bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arabidopsis miR396 mediates pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immune responses against fungal pathogens
Authors: Soto-Suárez Mauricio , Baldrich Patricia , Weigel Detlef , Rubio-Somoza Ignacio , San Segundo Blanca
Published: March 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression during plant development. Although a substantial fraction of plant miRNAs has proven responsive to pathogen infection, their role in disease resistance remains largely unknown, especially during fungal infections. In this study, we screenedArabidopsis thalianalines in which miRNA activity has been reduced using artificial miRNA target mimics (MIMlines) for their response to fungal pathogens. Reduced activity of miR396 (MIM396plants) was found to confer broad resistance to necrotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal pathogens. MiR396 levels gradually decreased during fungal infection, thus, enabling its GRF (GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR) transcription factor target genes to trigger host reprogramming. Pathogen resistance inMIM396plants is based on a superactivation of defense responses consistent with a priming event during pathogen infection. Notably, low levels of miR396 are not translated in developmental defects in absence of pathogen challenge. Our findings support a role of miR396 in regulating plant immunity, and broaden our knowledge about the molecular players and processes that sustain defense priming. That miR396 modulates innate immunity without growth costs also suggests fine-tuning of miR396 levels as an effective biotechnological means for protection against pathogen infection.
Cell cycle arrest and biochemical changes accompanying cell death in harmful dinoflagellates following exposure to bacterial algicide IRI-160AA
Authors: Pokrzywinski Kaytee L. , Tilney Charles L. , Warner Mark E. , Coyne Kathryn J.
Published: March 2017

Bacteria may play a role in regulating harmful algal blooms, but little is known about the biochemical and physiological changes associated with cell death induced by algicidal bacteria. Previous work characterized an algicidal exudate (IRI-160AA) produced by Shewanella sp. IRI-160 that is effective against dinoflagellates, while having little to no effect on other phytoplankton species in laboratory culture experiments. The objective of this study was to evaluate biochemical changes associated with cell death and impacts on the cell cycle in three dinoflagellate species (Prorocentrum minimum, Karlodinium veneficum and Gyrodinium instriatum) after exposure to IRI-160AA. In this study, IRI-160AA induced cell cycle arrest in all dinoflagellates examined. Several indicators for programmed cell death (PCD) that are often observed in phytoplankton in response to a variety of stressors were also evaluated. Cell death was accompanied by significant increases in DNA degradation, intra- and extracellular ROS concentrations and DEVDase (caspase-3 like) protease activity, which have been associated with PCD in other phytoplankton species. Overall, results of this investigation provide strong evidence that treatment with the bacterial algicide, IRI-160AA results in cell cycle arrest and induces biochemical changes consistent with stress-related cell death responses observed in other phytoplankton.
Restricting the liquid–liquid phase separation of PTB7-Th:PF12TBT:PC71BM by enhanced PTB7-Th solution aggregation to optimize the interpenetrating network
Authors: Tang Bin , Liu Jiangang , Cao Xinxiu , Zhao Qiaoqiao , Yu Xinhong , Zheng Shijun , Han Yanchun
Published: March 2017

The current understanding of the active layer morphology in ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) is superficial owing to more variables and complexity compared to that of binary OSCs.
Low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of battery grade lithium iron phosphate
Authors: Benedek Peter , Wenzler Nils , Yarema Maksym , Wood Vanessa C.
Published: March 2017

Battery-grade LiFePO4is preparedvialow-temperature hydrothermal synthesis. Optimizing the precursor concentration and the reaction time saves more than 30% energy compared to earlier hydrothermal syntheses of LiFePO4nanoparticles.
Compact wearable 5‐GHz flexible filter
Authors: Zhao Mengjuan , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2017

A compact flexible filter based on 0° feed structure with ultrathin liquid crystal polymer substrate is proposed firstly. An open‐ended stub is introduced to improve the out‐band rejection. The presented flexible filter with dimension of 6.48 × 9.89 × 0.086 mm3 is operating at WLAN of 5.15–5.875 GHz, which will alleviate the channel congestion of 2.4 GHz. In the case of flat, the measured minimum insertion loss is 1.9 dB at 5.61 GHz and the return loss is better than 16.45 dB. The bending behaviour of the compact flexible filter is also analysed. Compared with the flat case, the return loss is optimised by 0.45 dB, the maximum deterioration of insertion loss is 0.13 dB in case of R = 10 mm, and the transmission zeros position are invariant. Good agreement is obtained between the flat and the bending situation, which shows that the presented flexible filter is promising for the wearable applications.
Two modified SVPWM algorithms for common‐mode voltage reduction in eight‐switch three‐phase inverters
Authors: Liu Yong‐Chao , Ge Xinglai , Tang Qidi , Gou Bin
Published: March 2017

