bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clathrate hydrates in interstellar environment
Authors: Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Methikkalam Rabin Rajan J. , Bhuin Radha Gobinda , Ragupathy Gopi , Choudhary Nilesh , Kumar Rajnish , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: January 2019

Significance

Formation of clathrate hydrate (CH) requires high pressures and moderate temperatures, which enable their existence in marine sediments and the permafrost region of earth. The presence of CHs in interstellar medium (ISM) is still in question due to the extreme high vacuum and ultracold conditions present there. Here, we conclusively identified methane and carbon dioxide hydrates in conditions analogous to ISM. We found that molecular mobility and interactions play crucial roles in the formation of CHs, even though there is no external pressure to force cage formation. Various chemical processes on these hydrates in ISM may lead to relevant prebiotic molecules.
Accelerations – a new approach to quantify physical performance decline in male elite soccer?
Authors: Dalen Terje , Lorås Håvard , Hjelde Geir Håvard , Kjøsnes Terje Naess , Wisløff Ulrik
Published: January 2019

The aim of the current study was (1) to investigate whether the number of accelerations is a more precise estimate of performance decline in soccer compared to distances with high‐speed running (HSR) and (2) to compare changes in the number of accelerations and HSR distances across playing positions in order to examine whether the match profiles of the physical measures are consistent or demonstrate high interposition variability. The dataset includes domestic home games (N = 34) over three full seasons (2012–2014) for a team in the Norwegian Elite League. The change in the number of accelerations throughout the match demonstrates a more clear pattern compared to the distance covered by HSR. In numbers of accelerations, a systematic and linear decrease can be observed throughout the match, with 34% less accelerations from the first to the last 5‐minute period of the game (6.7 vs. 4.4 accelerations). This pattern of results captures the change in the number of accelerations across all positions. HSR distance had more variability during the match. All five positions investigated displayed a similar trend in accelerations and HSR profiles after the peak periods in each half. In contrast to the absolute number of accelerations, there were major positional differences in the mean HSR distance during the match. Our data suggest a more visible performance decline in the number of accelerations from the start to the end of the game, than the decline in the distance covered by HSR distance.
Heterozygous Tbk1 loss has opposing effects in early and late stages of ALS in mice
Authors: Brenner David , Sieverding Kirsten , Bruno Clara , Lüningschrör Patrick , Buck Eva , Mungwa Simon , Fischer Lena , Brockmann Sarah J. , Ulmer Johannes , Bliederhäuser Corinna , Philibert Clémentine E. , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Boillée Séverine , Mayer Benjamin , Sendtner Michael , Ludolph Albert C. , Danzer Karin M. , Lobsiger Christian S. , Freischmidt Axel , Weishaupt Jochen H.
Published: January 2019

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) cause familial ALS, yet downstream mechanisms of TBK1 mutations remained elusive. TBK1 is a pleiotropic kinase involved in the regulation of selective autophagy and inflammation. We show that heterozygous Tbk1 deletion alone does not lead to signs of motoneuron degeneration or disturbed autophagy in mice during a 200-d observation period. Surprisingly, however, hemizygous deletion of Tbk1 inversely modulates early and late disease phases in mice additionally overexpressing ALS-linked SOD1G93A, which represents a “second hit” that induces both neuroinflammation and proteostatic dysregulation. At the early stage, heterozygous Tbk1 deletion impairs autophagy in motoneurons and prepones both the clinical onset and muscular denervation in SOD1G93A/Tbk1+/− mice. At the late disease stage, however, it significantly alleviates microglial neuroinflammation, decelerates disease progression, and extends survival. Our results indicate a profound effect of TBK1 on brain inflammatory cells under pro-inflammatory conditions and point to a complex, two-edged role of TBK1 in SOD1-linked ALS.
Comparison of CRMs and value-assigned quality controls: urea and uric Acid in human serum or plasma (CCQM-K142)
Authors: Teo Tang Lin , Liu Qinde , Cheow Pui Sze , Duewer David , Lippa Katrice , Toman Blaza , Osuna Mariana Arce , Serrano Victor , Arzate Claudia Marcela Salazar , Wong Lingkai , Chen Yizhao , Yong Sharon , Teo Hui Ling , Liu Hong , Tong Benny , Kang Dukjin , Lee Hwashim , Dai Xin Hua , Quan Can , Shi Lian Hua , Li Hong Mei , Pritchett Jeanita S
Published: January 2019

