bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An application of hybrid data envelopment analytical hierarchy process approach for supplier selection
Authors: Yadav Vinod , Sharma Milind Kumar
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The problem of supplier selection gets complicated when a company looks for various criteria to evaluate different suppliers. The decision criteria used for supplier selection process can be different for different organizations due to a large number of factors. Hence, it can be said that supplier selection is basically, a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid data envelopment analytical hierarchy process (DEAHP) approach to solve the supplier selection problem for an automobile company.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is embedded into analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology. Literature review suggested that majority of researches found it appropriate using DEA and AHP methodologies for supplier selection process; hence it is felt that a hybrid DEAHP would be a useful methodology to offer a MCDM model for supplier selection problem.

Findings

– First, the key criteria of the supplier selection problem for the company are identified. Then a model is developed and implemented for supplier selection using DEAHP approach. This study concluded that quality, cost and service are the most crucial criteria for an automobile company operational in a developing country like India. Sensitivity analysis further helped to evaluate suppliers based on each criterion.

Research limitations/implications

– As this analysis and findings are based on only one case study of an Indian automobile company, and this necessitates caution in interpreting the results. The limited number of interviewed managers in a company restricts the generalizability of the results. Though the company selected for this study is typical of developing country businesses, the findings of the paper may not be readily extensible to other companies. Second, this study used retrospective settings, based on the interviewed feedback after the events had occurred. This method naturally poses limitations due to respondent recall and the accuracy of information provided. Third, the problem chosen for this study is based in a single country context and further additional research will be required to examine if the findings could be extended to other automobile companies in other developing nations. Also in some cases technique used in the study may pose some extra computational efforts.

Practical implications

– This study points out the importance of the supplier selection problem. It provides key criteria for supplier selection in Indian context also proposes a framework to deal with multiple criteria. proposed model deals with two crucial criteria long term relationships and flexibility which were relatively less discussed and considered in the literature in past.

Originality/value

– The proposed MCDM model can provide the guidelines and directions for the decision makers to effectively choose suppliers in the current competitive environment.
A reference model for business intelligence to predict bankruptcy
Authors: Aruldoss Martin , Travis Miranda Lakshmi , Venkatesan V. Prasanna
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Bankruptcy is a financial failure of a business or an organization. Different kinds of bankruptcy prediction techniques are proposed to predict it. But, they are restricted as techniques in predicting the bankruptcy and not addressing the associated activities like acquiring the suitable data and delivering the results to the user after processing it. This situation demands to look for a comprehensive solution for predicting bankruptcy with intelligence. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– To model Business Intelligence (BI) solution for BP the concept of reference model is used. A Reference Model for Business Intelligence to Predict Bankruptcy (RMBIPB) is designed by applying unit operations as hierarchical structure with abstract components. The layers of RMBIPB are constructed from the hierarchical structure of the model and the components, which are part of the reference model. In this model, each layer is designed based on the functional requirements of the Business Intelligence System (BIS).

Findings

– This reference model exhibits the non functional software qualities intended for the appropriate unit operations. It has flexible design in which techniques are selected with minimal effort to conduct the bankruptcy prediction. The same reference model for another domain can be implemented with different kinds of techniques for bankruptcy prediction.

Research limitations/implications

– This model is designed using unit operations and the software qualities exhibited by RMBIPB are limited by unit operations. The data set which is applied in RMBIPB is limited to Indian banks.

Originality/value

– A comprehensive bankruptcy prediction model using BI with customized reporting.
User perceptions towards an ERP system
Authors: Abdinnour Sue , Saeed Khawaja
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how key users’ perceptions (capability, value, timing, and acceptance) toward an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system change from the pre-implementation to the post-implementation phase. The paper also examines how this change differs with varying levels of user involvement in the implementation process and users’ positions in the company.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors survey the employees of a major aircraft manufacturing company in the Midwest and analyze the data using repeated measures ANOVA. The authors use time as a within-subject independent variable, and involvement/position at the company as between-subject independent variables.

Findings

– The results reveal a significant drop in users’ perceptions regarding the capability, value, and implementation timing of the ERP system. However, the perception of acceptance did not change significantly. Furthermore, there were more significant interactions of users’ perceptions with employee position than employee involvement in the implementation process.

Research limitations/implications

– The study offers a better theoretical understanding of how users’ perceptions regarding an ERP system evolve over time. The use of one company is a limitation of the study, so future research can focus on extending the study in different sectors.

Practical implications

– Management can design interventions to minimize users’ negative perceptions about the ERP system and increase usage in the post-implementation phase. For example, management can design training customized toward users’ positions in the company.

