bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Details on a Cancer Resistance Model
Authors: Greene James M. , Sanchez-Tapia Cynthia , Sontag Eduardo D.
Published: November 2018

The primary factor limiting the success of chemotherapy in cancer treatment is the phenomenon of drug resistance. We have recently introduced a framework for quantifying the effects of induced and non-induced resistance to cancer chemotherapy [11, 10]. In this work, we expound on the details relating to an optimal control problem outlined in [10]. The control structure is precisely characterized as a concatenation of bang-bang and path-constrained arcs via the Pontryagin Maximum Principle and differential Lie algebra techniques. A structural identifiability analysis is also presented, demonstrating that patient-specific parameters may be measured and thus utilized in the design of optimal therapies prior to the commencement of therapy. For completeness, a detailed analysis of existence results is also included.
Environmental Optimization Enables Maintenance of Quiescent Hematopoietic Stem Cells Ex Vivo
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Morikawa Takayuki , Okinaga Ayumi , Hamano Fumie , Hashidate-Yoshida Tomomi , Watanuki Shintaro , Hishikawa Daisuke , Shindou Hideo , Arai Fumio , Kabe Yasuaki , Suematsu Makoto , Shimizu Takao , Takubo Keiyo
Published: November 2018

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain lifelong hematopoiesis by remaining quiescent in the bone marrow niche. Recapitulation of a quiescent state in culture has not been achieved, as cells rapidly proliferate and differentiate in vitro. After exhaustive analysis of different environmental factor combinations and concentrations as a way to mimic physiological conditions, we were able to maintain engraftable quiescent HSCs for 1 month in culture under very low cytokine concentrations, hypoxia, and very high fatty acid levels. Exogenous fatty acids were required likely due to suppression of intrinsic fatty acid synthesis by hypoxia and low cytokine conditions. By contrast, high cytokine concentrations or normoxia induced HSC proliferation and differentiation. Our novel culture system provides a means to evaluate properties of steady state HSCs and test effects of defined factorsin vitrounder near-physiological conditions.
Mechanistic investigation of mEos4b reveals a strategy to reduce track interruptions in sptPALM
Authors: Zitter Elke De , Thédié Daniel , Mönkemöller Viola , Hugelier Siewert , Beaudouin Joël , Adam Virgile , Byrdin Martin , Meervelt Luc Van , Dedecker Peter , Bourgeois Dominique
Published: November 2018

Green-to-red photoconvertible fluorescent proteins repeatedly enter dark states, causing interrupted tracks in single-particle-tracking localization microscopy (sptPALM). We identified a long-lived dark state in photoconverted mEos4b that results from isomerization of the chromophore and efficiently absorbs cyan light. Addition of weak 488-nm light swiftly reverts this dark state to the fluorescent state. This strategy largely eliminates slow blinking and enables the recording of significantly longer tracks in sptPALM with minimum effort.
Chromatin profiling of the repetitive and non-repetitive genome of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Price Robert Jordan , Weindling Esther , Berman Judith , Buscaino Alessia
Published: November 2018

Background

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin structures with pivotal roles in regulating all DNA-associated processes. Post-translational modifications of histone proteins modulate chromatin structure leading to rapid, reversible regulation of gene expression and genome stability which are key steps in environmental adaptation. Candida albicans is the leading fungal pathogen in humans, and can rapidly adapt and thrive in diverse host niches. The contribution of chromatin to C. albicans biology is largely unexplored.

Results

Here, we harnessed genome-wide sequencing approaches to generate the first comprehensive chromatin profiling of histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K9Ac, H4K16Ac and γ-H2A) across the C. albicans genome and relate it to gene expression. We demonstrate that gene-rich non-repetitive regions are packaged in canonical euchromatin associated with histone modifications that mirror their transcriptional activity. In contrast, repetitive regions are assembled into distinct chromatin states: subtelomeric regions and the rDNA locus are assembled into canonical heterochromatin, while Major Repeat Sequences and transposons are packaged in chromatin bearing features of euchromatin and heterochromatin. Genome-wide mapping of γH2A, a marker of genome instability, allowed the identification of potential recombination-prone genomic sites. Finally, we present the first quantitative chromatin profiling in C. albicans to delineate the role of the chromatin modifiers Sir2 and Set1 in controlling chromatin structure and gene expression.