The CCQM OAWG 2017 CCQM-K142 "Comparison of CRMs and Value-Assigned Quality Controls: Urea and Uric Acid in Human Serum or Plasma" is the third Model 2 Key Comparison coordinated by the OAWG directly testing the chemical measurement services provided to customers by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) through certified reference materials (CRMs). CRMs certified for urea and/or uric acid content in human serum or plasma were compared using measurements made on these materials under repeatability conditions. Four NMIs/DIs submitted 10 CRMs certified for urea; five NMIs/DIs submitted 12 CRMs certified for uric acid. These materials represent most of the higher-order reference materials available then for these clinically important measurands. Uncertainty-weighted generalised distance regression was used to establish the Key Comparison Reference Function (KCRF) relating the CRM certified values to the repeatability measurements. The urea results for all 10 CRMs were considered to be equivalent at the 95 % level of confidence and were used to define the KCRF for urea. The uric acid result for one of the 12 CRMs was found to be non-equivalent: the submitting NMI re-evaluated the result and withdrew the material from use in defining the KCRF for uric acid. The remaining 11 CRMs were used to define the KCRF for uric acid. Monte Carlo methods were used to estimate 95 % level-of-confidence coverage intervals for the relative degrees of equivalence of materials, %d ± U95 (%d), and of the participating NMIs/DIs, %D ± U95 (%D). For the urea materials, the %D ± U95(%D) intervals were within (-3 to 5) % of the consensus results. For the uric acid materials from four of the five NMIs/DIs, the %D ± U95(%D) intervals were within (-4 to 5) % of the consensus results. These results demonstrated that with the exception of one material, the participating institutions could value-assign CRMs for urea and/or uric acid in human serum and plasma.

KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH

Certified reference materials; urea; uric acid; human serum; key comparison reference function

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Clinical and Virological Characteristics of Acute Sinusitis in Children
Authors: DeMuri Gregory P , Eickhoff Jens C , Gern James C , Wald Ellen R
Published: January 2019

Background

Acute bacterial sinusitis is a frequent complication of viral upper respiratory infection (URI). We describe the clinical and virologic features of URIs that remain uncomplicated and those that precede an episode of sinusitis. We hypothesize that certain viruses are more likely to lead to acute sinusitis, and we compare viruses identified at the time of diagnosis of sinusitis with those identified early in the URI.

Methods

Children aged 48–96 months were followed longitudinally for 1 year. Nasal samples were obtained at surveillance visits, on Day 3–4 of the URI, and on Day 10, when sinusitis was diagnosed. Molecular diagnostic testing was performed on nasal washes for common respiratory viruses and pathogenic bacteria. A standardized score was used to quantify symptom severity.

Results

We evaluated 519 URIs, and 37 illnesses in 31 patients met the criteria for sinusitis. Respiratory syncytial virus was detected more frequently in URI visits that led to sinusitis, compared to in uncomplicated URIs (10.8% vs 3.4%; P = .05). New viruses were detected in 29% of sinusitis episodes, and their pattern was different than those patterns observed at surveillance. The median number of URIs per subject per year was 1 (range 0–9) in uncomplicated URI subjects and 3 (range 1–9) in sinusitis subjects (P < .001).

Conclusions

Children who developed sinusitis experienced more frequent URIs, compared to children whose URIs remained uncomplicated. When nasal samples were obtained on the day of diagnosis of acute sinusitis, nearly 30% of children had a new virus identified, suggesting that some children deemed to have sinusitis were experiencing sequential viral infections.
The European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry Annual Report 2016: a summary
Authors: Kramer Anneke , Pippias Maria , Noordzij Marlies , Stel Vianda S , Andrusev Anton M , Aparicio-Madre Manuel I , Arribas Monzón Federico E , Åsberg Anders , Barbullushi Myftar , Beltrán Palma , Bonthuis Marjolein , Caskey Fergus J , Castro de la Nuez Pablo , Cernevskis Harijs , De Meester Johan , Finne Patrik , Golan Eliezer , Heaf James G , Hemmelder Marc H , Ioannou Kyriakos , Kantaria Nino , Komissarov Kirill , Korejwo Grzegorz , Kramar Reinhard , Lassalle Mathilde , Lopot František , Macário Fernando , Mackinnon Bruce , Pálsson Runólfur , Pechter Ülle , Piñera Vicente C , Santiuste de Pablos Carmen , Segarra-Medrano Alfons , Seyahi Nurhan , Slon Roblero Maria F , Stojceva-Taneva Olivera , Vazelov Evgueniy , Winzeler Rebecca , Ziginskiene Edita , Massy Ziad , Jager Kitty J
Published: January 2019

Background

This article summarizes the ERA-EDTA Registry’s 2016 Annual Report, by describing the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2016 within 36 countries.

Methods

In 2017 and 2018, the ERA-EDTA Registry received data on patients undergoing RRT for ESRD in 2016 from 52 national or regional renal registries. In all, 32 registries provided individual patient data and 20 provided aggregated data. The incidence and prevalence of RRT and the survival probabilities of these patients were determined.

