bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining participation in multisector health care alliances: The role of personal and stakeholder group influence
Authors: Hearld Larry R. , Alexander Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Cross-sectoral collaborative organizations (e.g., alliances, coalitions) bring together members from different industry sectors to ameliorate multifaceted problems in local communities. The ability to leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of these members is predicated on their sustained participation, which research has shown to be a significant challenge.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate how alliance member perceptions of decision-making influence relate to sustained participation in the alliance and its activities.

Methodology:

An Internet-based survey of 638 members of 15 multistakeholder health care alliances participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Aligning Forces for Quality program was conducted. Ordinal logistic regression path analysis was used to estimate the relationship between two types of influence (personal influence and general stakeholder influence), perceived value of alliance participation, and intentions regarding future participation.

Findings:

Alliance members saw less participation value when their personal influence was believed to be lower than the influence of other alliance members (b = −0.09, p < .05). This type of influence was not significantly associated with the anticipated level of future participation. In contrast, imbalances in general stakeholder group influence was not significantly associated with perceived value, but greater imbalances were associated with a decreased likelihood of future participation (OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.32, 0.83]).

Practice Implications:

Our findings highlight the important yet complicated task of balancing perceptions of influence; leaders must keep the desired outcomes in mind when considering what type of influence to attend to.
CRYOPYRIN-ASSOCIATED PERIODIC SYNDROME–ASSOCIATED UVEITIS AND PAPILLITIS
Authors: Ma Lina , Lee Stacey , Montieth Alyssa , Stephenson Andrew , Foster C. Stephen , Anesi Stephen D.
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

To report a case of uveitis and papillitis in a patient with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome.

Methods:

Case report. A 44-year-old white woman with a long history of inflammatory arthritis, diffuse erythematous rashes and hives, and hearing loss was referred to the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution for an evaluation of chronic ocular inflammation. She was diagnosed with bilateral papillitis and uveitis after a comprehensive eye examination, which included dilated fundoscopy, optic nerve ocular coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and B-scan ultrasonography. She was later diagnosed with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, an interleukin-1–driven autoimmune disease, as confirmed by genetic testing. Soon after starting treatment with anakinra, a human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, she experienced rapid improvement of her ocular and systemic symptoms, including rash, uveitis, and arthritis.

Results:

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome–associated ocular inflammation in remission with anakinra 100-mg daily subcutaneous injection.

Conclusion:

Anakinra is a very effective treatment for both cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome–associated ocular inflammation.
Level of Compliance in Orthokeratology
Authors: Jun Jiang , Zhiwen Bian , Feifu Wang , Lili Lian , Fan Lu
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

To investigate the level of compliance with orthokeratology (ortho-k) guidelines and the main behaviors of poor compliance to guide clinical care.

Methods:

A questionnaire was sent to ortho-k patients in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (EHWMU) in Mainland China who were prescribed ortho-k lenses after January 2013 and have worn ortho-k lenses for more than 1 year to determine the compliance rate for eight wear and care behaviors. Follow-up visit compliance was then investigated among these patients using a retrospective survey.

Results:

A total of 1,500 questionnaires were distributed, and 405 patients responded. The mean age of the patients was 13.1±3.9 years (range 9–22 years); 60.5% of the patients were female, and 98.3% were younger than 18 years. The full compliance rate was 14.1%, the compliance rate for wear and care behaviors was 18.5%, and the compliance rate for follow-up visits was 63.3%. The three highest noncompliance categories for wear and care behaviors were exposure to nonsterile solution, not removing lens depositions according to the eye care practitioners' (ECPs) recommendations and inadequate hand washing. No correlation was observed between the compliance for wear and care behaviors and age, sex, and wearing experience. The follow-up visit compliance rate significantly decreased from the third month to the ninth month. The common reasons for discontinuing follow-up were lack of time, no symptoms, and inconvenience.

Conclusions:

The level of compliance with ortho-k lens wear in Mainland China is not high, necessitating ECPs to stress to patients the details of wear and care behaviors, especially avoiding exposing lenses to nonsterile solution. Improving monitoring of follow-up visits, particularly within the first 9 months of wearing ortho-k lenses, is needed.
Preclinical Evaluation of the EVAHEART 2 Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device in Bovines
Authors: Motomura Tadashi , Tuzun Egemen , Yamazaki Kenji , Tatsumi Eisuke , Benkowski Robert , Yamazaki Shunichi
Published: August 2018

