bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology to reduce the defects in a telecommunication cabinet door manufacturing process
Authors: C.R. Abhilash , Thakkar Jitesh J.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in order to reduce the rejections experienced in the manufacturing of the doors belonging to a telecommunication cabinet.

Design/methodology/approach

The process involved joining of sheet metal and hinge using welding operations with the help of a fixture. The methodology used is the structured DMAIC method in order to identify the root cause for the rejections and solve it.

Findings

The paper provides insights about the identification of the root cause for the defects and the solution to overcome it, and also the benefits that were obtained as a result of the application of the solution.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology has been applied to the variation observed in the dimensions of a particular component to be welded with a main part. This approach can be used to find such dimensional variations.

Practical implications

This study has been successfully carried out in a medium-scale industry which has total quality management in practice.

Originality/value

Six Sigma DMAIC was necessary for the identification and reduction of the defects which arose in the sheet metal and welding operations, and had to be resolved in order to increase the bottom-line.
Generating gameworlds with computers: the case for procedural creativity
Authors: Wells Matthew Jason , Boyd Jason
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Despite the popularity of the Computational Thinking (CT) paradigm and the call for broad social diffusion of CS fundamentals, the authors argue that the concept is inherently limited and limiting and does not sufficiently convey an understanding of how to enable people to create with computational technologies. The authors suggest an alternate paradigm, procedural creativity, that calls for the development of conceptual creative spaces governed by procedurally generative principles. The authors also call for game development to be the focus of procedural creativity pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first discuss the limitations of the CT paradigm, focusing, in particular, on the issue of abstraction and representation as opposed to execution and action. The authors then define procedural creativity in more detail. Following that, they discuss the use of game development as pedagogy, with a focus on Margaret Boden’s notion of conceptual creative spaces.

Findings

CT is limited because it focuses overly on solutions to computational “problems”, because it is tied too closely with economic concerns and because it focuses on abstraction at the cost of action. Procedural creativity, on the other hand, focuses on the individual’s capacity for personal expression with the computer and on the generative capacity of code in action. Game development is in ideal platform for procedural creativity because it emphasizes the development of creative domains and conceptual spaces.

Originality/value

This paper offers a challenge to the CT status quo and presents a novel way forward for understanding computation as a creative practice.
New integrated approaches based on MC-HFLTS for healthcare waste treatment technology selection
Authors: Adar Tuba , Delice Elif Kılıç
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Selecting the most appropriate healthcare waste treatment technology (HCWTT) is an uncertain and complex decision-making problem because there exist more than one alternative and many conflicting qualitative and quantitative criteria. However, the use of fuzzy and comparative values, instead of specific crisp values, provides more accurate results, so that the alternatives may be evaluated in accordance with hesitant human nature. The purpose of this paper is to select the best HCWTT using a hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS).

Design/methodology/approach

Five main criteria were identified for HCWTT selection, such as economic, social, environmental, technical and ergonomic criteria. In total, 19 sub-criteria were examined, and the hierarchy of the criteria was formed. The criteria weights were determined using the multi-criteria hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (MC-HFLTS). The selection processes of incineration (A1), steam sterilization (A2), microwave (A3) and landfill (A4) alternatives were carried out using the multi-attributive ideal-real comparative analysis (MAIRCA) and multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) methods. In the comparative analyses, Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods were used.

Findings

The comparison of the results of the MABAC and MAIRCA methods with the results of VIKOR and TOPSIS methods indicated that A2 (steam sterilization) alternative was the best one and produced the same ranking of the technology alternatives (A2 > A3 > A1 > A4). As a result, the study concluded that these methods can be successfully used for HCWTT selection problems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, MC-HFLTS has not been used to select HCWTT in the existing literature. For the first time, MC-HFLTS&MAIRCA and MC-HFLTS&MABAC approaches were used in order to choose the best treatment method for healthcare waste under the effect of multiple conflicting hierarchical criteria. It has been provided that MABAC and MAIRCA select alternative choices by taking into consideration the hierarchical criteria. Unlike other studies, this study also considered ergonomic criteria that are important for people working during the process of using the treatment technology.
Information sources used by local police to estimate the scope and nature of sex trafficking
Authors: Cheon Hyunjung , Katz Charles M. , Webb Vincent J.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Although trafficking of persons for commercial sex has been increasingly recognized as a community level problem most estimates of the prevalence of sex trafficking in the USA are made by federal entities and vary depending on the data sources used. Little is known about how local police agencies assess and understand sex trafficking in their own communities. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To help fill this gap, the current study using survey data from a sample of local police agencies across the USA (n=72) examines law enforcement agencies’ knowledge of and experience with addressing local sex trafficking problems in their jurisdiction.