The relationship between common‐mode voltages (CMVs) and switching states in the post‐fault reconfigured topology of the three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped inverter with open‐circuit fault in a leg, which is named eight‐switch three‐phase inverter (ESTPI), is revealed, and based on that, two modified space vector pulse‐width modulation (M‐SVPWM) algorithms for the CMV reduction in the ESTPI are proposed. The maximum CMV of the ESTPI with two proposed M‐SVPWM algorithms is only half of that with two conventional SVPWM algorithms. Experimental results have shown the effectiveness of two proposed M‐SVPWM algorithms.
Topologies and performance study of a variety of coaxial magnetic gears
Authors: Shen Jian‐Xin , Li Hua‐Yang , Hao He , Jin Meng‐Jia , Wang Yun‐Chong
Published: March 2017

This study aims to provide a comprehensive study of various magnetic gears (MGs) with simple coaxial radial flux structure. A total of 15 topologies are first introduced, by either using various rotor structures or adding extra permanent magnets (PMs) on the magnetic modulation ring. Then, all topologies with ferrite magnets are parametrically optimised, aiming to compare and evaluate the performance of these MGs. The results show that the proposed MGs with dual consequent‐pole PM rotors exhibit a higher torque density than the conventional coaxial MG. Therefore, magnetic field distribution, torque‐angle characteristic and on‐load torque performance of these promising MGs are analysed in detail, revealing their inherent superiorities. In addition, influence of magnet material on the MG performance are investigated with emphasis on the torque density and cost effectiveness. Finally, two MG prototypes are fabricated and tested to validate the analysis.
Genetic evaluation of bodyweight, scrotal circumference, and visual appraisal scores in Bos indicus cattle
Authors: Abreu L. R. A. , Mota L. F. M. , Ferreira T. A. , Pereira I. G. , Pires A. V. , Villela S. D. J. , Merlo F. A. , Martins P. G. M. A.
Published: March 2017

Our objective was to estimate genetic parameters, and genetic and phenotypic trends for bodyweight (BW; measured at birth, 120, 205 (weaning age), 365, 450 and 550 days of age), scrotal circumference, and visual appraisal scores of body conformation in Guzerat cattle. Data regarding body structure, finishing precocity, muscling, sheath and navel, breed characteristics, limbs (soundness of feet and legs), and sexuality, which were visually appraised, were obtained from the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders, recorded between 1970 and 2013 in five Brazilian states. Variance components and heritability were estimated by using linear animal (for continuous variables) and threshold (for categorical variables) models using Bayesian inference. Genetic and phenotypic trends were obtained by regressing the average annual genetic value relative to animal’s birth year. The direct heritability values for BW were high, ranging from 0.38 to 0.45, whereas the maternal effect was responsible for 17–23% of the phenotypic variation. For scrotal circumference, the direct heritability values were median with values ranging from 0.08 and 0.15, whereas for visual appraisal scores, the values were median to high (0.07–0.18). Higher response to selection for BW traits is expected for those with moderate to high heritabilities. The estimated genetic trends indicated favourable changes for BW with average annual changes of 396, 2948, 3388, 5808, 8184, and 8096 g for BW at the respective ages. The genetic values were decreasing over the years for scrotal circumference, body structure, finishing precocity, muscling, and sheath and navel. Therefore, a longer evaluation period should be utilised to assess these traits as little time has elapsed from the beginning of the selection until the time of the present study.
Conclusion
Authors: Pollmann Karla
Published: March 2017

The conclusion highlights authority as a key for understanding early Christian poetry, predominantly focusing on the Latin West. Ancient poetry in general made the claim of divine inspiration, thus deriving authority from a supernatural source. Accordingly, it based the validity of its message on a foundation beyond argument, which has consequences both for the relationship between poets and their poems, as well as between poems and their readers. In Christian late antiquity, the divine inspiration of poetry had to be renegotiated, and as a consequence authorities, aesthetics, and arguments had to be given a new role and a new foundation in the Christian poetic discourse. The conclusion summarizes the various possibilities and their consequences, also looking at the issue in terms of how far pagan poetry already foreshadowed such a development. This fresh programmatic perspective invites a changed appreciation and evaluation of early Christian poetry in general.
The Industrialization of Italy, 1861–1971
Authors: Gomellini Matteo , Toniolo Gianni
Published: March 2017

