bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual factors associated with hospitals’ decision to operate freestanding emergency departments
Authors: Patidar Nitish , Weech-Maldonado Robert , O’Connor Stephen J. , Sen Bisakha , Trimm J.M. “Mickey” , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) are fast growing entities in health care, delivering emergency care outside of hospitals. Hospitals may benefit in several ways by opening FSEDs.

Purpose:

The study used the resource dependence theory as a means to analyze the relationship between market and organizational factors and the likelihood of hospitals to operate FSEDs.

Methodology:

All acute care hospitals in 14 states with FSEDs present during the study period from 2002 to 2011. Data on FSEDs were merged with American Hospital Association Annual Survey, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Cost Reports, and Area Resource File data. The outcome variable consists of whether or not the hospital operates an FSED. Independent variables include per capita income, percent population over age of 65 years, primary care and specialist physicians per capita, urban location, change in the unemployment rate, change in the population, change in poverty level, market competition, total satellite and autonomous FSEDs in the market, Medicare-managed care penetration rate, hospital beds, total margin, and system membership. We used logistic regression analysis with state and year fixed effects. Standard errors in the regression were clustered by hospital.

Principal Findings:

The number of hospitals operating satellite FSEDs increased from 32 (2.33%) in 2002 to 91 (5.76%) hospitals in 2011 among the 14 states included in the study sample. The results support the hypothesis that hospitals located in munificent environments and more competitive environments (presence of other FSEDs) are more likely to operate an FSED. Organizational level factors such as bed size and system membership are associated with a hospital operating an FSED.

Practice Implications:

The findings may be used by policy makers in developing regulations for hospitals opening FSEDs. Also, study findings of this study may be used by hospitals to make informed decisions when formulating strategies regarding FSEDs.
Does size matter in aged care facilities? A literature review of the relationship between the number of facility beds and quality
Authors: Baldwin Richard , Chenoweth Lynnette , dela Rama Marie , Wang Alex Y.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Theory suggests that structural factors such as aged care facility size (bed numbers) will influence service quality. There have been no recent published studies in support of this theory, and consequently, the available literature has not been useful in assisting decision makers with investment decisions on facility size.

Purpose:

The study aimed to address that deficit by reviewing the international literature on the relationships between the size of residential aged care facilities, measured by number of beds, and service quality.

Methods:

A systematic review identified 30 studies that reported a relationship between facility size and quality and provided sufficient details to enable comparison. There are three groups of studies based on measurement of quality—those measuring only resident outcomes, those measuring care and resident outcomes using composite tools, and those focused on regulatory compliance.

Findings:

The overall findings support the posited theory to a large extent, that size is a factor in quality and smaller facilities yield the most favorable results. Studies using multiple indicators of service quality produced more consistent results in favor of smaller facilities, as did most studies of regulatory compliance.

Discussion:

The theory that aged care facility size (bed numbers) will influence service quality was supported by 26 of the 30 studies reviewed.

Practice Implications:

The review findings indicate that aged care facility size (number of beds) may be one important factor related to service quality. Smaller facilities are more likely to result in higher quality and better outcomes for residents than larger facilities. This has implications for those who make investment decisions concerning aged care facilities. The findings also raise implications for funders and policy makers to ensure that regulations and policies do not encourage the building of facilities inconsistent with these findings.
RETINAL DEEP CAPILLARY ISCHEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH AN OCCLUDED CONGENITAL RETINAL MACROVESSEL
Authors: Hasegawa Taiji , Ogata Nahoko
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To report the case of a patient with an occluded congenital retinal macrovessel accompanied by retinal deep capillary ischemia.

Methods:

A 38-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of a paracentral scotoma of her right eye.

Results:

Fundus photograph showed a dilated congenital retinal macrovessel with arteriovenous anastomosis, an intravascular white region indicating the thrombus at arteriovenous anastomotic region, and an area of retinal whitening temporal to the fovea. The spectral domain optical coherence tomography images through the area of retinal whitening showed a thickening and highly reflectivity at the level of the inner nuclear layer, which is likely due to the deep capillary ischemia. After 6 weeks, spectral domain optical coherence tomography images through the same area demonstrated a thinning and atrophy of only the inner nuclear layer, and the patient's paracentral scotoma persisted.

Conclusion:

Acute capillary hemodynamic changes caused deep capillary ischemia. The spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed a highly reflective lesion at the level of the inner nuclear layer in the acute phase.
Low-Flow Arterialized Venous Malformations of the Orbit
Authors: Callahan Alison B. , Meyers Philip M. , Garrity James A. , Son Jung H. , Petris Carisa , Kazim Michael
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Orbital vascular malformations are classified by their hemodynamic properties, either high or low flow. Low-flow lesions may be simple venous, lymphatic, or combined lymphaticovenous malformations. The authors report a series of cases in which predominantly low flow, venous lesions were unexpectedly noted to have arterial feeders.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients identified by the authors as having orbital varices with arterial components was conducted. The authors identified 7 such cases. After careful review, 2 cases were excluded due to inconclusive neuroradiographic findings. The authors review the clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, and surgical information from the remaining 5 cases and discuss their clinical significance.