Originality/value

– Post-implementation research in the ERP field is rare. Conducting a survey of users’ perceptions allows the authors to take an in-depth look at attitudes toward an ERP system.
New act, new opportunity for integration in Scotland
Authors: Taylor Alison
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– In this paper, the Scottish Government's approach to improving outcomes for patients and service users by integrating health and social care planning and provision is described. The Scottish Parliament passed primary legislation in February 2014, which places requirements on Health Boards and Local Authorities to work together more closely than ever before. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper sets out the Scottish Government's legislative approach to integrating health and social care, based on previous experience of encouraging better partnership between health and social care working without legislative compulsion.

Findings

– The Scottish Government has concluded that legislation is required to create the integrated environment necessary for health and social care provision to meet the changing needs of Scotland's ageing population.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is confined to experience in Scotland.

Practical implications

– Legislation is now complete, and implementation of the new arrangements is starting. Evaluation of their impact will be ongoing.

Social implications

– The new integrated arrangements in Scotland are intended to achieve a significant shift in the balance of care in favour of community-based support rather than institutional care in hospitals and care homes. Its social implications will be to support greater wellbeing, particularly for people with multimorbidities within communities.

Originality/value

– Scotland is taking a unique approach to integrating health and social care, focusing on legislative duties on Health Boards and Local Authorities to work together, rather than focusing on structural change alone. The scale of planned integration is also significant, with planning for, at least, all of adult social care and primary health care, and a proportion of acute hospital care, included in the new integrated arrangements.
General decision making style: evidence from India
Authors: Verma Neha , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine applicability of the general decision-making style (GDMS) inventory in India, using a sample of managers. In addition the authors identify various decision-making styles (DMS) of Indian managers and explore their association with respondents’ gender, age, education, experience level, annual income, sector, industry and organizational output.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample consisted responses of 500 Indian managers from public (13 percent) and private (87 percent) sector organizations. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, independent samplet-tests and ANOVA.

Findings

– All decision-making sub scales (rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant and spontaneous) had satisfactory reliabilities and internal consistencies. Results obtained factor structure that confirmed the original five-factor structure of GDMS. There were also mutual correlations among the styles. Moreover, there were significant differences in the DMS across respondents’ profile variables.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is based upon survey method and voluntary participation. Hence one can question generalization of findings to larger samples.

Practical implications

– Results provide insights into DMS of the Indian managers. Organizations may use GDMS as a selection tool, respondents may hone their DMS.

Originality/value

– A majority of researchers use survey without evaluating validity of the instruments in the selected context and sample. This research contributed to the literature and practice by testing validation of the GDMS inventory in India.
Self, follower, organization and the context – a cross cultural view of authentic leadership
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Keilson Brian , Shakir Farah Yasmine , Shrestha Binod Krishna
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Scholars have argued that it is important to investigate how authentic leadership is manifested in different cultures (Avolioet al., 2005; Gardiner, 2011; Shamir and Eilam, 2005). Hence the purpose of this paper is to capture a cross-cultural view of authentic leadership, using a sample of South Asian leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– Because of a dearth of qualitative empirical evidence, the authors adopted a “life story” approach to collect data. A total of 14 leaders from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were interviewed to share their leadership experiences.

Findings

– Findings indicate that the concept of authentic leadership is culturally relevant. It emerged as a multi-dimensional construct constituting self-concept, follower development, organizational outcomes and culture (Meacham, 2007), and contextual knowledge. The authors propose a cross-cultural model of authentic leadership.

Research limitations/implications

– Research limitations include researchers’ possible biases in design of data and an assumption that leaders interviewed were authentic. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights about authentic leadership to strengthen its theoretical foundation.

Social implications

– Organizational and social problems in South Asian are often attributed to a leadership deficit (Khan, 2014; Khilji, 2013; National Post, 2014; Sardesai, 2013). This study provides evidence of transformative authentic leaders in South Asia who are engaged with their and followers’ authentic growth, and are building authentic cultures for positive organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

– The value of the present research is in providing qualitative empirical evidence from South Asia, and proposing a cross-cultural model of authentic leadership.
Silence: the golden strategy?
Authors: Thomas Mark
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present how Mark Zuckerberg, a chief executive officer and the founder of the world’s largest social media website, Facebook, understands that he is not always a great communicator. He often chooses to send his more media savvy, Number 2, Sheryl Sandberg to meet journalists. Other business leaders should take note that intelligence is about when one should and should not communicate.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on the author’s vast experience to provide a viewpoint article on the importance of cautious communication strategy.

Findings

– Business leaders should demonstrate caution in their media communication strategies. Failure to do this can have a devastation effect on performance of the firm.

