bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trophic interaction modifications disrupt the structure and stability of food webs
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Morris Rebecca J. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: June 2018

Trophic interaction modifications, where a consumer-resource interaction is influenced by an additional species, are established as being prevalent throughout ecological networks. Despite this, their influence on the structure of interaction distributions within communities has not yet been examined. Although empirical information about the distribution of interaction modifications is currently sparse, the non-trophic effects they induce will be structured by the underlying network of trophic interactions. Here we test the impact of interaction modifications, introduced under a range of distributional assumptions to artificial and empirical trophic networks, on the overall structure of interactions within communities. We show that local stability and reactivity is critically dependent on the inter-relationship between the trophic and non-trophic effects. Depending on their distribution, interaction modifications can generate significant additional structure to community interactions making analyses of the stability of ecological systems based solely on trophic networks unreliable. Empirical information on the topological and strength distributions of interaction modifications will be a key part of understanding the dynamics of communities.
Getting there and staying there: supporting and enabling persistent human life on Mars using synthetic natural rubber, self-healing materials, and biological batteries
Authors: Acharya Nischal , Baker Natalie , Bravo Marilu Krystal , Gu Katie , Harken Sierra , Herschl Michael Howland , Petersen Addie , Pirozzi Ileana , Spangle Dylan , Sun Gordon , Vuong Brian , Averesch Nils J.H. , Fujishima Kosuke , Kalkus Trevor! J. , Rogers Kara J. Helmke , Rothschild Lynn J.
Published: June 2018

Planetary exploration requires a balance between preemptive planning and financial feasibility. The risk of mid-mission equipment failure, power shortages, or supply depletion incentivizes precautionary measures, but the financial strain of sending unnecessary mass into space limits this practice.

To balance the two, our team explored the advantages of biological solutions, namely the self-sustaining abilities of low-mass organisms, to make planetary exploration more self-sufficient and economical. Prioritizing repair over replacement, we are developing self-healing materials embedded with Bacillus subtilis. For longer-lasting energy, we are designing a “biobactery” using linearly oriented Escherichia coli to generate power. For renewable materials, we are engineering bacteria to synthesize and degrade rubber. Individually, these projects offer sustainable alternatives for repair, power, and materials. But when combined, these consolidated insights can provide us with the power to get to Mars and resources to sustain us while we’re there.
Impaired hematopoiesis and leukemia development in mice with a conditional “knock-in” allele of a mutant splicing factor geneU2af1
Authors: Fei Dennis Liang , Zhen Tao , Durham Benjamin , Ferrarone John , Zhang Tuo , Garrett Lisa , Yoshimi Akihide , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Bradley Robert K. , Liu Paul , Varmus Harold
Published: June 2018

Mutations affecting the spliceosomal protein U2AF1 are commonly found in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). We have generated mice that carry Cre-dependent “knock-in” alleles ofU2af1(S34F), the murine version of the most common mutant allele ofU2AF1encountered in human cancers. Cre-mediated recombination in murine hematopoietic lineages caused changes in RNA splicing, as well as multilineage cytopenia, macrocytic anemia, decreased hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, low-grade dysplasias, and impaired transplantability, but without lifespan shortening or leukemia development. In an attempt to identifyU2af1(S34F)-cooperating changes that promote leukemogenesis, we combinedU2af1(S34F) withRunx1deficiency in mice and further treated the mice with a mutagen, N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea (ENU). Overall, three of sixteen ENU-treated compound transgenic mice developed AML. However, AML did not arise in mice with other genotypes or without ENU treatment. Sequencing DNA from the three AMLs revealed somatic mutations homologous to those considered to be drivers of human AML, including predicted loss-or gain-of-function mutations inTet2, Gata2, Idh1, andIkzfl.However, the engineeredU2af1(S34F)missense mutation reverted to wild type (WT) in two of the three AML cases, implying thatU2af1(S34F) is dispensable, or even selected against, once leukemia is established.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Somatic mutations in four splicing factor genes (U2AF1, SRSF2, SF3B1, andZRSR2) are found in MDS and MDS-related AML, blood cancers with few effective treatment options. However, the pathophysiological effects of these mutations remain poorly characterized, in part due to the paucity of disease-relevant models. Here, we report the establishment of mouse models to study the most commonU2AF1mutation,U2af1(S34F). Production of the mutant protein specifically in the murine hematopoietic compartment disrupts hematopoiesis in ways resembling human MDS. We further identified deletion of theRunx1gene and other known oncogenic mutations as changes that might collaborate withU2af1(S34F) to give rise to frank AML in mice.
Febrile temperatures increase in vitro antibody affinity for malaria and dengue antigens
Authors: Stan Razvan C. , Françoso Katia S. , Alves Rubens P.S. , Ferreira Luís Carlos S. , Soares Irene S. , de Camargo Maristela M.
Published: June 2018