Results:

All 5 cases were most consistent with variceal lesions: 3 as clinically distensible lesions and 2 as thrombosed lesions. Additional arterial feeder vessels were noted by angiography (3) or intraoperative visualization (2). The arterial contribution varied from faint vessels to distinct branches of the ophthalmic artery. Ages ranged from 13 to 61 years without predilection for gender. Treatments consisted of excision, embolization, and observation. Two poignant cases are highlighted: the first illustrating that an angiogram in isolation of its clinical picture can be misleading and result in treatment intervention with undue risk, and the second illustrating that inadequate treatment of unrecognized arterial components may contribute to recurrences.

Conclusions:

Low-flow orbital variceal lesions may have less prominent, arterial components. This type of combined arterialized venous malformation is largely unrecognized in the ophthalmic literature. Correct identification of these lesions is critical in providing safe, effective, and durable treatment.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Feasibility of a Multicomponent Delirium Prevention Intervention Versus Usual Care in Acute Stroke
Authors: Rice Karen L. , Bennett Marsha J. , Berger Linley , Jennings Bethany , Eckhardt Lynn , Fabré-LaCoste Nicole , Houghton David , Vidal Gabriel , Gropen Toby , Diggs Erica , Barry Erin , St. John Jennilee , Mathew Sheena , Egger Allison , Ryan Stephanie , Egger Raymond , Galarneau David , Gaines Kenneth , Ely E. Wesley
Published: June 2016

Background:

Delirium after acute stroke is a serious complication. Numerous studies support a benefit of multicomponent interventions in minimizing delirium-related complications in at-risk patients, but this has not been reported in acute stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of conducting a randomized (delirium care) versus usual standardized stroke care (usual care) in reducing delirium in acute stroke.

Objective:

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of (1) enrollment within the 48-hour window when delirium risk is greatest, (2) measuring cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, (3) delivering interventions 7 days per week, and (4) determining delirium incidence in stroke-related cognitive dysfunction.

Methods:

A 2-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients admitted with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and 50 years or older, English speaking, and without delirium on admit were recruited, consented, and randomized to usual care or delirium care groups.

Results:

Data from 125 subjects (delirium care, n = 59; usual care, n = 66) were analyzed. All Montreal Cognitive Assessment subscales were completed by 86% of subjects (delirium care, mean [SD], 18.14 [6.03]; usual care, mean [SD], 17.61 [6.29]). Subjects in the delirium care group received a mean of 6.10 therapeutic activities (range, 2–23) and daily medication review by a clinical pharmacist using anticholinergic drug calculations. Delirium incidence was 8% (10/125), 3 in the delirium care group and 7 in the usual care group.

Conclusion:

Findings support the feasibility of delivering a multicomponent delirium prevention intervention in acute stroke and warrants testing intervention effects on delirium outcomes and anticholinergic medication administration.
Adherence to Antipsychotic Medication in Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: García Saínza , Martínez-Cengotitabengoa Mónica , López-Zurbano Saioa , Zorrilla Iñaki , López Purificación , Vieta Eduard , González-Pinto Ana
Published: June 2016

Antipsychotics are the drugs prescribed to treat psychotic disorders; however, patients often fail to adhere to their treatment, and this has a severe negative effect on prognosis in these kinds of illnesses. Among the wide range of risk factors for treatment nonadherence, this systematic review covers those that are most important from the point of view of clinicians and patients and proposes guidelines for addressing them. Analyzing 38 studies conducted in a total of 51,796 patients, including patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder, we found that younger age, substance abuse, poor insight, cognitive impairments, low level of education, minority ethnicity, poor therapeutic alliance, experience of barriers to care, high intensity of delusional symptoms and suspiciousness, and low socioeconomic status are the main risk factors for medication nonadherence in both types of disorder. In the future, prospective studies should be conducted on the use of personalized patient-tailored treatments, taking into account risk factors that may affect each individual, to assess the ability of such approaches to improve adherence and hence prognosis in these patients.
The science and art of pediatric critical care nutrition
Authors: Martinez Enid E. , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

Nutritional status and nutrient delivery during critical illness impact clinical outcomes. We have reviewed recent studies that may guide best practices regarding nutrition therapy in critically ill children.

Recent findings

Malnutrition is prevalent in the pediatric ICU population, and is associated with worse outcomes. Nutrition support teams, dedicated dietitians, and educational programs facilitate surveillance for existing malnutrition and nutrition risk, but specific tools for the pediatric ICU population are lacking. Estimation of macronutrient requirements is often inaccurate; novel strategies to accurately determine energy expenditure are being explored. Indirect calorimetry remains the reference method for measuring energy expenditure. Enteral nutrition is the preferred route for nutrition in patients with a functioning gut. Early enteral nutrition and delivery of adequate macronutrients, particularly protein, have been associated with improved clinical outcomes. Delivery of enteral nutrition is often interrupted because of fasting around procedures and perceived intolerance. Objective measures for detection and management of intolerance to nutrient intake are required. In low-risk patients who are able to tolerate enteral nutrition, supplemental parenteral nutrition may be delayed during the first week of critical illness.