The EVAHEART 1 left ventricular assist device was miniaturized to the EVAHEART 2, with a new inflow cannula designed to mitigate the risks of malposition. To evaluate the safety of the new double-cuff tipless inflow cannula, in vivo studies were performed in healthy bovines. Eight consecutive studies were done: five short-term studies of hematological adaptation and three long-term studies of tissue adaptation. Each inflow cannula was purposefully implanted in the worst-case setting with marked malposition. Two studies terminated early: one because of an animal-specific ancillary component and one because of an accidental radial fracture. Six studies reached the study endpoint without major adverse events. One animal could not achieve proper anticoagulation because of warfarin resistance. Pump speed and power were maintained within stable, normal ranges. There were no major organ dysfunction or suction events. Necropsy results showed two cases of pannus formation around the inflow ostium because of warfarin resistance and hyperinflammation at the inflow cuff suture line. There was one case of trivial pannus; four cases were pannus-free, with no evidence of ventricular wall suction. No wedge thrombus formation occurred. The EVAHEART 2 tipless inflow cannula may reduce adverse events attributable to the inflow cannula, such as stroke.
Restoring antiviral immunity with adoptive transfer of ex-vivo generated T cells
Authors: Migliori Edoardo , Chang Mark , Muranski Pawel
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

Latent viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and adenovirus (ADV) often reactivate in immunocompromised patients, contributing to poor clinical outcomes. A rapid reconstitution of antiviral responses via adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) can prevent or eradicate even refractory infections. Here, we evaluate this strategy and the associated methodological, manufacturing and clinical advances.

Recent findings

From the early pioneering but cumbersome efforts to isolate CMV-specific T cell clones, new approaches and techniques have been developed to provide quicker, safer and broader-aimed ex-vivo antigen-specific cells. New manufacturing strategies, such as the use of G-Rex flasks or ‘priming’ with a library of overlapping viral peptides, allow for culturing greater numbers of cells that could be patient-specific or stored in cell banks for off-the-shelf applications. Rapid isolation of T cells using major histocompatibility complex tetramer or cytokine capture approaches, or genetic reprogramming of cells to target viral antigens can accelerate the generation of potent cellular products.

Advances in the ex-vivo generation of VSTs in academic medical centres and as off-the-shelf blood bank-based or commercially produced reagents are likely to result in broader accessibility and possible manufacturing cost reduction of these cell products, and will open new therapeutic prospects for vulnerable and critically ill immunocompromised patients.
Headache, Chiari I malformation and foramen magnum decompression
Authors: Olszewski Adam M. , Proctor Mark R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

With increasing use of MRI, more patients are being diagnosed with Chiari I malformation (CM1), many of whom are asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, headache is the most frequent presenting feature, although symptoms can be variable. The purpose of this review is to help primary care clinicians better understand the relationship between an individual's presenting symptoms and the presence of radiographic CM1, and to describe the expected outcomes for patients who undergo decompression surgery.

Recent findings

Recent literature has shown that asymptomatic patients with CM1 tend to have a benign natural history. For symptomatic Chiari malformation, headache is the most common presenting symptom and the majority of patients that present with headache will have symptom improvement after foramen magnum decompression. This improvement is most reliable for patients with classic Chiari-type headache, which are described as occipital or cervical and tussive in nature, but has also been shown in patients with atypical headaches who have undergone surgery.

CM1 is a common radiographic finding and associated symptoms can be variable. The relevance of this finding to a particular patient and need for intervention must be made on an individual basis.
How Magnet® Designation Helps Hospitals Tackle the Nursing Shortage
Authors: Graystone Rebecca
Published: August 2018

It has been more than 35 years since an enterprising team of nurse researchers evaluated the nursing shortage of the 1980s and unearthed findings that led to the creation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program®. Today, the Magnet® credential stands as the highest international acknowledgment of nursing excellence in healthcare organizations.
Shifting Culture: A New CNO Leading to Nursing Excellence
Authors: Johnston Diann , Villa Julie
Published: August 2018

A new chief nursing officer describes the transformational leadership strategies she and her team used to turn their hospital, once below the national mean on National Database of Nurse Sensitive Indicators and patient/RN satisfaction scores, into a highly engaged and effective organization achieving top-performing outcomes.
Efficacy of the Well-Being Index to Identify Distress and Well-Being in U.S. Nurses
Authors: Dyrbye Liselotte N. , Johnson Pamela O. , Johnson LeAnn M. , Satele Daniel V. , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: August 2018

Background

Studies suggest there is a high prevalence of burnout and depression among U.S. nurses.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to gauge the capability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to stratify nurse distress (e.g., low quality of life [QOL], extreme fatigue, burnout, recent suicidal ideation) and well-being (high QOL) and detect those whose level of distress may negatively affect retention or work performance.