Conclusions

This study presents the first genome-wide chromatin profiling of histone modifications associated with the C. albicans genome. These epigenomic maps provide an invaluable resource to understand the contribution of chromatin to C. albicans biology.
Newly developed single-cell computational approach elucidates the stabilization of Oct4 expression in the E3.25 mouse preimplantation embryo
Authors: Gerovska Daniela , Arauzo-Bravo Marcos J.
Published: November 2018

The time of onset of the second cell fate decision in the mouse preimplantation embryo is still unknown. Ohnishi et al. (2014) looked for cell heterogeneity in the ICM at E3.25 that could indicate the time preceding the apparent segregation of PE and EPI at E3.5, but were not able to detect an early splitting transcriptomics event using state-of-the-art clustering techniques. We developed a new clustering algorithm, hierarchical optimal k-means (HOkM), and identified from single cell (sc) transcriptomics microarray data two groups of ICM cells during the 32 to 64 mouse embryo transition: from embryos with less than 34 cells, and more than 33 cells, corresponding to two developmental sub-stages. The genes defining these sub-stages indicate that the development of the embryo to 34 cells triggers a dramatic event as a result of which Bsg is high expressed, the canonical Wnt pathway is activated, Oct4 is stabilized to high expression and the chromatin remodeling program is initialized to establish a very early narve pluripotent state from the preceding totipotency. We characterized our HOkM partition comparing with independent scRNA-seq datasets. It was staggering to discover that from the 3.4360×1010 possible bi-partitions of the E3.25 data of Ohnishi et al. (2014), our HOkM discovered one partition that shares the biological features of the early and late 32 ICM cells of Posfai et al. (2017). We propose that the stabilization of Oct4 expression is a non-cell autonomous process that requires a minimal number of four inner cell contacts acquired during the transition from a homogeneous outer-cell environment to a heterogeneous inner/outer cell environment formed by the niche of a kernel of at least six inner cells covered by trophectoderm.
Self-assembly of polymer-encased lipid nanodiscs and membrane protein reconstitution
Authors: Sahoo Bikash R. , Genjo Takuya , Moharana Kanhu C. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: November 2018

The absence of detergent and curvature makes nanodiscs to be excellent membrane mimetics. The lack of structural and mechanistic model of polymer-encapsulated lipid-nanodiscs limits their use to study the structure, dynamics and function of membrane proteins. In this study, we parametrized and optimized the coarse-graining (CG) bead-mapping for two differently charged and functionalized copolymers, namely styrene-maleic acid (SMAEA) and polymethacrylate (PMAQA), for the Martini force-field framework and showed nanodisc formation (< 8 nm diameter) on a time scale of tens of microseconds using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Structural models of ~ 2.0 or 4.8 kDa PMAQA and ~2.2 kDa SMAEA polymer based lipid-nanodiscs highlights the importance of polymer chemical structure, size and polymer:lipid molar ratio in the optimization of nanodisc structure. The ideal spatial arrangement of polymers in nanodisc, nanodisc size and thermal stability obtained from our MD simulation correlates well with the experimental observations. The polymer-nanodisc were tested for the reconstitution of single-pass or multi-pass transmembrane proteins. We expect this study to be useful in the development of novel polymer based lipid-nanodiscs and for the structural studies of membrane proteins.

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Antibiotic resistance and metabolic profiles as functional biomarkers that accurately predict the geographic origin of city metagenomics samples
Authors: Casimiro-Soriguer Carlos S. , Loucera Carlos , Florido Javier Perez , López-López Daniel , Dopazo Joaquin
Published: November 2018

Background

The availability of hundreds of city microbiome profiles allows the development of increasingly accurate predictors of the origin of a sample based on its microbiota composition. Typical microbiome studies involve the analysis of bacterial abundance profiles.

Results

Here we use a transformation of the conventional bacterial strain or gene abundance profiles to functional profiles that account for bacterial metabolism and other cell functionalities. These profiles are used as features for city classification in a machine learning algorithm that allows the extraction of the most relevant features for the classification.

Conclusions

We demonstrate here that the use of functional profiles not only predict accurately the most likely origin of a sample but also to provide an interesting functional point of view of the biogeography of the microbiota. Interestingly, we show how cities can be classified based on the observed profile of antibiotic resistances.
Beyond the seed: structural basis for supplementary microRNA targeting
Authors: Sheu-Gruttadauria Jessica , Xiao Yao , Gebert Luca F. R. , MacRae Ian J.
Published: November 2018

microRNAs (miRNA) guide Argonaute proteins to mRNAs targeted for repression. Target recognition occurs primarily through the miRNA seed region, composed of guide (g) nucleotides g2–g8. However, nucleotides beyond the seed are also important for some known miRNA-target interactions. Here, we report the structure of human Argonaute2 (Ago2) engaged with a target RNA recognized through both miRNA seed and supplementary (g13–g16) regions. Ago2 creates a “supplementary chamber” that accommodates up to 5 miRNA-target base pairs. Seed and supplementary chambers are adjacent to each other, and can be bridged by an unstructured target loop of 1–15 nucleotides. Opening of the supplementary chamber may be constrained by tension in the miRNA 3' tail as increases in miRNA length stabilize supplementary interactions. Contrary to previous reports, we demonstrate optimal supplementary interactions can increase target affinity >20-fold. These results provide a mechanism for extended miRNA-targeting, suggest a function for 3' isomiRs in tuning miRNA targeting specificity, and indicate that supplementary interactions may contribute more to target recognition than is widely appreciated.
Construction of an index system for big data application in health care enterprises --A study based on the Delphi method
Authors: Chang Yue , Du Wei , Shi Ruo , Lei Tang , Zhou Hanni , Li Duan , Hu Jiaqi , Fan Xingyin
Published: November 2018

