bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of two neighbouring ribosomal protein clusters on biogenesis factor binding and assembly of yeast late small ribosomal subunit precursors
Authors: Linnemann Jan , Pöll Gisela , Jakob Steffen , Ferreira-Cerca Sébastien , Griesenbeck Joachim , Tschochner Herbert , Milkereit Philipp
Published: August 2018

Many of the small ribosomal subunit proteins are required for the stabilisation of late small ribosomal subunit (SSU) precursors and for final SSU rRNA processing in S. cerevisiae. Among them are ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) which form a protein cluster around rpS0 (uS2) at the “neck” of the SSU (S0-cluster) and others forming a nearby protein cluster around rpS3 (uS3) at the SSU “beak”. Here we applied semi-quantitative proteomics together with complementary biochemical approaches to study how incomplete assembly of these two r-protein clusters affects binding and release of SSU maturation factors and assembly of other r-proteins in late SSU precursors in S. cerevisiae. For each of the two clusters specific impairment of the local r-protein assembly state was observed. Besides, cluster-specific effects on the association of biogenesis factors were detected.

These suggested a role of S0-cluster formation for the efficient release of the two nuclear export factors Rrp12 and Slx9 from SSU precursors and for the correct incorporation of the late acting biogenesis factor Rio2. Based on our and on previous results we propose the existence of at least two different r-protein assembly checkpoints during late SSU maturation in S. cerevisiae. We discuss in the light of recent SSU precursor structure models how r-protein assembly states might be sensed by biogenesis factors at the S0-cluster checkpoint.
Reversible temporally-specific inhibition of muscle using a light-activated chloride channel
Authors: Gorini Christopher J. , Iyer Shrivats M. , Vyas Saurabh , Ramakrishnan Charu , Deisseroth Karl , Delp Scott L.
Published: August 2018

Achieving reversible, temporally specific inhibition of motor neurons has the potential to revolutionize treatment of disorders marked by muscle hyperactivity. Current treatment strategies are inadequate – surgical interventions are irreversible and pharmaceutical interventions have off-target effects. Optogenetic strategies for inhibiting muscle activity have theoretical promise; however, trafficking and expression problems have prevented translatable optogenetic suppression of muscle activity. Here, we exploit recent innovations in opsin engineering to demonstrate virally mediated, temporally specific optogenetic inhibition of motor neurons and muscle activity in vivo. We show that intra-muscular injection of adeno-associated virus serotype 6 can drive expression of the inhibitory channelrhodopsin mutant iC++ in both immunodeficient and wild-type mice. Illumination of the sciatic nerve in wild-type mice resulted in 64.8% inhibition of evoked twitch force. Optical excitation during tetanic stimulation in wild-type mice resulted in 59.1% inhibition at 10 Hz and 55.4% at 25 Hz. The extent of optogenetic inhibition was titratable, and ranged from 0% to 78.4% as illumination intensity was changed from 1 mW to 20 mW/mm2. These results could have therapeutic applicability to disorders such as spasticity, hypertonia and urinary incontinence, and provide a new tool to neuroscientists and muscle physiologists wishing to reversibly inhibit motor neuron activity in vivo.
DrosophilaR8 photoreceptor cell subtype specification requiresNotchandhibris
Authors: Tan Hong , Fulton Ruth E. , Chou Wen-Hai , Birkholz Denise A. , Mannino Meridee P. , Yamaguchi David M. , Britt Steven G.
Published: August 2018

Cell differentiation and cell fate determination in sensory systems are essential for stimulus discrimination and coding of environmental stimuli. Color vision is based on the differential color sensitivity of retinal photoreceptors, however the developmental programs that control photoreceptor cell differentiation and specify color sensitivity are poorly understood. InDrosophila melanogaster,there is evidence that the color sensitivity of different photoreceptors in the compound eye is regulated by inductive signals between cells, but the exact nature of these signals and how they are propagated remains unknown. We conducted a genetic screen to identify additional regulators of this process and identified a novel mutation in thehibrisgene.hibrisencodes anirrecell recognition module protein (IRM). These immunoglobulin super family cell adhesion molecules include human neph and nephrin (NPHS1).hibrisis expressed dynamically in the developingDrosophila melanogastereye and loss-of-function mutations give rise to a diverse range of mutant phenotypes including disruption of the specification of R8 photoreceptors cell diversity. The specification of blue or green sensitivity in R8 cells is also dependent uponNotchsignaling. We demonstrate thathibrisis required within the retina, non-cell autonomously for these effects, suggesting an additional layer of complexity in the signaling process that produces paired expression of opsin genes in adjacent R7 and R8 photoreceptor cells.

