statement

A habit is defined as an automatized action that resists modification once sufficiently established. Preventing bad habits, while reinforcing good habits, is a key objective when teaching new motor skills. While habit formation is an integral part of motor skill acquisition, previous research has focused on habit formation in terms of action selection. In this paper, we examine habit formation in terms of motor skill execution, after the action has been selected. We were able to induce beneficial or detrimental motor habits in the production of motor sequences. Habits were stable over a prolonged training period. Our results demonstrate how cognitive instruction can lead to persistent motor habits and we explore how these habits are potentially modified with training.
Timing of readiness potentials reflect a decision-making process in the human brain
Authors: Lui Kitty K. , Nunez Michael D. , Cassidy Jessica M. , Vandekerckhove Joachim , Cramer Steven C. , Srinivasan Ramesh
Published: June 2018

Decision-making in two-alternative forced choice tasks has several underlying components including stimulus encoding, perceptual categorization, response selection, and response execution. Sequential sampling models of decision-making are based on an evidence accumulation process to a decision boundary. Animal and human studies have focused on perceptual categorization and provide evidence linking brain signals in parietal cortex to the evidence accumulation process. In this exploratory study, we use a task where the dominant contribution to response time is response selection and model the response time data with the drift-diffusion model. EEG measurement during the task show that the Readiness Potential (RP) recorded over motor areas has timing consistent with the evidence accumulation process. The duration of the RP predicts decision-making time, the duration of evidence accumulation, suggesting that the RP partly reflects an evidence accumulation process for response selection in the motor system. Thus, evidence accumulation may be a neural implementation of decision-making processes in both perceptual and motor systems. The contributions of perceptual categorization and response selection to evidence accumulation processes in decision-making tasks can be potentially evaluated by examining the timing of perceptual and motor EEG signals.
RNA structure prediction including pseudoknots through direct enumeration of states
Authors: Kimchi Ofer , Cragnolini Tristan , Brenner Michael P. , Colwell Lucy J.
Published: June 2018

The accurate prediction of RNA secondary structure from primary sequence has had enormous impact on research from the past forty years. While many algorithms are available to make these predictions, the inclusion of non-nested loops, termed pseudoknots, still poses challenges. Here, we describe a new method to compute the entire free energy landscape of secondary structures of RNA resulting from a primary RNA sequence, by combining a polymer physics model for the entropy of pseudoknots with exhaustive enumeration of the set of possible structures. Our polymer physics model can address arbitrarily complex pseudoknots and has only two free loop entropy parameters that correspond to concrete physical quantities, over an order of magnitude fewer than even the sparsest state-of-the-art algorithms. Our model outperforms previously published methods in predicting pseudoknots, while performing on par with current methods in the prediction of non-pseudoknotted structures. For RNA sequences of ~ 45 nucleotides, or ~ 90 with minimal heuristics, the complet–e enumeration of possible secondary structures can be accomplished quickly despite the NP-complete nature of the problem.
Manifold-tiling Localized Receptive Fields are Optimal in Similarity-preserving Neural Networks
Authors: Sengupta Anirvan M. , Tepper Mariano , Pehlevan Cengiz , Genkin Alexander , Chklovskii Dmitri B.
Published: June 2018

Many neurons in the brain, such as place cells in the rodent hippocampus, have localized receptive fields, i.e., they respond to a small neighborhood of stimulus space. What is the functional significance of such representations and how can they arise? Here, we propose that localized receptive fields emerge in similarity-preserving networks of rectifying neurons that learn low-dimensional manifolds populated by sensory inputs. Numerical simulations of such networks on standard datasets yield manifold-tiling localized receptive fields. More generally, we show analytically that, for data lying on symmetric manifolds, optimal solutions of objectives, from which similarity-preserving networks are derived, have localized receptive fields. Therefore, nonnegative similarity-preserving mapping (NSM) implemented by neural networks can model representations of continuous manifolds in the brain.
Repeat elements organize 3D genome structure and mediate transcription in the filamentous fungusEpichloë festucae
Authors: Winter David J , Ganley Austen RD , Young Carolyn A , Liachko Ivan , Schardl Christopher L , Dupont Pierre-Yves , Berry Daniel , Ram Arvina , Scott D Barry , Cox Murray P
Published: June 2018