Results

In 2016, the incidence of RRT for ESRD was 121 per million population (pmp), ranging from 29 pmp in Ukraine to 251 pmp in Greece. Almost two-thirds of patients were men, over half were aged ≥65 years and almost a quarter had diabetes mellitus as their primary renal diagnosis. Treatment modality at the start of RRT was haemodialysis for 84% of patients. On 31 December 2016, the prevalence of RRT was 823 pmp, ranging from 188 pmp in Ukraine to 1906 pmp in Portugal. In 2016, the transplant rate was 32 pmp, varying from 3 pmp in Ukraine to 94 pmp in the Spanish region of Catalonia. For patients commencing RRT during 2007–11, the 5-year unadjusted patient survival probability on all RRT modalities combined was 50.5%. For 2016, the incidence and prevalence of RRT were higher among men (187  and 1381 pmp) than women (101 and 827 pmp), and men had a higher rate of kidney transplantation (59 pmp) compared with women (33 pmp). For patients starting dialysis and for patients receiving a kidney transplant during 2007–11, the adjusted patient survival probabilities appeared to be higher for women than for men.
Branch mass allocation increases wind throw risk for Fagus grandifolia
Authors: Ver Planck Neil R , MacFarlane David W
Published: January 2019

Wind is a major force of disturbance in forests throughout the world, causing trees to break or uproot and topple over, depending on tree morphology and growing conditions. Previous research has suggested that trees that are more massive or which have lower height–diameter ratios are less at risk to wind throw, but the influence of crown size and branching architecture has been more difficult to elucidate. In general, there has been more research on coniferous trees, which have more simplified and symmetrical crown structures, relative to broad-leaved, deciduous trees. Here, we modelled the probability of wind throw for American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), a broad-leaved, deciduous species common in the eastern USA, for trees covering a broad range of sizes (5.6–79.8 cm, diameter at breast height), in two nearby stands, in an experimental forest in southwestern Michigan, USA, where a wind event occurred. After a major blow-down of more than 200 trees in one of the stands, a subset of trees was destructively sampled after the storm. Analysis of the characteristics of the wind-thrown versus non-wind-thrown, residual trees, indicated that a very large branch fraction of total tree mass was a key factor leading to toppling of the wind-thrown trees. This study provides new empirical data related to the characteristics of wind-thrown American beech trees and suggests a potentially important role for branch to stem mass ratios as a predictor of wind throw risk for this species and possibly other broad-leaved, deciduous tree species, with a deliquescent branching architecture.
Contrasting effects of mangroves and armoured shorelines on fish assemblages in tropical estuarine seascapes
Authors: Henderson Christopher J , Gilby Ben L , Schlacher Thomas A , Connolly Rod M , Sheaves Marcus , Flint Nicole , Borland Hayden P , Olds Andrew D
Published: January 2019

Coastal seascapes are composed of a diversity of habitats that are linked in space and time by the movement of organisms. The context and configuration of coastal ecosystems shapes many important properties of animal assemblages, but potential seascape effects of natural and artificial habitats on nearby habitats are typically considered in isolation. We test whether, and how, the seascape context of natural and urban habitats modified fish assemblages across estuaries. Fish were sampled with underwater videos in five habitat types (mangroves, rock bars, log snags, unvegetated sediments, armoured shorelines) in 17 estuaries in eastern Australia. Different habitats supported distinct fish assemblages, but the spatial context of mangroves and armoured shorelines had pervasive ecological effects that extended across entire estuaries. In most estuarine habitats, fish diversity and abundance was greatest when they were in close proximity of mangroves, and decreased due to the proximity of armoured shorelines. Many cities are centred on estuaries, and urban expansion is often associated with the fragmentation of mangrove forests. Our findings emphasize that these transformations of urban estuarine landscapes are likely to propagate to broader ecological impacts detectable in multiple habitats beyond mangrove forests.
Systems engineering and human factors support of a system of novel EHR-integrated tools to prevent harm in the hospital
Authors: Dalal Anuj K , Fuller Theresa , Garabedian Pam , Ergai Awatef , Balint Corey , Bates David W , Benneyan James
Published: January 2019

We established a Patient Safety Learning Laboratory comprising 2 core and 3 individual project teams to introduce a suite of digital health tools integrated with our electronic health record to identify, assess, and mitigate threats to patient safety in real time. One of the core teams employed systems engineering (SE) and human factors (HF) methods to analyze problems, design and develop improvements to intervention components, support implementation, and evaluate the system of systems as an integrated whole. Of the 29 participants, 19 and 16 participated in surveys and focus groups, respectively, about their perception of SE and HF. We identified 7 themes regarding use of the 12 SE and HF methods over the 4-year project. Qualitative methods (interviews, focus, groups, observations, usability testing) were most frequently used, typically by individual project teams, and generated the most insight. Quantitative methods (failure mode and effects analysis, simulation modeling) typically were used by the SE and HF core team but generated variable insight. A decentralized project structure led to challenges using these SE and HF methods at the project and systems level. We offer recommendations and insights for using SE and HF to support digital health patient safety initiatives.
Dark Energy Survey Year 1: An independent E/B-mode cosmic shear analysis
Authors: Asgari Marika , Heymans Catherine
Published: January 2019