Fever is a regulated elevation in the body setpoint temperature and may arise as a result of infectious and noninfectious causes. While beneficial in modulating immune responses to infection, the potential of febrile temperatures in regulating antigen binding affinity to antibodies has not been explored. We have investigated this process under in vitro conditions using selected malaria or dengue antigens and specific monoclonal antibodies, and observed a marked increase in the affinity of these antibody-antigen complexes at 40°C, compared to physiological (37°C) or pathophysiological temperatures (42°C). Induced thermal equilibration of the protein partners at these temperatures, prior to measurements, further increased their binding affinity. These results may indicate an unexpected beneficial and adaptive role for fever in vivo, and highlight the positive role of thermal priming in enhancing protein-protein affinity for samples of scarce availability.
Segmentation of Glomeruli Within Trichrome Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kannan Shruti , Morgan Laura A. , Liang Benjamin , Cheung McKenzie G. , Lin Christopher Q. , Mun Dan , Nader Ralph G. , Belghasem Mostafa E. , Henderson Joel M. , Francis Jean M. , Chitalia Vipul C. , Kolachalama Vijaya B.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The number of glomeruli and glomerulosclerosis evaluated on kidney biopsy slides constitute as standard components of a renal pathology report. Prevailing methods for glomerular assessment remain manual, labor intensive and non-standardized. We developed a deep learning framework to accurately identify and segment glomeruli from digitized images of human kidney biopsies.

Methods

Trichrome-stained images (n=275) from renal biopsies of 171 chronic kidney disease patients treated at the Boston Medical Center from 2009-12 were analyzed. A sliding window operation was defined to crop each original image to smaller images. Each cropped image was then evaluated by three experts into three categories: (a) No glomerulus, (b) Normal or partially sclerosed glomerulus and (c) Globally sclerosed glomerulus. This led to identification of 751 unique images representing non­glomerular regions, 611 images with either normal or partially sclerosed (NPS) glomeruli and 134 images with globally sclerosed (GS) glomeruli. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained with cropped images as inputs and corresponding labels as output. Using this model, an image processing routine was developed to scan the test data images to segment the GS glomeruli.

Results

The CNN model was able to accurately discriminate non-glomerular images from NPS and GS images (Performance on test data - Accuracy: 92.67±2.02% and Kappa: 0.8681±0.0392). The segmentation model that was based on the CNN multi-label classifier accurately marked the GS glomeruli on the test data (Matthews correlation coefficient = 0.628).

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the power of deep learning for assessing complex histologic structures from digitized human kidney biopsies.
Poor codon optimality as a signal to degrade transcripts with frameshifts
Authors: Schikora-Tamarit Miquel Àngel , Carey Lucas B.
Published: June 2018

Living organisms are error-prone. Every second a single human cell produces over 100 transcripts with a substitution, frameshift or splicing error. Multiple mRNA quality control pathways exist to degrade these transcripts. Many of these pathways involve co-translational regulation of mRNA stability, such as nonsense mediated decay (NMD) and reduced stability of transcripts with suboptimal codon usage. Recent work has shown the existence of a genetic link between NMD and codon-usage mediated mRNA decay. Here we present new computational evidence that, because the codons following most frameshift errors are suboptimal, removal of mRNAs with such errors may be mediated by degradation of mRNAs with sub-optimal codons. Thus, most transcripts that contain frameshifts are subject to two modes of degradation.

Author summary

Frameshifting errors are common and mRNA quality control pathways, such as nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), exist to degrade these aberrant transcripts. Recent work has shown the existence of a genetic link between NMD and codon-usage mediated mRNA decay. Here we present computational evidence that these pathways are synergic for removing frameshifts.
Diverse motif ensembles specify non-redundant DNA binding activities of AP-1 family members in macrophages
Authors: Fonseca Gregory J. , Tao Jenhan , Westin Emma M. , Duttke Sascha H. , Spann Nathanael J. , Strid Tobias , Shen Zeyang , Stender Joshua D. , Link Verena M. , Benner Christopher , Glass Christopher K.
Published: June 2018