This study explored the theory of medical enterprise management and big data. Based on the Delphi method, two rounds of expert opinions were consulted on the capability of a health care enterprise big data application index system covering 11 dimensions, 46 first-level indicators and 111 second-level indicators. The index system includes two categories of input and capacity. The input category includes five dimensions: human resources, material resources, financial resources, government policies, and social service system or social environment. The capabilities category includes six dimensions: data integration capabilities, service capabilities, data analysis capabilities, information security, profitability, and innovation capabilities. This index system aims to appraise the application capability of big data scientifically and systematically, and fills the gaps of such research in China so far, which has positive significance for further research in the future.
RNA m6 A modification enzymes shape innate responses to DNA by regulating interferon β
Authors: Rubio Rosa M. , Depledge Daniel P. , Bianco Christopher , Thompson Letitia , Mohr Ian
Published: November 2018

Modification of mRNA by N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) on internal bases influences gene expression in eukaryotes. How the dynamic genome-wide landscape of m6A-modified mRNAs impacts virus infection and host immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we show that type I interferon (IFN) production triggered by dsDNA or human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is controlled by the cellular m6A methyltrasferase subunit METTL14 and ALKBH5 demethylase. While METTL14 depletion reduced virus reproduction and stimulated dsDNA- or HCMV-induced IFNB1 mRNA accumulation, ALKBH5 depletion had the opposite effect. Depleting METTL14 increased both nascent IFNB1 mRNA production and stability in response to dsDNA. In contrast, ALKBH5 depletion reduced nascent IFNB1 mRNA production without detectably influencing IFN1B mRNA decay. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling following ALKBH5 depletion identified differentially expressed genes regulating antiviral immune responses, while METTL14 depletion altered pathways impacting metabolic reprogramming, stress responses, and aging. Finally, we determined that IFNB1 mRNA was m6A-modified within both the coding sequence and the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). This establishes that the host m6A modification machinery controls IFNβ production triggered by HCMV or dsDNA. Moreover, it demonstrates that responses to nonmicrobial dsDNA in uninfected cells, which shape host immunity and contribute to autoimmune disease, are regulated by enzymes controlling m6A epitranscriptomic changes.
Toxicity of overexpressed MeCP2 is independent of HDAC3 activity
Authors: Koerner Martha V. , FitzPatrick Laura , Selfridge Jim , Guy Jacky , De Sousa Dina , Tillotson Rebekah , Kerr Alastair , Sun Zheng , Lazar Mitchell A. , Lyst Matthew J. , Bird Adrian
Published: November 2018

Duplication of the X-linked MECP2 gene causes a severe neurological syndrome whose molecular basis is poorly understood. To determine the contribution of known functional domains to overexpression toxicity, we engineered a mouse model that expresses wild-type or mutated MeCP2 from the Mapt (Tau) locus in addition to the endogenous protein. Animals that expressed approximately four times the wild-type level of MeCP2 failed to survive to weaning. Strikingly, a single amino acid substitution that prevents MeCP2 from binding to the TBL1X(R1) subunit of nuclear receptor corepressor 1/2 (NCoR1/2) complexes, when expressed at equivalent high levels, was phenotypically indistinguishable from wild type, suggesting that excessive corepressor recruitment underlies toxicity. In contrast, mutations affecting the DNA-binding domain were toxic when overexpressed. As the NCoR1/2 corepressors are thought to act through histone deacetylation by histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), we asked whether mutations in NCoR1 and NCoR2 that drastically reduced their ability to activate this enzyme would relieve the MeCP2 overexpression phenotype. Surprisingly, severity was unaffected, indicating that the catalytic activity of HDAC3 is not the mediator of toxicity. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying MECP2 duplication syndrome and call for a re-evaluation of the precise biological role played by corepressor recruitment.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine
Authors: Lahmidi Sanae , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Hökelek Tuncer , Chkirate Karim , Mague Joel T. , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: November 2018