Originality/value

– Outlines the pitfalls businesses may encounter in a world where social media is increasingly prevalent and constant communication has become the norm.
What do we mean when we talk about dementia? Exploring cultural representations of “dementia”
Authors: Zeilig Hannah
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to debates about the category “dementia”. Dementia is discussed, as it is a social, political and cultural issue, rather than a solely medical phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology synthesises perspectives from humanities with the social sciences. Thus a number of cultural texts are analysed critically and set alongside data from two original research projects exploring the use of the arts for people living with a dementia. Central to the research is a close and critical examination of news reports, films, plays and documentaries that represent “dementia”. The extent to which metaphorical language frames ways of talking about dementia formed a key part of this analysis.

Findings

– Until recently, “dementia” has been primarily defined in biomedical terms. This paper demonstrates that understandings of dementia should be extended to encompass social and cultural contexts.

Research limitations/implications

– The research concentrates on the UK context, but there are lessons that can be extrapolated from to other contexts.

Social implications

– This paper explores why it is important to understand “dementia” in terms of cultural context, the reasons we should challenge the language often used to describe people living with a dementia, the ways in which prevailing representations of people living with a dementia can affect perceptions and contribute to stigma.

Originality/value

– This paper presents an alternative perspective, that is not biomedical and draws on original research from both the humanities and social sciences investigating the stories that we tell about this complex condition.
Stories of creative ageing
Authors: Reynolds Jackie
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the benefits and issues relating to arts participation in later life.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on literature relating to older people's arts participation, and also includes discussion of the author's doctoral research into arts and ageing. The research was a qualitative study, influenced by narrative approaches and life-course perspectives. It involved interviews with 24 participants who have connections with a case-study town in the English Midlands.

Findings

– The paper focuses on the findings from six participants belonging to a male voice choir. The themes that are discussed include the importance of continuity; issues of identity; mutual support; impact of ill health and the sustainability of group activities.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a small-scale study, based in one case study town. Care should therefore be taken in generalising to different populations and areas. Potential for future research includes: other geographical locations, including larger urban areas. Specific focus on choir participation, or other art form. Involving people from a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.

Social implications

– This study adds to a growing body of evidence about the value of arts and culture to society.

Originality/value

– This study is original in adopting life-course perspectives to understand later life arts participation. It also offers original insights into the nature of arts-generated social capital and how this may be viewed within a wider context of resourceful ageing.
Droplet First and Second Consecutive Impacts and Droplet–Droplet Collision on a Hot Surface in the Film Boiling Region
Authors: Kompinsky E. , Sher E.
Published: February 2015

We studied experimentally the behavior of a single cold water droplet that falls onto a hot horizontal flat solid surface in the film boiling region. We found that when the droplet hits the surface (for the first time), three different regimes may occur. These regimes depend on the ratio of fluid's inertia and its surface tension (the Weber number, indicated as We) and on the surface temperature. For relatively low We numbers or surface temperatures, the droplet completely bounces back from the surface and no breakup occurs. For intermediate We numbers or surface temperatures, the spreading stage is faster and the droplet undergoes spreading and partial recession before it breaks up into bouncing small secondary droplets that leap inward and successively coalesce above the surface to form a single droplet once again. For high We numbers or surface temperatures, the spreading velocity is higher, the contact area with the surface is greater, and the liquid film thickness is smaller. Thus, during the expansion of the spreading stage, the droplet breaks up into bouncing small secondary droplets that uninterruptedly leap outward and travel independently. We also present the limiting conditions differentiating between the different behaviors found. This work shows droplet film boiling behaviors that are essentially different than droplet levitation on top of a thin vapor layer, as mainly assumed in theoretical models. We also observed that when a droplet hits the surface for the second, consecutive time (and on), the droplet behaves somewhat differently due to its preheating, very low impact velocity, different shape, spin, orientation, and the surface temperature. At the second impact on the surface (and on), the droplet can continue its bounce in a unique and different manner than in the first impact or it can explode violently to small secondary droplets. Both are unique and differentiating mainly by the droplet's shape and orientation at the exact moment of impact on the surface. Additionally, a rare and unique view of droplet–droplet collision during film boiling is presented. This type of collision behaves in a different way than other droplet–droplet collisions and compared to the adiabatic case of droplet–droplet collision on a nonheated surface. The behaviors found, presented, and discussed in this study change our view of the droplet–surface and droplet–droplet interactions that occur in spray cooling in the film boiling region.
Generation of a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure microplasma at the surface of a liquid water microjet for continuous plasma-liquid processing
Authors: Ghosh Souvik , Bishop Brittany , Morrison Ian , Akolkar Rohan , Scherson Daniel , Mohan Sankaran R.
Published: February 2015