Findings

The majority of police agencies reported that sex trafficking is a problem in their jurisdictions and that they have a special unit that has a primary responsibility for addressing sex trafficking issues. Agencies with a special unit tend to use multiple sources of information including official record, intelligence data and personal experience to estimate the community’s trafficking problems when compared to agencies without a unit; however, most of agencies primarily depend on their professional experience.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the data sources used by local police agencies to estimate the scope and nature of their community’s sex trafficking problem, and the findings have important policy implications for understanding the reliability and validity of these estimates, and for their potential use to develop and implement data driven responses to sex trafficking problems.
Education of sustainable development goals through students’ active engagement
Authors: Cottafava Dario , Cavaglià Gabriela , Corazza Laura
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and present new teaching techniques to advance the concept and the practice of education for sustainable development (SD). Due to the recently introduced 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and owing their interlinkages and targets, an evolution of the traditional teaching techniques is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

With the use of a single revelatory case study, this paper presents an example of education for SD goals activity carried out at the University of Torino, focussed on merging SD with the active engagement of students.

Findings

The empowerment of students happens through a transformative learning experience grounded in the acquisition of managerial soft skills useful in co-creating and co-designing projects to contribute towards SDGs effectively.

Practical implications

The ultimate goal is to support students to become active citizens in their communities (e.g. starting within the University).

Social implications

Students learnt about SDGs and the complexities of sustainability, and, at the same time, they learnt valuable tools to contribute to their transformation to develop projects for the benefit of local territories and organizations.

Originality/value

The paper showcases how transformative learning could be applied to SDGs. Awarded as one of the best practices regarding SD by the Italian Network of Universities for Sustainable Development, the case involves students in a transdisciplinary, creative and open learning environment.
The financial and market consequences of environmental, social and governance ratings
Authors: Aboud Ahmed , Diab Ahmed
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the combined impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings on the market and financial performance of Egyptian companies during the period from 2007 to 2016 and, thereby, determines the influence of the recent political revolutions –that broke out in the MENA region in early 2011 – on the association between ESG practices and corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work uses data from the S&P/EGX ESG index, which is the first of its kind in the MENA region. The ESG index is designed to increase the profile of companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange and is expected to boost the level and quality of ESG practices in the Egyptian context. The sample includes the 100 most active Egyptian companies in the Egyptian Stock Exchange as measured by the EGX 100 index in the financial year that ended in 2016. The sample begins in 2007, concurrent with the start of the ESG index, and ends in 2016. The period from 2007 to 2010 represents the pre-revolution period, and the period from 2012 to 2016 is the post-revolution period.

Findings

Firms with high ESG ratings are found to enjoy a better financial and market performance. The authors found some evidence that the influence of ESG ratings on financial performance is more obvious after the revolutions than before the revolutions.

Practical implications

This study provides insights regarding the impact of political events on the market in the Middle East region. Despite its increasing economic and political importance, this region still suffers from inadequate attention in the literature. The present work investigates the variances that evolved out of the events that started in early 2011 and the implications of these events on the market. The results of this study have implications for regulators and investors in the Egyptian stock market. The authors believe that the relatively new S&P/EGX ESG index provides a way to enhance ESG ratings in Egypt.

Social implications

The results of the present study provide insights for policymakers regarding the usefulness of the sustainability indices.

Originality/value

The present results contribute to the growing literature on the economic consequences of ESG ratings, especially in relation to a context characterized by intense political/revolutionary changes. In particular, this study contributes to the few works that have addressed the economic implications of ESG ratings in emerging markets.
Seeking legitimacy
Authors: Patten Dennis M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In this essay, the author reflects on the legitimacy theory in corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure research.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflection/review essay based on a review of relevant literature.

Findings

Although almost constantly under attack from a variety of scholars, legitimacy theory seems to hold on in the social and environmental disclosure arena. However, the failure of the recent wave of CSR-themed work published in The Accounting Review to even acknowledge, let alone engage with, the theory is problematic.

Research limitations/implications

We, in the CSR disclosure arena, need to do all we can to help emerging scholars (particularly in the USA) find the rich body of research the mainstream journals fail to discuss.

Practical implications

Legitimacy-based research can help move CSR disclosure at least closer to being a tool of accountability, as opposed to a tool for legitimation.

Social implications

Perhaps the critique of the mainstream North American literature’s failure to consider legitimacy theory can lead to the recognition of the need to focus on the harm to sustainability that a narrow, shareholder-centric focus leads to.

