bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dhat Syndrome
Authors: Martín-Santos Rocío , Navinés Ricard , Valdés Manuel
Published: April 2017

Dhat syndrome has been thought to occur primarily upon the Indian subcontinent, where cultural and religious beliefs view semen as one of the body’s most precious fluids. The syndrome consists of patient complaints of semen loss (in any context) accompanied by vague symptoms and/or discomfort. This mostly occurs in young men, although a variant of the condition unique to women as been reported. Dhat syndrome seems to be associated with sexual dysfunctions as well as with inadequate sex education. Due to processes of globalization and population migration, dhat syndrome now can be detected, diagnosed, and treated worldwide. In fact, some authors argue that examples of similar forms of semen-loss anxiety could be found in Western countries in the 19th century, but disappeared almost entirely in response to social, economic, and cultural changes. It is argued that clinical psychology and psychiatry must take account of culture, and any comprehensive medical and psychological approach for these patients must acknowledge the cultural background of the syndrome.
Ataques de Nervios
Authors: Lewis-Fernández Roberto , López Irene
Published: April 2017

Ataque de nervios has been studied for half a century, and is one of the best assessed cultural concepts of distress. Ataques were initially studied in Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban samples by Latino researchers and anthropologists. Research indicates that ataques typically occur immediately after, or within a day of, a significant stressor. The characteristic symptoms of an ataque can be quite dramatic, and include emotional and physical symptoms along with displays of aggression and alterations in consciousness. In addition, 7%–14% of ataques result in suicide attempts. The chapter discusses this cultural concept of distress common among Latinos and shows how its relationship with psychopathology can vary depending upon the context, and can range from a normative response to stress to a marker of severe psychopathology.
Meet Clara and Troy, Two Adults with ADHD
Authors: Willer Jan
Published: April 2017

Adult ADHD continues to be underrecognized by mental health clinicians, even when clients with ADHD are already in treatment for other mental illnesses. Research finds that one out of every 5 to 10 people in therapy have ADHD. The cases of Clara and Troy are used to demonstrate key points about the experiences and difficulties of adult ADHD. Dialogue from their first psychotherapy sessions is given to show presenting problems. In addition, myths about ADHD are addressed along with the facts that disprove them. Core characteristics of adult ADHD are described, and a brief review is provided of common functional impairments and the emotional impact of adult ADHD.
Adult ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Willer Jan
Published: April 2017

Understanding the symptoms of adult ADHD is an essential starting place. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders symptoms of ADHD are reviewed, including inattention/distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, as well as other adult ADHD symptoms that have been well documented in multiple research studies. Suggested interview questions for each symptom are presented. Additional adult ADHD symptoms include executive functioning deficits, emotional dysregulation, atypical reward sensitivity, and time perception differences. Sluggish cognitive tempo is also defined and a case example given. Last, progress towards a new definition of ADHD is presented, and the practicalities of diagnosing ADHD using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, are discussed.
Recognizing Strengths
Authors: Willer Jan
Published: April 2017

Strengths may come from ADHD itself or from the experience of living with ADHD. This topic has been neglected by researchers, as most research focuses on the disadvantages of ADHD; therefore, much of this chapter is speculative, based on clinical observation and anecdote. Possible advantages people with ADHD may have include having a high energy level, being extremely passionate about and dedicated to things that interest them, having the ability to power through a large task, being creative and innovative, being valuable team members, having entrepreneurial zeal, having high levels of adaptability and resilience, being nonjudgmental, and being good at using their strengths and resources.
Comorbid Conditions, Emotional Distress, and Dysfunctional Cognitions
Authors: Willer Jan
Published: April 2017

At least 70% of adults with ADHD have at least one comorbid disorder. Substance abuse is common. Why are people with ADHD more likely to have anxiety and depression? Perhaps there is shared genetic vulnerability. Perhaps certain environmental risk factors increase both the risk of ADHD and anxiety or depression. Plus, the stresses of living with ADHD make people feel anxious and depressed. Adults with ADHD feel more stress and have more stressors. Adults with ADHD may be especially prone to worry, rumination, and negative automatic thoughts. ADHD is not caused by maladaptive cognitions, but adults with ADHD have more negative automatic thoughts, even when they are not depressed. Maladaptive positive cognitions can be problematic as well and often maintain dysfunctional behavior in adults with ADHD.
Review of Other Treatments for ADHD
Authors: Willer Jan
Published: April 2017