Author Summary

As humans, our ability to distinguish different colors is dependent upon the presence of three different types of cone cell neurons in the retina of the eye. The cone cells express blue, green or red absorbing visual pigments that detect and discriminate between these colors. The principle of color discrimination by neurons “tuned” to different colors is an evolutionarily conserved specialization that occurs in many different animals. This specialization requires 1) visual pigments that detect different colors and 2) a developmental program that regulates the expression of these pigments in different types of cells. In this study we discovered that the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) genehibrisis required for the developmental program that produces blue sensitive neurons in the fly retina. When we over-expressedhibristhroughout the developing retina, extra blue sensitive cells were produced. These results demonstrate that if there is not enoughhibris,too few blue sensitive cells form, but if there is too muchhibris, too many blue sensitive cells form. Finally, we discovered that thehibrisgene does not act in color sensitive neurons of the retina themselves. This surprising discovery suggests thathibrismay influence development of the retina in a completely new and different way.
Genetic modifiers of the BRD4-NUT dependency of NUT midline carcinoma uncovers a synergism between BETis and CDK4/6is
Authors: Liao Sida , Maertens Ophélia , Cichowski Karen , Elledge Stephen J.
Published: August 2018

Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibitors (BETis) show efficacy on NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). However, not all NMC patients respond, and responders eventually develop resistance and relapse. Using CRISPR and ORF expression screens, we systematically examined the ability of cancer drivers to mediate resistance of NMC to BETis and uncovered six general classes/pathways mediating resistance. Among these, we showed that RRAS2 attenuated the effect of JQ1 in part by sustaining ERK pathway function during BRD4 inhibition. Furthermore, overexpression of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), mediated BETi resistance in NMC cells through restoration of the E2F and MYC gene expression program. Finally, we found that expression of cyclin D1 or an oncogenic cyclin D3 mutant or RB1 loss protected NMC cells from BETi-induced cell cycle arrest. Consistent with these findings, cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors showed synergistic effects with BETis on NMC in vitro as well as in vivo, thereby establishing a potential two-drug therapy for NMC.
Textual construction of comparative space
Authors: Tan Zhiyuan Simon
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to scholarly work on the role of sell-side financial analysts in corporate governance (CG). It examines the more recent work products pertaining specifically to CG that analysts based in the USA and UK have generated in the past two decades, namely, their CGCG reports. Specifically, this paper focusses on analysing how analyst CG reports constitute a comparative space in which the governance procedures of companies are evaluated and “best practices” are created.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves a social constructivist textual analysis of 48 CG reports produced by analysts based in the USA and UK between 1998 and 2009.

Findings

Analyst CG reports textually construct a comparative space comprising four dimensions. First, the space is constructed for some carefully edited users to evaluate the governance of companies. Second, the construction of this space requires the selection of “building materials”, i.e., governance issues included in the space that render companies amenable to evaluation and comparison. Third, by linking the range of governance issues chosen to formal regulations, firms are rendered governable and regulatory requirements reinterpreted. Lastly, by using different types of inscriptions, such as narratives and tables, the space highlights “winners”, i.e., those companies which do better than others, and constructs their governance procedures as “best practices”.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a first step towards an in-depth understanding of analyst CG reports. The insights from this paper generate a range of areas for future research, including how these reports are produced and used.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature focussing on the role of analysts in CG. It extends previous studies by examining the more recent and debatable work products generated by analysts, namely, their CG reports, and suggests an extended CG role for them. Theoretically, analyst CG reports are conceptualised as “inscriptions” that construct “documentary reality”. The notion of “editing” is also drawn upon, to analyse a particular way in which documentary reality is constructed. Accordingly, this paper broadens the theoretical perspectives used in CG research.
Improving check-in (C/I) process: an application of the quality function deployment
Authors: Moğol Sever Mune
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a suitable tool for understanding the expectations of hotel guests from services provided to them and designing the new one. It is also a well-known technique for improving service and product quality in general. First applied by Yoji Akao in 1960, the idea behind QFD is to understand the customer needs and determine the problem which might be associated with product or service provided by an enterprise. The purpose of this paper is to present how check-in operations in hospitality business can be improved with the help of QFD.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, deep interview was employed as main data gathering instrument. Once customer expectations were assessed, a House of Quality scheme was established. Consequently, the QFD matrix was being analyzed as a whole.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that customers do not want to wait in queue or for any process on the front desk.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature a new technical term on hospitality industry, “Voice of Hotel.”
Firms’ entrepreneurial orientation and the adoption of quality management practices
Authors: Bello-Pintado Alejandro , Kaufmann Ricardo , Merino Diaz de Cerio Javier
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between firms’ entrepreneurial orientations (EOs) and the adoption of quality management (QM) practices. The role of environmental uncertainty as the moderator of the former relationship is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Using theories and related empirical evidences, two research hypotheses were argued and proposed. These hypotheses were tested using data collected from a unique sample of 301 Uruguayan and Argentinean manufacturing companies with more than 20 workers assessed through personal interviews. The empirical methodology includes statistic treatment for scale validation, statistic descriptive techniques and regression analysis.