Systematic research and consensus-based practices are expected to promote optimal nutritional practices in critically ill children with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
The Long-term Prospective Follow-up of Pancreatic Function After the First Episode of Acute Alcoholic Pancreatitis
Authors: Nikkola Jussi , Laukkarinen Johanna , Lahtela Jorma , Seppänen Hanna , Järvinen Satu , Nordback Isto , Sand Juhani
Published: June 2016

Background:

Data on the prevalence of pancreatic dysfunction after an episode of acute pancreatitis are conflicting. Our aim was to evaluate the natural course of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function in the long-term follow-up after the first episode of acute alcoholic pancreatitis (AAP).

Methods:

A total of 77 patients who survived their first episode of AAP between January 2001 and February 2005 were prospectively followed up for a maximum of 13 years. During the follow-up, patients were repeatedly interviewed and monitored for recurrences, new diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis. The pancreatic function was evaluated repeatedly during the follow-up.

Results:

Of the patients, 35% had ≥1 recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) episodes during the follow-up. New pancreatogenic diabetes developed in 19% of the previously nondiabetic patients, but only in patients with RAP (13/26 vs. 0/42; OR=39; 95% CI, 4.6-327.1). In addition, 55% of the patients developed new prediabetes or diabetes, and even this was more frequent in patients with RAP (86% vs. 42%; OR=8.2; 95% CI, 1.2-54.3). Exocrine dysfunction developed in 24% of the patients and was associated with abnormal findings in the endocrine function (P=0.003). Patients with RAP had a higher overall mortality compared with patients without RAP episodes during the follow-up (36% vs. 13%; HR=4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.0).

Conclusions:

The risk for pancreatic endocrine dysfunction, pancreatogenic diabetes and mortality increases significantly if the patient has recurrent episodes of AAP. The risk of developing pancreatic dysfunction after AAP should be recognized and pancreatic function should be screened routinely during the years after the first episode of AAP.
Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine-induced Liver Injury
Authors: Björnsson Einar S. , Gu Jiezhun , Kleiner David E. , Chalasani Naga , Hayashi Paul H. , Hoofnagle Jay H.
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The objective of the study was to define the clinical, biochemical, and histologic features of liver injury from thiopurines.

Background:

Azathioprine (Aza) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) can cause liver injury, but no large series exist.

Methods:

Clinical and laboratory data and 6-month outcomes of patients with thiopurine hepatotoxicity from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network Prospective Study were analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-two patients were identified, 12 due to Aza and 10 due to 6-MP, with a median age of 55 years; the majority were female (68%). Inflammatory bowel disease was the indication in 55%, and the median thiopurine dose was 150 (range, 25 to 300) mg daily. The median latency to onset was 75 (range, 3 to 2584) days. Injury first arose after a dose escalation in 59% of patients, the median latency after dose increase being 44 (range, 3 to 254) days. At onset, the median alanine aminotransferase level was 210 U/L, alkaline phosphatase was 151 U/L, and bilirubin was 7.4 mg/dL (peak, 13.4 mg/dL). There were no major differences between Aza and 6-MP cases, but anicteric cases typically had nonspecific symptoms and a hepatocellular pattern of enzyme elevations, whereas icteric cases experienced cholestatic hepatitis with modest enzyme elevations in a mixed pattern. One patient with preexisting cirrhosis required liver transplantation; all others resolved clinically. One patient still had moderate alkaline phosphatase elevations 2 years after onset.

Conclusions:

Nearly three-quarters of patients with thiopurine-induced liver injury present with self-limited, cholestatic hepatitis, typically within 3 months of starting or a dose increase. The prognosis is favorable except in patients with preexisting cirrhosis.
Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Appendix in Children
Authors: Wu Hao , Chintagumpala Murali , Hicks John , Nuchtern Jed G. , Okcu M. Fatih , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: June 2016

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the appendix is the most common gastrointestinal epithelial tumor in children. The utility of serum markers or the indication for hemicolectomy has not been established in children. In 45 children diagnosed with appendiceal NET, 89% NETs were incidentally found following appendectomy performed for suspected acute appendicitis. The median age was 12 years, and 56% patients were female. Postoperative somatostatin scan (n=5), serum chromogranin A (n=4), and urine 5-HIAA (n=9) were all within normal limits. Pathology slides of 35 patients showed mesoappendiceal invasion in 29% patients, and vascular invasion in 6% patients. Seven patients (16%) underwent hemicolectomy for invasion of mesoappendix (n=5), tumor near the resection margin (n=1), and tumor size 1.5 cm with vascular invasion (n=1). Only 2 hemicolectomy specimens showed disease: one in the appendiceal stump and the other as a micrometastasis in a mesenteric lymph node. There were no recurrences and all patients were alive and without evidence of disease at last follow-up. Pediatric appendiceal NET tends to have a benign clinical course with excellent prognosis. In the absence of carcinoid syndrome, postoperative scans and serum biomarkers do not seem to be useful. With completely resected tumors, the indication for hemicolectomy is unclear.
Subjective Comfort and Physiology with Modern Contact Lens Care Products
Authors: Berntsen David A. , Hickson-Curran Sheila B. , Jones Lyndon W. , Mathew Jessica H. , Maldonado-Codina Carole , Morgan Philip B. , Schulze Marc M. , Nichols Jason J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To compare subjective comfort and ocular physiology with three multipurpose solutions (MPSs) to that of a peroxide-based system with three different soft contact lens materials.