Many treatments have been suggested for ADHD over the years. The effectiveness of some of the most commonly considered treatments, other than psychotherapy and medication, are discussed in this chapter. These include omega-3 supplementation, other diets or supplements, cognitive rehabilitation, neurofeedback, mindfulness training, and coaching. Omega-3 supplementation for children is the only one that has proven benefits. More research is needed on the others. Ineffective and unproven treatments are also mentioned, including acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, interactive metronome training, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, sensory integration training, vision therapy, massage, mirror feedback, vestibular/cerebellar exercises and homeopathy.
A Step-By-Step Guide for Coaching Classroom Teachers in Evidence-Based Interventions
Authors: Marchese Dana D. , Becker Kimberly D. , Keperling Jennifer P. , Domitrovich Celene E. , Reinke Wendy M. , Embry Dennis D. , Ialongo Nicholas S.
Published: April 2017

A Step-By-Step Guide for Coaching Classroom Teachers in Evidence-Based Interventions highlights the consultation strategies used by the coaches on the PATHS to PAX Project with the Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Early Intervention working with classroom teachers in Baltimore City public schools. The PATHS to PAX Project is the integration of two of the most widely disseminated, evidence-based, universal school-based preventive interventions: the PATHS curriculum and the PAX Good Behavior Game, or PAX GBG. This book reviews the Universal Coaching Model and the Indicated Coaching Model for supporting teacher implementation, including establishing positive coach–teacher relationships as well as coaching strategies that reflect core principles of behavior change, such as modeling, reinforcement, and performance feedback. Also presented are lessons learned and real-life case examples from coaches working with classroom teachers, and strategies for addressing coaching challenges and barriers. The selection, training, and supervision of coaches are discussed, and more than 30 handouts are included in the Appendix for coaches to adapt and use in their work with classroom teachers.
Core Coaching Principles
Authors: Marchese Dana D. , Becker Kimberly D. , Keperling Jennifer P. , Domitrovich Celene E. , Reinke Wendy M. , Embry Dennis D. , Ialongo Nicholas S.
Published: April 2017

Chapter 2 provides an overview of the PATHS to PAX Coaching Model based on empirical findings and the current research literature regarding factors influencing implementation of evidence-based interventions in school settings, as well as mechanisms that affect teachers’ program implementation. In this chapter the coach is highlighted as playing an integral role in supporting teacher implementation. Also discussed is how consultation is a key factor in the feedback loop process. The literature is reviewed and the core coaching principles of the coaching model are described in detail, including engagement and building a productive and collaborative partnership with teachers, collaboration, supported skill development and constructive feedback, and positive reinforcement.
Lessons Learned
Authors: Marchese Dana D. , Becker Kimberly D. , Keperling Jennifer P. , Domitrovich Celene E. , Reinke Wendy M. , Embry Dennis D. , Ialongo Nicholas S.
Published: April 2017

In this chapter, lessons learned from the PATHS to PAX coaches are described based on their real-life experiences consulting with classroom teachers in Baltimore City. The coaches provide detailed scenarios with common implementation challenges as well as specific strategies for how to address and overcome these challenges successfully. Topics such as introducing new teachers and students to the program, departmentalization, teacher performance anxiety about program implementation, departmentalization, classrooms, teacher stress and burnout, developmentally appropriate expectations for students, unpredictable circumstances, competing demands, disorganization, a negative classroom climate, and low teacher engagement are also reviewed. Strategies to enhance teacher engagement are also reviewed.
Asking the Right Questions
Authors: Norcross John C. , Hogan Thomas P. , Koocher Gerald P. , Maggio Lauren A.
Published: April 2017

This chapter provides a guide to the first core skill of evidence-based practice (EBP): formulating a specific, answerable question. This skill lies at the heart of accessing the best available research. To practice EBP clinicians must first form an answerable clinical question; otherwise they will likely incur frustration and waste time once they embark on their literature search. The chapter introduces several types of questions, including background and foreground questions. The chapter also provides step-by-step instructions for formulating clinical questions using the PICO format, which encourages clinicians to identify the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcomes relevant to the patient. It concludes with a discussion of how to ensure that questions reflect the patient’s preferences and how to prioritize questions.
Locating the Best Available Research
Authors: Norcross John C. , Hogan Thomas P. , Koocher Gerald P. , Maggio Lauren A.
Published: April 2017

This chapter reviews unfiltered information sources, which contain “virtually everything” published, without filter or fetter. Unfiltered information can be found in a wide variety of online search tools and bibliographic databases, such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, and is generally the basis for all other kinds of research evidence. This chapter also introduces specialized evidence-based search engines. A weakness of unfiltered information is that it needs to be analyzed and synthesized, which can prove time-consuming. To facilitate the retrieval of unfiltered information, the chapter describes the advanced approach of using controlled vocabularies such as medical subject headings (MeSH). The chapter concludes by covering resources for accessing evidence on behavioral health tests and measures, including test reviews, test information databases, and test publishers.
Reading and Interpreting the Research
Authors: Norcross John C. , Hogan Thomas P. , Koocher Gerald P. , Maggio Lauren A.
Published: April 2017