Findings

Firms’ EO is determinant for the adoption of QM practices. The environmental uncertainty strengthens the positive impact of EO on the adoption of QM practices, mainly human resource management practices.

Research limitations/implications

The data come from a particular geographical context and refer to manufacturing plants. It would be interesting to extend the scope of this study to services. The collection of data from only one individual in each organization can generate a potential problem with using single-source information.

Practical implications

Innovative manufacturing companies that try to adopt advanced QM practices will benefit from hiring managers who are able to take risks, and to seek a long-term orientation toward being aggressive with their environment, especially in highly competitive contexts. Mustering these features may ensure perseverance in the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices, even in the presence of complex and uncertain environments.

Originality/value

The principal contribution of this paper is that it advances the study of the intersection between operations management and entrepreneurship, analyzing how firms’ EO affects the adoption of new methods and practices in manufacturing. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the fact that the authors use data from a unique survey of manufacturing companies from Argentina and Uruguay in the southern cone of Latin America. The authors also contribute to the open debate about the universality of QM practices.
Impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on company’s performance: Tunisian context
Authors: Lamine Kaouthar , Lakhal Lassaad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and their impact on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review of research that investigated the TQM and Six Sigma best practices and performance, the TQM/Six Sigma practices are classified into three key categories: top management commitment and support (TMCS), infrastructure and core practices. This paper proposes a path model linking these practices and performance. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 91 Tunisian companies in different sectors. The research model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique based on SmartPLS software.

Findings

The result shows that the implementation of Six Sigma practices is based majorly on the TQM practices. Also, it reveals the positive impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on performance. Furthermore, the analysis of path model reveals the relative interdependence and significant link between TMCS, infrastructure, core practices and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The path model tested in this study combines the TQM/Six Sigma practices and reveals their link with performance, which enhance the research theory of both two approaches. Moreover, it will be a useful support for the quality expert on the effective integration of TQM and Six Sigma methods.

Originality/value

This study is the first one which studies the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and company’s performance in the Tunisian context based on PLS technique.
Transportation extended wastes and road haulage efficiency
Authors: Salhieh Loay , Abushaikha Ismail , Atmeh Muhannad , Mdanat Metri
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Although recent research acknowledges the importance of reducing the inefficient activities from road transportation, there is still a missing link in literature of how transportation extended wastes impact road haulers efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between waste reduction practices (WRP) and fleet operational efficiency (FOE) in road hauler firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed to assess this relationship. The authors test the model with a sample from logistics companies providing road haulage services in the Middle East, providing a contribution to extant literature from a different setting.

Findings

Results suggest that WRP have a positive and significant impact on FOE. A valuable scale for the measurement of operational efficiency was developed and validated, representing an index toward the most efficient organization.

Practical implications

The findings of this study serves as a tool for shippers to benchmark the efficiency levels of their motor carrier service providers against each other, considering that segmentation is a relevant issue to understand the choice in favor of a given provider to the detriment of another. Furthermore, road haulers can use the efficiency measurements as a basis for establishing future action plans to adopt waste reduction practices.

Originality/value

The research deals with a newly emerging stream of research on linking waste practices to road transport. The authors contribute to this developing body of research through filling a gap in the link between waste and road transport operational performance. The research is also different from recent literature in that the authors provide insights from a larger population, unlike other similar studies who used VSM and studied only a particular case. Thus, the work is important to generalize the findings, especially that the authors provide a perspective from a non-western perspective.
A DMAIC Six Sigma approach to quality improvement in the anodising stage of the amplifier production process
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Malik Suresh Chander , Gupta Anshu , Jha P.C.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the anodising process of a portable amplifier production process to identify and eliminate the sources of variations, in order to improve the process productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) Six Sigma methodology. Within the DMAIC framework various tools of quality management such as SIPOC analysis, cause and effect diagram, current reality tree, etc., are used in different stages.

Findings

High rejection rate was found to be the main problem leading to lower productivity of the process. Four types of defects were identified as main cause of rejections in the baseline process. Pareto analysis resulted in detection of the top defects, which were then analysed in details to find the root cause of the problem. Further study resulted in finding improvement measures that were discussed with the management before implementation. The process is sampled again to check the improvements, and control measures were established.

Practical implications

The study provides a framework for implementation of DMAIC Six Sigma methodology for a manufacturing firm. The results presented are based on the data collected from the shop floor. Results and findings of the study were implemented for quality improvement of the process.