Methods

In 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3,147 U.S. nurses. The survey included the WBI and standard instruments to assess overall QOL, fatigue, burnout, recent suicidal ideation, patient care errors, and intent to leave current job. We used Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon/two-sample t-test procedures with a 5% Type I error rate and a two-sided alternative.

Results

Of the 812 (26%) nurses who completed the survey, 637 were eligible for the present analysis. Nurses with low mental QOL, extreme fatigue, recent suicidal ideation, or burnout had a higher total score (all ps < .001), resulting in less favorable WBI scores. With a 17% pretest probability of low overall QOL, the WBI score can decrease the posttest probability of low QOL to 2% or increase it to 72%. The likelihood of high overall QOL decreased in a stepwise fashion from 3.38 to 0.04, as the WBI score increased. WBI score also stratified nurses’ likelihood of reporting a recent patient care error and/or intent to leave current job.

Discussion

The WBI is a useful screening tool to stratify both distress and well-being across a variety of domains in nurses and identify those nurses whose severity of distress may negatively affect patient care and retention.
Turning Stability in Individuals With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Conradsson David , Paquette Caroline , Franzén Erika
Published: August 2018

Background and Purpose:

Although instability during turning is a disabling feature of Parkinson disease (PD), little is known about the associated postural characteristics. Our goals were to compare turning stability between individuals with PD and healthy individuals and to investigate whether dopaminergic medication improves turning stability.

Methods:

Nineteen older adults with mild to moderate PD and 19 healthy individuals walked straight or walked and turned 180° to the right or left. The turning direction was visually cued before (preplanned) or during (unplanned) straight walking. Participants with PD were assessed off and on medication. As a proxy for mediolateral stability, we calculated the difference between pelvis lateral displacement and the lateral edge of the support base.

Results:

While healthy individuals regulated mediolateral stability in a steady-state manner during turning, mediolateral stability in PD was reduced for crossover steps (narrow steps by the foot contralateral to the turning direction) and increased for side steps (widening steps by the foot ipsilateral to the turning direction) (P ≤ 0.008). Individuals with PD turned with narrower step width (P ≤ 0.024) and smaller pelvis displacement than healthy individuals (P ≤ 0.002). Dopaminergic medication only improved mediolateral stability while using side steps to initiate unplanned turns (P < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions:

Turning stability was compromised in PD, but only for crossover steps with a narrow support base. As dopaminergic medication showed limited effect on turning stability, rehabilitation plays an important role to promote safe turning strategies with a specific emphasis on sustainment of a wide support base.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A236).
Nationwide Trends in the Utilization of and Payments for Hysterectomy in the United States Among Commercially Insured Women
Authors: Morgan Daniel M. , Kamdar Neil S. , Swenson Carolyn W. , Kobernik Emily K. , Sammarco Anne G. , Nallamothu Brahmajee
Published: August 2018

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;218:425.e1–425.e18)

Traditionally, the most common surgical care for hysterectomy has been laparotomy followed by inpatient hospitalization. Utilization of hysterectomy is rapidly evolving in the United States.
A Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound With an Unusual Hand Injury
Authors: Cecchini Matthew J. , Shkrum Michael J.
Published: August 2018

Self-inflicted gunshot wounds are a common cause of firearm-related deaths. The appearance and location of the entry wound, other concomitant findings at autopsy, and correlation with the scene and circumstances are critical in determining the manner of death. A case of a 72-year-old man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound with an unusual injury pattern is described. There was a contact range gunshot entry in the right temple, and an exit wound was seen in the left parietal region. There was a re-entry with an associated exit wound on the left hand.
The Role of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Current Review of the Evidence
Authors: Singh Devinder
Published: August 2018

Background:

Complex ventral hernia repairs (VHRs) are often complicated by surgical-site occurrences such as infection, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, necrosis, as well as hernia recurrence and mesh contamination. A review of current literature was conducted to determine whether the application of negative pressure therapy to closed incisions post abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR)/VHR reduces the risk of postoperative wound complications and hernia recurrence.

Methods:

The PubMed/MEDLINE databases were searched for studies published through January 2018. Higher quality publications that met the following criteria were included: adult patients undergoing AWR/VHR; comparison of closed incision negative pressure therapy with conventional dressings; and documentation of wound complications and/or hernia recurrence.

Results:

Six clinical articles including case report, retrospective controlled review, technique modification papers, systematic review, and meta-analysis are discussed. Scientific mechanism of action and economic analysis are also included. There are no level 1 randomized prospective controlled trials directly looking at closed incision negative pressure therapy dressings in AWR/VHR patients.

