bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial resource heterogeneity creates local hotspots of evolutionary potential
Authors: Dolson Emily , Ofria Charles
Published: June 2017

Do local conditions influence evolution’s ability to produce new traits? Biological data demonstrate that evolutionary processes can be profoundly influenced by local conditions. However, the evolution of novel traits has not been addressed in this context, owing in part to the challenges of performing the necessary experiments with natural organisms. We conductin silicoexperiments with the Avida Digital Evolution Platform to address this question. We created eight different spatially heterogeneous environments and ran 100 replicates in each. Within each environment, we examined the distribution of locations where nine different focal traits first evolved. Using spatial statistics methods, we identified regions within each environment that had significantly elevated probabilities of containing the first organism with a given trait (i.e. hotspots of evolutionary potential). Having demonstrated the presence of many such hotspots, we explored three potential mechanisms that could drive the formation of these patterns: proximity of specific resources, variation in local diversity, and variation in the sequence of locations the members of an evolutionary lineage occupy. Resource proximity and local diversity appear to have minimal explanatory power. Lineage paths through space, however, show some promising preliminary trends. If we can understand the processes that create evolutionary hotspots, we will be able to craft environments that are more effective at evolving targeted traits. This capability would be useful both to evolutionary computation, and to efforts to guide biological evolution.
MIMoSA: A Method for Inter-Modal Segmentation Analysis
Authors: Valcarcel Alessandra M. , Linn Kristin A. , Vandekar Simon N. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Calabresi Peter A. , Pham Dzung L. , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: June 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial forin vivodetection and characterization of white matter lesions (WML) in multiple sclerosis. While these lesions have been studied for over two decades using MRI technology, automated segmentation remains challenging. Although the majority of statistical techniques for the automated segmentation of WML are based on a single imaging modality, recent advances have used multimodal techniques for identifying WML. Complementary imaging modalities emphasize different tissue properties, which can help identify and characterize interrelated features of lesions. However, prior work has ignored relationships between imaging modalities, which may be informative in this clinical context. To harness the coherent changes in these measurements, we utilized inter-modal coupling regression (IMCo) to estimate the covariance structure across modalities. We then used a local logistic regression, MIMoSA, which leverages new covariance features from IMCo regression as well as the mean structure of each imaging modality in order to model the probability that any voxel is part of a lesion. Finally, we introduced a novel thresholding algorithm to fully automate the estimation of the probability maps to generate fully automated segmentations masks for 94 subjects. To evaluate the performance of the automated segmentations generated using MIMoSA we compared results with gold standard manual segmentations. We demonstrate the superiority of MIMoSA to other automated segmentation techniques by comparing it to the OASIS algorithm as well as LesionTOADS. MIMoSA resulted in statistically significant improvement in lesion segmentation.
scmap - A tool for unsupervised projection of single cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Kiselev Vladimir Yu , Yiu Andrew , Hemberg Martin
Published: June 2017

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is widely used to investigate the composition of complex tissues1–9since the technology allows researchers to define cell-types using unsupervised clustering of the transcriptome8,10. However, due to differences in experimental methods and computational analyses, it is often challenging to directly compare the cells identified in two different experiments. Here, we present scmap (http://bioconductor.org/packages/scmap), a method for projecting cells from a scRNA-seq experiment onto the cell-types or individual cells identified in other experiments (the application can be run for free, without restrictions, fromhttp://www.hemberg-lab.cloud/scmap).
Hemodynamic forces can be accurately measuredin vivowith optical tweezers
Authors: Harlepp Sébastien , Thalmann Fabrice , Follain Gautier , Goetz Jacky G.
Published: June 2017

Force sensing and generation at the tissular and cellular scale is central to many biological events. There is a growing interest in modern cell biology for methods enabling force measurementsin vivo.Optical trapping allows non-invasive probing of pico-Newton forces and thus emerged as a promising mean for assessing biomechanicsin vivo.Nevertheless, the main obstacles rely in the accurate determination of the trap stiffness in heterogeneous living organisms, at any position where the trap is used. A proper calibration of the trap stiffness is thus required for performing accurate and reliable force measurementsin vivo.Here, we introduce a method that overcomes these difficulties by accurately measuring hemodynamic profiles in order to calibrate the trap stiffness. Doing so, and using numerical methods to assess the accuracy of the experimental data, we measured flow profiles and drag forces imposed to trapped red blood cells of living zebrafish embryos. Using treatments enabling blood flow tuning, we demonstrated that such method is powerful in measuring hemodynamic forcesin vivowith accuracy and confidence. Altogether, this study demonstrates the power of optical tweezing in measuring low range hemodynamic forcesin vivoand offers an unprecedented tool in both cell and developmental biology.
Effects of DNA oxidation on the evolution of genomes
Authors: Sheinman Michael , Hermsen Rutger
Published: June 2017