Originality/value

This reflection takes a unique look at the contributions of legitimacy theory to CSR disclosure research.
Drug survival of apremilast in a real‐world setting
Authors: Kishimoto Megumi , Komine Mayumi , Kamiya Koji , Sugai Junichi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: June 2019

Apremilast is a novel oral phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor approved for treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Japan in December 2016. We have treated a substantial number of patients with psoriasis with apremilast and investigated the length of the treatment period with apremilast (drug survival of apremilast) in 138 patients with psoriasis who were treated at the Department of Dermatology in Jichi Medical University Hospital from 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2018 using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. The drug survival rate of apremilast at 1 year was 53.4%. The median length of the drug survival period was 453 days. There were no statistical differences in the drug survival rate in terms of the type of psoriasis, previous systemic treatment or presence of one or more adverse events. Drug efficacy was investigated in 115 patients who were followed for more than 16 weeks. There was no correlation between drug efficacy and sex, previous systemic treatment or presence of one or more adverse events; however, there was a correlation between drug efficacy and plaque size (P < 0.01, rs = −0.29). The result of our study indicates that apremilast is effective regardless of the history of prior systemic treatment, and it supports our previous finding that small plaque‐type psoriasis is more sensitive to treatment with apremilast.
Environmental filtering increases with elevation for the assembly of gut microbiota in wild pikas
Authors: Li Huan , Zhou Rui , Zhu Jianxiao , Huang Xiaodan , Qu Jiapeng
Published: June 2019

Despite their important roles in host nutrition, metabolism and adaptability, the knowledge on how the mammalian gut microbial community assemble is relatively scanty, especially regarding the ecological mechanisms that govern microbiota along environmental gradients. To address this, we surveyed the diversity, function and ecological processes of gut microbiota in the wild plateau pika, Ochotona curzoniae, along the elevational gradient from 3106 to 4331 m on ‘the Roof of the World’—Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results indicated that the alpha, beta and functional diversity of gut microbiota significantly increased with elevation, and elevation significantly explained the variations in the gut microbial communities, even after controlling for geographical distance, host sex and body weight. Some gene functions (e.g. nitrogen metabolism and protein kinases) associated with metabolism were enriched in the high‐altitude pikas. Null model and phylogenetic analysis suggest that the relative contributions of environmental filtering responsible for local gut communities increased with elevation. In addition, deterministic processes dominated gut microbial communities in the high‐altitude (more than 3694 m) pikas, while the percentages of stochastic and deterministic processes were very close in the low‐altitude (3106 and 3580 m) pikas. The observed mechanisms that influence pika gut microbiota assembly and function seemed to be mainly mediated by the internal gut environment and by the external environmental pressure (i.e. lower temperature) in the harsh high‐altitude environment. These findings enhance our understanding of gut microbiota assembly patterns and function in wild mammals from extreme harsh environments.
Serum and urine interleukin‐17A levels as biomarkers of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nordin Fariz , Shaharir Syahrul Sazliyana , Abdul Wahab Asrul , Mustafar Ruslinda , Abdul Gafor Abdul Halim , Mohamed Said Mohd Shahrir , Rajalingham Sakthiswary , Shah Shamsul Azhar
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This study examined the correlations of both serum and urine interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) levels with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was also aimed at determining their sensitivity and specificity as biomarkers of disease activity in SLE.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed involving SLE patients (n = 120 patients) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Serum and urinary IL‐17A levels were determined by immunoassay while disease activity was assessed using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index‐2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group's 2004 index (BILAG 2004) scores. The correlations between serum and urinary IL‐17A levels with total SLEDAI‐2K and BILAG 2004 scores were determined using bivariate correlation analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to determine their sensitivity and specificity as disease activity biomarkers.

Results

Both serum and urinary IL‐17A levels correlated with total scores of BILAG 2004, BILAG renal, BILAG mucocutaneous, and SLEDAI‐2K (P < 0.05). Urine IL‐17A levels correlated positively with urine protein : creatinine index while serum IL‐17 level correlated with the BILAG hematology score (all P < 0.05). The area under curve of serum IL‐17A and urine IL‐17A with BILAG and SLEDAI scores were low (<0.75).

Conclusion

Despite positive correlations between serum and urine IL‐17A with SLE disease activity, both were neither sensitive nor specific as biomarkers to predict active disease. Hence, IL‐17 measurement has no role in SLE disease activity assessments and future studies are needed to search for other reliable activity biomarkers.
Genome‐wide association study reveals candidate genes associated with body measurement traits in Chinese Wagyu beef cattle
Authors: An B. , Xia J. , Chang T. , Wang X. , Xu L. , Zhang L. , Gao X. , Chen Y. , Li J. , Gao H.
Published: June 2019

We performed a genome‐wide association study to identify candidate genes for body measurement traits in 463 Wagyu beef cattle typed with the Illumina Bovine HD 770K SNP array. At the genome‐wide level, we detected 18, five and one SNPs associated with hip height, body height and body length respectively. In total, these SNPs are within or near 11 genes, six of which (PENK, XKR4, IMPAD1, PLAG1, CCND2 and SNTG1) have been reported previously and five of which (CSMD3, LAP3, SYN3, FAM19A5 and TIMP3) are novel candidate genes that we found to be associated with body measurement traits. Further exploration of these candidate genes will facilitate genetic improvement in Chinese Wagyu beef cattle.
IGF signalling in germ cells and testicular germ cell tumours: roles and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Selfe J. , Shipley J. M.
Published: June 2019