The nine-membered ring system of the title compound, C6H6N4, is essentially planar. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—HTrz...NTrz and C—HPyrm...NTrz (Trz = triazole and Pyrm = pyrimidine) hydrogen bonds together with weaker C—HPyrm...NPyrm hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to (\overline{1}02). The layers are further connected by π–π-stacking interactions between the nine-membered ring system [centroid–centroid = 3.7910 (8) Å], forming oblique stacks along the a-axis direction. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...N/N...H (40.1%), H...H (35.3%), H...C/C...H (9.5%), N...C/C...N (9.0%), N...N (3.1%) and C...C (3.0%) interactions and that hydrogen-bonding and van der Waals interactions are the dominant interactions in the crystal packing. No significant C—H...π interactions are observed.
2-{[2,8-Bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl](hydroxy)methyl}piperidin-1-ium trichloroacetate: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Wardell James L. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: November 2018

The asymmetric unit of the centrosymmetric title salt, C17H17F6N2O+·C2Cl3O2−, comprises a single ion-pair. The hydroxy-O and ammonium-N atoms lie to the same side of the cation, a disposition maintained by a charge-assisted ammonium-N—H...O(hydroxy) hydrogen bond [the Oh—Cm—Cm–Na(h = hydroxy, m = methine, a = ammonium) torsion angle is 58.90 (19)°]. The piperidin-1-ium group is approximately perpendicular to the quinolinyl residue [Cq—Cm—Cm–Na(q = quinolinyl) is −178.90 (15)°] so that the cation, to a first approximation, has the shape of the letterL. The most prominent feature of the supramolecular association in the crystal is the formation of chains along thea-axis direction, being stabilized by charge-assisted hydrogen-bonds. Thus, ammonium-N+—H...O−(carboxylate) hydrogen bonds are formed whereby two ammonium cations bridge a pair of carboxylate-O atoms, leading to eight-membered {...O...HNH}2synthons. The resulting four-ion aggregates are linked into the supramolecular chain via charge-assisted hydroxyl-O—H...O−(carboxylate) hydrogen bonds. The connections between the chains, leading to a three-dimensional architecture, are of the type C—X...π, forX= Cl and F. The analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surface points to the importance ofX...H contacts to the surface (X= F, 25.4% andX= Cl, 19.7%) along with a significant contribution from O...H hydrogen-bonds (10.2%). Conversely, H...H contacts, at 12.4%, make a relatively small contribution to the surface.
(μ-Methylenediphosphonato-κ4
O,O′:O′′,O′′′)bis[(ethylenediamine-κ2
N,N′)palladium(II)] tetrahydrate
Authors: Dyakonenko Viktoriya V. , Kozachkova Alexandra N. , Tsaryk Natalia V. , Pekhnyo Vasily I. , Lavryk Ruslan V.
Published: November 2018

The title compound, [Pd2(C2H8N2)2(CH2O6P2)]·4H2O, comprises of a binuclear molecule (point group symmetry 2), with a twofold rotation axis running through the central C atom of the methylenediphosphonate (MDP) anion. The PdII atom has a square-planar coordination environment defined by the N atoms of a bidentate ethylenediamine (en) ligand and two O atoms of the bridging MDP anion. In the crystal structure, metal complexes are arranged in layers parallel (001) and are sandwiched between layers containing disordered water molecules of crystallization. Extensive intralayer hydrogen bonds of the type N—H...O in the metal complex layer and O—H...O in the water layer, as well as O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the two types of layers, lead to the formation a three-dimensional network structure. The two lattice water molecules are each equally disordered over two positions.
Crystal structure, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-(4-methylphenyl)-6-nitro-1H-indazole
Authors: Ben-Yahia Ali , El Bakri Youness , Lai Chin-Hung , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: November 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H11N3O3, consists of two independent molecules having very similar conformations in which the indazole moieties are planar. The independent molecules are distinguished by small differences in the rotational orientations of the nitro groups. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds form zigzag chains along the b-axis direction. Additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the chains into layers parallel to (10\overline{1}). These are connected by slipped π-stacking and C—H...π(ring) interactions.
1,1-Diphenyl-4-(thiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-1-ol
Authors: Umaña Christian A. , Pineda Leslie W. , Cabezas Jorge A.
Published: November 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title homopropargyl alcohol, C20H16OS, contains two independent molecules comprising a hydroxy group, a 3-(2-thiophenyl)propargylic moiety and two aromatic rings linked to a central carbon atom. The two unique molecules are linked into a dimer by an O—H...O hydrogen bond. In one molecule, the thiophene ring is disordered over two orientations rotated by 180° with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.575 (4):0.425 (4). The crystal structure is stabilized by O—H...π and C—H...π hydrogen-bond interactions. The crystal studied was a two-component non-merohedral twin, the refined ratio of the twin components being 0.575 (4):0.425 (4).
Homopropargyl alcohol 1,1-diphenylbut-3-yn-1-ol
Authors: Umaña Christian A. , Pineda Leslie W. , Cabezas Jorge A.
Published: November 2018