Methods

Habitual soft contact lens wearers (n = 236) were enrolled at three sites and completed a washout period with no contact lens solution for ≥4 days. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three lens types: etafilcon A, galyfilcon A, or senofilcon A. A new lens of the assigned type was worn for 10 to 14 days each while using one of four care solutions, in random order (A—polyaminopropyl biguanide + polyquaternium, B—POLYQUAD + Aldox, C—alexidine + polyquaternium-1, and D—hydrogen peroxide) with a washout period (≥4 days) between each solution. After each care solution, biomicroscopy was performed and subjective comfort was assessed using the Contact Lens User Experience (CLUE) questionnaire and other instruments including comfortable wear time (CWT). Linear mixed models were used for analysis. Comfort and biomicroscopy signs with each MPS were compared to that of the peroxide solution.

Results

Subjective CLUE Comfort score across all lens types with each MPS was not significantly different than with the peroxide solution (p = 0.98). There were no differences in CWT between each MPS and the peroxide solution for any lens type (range of differences: −0.8 to 0.8 h; all p ≥ 0.13). Six MPS/material combinations had no clinically meaningful change in corneal staining versus peroxide (<0.5 units); three combinations could increase staining by up to 0.57 units. Staining was <grade 1 for all combinations.

Conclusions

Comparable levels of comfort were found between the latest generation of MPSs compared to peroxide disinfection. Three MPS/material combinations tested could result in increased corneal staining of up to 0.57 units versus a peroxide solution. Overall, these data suggest the care systems investigated are generally appropriate for use with the contact lenses tested.
RNF43 Is an Early and Specific Mutated Gene in the Serrated Pathway, With Increased Frequency in Traditional Serrated Adenoma and Its Associated Malignancy
Authors: Tsai Jia-Huei , Liau Jau-Yu , Yuan Chang-Tsu , Lin Yu-Lin , Tseng Li-Hui , Cheng Mei-Ling , Jeng Yung-Ming
Published: June 2016

RNF43 is an E3 ligase that suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and is frequently mutated in microsatellite-unstable colorectal carcinoma. To investigate the pathogenetic role of RNF43 in the serrated pathway, we conducted mutation analysis of RNF43 in several types of colorectal neoplasms. RNF43 mutation was found in 2 of 20 (10%) sessile serrated adenomas, 10 of 36 (28%) traditional serrated adenomas, 7 of 37 (19%) traditional serrated adenomas with cytologic dysplasia, and 9 of 31 (29%) BRAF-mutated/microsatellite-stable colorectal carcinomas; however, no mutation was found in 30 tubulovillous/villous adenomas. All mutations were located upstream of the ring finger domain of RNF43 without clustering, which is distinct from the pattern described for microsatellite-unstable colorectal carcinoma. RNF43 mutation was closely associated with BRAF mutation but inversely associated with KRAS mutation in traditional serrated adenoma with or without cytologic dysplasia (P=0.018 and 0.045, respectively). The finding of RNF43 mutation in sessile serrated adenoma and traditional serrated adenoma, but not in tubulovillous/villous adenoma, indicated that RNF43 mutation is an early and specific molecular aberration in the serrated pathway. The frequency of RNF43 mutation was significantly higher in traditional serrated adenoma with or without cytologic dysplasia and BRAF-mutated/microsatellite-stable colorectal carcinoma than sessile serrated adenoma. The unique molecular spectrum of these tumors suggests a stepwise neoplastic progression from sessile serrated adenoma to traditional serrated adenoma and BRAF-mutated/microsatellite-stable colorectal carcinoma, which should be recognized as the traditional serrated pathway to distinguish from the sessile serrated pathway.
Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir. 16 May 1916 — 30 May 2009
Authors: Arnon Ruth , Sela Michael , Shindler Colin
Published: June 2016

Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir was a leading researcher in the development of polyamino acids, which allowed new insights into the reactions and behaviour of proteins. His work developed pathways into the exploration and investigation of antigenicity. He was a founder of the Israel Society for Biochemistry and a founding member of the European Molecular Biology Organization. He was also president of Israel between 1973 and 1978—an unusual distinction because this post was usually held by former politicians. As head of the Israeli Association of Science, he was prominent in promoting the cause of science both as president and outside his term of office. Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir passed away in May 2009.
Intimal and medial contributions to the hydraulic resistance of the arterial wall at different pressures: a combined computational and experimental study
Authors: Chooi K. Y. , Comerford A. , Sherwin S. J. , Weinberg P. D.
Published: June 2016