Conclusion:

For patients undergoing AWR/VHR, overall current evidence supports a decreased incidence in wound complications when using closed incision negative pressure therapy dressings compared with conventional dressings such as gauze.
Awareness, Willingness, and PrEP Eligibility Among Transgender Women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Jalil Emilia M. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Velasque Luciane , Ramos Makkeda Alessandra , Luz Paula M. , Moreira Ronaldo I. , Kamel Luciana , Fernandes Nilo M. , Ferreira Ana Cristina G. , Hoagland Brenda , Wagner Sandra , Liu Albert , McFarland Willi , Buchbinder Susan , Veloso Valdilea G. , Wilson Erin ,   for Transcender Study Team
Published: August 2018

Background:

HIV epidemics disproportionately affect transwomen worldwide. Trans-specific guidance, outreach, and interventions to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among transwomen are scarce.

Setting:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods:

We measured awareness and willingness to use PrEP and examined factors associated with those outcomes among transwomen in Rio de Janeiro and estimated how many transwomen would be eligible for PrEP. Data originate from Transcender study, a respondent-driven sampling survey conducted from August 2015 to January 2016. We performed regression models for PrEP awareness and willingness.

Results:

One hundred thirty-one (38.0%) of 345 participants had heard of PrEP. Among transwomen who self-reported as HIV-negative, 162 (76.4%, N = 212 with available data) reported willingness to use it and 163 (66.8%, N = 244) met PrEP behavioral eligibility criteria. Transwomen with health access in the previous 6 months who reported HIV-infected sexual partner and with 8+ years of schooling had increased odds of PrEP awareness. Lower PrEP awareness was associated with condomless anal intercourse and newly diagnosed HIV infection. Younger age and perceiving themselves at risk of HIV infection increased the odds of PrEP willingness. Lower odds of PrEP willingness were associated with concerns about long-term effects of PrEP and with difficulties in getting access to health care due to transphobia.

Conclusion:

Combination of low awareness, high willingness, and substantial PrEP eligibility corroborates transwomen as a key population for HIV prevention. PrEP is a promising and empowering strategy for HIV prevention among transwomen, but trans-specific recommendations are needed to effectively implement PrEP in this population.
Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Surgical Protocols and Facial Growth Outcomes
Authors: Pereira Rui Manuel Rodrigues , Siqueira Niedje , Costa Edna , Vale Dione do , Alonso Nivaldo
Published: August 2018

Background:

Adequate dentofacial growth is an objective of unilateral cleft lip and palate treatment. No study exists, comparing the dental arch of 5-year-old relationship after 2 treatment protocols: one with single-stage palatoplasty and another with delayed hard palate closure (DHPC). The authors hypothesized that the DHPC protocol provides better dentofacial growth.

Methods:

A single-center, single-surgeon Randomized Clinical Trial was performed to evaluate the maxillomandibular relationships in 2 groups. The intervention group (GI) underwent palatoplasty with DHPC between ages 3 and 4 years; the control group (CG) underwent complete palatoplasty between 9 and 15 months. The authors evaluated oronasal fistulae rates.

The dental arch relationship was evaluated via blinded panels using the Five Year Old Index.

Kappa statistics were calculated to assess reliability. Trials were statistically tested with the t test and chi-squared test.

Results:

Sixty-four patients constituted the study sample. The incidence of oronasal fistulae was 9.4% (GI) and 6.7% (CG). Sixty-two models with an average age of 55 months were available for analysis. Good intra- and inter-rater reliabilities (0.73–0.93 and 0.60–0.94, respectively) were obtained. Average index scores ranging from 2.04 (GI) to 2.76 (CG) were significantly different (P = 0.007). Significant between-group differences (P = 0.006) were found in scores, 1 and 2 in the GI (74%) and CG (52%). When the distributions were compared by the median, a difference was found (P = 0.024) in score, 1 between the GI (31.2%) and CG (3.3%).

Conclusions:

Although the DHPC protocol yielded better outcomes relating to dentofacial growth, other protocols should be investigated and findings verified by other researchers.
effectR: An expandable R package to predict candidate effectors
Authors: Tabima Javier F. , Grünwald Niklaus J.
Published: August 2018

Effectors are by one definition small, secreted proteins that facilitate infection of host plants by all major groups of plant pathogens. Effector protein identification in oomycetes relies on identification of open reading frames with certain amino acid motifs among additional minor criteria. To date, identification of effectors relies on custom scripts to identify motifs in candidate open reading frames. Here, we developed the R package effectR that provides a convenient tool for rapid prediction of effectors in oomycete genomes, or with custom scripts for any genome, in a reproducible way. The effectR package relies on a combination of regular expressions statements and hidden Markov model approaches to predict candidate RxLR and CRN effectors. Other custom motifs for novel effectors can easily be implemented and added to package updates. The effectR package has been validated with published oomycete genomes. This package provides a convenient tool for reproducible identification of candidate effectors in oomycete genomes.
Markerless tracking suggests a tactile sensing role for forelegs ofDolomedesspiders during locomotion
Authors: Pullar Kiri F. , Paulin Michael G.
Published: August 2018

Summary statement

We developed a machine vision technique for markerless tracking of locomotion in the spiderDolomedes aquaticus.Gait analysis suggests that each pair of legs plays a specific role in locomotion.