At unification in 1861, the Italian peninsula was a relatively backward area at the European periphery. By 1971, Italy’s convergence on Europe’s northwestern industrial core was almost complete. This chapter describes the main features of Italy’s industrial and manufacturing growth, emphasizing the role of traditional and modern sectors. It assesses the impact of commercial and industrial policies, and analyses the country’s regional manufacturing divide. The chapter concludes with a list of the main drivers of the spread of manufacturing over the long run. It raises the question of the timing of the spread of industry from core to Italian periphery. On the eve of the Second World War, the shares of modern sectors in manufacturing were close to those of core countries. However, while Italy’s Northwest looked like an industrial region, the South was still part of the backward periphery—a divide that reduced only moderately after the war.
Topological superconductors and category theory
Authors: Bernevig Andrei , Neupert Titus
Published: March 2017

A pedagogical introduction to topologically ordered states of matter is given, with the aim of familiarizing the reader with their axiomatic topological quantum field theory description. Basic non-interacting topological phases of matter protected by symmetries are introduced, including the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model and the one-dimensional p-wave superconductor. The defining properties of topologically ordered states are illustrated explicitly using the toric code and—on a more abstract level—Kitaev’s 16-fold classification of two-dimensional topological superconductors. Subsequently, a short review of category theory as an axiomatic description of topological order in two-dimensions is presented. With this structure available, Kitaev’s 16-fold way is revisited.
Duality in generalized Ising models
Authors: Wegner Franz J.
Published: March 2017

These lecture notes deal with Ising models with interactions containing products of more than two spins. After a number of examples have been given, some general statements are presented. Of particular interest is a gauge-invariant Ising model in four dimensions. This has important properties in common with models for quantum chromodynamics as developed by Ken Wilson. One phase yields an area law for the Wilson loop, yielding an interaction that increases proportionally to the distance and thus corresponds to quark confinement. The other phase yields a perimeter law allowing for a quark–gluon plasma.
Land Issues
Authors: Markussen Thomas
Published: March 2017

This chapter uses five waves of the Viet Nam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) to analyse land issues in Viet Nam from a number of different angles. The VARHS provides panel data at plot as well as household level and I use this rich dataset to present descriptive results on landlessness, land fragmentation, land market activities, and land property rights. I use plot level, fixed effects regressions to investigate the effects of land titles (land use certificates) on household investment. Results show that land titling has a strong and statistically significant effect on household investment in irrigation, although this effect is only present in upland areas.
Children and Youths
Authors: Narciso Gaia , Newman Carol
Published: March 2017

Structural transformation in rural Viet Nam has led to rising incomes and a diversification of livelihoods away from agriculture. Using panel data on children in 2,181 VARHS households surveyed over the 2008–14 period, we examine how the welfare of children has been impacted by structural transformation. Our analysis depicts a society that has made great progress towards improving child welfare, which can, in part, be linked to the empowerment of women that has accompanied the transformation process. We find heterogeneity in welfare gains though, with boys benefiting more than girls and persistently lower levels of child welfare among ethnic minorities.
Building Workforce Capacity Abroad While Strengthening Global Health Programs at Home: Participation of Seven Harvard-Affiliated Institutions in a Health Professional Training Initiative in Rwanda
Authors: Cancedda Corrado , Riviello Robert , Wilson Kim , Scott Kirstin W. , Tuteja Meenu , Barrow Jane R. , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Bukhman Gene , Scott Jennifer , Milner Danny , Raviola Giuseppe , Weissman Barbara , Smith Stacy , Nuthulaganti Tej , McClain Craig D. , Bierer Barbara E. , Farmer Paul E. , Becker Anne E. , Binagwaho Agnes , Rhatigan Joseph , Golan David E.
Published: March 2017

A consortium of 22 U.S. academic institutions is currently participating in the Rwanda Human Resources for Health Program (HRH Program). Led by the Rwandan Ministry of Health and funded by both the U.S. Government and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the primary goal of this seven-year initiative is to help Rwanda train the number of health professionals necessary to reach the country’s health workforce targets. Since 2012, the participating U.S. academic institutions have deployed faculty from a variety of health-related disciplines and clinical specialties to Rwanda. In this Article, the authors describe how U.S. academic institutions (focusing on the seven Harvard-affiliated institutions participating in the HRH Program—Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary) have also benefited: (1) by providing opportunities to their faculty and trainees to engage in global health activities; (2) by establishing long-term, academic partnerships and collaborations with Rwandan academic institutions; and (3) by building the administrative and mentorship capacity to support global health initiatives beyond the HRH Program. In doing this, the authors describe the seven Harvard-affiliated institutions’ contributions to the HRH Program, summarize the benefits accrued by these institutions as a result of their participation in the program, describe the challenges they encountered in implementing the program, and outline potential solutions to these challenges that may inform similar future health professional training initiatives.
A Prospective Randomized Trial to Assess Fixation Strategies for Severe Open Tibia Fractures: Modern Ring External Fixators Versus Internal Fixation (FIXIT Study)
Authors: O'Toole Robert V. , Gary Joshua L. , Reider Lisa , Bosse Michael J. , Gordon Wade T. , Hutson James , Quinnan Stephen M. , Castillo Renan C. , Scharfstein Daniel O. , MacKenzie Ellen J. ,   METRC
Published: March 2017