This chapter reviews the numerical indices most frequently encountered in evidence-based practice (EBP), with an emphasis on practical interpretation. The research that fuels EBP abounds with numbers. Making sense of and applying that research requires familiarity with those numbers. This chapter covers features of the normal curve, standard errors, and confidence intervals for both test scores and statistics. Various measures of effect size and their practical interpretation receive special attention. Especially when investigating a condition (for example, depression or alcoholism), a host of rates and ratios play a prominent role in interpreting evidence, including the odds ratio, sensitivity and specificity of measures, false positives and false negatives, and positive and negative predictive power. The chapter also discusses the effect of outliers on research results.
Incorporating Evaluation and Ethics
Authors: Norcross John C. , Hogan Thomas P. , Koocher Gerald P. , Maggio Lauren A.
Published: April 2017

The final core step in evidence-based practice (EBP) is evaluating the effectiveness of the entire process: the E(valuation) in the mnemonic AAA TIE. In the literature, this skill is typically referred to as monitoring, measuring, or auditing clinical performance. This chapter reviews the evaluation of EBP implementation at three levels: the individual practitioner, the program or administrative unit, and the profession as a whole. The chapter then focuses on risk management, liability standards, and ethical issues—matters typically ignored when considering EBPs. The key ethical considerations in EBP revolve around competence, consent, and public statements; all of these are considered according to the American Psychological Association’s ethics code, which is used as an exemplar for the various codes of behavioral health professions.
The Terrain
Authors: Fishman Daniel B. , Edwards David J.A.
Published: April 2017

Although much has been written about the basic incompatibility of the dominant quantitative research model in psychotherapy and the qualitative preferences of the practitioner community, the recent developments detailed in this chapter have resulted in a growing rapprochement on both sides in the service of pragmatically improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Examples of these developments include (a) the growing mixed-methods movement; (b) the creation of the American Psychological Association’s evidence-based practice in psychology and evidence-based relationships models, to complement traditional empirically supported treatments; (c) the growth of the “practice-based evidence” model to complement evidence-based practice; (d) the organization of the case study field into a coherent whole with a variety of types of complementary approaches; (e) the emergence of “theory-building” case studies; (f) the development of case-study-based thinking within the cognitive-behavioral therapy movement; and (g) government support of initiatives that link traditional randomized controlled trial research to approaches that emphasize both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Commentary
Authors: Hoffman Lauren J. , Zendegui Elaina A. , Chu Brian C.
Published: April 2017

The work of Thastum and his colleagues (this volume) presents exciting new directions for improving the robustness and accessibility of evidence-based services. Their chapter describes efforts to replicate evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment programs from one country, Australia, to another, Denmark, which contributes to the ever-expanding evidence base for global applicability of CBT for youth anxiety. We comment on the contributions of this replication trial and its implications for further dissemination of evidence-based practice across the globe, in addition to the unique role that mixed methods can play in this effort....
The Efficacy of Interpersonal Psychotherapy – Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) in Preventing Depression
Authors: Kerner Sarah S. , Young Jami F.
Published: April 2017

Case Studies Within Psychotherapy Trials: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods presents a specific, mixed-methods approach, called the “Cases Within Trials” (CWT) model, to psychotherapy research combining the results from a randomized clinical trial (RCT); the results of richly and qualitatively detailed systematic case studies involving contrasting outcomes drawn from the experimental condition of the RCT; and a synthesis of the two types of knowledge. Chapter 4 of the book applies this model to a study of the application of a group-based, interpersonal therapy treatment—called “Interpersonal Psychotherapy—Adolescent Skills Training” (IPT-AST)—in preventing depression in adolescents. Finding a substantial statistical advantage of the interpersonal treatment over a “school counseling as usual” condition, the authors then analyze and compare the positive-outcome case of Menorka with the negative-outcome case of Shelly, both drawn from the IPT-AST condition.
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy for Adult Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Levy Kenneth N. , Meehan Kevin B. , Clouthier Tracy L. , Yeomans Frank E. , Lenzenweger Mark F. , Clarkin John F. , Kernberg Otto F.
Published: April 2017