The hydraulic resistances of the intima and media determine water flux and the advection of macromolecules into and across the arterial wall. Despite several experimental and computational studies, these transport processes and their dependence on transmural pressure remain incompletely understood. Here, we use a combination of experimental and computational methods to ascertain how the hydraulic permeability of the rat abdominal aorta depends on these two layers and how it is affected by structural rearrangement of the media under pressure.
Ex vivo
experiments determined the conductance of the whole wall, the thickness of the media and the geometry of medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerical methods were used to compute water flux through the media. Intimal values were obtained by subtraction. A mechanism was identified that modulates pressure-induced changes in medial transport properties: compaction of the ECM leading to spatial reorganization of SMCs. This is summarized in an empirical constitutive law for permeability and volumetric strain. It led to the physiologically interesting observation that, as a consequence of the changes in medial microstructure, the relative contributions of the intima and media to the hydraulic resistance of the wall depend on the applied pressure; medial resistance dominated at pressures above approximately 93 mmHg in this vessel.
Enhanced antimicrobial peptide-induced activity in the mollusc Toll-2 family through evolution via tandem Toll/interleukin-1 receptor
Authors: Cao Jun , Chen Yihong , Jin Min , Ren Qian
Published: June 2016

Toll receptors play an important role in the innate immunity of invertebrates. All reported Tolls have only one Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain at the C-terminal. In this study, numerous Tolls with tandem TIRs at the C-terminal were found in molluscs. Such Tolls presented an extra TIR (TIR-1) compared with Toll-I. Thus, Toll-I might be the ancestor of tandem TIRs containing Toll. To test this hypothesis, 83Toll-IandToll-2(most have two TIRs, but others seem to be the evolutionary intermediates) genes from 29 shellfish species were identified. These Tolls were divided into nine groups based on phylogenetic analyses. A strong correlation between phylogeny and motif composition was found. All Toll proteins contained the TIR-2 domain, whereas the TIR-1 domain only existed in some Toll-2 protein, suggesting that TIR-1 domain insertion may play an important role in Toll protein evolution. Further analyses of functional divergence and adaptive evolution showed that some of the critical sites responsible for functional divergence may have been under positive selection. An additional intragenic recombination played an important role in the evolution of theToll-IandToll-2genes. To investigate the functional difference of Toll-I and Toll-2, over expression of Hcu_Toll-I or Hcu_Toll-2-2 inDrosophilaS2 cells was performed. Results showed that Hcu_Toll-2-2 had stronger antimicrobial peptide (AMP) activity than Hcu_Toll-I. Therefore, enhanced AMP-induced activity resulted from tandem TIRs in Toll-2s of molluscs during evolution history.
Unified double- and single-sided homogeneous Green’s function representations
Authors: Wapenaar Kees , van der Neut Joost , Slob Evert
Published: June 2016

In wave theory, the homogeneous Green’s function consists of the impulse response to a point source, minus its time-reversal. It can be represented by a closed boundary integral. In many practical situations, the closed boundary integral needs to be approximated by an open boundary integral because the medium of interest is often accessible from one side only. The inherent approximations are acceptable as long as the effects of multiple scattering are negligible. However, in case of strongly inhomogeneous media, the effects of multiple scattering can be severe. We derive double- and single-sided homogeneous Green’s function representations. The single-sided representation applies to situations where the medium can be accessed from one side only. It correctly handles multiple scattering. It employs a focusing function instead of the backward propagating Green’s function in the classical (double-sided) representation. When reflection measurements are available at the accessible boundary of the medium, the focusing function can be retrieved from these measurements. Throughout the paper, we use a unified notation which applies to acoustic, quantum-mechanical, electromagnetic and elastodynamic waves. We foresee many interesting applications of the unified single-sided homogeneous Green’s function representation in holographic imaging and inverse scattering, time-reversed wave field propagation and interferometric Green’s function retrieval.
Convergence across a continent: adaptive diversification in a recent radiation of Australian lizards
Authors: Blom Mozes P. K. , Horner Paul , Moritz Craig
Published: June 2016