The treatment of high-energy open tibia fractures is challenging in both the military and civilian environments. Treatment with modern ring external fixation may reduce complications common in these patients. However, no study has rigorously compared outcomes of modern ring external fixation with commonly used internal fixation approaches. The FIXIT study is a prospective, multicenter randomized trial comparing 1-year outcomes after treatment of severe open tibial shaft fractures with modern external ring fixation versus internal fixation among men and women of ages 18–64. The primary outcome is rehospitalization for major limb complications. Secondary outcomes include infection, fracture healing, limb function, and patient-reported outcomes including physical function and pain. One-year treatment costs and patient satisfaction will be compared between the 2 groups, and the percentage of Gustilo IIIB fractures that can be salvaged without soft tissue flap among patients receiving external fixation will be estimated.
Cutaneous Burn Injury Modulates Urinary Antimicrobial Peptide Responses and the Urinary Microbiome
Authors: Plichta Jennifer K. , Holmes Casey J. , Nienhouse Vanessa , Puszynski Michelle , Gao Xiang , Dong Qunfeng , Lin Huaiying , Sinacore James , Zilliox Michael , Toh Evelyn , Nelson David E. , Gamelli Richard L. , Radek Katherine A.
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Characterization of urinary bacterial microbiome and antimicrobial peptides after burn injury to identify potential mechanisms leading to urinary tract infections and associated morbidities in burn patients.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study using human urine from control and burn subjects.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients:

Burn patients.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Urine samples from catheterized burn patients were collected hourly for up to 40 hours. Control urine was collected from “healthy” volunteers. The urinary bacterial microbiome and antimicrobial peptide levels and activity were compared with patient outcomes. We observed a significant increase in urinary microbial diversity in burn patients versus controls, which positively correlated with a larger percent burn and with the development of urinary tract infection and sepsis postadmission, regardless of age or gender. Urinary psoriasin and β-defensin antimicrobial peptide levels were significantly reduced in burn patients at 1 and 40 hours postadmission. We observed a shift in antimicrobial peptide hydrophobicity and activity between control and burn patients when urinary fractions were tested against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis urinary tract infection isolates. Furthermore, the antimicrobial peptide activity in burn patients was more effective against E. coli than E. faecalis. Urinary tract infection–positive burn patients with altered urinary antimicrobial peptide activity developed either an E. faecalis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infection, suggesting a role for urinary antimicrobial peptides in susceptibility to select uropathogens.

Conclusions:

Our data reveal potential links for urinary tract infection development and several morbidities in burn patients through alterations in the urinary microbiome and antimicrobial peptides. Overall, this study supports the concept that early assessment of urinary antimicrobial peptide responses and the bacterial microbiome may be used to predict susceptibility to urinary tract infections and sepsis in burn patients.
Antibiotic-Associated Apoptotic Enterocolitis in the Absence of a Defined Pathogen: The Role of Intestinal Microbiota Depletion*
Authors: Wurm Philipp , Spindelboeck Walter , Krause Robert , Plank Johannes , Fuchs Gottfried , Bashir Mina , Petritsch Wolfgang , Halwachs Bettina , Langner Cord , Högenauer Christoph , Gorkiewicz Gregor
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Antibiotic therapy is a major risk factor for the development of diarrhea and colitis with varying severity. Often the origin of antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal deterioration remains elusive and no specific infectious agents could be discerned.

Patients:

We represent three cases of intractable high-volume diarrhea associated with combined antibiotic and steroid therapy in critically ill patients not fitting into established disease entities. Cases presented with severe apoptotic enterocolitis resembling acute intestinal graft-versus-host-disease. Microbiologic workup precluded known enteropathogens, but microbiota analysis revealed a severely depleted gut microbiota with concomitant opportunistic pathogen overgrowth.

Interventions:

Fecal microbiota transplantation, performed in one patient, was associated with correction of dysbiosis, rapid clinical improvement, and healing of enterocolitis.