Structural features of genomes, including the three-dimensional arrangement of DNA in the nucleus, are increasingly seen as key contributors to the regulation of gene expression. However, studies on how genome structure and nuclear organization influence transcription have so far been limited to a handful of model species. This narrow focus limits our ability to draw general conclusions about the ways in which three-dimensional structures are encoded, and to integrate information from three-dimensional data to address a broader gamut of biological questions. Here, we generate a complete and gapless genome sequence for the filamentous fungus,Epichloë festucae. Coupling it with RNAseq and HiC data, we investigate how the structure of the genome contributes to the suite of transcriptional changes that anEpichloëspecies needs to maintain symbiotic relationships with its grass host. Our results reveal a unique “patchwork” genome, in which repeat-rich blocks of DNA with discrete boundaries are interspersed by gene-rich sequences. In contrast to other species, the three-dimensional structure of the genome is anchored by these repeat blocks, which act to isolate transcription in neighbouring gene-rich regions. Genes that are differentially expressed in planta are enriched near the boundaries of these repeat-rich blocks, suggesting that their three-dimensional orientation partly encodes and regulates the symbiotic relationship formed by this organism.
Employee learning and development in virtual HRD: focusing on MOOCs in the workplace
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Jeong Shinhee , Ju Boreum
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of using massive open online courses (MOOCs) for employee learning and development in organizational settings by reviewing the literature and examining several cases from a virtual human resource development (HRD) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect information on MOOCs in the workplace, the authors reviewed peer- and non-peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, books, white papers, corporate websites and blogs, and business magazines published between 2008 and 2018.

Findings

A total of 18 cases were summarized to present the use of MOOCs in organizational settings for training and development, organizational development, career development, and professional development. For a more in-depth review, three cases were selected and the details were introduced in terms of context, process/progress, and outcomes: McAfee, Rabobank, and Library and Information Science.

Practical implications

When organizations decide to use MOOCs for their employee development and learning, practitioners could also establish the selection criteria of MOOCs for specific purposes based on their organizational contexts by assessing the effectiveness of existing MOOC programs.

Originality/value

This study highlights the use of MOOCs in organizations to examine their potential as a support tool for virtual HRD to facilitate employee learning and development in the workplace.
From theoretical concept to organizational tool for public sector improvement
Authors: Ernst Jette , Hindhede Anette Lykke , Andersen Vibeke
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, first, how social capital was crafted and transformed from a theoretical concept to an organizational tool for public sector improvement that was adopted by a Danish region and implemented in all regional hospitals. Second, the paper examines the application of social capital in one of these hospitals and, further, in a department of the hospital with the purpose of showing how it was applied by the managerial levels and responded to by the nurses of the department.

Design/methodology/approach

A Bourdieusian ethnographic approach was used for understanding the local and subjective understandings of social capital as well as the wider context in which the new tool was crafted.

Findings

Social capital as a tool for organizational improvement was constructed in a gray zone between science and consultancy. The paper demonstrates that the application of social capital in practice is connected with paradoxes because the concept is inherently ambiguous and Janus-faced in that its official representation is “soft” and voluntary with a working environment focus yet, it envelopes concealed steering intentions. These contrary working features of the concept produce a pressure on the department management and the nurses.

Originality/value

The explanatory critical framework combined with the ethnographic approach is a useful approach for theorizing and understanding social capital as an example of the emergence and consequences of new managerial tools in public organizations.
Is auditing the new evaluation? Can it be? Should it be?
Authors: Pierre Jon , Peters B. Guy , de Fine Licht Jenny
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the changing relationship between auditing and evaluation. Over the past several years, supreme auditing institutions (SAIs) in a number of advanced democracies have evolved from conventional auditing institutions to becoming increasingly concerned with assisting policy change and administrative reform in the public sector; tasks that are traditionally associated with evaluation. The paper discusses the potential consequences of this development for the SAIs themselves as well as for the audited and reforming institutions and for policy-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses qualitative method and draws on the extensive literature on auditing and evaluation. The analysis has also benefitted from the authors’ recent comparative research on SAIs.