Because of their rigid exoskeleton with relatively simple joint mechanics, arthropods can provide useful models for studying the sensory-neural and mechanical design principles of agile animal locomotion. Gait analysis usually requires attaching markers or manually identifying reference points in video frames, which can be time consuming and inaccurate, especially with small animals. Here we describe a markerless motion capture technique and its application to gait analysis in the New Zealand semi-aquatic hunting spider,Dolomedes aquaticus. Our machine vision approach uses a model of the spider’s skeleton to infer the location of the centre of mass and the configuration of the skeleton in successive video frames. We found that stride length and frequency are correlated with running speed. Inter-limb coordination during the gait cycle suggests that different legs have specialized roles in locomotion. Phase relationships among the six hindmost legs exhibit an alternating tripod gait, as in hexapod insects. The middle two leg pairs appear to be primarily responsible for generating thrust, while the hind legs contribute more to stability. The front legs are not phase-coupled to the other legs and appear to be used as tactile probes during locomotion. Our machine vision approach has the potential to automate arthropod gait analysis, making it faster and easier. Our results indicate how specialization of limb function may contribute to locomotor efficiency and agility of a specialized hunting spider, and how arthropod design principles may contribute to developing efficient, agile legged robots.
Meta-organization of Translation Centers Revealed by Proximity Mapping of Endoplasmic Reticulum Ribosome Interactors
Authors: Hoffman Alyson M. , Nicchitta Christopher V.
Published: August 2018

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a nexus for mRNA localization and translation; the molecular organization of these processes remains however largely undefined. To gain insight into mechanisms supporting a diverse ER translational landscape, we utilized BioID labeling to study the protein neighborhoods of the Sec61 translocon, specifically Sec61β, an established ribosome interactor, and ER proteins (Ribophorin I, LRRC59, and Sec62) previously implicated in ribosome association. Divergent protein interactomes enriched for distinct GO functions were identified for the four reporters, within a cohort of shared interactors. Efficient BioID tagging of ribosomes was only observed for the Sec61β and LRRC59 reporters. RNA-seq analyses of the Sec61β- and LRRC59-labeled ribosomes revealed divergent enrichments in mRNAs and identified a transcriptome-wide role for the ER in proteome expression. These data provide evidence for a mesoscale organization of the ER and suggest that such organization provides a mechanism for the diversity of translation on the ER.
Local Homogeneity of Tonotopic Organization in the Primary Auditory Cortex of Marmosets
Authors: Zeng Huan-huan , Huang Jun-feng , Chen Ming , Wen Yun-qing , Shen Zhi-ming , Poo Mu-ming
Published: August 2018

Marmoset has emerged as a useful non-human primate species for studying the brain structure and function. Previous studies on the mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) showed that neurons with preferential frequency tuning responses are mixed within local cortical regions, despite a large-scale tonotopic organization. Here we found that frequency tuning properties of marmoset A1 neurons are highly uniform within local cortical regions. We first defined tonotopic map of A1 using intrinsic optical imaging, and then used in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of large neuronal populations to examine the tonotopic preference at the single-cell level. We found that tuning preferences of layer 2/3 neurons were highly homogeneous over hundreds of micrometers in both horizontal and vertical directions. Thus, marmoset A1 neurons are distributed in a tonotopic manner at both macro- and microscopic levels. Such organization is likely to be important for the organization of auditory circuits in the primate brain.
Production of santalenes and bergamotene in Nicotiana tabacum plants
Authors: Yin Jun-Lin , Wong Woon-Seng
Published: August 2018