Conclusions:

Our series represents a severe form of antibiotic-associated colitis in critically ill patients signified by microbiota depletion, and reestablishment of a physiologic gastrointestinal microbiota might be beneficial for this condition.
Current Practice for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Biopharmaceuticals in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Detrez Iris , Van Stappen Thomas , Martín Arranz María D. , Papamichael Kostas , Gils Ann
Published: March 2017

Since the late 90s, biopharmaceuticals targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha have revolutionized the treatment of moderately to severely active inflammatory bowel disease. The robust efficacy witnessed in many patients stands in stark contrast with the observation of a proportion of patients who fail to respond or who lose response over time. Therapeutic drug monitoring has been proposed as a means to understand and respond to the variability in clinical response and remission. Various treatment algorithms have been proposed, but optimal use of these measurements in daily practice awaits additional prospective validation trials. This review provides an updated overview on the subject of therapeutic drug monitoring of biopharmaceuticals for the management of inflammatory bowel disease and how we could implement its concepts in a changing landscape.
Figure 4 Knot
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Watanabe Go
Published: March 2017

Various endoscopic suturing and tying methods have been reported, but these methods remain imperfect because knots are sometimes not tied completely and additional stitches are needed. To address this problem, we developed the “Figure 4” technique in which the knot can be easily slid to the suture point and tied by pulling suture tail— these knots will never come untied. This technique requires very simple technique and can be used in other surgical procedures such as conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Bevacizumab Therapy for Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma
Authors: Metts Ryan D. , Bartynski Walter , Welsh Cynthia T. , Kinsman Stephen , Bredlau Amy-Lee
Published: March 2017

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system generally found in young children near the hypothalamus. Herein, we report a 19-month-old female infant with a pilomyxoid astrocytoma, who underwent surgery as well as carboplatin and vincristine chemotherapy in an attempt to delay radiation therapy to the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the tumor had increased in tumor volume on therapy. Chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine was stopped and bevacizumab therapy (10 mg/kg every other week) was initiated. After 15 months of bevacizumab therapy, the patient’s tumor was significantly smaller. Bevacizumab therapy was discontinued for 6 months due to stability in tumor size but was resumed after tumor growth was observed. Patient was again placed on bevacizumab therapy with subsequent magnetic resonance imagings revealing a decrease in tumor size.
Determining risk of severe gastrointestinal toxicity based on pretreatment gut microbial community in patients receiving cancer treatment: a new predictive strategy in the quest for personalized cancer medicine
Authors: Wardill Hannah R. , Tissing Wim J.E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

Currently, our ability to accurately predict a patient's risk of developing severe gastrointestinal toxicity from their cancer treatment is limited. Risk stratification continues to rely on traditional patient-related and treatment-related factors including age, ethnicity, sex, comorbidities, genetics, agent, dose and schedule. Although informative, these crude measures continue to underestimate toxicity risk, and hence alternative methods of risk prediction must be investigated. Given the increasing focus on the gut microbiome in driving disease, this review will provide an overview of the current literature proposing the gut microbiome as a novel predictive tool for treatment-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

Recent findings

Predictive gut microbial phenotypes have been identified for gastrointestinal toxicity induced by radiation and the checkpoint blocker, Ipilimumab. Each study employed slightly different methods of gut microbiome assessment; however, in all cases, separation of toxic versus nontoxic patients was achieved. No studies have investigated chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

The gut microbiome offers an exciting new method of risk stratification for gastrointestinal toxicity. This would enable identification of high-risk patients prior to treatment, enabling tailored treatment regimens based on personalized risk assessment and the proactive provision of supportive care measures. Based on the plasticity of the gut microbiome, methods of risk mitigation may be investigated.
Gene length and detection bias in single cell RNA sequencing protocols
Authors: Phipson Belinda , Zappia Luke , Oshlack Alicia
Published: March 2017

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has rapidly gained popularity for profiling transcriptomes of hundreds to thousands of single cells. This technology has led to the discovery of novel cell types and revealed insights into the development of complex tissues. However, many technical challenges need to be overcome during data generation. Due to minute amounts of starting material, samples undergo extensive amplification, increasing technical variability. A solution for mitigating amplification biases is to include Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs), which tag individual molecules. Transcript abundances are then estimated from the number of unique UMIs aligning to a specific gene and PCR duplicates resulting in copies of the UMI are not included in expression estimates. Here we investigate the effect of gene length bias in scRNA-Seq across a variety of datasets differing in terms of capture technology, library preparation, cell types and species. We find that scRNA-seq datasets that have been sequenced using a full-length transcript protocol exhibit gene length bias akin to bulk RNA-seq data. Specifically, shorter genes tend to have lower counts and a higher rate of dropout. In contrast, protocols that include UMIs do not exhibit gene length bias, and have a mostly uniform rate of dropout across genes of varying length. Across four different scRNA-Seq datasets profiling mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we found the subset of genes that are only detected in the UMI datasets tended to be shorter, while the subset of genes detected only in the full-length datasets tended to be longer. We briefly discuss the role of these genes in the context of differential expression testing and GO analysis. In addition, despite clear differences between UMI and full-length transcript data, we illustrate that full-length and UMI data can be combined to reveal underlying biology influencing expression of mESCs.
Assembly of whole-chromosome pseudomolecules for polyploid plant genomes using outcrossed mapping populations
Authors: Zhou Chenxi , Olukolu Bode , Gemenet Dorcus C. , Wu Shan , Gruneberg Wolfgang , Cao Minh Duc , Fei Zhangjun , Zeng Zhao-Bang , George Andrew W. , Khan Awais , Yencho G. Craig , Coin Lachlan J.M.
Published: March 2017