Findings

The findings, summarized in six points, are that the growth of auditing in areas previously assigned to evaluators, has led to a shortened time perspective; stronger emphasis on the administration of policies; increased focus on efficiency of the audited entity; greater independence from the evaluated organizations; a shift in receiver of information toward the legislature and/or the public; and improved communication.

Practical implications

Evaluation as a professional and scholarly field has developed theories and advanced methods to assess the effectiveness of public programs. The growth of auditing may thus change the focus and quality of policy evaluation.

Originality/value

The paper speaks to both scholars and practitioners. To the best of the knowledge a similar analysis has not been done before.
Balancing financial autonomy and control in agencification
Authors: Waluyo Budi
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the practices of financial autonomy and control the emerging issue of agencification in the higher education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The practices are investigated using case studies from seven semi-autonomous state universities in Indonesia. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 respondents including university officials, policymakers, and experts. The interview results were analysed using an inductive-deductive approach.

Findings

This research highlights an unstable balance between financial autonomy and control practices in the universities. Autonomy supports agencification mainly by simplifying financial procedures and control is seen by university managers to be overemphasised compared to in the other state universities. Despite successes in introducing a business-like atmosphere within bureaucratic universities, questions about balancing financial autonomy and control remain.

Research limitations/implications

The small number of cases implies limited generalisability. The two characteristics used, size and parent ministries do not represent all university variabilities.

Practical implications

Agencification has become a key reform practice for state universities. Rather than using a “one size fits all” approach, the government needs a repertoire of models for these institutions.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of agencification in the higher education sector with an emphasis on the financial dimension of autonomy and control in a developing country setting.
Matching survey responses with anonymity in environments with privacy concerns
Authors: Vogel Dominik
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In many cases, public management researchers’ focus lies in phenomena, embedded in a hierarchical context. Conducting surveys and analyzing subsequent data require a way to identify which responses belong to the same entity. This might be, for example, members of the same team or data from different organizational levels. It can be very difficult to collect such data in environments marked by high concerns for anonymity and data privacy. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a procedure for matching survey data without compromising respondents’ anonymity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the need for data collection procedures, which preserve anonymity and lays out a process for conducting survey research that allows for responses to be clustered, while preserving participants’ anonymity.

Findings

Survey research, preserving participants’ anonymity while allowing for responses to be clustered in teams, is possible if researchers cooperate with a custodian, trusted by the participants. The custodian assigns random identifiers to survey entities but does not get access to the data. This way neither the researchers nor custodians are able to identify respondents. This process is described in detail and illustrated with a factious research project.

Originality/value

Many public management research questions require responses to be clustered in dyads, teams, departments, or organizations. The described procedure makes such research possible in environments with privacy concerns; this is the case with many public administrations.
Wear of different material pairings for the cylinder liner – piston ring contact
Authors: Wopelka Thomas , Cihak-Bayr Ulrike , Lenauer Claudia , Ditrói Ferenc , Takács Sándor , Sequard-Base Johannes , Jech Martin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the wear behaviour of different materials for cylinder liners and piston rings in a linear reciprocating tribometer with special focus on the wear of the cylinder liner in the boundary lubrication regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional nitrided steel, as well as diamond-like carbon and chromium nitride-coated piston rings, were tested against cast iron, AlSi and Fe-coated AlSi cylinder liners. The experiments were carried out with samples produced from original engine parts to have the original surface topography available. Radioactive tracer isotopes were used to measure cylinder liner wear continuously, enabling separation of running-in and steady-state wear.

Findings

A ranking of the material pairings with respect to wear behaviour of the cylinder liner was found. Post-test inspection of the cylinder samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences in the wear mechanisms for the different material combinations. The results show that the running-in and steady-state wear of the liners can be reduced by choosing the appropriate material for the piston ring.