Terpenes play an important role in plant–insect relationships, and these relationships can potentially be modified by altering the profile of terpenes emitted from plants using metabolic engineering methods. Transgenic plants generated by employing such methods offer the prospect of low-cost sustainable pest management; in this regard, we used chloroplast targeting and cytosolic mevalonic acid pathway enhancement in this study to investigate the interaction of santalenes and bergamotene with insects. The santalene- and bergamotene-emitting transgenic tobacco plants thus generated were utilized to study host preference in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer). The results showed that co-expression of either 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) or truncated HMGR with santalene synthase led to the production of higher amounts of santalenes and bergamotene in transgenic tobacco plants, and that these santalene- and bergamotene-emitting plants were attractive to green peach aphids. We accordingly propose that such transgenic plants may have potential application in pest management as a trap crop to prevent green peach aphid infestation of wild-type tobacco plants.
Updating genome annotation for the microbial cell factoryAspergillus nigerusing gene co-expression networks
Authors: Schäp p , Kwon MJ , Baumann B , Gutschmann B , Jung S , Lenz S , Nitsche B , Paege N , Cairns T , Meyer V
Published: August 2018

A significant challenge in our understanding of biological systems is the high number of genes with unknown function in many genomes. The fungal genus Aspergillus contains important pathogens of humans, model organisms, and microbial cell factories.Aspergillus nigeris used to produce organic acids, proteins, and is a promising source of new bioactive secondary metabolites. Out of the 14,165 open reading frames predicted in theA. nigergenome of only 2% have been experimentally verified and over 6,000 are hypothetical. Here we show that gene co-expression network analysis can be used to overcome this limitation. A meta-analysis of 155 transcriptomics experiments generated co-expression networks for 9,579 genes (∼65%) of theA. nigergenome. By populating this dataset with over 1,200 gene functional experiments from the genusAspergillusand performing gene ontology enrichment, we could infer biological processes for 9,263 ofA. nigergenes, including 2,970 hypothetical genes. Experimental validation of selected co-expression sub-networks uncovered four transcription factors involved in secondary metabolite synthesis, which were used to activate production of multiple natural products. This study constitutes a significant step towards systems-level understanding ofA. niger, and the datasets can be used to fuel discoveries of model systems, fungal pathogens, and biotechnology.
Parallel encoding of information into visual short-term memory
Authors: Dalmaijer Edwin S. , Manohar Sanjay G. , Husain Masud
Published: August 2018

Humans can temporarily retain information in their highly limited short-term memory. Traditionally, objects are thought to be attentionally selected and committed to short-term memory one-by-one. However, few studies directly test this serial encoding assumption. Here, we demonstrate that information from separate objects can be encoded into short-term memory in parallel. We developed models of serial and parallel encoding that describe probabilities of items being present in short-term memory throughout the encoding process, and tested them in a whole-report design. Empirical data from four experiments in healthy individuals were fitted best by the parallel encoding model, even when items were presented unilaterally (processed within one hemisphere). Our results demonstrate that information from several items can be attentionally selected and consequently encoded into short-term memory simultaneously. This suggests the popular feature integration theory needs to be reformulated to account for parallel encoding, and provides important boundaries for computational models of short-term memory.
Rapid Time-stamped Analysis of Filament Motility
Authors: Ijpma Gijs , Balassy Zsombor , Lauzon Anne-Marie
Published: August 2018

The in vitro motility assay is a valuable tool to understand motor protein mechanics, but existing algorithms are not optimized for accurate time resolution. We propose an algorithm that combines trace detection with a time-stamped analysis. By tracking filament ends, we minimize data loss from overlapping and crossing filaments. A movement trace formed by each filament end is created by time-stamping when the filament either first (filament tip) or last (filament tail) occupies a pixel. A frame number vs distance curve is generated from this trace, which is segmented into regions by slope to detect stop-and-go movement. We show, using generated mock motility videos, accurate detection of velocity and motile fraction changes for velocities <0.05 pixels per frame, without manual trace dropping and regardless of filament crossings. Compared with established algorithms we show greatly improved accuracy in velocity and motile fraction estimation, with greatly reduced user effort. We tested two actual motility experiments: 1) Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) added to skeletal myosin in rigor; 2) myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) added to phasic smooth muscle myosin. Our algorithm revealed previously undetectable features: 1) rapid increase in motile fraction paralleled by a slow increase in velocity as ATP concentration increases; 2) simultaneous reductions in velocity and motile fraction as MLCP diffuses into the motility chamber at very low velocities. Our algorithm surpasses existing algorithms in the resolution of time dependent changes in motile fraction and velocity at a wide range of filament lengths and velocities, with minimal user input and CPU time.
Human cardiac cis-regulatory elements, their cognate transcription factors, and regulatory DNA sequence variants
Authors: Lee Dongwon , Kapoor Ashish , Safi Alexias , Song Lingyun , Halushka Marc K. , Crawford Gregory E. , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: August 2018