We present an independent cosmic shear analysis of the non-cosmological B-mode distortions within the public first year data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES). We find no significant detection of B-modes in a full tomographic analysis of the primary metacalibrationshear catalogue. This is in contrast to the secondary im3shapeshear catalogue, where we detect B-modes at a significance of ∼3σ with a pattern that is consistent with the B-mode signature of a repeating additive shear bias across the survey. We use the COSEBIs statistic to cleanly separate the B-modes from the gravitational lensing signal (E-modes). We find good agreement between the measured E-modes and their theoretical expectation given the DES cosmological parameter constraints.
Repair of Thoracic Spinal Cord Herniation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Khalsa Siri Sahib S , Saadeh Yamaan S , Smith Brandon W , Joseph Jacob R , Oppenlander Mark E
Published: January 2019

Spinal cord herniation is an uncommon surgically treatable cause of thoracic myelopathy and progressive paraplegia. The thoracic spinal cord focally protrudes through a defect in the dura, resulting in progressive weakness, numbness, and spasticity affecting the lower extremities, in addition to possible urinary symptoms. In this video, we present the case of a 69-yr-old female who presented with 3 yr of progressive thoracic myelopathy due to a thoracic spinal cord herniation at T4-T5. We demonstrate the surgical steps to lyse arachnoid webs, mobilize the spinal cord, reduce the spinal cord herniation, and repair the dural defect. Appropriate patient consent was obtained.
The Efficacy of Semiselective Chemicals and Chloropicrin/1,3-Dichloropropene–Containing Fumigants in Managing Apple Replant Disease in South Africa
Authors: Nyoni M. , Mazzola M. , Wessels J. P. B. , McLeod A.
Published: January 2019

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a biological phenomenon that is encountered when old apple orchards are replanted, resulting in tree growth and yield reductions in young trees. Three ARD orchard trials were conducted, which showed that semiselective chemicals (fenamiphos, metalaxyl, imidacloprid, and phosphonates) used independently, two fumigant formulations (33.3% chloropicrin and 60.8% 1,3-dichloropropene [Pic33-1,3D] and 57.% chloropicrin and 38% 1,3 dichloropropene [Pic57-1,3D]), and semiselective chemicals combined with Pic33-1,3D or Pic57-1,3D all contributed to significant increases in tree growth (trunk diameter and shoot length) relative to the untreated control 3 to 4 years postplanting. The treatments did not differ significantly from each other in improving tree growth. Yield was more indicative of treatment efficacy, but this varied between the three orchards. The Pic33-1,3D fumigant in combination with semiselective chemistries was the most consistent in significantly increasing cumulative yields. The Pic57-1,3D treatment was superior in increasing yields relative to the Pic33-1,3D treatment, because (i) it significantly increased cumulative yields in comparison with the Pic33-1,3D treatment in one orchard and (ii) in another orchard, a significant increase in yield was obtained with Pic57-1,3D relative to the control treatment but not with the Pic33-1,3D treatment. The quantification of ARD causative agents 20 months postplant showed that Phytophthora cactorum contributed to disease development in all three orchards; significant negative correlations existed between the quantity of P. cactorum DNA detected in tree roots and tree growth and less often, yield. In two orchards, only some of the treatments that significantly reduced the quantity of P. cactorum DNA in tree roots relative to the control also resulted in a significant increase in tree growth. Some of the aforementioned trends were also evident for Pratylenchus spp. root densities in two of the orchards. There was a significant positive correlation between P. cactorum root DNA quantities and Pratylenchus spp. root densities. Pythium spp. and “Cylindrocarpon”-like DNA quantities detected in tree roots typically were not indicative of treatment efficacy. However, a significant positive correlation existed between these two pathogen groups, suggesting complex interactions not associated with pathogen quantities per se.
A multi-reporter bacterial 2-hybrid assay for the fast, simple, and dynamic assay of PDZ domain – peptide interactions
Authors: Ichikawa David M. , Corbi-Verge Carles , Shen Michael J. , Snider Jamie , Wong Victoria , Stagljar Igor , Kim Philip M. , Noyes Marcus B.
Published: January 2019

The accurate determination of protein-protein interactions is an important goal of molecular biology and much progress has been made with modern methods emerging in the past decade. However, current methods have limitations, including scale and restriction to high affinity interactions. This has limited our understanding of the large subset of protein-motif interactions. Here we describe a modified bacterial-hybrid assay that employs a combined selectable and scalable reporter system that allows the screen of large protein-peptide libraries and their sort by relative strength. We have applied this tool to characterize a set of human and E. coli PDZ domains. Our results are consistent with prior characterization of these proteins and the improved sensitivity increases our ability to predict known and novel in vivo binding partners. This approach allows for the recovery of a wide range of affinities with a high throughput method that does not sacrifice the scale of the screen.
Natural variation for unusual host responses and flagellin-mediated immunity againstPseudomonas syringaein genetically diverse tomato accessions
Authors: Roberts Robyn , Mainiero Samantha , Powell Adrian F. , Liu Alexander E. , Shi Kai , Hind Sarah R. , Strickler Susan R. , Collmer Alan , Martin Gregory B.
Published: January 2019