Case Studies Within Psychotherapy Trials: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods presents a specific, mixed-methods approach, called the “Cases Within Trials” (CWT) model, to psychotherapy research combining the results from a randomized clinical trial (RCT); the results of richly and qualitatively detailed systematic case studies involving contrasting outcomes drawn from the experimental condition of the RCT; and a synthesis of the two types of knowledge. Chapter 5 of the book applies this model to a study of an individually based psychoanalytic therapy—called “transference-focused psychotherapy” (TFP)—to treating borderline personality disorder (BPD). Finding TFP equivalent to dialectical behavior therapy, the evidence-based benchmark of BPD treatment, the authors subsequently analyze and compare the positive-outcome case of Ms. J with the negative-outcome case of Ms. V, both drawn from the TFP condition.
Commentary
Authors: Piper William E. , Sierra Hernandez Carlos A.
Published: April 2017

When I (the first author, W. E. P.) read the chapter by Levy, Meehan, Clouthier, Yeomans, Lenzenweger, Clarkin, and Kernberg (2016), my immediate reaction was a flashback to the initial RCT that I conducted in the mid-1970s. This included a comparison of psychodynamic group therapy by psychiatric residents in their first year of training with a treatment-as-usual condition for young adults suffering from neurotic or mild characterological problems, using a battery of 10 sociometric measures taken prior to and after 3 months of treatment (...
Introduction to Counseling Special Populations in Schools
Authors: Fisher Emily S. , Kennedy Kelly S.
Published: April 2017

This chapter provides an overview of school-based counseling, the approaches used throughout the book, and the special populations that are discussed in the later chapters. The chapter identifies a significant benefit of school-based counseling, which is that it often reaches young people who otherwise would not receive mental health services. It discusses strength-based counseling approaches that, instead of focusing on students’ psychopathology, promote resilience; these include solution-focused brief therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Finally, it introduces the specific student populations that will be discussed in greater detail in the later chapters: students who are homeless, students living in foster care, students involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are LGBTQ, students who are pregnant or parenting, students who are gifted, students with incarcerated parents, students in military families, and students who are at risk for school failure and dropout.
Counseling Students Living in Foster Care
Authors: Fisher Emily S. , Kennedy Kelly S.
Published: April 2017

This chapter presents information and strategies for counselors who work with students who are living in foster care. Students in foster care have experienced a series of significant negative life events that put them at great risk for mental health and academic difficulties that can persist into adulthood. Counselors working with students in foster care can help by using strategies that promote empowerment and self-determination and that focus on building students’ strengths and social support systems. The chapter discusses specific counseling strategies such as solution-focused brief therapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools. It also presents suggestions for planning for the time when students make the transition from adolescence to adulthood and thus leave the foster care system.
Counseling Students With Incarcerated Parents
Authors: Fisher Emily S. , Kennedy Kelly S.
Published: April 2017

This chapter reviews strategies for working with students who have incarcerated parents. The chapter reviews the risks associated with having an incarcerated parent, including familial and financial strain, disruptions with attachment, changes in caregivers, and the culmination of preexisting risks such as poverty, exposure to trauma, and parental substance abuse. Young people with an incarcerated parent often feel isolated from or different from peers and often have reactions similar to those that may occur after the death of a parent, including sadness, anger, developmental regression, and engagement in risky behaviors. Counseling strategies discussed in this chapter include supporting students as they learn their rights and privileges, addressing misconceptions and fears related to parental incarceration, building coping skills, and preparing for visitations and the re-entry of an incarcerated parent. Specific approaches covered include solution-focused brief therapy and group counseling.
STEPPS in The Netherlands
Authors: Freije Horusta
Published: April 2017

This chapter describes the introduction and implementation of STEPPS (and STAIRWAYS) in The Netherlands, starting in 1998. The program was translated into the Dutch language (VERS I and VERS II) and has been gradually implemented nationwide. Apart from the United States, The Netherlands has the largest number of STEPPS programs. Research conducted in The Netherlands on STEPPS is reviewed, including controlled and uncontrolled studies. Several STEPPS-based training formats have been developed, including those for adolescents, family members of patients, and patients who are parents. The basic VERS I program has also been implemented as a part of assertive community treatment for patients with psychotic disorders and comorbid personality problems, and it is used in community mental health agencies, forensic facilities, and addiction clinics. A brief version of STEPPS has also been developed.
STEPPS in the United Kingdom
Authors: Harvey Renee
Published: April 2017