Plasmas at the surface of or inside liquids are of importance for emerging applications, and are often formed with stagnant liquids. Here, the authors present the generation of a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure microplasma at the surface of a liquid water microjet that enables solution species to be transported by forced convection. The water jet is formed by pumping conductive ionic solutions through a plastic capillary tube in a vertically falling geometry, and overcomes Plateau–Rayleigh instabilities by controlling the flow rate, resulting in a constant diameter jet of ∼0.45 mm over lengths of more than 30 mm. Analysis of the electrical characteristics of the complete microplasma-water jet system shows that the current–voltage (I-V) relationship is linear with a large positive slope when the solution conductivity is relatively low. The authors show that the primary contribution to this large resistance is the confined solution geometry. As proof-of-concept, the authors demonstrate that plasmonic Ag nanoparticles can be continuously produced at steady state from solutions of silver nitrate, opening up the possibility of scaled-up production of materials by plasma-liquid processes.
Identification and Functional Characterization of the Novel Edwardsiella tarda Effector EseJ
Authors: Xie Hai-Xia , Lu Jin-Fang , Zhou Ying , Yi Jia , Yu Xiu-Jun , Leung Ka Yin , Nie Pin
Published: February 2015

Edwardsiella tarda
is a Gram-negative enteric pathogen that causes hemorrhagic septicemia in fish and gastro- and extraintestinal infections in humans. The type III secretion system (T3SS) of
E. tarda
has been identified as a key virulence factor that contributes to pathogenesis in fish. However, little is known about the associated effectors translocated by this T3SS. In this study, by comparing the profile of secreted proteins of the wild-type PPD130/91 and its T3SS ATPase Δ
esaN
mutant, we identified a new effector by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. This effector consists of 1,359 amino acids, sharing high sequence similarity with Orf29/30 of
E. tarda
strain EIB202, and is renamed EseJ. The secretion and translocation of EseJ depend on the T3SS. A Δ
eseJ
mutant strain adheres to epithelioma papillosum of carp (EPC) cells 3 to 5 times more extensively than the wild-type strain does. EseJ inhibits bacterial adhesion to EPC cells from within bacterial cells. Importantly, the Δ
eseJ
mutant strain does not replicate efficiently in EPC cells and fails to replicate in J774A.1 macrophages. In infected J774A.1 macrophages, the Δ
eseJ
mutant elicits higher production of reactive oxygen species than wild-type
E. tarda
. The replication defect is consistent with the attenuation of the Δ
eseJ
mutant in the blue gourami fish model: the 50% lethal dose (LD
50
) of the Δ
eseJ
mutant is 2.34 times greater than that of the wild type, and the Δ
eseJ
mutant is less competitive than the wild type in mixed infection. Thus, EseJ represents a novel effector that contributes to virulence by reducing bacterial adhesion to EPC cells and facilitating intracellular bacterial replication.
Antibodies against Hemolysin and Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor Type 1 (CNF1) Reduce Bladder Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Urinary Tract Infection with Toxigenic Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Smith Mark A. , Weingarten Rebecca A. , Russo Lisa M. , Ventura Christy L. , O'Brien Alison D.
Published: February 2015

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is the leading cause of cystitis. Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) and hemolysin (Hly) are toxins made by approximately 50% of UPEC isolates. CNF1 and Hly contribute to the robust inflammatory response in the bladders of mice challenged with UPEC strain CP9. We hypothesized that antibodies against CNF1 and/or Hly would reduce cystitis caused by CP9. To test this theory, we immunized female C3H/HeOuJ mice subcutaneously with a genetically derived Hly toxoid or genetically derived CNF1 toxoid plus sublethal doses of CNF1. We collected serum and observed increasing titers of specific and neutralizing antibodies against Hly or CNF1 over time. We challenged the mice intraurethrally with CP9 and euthanized them 24 h later. We observed 10-fold lower bacterial titers in the urine of Hly-immunized mice than in that of sham-immunized mice but no difference in kidney bacterial titers. Immunized mice also exhibited significantly less cystitis than sham-immunized mice. In CNF1-vaccinated mice, we detected neither a difference in urine or kidney bacterial titers nor a reduction in the severity of cystitis versus that of sham-immunized mice. We then passively administered an anti-CNF1 monoclonal antibody intraperitoneally to female C3H/HeOuJ mice prior to intraurethral challenge with CP9. Upon challenge, we noted no difference in colonization of the urine or kidney; however, cystitis was reduced significantly in mice treated with the anti-CNF1 antibody versus that in the bladders of mice given an isotype control antibody. Taken together, our data demonstrate that antibodies against CNF1 or Hly reduce the bladder pathology caused by UPEC.
Rapid Effects of a Protective O-Polysaccharide-Specific Monoclonal IgA on Vibrio cholerae Agglutination, Motility, and Surface Morphology
Authors: Levinson Kara J. , De Jesus Magdia , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: February 2015