The interaction between tomato andPseudomonas syringaepv. tomato (Pst) is a well-developed model for investigating the molecular basis of the plant immune system. There is extensive natural variation inSolanum lycopersicum(tomato) but it has not been fully leveraged to enhance our understanding of the tomato-Pst pathosystem. We screened 216 genetically diverse accessions of cultivated tomato and a wild tomato species for natural variation in their response to three strains ofPst. The screen uncovered a broad range of previously unseen host symptoms in response toPst, and one of these, stem galls, was found to be simply inherited. The screen also identified tomato accessions that showed enhanced responses to flagellin in bacterial population assays and in reactive oxygen species assays upon exposure to flagellin-derived peptides, flg22 and flgII-28. Reporter genes confirmed that the host responses were due primarily to pattern recognition receptor-immunity. This study revealed extensive natural variation in tomato for susceptibility and resistance toPstand will enable elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these host responses.
Dissociable electrophysiological correlates of semantic access of motor and non-motor concepts
Authors: Sokoliuk Rodika , Calzolari Sara , Cruse Damian
Published: January 2019

The notion of semantic embodiment posits that concepts are represented in the same neural sensorimotor systems that were involved in their acquisition. However, evidence in support of embodied semantics – in particular the hypothesised contribution of motor and premotor cortex to the representation of action concepts – is varied. Here, we tested the hypothesis that, consistent with semantic embodiment, sensorimotor cortices will rapidly become active while healthy participants access the meaning of visually-presented motor and non-motor action verbs. Event-related potentials revealed early differential processing of motor and non-motor verbs (164-203ms) within distinct regions of cortex likely reflecting rapid cortical activation of differentially distributed semantic representations. However, we found no evidence for a specific role of sensorimotor cortices in supporting these representations. Moreover, we observed a later modulation of the alpha band (8-12Hz) from 555-785ms over central electrodes, with estimated generators within the left superior parietal lobule, which may reflect post-lexical activation of the object-directed features of the motor action concepts. In conclusion, we find no evidence for a specific role of sensorimotor cortices when healthy participants judge the meaning of visually-presented action verbs. However, the relative contribution of sensorimotor cortices to action comprehension may vary as a function of task goals.
Diversity and biogeography of SAR11 bacteria from the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kraemer Susanne , Ramachandran Arthi , Colatriano David , Lovejoy Connie , Walsh David A.
Published: January 2019

The Arctic Ocean is relatively isolated from other oceans and consists of strongly stratified water masses with distinct histories, nutrient, temperature and salinity characteristics, therefore providing an optimal environment to investigate local adaptation. The globally distributed SAR11 bacterial group consists of multiple ecotypes that are associated with particular marine environments, yet relatively little is known about Arctic SAR11 diversity. Here, we examined SAR11 diversity using ITS analysis and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Arctic SAR11 assemblages were comprised of the S1a, S1b, S2, and S3 clades, and structured by water mass and depth. The fresher surface layer was dominated by an ecotype (S3-derived P3.2) previously associated with Arctic and brackish water. In contrast, deeper waters of Pacific origin were dominated by the P2.3 ecotype of the S2 clade, within which we identified a novel subdivision (P2.3s1) that was rare outside the Arctic Ocean. Arctic S2-derived SAR11 MAGs were restricted to high latitudes and included MAGs related to the recently defined S2b subclade, a finding consistent with bi-polar ecotypes and Arctic endemism. These results place the stratified Arctic Ocean into the SAR11 global biogeography and have identified SAR11 lineages for future investigation of adaptive evolution in the Arctic Ocean.
Targeted antifungal liposomes
Authors: Ambati Suresh , Ferarro Aileen R. , Khang S. Earl , Lin Xiaorong , Momany Michelle , Lewis Zachary , Meagher Richard B.
Published: January 2019

Aspergillus speciescause pulmonary invasive aspergillosis resulting in nearly a hundred thousand deaths each year. Patients at the greatest risk of developing life-threatening aspergillosis have weakened immune systems and/or various lung disorders. Patients are treated with antifungals such as amphotericin B (AmB), casofungin acetate, or triazoles (itraconazole, voriconazole etc.), but these antifungal agents have serious limitations due to lack of sufficient fungicidal effect and human toxicity. Liposomes with AmB intercalated into the lipid membrane (AmBisomes, AmB-LLs), have several-fold reduced toxicity compared to detergent solubilized drug. However, even with the current antifungal therapies, one-year survival among patients is only 25 to 60%. Hence, there is a critical need for improved antifungal therapeutics.