Oxidation of DNA increases its mutation rate, causing otherwise rare G → T transversions during DNA replication. Here we use a comparative genomic approach to assess the importance of DNA oxidation for the evolution of genomic sequences. To do so, we study the mutational spectrum of Gn-tracks on various timescales, ranging from one human generation to the divergence between primates, and compare it to the properties of guanines oxidation known from experimental and computational studies. Our results suggest that, in short Gntracks (n≤ 3), oxidation does not dominate the mutagenesis of guanines, except in cancerous tumors, especially in lungs. However, we consistently find that the G → T transversion rate is elevated by an order of magnitude in long Gntracks (n≳ 6). In such long Gn-tracks, G → T substitutions in fact dominate the mutational spectrum, suggesting that long Gntracks are oxidized more frequently and/or repaired less efficiently.
Isolated from input: Evidence of default mode network support for perceptually-decoupled and conceptually-guided cognition
Authors: Murphy Charlotte , Jefferies Elizabeth , Rueschemeyer Shirley-Ann , Sormaz Mladen , Wang Hao-ting , Margulies Daniel S. , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: June 2017

The default mode network supports a variety of mental operations such as semantic processing, episodic memory retrieval, mental time travel and mind-wandering, yet the commonalities between these functions remains unclear. One possibility is that this system supports cognition that is independent of the immediate environment; alternatively or additionally, it might support higher-order conceptual representations that draw together multiple features. We tested these accounts using a novel paradigm that separately manipulated the availability of perceptual information to guide decision-making and the representational complexity of this information. Using task based imaging we established regions that respond when cognition combines both stimulus independence with multi-modal information. These included left and right angular gyri and the left middle temporal gyrus. Although these sites were within the default mode network, they showed a stronger response to demanding memory judgements than to an easier perceptual task, contrary to the view that they support automatic aspects of cognition. In a subsequent analysis, we showed that these regions were located at the extreme end of a macroscale gradient, which describes gradual transitions from sensorimotor to transmodal cortex. This shift in the focus of neural activity towards transmodal, default mode, regions might reflect a process of isolation from specific sensory inputs that enables conceptually rich cognitive states to be generated in the absence of input.

Highlights

Brain regions supporting meaning overlap with stimulus independence.

Bilateral angular gyri and left MTG respond strongly to both features of cognition.

These patterns reflect a shift in activity towards regions of transmodal cortex.

Complex memory representations may emerge in cortical areas distant from input.
Evolutionary Analysis of Candidate Non-Coding Elements Regulating Neurodevelopmental Genes in Vertebrates
Authors: Novo Francisco J.
Published: June 2017

Many non-coding regulatory elements conserved in vertebrates regulate the expression of genes involved in development and play an important role in the evolution of morphology through the rewiring of developmental gene networks. Available biological datasets allow the identification of non-coding regulatory elements with high confidence; furthermore, chromatin conformation data can be used to confirm enhancer-promoter interactions in specific tissue types and developmental stages. We have devised an analysis pipeline that integrates datasets about gene expression, enhancer activity, chromatin accessibility, epigenetic marks, and Hi-C contact frequencies in various brain tissues and developmental stages, leading to the identification of eight non-coding elements that might regulate the expression of three genes with important roles in brain development in vertebrates. We have then performed comparative sequence and microsynteny analyses in order to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the regulatory landscape around these genes; we observe a general pattern of ancient regulatory elements conserved across most vertebrate lineages, together with younger elements that appear to be mammal and primate innovations. This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Evolutionary Biology (http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100035)
Local differences in neuronal activation level decorrelate spatially coherent global fluctuations in gamma rhythms
Authors: Lakshminarasimhan Kaushik J. , Logothetis Nikos K. , Keliris Georgios A.
Published: June 2017

Neuronal coherence is thought to constitute a unique substrate for information transmission distinct from firing rate. However, since the spatial scale of extracellular oscillations typically exceeds that of firing rates, it is unclear whether coherence complements or compromises the rate code. We examined responses in the macaque primary visual cortex and found that fluctuations in gamma-band (~40Hz) neuronal coherence correlated more with firing rate than oscillations in the local-field-potential (LFP). Although the spatial extent of LFP rhythms was broader, that of neuronal coherence was indistinguishable from firing rates. To identify the mechanism, we developed a statistical technique to isolate the rhythmic component of the spiking process and found that above results are explained by an activation-dependent increase in neuronal sensitivity to gamma-rhythmic input. Such adaptive changes in sensitivity to rhythmic inputs might constitute a fundamental homeostatic mechanism that prevents globally coherent inputs from undermining spatial resolution of the neural code.
Spontaneous cortical activity transiently organises into frequency specific phase-coupling networks
Authors: Vidaurre Diego , Hunt Laurence T , Quinn Andrew J. , Hunt Benjamin A.E. , Brookes Matthew J. , Nobre Anna C. , Woolrich Mark W.
Published: June 2017