The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis plays key roles in normal tissue growth and development as well as in the progression of several tumour types and their subsequent growth and progression to a metastatic phenotype. This review explores the role of IGF system in normal germ cell development and function in addition to examining the evidence for deregulation of IGF signalling in cancer, with particular relevance to evidence supporting a role in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). Despite the clear preclinical rationale for targeting the IGF axis in cancer, there has been a lack of progress in identifying which patients may benefit from such therapy. Future employment of agents targeting the IGF pathway is expected to concentrate on their use in combination with other treatments to prevent resistance and exploit their potential as chemo‐ and radiosensitizers.
Application of veratraldehyde as a temporary consolidant for relics at underwater cultural heritage sites
Authors: Chen X.‐Q. , Zhang B. , Zhang Z.
Published: June 2019

Because it is often difficult to preserve fragile relics in situ at underwater cultural heritage sites, it is sometimes necessary for relics to be extracted and moved to a controlled environment on land for protection and study. This paper discusses the feasibility of using the volatile organic compound veratraldehyde as a temporary consolidant for underwater fragile relics extraction. The results show that different materials (iron, tile, sand, wood) under water can be bonded together and extracted when using veratraldehyde. The fact that veratraldehyde is difficult to spread on the surface of underwater objects is a problem that can be solved by adding a layer of strong hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) fibres onto the object, serving as a ‘package' for the relics. Under laboratory conditions, we used veratraldehyde and PP fibres to extract broken tiles from underwater sand onto an exhibition stand. The broken tiles, in both condition and distribution, were safely and completely retained as the veratraldehyde was slowly removed by the soaking process. This work fills a gap in knowledge about temporary consolidant materials in underwater archaeology, and provides a new method for extracting underwater fragile cultural relics without damaging them.
Longitudinal pathways between perceived oral health and regular service use of adult Finns
Authors: Torppa‐Saarinen Eeva , Suominen Anna L. , Lahti Satu , Tolvanen Mimmi
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Our aim was to evaluate changes in and pathways between different measures of perceived oral health (POH) and regular oral health service use between the years 2000 and 2011 among Finnish adults. POH was measured by means of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and subjective oral health (SOH).

Methods

The study was based on a longitudinal sample (n = 5525) of adults having participated both in the Health 2000 and 2011 Surveys (BRIF 8901). OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile 14‐item questionnaire and SOH with a single question. Path analyses were used to determine whether SOH or OHRQoL affected service use or vice versa, grouped by age groups and self‐assessed treatment need.

Results

The path analyses indicate that good OHRQoL leads to regular service use and regular service use leads to better SOH. The first path was stronger among the elderly (0.10) and the second among the younger age group (0.07). Both paths were stronger (0.12 and 0.06) among those who reported no treatment need in 2000.

Conclusions

Good OHRQoL, indicated by a lack of perceived problems or symptoms, leads to regular service use. Our findings indicate that poor OHRQoL leads to nonregular service use, and nonregular service use leads to poor SOH.
How do paediatricians use and monitor antithyroid drugs in the UK? A clinician survey
Authors: Lawrence Neil , Cheetham Tim , Elder Charlotte
Published: June 2019

Objective

We aimed to document current practice in the medical management of paediatric hyperthyroidism in the UK and compare to international recommendations.

Design

A 27‐question online survey distributed via an electronic newsletter in August 2018.

Participants

Responses from 48 members (11%) of the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Measurements

Information about antithyroid drug (ATD) preference, treatment duration, monitoring of full blood count (FBC), management of neutropaenia, agranulocytosis screening and patient education.

Results

Carbimazole is favoured by 98% of respondents and a “dose titration” regimen preferred over “block and replace” (65% vs 29%). TRAbs (thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibodies) are used for diagnostic purposes by 85% and by 33% to look for evidence of disease remission. The majority (81%) treat for a minimum of 2 years before considering a trial off ATD. All respondents reported that they “always/usually” warn their patients about the risk of agranulocytosis before starting ATD, but written information is “rarely/never” provided by 63%. Sore throat (98%) and fever (92%) are the most commonly cited symptoms used to alert a patient to possible agranulocytosis. FBC is measured prior to treatment by 65% and measured periodically during treatment by 70%.