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C16H14O, contains one molecule with a central carbon atom having a distorted tetrahedral geometry made of a propargylic fragment, a hydroxy group and two aromatic rings. Directional interactions such as unusual O—H...π contacts are observed between the molecules in the crystal.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylisochroman-1-one–2-(carboxymethyl)benzoic acid (1/1)
Authors: Abou Akoun , Akonan Ludovic , Koblavi-Mansilla Frédérica , N'gouan Aka Joseph , Kambo Konan René
Published: November 2018

The title co-crystalline compound, C10H10O3·C9H8O4, has been synthesized and characterized in a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. In the 3-hydroxy-3-methylisochroman-1-one molecule, the six-membered heterocyclic ring lies between an envelope and a screw-boat conformation. In the 2-carboxymethylbenzoic acid, molecule, the 2-carboxymethyl substituent is almost planar (r.m.s deviation = 0.048 Å) and makes a dihedral angle of 79.59 (7)° with the planar benzene ring. In this molecule, intramolecular C—H...O contacts generate five- and six-membered rings, forming a tricyclic ring system. In the crystal, classical O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds combine with C—H...π(ring) and unusual C=O...π(ring) contacts to generate a three-dimensional network.
Commentary on “diagnosis and treatment of ASD in women in secure and forensic hospital”
Authors: Chaplin Eddie , McCarthy Jane
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “diagnosis and treatment of asd in women in secure and forensic hospital”.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a commentary on a personal experience of services.

Findings

Women with ASD are often not diagnosed until adult years which may impact on their long-term outcomes. Secure services may not always have care teams who are appropriately trained to support a woman with ASD.

Originality/value

A commentary on an original viewpoint piece published in this special edition on women with autism spectrum disorder.
The regulatory power of standardized business processes
Authors: Reif Julia A.M. , Kugler Katharina G. , Brodbeck Felix C.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Managing business processes means establishing and maintaining their regulatory power, i.e., their capacity to guide and shape the practice of users and stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the regulatory power of standardized business processes can be established and managed.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a theory of standardization and on qualitative data, the authors suggest a “model of self-reinforcing business process management.”

Findings

Business process management consists of several phases (process design, process implementation, process application and process follow-up). A cyclical perspective on how these phases work together to create process legitimacy as presented in the model of self-reinforcing business process management can foster better understanding of the self-reinforcing dynamics of business process management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers starting points for interdisciplinary research on business process management. The proposed model should be further examined with regard to its usefulness for overcoming tensions and dynamics associated with standardization.

Practical implications

The model of self-reinforcing business process management provides a guideline for managers involved in planning, implementing, applying, or improving business processes or further areas of change-related organizational governance.

Originality/value

By modeling a cyclical sequence of business process management and highlighting the role of different kinds of legitimacy, the authors integrate functionalist and social perspectives on business process management in one model.
Share of voices in corporate social responsibility (CSR) news
Authors: Tam Lisa
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The use of sources in news coverage affects news audience’s perceptions of news events. To extend existing research on inter media agenda-setting and agenda-building effects of CSR-related news, the purpose of this paper is to explore the representation and share of voices in CSR-related news by investigating and comparing the use of sources in press releases and news coverage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study content-analyzed the 202 CSR-related press releases published by the two electricity providers in Hong Kong and 1,045 news articles related to the press releases over a five-year period. A total of 402 quotes from the press releases and 1,880 quotes from the news coverage were analyzed, including the types of sources cited, the tone of the sources and variations in the use of sources across seven different CSR themes.

Findings

Although company representatives were quoted the most in both the press releases and news coverage, NGOs, government representatives and industry analysts were the most frequently cited for negative comments in the news coverage. Differences were found between the press releases and news coverage in terms of how frequently different sources were cited, the tone attributed to those sources, and the choice of sources across different CSR themes.

Originality/value

The findings reflect that corporations are not necessarily the most influential voice in CSR and that other groups also have their views represented in the news media. The representation of these voices differed by CSR themes. Corporations are advised to further explore what and how different voices are represented in the news coverage in relation to their CSR activities and to consider these voices when making decisions about CSR.
Longitudinal study of antecedents of work engagement in Thailand
Authors: Kunte Manjiri , RungRuang Parisa
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of job demands, job resources and personal resources on work engagement using the job demands–resources (JD–R) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a longitudinal research design in a sample of Thai employees (n=182). The data were collected by questionnaires administered in two waves over a period of four months, and the hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results supported the negative relationship between role ambiguity and work engagement. In addition, the findings suggested self-efficacy as a moderator in reducing the effect of increasing workload on work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study will be helpful for managers in designing appropriate human resources policies and practices; in recruiting, selecting and developing engaged employees; and in ensuring workplace well-being.