Frequency-specific oscillations and phase-coupling of neuronal populations have been proposed as an essential mechanism for the coordination of activity between brain areas during cognitive tasks. To provide an effective substrate for cognitive function, we reasoned that ongoing functional brain networks should also be able to reorganise and coordinate in a similar manner. To test this hypothesis, we use a novel method for identifying repeating patterns of network dynamics, and show that resting networks in magnetoencephalography are well characterised by visits to short-lived transient brain states, with spatially distinct power and phase-coupling in specific frequency bands. Brain states were identified for sensory, motor networks and higher-order cognitive networks; the latter include a posterior higher-order cognitive network in the alpha range (8-12Hz) and an anterior cognitive network in the delta/theta range (1-7Hz). Both higher-order cognitive networks exhibit especially high power and coherence, and contain brain areas corresponding to posterior and anterior subdivisions of the default mode network. Our results show that large-scale cortical phase-coupling networks operate in very specific frequency bands, possibly reflecting functional specialisation at different intrinsic timescales.
Lesion evidence for a critical role of left posterior but not frontal areas in alpha-beta power decreases during context-driven word production
Authors: Piai Vitória , Rommers Joost , Knight Robert T.
Published: June 2017

Different frequency bands in the electroencephalogram are postulated to support distinct language functions. Studies have suggested that alpha-beta power decreases may index word-retrieval processes. In context-driven word retrieval, participants hear lead-in sentences that either constrain the final word (“He locked the door with the”) or not (“She walked in here with the”). The last word is shown as a picture to be named. Previous studies have consistently found alpha-beta power decreases prior to picture onset for constrained relative to unconstrained sentences, localised to the left lateral-temporal and lateral-frontal lobes. However, the relative contribution of temporal versus frontal areas to alpha-beta power decreases is unknown. We recorded the electroencephalogram from patients with stroke lesions encompassing the left-lateral temporal and inferior parietal regions or left-lateral frontal lobe and from matched controls. Individual-participant analyses revealed a behavioural sentence context facilitation effect in all participants, except for in the two patients with extensive lesions to temporal and inferior-parietal lobes. We replicated the alpha-beta power decreases prior to picture onset in all participants, except for in the two same patients with extensive posterior lesions. Thus, whereas posterior lesions eliminated the behavioural and oscillatory context effect, frontal lesions did not. Hierarchical clustering analyses of the patients’ lesion profiles, and behavioural and electrophysiological effects identified P7 and P9 as having a unique combination of lesion distribution and context effects. These results indicate a critical role for the left lateral-temporal and inferior parietal lobes, but not frontal cortex, in generating the alpha-beta power decreases underlying context-driven word production.
The house fly Y Chromosome is young and minimally differentiated from its ancient X Chromosome partner
Authors: Meisel Richard P. , Gonzales Christopher A. , Luu Hoang
Published: June 2017

Canonical ancient sex chromosome pairs consist of a gene rich X (or Z) Chromosome and a male-limited (or female-limited) Y (or W) Chromosome that is gene poor. In contrast to highly differentiated sex chromosomes, nascent sex chromosome pairs are homomorphic or very similar in sequence content. Nascent sex chromosomes can arise if an existing sex chromosome fuses to an autosome or an autosome acquires a new sex-determining locus/allele. Sex chromosomes often differ between closely related species and can even be polymorphic within species, suggesting that nascent sex chromosomes arise frequently over the course of evolution. Previously documented sex chromosome transitions involve changes to both members of the sex chromosome pair (X and Y, or Z and W). The house fly has sex chromosomes that resemble the ancestral fly karyotype that originated ∼100 million yr ago; therefore, the house fly is expected to have X and Y Chromosomes with different gene content. We tested this hypothesis using whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic data, and we discovered little evidence for genetic differentiation between the X and Y in house fly. We propose that the house fly has retained the ancient X Chromosome, but the ancestral Y was replaced by an X Chromosome carrying a new male determining gene. Our proposed hypothesis provides a mechanism for how one member of a sex chromosome pair can experience evolutionary turnover while the other member remains unaffected.
Role of the anterior cingulate cortex in the retrieval of novel object recognition memory after a long delay
Authors: Pezze Marie A. , Marshall Hayley J. , Fone Kevin CF. , Cassaday Helen J.
Published: June 2017