Originality/value

The use of original engine parts in a closely controlled tribometer environment under realistic loading conditions, in conjunction with continuous and highly sensitive wear measurement methods and a detailed SEM analysis of the wear mechanisms, forms an intermediate step between engine testing and laboratory environment testing.
Nonlinear effects of fiscal policy on national saving
Authors: Bui Duy-Tung
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of fiscal policy, namely, net tax and government expenditure on national saving and its nonlinearity. The author first investigates whether the impacts of fiscal policy on national saving have changed after the global financial crisis of 2008. Then, the author tests the nonlinearity of the relationship by taking account of the economic cycle, namely, economic expansion (boom) and economic recession (bust).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical model bases on a reduced-form equation with national saving as a dependent variable, lagged value of national saving, output gap and fiscal policy as independent variables. The two-step system GMM approach was employed to estimate the empirical model, using a panel of 23 emerging Asian economies in the period of 1990-2015.

Findings

The empirical results show that tax policy and expenditure policy follow the predictions of the overlapping generation model with finite horizon and the Keynesian view. The nonlinearity of fiscal policy is twofold. The conduct of fiscal policy in the period after 2008 seems effective, while the effect is insignificant in the period before 2008. Likewise, fiscal policy tends to have more significant effects in bust cycle. The effect of tax policy is increased during recession, while the effect of government spending is more pronounced during economic downturn.

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are twofold. First, it is shown that fiscal policies in the region had more impacts on national saving after the global financial crisis of 2008. Second, the research confirms nonlinear impact of fiscal policy on saving behavior during economic recession and economic boom.
Differences in corporate social responsibility disclosure between Japan and the USA
Authors: Tran Hien
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information was influenced by independent directors in Japan and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a pooled cross-sectional data set of 498 Fortune Japanese and American firms between 2006 and 2011 and fixed effects estimation method. The author analysed the results by employing a comparative approach between the two national contexts.

Findings

This study found that independent directors in Japanese firms had a significant positive effect on CSR disclosure whilst no evidence was found in the US firms, although the proportion of independent directors on American boards traditionally and largely outnumbers that of the Japanese counterparts.

Originality/value

The study results offer an insight that independent directors could be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in CSR disclosure. The findings support the stakeholder theory in Japanese globalised companies while challenging the theory in the US context, thereby calling for further research into the stakeholder engagement models, particularly in the USA.
Comparison of static and dynamic shading systems for office building energy consumption and cooling load assessment
Authors: De Luca Francesco , Voll Hendrik , Thalfeldt Martin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Exterior shading devices and dynamic shading systems constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort in buildings through the reduction of direct solar heat gains and disturbing glare. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of different types of shading systems, fixed and dynamic, and their influence on the energy consumption and cooling loads for an office building located in Tallinn, Estonia. The scope is to determine the most performative configuration for energy consumption and cooling load reduction for office buildings and to provide designers and developers with the necessary knowledge to increase the performance of their buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

There are many types of fixed shading devices, most of which use rectangular planar elements, the orientation and layout of which depends on the building location and façade orientation. The dynamic shading systems vary on the base of the building occupancy schedules and occupants’ preferences. The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient type and size of fixed shading devices in relation to different windows’ size and orientation, and the quantity of windows panes. At the same time the dynamic shading system using a control algorithm developed by the authors is compared.

Findings

The results show that solar shading is an efficient way to control the energy consumption of office buildings, though with different efficacy by the static systems depending on orientation, window and shading type. Evidence shows that dynamic blind systems have more uniform performance and usually outperform static shading.

Originality/value

The paper compares the performances of different static and dynamic shading devices and systems for the location in Tallinn. The dynamic shading system tested uses a control algorithm developed by the authors. The indications for the energy reduction and cooling loads are a valuable resource for designers and developers to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings.
Sustainability assessment of gas based power generation using a life cycle assessment approach
Authors: Shah Binita , Unnikrishnan Seema
Published: June 2018

Purpose

India is a developing economy along with an increasing population estimated to be the largest populated country in about seven years. Simultaneously, its power consumption is projected to increase more than double by 2020. Currently, the dependence on coal is relatively high, making it the largest global greenhouse gas emitting sector which is a matter of great concern. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the natural gas electricity generation in India and propose a model using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

LCA is used as a tool to evaluate the environmental impact of the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant, as it adopts a holistic approach towards the whole process. The LCA methodology used in this study follows the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards (ISO 14040: 2009; ISO 14044: 2009). A questionnaire was designed for data collection and validated by expert review primary data for the annual environmental emission was collected by personally visiting the power plant. The study follows a cradle to gate assessment using the CML (2001) methodology.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the main impacts were during the process of combustion. The Global warming potential is approximately 0.50 kg CO2equivalents per kWh of electricity generation from this gas-based power plant. These results can be used by stakeholders, experts and members who are authorised to probe positive initiative for the reduction of environmental impacts from the power generation sector.