This chapter describes the implementation and dissemination of STEPPS in the United Kingdom (UK). The program is used in several partnerships within the National Health Service in England and Scotland. A UK version of the program was developed to ensure that the program was linguistically compatible with British culture. Modifications of the program have been developed for adolescents and persons with symptoms of borderline personality disorder who do not meet full criteria, with the goal of providing a non-pathologizing approach or to serve as an early intervention. For these two versions of the program, the reference to “emotional intensity disorder” (EID), has been replaced by “emotional intensity difficulties” (EID), and BPD is not used in the patient workbook materials. The goal of the National Health Service is to ensure that STEPPS is available for those with disorders of emotional regulation and to prevent a lifetime of involvement in mental health services.
Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents
Authors: Schuppert Marieke , Emmelkamp Paul , Nauta Maaike
Published: April 2017

The chapter describes how STEPPS has been modified for the adolescent population in The Netherlands. Emotion regulation training (ERT) provides a group therapy experience for adolescents that consists of 17 weekly sessions, one session with family members and “important others” and two booster sessions for the adolescents at 6 and 12 weeks following treatment. The three phases of treatment include psychoeducation and problem solving techniques; helping the group members see the connection between their character/temperament and their emotions and behavior; focusing on improving lifestyle choices (e.g. eating, sleeping, relationships, avoiding substance abuse). The chapter includes an overview of the ERT protocol, briefly reviews the data from recent clinical trials, and discusses future opportunities for this field. The goal was to implement a program that would help prevent long-term consequences of borderline personality disorder.
Molecular Detection of Diverse Leifsonia Strains Associated With Sugarcane
Authors: Young Anthony J. , Nock Catherine J.
Published: April 2017

Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, causal agent of ratoon stunting disease (RSD) of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids), is the most well-known member of the Microbacteriaceae genus Leifsonia. However, the presence of other Leifsonia strains associated with sugarcane has not been reported. A total of 697 Australian and 40 Indonesian sugarcane fields were screened by leaf sheath biopsy (LSB) PCR using primers specific for L. xyli subsp. xyli, in addition to primers designed to amplify DNA from other members of the genus Leifsonia. While L. xyli subsp. xyli was detected in 126 fields, a total of 37 distinct and novel Leifsonia and non-Leifsonia strains were detected in 116 fields. Representatives of these strains were also detected in multiple samples of expressed xylem sap. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the presence of a broad complex of novel Leifsonia strains, in addition to strains closely related to the recently erected Cnuibacter genus. Attempts to isolate Leifsonia strains were unsuccessful; however, one strain related to Cnuibacter was recovered from expressed xylem sap. Among the genetically diverse lineages discovered, identical genotypes were present in multiple sugarcane varieties growing in disparate regions in different years, strongly suggesting an ongoing association with sugarcane. The epidemiological significance of these strains is unknown, but there is evidence that they can interfere with serological and microscopic RSD diagnostics, and there is the potential that they may represent new and distinct pathologies of sugarcane.
PCR Markers Derived from Comparative Genomics for Detection and Identification of the Rice Pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens in Plant Tissues
Authors: Tang Jintian , Zheng Lu , Jia Qie , Liu Hao , Hsiang Tom , Huang Junbin
Published: April 2017

Ustilaginoidea virens is a fungal pathogen that causes the false smut disease in rice and reduces the yield and quantity of the grains. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was developed to detect U. virens using genes of U. virens as specific targets. Ninety-six candidate genes of U. virens were found through first-round homology screening against a local database comprising 46 genomes of fungi, bacteria, and plants, with a second-round comparison with the GenBank NR database to further identify genes unique to U. virens. Among 96 remaining candidate genes, 20 of them (GenBank accessions KY617806 to KY617825) were randomly selected for further testing and, eventually, six sets of nested PCR primers were developed after further sensitivity, specificity, and detection tests. All six sets could detect DNA of U. virens at as little as 1 to 10 fg/μl from field or lab samples. These primers may be used to detect infection by U. virens at early stages, for use in research toward mitigating disease spread, as well as for studying the ecology of U. virens. This study also serves to illustrate that a comparative genomics method may allow for selection and development of highly specific primers once draft or complete genomes are available.
A comprehensive reanalysis of publicly available GWAS datasets reveals an X chromosome rare regulatory variant associated with high risk for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bonás-Guarch Sílvia , Guindo-Martínez Marta , Miguel-Escalada Irene , Grarup Niels , Sebastian David , Rodriguez-Fos Elias , Sánchez Friman , Planas-Félix Mercé , Cortes-Sánchez Paula , González Santi , Timshel Pascal , Pers Tune H , Morgan Claire C. , Moran Ignasi , González Juan R , Andersson Ehm A. , Díaz Carlos , Badia Rosa M. , Udler Miriam , Flannick Jason , Jørgensen Torben , Linneberg Allan , Jørgensen Marit E. , Witte Daniel R. , Christensen Cramer , Brandslund Ivan , Appel Emil V. , Scott Robert A. , Luan Jian’an , Langenberg Claudia , Wareham Nicholas J. ,   InterAct Consortium,   The SIGMA T2D consortium, Pedersen Oluf , Zorzano Antonio , Florez Jose C , Hansen Torben , Ferrer Jorge , Mercader Josep Maria , Torrents David
Published: April 2017