Conclusions

The management of paediatric hyperthyroidism with ATDs in the UK is not consistent with all international recommendations because a block and replace ATD regimen remains widely used. TRAbs are utilized at presentation, but underused for detecting disease remission. National consensus guidelines and written patient information may refine the management of paediatric patients on ATDs.
Anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic effects of system xc− inactivation in chronic epilepsy models
Authors: Leclercq Karine , Liefferinge Joeri Van , Albertini Giulia , Neveux Michel , Dardenne Sylvia , Mairet‐Coello Georges , Vandenplas Catherine , Deprez Tania , Chong Seon‐Ah , Foerch Patrik , Bentea Eduard , Sato Hideyo , Maher Pamela , Massie Ann , Smolders Ilse , Kaminski Rafal M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The cystine/glutamate antiporter system could represent a new target for antiepileptogenic treatments due to its crucial roles in glutamate homeostasis and neuroinflammation. To demonstrate this, we compared epilepsy development and seizure susceptibility in xCT knockout mice (xCT−/−) and in littermate controls (xCT+/+) in different chronic models of epilepsy.

Methods

Mice were surgically implanted with electrodes in the basolateral amygdala and chronically stimulated to develop self‐sustained status epilepticus (SSSE); continuous video‐electroencephalography monitoring was performed for 28 days after SE and hippocampal histopathology was assessed. Corneal kindling was induced by twice daily electrical stimulation at 6 Hz and maintenance of the fully kindled state was evaluated. Next, messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of xCT and of the proteins involved in the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway were measured at different time points during epileptogenesis in NMRI mice treated with pilocarpine. Finally, the anticonvulsant effect of sulfasalazine (SAS), a nonselective system inhibitor, was assessed against 6 Hz‐evoked seizures in pilocarpine‐treated mice.

Results

In the SSSE model, xCT−/− mice displayed a significant delayed epileptogenesis, a reduced number of spontaneous recurrent seizures, and less pronounced astrocytic and microglial activation. Moreover, xCT−/− mice showed reduced seizure severity during 6 Hz kindling development and a lower incidence of generalized seizures during the maintenance of the fully kindled state. In pilocarpine‐treated mice, protein levels of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway were increased during the chronic phase of the model, consistent with previous findings in the hippocampus of patients with epilepsy. Finally, repeated administration of SAS protected pilocarpine‐treated mice against acute 6 Hz seizure induction, in contrast to sham controls, in which system is not activated.

Significance

Inhibition of system could be an attractive target for the development of new therapies with a potential for disease modification in epilepsy.
Transcriptomic response to aquaculture intensification in Nile tilapia
Authors: Rodriguez‐Barreto Deiene , Rey Olivier , Uren‐Webster Tamsyn M. , Castaldo Giovanni , Consuegra Sonia , Garcia de Leaniz Carlos
Published: June 2019

To meet future global demand for fish protein, more fish will need to be farmed using fewer resources, and this will require the selection of nonaggressive individuals that perform well at high densities. Yet, the genetic changes underlying loss of aggression and adaptation to crowding during aquaculture intensification are largely unknown. We examined the transcriptomic response to aggression and crowding in Nile tilapia, one of the oldest and most widespread farmed fish, whose social structure shifts from social hierarchies to shoaling with increasing density. A mirror test was used to quantify aggression and skin darkening (a proxy for stress) of fish reared at low and high densities, and gene expression in the hypothalamus was analysed among the most and least aggressive fish at each density. Fish reared at high density were darker, had larger brains, were less active and less aggressive than those reared at low density and had differentially expressed genes consistent with a reactive stress‐coping style and activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) axis. Differences in gene expression among aggressive fish were accounted for by density and the interaction between density and aggression levels, whereas for nonaggressive fish differences in gene expression were associated with individual variation in skin brightness and social stress. Thus, the response to crowding in Nile tilapia is context dependent and involves different neuroendocrine pathways, depending on social status. Knowledge of genes associated with the response to crowding may pave the way for more efficient fish domestication, based on the selection of nonaggressive individuals with increasing tolerance to chronic stress necessary for aquaculture intensification.
Mapping the global network of fisheries science collaboration
Authors: Syed Shaheen , ní Aodha Lia , Scougal Callum , Spruit Marco
Published: June 2019

As socio‐environmental problems have proliferated over the past decades, one narrative which has captured the attention of policymakers and scientists has been the need for collaborative research that spans traditional boundaries. Collaboration, it is argued, is imperative for solving these problems. Understanding how collaboration is occurring in practice is important, however, and may help explain the idea space across a field. In an effort to make sense of the shape of fisheries science, here we construct a co‐authorship network of the field, from a data set comprising 73,240 scientific articles, drawn from 50 journals and published between 2000 and 2017. Using a combination of social network analysis and machine learning, the work first maps the global structure of scientific collaboration amongst fisheries scientists at the author, country and institutional levels. Second, it uncovers the hidden subgroups—here country clusters and communities of authors—within the network, detailing also the topical focus, publication outlets and relative impact of the largest fisheries science communities. We find that whilst the fisheries science network is becoming more geographically extensive, it is simultaneously becoming more intensive. The uncovered network exhibits characteristics suggestive of a thin style of collaboration, and groupings that are more regional than they are global. Although likely shaped by an array of overlapping micro‐ and macro‐level factors, the analysis reveals a number of political–economic patterns that merit reflection by both fisheries scientists and policymakers.
Slime travelers: Early evidence of animal mobility and feeding in an organic mat world
Authors: Evans Scott D. , Gehling James G. , Droser Mary L.
Published: June 2019