The assembly of whole-chromosome pseudomolecules for plant genomes remains challenging due to polyploidy and high repeat content. We developed an approach for constructing complete pseudomolecules for polyploid species using genotyping-by-sequencing data from outcrossing mapping populations coupled with high coverage whole genome sequence data of a reference genome. Our approach combinesde novoassembly with linkage mapping to arrange scaffolds into pseudomolecules. We show that the method is able to reconstruct simulated chromosomes for both diploid and tetraploid genomes. Comparisons to three existing genetic mapping tools show that our method outperforms the other methods in accuracy on both grouping and ordering, and is robust to the presence of substantial amounts of missing data and genotyping errors. We applied our method to three real datasets including a diploidIpomoea trifidaand two tetraploid potato mapping populations. The linkage maps show significant concordance with the reference chromosomes. We resolved seven assembly errors for the publishedIpomoea trifidagenome assembly as well as anchored an unplaced scaffold in the published potato genome.
Area Collaboration at Nedbank: cultivating culture through contextual leadership
Authors: Scheepers Caren , Oosthuizen Marius , Retief Dean
Published: March 2017

Subject area

Organisational Development, Organisational Behaviour, Leadership Change.

Study level/applicability

Master of Business Administration, postgraduate studies, middle or senior managers on open programmes.

Case overview

The case focuses on the dilemma that Douglas Lines, Nedbank’s Divisional Executive for Strategic Business Unit, South Africa, faced when a new sense of urgency was required to cultivate a culture of collaboration in Nedbank to overcome their silo-mentality.

Expected learning outcomes

Examine the current and recommend the preferred culture of Nedbank to enable collaboration; critically analyse and evaluate the suitability of the current structure recommend restructuring; insight into how contextual leadership contributes to collaboration in organisations; present judgement of strategies in initiating and enhancing collaboration to overcome silo-mentality.

Supplementary materials

A DVD is available with link and password. Teaching Plan and slides are available. The four learning outcomes are posed as questions for groups to discuss and model answers are provided as well as linking them to relevant literature.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science.
Six Sigma for improving aesthetic defects in aluminum profiles facility
Authors: Hadidi Laith A. , Bubshait Abdulaziz , Khreishi Suleiman
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a quality plan to detect aesthetic defects in extruded aluminum profiles before the fabrication stage based on the Six Sigma improvement methodology in an aluminum facility. These defects are hard to be detected at the fabrication stage. It is also hard to be fixed in the site.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology utilized the DMAIC framework (define, measure, analyze, improve and control). The methodology relies on statistical analysis (histogram, control charts and Pareto) and field work (observations, focus groups and interviews).

Findings

The process shows significant improvement in aesthetic defect reduction that aids in reaching a Four Sigma quality level.

Practical implications

Aluminum fabrication is known to be vulnerable for many types of defects such as scratches and debris on work surface. In addition, post-fabrication defects may also occur due to improper coating caused by chemical imbalance, blocked filters or blocked sprays.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is to demonstrate the use of DMAIC framework to reduce the aluminum aesthetic defects that reach the end customer. The Six Sigma methodology is a well-known quality improvement framework that relies heavily on quantitative data. More precisely, it is widely used to control defects in quantities such as weights, heights, etc. In this research, it has been used to control qualitative data (aesthetic). This will enable objective decisions for facility management rather than subjective.
The impacts of TRIPS on the pharmaceutical regulation and pricing of drugs in Bangladesh
Authors: Azam M. Monirul
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the impacts of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) as adopted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the pharmaceutical regulation and pricing of drugs in Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to explore how Bangladesh could adjust obligations for patent and pharmaceutical law reforms in the context of TRIPS Agreement while maintaining societal goals to ensure access to medicines. Another prime objective of this study is to examine viability of arguments regarding pharmaceutical patents for affordability and accessibility of pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used doctrinal research and case study using surveys and interviews in Bangladesh to understand the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding TRIPS and possible impacts on the local pharmaceutical industry and also consequences as to access to pharmaceuticals in terms of pricing, availability and affordability.