Recent radiations are important to evolutionary biologists, because they provide an opportunity to study the mechanisms that link micro- and macroevolution. The role of ecological speciation during adaptive radiation has been intensively studied, but radiations can arise from a diversity of evolutionary processes; in particular, on large continental landmasses where allopatric speciation might frequently precede ecological differentiation. It is therefore important to establish a phylogenetic and ecological framework for recent continental-scale radiations that are species-rich and ecologically diverse. Here, we use a genomic (approx. 1 200 loci, exon capture) approach to fit branch lengths on a summary-coalescent species tree and generate a time-calibrated phylogeny for a recent and ecologically diverse radiation of Australian scincid lizards; the genusCryptoblepharus. We then combine the phylogeny with a comprehensive phenotypic dataset for over 800 individuals across the 26 species, and use comparative methods to test whether habitat specialization can explain current patterns of phenotypic variation in ecologically relevant traits. We find significant differences in morphology between species that occur in distinct environments and convergence in ecomorphology with repeated habitat shifts across the continent. These results suggest that isolated analogous habitats have provided parallel ecological opportunity and have repeatedly promoted adaptive diversification. By contrast, speciation processes within the same habitat have resulted in distinct lineages with relatively limited morphological variation. Overall, our study illustrates how alternative diversification processes might have jointly stimulated species proliferation across the continent and generated a remarkably diverse group of Australian lizards.
Networks that Link Cytoskeletal Regulators and Diaphragm Proteins Underpin Filtration Function inDrosophilaNephrocytes
Authors: Muraleedharan Simi , Skaer Helen , Inamdar Maneesha S.
Published: June 2016

Insect nephrocytes provide a valuable model for kidney disease, as they are structurally and functionally homologous to mammalian kidney podocytes. They possess an exceptional macromolecular assembly, the nephrocyte diaphragm (ND), which serves as a filtration barrier and helps maintain tissue homeostasis by filtering out wastes and toxic products. However, the nephrocyte architecture and elements that maintain the ND are not understood. We show thatDrosophilanephrocytes have a unique cytoplasmic cluster of F-actin, which is maintained by the microtubule cytoskeleton and Rho-GTPases. A balance of Racl and Cdc42 activity as well as proper microtubule organization is required for positioning the actin cluster. Further, ND proteins Sns and Duf also localize to this cluster and regulate organization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Perturbation of any of these inter-dependent components impairs nephrocyte ultrafiltration. Thus cytoskeletal components, Rho-GTPases and ND proteins work in concert to maintain the specialized nephrocyte architecture and function.
A Logic Approach to Modeling Nomenclatural Change
Authors: Franz Nico M. , Zhang Chao , Lee Joohyung
Published: June 2016

We utilize an Answer Set Programming (ASP) approach to show that the principles of nomenclature are tractable in computational logic. To this end we design a hypothetical, 20 nomenclatural taxon use case with starting conditions that embody several overarching principles of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; including Binomial Nomenclature, Priority, Coordination, Homonymy, Typification, and the structural requirement of Gender Agreement. The use case ending conditions are triggered by the reinterpretation of the diagnostic features of one of 12 type specimens anchoring the corresponding species-level names. Permutations of this child-to-parent reassignment action lead to 36 alternative scenarios, where each scenario requires 1-14 logically contingent nomenclatural emendations. We show that an ASP transition system approach can correctly infer the Code-mandated changes for each scenario, and visually output the ending conditions. The results provide a foundation for further developing logic-based nomenclatural change optimization and compliance verification services, which could be applied in globally coordinated nomenclatural registries. More generally, logic explorations of nomenclatural and taxonomic change scenarios provide a novel means of assessing design biases inherent in the principles of nomenclature, and thus may inform the design of future, big data-compatible identifier systems for systematic products that recognize and mitigate these constraints.
Unbiased whole-genome deep sequencing of human and porcine stool samples reveals circulation of multiple groups of rotaviruses and a putative zoonotic infection
Authors: Phan My VT , Hong Anh Pham , Van Cuong Nguyen , Oude Munnink Bas B. , van der Hoek Lia , Tran My Phuc , Ngo Tri Tue , Bryant Juliet E. , Baker Stephen , Thwaites Guy , Woolhouse Mark , Kellam Paul , Rabaa Maia A. , Cotten Matthew ,   on behalf of the VIZIONS Consortium
Published: June 2016

Coordinated and synchronous virological surveillance for zoonotic viruses in both human clinical cases and animal reservoirs provides an opportunity to identify interspecies virus movement. Rotavirus is an important cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans and animals. We have documented the rotavirus diversity within co-located humans and animals sampled from the Mekong delta region of Vietnam using a primer-independent, agnostic, deep sequencing approach. A total of 296 stool samples (146 from diarrhoeal human patients and 150 from pigs living in the same geographical region) were directly sequenced, generating the genomic sequences of 60 human rotaviruses (all group A) and 31 porcine rotaviruses (13 group A, 7 group B, 6 group C and 5 group H). Phylogenetic analyses showed the co-circulation of multiple distinct rotavirus group A (RVA) genotypes/strains, many of which were divergent from the strain components of licensed RVA vaccines, as well as considerable virus diversity in pigs including full genomes of rotaviruses in groups B, C and H, none of which have been previously reported in Vietnam. Furthermore the detection of an atypical RVA genotype constellation (G4-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1) in a human patient and a pig from the same region provides some evidence for a zoonotic event
A robust role for motor cortex
Authors: Lopes Gonçalo , Nogueira Joana , Dimitriadis George , Menendez Jorge Aurelio , Paton Joseph J. , Kampff Adam R.
Published: June 2016