The reanalysis of publicly available GWAS data represents a powerful and cost-effective opportunity to gain insights into the genetics and pathophysiology of complex diseases. We demonstrate this by gathering and reanalyzing public type 2 diabetes (T2D) GWAS data for 70,127 subjects, using an innovative imputation and association strategy based on multiple reference panels (1000G and UK10K). This approach led us replicate and fine map 50 known T2Dloci, and identify seven novel associated regions: five driven by common variants in or nearLYPLAL1, NEUROG3, CAMKK2, ABOandGIPgenes; one by a low frequency variant nearEHMT2;and one driven by a rare variant in chromosome Xq23, associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk for T2D in males, and located within an active enhancer associated with the expression of Angiotensin II Receptor type 2 gene (AGTR2), a known modulator of insulin sensitivity. We further show that the risk T allele reduces binding of a nuclear protein, resulting in increased enhancer activity in muscle cells. Beyond providing novel insights into the genetics and pathophysiology of T2D, these results also underscore the value of reanalyzing publicly available data using novel analytical approaches.
Introducing MX Cassettes into Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McCusker John H.
Published: April 2017

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome can be readily and precisely modified with the use of knock out (KO) marker cassettes to delete genes. The most frequently used family of KO cassettes is the MX cassettes. This protocol describes how to use the different types of MX cassettes by selecting for prototrophy, utilization of cytosine or acetamide as a sole nitrogen source, or resistance to one of six different drugs.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Polysome Profile Analysis and RNA Purification
Authors: Wolf Dieter A. , Bähler Jürg , Wise Jo Ann
Published: April 2017

Polysome profile analysis is widely used by investigators studying the mechanism and regulation of translation. The method described here uses high-velocity centrifugation of whole cell extracts on linear sucrose gradients to separate 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits from 80S monosomes and polysomes. Cycloheximide is included in the lysis buffer to “freeze” polysomes by blocking translation. After centrifugation, the gradient is fractionated and RNA (and/or protein) is prepared from each fraction for subsequent analysis of individual species using northern or western blots. The entire RNA population in each fraction can be analyzed by hybridization to microarrays or by high-throughput RNA sequencing, and the proteins present can be identified by mass spectrometry analysis.
Isolation of High-Molecular-Weight DNA Using Organic Solvents
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: April 2017

Perhaps the most basic of all procedures in molecular cloning is the purification of nucleic acids. The key step, the removal of proteins, can often be performed simply by extracting aqueous solutions of nucleic acids with phenol:chloroform and chloroform.
Cryopreserving and Thawing Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Oatley Jon
Published: April 2017

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen, using relatively standard cryopreservation techniques. At a subsequent time, they can be thawed for subsequent culture and expansion and then transplanted to generate spermatogenesis.
Facebook as a tool for supporting dialogic accounting? Evidence from large philanthropic foundations in the United States
Authors: Bellucci Marco , Manetti Giacomo
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the utilization of the social network, Facebook, as an instrument of stakeholder engagement and dialogic accounting in American charitable foundations, specifically non-profit organizations that are dedicated to philanthropy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research motivation involves whether online interaction through Facebook could represent a channel of dialogic accounting that engages organizational stakeholders. This paper aims to understand if this dialogue is geared to generate a consensus necessary to deliberate over decisions that are shared between all stakeholders, or if a divergent and agonistic perspective, which highlights struggles and differences between actors, prevails. The present study employs a form of content analysis that takes into account the Facebook pages of the 100 largest American philanthropic foundations.

Findings

The primary goal of the analysis is to examine the discrepancies in terms of how (and how much) large organizations are using Facebook. The study wants to provide more details on which kind of information large organizations are willing to disclose and collect on Facebook, and to evaluate the level and type of interaction between foundations and users.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could build on the present study by providing in-depth case studies and extending the analysis to other social media and other types of organizations.