Findings

This study suggests that in the case of Bangladesh, the main health bottleneck is not patents or any drugs, but the lack of proper healthcare service, health infrastructure and lack of efficient healthcare personnel. Again, most of the necessary drugs for the local market are off patent, but patented drugs, issues of price, availability and affordability could become a concern for Bangladesh in situation of multi-drug resistance and for diseases like HIV AIDS, cancer and cardio-vascular problems.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on randomly selected interview and surveys. To get a broader picture of the impacts of TRIPS compliant patent law and pharmaceutical patents in a country like Bangladesh, more in-depth socio-legal studies need to be conducted. Due to shortage of time and resources, it was not possible to conduct broader socio-legal studies; therefore, this study may not reflect views of all related stakeholders.

Practical/implications

This paper will guide how countries like Bangladesh could adopt intellectual property policies for pharmaceuticals in a way not only adjusting societal goals for accessibility and affordability of pharmaceuticals but also promoting innovation and capability of local industries.

Social/implications

Countries like Bangladesh should adopt intellectual property policies balancing not only investment and innovation side but also societal goals to ensure access to medicines for the vast majority of poor populations.

Originality/value

This study is an original study based on primary sources as collected during field studies in Bangladesh. It also used doctrinal research, and related materials are duly referred.
Is a lender environmentally liable for the simple act of lending money?
Authors: Al-Tawil Tareq Nail
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate whether or not lenders are environmentally liable by the simple act of lending money. The concept of “lender liability” is one of the more critical issues which seems to be ready to upset the “apple cart” of environmental calm, which the English law enjoyed until recently. Why should banks be held liable for pollution and clean-up costs? The banks’ responsibility should end when it has granted the loan to the borrower to carry out its commercial activities. It is argued that a lender who becomes involved in the borrower’s financial management is unlikely to incur a clean-up liability, but it will become liable to clean it up if it forecloses or takes possession of the land. Can the bank be regarded as the “owner” of the land? In some English statutes, there is no definition of the word “owner”. Does a mortgagee in possession entitle him to ownership of the property to hold him responsible for liabilities for environmental harm?

Design/methodology/approach

The development of domestic environmental liability and the Trans-Atlantic position with the USA will be examined. The “owner” concept will also be critically reviewed to see whether banks and mortgagees can be regarded as owners on possession of the property. The dilemma of the English courts with regards to lender issues and lender self-protection will also be examined. This will all be analysed and criticised in this paper.

Findings

This paper aims to demonstrate whether or not lenders are environmentally liable by the simple act of lending money. It will also discuss “owner” concept to see whether banks and mortgagees can be regarded as owners on possession of the property.

Originality/value

In this paper, the “owner” concept will be critically reviewed to see whether banks and mortgagees can be regarded as owners on possession of the property. The dilemma of the English courts with regards to lender issues and lender self-protection will also be critically analysed and compared with different legal systems.
A city-level analysis of the distribution of FDI within China
Authors: Cheng Suwina , Lin Kenny , Simmons Richard
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The study aims to examine whether city-level investment climate, local government effectiveness and corporate income tax rates influence the spatial distribution of foreign direct investment (FDI) across cities in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses regression analysis using city-level data sets.

Findings

The study finds that while city-level investment climate and effective local government influence the spatial distribution of FDI across Chinese cities, city-level tax rates have no such influence.

Practical implications

The results have implications for the design of policies aimed at enhancing FDI flows into emerging countries.

Originality/value

To date, few studies have investigated the investment location choice at the city level in a single country. The study contributes to the literature by examining the role of government in such investment decisions. It also adds to the previously limited research examining the role of investment climate at the micro level.
Productivity drivers of knowledge workers in the central London office environment
Authors: Chadburn Ana , Smith Judy , Milan Joshua
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the drivers that allow for enhanced personal productivity of knowledge-based workers in Central London focusing on the physical and social environment as well as worker’s individual preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A closed-ended questionnaire was sent to employees of eight professional companies (Consultancy, Financial and Media Services) based in Central London. Of the 500 questionnaires sent, 213 were successfully completed and returned, representing a response rate of 42.6 per cent.

Findings

The findings from this trial study show that comfort, convenience, IT connectivity, good design and working to a specific time scale were strong drivers of personal productivity. Knowledge workers prefer a flexible range of office settings that enable both a stimulating open and connected work environment, knowledge sharing, collaboration, as well as quiet concentration locations, free of distractions and noise. It was also found that moves of knowledge workers into open-plan office space (and especially fee earners) is normally met with initial resistance. However, there is normally greater acceptance of open space after experiencing an actual move into open-plan, with benefits improving teamwork and communication being highlighted. The research also stresses that office design considerations need to be closer aligned with knowledge worker’s overall well-being and individual psychological needs.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to Central London offices and self-assessed evaluation of productivity drivers within the knowledge worker’s office environment.