Originality/value

The study is based on an original research conducted with the objective of quality improvement in the anodising process of the production process. Besides presenting an approach to DMAIC Six Sigma methodology, an application of the current reality tree tool for root cause analysis is presented, a tool used limitedly in the Six Sigma studies. The tool finds its uniqueness in its ability to address problems relating multiple factors than isolated factors.
The relationships between shop floor management and QCCs to support Kaizen
Authors: Ma Jie , Jiao Feng , Lau Chi Keung , Lin Zhibin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and redefine the “classic” roles of shop floor management and quality control circles (QCCs) in Kaizen. In specific, it aims to examine the linkage between shop floor management and QCCs, and test the relationships among shop floor management, QCCs and long-term Kaizen improvement outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs qualitative method by using a questionnaire to obtain data from 371 respondents in nine Sino-Japanese automotive joint-ventures. The data are analysed with the method of canonical correlation approach.

Findings

The study identifies important factors to assist the adoption of shop floor management and QCCs for Kaizen. The analysis on the survey indicates that not all the shop floor management tools could help to identify improvement opportunities. QCCs are effective in addressing large problems and challenging current policies in companies, however, they have low impacts on individual learning.

Research limitations/implications

The data of this study come from nine Sino-Japanese automotive joint ventures. Therefore, the sample selection is limited to these companies. The findings are able to be applied for improving the similar problems which were identified in this study.

Practical implications

The study has the following practical implications, first is small shop floor problems can be identified and solved rapidly and continuously at source by shop floor management. The second one is QCCs, or other similar group-based improvement approaches take long to be fully addressed and implemented. Third, practical solutions can be achieved from small and gradual changes, and they can prevent the results backsliding to the pre-improvement stage. Finally, QCCs are hardly to achieve a better improvement alone. It requires other Kaizen approaches to support.

Originality/value

This study is probably the first to explore and investigate the implementation of the four building block tools of shop floor management in real business practise, and more specific the first to discuss the relationship among shop floor management, QCCs and long-term improvement outcomes based on empirical data from Sino-Japanese automotive joint-ventures.
The role of website stimuli of experience on engagement and brand advocacy
Authors: Bilro Ricardo Godinho , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correira , Ali Faizan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships between stimuli of website experience (information/content, interactive features and design–visual appeal) and online engagement (cognitive processing, affection and activation) with consumer-generated media and brand advocacy. Furthermore, this study examines if online engagement mediates the relationships between website stimuli of experience dimensions and brand advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 183 valid online questionnaires were collected, from members of an online forum related to travel and leisure, to empirically test the measurement and structural model using partial least square path modeling. The study sample includes consumers who search for, select and book hotel rooms via Booking.com.

Findings

The findings confirm that information/content and design–visual appeal have a significant impact on all three dimensions of online engagement whereas interactive features of a website have significant impact on affection and activation. Furthermore, results suggest that affection and activation predict brand advocacy and engagement mediates the effect of stimuli of experience on brand advocacy.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to explain the relationships between website stimuli of experience (information/content, interactive features and design–visual appeal), online engagement (cognitive processing, affection and activation) and brand advocacy. Altogether, these variables are not well studied and understood in current literature despite having important implications for managers, academicians and consumers alike.
Evaluation of groundwater potential in Kabirwala area, Pakistan: A case study by using geophysical, geochemical and pump data
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Shang Yanjun , Akhter Gulraiz , Jin Weijun
Published: August 2018

Knowledge of hydraulic parameters (hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity) is essential for the delineation of groundwater potential zones. Conventionally, these parameters are measured using pumping tests carried out on boreholes. However, pumping tests are costly, labour intensive and require a considerable amount of equipment. The integration of geophysical methods with pumping tests provides efficient and cost‐effective alternative to calculate hydraulic parameters. Fifty electrical resistivity soundings were carried out in the study area using Schlumberger inter‐electrode configuration to obtain hydraulic characteristics that are estimated through the pumping tests. To apply this approach successfully, sufficient number of boreholes are used. Part of the boreholes, in which pumping tests were carried out, is used for both to constrain resistivity inversions and to establish the empirical relationship between the interpreted geophysical and hydraulic parameters. The rest of the boreholes without pumping tests are still used for constraining the inversions. Initially, aquifer parameters were measured using pumping tests at 12 water wells. Afterwards, transmissivity (T) and hydraulic conductivity (K) were correlated with transverse resistance (Tr) and the bulk resistivity (ρo) of the aquifer at other sites where pumping tests had not been conducted. In this way, the entire study area was covered to assess the groundwater reserves. The hydraulic properties obtained by the geophysical method fit pretty well to both the pumping and physicochemical data of the investigated area. The integrated study reveals five layers (i.e. topsoil, clay, clay sand, sand and gravel sand) and three potential zones (i.e. high, medium and low potential aquifer zones) with specific ranges of T, K, Tr and ρo. The results suggest that, in case of sparse well data, the aquifer parameters can be estimated using the relations depending on the specifications of the area.
Pet problems: Biological and economic factors that influence the release of alien reptiles and amphibians by pet owners
Authors: Stringham Oliver C. , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: August 2018

The number of alien reptiles and amphibians introduced and established worldwide has increased over the last decades. The legal pet trade is now the dominant pathway by which individuals of these species arrive in their non‐native locale. Despite its importance, specific factors of pet trade pathway that influence the release (introduction) of exotic reptiles and amphibians have not yet been examined.