Cis-regulatory elements (CRE), short DNA sequences through which transcription factors (TFs) exert regulatory control on gene expression, are postulated to be the major sites of causal sequence variation underlying the genetics of complex traits and diseases. We present integrative analyses, combining high-throughput genomic and epigenomic data with sequence-based computations, to identify the causal transcriptional components in a given tissue. We use data on adult human hearts to demonstrate that (1) sequence-based predictions detect numerous, active, tissue-specific CREs missed by experimental observations, (2) learned sequence features identify the cognate TFs, (3) CRE variants are specifically associated with cardiac gene expression, and (4) a significant fraction of the heritability of exemplar cardiac traits (QT interval, blood pressure, pulse rate) is attributable to these variants. This general systems approach can thus identify candidate causal variants and the components of gene regulatory networks (GRN) to enable understanding of the mechanisms of complex disorders on a tissue- or cell-type basis.
Combining synchrotron light with laser technology in catalysis research
Authors: Blomberg Sara , Zetterberg Johan , Gustafson Johan , Zhou Jianfeng , Shipilin Mikhail , Pfaff Sebastian , Hejral Uta , Carlsson Per-Anders , Gutowski Olof , Bertram Florian , Lundgren Edvin
Published: August 2018

High-energy surface X-ray diffraction (HESXRD) provides surface structural information with high temporal resolution, facilitating the understanding of the surface dynamics and structure of the active phase of catalytic surfaces. The surface structure detected during the reaction is sensitive to the composition of the gas phase close to the catalyst surface, and the catalytic activity of the sample itself may affect the surface structure, which in turn may complicate the assignment of the active phase. For this reason, planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and HESXRD have been combined during the oxidation of CO over a Pd(100) crystal. PLIF complements the structural studies with an instantaneous two-dimensional image of the CO2 gas phase in the vicinity of the active model catalyst. Here the combined HESXRD and PLIF operando measurements of CO oxidation over Pd(100) are presented, allowing for an improved assignment of the correlation between sample structure and the CO2 distribution above the sample surface with sub-second time resolution.
Drivers and barriers to food waste reduction
Authors: Stangherlin Isadora do Carmo , de Barcellos Marcia Dutra
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse main drivers and barriers to food waste reduction in the consumption phase and analyse pathways to anti-wastage behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed in order to understand the main variables affecting the behaviour and to identify pathways to move to an anti-waste behaviour. In the end, 84 articles were selected for the final analysis.

Findings

Drivers and barriers to reduce food waste were categorised in societal factors, personal factors and behavioural factors. Variables can increase the amount of waste (+) or reduce it (−). From them, efforts to move to an anti-wastage behaviour are classified in macro-environmental change, retailers’ engagement, raise awareness of the issue and creating anti-wastage social norms.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic review did not capture all variables that can influence consumer food waste and it is necessary different approaches to study the issue.

Practical implications

From the drivers for food waste reduction it is possible to design efforts to help consumers change their pattern of behaviour.

Social implications

Reducing food waste has effects in changing economic inequality, relative poverty and environmental damages.

Originality/value

The great majority of studies that analyse consumer food waste focus on behaviours that increase food waste. This special paper identifies how to stimulate and proactively work with behaviours that help to food waste reduction.
Mathematical modeling of electron irradiation of oil
Authors: Kizbayev Assylzhan , Zhakebayev Dauren , Abdibekov Ualikhan , Khikmetov Askar
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a mathematical model and numerical modeling to study the behavior of low conductive incompressible multicomponent hydrocarbon mixture in a channel under the influence of electron irradiation. In addition, it also aims to present additional mechanisms to study the radiation transfer and the separation of the mixture’s components.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-dimensional non-stationary Navier–Stokes equation is the basis for this model. The Adams–Bashforth scheme is used to solve the convective terms of the equation of motion using a fourth-order accuracy five-point elimination method, and the viscous terms are computed with the Crank–Nicolson method. The Poisson equation is solved with the matrix sweep method and the concentration and electron irradiation equations are solved with the Crank–Nicolson method too.

Findings

It shows high computational efficiency and good estimation quality. On the basis of numerical results of mathematical model, the effect of the separation of mixture to fractions with various physical characteristics was obtained. The obtained results contribute to the improvement of technologies for obtaining high-quality oil products through oil separation into light and heavy fractions. Mathematical model is approbated based on test problem, and has good agreement with the experimental data.

Originality/value

The constructed mathematical model makes developing a methodology for conducting experimental studies of this phenomenon possible.
Factors affecting the market development of steel construction
Authors: Chan Albert P.C. , Yang Yang , Gao Ran
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The steel construction market has undergone gradual development in the past decades given its profound impacts on environment, economy and society. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate a better understanding of the major drivers and issues behind the market development of the steel construction industries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step desktop research was conducted to select relevant research outputs published in the past 20 years. The research methodology in conducting these studies and their research trends were analyzed. Then the potential influencing factors for the market development of steel construction were identified through a content analysis of the selected studies.