Dectin-1 is a mammalian innate immune receptor in the membrane of some leukocytes that binds as a dimer to beta-glucans found in fungal cell walls, signaling fungal infection. Using a novel protocol, we coated AmB-LLs with Dectin-1’s beta-glucan binding domain to make DEC-AmB-LLs. DEC-AmB-LLs bound rapidly, efficiently, and with great strengthAspergillus fumigatusand toCandida albicansandCryptococcus neoformans, highly divergent fungal pathogens of global importance. By contrast, un-targeted AmB-LLs and BSA-coated BSA-AmB-LLs showed 200-fold lower affinity for fungal cells. DEC-AmB-LLs reduced the growth and viability ofA. fumigatusan order of magnitude more efficiently than untargeted control liposomes delivering the same concentrations of AmB, in essence increasing the effective dose of AmB. Future efforts will focus on examining pan-antifungal targeted liposomal drugs in animal models of disease.

Tweet

We coated anti-fungal drug loaded liposomes to fungal cell walls with a beta-glucan binding protein and thereby increased drug effectiveness by an order of magnitude.

Importance

The fungusAspergillus fumigatuscauses pulmonary invasive aspergillosis resulting in nearly a hundred thousand deaths each year. Patients are often treated with antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B loaded into liposomes, AmB-LLs, but all antifungal drugs including AmB-LLs have serious limitations due to human toxicity and insufficient fungal cell killing. Even with the best current therapies, one-year survival among patients with invasive aspergillosis is only 25 to 60%. Hence, there is a critical need for improved antifungal therapeutics.

Dectin-1 is a mammalian protein that binds to beta-glucan polysaccharides found in nearly all fungal cell walls. We coated AmB-LLs with Dectin-1 to make DEC-AmB-LLs. DEC-AmB-LLs bond strongly to fungal cells, while AmB-LLs had little affinity. DEC-AmB-LLs killed or inhibitedA. fumigatusten times more efficiently than untargeted lipsomes, increasing the effective dose of AmB. Dectin-1 coated liposomes targeting fungal pathogens have the potential to greatly enhance antifungal therapeutics.
Guanine content of microRNAs is associated with their tumor suppressive and oncogenic roles in lung and breast cancers
Authors: Cohen Amit , Burgos-Aceves Mario Alberto , Smith Yoav
Published: January 2019

Background

microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and fine-tune gene functions. A global repression of miRNAs expression in different types of human tumors, after exposure to cigarette-smoke, or to the hormone estrogen, have been shown to be associated with guanine (G) enrichment in the terminal loops (TLs) of their precursors.

Methods

we integrated the G content of miRNA mature forms and precursor miRNA TLs with their described function in the literature, using the PubMed database. Gene Ontology term analysis was used to describe the pathways in which the G-enriched miRNA targets are involved.

Results

we show here an association between the relative G enrichment of precursor miRNAs TLs and their tendency to act as tumor suppressor miRs in human lung and breast cancers. Another association was observed between the high G content of the miRNAs 5-mature forms and their tendency to act as oncomiRs.

Conclusions

the results support previous findings showing that the G sequence content is an important feature determining miRNA expression and function, and open the way for future cancer investigations in this direction.
Crystal structure of (1,3-thiazole-2-carboxylato-κN)(1,3-thiazole-2-carboxylic acid-κN)silver(I)
Authors: Meundaeng Natthaya , Rujiwatra Apinpus , Prior Timothy J.
Published: January 2019

The linear two-coordinate silver (I) complex [Ag(C4H2NO2S)(C4H3NO2S)] or [Ag(2-Htza)(2-tza)] is reported (2-Htza = 1,3-thiazole-2-carboxylic acid). The AgI ion is coordinated by two heterocyclic N atoms from two ligands in a linear configuration, forming a discrete coordination complex. There is an O—H...O hydrogen bond between 2-tza− and 2tzaH of adjacent complexes. The hydrogen atom is shared between the two oxygen atoms. This interaction produces a hydrogen-bonded tape parallel to the [110] direction, which is augmented through intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions between the bound thiazole groups. There is a further rather long Ag...O interaction [2.8401 (13) Å, compared with a mean of 2.54 (11) Å for 23 structures in the CSD] that assembles these tapes into columns, between which there are C—H...π interactions, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Yes, has no meaning if you can’t say no: consent and crime in the chemsex context
Authors: Morris Stephen
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The title of this paper is a statement made by a man at the end of his treatment following conviction for several sexual offences. It is powerful in conveying a simple and accurate meaning of consent. Legally, consent is not complicated and can be simply defined as: permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. The context of consent, however, is complicated and complex none more so than when it becomes an issue within chemsex. If we are to gain a full appreciation of consent-related complexity, we must also gain an understanding of the wider picture concerning chemsex and crime. The purpose of this paper is to provide that wider picture. With the exception of breaching of drug-related law, not all men who engage in chemsex are committing offences but, as we are discovering, a not insignificant percentage are and this needs to be cause for concern.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a review and a personal perspective of the development of a criminal justice response to crime within the chemsex context.