We set out to identify broadscale and easily measured biological and economic factors that influence the release of these exotic pets by their owners. We hypothesize that biological factors reflect the cost of care, and economic factors reflect the value that owners place on their pet, both of which can influence the probability when a pet is released. We collected life history and economic data on the 1,722 species of reptiles and amphibians sold within the US as pets over the last 18 years. We also compiled a list of pet trade‐attributed releases in the US (i.e., all free‐living species regardless of whether they successfully established). We used boosted regression trees to correlate species release status with their life‐history traits and economic attributes (r2 = 0.51, AUC = 0.89).

We found that species with a high probability of being released were imported at higher quantities over our period of record, have a relatively large adult mass and commanded cheaper retail prices. The number imported and price interacted with longevity and adult mass to produce nonlinear increases in release probability. The most important interaction revealed that large‐bodied species imported in high quantities have a three times higher release probability compared to large‐bodied species imported in lower quantities.

Policy implications. Our results provide guidance towards targeting exotic pet reptile and amphibian species that are at a high risk of being released. Species that are both prevalent in the pet trade and large‐bodied or long‐lived have the highest probability of being released. This will aid in developing education and policy solutions aimed at decreasing the rate at which these pets are released, thus curtailing the invasion process before these species can establish and impacts can occur.
Establishing word representations through reading and spelling: comparing degree of orthographic learning
Authors: Conrad Nicole J. , Kennedy Kathleen , Saoud Wafa , Scallion Laura , Hanusiak Laura
Published: August 2018

Skilled reading involves rapid and automatic word recognition. Through a self‐teaching process, phonological decoding during reading is thought to establish the word‐specific representations in memory that support efficient word reading. Much is known about orthographic learning during reading; less is understood about this process during spelling. Here, we compared the degree of orthographic learning that occurs during reading and spelling. Forty‐eight children in Grade 2 practised reading or spelling nonwords within stories. Orthographic learning was measured using spelling recognition, spelling production and word naming tasks. Both readers and spellers showed evidence of orthographic learning; however, spellers outperformed readers on all tasks. Overall, results suggest that spelling sets up a higher quality representation in memory and highlight the importance of spelling in the development of word reading efficiency.
The weariness of the hero: depression and the self in a civilization in transition
Authors: Pereira Henrique C.
Published: August 2018

According to the World Health Organization, depression is currently the leading cause of disability, which is of great concern worldwide; however there is much dispute about depression and its causes. This article raises the hypothesis that depression could be related to an increase or inflation of ego‐consciousness, which, in turn, is inseparable from the development of modernity. The ‘hero’, symbol of this historical process of self‐consciousness and autonomy, stands now wearied and disoriented. The paper outlines how, in this cultural scene, certain ideas from Carl Jung's and James Hillman's depth psychologies may be useful in addressing the issue: the rediscovery of figures of the other through the analysis of the unconscious (Jung) and associating with others in groups imbued with communal sense (Hillman) could help the depressed individual to mitigate his or her inflated ego‐consciousness. These are two complementary ways of experiencing the conglomerate nature of the self, thus promoting the process of individuation.
Freud, Jung and The Great Chain of Being
Authors: Ekstrom Soren
Published: August 2018

For some time, it has been clear that psychoanalytic theories are built upon the kind of master narratives Roy Schafer, a New York psychoanalyst, described in 1980. As such, psychoanalytic theories may today have lost some of their initial scientific credibility in that they can no longer be seen as summarizing findings from data collected in a research environment. As aids in participating in their patients’ process of healing, however, narratives continue to be used by practitioners and reflect allegiance to core beliefs and propositions with roots in long‐standing Western thought. In this article, the metaphors in master narratives of Freud and Jung are compared with a conceptual system identified by cognitive linguists as ‘The Great Chain of Being’. Based on this analysis, the article proposes that theoretical formulations have mainly a secondary role to play in achieving good outcomes. The most critical element is the therapist's capacity to access a specific narrative for what transpires throughout each treatment.
Brain activation patterns in response to complex triggers in the Word Association Test: results from a new study in the United States
Authors: Escamilla Michael , Sandoval Hugo , Calhoun Vince , Ramirez Marisol
Published: August 2018