Previous in vivo electrophysiological studies suggest that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACgx) is an important substrate of novel object recognition (NOR) memory. However, intervention studies are needed to confirm this conclusion and permanent lesion studies cannot distinguish effects on encoding and retrieval. The interval between encoding and retrieval tests may also be a critical determinant of the role of the ACgx. The current series of experiments used micro-infusion of the GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, into ACgx to reversibly inactivate the area and distinguish its role in encoding and retrieval. ACgx infusions of muscimol, before encoding did not alter NOR assessed after a delay of 20 min or 24 h. However, when infused into the ACgx before retrieval muscimol impaired NOR assessed after a delay of 24 h, but not after a 20-min retention test. Together these findings suggest that the ACgx plays a time-dependent role in the retrieval, but not the encoding, of NOR memory, neuronal activation being required for the retrieval of remote (24 h old), but not recent (20 min old) visual memory.
Superior long-term synaptic memory induced by combining dual pharmacological activation of PKA and ERK with an enhanced training protocol
Authors: Liu Rong-Yu , Neveu Curtis , Smolen Paul , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H.
Published: June 2017

Developing treatment strategies to enhance memory is an important goal of neuroscience research. Activation of multiple biochemical signaling cascades, such as the protein kinase A (PKA) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, is necessary to induce long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF), a correlate of long-term memory (LTM). Previously, a computational model was developed which correctly predicted a novel enhanced training protocol that augmented LTF by searching for the protocol with maximal overlap of PKA and ERK activation. The present study focused on pharmacological approaches to enhance LTF. Combining an ERK activator, NSC, and a PKA activator, rolipram, enhanced LTF to a greater extent than did either drug alone. An even greater increase in LTF occurred when rolipram and NSC were combined with the Enhanced protocol. These results indicate superior memory can be achieved by enhanced protocols that take advantage of the structure and dynamics of the biochemical cascades underlying memory formation, used in conjunction with combinatorial pharmacology.
Regulatory BC1 RNA in cognitive control
Authors: Iacoangeli Anna , Dosunmu Aderemi , Eom Taesun , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Tiedge Henri
Published: June 2017

Dendritic regulatory BC1 RNA is a non-protein-coding (npc) RNA that operates in the translational control of gene expression. The absence of BC1 RNA in BC1 knockout (KO) animals causes translational dysregulation that entails neuronal phenotypic alterations including prolonged epileptiform discharges, audiogenic seizure activity in vivo, and excessive cortical oscillations in the γ frequency band. Here we asked whether BC1 RNA control is also required for higher brain functions such as learning, memory, or cognition. To address this question, we used odor/object attentional set shifting tasks in which prefrontal cortical performance was assessed in a series of discrimination and conflict learning sessions. Results obtained in these behavioral trials indicate that BC1 KO animals were significantly impaired in their cognitive flexibility. When faced with conflicting information sources, BC1 KO animals committed regressive errors as they were compromised in their ability to disengage from recently acquired memories even though recall of such memories was in conflict with new situational context. The observed cognitive deficits are reminiscent of those previously described in subtypes of human autism spectrum disorders.
Crystal structure of a β-aminopeptidase from an AustralianBurkholderiasp.
Authors: John-White Marietta , Dumsday Geoff J. , Johanesen Priscilla , Lyras Dena , Drinkwater Nyssa , McGowan Sheena
Published: June 2017

β-Aminopeptidases are a unique group of enzymes that have the unusual capability to hydrolyze N-terminal β-amino acids from synthetic β-peptides. β-Peptides can form secondary structures mimicking α-peptide-like structures that are resistant to degradation by most known proteases and peptidases. These characteristics of β-peptides give them great potential as peptidomimetics. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of BcA5-BapA, a β-aminopeptidase from a Gram-negativeBurkholderiasp. that was isolated from activated sludge from a wastewater-treatment plant in Australia, is reported. The crystal structure of BcA5-BapA was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å and showed a tetrameric assembly typical of the β-aminopeptidases. Each monomer consists of an α-subunit (residues 1–238) and a β-subunit (residues 239–367). Comparison of the structure of BcA5-BapA with those of other known β-aminopeptidases shows a highly conserved structure and suggests a similar proteolytic mechanism of action.
Evolving digital divides in information literacy and learning outcomes
Authors: Adhikari Janak , Scogings Chris , Mathrani Anuradha , Sofat Indu
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek answers to questions on how equity of information literacy and learning outcomes have evolved with the ongoing advances in technologies in teaching and learning across schools. The authors’ report on a five-year long bring your own device (BYOD) journey of one school, which was one of the earliest adopters of one-to-one learning devices in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a socio-cultural ecological lens for analysis, a longitudinal study has investigated aspects of how digital/information literacy, computer self-efficacy, and nature of technology usage are transforming school and classroom curriculum practices.