The role of motor cortex in non-primate mammals remains unclear. More than a century of stimulation, anatomical and electrophysiological studies has implicated neural activity in this region with all kinds of movement. However, following the removal of motor cortex, rats retain most of their adaptive behaviours, including previously learned skilled movements. Here we revisit these two conflicting views of motor cortex and present a new behaviour assay, challenging animals to respond to unexpected situations while navigating a dynamic obstacle course. Surprisingly, rats with motor cortical lesions show clear impairments facing an unexpected collapse of the obstacles, while showing no impairment with repeated trials in many motor and cognitive metrics of performance. We propose a new role for motor cortex: extending the robustness of sub-cortical movement systems, specifically to unexpected situations demanding rapid motor responses adapted to environmental context. The implications of this idea for current and future research are discussed.
Precise Cas9 targeting enables genomic mutation prevention
Authors: Chavez Alejandro , Pruitt Benjamin W , Tuttle Marcelle , Shapiro Rebecca S , Cecchi Ryan J , Winston Jordan , Turczyk Brian M , Tung Michael , Collins James J , Church George M
Published: June 2016

Here we present a generalized method of guide RNA “tuning” that enables Cas9 to discriminate between two target sites that differ by a single nucleotide polymorphism. We employ our methodology to generate a novelin vivomutation prevention system in which Cas9 actively restricts the occurrence of undesired gain-of-function mutations within a population of engineered organisms. We further demonstrate that the system is scalable to a multitude of targets and that the general tuning and prevention concepts are portable across engineered Cas9 variants and Cas9 orthologs. Finally, we show that the designed mutation prevention system maintains robust activity even when placed within the complex environment of the mouse gastrointestinal tract.
GPR4 Deficiency Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sanderlin Edward J. , Leffler Nancy R. , Lertpiriyapong Kvin , Cai Qi , Hong Heng , Bakthavatchalu Vasudevan , Fox James G. , Oswald Joani Zary , Justus Calvin R. , Krewson Elizabeth A. , O’Rourke Elizabeth A. , Yang Li V.
Published: June 2016

GPR4 is a proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor that can be activated by extracellular acidosis. It has recently been demonstrated that activation of GPR4 by acidosis increases the expression of numerous inflammatory and stress response genes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and also augments EC-leukocyte adhesion. Inhibition of GPR4 by siRNA or small molecule inhibitors reduces endothelial cell inflammation. As acidotic tissue microenvironments exist in many types of inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we examined the role of GPR4 in IBD using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. We observed that GPR4 mRNA expression was increased in mouse and human IBD tissues when compared to control intestinal tissues. To determine the function of GPR4 in IBD, wild-type and GPR4-deficient mice were treated with 3% DSS for 7 days to induce acute colitis. Our results showed that the severity of colitis was decreased in GPR4-deficient DSS-treated mice in comparison to wild-type DSS-treated mice. Clinical parameters, macroscopic disease indicators, and histopathological features were less severe in the DSS-treated GPR4-deficient mice than the DSS-treated wild-type mice. Inflammatory gene expression, leukocyte infiltration, and isolated lymphoid follicle (ILF) formation were reduced in intestinal tissues of DSS-treated GPR4-null mice. Collectively, our results suggest GPR4 provides a pro-inflammatory role in IBD as the absence of GPR4 ameliorates intestinal inflammation in the acute DSS-induced IBD mouse model.
Returpack: the integrator of the beverage can recycling process
Authors: Moricz Peter , Drotos Gyorgy
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Emerging markets, business models, information technology.

Study level/applicability

This case is designed for MBA groups or students from MSc in Management, International Business, Logistics, Information Systems or Environmental Management programs. It can be covered in courses on Strategy, Process Management, International Business, Process Management, Supply Chain Management and Managing Information Systems.

Case overview

Returpack is a Hungarian company dealing with reverse vending machines (RVMs) that collect aluminum beverage cans, even in crushed form, based on a worldwide technology innovation. All RVMs are online and monitored and managed remotely. RVMs are mainly “fed” by the poorest, often homeless people, who are still motivated by the extremely low (less than 1 euro cent for a can) incentive that comes from the selling of the aluminum waste to recycling smelters. Based on the success of the business model in Hungary, projects were planned in the USA, Austria, Romania, and Turkey in 2013. However, beyond economic, legal and cultural challenges, a dramatic decline in the global aluminum waste prices early in 2014 questioned the return on investment at these projects. Advancements in the material-recognition technologies at waste sorting plants raise further questions.