Practical implications

Considering the pace of growth of economic development of India, it is the need of the hour to emphasise on the patterns of sustainable energy generation which is an important subject to be addressed considering India’s ratification to the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This paper analyzes the environmental impacts of gas-based electricity generation.

Originality/value

Presenting this case study is an opportunity to get a glimpse of the challenges associated with gas-based electricity generation in India. It gives a direction and helps us to better understand the right spot which require efforts for the improvement of sustainable energy generation processes, by taking appropriate measures for emission reduction. This paper also proposes a model for gas-based electricity generation in India. It has been developed following an LCA approach. As far as we aware, this is the first study which proposes an LCA model for gas-based electricity generation in India. The model is developed in line with the LCA methodology and focusses on the impact categories specific for gas-based electricity generation.
Virtual Dementia Tour®: limitations and ethics
Authors: Merizzi Alessandra
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Dementia care is an important aspect affecting the quality of life of people living with dementia. There are many studies that test the efficacy of methods of care in order to support and even increase the quality of life of dementia patients (e.g. Gridley et al., 2016; Thyrian et al., 2017). A novel approach developed by Beville (2002) called Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®) also aims to improve the care of people living with dementia in their middle and late stages of deterioration. VDT® is now becoming popular internationally (see www.provdt.co.uk/) and it is sold to the general public as an evidence-based method through which people can experience what it is like to live with dementia, aiming to increase empathy and improve the delivery of care. The purpose of this paper is to explore the validity of the VDT® intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explores the original research article upon which the VDT® was developed, highlighting critical points and reviewing these through a rigorous selection of references.

Findings

The supporting evidence base is consistently weak on closer scrutiny, and in combination with anecdotal evidence of distress related to the VDT® experience, this analysis suggests a need for caution in implementation.

Originality/value

Although high-quality standards of care from the national guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2010) ensure that health services implement evidence-based interventions, it may be important to discern that which is empirically based from that which is not.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of male‐pattern and female‐pattern hair loss, 2017 version
Authors: Manabe Motomu , Tsuboi Ryoji , Itami Satoshi , Osada Shin‐Ichi , Amoh Yasuyuki , Ito Taisuke , Inui Shigeki , Ueki Rie , Ohyama Manabu , Kurata Sotaro , Kono Takeshi , Saito Norimitsu , Sato Akio , Shimomura Yutaka , Nakamura Motonobu , Narusawa Hiroshi , Yamazaki Masashi ,   Drafting Committee for the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Male‐ and Female‐Pattern Hair Loss
Published: June 2018

Male‐pattern hair loss (MPHL, androgenetic alopecia) is a slowly progressive form of alopecia which begins after puberty. In 2010, we published the first Japanese edition of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of MPHL. It achieved the original goal of providing physicians and patients in Japan with evidence‐based information for choosing efficacious and safe therapy for MPHL. Subsequently, new therapeutic drugs and treatment methods have been developed, and women's perception of MPHL has undergone change and the term “female‐pattern hair loss (FPHL)” is becoming more common internationally. Thus, here we report a revised version of the 2010 guidelines aimed at both MPHL and FPHL. In these guidelines, finasteride 1 mg daily, dutasteride 0.5 mg daily and topical 5% minoxidil twice daily for MPHL, and topical 1% minoxidil twice daily for FPHL, are recommended as the first‐line treatments. Self‐hair transplantation, irradiation by light‐emitting diodes and low‐level lasers, and topical application of adenosine for MPHL are recommended, whereas prosthetic hair transplantation and oral administration of minoxidil should not be performed. Oral administration of finasteride or dutasteride are contraindicated for FPHL. In addition, we have evaluated the effectiveness of topical application of carpronium chloride, t‐flavanone, cytopurine, pentadecane and ketoconazole, and wearing a wig. Unapproved topical application of bimatoprost and latanoprost, and emerging hair regeneration treatments have also been addressed. We believe that the revised guidelines will improve further the diagnostic and treatment standards for MPHL add FPHL in Japan.
Evaluation of the construct and internal validity of the Professional Identity Questionnaire: A Rasch analysis
Authors: Scanlan Justin Newton
Published: June 2018