Findings

Findings of this study reveal a significant shift in social and academic boundaries between formal and informal learning spaces. One-to-one learning devices provide the link between school and home, as students take more ownership of their learning, and teachers become facilitators. Curricula changes and proper technological support systems introduced in the school structures have given agency to students resulting in greater acceptance of the BYOD policy and extensions to learning beyond formal classroom spaces. Digital divide amongst learners has evolved beyond equity in access and equity in capabilities to become more inclusive, thereby paving the way for equity in learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted in a school which is located in a relatively high socio-economic region. To achieve a more holistic view, there is a need for further studies to be conducted in schools from low socio-economic communities.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature by sharing teacher reflections on their use of innovative pedagogies to bring changes to classroom curricular practice.
Hybrid cargo airships: a humanitarian logistic game changer?
Authors: Tatham Peter , Neal Craig , Wu Yong
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Recent advances in aviation technology have seen the development of helium-filled “hybrid cargo airships” (HCAs) which have the potential to convey large payloads over significant distances at relatively low cost and with a small carbon footprint. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how such HCAs could be used to improve the logistic response to a rapid onset disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

Through consideration of three recent natural disasters (Typhoon Haiyan – The Philippines – 2013; The Nepal Earthquake – 2015; Cyclone Winston – Fiji – 2016), and drawing on both academic and practitioner literature, this paper provides an overview of how HCAs could potentially provide logistic support to those affected by similar disasters. The paper considers two scenarios: one in which the HCA replaces local truck or sea-based transport from an international airport to the disaster area, and the other in which it operates directly from a United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot to the disaster area.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that, when compared with the actual response to these three exemplar disasters, in the first scenario the use of HCAs provides a significantly faster but more expensive response; whereas in the second scenario, the timeline to supply is longer, but the costs are considerably less.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is conceptual in nature, but has been developed through an analysis of the literature related to both HCAs and humanitarian logistics. Given that the emerging generation of HCAs has yet to become fully operational, it will be important to continue to monitor their development and analyse the emerging speed/time/cost parameters in order to ascertain how HCAs might be optimally integrated into the logistic response to a disaster.

Practical implications

The significant cargo carrying capacity of an HCA together with its ability to operate from and into ad hoc locations (including those on water) would enable direct delivery from an international airhead or humanitarian response depot to an affected area. This has clear potential to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility of post-disaster logistic operations.

Originality/value

Whilst there is some emerging discussion of the humanitarian-related use of HCAs in the literature, this generally reflects the technical aspects such as flight control systems and the actual operation of the airships. This paper is the first to offer a practical analysis of how HCAs might be used to support the work of the humanitarian logistician.
Consumer control in service recovery: beyond decisional control
Authors: Joosten Herm , Bloemer Josée , Hillebrand Bas
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Focusing on decisional control of the outcome provides only a partial picture of how firms may handle customer complaints and ignores many (alternative) opportunities to recover the relationship with the customer when service delivery fails. The purpose of this paper is to introduce other types of control and explore their effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a field study using survey instruments to collect data from real consumers, which are subsequently analyzed with structural equations modeling.

Findings

The main conclusion of this study is that there is more to control than having a choice. Different types of control have differential main effects: behavioral control affects distributive justice, cognitive control affects procedural justice and decisional control affects interactional justice (which in turn affect satisfaction and loyalty).

Research limitations/implications

Service recovery research should include behavioral, cognitive and decisional control of the service recovery as aspects of the firm’s organizational response to customer complaints. The effects of these customer control types on satisfaction and loyalty are mediated by dimensions of justice.

Practical implications

Firms should offer complaining customers information to interpret and appraise the failure (cognitive control), opportunities to personally take action and influence the recovery (behavioral control), and choices in the recovery process and outcome (decisional control).

Originality/value

This study is the first to offer a comprehensive investigation of the subtle interrelationships between types of control and dimensions of justice in a service recovery context.
Articulating the service concept in professional service firms
Authors: Beltagui Ahmad , Sigurdsson Kjartan , Candi Marina , Riedel Johann C.K.H.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution to the challenges of professional service firms (PSF), which are referred to as cat herding, opaque quality and lack of process standardization. These result from misalignment in the mental pictures that managers, employees and customers have of the service. The study demonstrates how the process of articulating a shared service concept reduces these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative methodology is used to analyze the perspectives of old management, new management and employees during organizational change in a PSF – a website design company growing to offer full-service branding. Group narratives are constructed using longitudinal data gathered through interviews and fieldwork, in order to compare the misaligned mental pictures and show the benefits of articulating the service concept.

Findings

Professional employees view growth and change as threats to their culture and practice, particularly when new management seeks to standardize processes. These threats are revealed to stem from misinterpretations caused by miscommunication of intentions and lack of participation in decision making. Articulating a shared service concept helps to align understanding and return the firm to equilibrium.

Research limitations/implications

The narrative methodology helps unpack conflicting perspectives, but is open to claims of subjectivity and misrepresentation. To ensure fairness and trustworthiness, informants were invited to review and approve the narratives.