2D6 is a dimeric monoclonal immunoglobulin A (IgA) specific for the nonreducing terminal residue of Ogawa O-polysaccharide (OPS) of
Vibrio cholerae
. It was previously demonstrated that 2D6 IgA is sufficient to passively protect suckling mice from oral challenge with virulent
V. cholerae
O395. In this study, we sought to define the mechanism by which 2D6 IgA antibody protects the intestinal epithelium from
V. cholerae
infection. In a mouse ligated-ileal-loop assay, 2D6 IgA promoted
V. cholerae
agglutination in the intestinal lumen and limited the ability of the bacteria to associate with the epithelium, particularly within the crypt regions.
In vitro
fluorescence digital video microscopy analysis of antibody-treated
V. cholerae
in liquid medium revealed that 2D6 IgA not only induced the rapid (5- to 10-min) onset of agglutination but was an equally potent inhibitor of bacterial motility. Scanning electron microscopy showed that 2D6 IgA promoted flagellum-flagellum cross-linking, as well as flagellar entanglement with bacterial bodies, suggesting that motility arrest may be a consequence of flagellar tethering. However, monovalent 2D6 Fab fragments also inhibited
V. cholerae
motility, demonstrating that antibody-mediated agglutination and motility arrest are separate phenomena. While 2D6 IgA is neither bactericidal nor bacteriostatic, exposure of
V. cholerae
to 2D6 IgA (or Fab fragments) resulted in a 5-fold increase in surface-associated blebs, as well an onset of a wrinkled surface morphotype. We propose that the protective immunity conferred by 2D6 IgA is the result of multifactorial effects on
V. cholerae
, including agglutination, motility arrest, and possibly outer membrane stress.
Identification and Regulation of a Novel Citrobacter rodentium Gut Colonization Fimbria (Gcf)
Authors: Caballero-Flores Gustavo G. , Croxen Matthew A. , Martínez-Santos Verónica I. , Finlay B. Brett , Puente José L.
Published: February 2015

The Gram-negative enteric bacterium
Citrobacter rodentium
is a natural mouse pathogen that has been extensively used as a surrogate model for studying the human pathogens enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
. All three pathogens produce similar attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions in the intestinal epithelium. During infection, these bacteria employ surface structures called fimbriae to adhere and colonize the host intestinal epithelium. For
C. rodentium
, the roles of only a small number of its genome-carried fimbrial operons have been evaluated. Here, we report the identification of a novel
C. rodentium
colonization factor, called
g
ut
c
olonization
f
imbria (Gcf), which is encoded by a chaperone-usher fimbrial operon. A
gcfA
mutant shows a severe colonization defect within the first 10 days of infection. The
gcf
promoter is not active in
C. rodentium
under several
in vitro
growth conditions; however, it is readily expressed in a
C. rodentium
Δ
hns1
mutant lacking the closest ortholog of the
Escherichia coli
histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) but not in mutants with deletion of the other four genes encoding H-NS homologs. H-NS binds to the regulatory region of
gcf
, further supporting its direct role as a repressor of the
gcf
promoter that starts transcription 158 bp upstream of the start codon of its first open reading frame. The
gcf
operon possesses interesting novel traits that open future opportunities to expand our knowledge of the structure, regulation, and function during infection of these important bacterial structures.

IMPORTANCE
Fimbriae are surface bacterial structures implicated in a variety of biological processes. Some have been shown to play a critical role during host colonization and thus in disease. Pathogenic bacteria possess the genetic information for an assortment of fimbriae, but their function and regulation and the interplay between them have not been studied in detail. This work provides new insights into the function and regulation of a novel fimbria called Gcf that is important for early establishment of a successful infection by
C. rodentium
in mice, despite being poorly expressed under
in vitro
growth conditions. This discovery offers an opportunity to better understand the individual role and the regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of specific fimbrial operons that are critical during infection.
The Bacterial Alarmone (p)ppGpp Activates the Type III Secretion System in Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Ancona Veronica , Lee Jae Hoon , Chatnaparat Tiyakhon , Oh Jinrok , Hong Jong-In , Zhao Youfu
Published: February 2015

The hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (
hrp
) type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key pathogenicity factor in
Erwinia amylovora
. Previous studies have demonstrated that the T3SS in
E. amylovora
is transcriptionally regulated by a sigma factor cascade. In this study, the role of the bacterial alarmone ppGpp in activating the T3SS and virulence of
E. amylovora
was investigated using ppGpp mutants generated by Red recombinase cloning. The virulence of a ppGpp-deficient mutant (ppGpp
0
) as well as a
dksA
mutant of
E. amylovora
was completely impaired, and bacterial growth was significantly reduced, suggesting that ppGpp is required for full virulence of
E. amylovora
. Expression of T3SS genes was greatly downregulated in the ppGpp
0
and
dksA
mutants. Western blotting showed that accumulations of the HrpA protein in the ppGpp
0
and
dksA
mutants were about 10 and 4%, respectively, of that in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, higher levels of ppGpp resulted in a reduced cell size of
E. amylovora
. Moreover, serine hydroxamate and α-methylglucoside, which induce amino acid and carbon starvation, respectively, activated
hrpA
and
hrpL
promoter activities in
hrp
-inducing minimal medium. These results demonstrated that ppGpp and DksA play central roles in
E. amylovora
virulence and indicated that
E. amylovora
utilizes ppGpp as an internal messenger to sense environmental/nutritional stimuli for regulation of the T3SS and virulence.

IMPORTANCE
The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key pathogenicity factor in Gram-negative bacteria. Fully elucidating how the T3SS is activated is crucial for comprehensively understanding the function of the T3SS, bacterial pathogenesis, and survival under stress conditions. In this study, we present the first evidence that the bacterial alarmone ppGpp-mediated stringent response activates the T3SS through a sigma factor cascade, indicating that ppGpp acts as an internal messenger to sense environmental/nutritional stimuli for the regulation of the T3SS and virulence in plant-pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the recovery of an
spoT
null mutant, which displayed very unique phenotypes, suggested that small proteins containing a single ppGpp hydrolase domain are functional.
The Escherichia coli Membrane Protein Insertase YidC Assists in the Biogenesis of Penicillin Binding Proteins
Authors: de Sousa Borges Anabela , de Keyzer Jeanine , Driessen Arnold J. M. , Scheffers Dirk-Jan
Published: February 2015

Membrane proteins need to be properly inserted and folded in the membrane in order to perform a range of activities that are essential for the survival of bacteria. The Sec translocon and the YidC insertase are responsible for the insertion of the majority of proteins into the cytoplasmic membrane. YidC can act in combination with the Sec translocon in the insertion and folding of membrane proteins. However, YidC also functions as an insertase independently of the Sec translocon for so-called YidC-only substrates. In addition, YidC can act as a foldase and promote the proper assembly of membrane protein complexes. Here, we investigate the effect of
Escherichia coli
YidC depletion on the assembly of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs), which are involved in cell wall synthesis. YidC depletion does not affect the total amount of the specific cell division PBP3 (FtsI) in the membrane, but the amount of active PBP3, as assessed by substrate binding, is reduced 2-fold. A similar reduction in the amount of active PBP2 was observed, while the levels of active PBP1A/1B and PBP5 were essentially similar. PBP1B and PBP3 disappeared from higher-
M
w
bands upon YidC depletion, indicating that YidC might play a role in PBP complex formation. Taken together, our results suggest that the foldase activity of YidC can extend to the periplasmic domains of membrane proteins.

IMPORTANCE
This study addresses the role of the membrane protein insertase YidC in the biogenesis of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). PBPs are proteins containing one transmembrane segment and a large periplasmic or extracellular domain, which are involved in peptidoglycan synthesis. We observe that in the absence of YidC, two critical PBPs are not correctly folded even though the total amount of protein in the membrane is not affected. Our findings extend the function of YidC as a foldase for membrane protein (complexes) to periplasmic domains of membrane proteins.
CodY Regulates Expression of the Bacillus subtilis Extracellular Proteases Vpr and Mpr
Authors: Barbieri Giulia , Voigt Birgit , Albrecht Dirk , Hecker Michael , Albertini Alessandra M. , Sonenshein Abraham L. , Ferrari Eugenio , Belitsky Boris R.
Published: February 2015

CodY is a global transcriptional regulator in low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria that is responsive to GTP and branched-chain amino acids. By interacting with its two cofactors, it is able to sense the nutritional and energetic status of the cell and respond by regulating expression of adaptive genetic programs. In
Bacillus subtilis
, more than 200 genes, including those for peptide transporters, intracellular proteolytic enzymes, and amino acid degradative pathways, are controlled by CodY. In this study, we demonstrated that expression of two extracellular proteases, Vpr and Mpr, is negatively controlled by CodY. By gel mobility shift and DNase I footprinting assays, we showed that CodY binds to the regulatory regions of both genes, in the vicinity of their transcription start points. The
mpr
gene is also characterized by the presence of a second, higher-affinity CodY-binding site located at the beginning of its coding sequence. Using strains carrying
vpr
- or
mpr-lacZ
transcriptional fusions in which CodY-binding sites were mutated, we demonstrated that repression of both protease genes is due to the direct effect by CodY and that the
mpr
internal site is required for regulation. The
vpr
promoter is a rare example of a sigma H-dependent promoter that is regulated by CodY. In a
codY
null mutant, Vpr became one of the more abundant proteins of the
B. subtilis
exoproteome.