Originality/value

This is the first notable study establishing the applicability of the antecedents of work engagement in the JD–R model in a Thai work setting.
Electro-thermo-convection in dielectric liquid subjected to partial unipolar injection between two eccentric cylinders
Authors: Elkhazen Mohamed Issam , Hassen Walid , Öztop Hakan F. , Kolsi Lioua , Al-Rashed Abdullah A.A.A. , Borjini Mohamed Naceur , Ali Mohamed E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to highlight the effects of partial unipolar injection on electro-thermo-convection (ETC) in dielectric liquid contained between two eccentric cylinders.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite volume method was used to solve governing equations. The study is performed for different parameters, such as radius ratio (0.2 ≤ Γ ≤ 0.6), dimensionless electric Rayleigh number (0 ≤ T ≤ 900), eccentricity (−0.4 ≤ e ≤ 0.4) and thermal Rayleigh number (10 ≤ Ra ≤ 5.105).

Findings

It is found that heat transfer increases with increase in dimensionless electric Rayleigh number and eccentricity ratio.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to analyze the ETC in dielectric liquid subjected to partial unipolar injection between two eccentric cylinders
Do steering committees really steer?
Authors: McGrath Stephen Keith , Whitty Stephen Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the confusion among project management practitioners about the role of steering committees.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly experienced participants selected from a range of industries and disciplines in Queensland, Australia.

Findings

Six separate confusions on the role of steering committees were identified within that practitioner community. However, despite participants expressing various opposing views, they had actually come to the same working arrangements for their committees; all that was missing was a common conceptualisation of these working arrangements and consistent terminology.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides clear evidence to the academic literature that confusion over the role of steering committees actually exists within the practitioner community and identifies six separate ways in which this occurs. It also identifies a problematic error in the widely used PRINCE2 governance model. Clarity in committee governance arrangements will facilitate future research endeavours through the removal of confusion surrounding committee labelling and accountability.

Practical implications

A committee decision tree model that guards against all six confusions is proposed for practitioner use, providing a means of avoiding unnecessary internal conflict within organisational governance arrangements. It can be used to check terms of reference of existing or proposed committees, facilitating organisational efficiency and effectiveness. The suggested renaming of project control groups to project coordination groups, and discontinuance of the practice of labelling committees that cannot authorise their decisions as either steering committees or boards, further supports this.

Social implications

Reconciliation of terminology with actual practice and the consequent clarity of governance arrangements can facilitate building social and physical systems and infrastructure, benefitting organisations, whether public, charitable or private.

Originality/value

Clarity regarding committee accountability can avoid confusion, misunderstanding and their consequent waste of time, resources and money.
Search effort and retail outcomes: the mediating role of search disconfirmation
Authors: Gillison Stephanie , Reynolds Kristy
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how shoppers’ expectations regarding the amount of search and disconfirmation of these search expectations affect outcomes of the shopping trip.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of shoppers is used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Survey results indicate that search disconfirmation is conceptually distinct from but related to search effort and search regret. The results show that negative search disconfirmation mediates the relationship between search effort and shopper satisfaction, hedonic and utilitarian shopping value, choice confidence, search regret and negative word-of-mouth intent.

Originality/value

The findings underscore that search effort itself is not negative for shoppers. However, when search effort is perceived as excessive compared to shoppers’ expectations, negative retail outcomes can occur. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
What initiatives do healthcare leaders agree are needed for healthcare system improvement? Results of a modified-Delphi study
Authors: Barson Stuart , Gauld Robin , Gray Jonathon , Henriks Goran , Krause Christina , Lachman Peter , Maher Lynne , Massoud M. Rashad , Mathias Lee , Wagner Mike , Villa Luis
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify five quality improvement initiatives for healthcare system leaders, produced by such leaders themselves, and to provide some guidance on how these could be implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage modified-Delphi process was used, blending the Delphi approach of iterative information collection, analysis and feedback, with the option for participants to revise their judgments.

Findings

The process reached consensus on five initiatives: change information privacy laws; overhaul professional training and work in the workplace; use co-design methods; contract for value and outcomes across health and social care; and use data from across the public and private sectors to improve equity for vulnerable populations and the sickest people.

Research limitations/implications

Information could not be gathered from all participants at each stage of the modified-Delphi process, and the participants did not include patients and families, potentially limiting the scope and nature of input.

Practical implications

The practical implications are a set of findings based on what leaders would bring to a decision-making table in an ideal world if given broad scope and capacity to make policy and organisational changes to improve healthcare systems.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature a suite of recommendations for healthcare quality improvement, produced by a group of experienced healthcare system leaders from a range of contexts.
Selling the concept of brands: the Swedish advertising industry and branding in the 1920s
Authors: Åström Rudberg Elin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine how the cartelized Swedish advertising industry contributed to the development of brands in Sweden in the early twentieth century. Specifically, a nationwide campaign for branded goods in 1925 is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a study of primary sources from the Swedish advertising agencies, manufacturers and retailers, which are analyzed using a hermeneutic method.