Expected learning outcomes

Evaluating the business model innovation in the case by combining the different approaches of the business model concept with the knowledge on the recycling industry, the crowdsourcing method and the Internet of Things. Based upon this, students may identify and evaluate options for implementing the business model in and adapting to new markets, also by simulating these changes in a formal (numerical) business model.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject codes

Strategy.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
Determinants of feedback effectiveness in production planning
Authors: Letmathe Peter , Zielinski Marc
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The focus is the interplay of cognitive capabilities (mathematical understanding and heuristic problem solving) and learning from feedback. Furthermore, the authors analyze the role of individual factors in designing appropriate feedback systems for complex decision-making situations. Based on a learning model the purpose of this paper is to present an experimental study analyzing the feedback effectiveness in a repeated complex production planning task. Referring to individual characteristics in terms of educational background and problem solving capabilities of the decision maker the authors compare different forms of feedback systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed four experiments bi-weekly based on a realistic production planning situation. Participants received – depending on the treatment – different types of feedback concerning the final outcomes of the production plans. For testing the hypotheses, the authors conducted ANCOVAs and additionalpost hoctests for each subgroup to explore the effects of different types of feedback on the subgroups’ decision-making performance.

Findings

– The authors show that feedback information is not always helpful, but due to acquired knowledge and problem solving capabilities can even be harmful. The authors also show that, depending on the decision maker’s individual characteristics and her past performance, the type of feedback is crucial for the learning process.

Practical implications

– The study provides important information about feedback design taking individual characteristics of decision makers (educational background, work experience) into account. Applying the results of the study can increase decision-making performance and enhance learning of production planning tasks.

Originality/value

– The findings extend previous literature reporting that the performance in complex decision-making tasks depends on educational background and on the ability to cope with the phenomena of cognitive load, working memory limitations and the capability to utilize relevant heuristics to prevent information overload. Some of our results, e.g., the negative impact of non-financial feedback of high-performing economists, contradict the general findings in the literature.
Effect of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles as an additive on the extreme pressure properties of engine oil
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Ilman Hakimi Chua , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli Bin , Tamaldin Noreffendy , Amiruddin Hilmi , Mat Nuri Nur Rashid
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles on extreme pressure (EP) properties when used as an additive in lubricating oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The nano-oil was prepared by dispersing an optimal composition of 0.5 vol. per cent of 70 nm hBN in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil using a sonication technique. The tribological testing was performed using a four-ball tribometer according to the ASTM standard.

Findings

It was found that the nano-oil has a potential to decelerate the seizure point on the contact surfaces, where higher EP can be obtained. More adhesive wear was observed on the worn surfaces of ball bearing lubricated with SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil as compared with the nano-oil lubrication.

Originality/value

The results of the experimental studies demonstrated the potential of hBN as an additive for improving the load-carrying ability of lubricating oil.
Control on wear of journal bearing operating in mixed lubrication regime using grooving arrangements
Authors: K.P. Lijesh , S.M. Muzakkir , Hirani Harish , Thakre Gananath Doulat
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The journal bearings subjected to heavy load and slow speed operate in mixed lubrication regime causing contact between the interacting surfaces and resulting in wear. Complexity of wear behavior and lack of unifying theory/model make wear-control very challenging.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present research work, theoretical and experimental investigations have been conducted to explore the effect of grooving arrangements on the wear behavior of journal bearing operating in mixed lubrication regime. The theoretical model of Hirani (2005) that uses mass conserving cavitation algorithm has been used to determine the bearing eccentricity for different groove arrangements (with varying groove location and extent) for identifying a groove arrangement that minimizes the wear. The wear tests on the grooved bearings were conducted after suitable running-in of the new bearings on a fully automated journal bearing test set-up. A load and speed combination required to operate the bearing in mixed lubrication was used. The performance of different arrangement of bearing was evaluated by measuring their weight loss after the test.

Findings

Wear was significantly reduced with the use of proper groove arrangement for a bearing operating in mixed lubrication regime.

Originality/value

The improvement in bearing performance by providing grooves has been the subject matter of several studies in the past, but these studies were confined to the hydrodynamic operative regime of the bearing. In the present work, seven different combinations of axial and radial groove arrangement were tried, which has not been reported in any other work.
Optimization of the oil drain interval of non-phosphorus and non-ash engine oil
Authors: Yüksek Levent
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is the most common anti-wear and anti-oxidant additive. ZDDP is the primary origin of zinc, sulfur and phosphorus, which are well-known poisonous elements for commercial after-treatment systems. The aim of this study is to investigate the optimum oil drain interval of non-phosphorus and non-ash (NPNA) engine oil that was developed as a prospective alternative to commercial phosphorus-containing (PC) engine lubricants.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of a fleet test wear debris analysis were used to optimize the oil drain intervals from the perspective of cost.

Findings

Drain intervals of 32,000 and 28,000 km were computed as the optimum values for NPNA and PC engine oils, respectively. Extending the oil drain intervals up to the obtained mileage may go to a total saving of €43,045,084.2 for PC engine oil and €49,253,998.6 for NPNA engine oil with respect to the total sales figures of test vehicles in Turkey.

Originality/value

Maximizing the lubricant life has environmental benefits and is the easiest way to reduce the maintenance cost of a vehicle. The protection of after-treatment systems against lubricant-induced poisoning is a great challenge. The most important result of this investigation is the lower operation costs of catalyst-friendly lubricants in spite of their low anti-wear additive performance.