C.G. Jung's theory of psychological complexes lies at the root of analytical psychology theory and practice. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a powerful tool to validate the theory of complexes and eludicate the neuropsychologic mechanisms underlying the unconscious activation of significant memories. In this study, using fMRI, we identify two brain circuits which are activated in response to complex triggering words. Circuit one involves brain regions involved in episodic memory and somatic (body) responses and the experience of uncertainty. A second circuit involves episodic memory, emotion, visual and language association, and semiotic meaning. Specific brain regions include the right prefrontal cortex, SMA cortex, left temporal cortex, and the caudate and cingulate. These brain circuits may be thought of as the biological form in which complexes are experienced. Implications for analytic psychology practice and theory are discussed.
Diagnostic protocols for the management of pregnancy of unknown location: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bobdiwala S , Saso S , Verbakel JY , Al‐Memar M , Van Calster B , Timmerman D , Bourne T
Published: August 2018

Background

There is no international consensus on how to manage women with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL).

Objectives

To present a systematic quantitative review summarising the evidence related to management protocols for PUL.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, COCHRANE and DARE databases were searched from 1 January 1984 to 31 January 2017. The primary outcome was accurate risk prediction of women initially diagnosed with a PUL having an ectopic pregnancy (high risk) as opposed to either a failed PUL or intrauterine pregnancy (low risk).

Selection criteria

All studies written in the English language, which were not case reports or series that assessed women classified as having a PUL at initial ultrasound.

Data collection and analysis

Forty‐three studies were included. QUADAS‐2 criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. We used a novel, linear mixed‐effects model and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves for the thresholds of interest.

Main results

There was a high risk of differential verification bias in most studies. Meta‐analyses of accuracy were performed on (i) single human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) cut‐off levels, (ii) hCG ratio (hCG at 48 hours/initial hCG), (iii) single progesterone cut‐off levels and (iv) the ‘M4 model’ (a logistic regression model based on the initial hCG and hCG ratio). For predicting an ectopic pregnancy, the areas under the curves (95% CI) for these four management protocols were as follows: (i) 0.42 (0.00–0.99), (ii) 0.69 (0.57–0.78), (iii) 0.69 (0.54–0.81) and (iv) 0.87 (0.83–0.91), respectively.

Conclusions

The M4 model was the best available method for predicting a final outcome of ectopic pregnancy. Developing and validating risk prediction models may optimise the management of PUL.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnancy of unknown location meta‐analysis: M4 model has best test performance to predict ectopic pregnancy.
Why accommodate minorities asymmetrically? A theory of ideological authority insulation
Authors: RÖTH LEONCE , KAISER ANDRÉ
Published: August 2018

Tensions between regionalist claimants and state‐wide governments remain the primary source of violent conflicts. Existing theories cannot systematically explain why and when state‐wide governments accede to such claims. Building on the partisan approaches developed so far, a theory of ideological authority insulation is constructed in this article. It is argued that the willingness of state‐wide parties to transfer authority to specific territorial entities is predominantly informed by ideological proximity to those entities. In a nutshell, the dominant conflict dimension in a country superimposes partisan rationales on the territorial dimension. A new dataset has been compiled with roughly 4,300 region‐cabinet dyads between 1945 and 2015, including electoral data, party positions and regional ‘centres of gravity’. Using panel rare‐events regressions, it is found that ideological proximity systematically explains the accommodation of minority demand controlling for alternative explanations from the partisan and ethnic conflict literature. The empirical evidence therefore supports adding ideological insulation and superimposition to the toolbox of partisan and conflict researchers. Additionally, the findings encourage the application of arguments from the conflict literature in established democracies and the testing of insights from partisan researchers in less democratic environments.
Morphometric Analysis of the Neurocranium in an Adult South African Cadaveric Sample,
Authors: Maass Petra , Friedling Louise Jacqui
Published: August 2018

Craniometric studies of South Africans yield high accuracies of sex and ancestry classification, but most assess only inter‐group variation of Black and White individuals, excluding the highly heterogeneous Colored group, which constitute a significant proportion of the population. This study applied a geometric morphometric approach to the neurocrania of 774 Black, Colored, and White individuals to assess sex and ancestry estimation accuracy based on the detected morphological variation. Accuracies of 70% and 83% were achieved for sex and ancestry, respectively, with ancestry‐related variation contributing the largest proportion of overall observed variation. Even when comparing the closely related Black and Colored groups, relatively high accuracies were obtained. It is thus recommended that a similar approach be used to develop a contemporary three‐dimensional database, which can be used to objectively, reliably, and accurately classify unknown remains in the South African forensic context.
The Probabilistic Genotyping Software STRmix: Utility and Evidence for its Validity
Authors: Buckleton John S. , Bright Jo‐Anne , Gittelson Simone , Moretti Tamyra R. , Onorato Anthony J. , Bieber Frederick R. , Budowle Bruce , Taylor Duncan A.
Published: August 2018