Originality/value

The study contributes propositions related to the value of articulating a shared service concept as a means of minimizing the challenges of PSFs.
The impact of language style accommodation during social media interactions on brand trust
Authors: Jakic Ana , Wagner Maximilian Oskar , Meyer Anton
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Social media encourage interactions between customers and brands. Concerning the cues utilized during social media interactions, verbal cues (i.e. the language used) gain importance, since non-verbal and paraverbal cues are hard to convey via social media. Looking at interpersonal interactions, interlocutors adopt each other’s language styles or maintain their own language style during interactions to build trust. Transferring these insights to social media, the purpose of this paper is to test the effects of a brand’s language style accommodation in brand-customer interactions on brand trust and on its antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

Two quantitative pre-studies (n1 (questionnaire)=32, n2 (laboratory experiment)=199), and one quantitative main study (n3 (laboratory experiment)=427) were conducted to determine the effects of a brand’s language style accommodation on brand trust.

Findings

In line with communication accommodation theory, this paper reveals that the impact of a brand’s accommodation strategy on brand trust is mediated by perceived relationship investments, such as perceived interaction effort, benevolence, and quality of interaction. This paper also underscores language style’s roles and its fit, and sheds light on situational factors such as purchase decision involvement and the valence of the content.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to transfer cross-disciplinary theories on interpersonal interactions to brand-customer interactions in social media. Thus, the authors derive the effects of language style accommodation on brand trust as well as further mediating effects.
Case of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy manifesting anhidrosis
Authors: Yoshifuku Asuka , Yoneda Koichi , Sakiyama Yusuke , Higuchi Osamu , Nakane Shunya , Kanekura Takuro
Published: June 2017

Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG), clinically characterized by gastrointestinal dysmotility, orthostatic hypotension and tonic pupils, is an idiopathic acquired disorder of the autonomic nervous system elicited by antibodies against ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR). We encountered a 60‐year‐old man who presented with severe anhidrosis, difficulty in thermoregulation, orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal dysmotility, tonic pupils and ptosis. Histologically, an anhidrotic skin sample was normal. Routine laboratory examinations of blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid returned no abnormal findings. Serological examination revealed antibodies against α3 and β4 subunits of gAChR. The diagnosis was AAG. As sudomotor dysfunction reflects ganglionic neuropathy in AAG, we concluded that his anhidrosis was attributable to AAG. Anhidrosis is an important clue for the diagnosis of AAG, a rare neurological disorder.
A survey of speech–language therapy provision for people with post‐stroke dysarthria in the UK
Authors: Miller Nick , Bloch Steven
Published: June 2017

Background

A large number of people who experience a stroke are affected by dysarthria. This may be in isolation or in association with aphasia and/or dysphagia. Despite evidence highlighting the psychological and social impact of having post‐stroke dysarthria and a number of clinical guidelines that make recommendations for appropriate management, little is known currently about UK service delivery issues relating to speech and language therapy (SLT) assessment and treatment for this group. Such evidence is necessary in order to plan, develop and research services for people with post‐stroke dysarthria.

Aims

To gain an overview of SLT practices in the management of people with dysarthria after stroke in the UK.

Methods & Procedures

SLTs in the UK were asked to complete an online survey addressing referral patterns, caseload profiles, and their assessment and intervention methods for post‐stroke dysarthria. In the absence of a national register of clinicians working with people with acquired dysarthria, a snowballing method was used to facilitate participant recruitment. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Outcomes & Results

A total of 146 SLTs responded. The majority were employed by the National Health Service (NHS). Most patients were referred within 1 week post‐stroke. Almost half the respondents did not regularly use formal assessments and the use of instrumentation was rare, including the use of video recording. The focus of therapy for mild, moderate and severe dysarthria did not differ significantly for clinicians. A little under half the respondents endorsed non‐verbal oral exercises in rehabilitation. The survey demonstrated some appreciation of the centrality of regular intensive practice to effect change, but this was in a minority.

Conclusions & Implications

Through this research it became clear that basic information regarding post‐stroke dysarthria incidence, prevalence and core demographics is currently unavailable. More embedded NHS SLT reporting systems would make a significant contribution to this area. A more in‐depth examination is required of the natural history of dysarthria over the months and years following stroke, of SLT practices in relation to post‐stroke dysarthria, with investigations to understand more fully the choices SLTs make and how this relates to available evidence to support their clinical decision‐making.
Supporting people with aphasia to ‘settle into a new way to be’: speech and language therapists’ views on providing psychosocial support
Authors: Northcott Sarah , Simpson Alan , Moss Becky , Ahmed Nafiso , Hilari Katerina
Published: June 2017

Background

People with aphasia are at risk of becoming depressed and isolated. Online surveys have found that the majority of speech and language therapists (SLTs) lack confidence in addressing the psychological needs of people with aphasia.