Originality/value

Social media represent a powerful mechanism to engage stakeholders in a polylogic conversation. However, the scholarly literature confirms that further studies are necessary to understand how companies and organization can exploit this potential.
Big Data and corporate reporting: impacts and paradoxes
Authors: Al-Htaybat Khaldoon , von Alberti-Alhtaybat Larissa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the phenomenon of Big Data and corporate reporting, and to determine the impact of Big Data and the current Big Data state of mind with regard to corporate reporting, what accountant and non-accountant participants’ perceptions are of the phenomenon, what the accountants’ role is and will be in this regard, and what opportunities and risks are associated with Big Data and corporate reporting. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify the inherent technological paradoxes of Big Data and corporate reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is qualitative in nature and assumes an interpretive stance, investigating participants’ perceptions of the phenomenon of Big Data and corporate reporting. To this end, interview data from 25 participants, video and text material, were analysed to enhance and triangulate findings. A four-fold sampling strategy was employed to ensure that any collected data would contribute to the findings. Data were analysed on the basis of open and selective coding stages. Data collection and analysis took place in two stages, in 2014 and in 2016.

Findings

Three topics, or categories, emerged from the data analysis, which have sufficient explanatory power to illustrate the phenomenon of Big Data and corporate reporting, namely the Big Data state of mind and corporate reporting, accountants’ role and future related to Big Data, and perceived opportunities and risks of Big Data. Features of a new approach to corporate reporting were identified and discussed. Furthermore, four paradoxes emerged to express inherent opposing positions of Big Data and corporate reporting, namely empowerment vs enslavement, fulfilling vs creating needs, reliability vs timeliness and simplicity vs complexity.

Originality/value

The original contribution of the study lies in the empirical investigation of the phenomenon of Big Data and corporate reporting as one of the most recent and praised developments in the accounting context. The dual communication flows of corporate reporting with Big Data is an important element of the findings, which can enhance the prospective financial statements significantly. Finally, technological paradoxes of Big Data and corporate reporting are discussed for the first time, two of which are based on the literature and the remaining two are inherent in the phenomenon of Big Data and corporate reporting.
Speeding up estimation of the Hurst exponent by a two-stage procedure from a large to small range
Authors: Chang Yen-Ching
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The Hurst exponent has been very important in telling the difference between fractal signals and explaining their significance. For estimators of the Hurst exponent, accuracy and efficiency are two inevitable considerations. The main purpose of this study is to raise the execution efficiency of the existing estimators, especially the fast maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), which has optimal accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage procedure combining a quicker method and a more accurate one to estimate the Hurst exponent from a large to small range will be developed. For the best possible accuracy, the data-induction method is currently ideal for the first-stage estimator and the fast MLE is the best candidate for the second-stage estimator.

Findings

For signals modeled as discrete-time fractional Gaussian noise, the proposed two-stage estimator can save up to 41.18 per cent the computational time of the fast MLE while remaining almost as accurate as the fast MLE, and even for signals modeled as discrete-time fractional Brownian motion, it can also save about 35.29 per cent except for smaller data sizes.

Originality/value

The proposed two-stage estimation procedure is a novel idea. It can be expected that other fields of parameter estimation can apply the concept of the two-stage estimation procedure to raise computational performance while remaining almost as accurate as the more accurate of two estimators.
Novel motion estimation algorithm for image stabilizer
Authors: Chang Shyang-Jye , Wang Ray-Hong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The motion vector estimation algorithm is very widely used in many image process applications, such as the image stabilization and object tracking algorithms. The conventional searching algorithm, based on the block matching manipulation, is used to estimate the motion vectors in conventional image processing algorithms. During the block matching manipulation, the violent motion will result in greater amount of computation. However, too large amount of calculation will reduce the effectiveness of the motion vector estimation algorithm. This paper aims to present a novel searching method to estimate the motion vectors effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a novel searching method to estimate the motion vectors for high-resolution image sequences. The searching strategy of this algorithm includes three steps: the larger area searching, the adaptive directional searching and the small area searching.

Findings

The achievement of this paper is to develop a motion vector searching strategy to improve the computation efficiency. Compared with the conventional motion vector searching algorithms, the novel motion vector searching algorithm can reduce the motion matching manipulation effectively by 50 per cent.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel searching strategy to estimate the motion vectors effectively. From the experimental results, the novel motion vector searching algorithm can reduce the motion matching manipulation effectively, compared with the conventional motion vector searching algorithms.
Observer-based control for a singular Markovian jumping system
Authors: Lee Ching-Min
Published: April 2017

Purpose

For most practical control system problems, the state variables of a system are not often available or measureable due to technical or economical constraints. In these cases, an observer-based controller design problem, which is involved with using the available information on inputs and outputs to reconstruct the unmeasured states, is desirable, and it has been wide investigated in many practical applications. However, the investigation on a discrete-time singular Markovian jumping system is few so far. This paper aims to consider an observer-based control problem for a discrete-time singular Markovian jumping system and provides a set of easy-used conditions to the proposed control law.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the connotation of the separation principle extended from linear systems, a mode-dependent observer and a state-feedback controller is designed and carried out independently via two sets of derived necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).