IMPORTANCE
CodY is a global transcriptional regulator of metabolism and virulence in low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria. In
B. subtilis
, more than 200 genes, including those for peptide transporters, intracellular proteolytic enzymes, and amino acid degradative pathways, are controlled by CodY. However, no role for
B. subtilis
CodY in regulating expression of extracellular proteases has been established to date. In this work, we demonstrate that by binding to the regulatory regions of the corresponding genes,
B. subtilis
CodY negatively controls expression of Vpr and Mpr, two extracellular proteases. Thus, in
B. subtilis
, CodY can now be seen to regulate the entire protein utilization pathway.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) in General Practice (GP): A Novel GP-based MSK and SEM Clinic for Managing Musculoskeletal symptoms in a GP
Authors: Heron Neil
Published: February 2015

Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints are common within primary care (1) (2) (3) but some General Practitioners (GPs)/family physicians do not feel comfortable managing these symptoms (3), preferring to refer onto hospital specialists or Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services (ICATs). Long waiting times for hospital outpatient reviews are a major cause of patient inconvenience and complaints (4). We therefore aimed to establish a GP-ran MSK and sport and exercise medicine (SEM) clinic based within a Belfast GP surgery that would contribute to a sustainable improvement in managing these common conditions within primary care as well as reducing waiting times for patients with these conditions to see a specialist. This shift from hospital-based to community-based management is in-keeping with recent policy changes within the UK health-system, including Transforming Your Care within Northern Ireland (NI) (5). The GP-ran MSK and SEM clinic was held monthly within a Belfast GP practice, staffed by one GP with a specialist interest in MSK and SEM conditions and its performance was reviewed over a three month period. Parameters audited included cases seen, orthopaedic and x-ray referral rates and secondary care referrals comparing the GP practice’s performance to the same time period in the previous year as well as patient satisfaction questionnaires.
Force protection in contingency operations: an evaluation of temperature monitoring in Sierra Leone
Authors: Cole Catherine , Turnbull C , Eardley W , Hunt P
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The deployment of the UK-led Joint Inter-Agency Taskforce to Sierra Leone in September 2014 brought the era of contingency operations into focus. Daily health screening of such deployed personnel forms a key element of medical force protection. We have performed a service evaluation of an existing screening programme and detail the comparison of the two thermometers used in this role.

Methods

Data from the existing screening programme were used to inform a sample size required to enable statistically and clinically significant differences to be detected between the two interchangeably used thermometer systems in use. A prospective service evaluation on these devices was then carried out over a 10-day period and the data analysed by parametric tools. 10 personnel had their temperature recorded by both devices at the same time by a single operator every day.

Results

For the screened population, a mean temperature of 36.55°C and SD of 0.32°C was revealed. Powered to 80% with a two-tailed α of 0.05, the evaluation of the two thermometers revealed no significant difference between recordings taken with either device (p=0.115). The low SD meant that a pyrexial patient (>37.5°C) would require a recording over 3 SD from the population mean.

Discussion

Evaluations of medical force protection will carry increasing consequence as the UK deploy on short notice operations to regions of considerable endemic threat. Presence of pyrexia is a key early indicator of illness affecting deployed personnel, and two different thermometer types are provided for this function. We have shown for the first time with statistical and clinical significance that the two thermometers used in contingency force protection are interchangeable. The narrow variance is reassuring and confirms that the chosen trigger (>37.5°C) would warrant further investigation in the pyrexial patient.
Evidence from randomised controlled trials did not support the introduction of dietary fat guidelines in 1977 and 1983: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Harcombe Zoë , Baker Julien S , Cooper Stephen Mark , Davies Bruce , Sculthorpe Nicholas , DiNicolantonio James J , Grace Fergal
Published: February 2015

Objectives

National dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the US and UK governments, respectively, with the ambition of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) by reducing fat intake. To date, no analysis of the evidence base for these recommendations has been undertaken. The present study examines the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) available to the US and UK regulatory committees at their respective points of implementation.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken of RCTs, published prior to 1983, which examined the relationship between dietary fat, serum cholesterol and the development of CHD.