Findings

This was a personal viewpoint, not a research project; therefore, there were no definitive findings.

Originality/value

This paper addresses lack of awareness within the criminal justice system in relation to chemsex, and the associated vulnerabilities. This work is original because there is a shortage of published work on the rise in chemsex-related crimes.
A framework for developing employer’s disability confidence
Authors: Lindsay Sally , Leck Joanne , Shen Winny , Cagliostro Elaine , Stinson Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Many employers lack disability confidence regarding how to include people with disabilities in the workforce, which can lead to stigma and discrimination. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of disability confidence from two perspectives, employers who hire people with a disability and employees with a disability.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using 35 semi-structured interviews (18 employers who hire people with disabilities; 17 employees with a disability).

Findings

Themes included the following categories: disability discomfort (i.e. lack of experience, stigma and discrimination); reaching beyond comfort zone (i.e. disability awareness training, business case, shared lived experiences); broadened perspectives (i.e. challenging stigma and stereotypes, minimizing bias and focusing on abilities); and disability confidence (i.e. supportive and inclusive culture and leading and modeling social change). The results highlight that disability confidence among employers is critical for enhancing the social inclusion of people with disabilities.

Originality/value

The study addresses an important gap in the literature by developing a better understanding of the concept of disability from the perspectives of employers who hire people with disabilities and also employees with a disability.
The Trades Union Congress 150 years on
Authors: Simms Melanie , Holgate Jane , Roper Carl
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how the UK’s Trade Union Congress, in the 150th year of its formation, has been responding to the significant changes in the labour market, working practices and union decline. The paper considers Trades Union Congress (TUC) initiatives to recruit and organise new groups of workers as it struggles to adapt to the new world of work many workers are experiencing. Although the paper reviews progress in this regard it also considers current and future challenges all of which are becoming increasingly urgent as the current cohort of union membership is aging and presents a demographic time bomb unless new strategies and tactics are adopted to bring in new groups of workers – particularly younger workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review paper so it mainly draws on writings (both academic and practitioner) on trade union strategy and tactics in relations to organising approaches and in particularly the TUC’s initiatives from the period of “New Unionism” onwards.

Findings

The authors note that while unions have managed to retain a presence in workplaces and industries where they membership and recognition, there has, despite a “turn to organising” been less success than was perhaps hoped for when new organising initiatives were introduced in 1998. In order to expand the bases of organisation into new workplaces and in new constituencies there needs to be a move away from the “institutional sclerosis” that has prevented unions adapting to the changing nature of employment and the labour market restructuring. The paper concludes that in order to effect transformative change requires leaders to develop strategic capacity and innovation among staff and the wider union membership. This may require unions to rethink the way that they operate and be open to doing thing radically different.

Originality/value

The paper’s value is that it provides a comprehensive overview of the TUC’s role in attempting to inject an organising culture with the UK union movement by drawing out some of the key debates on this topic from both scholarly and practitioner writings over the last few decades.
Fostering creativity and communicative soft skills through leisure activities in management studies
Authors: Mareque Mercedes , de Prada Creo Elena , Gonzalez-Sanchez Maria Beatriz
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the way leisure activities and soft skills relate to creativity in higher education. It determines which activities have a positive impact on the student body’s overall education. Previous research evidences the relationship between specific leisure activities and creativity performance in several scenarios. Our work applies a broad range of these leisure activities to find results within our own specific student population.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a survey of 303 Spanish students in Business Administration and Tourism. The study uses two instruments to measure the creativity of students, the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale (RIBS) and a three-dimensional construct that measures divergent thinking (originality, fluency and flexibility).

Findings

The results reveal that the average for creativity is higher for those students participating in some of the activities proposed. A positive correlation was also observed between the number of leisure activities and the creativity measures analysed. This confirms that students participating in more leisure activities display higher levels of creativity. Finally, the results display that the vast majority of students are involved in some type of activity, but two of the interpersonal skills that companies appreciate the most (reading and writing) are performed by very few students. This is especially the case of writing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the pedagogical strategies that can be used in universities to motivate practising leisure activities as a mean of fostering creativity. It is important to note that the involvement of students in leisure activities can benefit from their integration into the labour market.
Development of the Psychologist and Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Watt Helen M.G. , Ehrich John , Stewart Sandra E. , Snell Tristan , Bucich Micaela , Jacobs Nicky , Furlonger Brett , English Derek
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a professional self-efficacy scale for counsellors and psychologists encompassing identified competencies within professional standards from national and related international frameworks for psychologists and counsellors.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial opportune sample of postgraduate psychology and counselling students (n=199) completed a ten-minute self-report survey. A subsequent independent sample (n=213) was recruited for cross-validation.