Findings

The paper shows that the unique organization of the main Swedish advertising agencies and the limited size of the market pushed the agencies into promoting and selling the idea of brands to consumers, retailers and manufacturers, which was done by exploiting established social sentiments in combination with American advertising techniques. It is also found that the Swedish advertising agencies described and conceptualized brands using widely known social ideals rather than the so-called brand personality aspect of branding.

Research limitations/implications

Although limited to the Swedish case, this paper suggests that research could benefit from taking different markets’ unique contexts into more consideration when studying the development of brands and advertising. In this paper, especially the organization and size of the advertising market together with the specific social and cultural values available to advertising professionals when creating brands, have been highlighted.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the size of the advertising market together with the organization of the advertising industry as important factors for the historical development of brands in Sweden. It also shows how brands were conceptualized using social ideals rather than the brand personality aspect of branding.
Cyberattacks on ships: a wicked problem approach
Authors: Mileski Joan , Clott Christopher , Galvao Cassia Bomer
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The maritime industry is increasingly impacted by the Internet of things (IoT) through the automation of ships and port activities. This increased automation creates new security vulnerabilities for the maritime industry in cyberspace. Any obstruction in the global supply chain due to a cyberattack can cause catastrophic problems in the global economy. This paper aims to review automatic identification systems (AISs) aboard ships for cyber issues and weaknesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors do so by comparing the results of two receiver systems of the AIS in the Port of Houston; the JAMSS system aboard the Space Station and the “Harborlights” system for traffic control in the Port.

Findings

The authors find that inconsistent information is presented on the location of same ships at the same time in the Port. Upon further investigation with pilots, the authors find that these inconsistencies may be the result of the strength of power with which an AIS is transmitted. It appears the power may be reduced to the AIS in port but that it varies within port and varies by pilot operators. This practice may open the AIS system for tampering.

Originality/value

Further, this inconsistency may require further policy regulation to properly address cyber information in a port.
Experimental and numerical investigations of the vibration reliability of BGA and LGA solder configurations and SAC105 and 63Sn37Pb solder alloys
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad , Stewart Aaron J. , Su Quang T. , Pitarresi James M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and compare the reliability performance of land grid array (LGA) and ball grid array (BGA) solders, as well as the SAC105 and 63Sn37Pb solder alloys, in vibration loading conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Reliability tests were conducted using a sine dwell with resonance tracking vibration experiment. Finite element simulations were performed to help in understanding the observed failure trends.

Findings

Reliability results showed that the tin-lead solders out-perform lead-free solders in vibrations loading. Additionally, the LGA solder type could provide a better vibration reliability performance than BGA solders. Failure analysis results showed that in LGAs, the crack is initiated at the printed circuit board side and at the component side in BGAs. In both types, the crack is propagated throughout in the intermetallic compound layer.

Originality/value

In literature, there is a lack of published data in the comparison between LGA and BGA reliability performance in vibration loadings. This paper provides useful insights in the vibration reliability behavior of the two common solder joint types.
Presence of Zearalenone in Cereal Grains and Its Exposure Risk Assessment in Indian Population
Authors: Rai Ankita , Dixit Sumita , Singh Sheelendra Pratap , Gautam Naveen Kumar , Das Mukul , Tripathi Anurag
Published: November 2018

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a toxic metabolite of Fusarium genera that frequently contaminates cereal grains. India being a tropical country provides suitable conditions for fungal invasion to the cereals. In the absence of any regulatory limits for ZEA in India, the present study was carried out to analyze the contamination levels of ZEA in different cereal samples consumed by Indian population and its exposure assessment through intake. Out of 117 cereal samples comprising of wheat, rice, corn, and oats, 70 (84%) were found to be positive for ZEA contamination, among which 24 (33%) samples exceeded the permissible limits proposed by European Union when analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The positive samples were further validated by Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectroscopy (LC‐MS) analysis. Based on the quantitative estimation of ZEA contamination in cereals and their daily consumption values, the probable daily intake of ZEA was found to be 16.9‐ and 7.9‐fold higher in rice and wheat samples, respectively, than the tolerable daily intake prescribed by European Food Safety Authority. The presence of ZEA at high levels indicates a higher exposure risk for Indian population as wheat and rice are staple foods in India. Thus, there is an immediate need to set the permissible levels of ZEA in India to safeguard the health of 1.34 billion people.