Forensic DNA interpretation is transitioning from manual interpretation based usually on binary decision‐making toward computer‐based systems that model the probability of the profile given different explanations for it, termed probabilistic genotyping (PG). Decision‐making by laboratories to implement probability‐based interpretation should be based on scientific principles for validity and information that supports its utility, such as criteria to support admissibility. The principles behind STRmix™ are outlined in this study and include standard mathematics and modeling of peak heights and variability in those heights. All PG methods generate a likelihood ratio (LR) and require the formulation of propositions. Principles underpinning formulations of propositions include the identification of reasonably assumed contributors. Substantial data have been produced that support precision, error rate, and reliability of PG, and in particular, STRmix™. A current issue is access to the code and quality processes used while coding. There are substantial data that describe the performance, strengths, and limitations of STRmix™, one of the available PG software.
Longer time to transfer from the emergency department after bed request is associated with worse outcomes
Authors: Paton Andrew , Mitra Biswadev , Considine Julie
Published: August 2018

Objective

To determine the relationships between: (i) total ED length of stay (EDLOS) and in‐hospital mortality, ward clinical deterioration; and (ii) between time of bed request, ward transfer and in‐hospital mortality, with a particular focus on patients transferred just prior to a 4 h EDLOS.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using data from three acute care hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Adult patients admitted from the ED to a non‐monitored ward within 8 h. Patients were sub‐grouped by EDLOS; EDLOS 3.5–4 h compared to 0–3.5 h and 4–8 h. In‐hospital mortality, number of medical emergency team (MET)/cardiac arrest team (CAT) events.

Results

A total of 24 746 patients were included: 4396 patients with EDLOS <210 min; 4090 patients with EDLOS of 210–240 min; and 16 260 patients with EDLOS >240 min. Mortality overall was 2.2% (n = 545), highest mortality was seen with EDLOS >4 h (2.4%, n = 399) and lowest in patients with EDLOS 3.5–4 h (1.5%, n = 63, OR 0.67 [95% CI: 0.47–0.93, P = 0.02]). Time from bed request to transfer of >240 min was associated with increased odds of death at hospital discharge (adjusted OR 1.39 [95% CI: 1.08–1.78]). There was no difference in rate of MET calls within 24 h between groups (3.5–4 h = 64 [1.5%], <3.5 h = 60 [1.5%], 4–8 h = 235 [1.4%]).

Conclusions

Both shorter time in ED and shorter time between bed request and ward transfer were independently associated with improved outcomes. Whole of hospital measures to reduce length of stay in the ED should focus on shorter ward transfer times after bed request.
Selection and evaluation of reference genes for gene expression using quantitative real‐time PCR in Mythimna separata walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Zhang Bai‐Zhong , Liu Jun‐Jie , Chen Xi‐Ling , Yuan Guo‐Hui
Published: August 2018

In order to precisely assess gene expression levels, the suitable internal reference genes must be served to quantify real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) data. For armyworm, Mythimna separata, which reference genes are suitable for assessing the level of transcriptional expression of target genes have yet to be explored. In this study, eight common reference genes, including β‐actin (β‐ACT), 18 s ribosomal (18S), 28S ribosomal (28S), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate (GAPDH), elongation fator‐alpha (EF1α), TATA box binding protein (TBP), ribosomal protein L7 (RPL7), and alpha‐tubulin (α‐TUB) that in different developmental stages, tissues and insecticide treatments of M. separata were evaluated. To further explore whether these genes were suitable to serve as endogenous controls, three software‐based approaches (geNorm, BestKeeper, and NormFinder), the delta Ct method, and one web‐based comprehensive tool (RefFinder) were employed to analyze and rank the tested genes. The optimal number of reference genes was determined using the geNorm program, and the suitability of particular reference genes was empirically validated according to normalized HSP70, and MsepCYP321A10 gene expression data. We found that the most suitable reference genes for the different experimental conditions. For developmental stages, 28S/RPL7 were the optimal reference genes, both RPL7/EF1α were suitable for experiments of different tissues, whereas for insecticide treatments, 28S/α‐TUB were suitable for normalizations of expression data. In addition, 28S/α‐TUB were the suitable reference genes because they have the most stable expression among different developmental stages, tissues and insecticide treatments. Our work is the first report on reference gene selection in M. separata, and might serve as a precedent for future gene expression studies.
Time trends of incidence and mortality in colorectal cancer in Changning District, Shanghai, 1975–2013
Authors: Wu Hua , Zhou Peng , Zhang Wei , Jiang Yu , Liu Xiao Li , Zhang Lei , Xia Qing Hua , Xiang Yong Bing
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the estimated patient's age, diagnostic duration and birth cohort effects in patients of Changning District, Shanghai.