Aims

To explore how SLTs conceptualize the scope of their role; barriers and facilitators to SLTs addressing psychosocial needs; and SLTs’ experiences of specialist training and support, and working with mental health professionals (MHPs).

Methods & Procedures

Focus groups were conducted in stroke healthcare settings. Purposive sampling was used when selecting sites so as to capture a range of experiences. Results were analysed using framework analysis.

Outcomes & Results

Twenty‐three SLTs took part in six focus groups. Participants’ psychosocial work included counselling‐type interactions, psycho‐education, working with families, facilitating peer support and training other healthcare professionals. There was lack of consensus on the scope of the SLT role. Many expressed a sense of conflict, both perceiving it as valuable to spend time addressing psychological well‐being, while simultaneously feeling uneasy if they deviated from ‘direct SLT’ work. Barriers to addressing psychosocial well‐being were: emotionally challenging nature of this work, particularly for those who felt unsupported; caseload and time pressures; attitudes of senior managers and commissioners; difficulties measuring and documenting more ‘fluid’ psychosocial work; and the complexity of the needs and backgrounds of some patients. Enabling factors were: specialist ongoing support; peer support from colleagues; experience; support of management; and personal belief. Specialist training was valued. It changed how participants viewed the therapist–client relationship (more client led); the assessment and goal‐setting process; and gave them more confidence to acknowledge client emotions. However, many felt that there was a need for ongoing specialist advice, and to be able to see approaches modelled for this client group. In terms of MHPs, a subset of stroke‐specialist clinical psychologists worked directly with people with marked aphasia and families, as well as supporting the multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care. However, a main theme was that participants perceived many MHPs did not consider people with aphasia as ‘appropriate candidates’ for psychological input.

Conclusions & Implications

All participants cared about the emotional well‐being of their clients; however, they identified a number of barriers to people with aphasia receiving appropriate psychological support. A cultural shift, whereby psychological care for people with aphasia is seen as valuable, feasible and necessary, delivered collaboratively by SLTs, MHPs and the wider team, may improve services.
Long‐term psychosocial outcomes after face transplantation: a patient's and a partner's perspective
Authors: Lemmens Gilbert M.D. , Hendrickx Hannelore , Poppe Carine , Roche Nathalie A. , Peeters Patrick C. , Vermeersch Hubert F. , Rogiers Xavier , Van Lierde Kristiane , Blondeel Phillip N.
Published: June 2017

To date, psychosocial outcomes after face transplantation are promising, although the impact on family relationships is less well investigated. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, resilience, spousal support, dyadic adjustment, family functioning of a patient and the partner were assessed before, and two, three and four years after the face transplantation. Most psychological, marital and family scores of both partners remained within a normative and healthy range at follow‐up. Resilience, illness cognitions, physical quality of life, and family affective responsiveness and communication of the patient further improved, whereas the partner reported higher resilience and dyadic consensus at four years after transplantation. The results of this study point to positive long‐term psychosocial outcomes of a blind patient and his partner after face transplantation.

Practitioner points

Psychological health of patient and partner remains good after face transplantation

Marital and family functioning remains stable after face transplantation and may even improve

Face transplantation may strengthen the resilience of the patient and the partner
The home literacy environment of school‐aged children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Lucas Rebecca , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: June 2017

For typically developing (TD) children, the home literacy environment (HLE) impacts reading competence, yet few studies have explored the HLE of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We collected information about the HLE of children aged 7–13 with ASD and their TD peers via a parental questionnaire and examined whether there were any differences in home literacy practices. Subtle group differences emerged. Children with ASD and concomitant language disorder (autism language disorder [ALD]) were engaged in shared reading and reading discussion more frequently than were TD children and children with ASD and age‐appropriate language skills (autism language normal [ALN]). However, both ALN and ALD children engaged in shared reading for a shorter duration than their TD peers. Across groups, frequency and duration of independent reading were positively associated with reading ability and attitude. Thus, home literacy practices appear to reflect child characteristics, and parents are well placed to facilitate their children's literacy development through encouragement and scaffolding.

Highlights

What is already known about this topic

The home literacy environment (HLE) impacts the reading development of typically developing children.

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have reading difficulties, but little is known about the HLE of children with ASD.

What this paper adds

We examined the relationship between the HLE and reading for children with ASD.

Poorer readers with ASD were engaged in shared reading practices more frequently than proficient readers.

Children with ASD engaged in shared reading practices for a shorter duration than their typically developing peers.

Implications for practice

Home literacy practices appear to reflect child characteristics.

Parents are well placed to facilitate their children's literacy development through encouragement and scaffolding.
Consistency of total body surface area assessment in severe burns: Implications for practice
Authors: Face Stephen , Dalton Sarah
Published: June 2017

Background

Paediatric burn injury is common and often serious. Injuries occur across New South Wales (NSW), with specialised treatment provided in a centralised burns unit. Early management prior to transfer is essential but variation is seen.