Practical Application

High levels of ZEA contaminated wheat and rice samples suggest that the consumers are at a greater exposure risk. The study will help the Indian regulatory bodies to set the permissible level of ZEA in different cereal grains so as to safeguard the health of common masses. This can happen by simply adopting to European Food Safety Authority standards or depending on the consumption pattern of food and its occurrence, the new safe limit can be prescribed in India like in other Asian countries.
US state cigarette tax increases and smoke‐free legislation in relation to cigarette expenditure across household socio‐economic circumstances: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Kull Melissa , Baum Christopher F.
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims

While research has focused on outcomes of tobacco control policies, less is known about the mechanisms by which policies may affect tobacco use. We estimated the associations of changes in cigarette taxes and smoke‐free legislation with (1) any household cigarette expenditure and (2) the level of household expenditure on cigarettes, as well as (3) tested interactions with socio‐economic circumstances.

Design

Difference‐in‐differences regression models to estimate the associations between changes in US state cigarette taxes and smoke‐free legislation with changes in household expenditure on cigarettes.

Setting

Forty US states and District of Columbia.

Participants

From annual, cross‐sectional surveys (with a longitudinal component) between 2000 and 2014, 128 138 households interviewed quarterly in the Consumer Expenditure Survey.

Measurements

Dependent measures included any household cigarette expenditure, expenditure in real dollars and budget share of cigarette expenditure. Policy measures included state cigarette taxes and 100% smoke‐free legislation. Covariates included respondent age, race/ethnicity, sex; household education; poverty level; family structure; and number of children and adults.

Findings

Every $1.00 cigarette tax increase was associated with a 1.5 percentage point (−0.028, −0.002) reduction in any cigarette expenditure and an increase of 0.1% (0.1%, 0.1%) budget share and $10.11 ($8.38, $11.84) absolute expenditure. The association with absolute expenditure was stronger among smoking households above poverty level ($10.73; $8.94, $12.51) than below ($4.72; $2.37, $7.07). The enactment of smoke‐free legislation was associated with $2.33 (−$4.56, −$0.10) less expenditure, but not with any expenditure (0.1%; −1.6%, 1.8%) or budget share (−0.1%; −0.1%, 0.1%). The association with absolute expenditure was stronger among households above poverty level (−$2.62; −$4.95, −$0.29) than below (−$0.34; −$4.27, $3.58)

Conclusion

Cigarette tax increases in the United States between 2000 and 2014 may have reduced smoking prevalence due to an absolute and relative increase in household tobacco expenditure while smoke‐free policies appear to have led to a reduction in expenditure. Although tax increases had a stronger impact on absolute expenditure among households above the poverty level, impact on relative expenditure was similar, and consequences for socio‐economic inequalities in smoking will vary based on the broader financial situation of households.
Current considerations in AYA Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Crombie Jennifer L. , LaCasce Ann S.
Published: November 2018

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults (AYA), defined by the National Cancer Institute as people diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 years. Despite therapeutic advances, the AYA population has derived less incremental benefit compared to both paediatric and adult counterparts. Although the exact aetiology is unclear, contributing factors probably include differences in disease biology, delayed diagnosis, decreased participation in clinical trials and treatment adherence secondary to complex social factors. As such, while HL remains highly curable, there is not a clear consensus regarding the management of patients within this age range, specifically whether paediatric or adult regimens are preferred or how best to incorporate emerging therapeutic advancements. Ongoing clinical trials, as well as continued collaborative efforts are required to address the needs of this population, investigate the potential for unique biological factors and allow for optimization of treatment. Here we review current prognostic and treatment strategies for paediatric and adult patients with HL and highlight complexities around the management of this patient population.
Effect of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system blocking agents on progression of glomerulopathy in sickle cell disease
Authors: Thrower Ashley , Ciccone Emily J. , Maitra Poulami , Derebail Vimal K. , Cai Jianwen , Ataga Kenneth I.
Published: November 2018

Although renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) blocking agents decrease albuminuria in short‐term studies, there is no evidence confirming their long‐term efficacy in sickle cell disease (SCD). In a single‐centre, retrospective study, we evaluated the long‐term effect of RAAS blocking agents on proteinuria and declining estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Eighty‐six patients on RAAS blocking agents for proteinuria, followed for a median of 2·28 years, were compared with 68 patients with proteinuria followed for 2·24 years who were not receiving such treatment. The log odds of proteinuria decreased over time in patients on RAAS blocking agents (β: −0·23, P = 0·03) and in the non‐treatment group (β: −0·54, P < 0·0001), but was not statistically different between both groups (β: 0·31, P = 0·063). The eGFR declined over time in patients on RAAS blocking agents (β: −2·78, P < 0·0001) and in those not on such treatment (β: −4·7, P < 0·0001), and was statistically different between both groups (β: 1·9, P = 0·0002). Baseline eGFR was associated with mortality (Hazard rato: 0·97, P < 0·0001), but RAAS blocking agents had no significant effect on mortality. These data suggest that RAAS blockade may slow the loss of kidney function in SCD.