Findings

A set of necessary and sufficient conditions for an admissibility analysis problem related to a discrete-time singular Markovian jumping system is derived to be a doctrinal foundation for the proposed design problems. A mode-dependent observer and a controller for such systems could be designed via two sets of strictly LMI-based synthesis conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method can be applied to discrete-time singular Markovian jumping systems with transition probability pij> 0 rather than the ones with pii= 0.

Practical implications

The formulated problem and proposed methods have extensive applications in various fields such as power systems, electrical circuits, robot systems, chemical systems, networked control systems and interconnected large-scale systems. Take robotic networked control systems for example. It is recognized that the variance phenomena derived from network transmission, such as packets dropout, loss and disorder, are suitable for modeling as a system with Markovian jumping modes, while the dynamics of the robot systems can be described by singular systems. In addition, the packets dropout or loss might result in unreliable transmission signals which motivates an observer-based control problem.

Originality/value

Both of the resultant conditions of analysis and synthesis problems for a discrete-time singular Markovian jumping system are necessary and sufficient, and are formed in strict LMIs, which can be used and implemented easily via MATLAB toolbox.
Obstructive and promotive factors for access to school and learning in primary school in Zambia
Authors: Sumida Sugata
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstructive and promotive factors that affect students’ access to school and learning attainment in Zambia. Much of the literature discussing Zambian education identifies only the obstructive factors. When identifying the obstructive factors becomes the primary focus in education policy, efforts are directed towards eliminating these factors without considering the context of the educational process. Consequently, this discourse has lost sight of the fact that eliminating obstructive factors does not guarantee good access to school and learning but merely provides a condition in which students are part of an educational process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an explanatory study with in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 27 university students. The sample was purposefully selected to balance variation in the respondents in terms of geographical background. The data analysis was aided with the qualitative analysis programme NVivo 10 along with the descriptive method.

Findings

The paper presents empirical insights about multi-faceted factors that affect students’ access to school and learning in Zambia. In particular, this study finds that teachers, policy changes, and students’ motivation are the key factors in achieving students’ academic excellence.

Originality/value

By presenting a simultaneous investigation of both sides of the factors related to access to school and learning, this paper contributes by suggesting the importance of a binocular perspective for educational development in Zambia and by providing implications for the new global agenda of post-2015 educational development that shifts the focus from access to quality.
The impact of corporate tax policy on sustainable retrofits
Authors: Brotman Billie Ann
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether energy retrofits need to be directed by public policy intervention or can be encouraged through tax relief that harnesses profit incentives. Existing office space potentially has an economic life of 25 to 40 years. It may be operating inefficiently compared to newer buildings for many years. Designing a market-based incentive system that encourages periodic remodeling which lowers energy usage and carbon emissions would have social benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

An owner/user case study is developed to test financial feasibility. The empirical study uses publicly available information to examine whether the variables modeled react as anticipated. The regression model incorporates variables of importance to an owner/user. Tax credits and energy deductions, interest rates associated with borrowing and likely electricity and natural gas rate changes are independent variables used to predict the dependent variable new non-residential private construction spending.

Findings

Investment tax credits (ITCs) coupled with lending has a positive impact on new non-residential commercial construction spending. The value of these benefits is not sufficient to encourage total building energy retrofits, but would encourage low-cost system upgrades. The interest rates associated with borrowing and the debt-service coverage ratio need to be kept low for existing building energy retrofits to be stimulated.

Practical implications

The case study provides a template that a business can use to determine the financial feasibility of a proposed energy upgrade. It enables the comparison of the marginal cost associated with an update to the present value of the financial benefits likely to be generated. Local real estate tax reductions linked to specific energy upgrades offered by many municipalities can be added to the expected energy savings generated by doing the retrofit.

Social implications

Tax systems designed to solve environmental pollution problems do not require regulators, inspections or court case decisions and are inherently less intrusive to businesses. Coupling private financial incentives with public policy goals cause energy-saving technologies to be adopted more quickly and with less public outcry.

Originality/value

The paper specifically considers the factors that influence an owner/user of the property. Rental rates and vacancy losses do not influence a property owner/user. Prior studies looked at revenue enhancements and lower-vacancy rates possibly associated with a green compared to a non-green office building. These studies did not focus on the owner/user paradigm. They reported financial benefits accruing to property owners who lease the office building. Many retrofit studies tended to use CoStar Group’s data, which are collected by a for-profit company and sold to users. The data used in this study come from survey data collected by the Federal Government of the United States of America (USA). It is publicly available to all researchers.