Results

2467 males participated in six dietary trials: five secondary prevention studies and one including healthy participants. There were 370 deaths from all-cause mortality in the intervention and control groups. The risk ratio (RR) from meta-analysis was 0.996 (95% CI 0.865 to 1.147). There were 207 and 216 deaths from CHD in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The RR was 0.989 (95% CI 0.784 to 1.247). There were no differences in all-cause mortality and non-significant differences in CHD mortality, resulting from the dietary interventions. The reductions in mean serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the intervention groups; this did not result in significant differences in CHD or all-cause mortality. Government dietary fat recommendations were untested in any trial prior to being introduced.

Conclusions

Dietary recommendations were introduced for 220 million US and 56 million UK citizens by 1983, in the absence of supporting evidence from RCTs.
Treatment of a case of feline infectious peritonitis with cyclosporin A
Authors: Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sato Yuka , Takahashi Daiki , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Sasaki Takashi
Published: February 2015

Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal viral disease which is currently incurable by drugs. Also, there are no effective vaccines. Cyclosporin A (CsA) was recently shown in vitro to exert potent antiviral activities on several virus‐host systems, including various coronaviruses. However, whether CsA has clinically relevant activity in vivo resistant to various coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, remains unknown. Herein, the authors report that treatment with CsA caused a sustained reduction in pleural fluid volume and viral copy number in a cat diagnosed with effusive feline infectious peritonitis.
Adult‐onset regurgitation in a dog with an aberrant right subclavian artery: a CT angiographic study
Authors: Miller Rachel , Wilson Catherine , Wray Jon , Jakovljevic Samuel , Tappin Simon
Published: February 2015

A two‐year‐old Border Collie presented with a three‐month history of regurgitation. Investigation with plain radiography, digital fluoroscopy, endoscopy and CT angiography (CTA) confirmed the presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery causing dorsal oesophageal compression. In this report, CTA was used to depict the anatomy of an aberrant right subclavian vessel and to highlight the importance of this imaging modality to identify the structures involved in a vascular ring. This report also identifies a patient with a congenital vascular ring anomaly presenting with adult‐onset regurgitation, which has been successfully managed with medical treatment.
Freedom from equine infectious anaemia virus infection in Spanish Purebred horses
Authors: Cruz Fatima , Fores Paloma , Ireland Joanne , Moreno Miguel A. , Newton Richard
Published: February 2015

Introduction

No cases of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) have been reported in Spain since 1983. Factors that could increase the risk of reintroducing equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) into Spain include the recent occurrence of the disease in Europe and the absence of compulsory serological testing before importation into Spain.

Aims and objectives

Given the importance of the Spanish Purebred (SP) horse breeding industry in Spain, the aim of this cross‐sectional study was to provide evidence of freedom from EIAV in SP stud farms in Central Spain.

Materials and methods

Serum samples from 555 SP horses, collected between September 2011 and November 2013, were tested using a commercially available EIAV ELISA with a published sensitivity of 100 per cent.

Results

All 555 samples were negative for antibody to EIAV, providing evidence of a true EIAV seroprevalence between 0 per cent and 0.53 per cent (95% CIs of the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA technique used Q10 were 100 per cent and 99.3 per cent, respectively) among the SP breeding population in Central Spain.

Conclusions

These findings should serve to increase confidence when exporting SP horses to other countries.
Multi-User Detection for Radar and Communication Multifunction System
Authors: Alansi Mohammed , Elshafiey Ibrahim , Al-Sanie Abdulhameed , Hossain Md. Anowar
Published: February 2015

A multifunctional system that performs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and communication tasks is presented. The system depends on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform shaping and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) configuration to achieve enhancement in the spectral efficiency of communication operation and provide interference rejection in SAR imaging. The SAR interval idle time is utilized to enhance the communication signal through diversity. Adaptive system features are introduced to achieve multi-user detection and improve the communication reliability, by means of space division multiple access (SDMA) and space–time block coding (STBC). Investigations of linear and nonlinear multi-user detection (MUD) techniques are provided. Moreover, a genetic algorithm-based system is developed to optimize the MUD problem and to provide near-optimal performance even for overloaded scenarios. A gain of more than 4 dB is achieved at bit error rate of 10-2.
"Units of Meaning" in Medical Documents: A Natural Language Processing Perspective
Authors: Barr Joseph R. , Popolov Dimitri
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses principles for the design of natural language processing (NLP) systems to automatically extract data from doctor's notes, laboratory results and other medical documents in free-form text. We argue that rather than searching for "atom units of meaning" in the text and then trying to generalize them into a broader set of documents through increasingly complicated system of rules, an NLP practitioner should take concepts as a whole and as a meaningful unit of text. This simplifies the rules and makes NLP system easier to maintain and adapt. The departure point is purely practical; however, a deeper investigation of typical problems with the implementation of such systems leads us to a discussion of broader linguistic theories underlying the NLP practices, such as metaphors theories and models of human communication.