Mobility represents a key innovation in the evolution of complex animal life. The ability to move allows for the exploration of new food sources, escapes from unfavorable environmental conditions, enhanced ability to exchange genetic material, and is one of the major reasons for the diversity and success of animal life today. The oldest widely accepted trace fossils of animal mobility are found in Ediacaran‐aged rocks (635–539 Ma). The earliest definitive evidence for movement associated with exploitation of resources for feeding occurs in the White Sea assemblage of the Ediacara Biota—macroscopic, soft‐bodied fossils of Ediacaran age. Here, we evaluate potential support for mobility in dickinsoniomorphs, presenting new data regarding abundant Dickinsonia and associated trace fossils from the Ediacara Member, South Australia. Results quantitatively demonstrate that Dickinsonia was capable of mobility on relatively short, ecological timescales. This organism was bilaterally symmetrical, likely moved via muscular peristalsis, and left trace fossils due to active removal of the organic mat related to feeding. Analogous structures associated with Yorgia indicate that it was also mobile and fed in a similar manner. Morphological evidence suggests that two other modular taxa, Andiva and Spriggina, were able to move but did not feed in a manner that impacted the organic mat. Together, these data suggest that mobility was present in multiple disparate bilaterally symmetrical Ediacaran taxa.
Integrating anthropogenic factors into regional‐scale species distribution models—A novel application in the imperiled sagebrush biome
Authors: Requena‐Mullor Juan M. , Maguire Kaitlin C. , Shinneman Douglas J. , Caughlin Timothy Trevor
Published: June 2019

Species distribution models (SDMs) that rely on regional‐scale environmental variables will play a key role in forecasting species occurrence in the face of climate change. However, in the Anthropocene, a number of local‐scale anthropogenic variables, including wildfire history, land‐use change, invasive species, and ecological restoration practices can override regional‐scale variables to drive patterns of species distribution. Incorporating these human‐induced factors into SDMs remains a major research challenge, in part because spatial variability in these factors occurs at fine scales, rendering prediction over regional extents problematic. Here, we used big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) as a model species to explore whether including human‐induced factors improves the fit of the SDM. We applied a Bayesian hurdle spatial approach using 21,753 data points of field‐sampled vegetation obtained from the LANDFIRE program to model sagebrush occurrence and cover by incorporating fire history metrics and restoration treatments from 1980 to 2015 throughout the Great Basin of North America. Models including fire attributes and restoration treatments performed better than those including only climate and topographic variables. Number of fires and fire occurrence had the strongest relative effects on big sagebrush occurrence and cover, respectively. The models predicted that the probability of big sagebrush occurrence decreases by 1.2% (95% CI: −6.9%, 0.6%) when one fire occurs and cover decreases by 44.7% (95% CI: −47.9%, −41.3%) if at least one fire occurred over the 36 year period of record. Restoration practices increased the probability of big sagebrush occurrence but had minimal effect on cover. Our results demonstrate the potential value of including disturbance and land management along with climate in models to predict species distributions. As an increasing number of datasets representing land‐use history become available, we anticipate that our modeling framework will have broad relevance across a range of biomes and species.
An update on the new classification of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome and review of the causes of bleeding in this population
Authors: Jesudas Rohith , Chaudhury Ateefa , Laukaitis Christina M.
Published: June 2019

It has long been hypothesized that bleeding symptoms in people with hypermobility occur as a result of abnormalities in the collagen of the vessel wall or the connective tissues. The bleeding symptoms, particularly in the skin, have been attributed to the fragility of skin and blood vessels caused by “defective collagen wickerwork” of the reticular layer of the skin. Collagen, which forms the framework of vessel walls, is altered in many patients with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) leading to weakening of the vessel wall or the supporting tissues. Another important function of subendothelial collagen is its interaction with platelets and von Willebrand factor, which results in the propagation of a platelet plug. Thus, abnormalities in subendothelial collagen may alter its interaction with platelets and VWF. More recently, hypermobile‐EDS (hEDS) has been associated with mast cell disorders, a condition independently associated with bleeding symptoms. It has also been observed that patients with mild bleeding disorders have a more severe bleeding phenotype when they have co‐existing joint hypermobility.
A mutation analysis of the EGFR pathway genes, RAS, EGFR, PIK3CA, AKT1 and BRAF, and TP53 gene in thymic carcinoma and thymoma type A/B3
Authors: Sakane Tadashi , Murase Takayuki , Okuda Katsuhiro , Saida Kosuke , Masaki Ayako , Yamada Takeshi , Saito Yushi , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Aims

Thymic carcinoma is rare and usually has a fatal outcome. Gene mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway and TP53 have not been well analysed in thymic carcinoma.