Objectives

To determine if differences exist between referring hospital estimates of the total body surface area (TBSA) of burns, and estimates for the same burns by the Burns Unit. To consider if differences in estimations influence initial and ongoing management, and decisions regarding transfer/retrieval.

Methods

A retrospective record review of all patients referred to NSW Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) with burn injury between January 2009 and January 2011. Both NETS and NSW Burns Unit records were analysed.

Results

A total of 123 patients were referred to NETS with burn injury. Approximately half (55/123 = 45%) were referred with a TBSA >10% and transferred to the NSW Burns Unit, where just over half (33/55 = 60%) were assessed as >10%. This means 40% of cases received an initial overestimation of TBSA by referring hospitals. NETS medical teams transferred 34 patients to the Burns Unit, eight (24%) of which on retrospective review did not meet the NSW Burn Transfer Guidelines criteria for a medical team transfer.

Conclusions

Our review demonstrated significant differences between the TBSA assessment of referring hospitals and the NSW Burns Unit. These inconsistencies may have resulted in children receiving treatment and transport not indicated based on accurate TBSA assessment. Potentially unnecessary transfers have implications for the displacement of children and families but also impact overall health costs and resource availability.
Addition of Rifampicin to Bolton Broth to Inhibit Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase‐Producing Escherichia coli for the Detection of Campylobacter
Authors: Chon Jung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Ji , Kim Young‐Jo , Jung Ji Young , Bae Dongryeoul , Khan Saeed , Seo Kun‐Ho , Sung Kidon
Published: June 2017

Exponential growth of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia coli in Campylobacter media has become a common problem for the detection of Campylobacter in chicken meats. We investigated the minimum inhibitory concentration of 40 ESBL‐producing E. coli isolates from meats obtained from various countries against antibacterial agents in Bolton broth (cefoperazone, vancomycin, and trimethoprim). All ESBL‐producing E. coli strains were resistant to cefoperazone and vancomycin, whereas 50% of them were resistant to trimethoprim and grew in Bolton broth. We found that 20 μg/mL of rifampicin inhibited the growth of trimethoprim‐resistant E. coli strains. Hence, we added 20 μg/mL of rifampicin to Bolton broth to improve the isolation of Campylobacter from chicken carcass rinses. The isolation rate of Campylobacter was significantly higher in the modified broth (44 out of 58, 75.9%, P < 0.05) than in the normal broth (0 out of 58, 0%). Furthermore, the number of agar plates with non‐Campylobacter spp. was much lower after enrichment in the modified broth (4 out of 58, 6.9%, P < 0.05) than in the normal broth (58 out of 58, 100%).
Nutritional and Functional Bioactivity Value of Selected Azorean Macroalgae: Ulva compressa, Ulva rigida, Gelidium microdon, and Pterocladiella capillacea
Authors: Paiva Lisete , Lima Elisabete , Neto Ana Isabel , Marcone Massimo , Baptista José
Published: June 2017

This study presents information on the biochemical composition (dry weight basis), nutritional aspects, and angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties of selected macroalgae (Ulva compressa, Ulva rigida, Gelidium microdon, and Pterocladiella capillacea) from Azores. Moisture content was very high (83.2% to 90.0% of fresh weight). Total dietary fiber (33.7% to 41.0%) that presented a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fibers (15.5% to 19.2% and 18.2% to 21.8%, respectively) was the most abundant component in these macroalgae. Protein and ash (ranged from 15.7% to 23.4% and 10.7% to 20.7%, respectively) were the 2nd most abundant components in red and green macroalgae, respectively. Moderate soluble carbohydrate contents (14.5% to 19.8%) were found in all species. Lipid contents were low (1.0% to 4.3%), particularly in Ulva species (1.0% to 1.7%), but contained higher unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (7.5% to 32.9% and 29.6% to 69.2% of total FA for monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid groups, respectively) than saturated fatty acid (23.3% to 46.8% of total FA) contents. All the macroalgal proteins had high digestibility in vitro (82.2% to 89.4%, relatively to sodium caseinate), contained high quantity of essential amino acids (45.3% to 58.1% of total amino acids), but in different proportions, and were rich in aspartic and glutamic acids that together account for 17.2% to 36.2% of the total amino acids. These results suggested that regular consumption of the selected macroalgae may improve human health and revealed that they can be used for producing food supplements for human and animal nutrition and/or pharmaceuticals with potential effect on the regional economy. Furthermore, the ACE‐inhibitory IC50 values of 0.095 to 0.695 mg/mL for the <1 kDa protein hydrolysate fraction revealed a potential impact on hypertension disorder.