METHODS

Age‐standardized rates (ASRs) of CRC over eight intervals of 5 years from 1975 to 2013 were determined. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine the changes in annual incidence and mortality trends. Age‐period‐cohort analysis was performed to investigate their effects on the incidence and mortality trends of CRC.

RESULTS

For incidence, the ASRs of 14.14 per 100 000 and 11.81 per 100 000 during 1975–1979 increased to 32.11 per 100 000 and 26.25 per 100 000 in men and women during 2008–2013. For mortality, ASRs of 9.40 per 100 000 and 8.76 per 100 000 increased to 14.80 per 100 000 and 11.92 per 100 000 in men and women, respectively, from 1975–1979 to 2010–2013. Joinpoint regression analysis found an increasing incidence (average annual percentage change [AAPC] 2.18% for men and 1.65% for women) and mortality (AAPC 1.47% for men and 0.97% for women) of CRC throughout the entire period. The incidence and mortality trends of CRC were significantly affected by birth cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing incidence and mortality of CRC are largely affected by the effects of birth cohorts. The increased incidence of CRC may be attributed to changes in lifestyle and diet, while that in mortality trends may be resulted from increasing incidence, an aging population and changing lifestyles.
Evidence‐based pharmacotherapies used in the postdischarge phase are associated with improved one‐year survival in senior patients hospitalized with heart failure
Authors: Qin Xiwen , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , Briffa Tom , Sanfilippo Frank M.
Published: August 2018

Aim

Hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients have a poor prognosis postdischarge. We determined whether renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and β‐blockers dispensed to patients within 60 days post‐HF hospital discharge are associated with improved 1‐year survival.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based study was conducted in 4897 seniors, aged 65‐84 years, alive at 60 days postindex HF hospitalization in Western Australia over 2003‐2008. Dispensing of RASI and β‐blocker dispensing was identified from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims database linked to hospital admission and death records.

Results

At 1‐year posthospital discharge, the all‐cause mortality and all‐cause death or HF rehospitalization rate was 13.5% (n = 663) and 24.4% (n = 1193), respectively. Postdischarge RASI and β‐blocker were dispensed in 77.4% and 53.0% of patients, respectively. Their use was associated with a lower inverse probability treatment weighted (IPTW) HR for 1‐year mortality of 0.70, 95% CI 0.61‐0.81 and 0.79, 95% CI 0.68‐0.92, respectively (both P < 0.0001), with a survival advantage most evident in the subgroup (70.1%) of patients with ischemic HF. In the overall cohort, these therapies were also associated with reduced IPTW HRs for all‐cause death or HF rehospitalization (both P < 0.005) but not for HF rehospitalization exclusively. Use of a β‐blocker was associated with a reduced IPTW HR for HF rehospitalization in the ischemic HF subgroup only.

Conclusions

In a cohort of senior patients hospitalized with HF, dispensing of a RASI or β‐blocker within 60 days postdischarge is associated with a 1‐year survival benefit. Early postdischarge support programs after recent HF hospitalization should include measures to optimize adherence to evidence‐based medications.
Multislice computed tomography performance in differential diagnosis of high‐density thymic cyst and thymoma in lesions less than 3 cm
Authors: Zhonggao Jin , YiJiao Wu , Yongfeng Wang , Zhitao Pu , Jun Wang , Diansheng Li , Bibo Hu , Yinhua Jin , Jianjun Zheng
Published: August 2018

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to diagnose high‐density thymic cysts and thymomas in lesions measuring < 3 cm.

Methods

The records of 42 patients admitted to Ningbo No. 2 Hospital with an anterior mediastinal mass (diameter < 3 cm) suspected of carcinoma originating from the thymus were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent surgery and pathological examination. Twenty‐eight were diagnosed with thymic cysts and 14 with thymoma. The features of thymic cysts and thymomas revealed on MSCT were compared.

Results

Mediastinal masses with a triangular or teardrop shape and a straight mediastina–lung border were more likely to be diagnosed as thymic cysts (P< 0.05), while those with a bulging nodule–lung border were more likely thymomas (P< 0.05). Using the CT value as a reference for differential diagnosis, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CT values of non‐contrast CT images, enhanced CT values, and ΔCT values were 0.65 (0.47–0.84), 0.95(0.86–1.00), and 0.96 (0.89–1.00), respectively.

Conclusion

MSCT of high‐density thymus gland nodules (maximum diameter ≤ 3 cm) can reveal specific features that could be helpful for differential diagnosis.