Practical implications

Corporate real estate managers and office occupiers, designers and facilities managers can use the findings as part of their workplace strategy by providing a range of flexible workplaces that allow the knowledge worker a place for greater personal productivity through the provision of a well-designed collaborative office environment alongside private and quiet working spaces. Developers and landlords should also be aware of these requirements when taking their decisions.

Originality/value

This paper focuses specifically on the high-productivity knowledge-based work environment, demonstrating that there is a need to consider the collaborative physical and social environment and the individual preferences of knowledge workers to ensure enhanced personal productivity and well-being within the office. This can be achieved through the provision of a well-designed office space that allows for open, connected and comfortable work environments, as well as opportunities to use dedicated concentration spaces that are free of distraction. It was also shown that hot-desking was unanimously disliked by knowledge workers.
The impact of workplace spirituality on voluntary turnover intentions through loneliness in work
Authors: Ghadi Mohammed Yasin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a hypothesized model investigating the influence of workplace spirituality on turnover intentions through the academics loneliness in universities in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A translated pre-determined survey on a sample of Jordanian academics from universities was used. A total of 381 usable returns were collected for the analysis (i.e. response rate of 84.6 percent). Structural equation model (SEM) and tow-step modeling approach using AMOS were implemented to obtain the best fit model and to determine the role of loneliness in work as a mediator between workplace spirituality and voluntary turnover intentions.

Findings

As predicted, the hypothesized model best fits the data. The results of simple mediation analysis and SEM also contribute to the clarification of the causal relations between workplace spirituality and turnover intentions in one hand and workplace spirituality and loneliness in work on the other hand. Moreover, the results revealed that the influence of workplace spirituality on voluntary turnover intention was partially mediated by loneliness in work. The results support a partial mediation relationship as the total effect of workplace spirituality on voluntary turnover intentions attenuated slightly but remained significant upon the introduction of loneliness in work.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study might only be generalized to universities and similar contexts. Moreover, although the sample of the study was yielded from sample in Jordanian universities, the common methods bias might be a problem in generalizing the results.

Practical implications

The findings could provide decisions makers with valuable insight to focus on building training programs in order to understand the benefits of enriching spiritual environment and be more supportive of spirituality movement. Furthermore, organizations can design some of activities that make work environment more meaningful.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it is the first that examined theoretically and empirically the influence of workplace spirituality on turnover intentions through loneliness in work on a sample of Jordanian academics.
Foreclosure loss severity and distressed home mortgage refinance
Authors: Graff Richard A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The problem in alleviating homeowner mortgage distress through refinance is how to achieve meaningful alleviation without prospectively harming the financier. The problem revolves around two parameters from real estate finance – the probability that the distress leads to foreclosure and resulting foreclosure loss severity for the financier if foreclosure does occur. Previous analysis focuses on reducing the probability that homeowner distress leads to foreclosure. By contrast, the purpose of this paper is to focus on reducing foreclosure loss severity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a new intuitive formula for foreclosure loss severity to quantify its dependence on transaction costs. The study shows that foreclosure loss severity reduction is feasible by introducing a new refinancing instrument that lowers foreclosure transaction costs and applying property law to derive the structure of the refinancing instrument.

Findings

Foreclosure loss severity reduction can subsidize concessions on scheduled payments for homeowners with arbitrarily poor credit without prospective harm to the financier.

Research limitations/implications

Quantification of mortgage distress relief is limited to distressed mortgages described by representative parameter values from various government studies.

Practical implications

For most distressed homeowners, payment and principal reductions could exceed those available from the recent government programs.

Social implications

Implementation should significantly enlarge the pool of homeowners eligible for mortgage distress relief.

Originality/value

The mortgage refinance is qualitatively different from that available under existing government refinance programs because it is based on an arms-length exchange of property rights that makes market sense regardless of whether the refinancing results in subsequent homeowner default.
Presenting a model for evaluating Internet advertisements for modification of energy consumption
Authors: Khazaei Pool Javad , Salehzadeh Reza , Khalilakbar Rashid
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Limitations of producing energy and the increasing demands in the electricity market in Iran have not only drawn the attention of authorities in the energy industry toward optimization of energy consumption, but also created marketing approaches toward these objectives. In this respect, it is important and even necessary to modify energy consumption behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the criteria of an effective Internet advertisement for modification of energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a detailed understanding of customers’ perceptions of energy consumption advertising, a survey study was conducted. The research model is first validated and the formulated hypotheses are tested using the structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

The results showed that the audience’s attention, interest and desire for a piece of advertisement can predict their consumption behavior.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneer studies that highlights the importance of advertising toward modification of energy consumption. It seems that, the identification of the causal relations among attention, interest, desire and action, has not yet been clearly validated in the previous literature. This research contributes to the literature by developing and testing a comprehensive research model using SEM. So, the current paper offers vital guidelines to social marketers who are planning to modify energy consumption.