Findings

A series of exploratory analyses, consolidated through confirmatory factor analyses and Rasch analysis, identified a well-functioning scale composed of 31 items and five factors (research, ethics, legal matters, assessment and measurement, intervention).

Originality/value

The Psychologist and Counsellor Self-Efficacy Scale (PCES) appears a promising measure, with potential applications for reflective learning and practice, clinical supervision and professional development, and research studies involving psychologists’ and counsellors’ self-perceived competencies. It is unique in being ecologically grounded in national competency frameworks, and extending previous work on self-efficacy for particular competencies to the set of specified attributes outlined in Australian national competency documents. The PCES has potential utility in a variety of applications, including research about training efficacy and clinical supervision, and could be used as one component of a multi-method approach to formative and summative competence assessment for psychologists and counsellors. The scale may be used to assess students’ perceived competencies relative to actual competency growth against national standards, and to identify trainees’ and practitioners’ self-perceived knowledge deficits and target areas for additional training.
Working from home: characteristics and outcomes of telework
Authors: Nakrošienė Audronė , Bučiūnienė Ilona , Goštautaitė Bernadeta
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between theoretically grounded telework factors and various individual and organizational outcomes of telework (overall satisfaction with telework, perceived advantages of telework, career opportunities and self-reported productivity).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, ten telework factors that may affect individual and organizational telework outcomes were identified and empirically tested using the survey data of 128 teleworkers exercising different telework intensity and representing various sectors of the economy.

Findings

The bundle of theoretically selected variables explained a significant part of the variance of telework outcomes. Reduced communication with co-workers, supervisor’s trust and support, suitability of the working place at home were found to be the most important telework factors impacting different telework outcomes. Higher self-reported productivity was related to reduced time in communicating with co-workers, a suitable working place at home and the possibility to take care of family members when teleworking.

Practical implications

This study provides insights about the management of telework in organizations by highlighting the factors that promote the satisfaction, productivity and perceived career opportunities of teleworkers.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the results of previous research on the factors related with telework and its outcomes. Based on the job demands-resources theory, the authors identified the factors that serve as resources in generating positive telework outcomes, and the factors increasing job demands and reducing satisfaction with telework.
Ethnic diversity management in France: a multilevel perspective
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Bacouel-Jentjens Sabine , Yang Inju
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the multilevel factors that influence the way in which an organization approaches ethnic diversity management in France. Syed and Özbilgin’s (2009) relational framework was adopted to understand and contextualize ethnic diversity management in a car manufacturing company in France.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 37 semi-structured in-depth interviews with employees of different hierarchical levels in a French organization have been conducted and analyzed using the Gioia method.

Findings

The findings show that the lack of clear laws and the universal citizenship model on macro-level coupled with the gendered industry and superficial engagement with ethnic diversity on meso-level overlooks the difficult situation of ethnic minorities in the workplace, especially women. However, the findings also stress that it is on individual level that resilience and agency can be expressed, which means that despite the perceived barriers on societal and organizational level, ethnic minorities are motivated to improve the way they are treated in organizations.

Originality/value

Ethnic minorities are an understudied dimension of diversity management in organizations. The findings underscore the importance of the intersection of ethnicity and gender as this affects the career development possibilities and daily work experience of ethnic minority women.
Strategic IT management: how companies can benefit from an increasing IT influence
Authors: Reichstein Christopher
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the value of a strong decision-making information technology (IT) influence within organizations. Although research and managerial practice has repeatedly shown the importance of IT departments within firms and has commented on the influence of IT departments on business performance, prior research has still no evidence about the value of a strong decision-making IT influence yet.

Design/methodology/approach

To prove the influence of the IT department within the company, this study identifies and operationalizes a formative construct determined by four main specifics of the IT department: IT department size, IT department value assessment, IT experience of the top management and degree of digitization. A questionnaire was used to collect the data of 124 experts from companies that could be assigned mainly to the sectors manufacturing, trade as well as information and communication. The data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Further, partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The results show that both investments in the size of the IT department as well as in top managers with IT experience, and a high degree of digitization in a company positively influence the role of the IT department. It also shows that a higher general appreciation of the IT department goes hand in hand with a higher influence of IT in the company. The measures are significant as companies, which do have an influential IT department, actually have higher monetary as well as non-monetary business performances.

Practical implications

The study is aimed equally at science and practice, as it provides information on the extent to which more importance should be attached to IT management in the future and what organizational adjustments need to be made.

Originality/value

Despite the ongoing discussions on the importance of IT management for business performance, no existing studies have delivered evidence that there is a significant direct link between the decision-making influence of IT and the extent of corporate performance. The present work therefore has two objectives. The theoretical goal is to clarify the impact of the IT department on business performance and to identify the factors that make up an influential IT department. The practical objective of the research is to provide recommendations on how firms could establish or expand the IT department.