Background/aim

It has been suggested that occupational therapy practitioners with a poor sense of professional identity experience more difficulties in the workplace and may be less likely to implement evidence‐based, occupation‐focused interventions. Poor sense of professional identity has also been linked to increased risk of burnout. Although professional identity is considered important, few measures are available and none have been rigorously evaluated. The project was established to evaluate the construct and internal validity of one such measure, the Professional Identity Questionnaire (PIQ).

Methods

The PIQ includes 10 questions, each rated on a 5‐point Likert scale. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate several aspects of construct and internal validity of the PIQ. These included rating scale validity, unidimensionality, statistical validity, differential item functioning, overall construct validity and person response validity. Correlations were also calculated to explore the relationship between the Professional Identity Questionnaire and a commonly used measure of burnout, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI).

Results

A total of 118 occupational therapists working in mental health completed the PIQ and OLBI. Initial analyses suggested that the rating scale validity and targeting of item difficulties to person abilities were not optimal. Revision of the rating scale structure improved the overall rating scale validity and item targeting. Analyses using the revised scale structure showed generally good alignment with quality control criteria established for this study. Fit statistics for one item were less than optimal and some differential item functioning was present. Correlations between PIQ and OLBI total scores were −0.53 for the original PIQ rating scale structure and −0.46 for the revised rating scale structure.

Conclusions

Results from this study provide preliminary evidence for the construct and internal validity of the PIQ, especially when using the revised scale structure. However, further research is required before the PIQ can be recommended for widespread use.
Persistence of High Health Care Costs among VA Patients
Authors: Yoon Jean , Chee Christine Pal , Su Pon , Almenoff Peter , Zulman Donna M. , Wagner Todd H.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To examine high‐cost patients in VA and factors associated with persistence in high costs over time.

Data Sources

Secondary data for FY2008–2012.

Data Extraction

We obtained VA and Medicare utilization and cost records for VA enrollees and drew a 20 percent random sample (N = 1,028,568).

Study Design

We identified high‐cost patients, defined as those in the top 10 percent of combined VA and Medicare costs, and determined the number of years they remained high cost over 4 years. We compared sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and baseline utilization by number of high‐cost years and conducted a discrete time survival analysis to predict high‐cost persistence.

Principal Findings

Among 105,703 patients with the highest 10 percent of costs at baseline, 68 percent did not remain high cost in subsequent years, 32 percent had high costs after 1 year, and 7 percent had high costs in all four follow‐up years. Mortality, which was 47 percent by end of follow‐up, largely explained low persistence. The largest percentage of patients who persisted as high cost until end of follow‐up was for spinal cord injury (16 percent).

Conclusion

Most high‐cost patients did not remain high cost in subsequent years, which poses challenges to providers and payers to manage utilization of these patients.
Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Cell‐Free Supernatants on Modulation of Mucin and Cytokine Secretion on Human Intestinal Epithelial HT29‐MTX Cells
Authors: Wan Murphy Lam‐Yim , Chen Zhijian , Shah Nagendra P. , El‐Nezami Hani
Published: June 2018

This study examined modulation effects of cell‐free supernatants of two commonly studied probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on mucin and cytokine profiles of human intestinal epithelial HT29‐MTX cells. It was found that LGG and EcN supernatants differentially modulated MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and protein, and total mucin‐like glycoprotein secretion. Regarding modulation of cytokine profiles, LGG supernatants moderately influenced the secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐10, while those of EcN exerted a broad proinflammatory effect to intestinal epithelial cells by inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, transforming growth factor α, tumor necrosis factor α, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and interferon γ. These results suggested that LGG and EcN might produce different bioactive products that display differential modulation of mucin and cytokines, which may contribute to intestinal health and/or defense against bacteria/pathogens.

Practical Application

The results suggested that LGG and EcN might produce different bioactive products that display differential modulation of mucin and cytokines, which may contribute to intestinal health and/or defense against bacteria/pathogens.