Findings

A total of 59 articles were identified accordingly. These influencing factors were divided into five main themes: contextual, institutional, industrial, project-related and individual factors. In terms of the frequencies of these factors appeared in previous studies, “continuous development of standards, codes, and specifications” and “advance in product and process technology” were the top two driving forces in the market development of steel construction, while “cost issues” was the most frequently reported obstacle.

Originality/value

The study takes an initiative to establish a practical classification framework that can be dedicated to illuminating the critical issues or success factors affecting the development of the steel construction market. This framework can help policymakers, industry practitioners and researchers achieve sustaining success in steel construction in the developed, emerging and inactive markets.
Authoring social reality with documents
Authors: Huvila Isto
Published: August 2018

Purpose

In the context of organisation studies, Shotter and colleagues have used the notion of practical authorship of social situations and identities to explain the work of managers and leaders. This notion and contemporary theories of authorship in literary scholarship can be linked to the authoring of documents in the context of document studies to explain the impact and use of documents as instruments of management and communication. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual discussion is supported by an empirical interview study of the information work ofN=16 archaeologists.

Findings

First, the making of documents and other artefacts, their use as instruments (e.g. boundary objects (BOs)) of management, and the practical authorship of social situations, collective and individual identities form a continuum of authorship. Second, that because practical authorship seems to bear a closer affinity to the liabilities/responsibilities and privileges of attached to documents rather than to a mere attribution of their makership or ownership, practical authorship literature might benefit of an increased focus on them.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows how practical authorship can be used as a framework to link making and use of documents to how they change social reality. Further, it shows how the notion of practical authorship can benefit of being complemented with insights from the literature on documentary and literary authorship, specifically that authorship is not only a question of making but also, even more so, of social attribution of responsibilities and privileges.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the concepts of documentary and practical authorship can be used to complement each other in elaborating our understanding of the making of artefacts (documentary) BOs and the social landscape.
Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) through coastal afforestation in South-Central Coast of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Shahriar , Islam Md Sayful , Khan Md Nyeem Hasan , Touhiduzzaman Md
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the local-level initiatives through coastal afforestation, the natural and socio-economic context of the study area (Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District, Bangladesh) and the adaptation and DRR strategies generated through coastal afforestation in coastal Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Field observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, and transects were accomplished in both the dry and wet season. Spatial database generated and land use mapping integrated social and technical investigation. Five FDG sessions with participants from different livelihood options (fishermen, farmers and social representatives) were organised and, on average, 15~18 participants participated in each participatory session.

Findings

Mangrove plantation can be used to access new land and create alternative livelihoods, which are important for local community adaptation and to reduce disaster risks. Mangrove plantations provide chances for new land management options to be developed for use in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted only at the south-central coastal district of Bangladesh. Data collection to summarise all the socio-economic issues is limited.

Practical implications

This paper can be used for the integration of geospatial and social research techniques to understand the community approach to fight against climate change-induced impacts.

Originality/value

The research is solely conducted by the authors. The conducted approach is a blend of social and technical knowledge and techniques in generating community resilience at the south-central coast of Bangladesh.
Police management reform, labor productivity, and citizens’ evaluation of police services
Authors: Vuorensyrjä Matti
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study tracks changes in labor productivity of the Finnish police force over a period of thorough management reforms (2009-2014). Theoretically, the study is based on the cost disease hypothesis. It was assumed that police management reforms have had no noticeable effect on labor productivity and that, therefore, the fact that both physical police facilities and frontline employees have been reduced during the reform years has been reflected on the output side: on the number of outputs, accessibility, and quality of police services. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a series of longitudinal function-specific output-input analyses (2000-2015). The project employed data from the Police Performance Management database, Police Citizen Surveys (PCSs, 1999-2016), and Police Personnel Surveys (1999-2015). Methodologically, it relied on two different compounded annual growth rate concepts, linear regressions and likelihood ratio analyses.

Findings

The rate of growth of labor productivity was unaffected by the management reform period. In fact, productivity may have declined during the reform process. Citizens’ evaluations of police services have slightly deteriorated over the management reform period.

Research limitations/implications

PCS data are based on quota sampling. The procedure contains random sampling elements but is not fully random. The earliest PCS data lack satisfactory population weights, which is why unweighted data had to be used in this study.

Originality/value

Longitudinal studies on police productivity and, relatedly, on the cost disease phenomenon are rare. Yet, the themata are potentially very significant for both citizens and policy makers.