Methods and results

We examined a large cohort of thymic carcinoma and thymoma type A/B3 and looked for gene mutations in the RAS family, EGFR, PIK3CA, AKT1, BRAF and TP53. Among 54 thymic carcinoma cases, RAS family mutations were detected in 10 cases, EGFR in two, PIK3CA in one, AKT1 in one, BRAF in none and TP53 in five. Among 33 thymoma type A/B3 cases, HRAS gene mutation were found in one, PIK3CA in two and AKT1 in one. All these mutations were those of missense type activating mutations. RAS family mutations were significantly more frequent in thymic carcinoma than in thymoma type A/B3 (P = 0.0461). A prognostic analysis focusing on thymic squamous cell carcinoma cases (n = 44) showed that the overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with EGFR pathway mutations (n = 9) than in those without in a univariate analysis (P = 0.0173). Subsequently, EGFR pathway mutations were selected as an independent factor for a poor overall survival in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.0389).

Conclusions

Mutations in the EGFR pathway and TP53 in thymic carcinoma may be frequent, and the EGFR pathway mutations may be associated with a poor prognosis in thymic squamous cell carcinoma patients. The therapeutic significance of gene mutations in thymic carcinoma should be further clarified.
Extracellular matrix dynamics in cell migration, invasion and tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Yamada Kenneth M. , Collins Joshua W. , Cruz Walma David A. , Doyle Andrew D. , Morales Shaimar Gonzalez , Lu Jiaoyang , Matsumoto Kazue , Nazari Shayan S. , Sekiguchi Rei , Shinsato Yoshinari , Wang Shaohe
Published: June 2019

This review describes how direct visualization of the dynamic interactions of cells with different extracellular matrix microenvironments can provide novel insights into complex biological processes. Recent studies have moved characterization of cell migration and invasion from classical 2D culture systems into 1D and 3D model systems, revealing multiple differences in mechanisms of cell adhesion, migration and signalling—even though cells in 3D can still display prominent focal adhesions. Myosin II restrains cell migration speed in 2D culture but is often essential for effective 3D migration. 3D cell migration modes can switch between lamellipodial, lobopodial and/or amoeboid depending on the local matrix environment. For example, “nuclear piston” migration can be switched off by local proteolysis, and proteolytic invadopodia can be induced by a high density of fibrillar matrix. Particularly, complex remodelling of both extracellular matrix and tissues occurs during morphogenesis. Extracellular matrix supports self‐assembly of embryonic tissues, but it must also be locally actively remodelled. For example, surprisingly focal remodelling of the basement membrane occurs during branching morphogenesis—numerous tiny perforations generated by proteolysis and actomyosin contractility produce a microscopically porous, flexible basement membrane meshwork for tissue expansion. Cells extend highly active blebs or protrusions towards the surrounding mesenchyme through these perforations. Concurrently, the entire basement membrane undergoes translocation in a direction opposite to bud expansion. Underlying this slowly moving 2D basement membrane translocation are highly dynamic individual cell movements. We conclude this review by describing a variety of exciting research opportunities for discovering novel insights into cell‐matrix interactions.
Reinvigorating Research on Gender in the Workplace Using a Positive Work and Organizations Perspective*
Authors: Warren Meg A. , Donaldson Scott I. , Lee Joo Young , Donaldson Stewart I.
Published: June 2019

Gender inequality is a widespread organizational challenge, however, research on gender in the workplace suffers from stagnation in mainstream management research. A positive work and organizations perspective has the capacity to augment problem‐focused gender research with new approaches to boosting gender equity. Yet, contributions that utilize such a perspective are sparsely spread across nearly two decades’ time and dozens of journals with differing disciplinary foci. This paper aims to reinvigorate gender research in management research by consolidating insights that have emerged through the application of a positive perspective. Therefore, we systematically review articles published in 21 management and psychological journals between 2001 and 2016. Four main themes emerged as drivers of gender research from a positive perspective: performance, social integration, well‐being, and justice/moral matters. The contributions within these themes highlight pathways to organizational flourishing through positive diversity and inclusion behaviors and practices. Thus, this paper provides a conceptual map for navigating and planning further research.
A 14‐year retrospective analysis of indications and outcomes of autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in regional Queensland: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Hamilton Elizabeth M. , Nath Karthik D. , Vangaveti Venkat N. , McCutchan Andrew D. , Marsh Jodie L. , Birchley Andrew J. , Casey John M. , McNamara Caroline , Lai Hock C. , Morris Edward S. , Hodges Georgina , Irving Ian M.
Published: June 2019

Background

The Townsville Hospital is a tertiary hospital in North Queensland with one of the largest regional transplant centres in Australia, performing primarily autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) for various haematological malignancies.

Aims

This single‐centre, retrospective, observational study aims to describe the activity and outcomes of autologous HSCT at The Townsville Hospital between 2003 and 2017 to verify safety standards.

Methods

Patient‐level data were collected, including demographics, frequency and indication for transplant, conditioning, current clinical status and cause of death. Key outcomes included overall survival, non‐relapse mortality, incidence of therapy‐related neoplasm and causes of death. Progression‐free survival in the multiple myeloma (MM) subgroup was also assessed.

Results

There were 319 autologous HSCT in 286 patients, with a median age of 58 years (range 14–71 years); 62% of patients were male. Indications for transplantation were: MM 53.7%, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma 29.4%, Hodgkin lymphoma 5.0% and other 11.9%. Causes of death were: disease progression/relapse (65.2%), second malignancy (17.0%), infection (9.8%) and other (8.0%). Non‐relapse mortality was 1.2% (95% confidence interval 0.4–3.0) and 3.2% (1.7–5.7) at 100 days and 1 year, respectively, post‐HSCT. Overall survival at 2 years was 81.0% (73.8–86.4) for MM and 69.6% (58.8–78.1) for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. The median progression‐free survival in the MM cohort was 3.3 years.

Conclusion

The Townsville Hospital transplant centre provides an important transplant service in regional Queensland, with outcomes comparable to national data. We reported a relatively high rate of second malignancy as a cause of death.
Enterococcal bacteraemia ‘silent but deadly’: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Cabiltes Ivana , Coghill Sarah , Bowe Steven J. , Athan Eugene
Published: June 2019

Background

The high mortality rate of patients with enterococcal infections has been shown to be associated with the severity of underlying comorbidities.

Aims

To characterise the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients with enterococcal bacteraemia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all enterococcal bacteraemia episodes in the Barwon region between January 2010 and March 2017. We assessed the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcomes and predictors of mortality using descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The incidence of enterococcal bacteraemia was 19.9/100 000 person‐years. Males comprised 68.4%, and the median age was 71 years. Common comorbidities were gastrointestinal tract disease, urological disease, malignancies and cardiovascular disease. Infective endocarditis was observed in 15% of patients, and 1 of 27 also had colorectal cancer. Twelve patients referred for colonoscopy demonstrated previously undiagnosed colorectal neoplasia in 75% of these cases. The 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates were 11.7 and 40.2% respectively. Sixty‐nine cases with vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus were observed. Multiple logistic regression suggested that the presence of underlying urological malignancy (adjusted odds ratio = 3.57, 95% confidence intervals = 1.10–11.65, P = 0.035) and colorectal cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 4.47, 95% confidence intervals = 1.36–14.66, P = 0.014) were significant predictors of 1‐year mortality.

Conclusions

Microbiological cure was inversely associated with 30‐day mortality. The presence of underlying urological and colorectal malignancy was a predictor of 1‐year mortality. We identified the importance of evaluating patients with Enterococcus faecalis bacteraemia for underlying colorectal neoplasia. Routine colonoscopy is recommended in patients with E. faecalis bacteraemia or infective endocarditis with an unclear source of infection.
Charlson comorbidity index scores and in‐hospital prognosis of patients with severe acute respiratory infections
Authors: Setter Nicholas W. , Peres Marcos L. , de Almeida Bernardo M. M. , Petterle Ricardo R. , Raboni Sonia M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of mortality, and comorbid conditions play a significant role in the severity and fatality of these infections.

Aims

We evaluated the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and possible predictors of mortality in hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), aiming to test if the CCI is a valid in‐hospital prognostic indicator.

Methods

Patients older than 14 years, hospitalised from 2010 to 2016 due to SARI by viral infection and who were submitted to respiratory virus testing were included. We assessed comorbidity retrospectively through chart review and calculated four variants of the CCI.

Results

Of the 291 patients assessed, 72.8% (n = 212) presented comorbidities, and 24% died (n = 70). The most recurrent comorbidities were chronic pulmonary disease (n = 76/212, 36%) and HIV (n = 50/212, 23.6%). The 1994 age‐adjusted CCI predicted in‐hospital mortality in SARI patients (P = 0.04), and HIV was associated with in‐hospital mortality (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

The comorbidity scores used to assess mortality risk in hospitalised patients with SARI displayed poor results, but HIV infection was considered a marker of severity. However, other factors should be considered in order to compose a score system that allows us to specifically assess the risk of mortality in patients with SARI.