Mechanisms by which members of the AP-1 family of transcription factors play both redundant and non-redundant biological roles despite recognizing the same DNA sequence remain poorly understood. To address this question, we investigated the molecular functions and genome-wide DNA binding patterns of AP-1 family members in macrophages. ChIP-sequencing showed overlapping and distinct binding profiles for each factor that were remodeled following TLR4 ligation. Development of a machine learning approach that jointly weighs hundreds of DNA recognition elements yielded dozens of motifs predicted to drive factor-specific binding profiles. Machine learning-based predictions were confirmed by analysis of the effects of mutations in genetically diverse mice and by loss of function experiments. These findings provide evidence that non-redundant genomic locations of different AP-1 family members in macrophages largely result from collaborative interactions with diverse, locus-specific ensembles of transcription factors and suggest a general mechanism for encoding functional specificities of their common recognition motif.
Cerebrovascular Injuries Induce Lymphatic Invasion into Brain Parenchyma to Guide Vascular Regeneration in Zebrafish
Authors: Chen Jingying , He Jianbo , Yang Qifen , Zhang Yaoguang , Luo Lingfei
Published: June 2018

Damage to regional cerebrovascular network and neuronal tissues occurs during acute cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke. The promotion of vascular regeneration is the most promising therapeutic approach. To understand cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain vascular regeneration, we developed two zebrafish cerebrovascular injury models using genetic ablation and photochemical thrombosis. Although brain parenchyma is physiologically devoid of lymphatic vasculature, we found that cerebrovascular injuries induce rapid ingrowth of meningeal lymphatics into the injured parenchyma. The ingrown lymphatics on one hand become lumenized drain interstitial fluid to resolve brain edema, on the other hand act as “growing tracks” for nascent blood vessels. The ingrown lymphatic vessels undergo apoptosis and clearance after cerebrovascular regeneration. This study reveals a pathological function of meningeal lymphatics, through previously unexpected ingrowth into brain parenchyma and a newly identified lymphatic function as vascular “growing tracks”.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cerebrovascular injuries induce lymphatic ingrowth into the injured brain parenchyma The ingrown lymphatics drain interstitial fluid to resolve brain edema Nascent blood vessels use the ingrown lymphatic vessels as “growing tracks” The ingrown lymphatic vessels undergo apoptosis after vascular regeneration completes
The Mechanical of Organic Acids Secreted by Roots of Tartary Buckwheat under the Effects of Low Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Chen Wei , Cui Yaru , Yang Yang , Huangfu Qianhua , Sun Congjian
Published: June 2018

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of two different low nitrogen tolerant tartary buckwheat varieties’ (Diqing buckwheat (DQ, low nitrogen resistance) and Heifeng 1 (HF, low nitrogen sensitive) response mechanism of organic acids to low nitrogen stress. The results showed that the soil moisture of HF and DQ under low nitrogen treatment decreased 24.2% and 14.32%, respectively when compared with normal nitrogen treatment, and the water consumption of DQ was significantly higher than that of HF at seedling stage. Under low nitrogen treatment, the soil pH value of DQ was 1.44% and 8.44% lower than that of HF at seedling and flowering stages, respectively, the content of NH4+ in DQ soil was 8.2% lower than that of HF at maturity stage, the content of NO3− was significantly higher than that HF 49.2%, 12.9%, and 16.6% in each growth period, respectively. Split plot analysis showed that nitrogen treatment significantly affected the organic acids content in the soil of the buckwheat. The secretion content of organic acids are different among buckwheat cultivars under low nitrogen stress. In the soil of DQ, the content of malonic acid was higher than that of HF by 34.39% at maturity stage; the content of oxalic acid was respectively higher than that of HF by 24.86% and 24.52% at seedling and flowering stages; the content of propionic acid was significantly higher than that of HF by 7.36%, 9.44% and23.47% in each growth period, respectively; and tartaric acid acetic acid also showed the same trend at flowering and maturity stages. In summary, tartary buckwheat may regulate the nutrient availability of rhizosphere soil through the secretion of organic acids in the root system to cope with the low nitrogen stress environment. For the cultivation of tartary buckwheat on poor soil should consider the differences cultivaring barren resistance varieties to increase efficiency in the future.
Seamless Assembly of BiologicalPartsinto FunctionalDevicesand Higher OrderMulti-Device Systems
Authors: Braman Jeffrey C , Sheffield Peter J
Published: June 2018

A new method is described for the seamless assembly of independent, prefabricated and functionally tested blunt-end, double strand nucleic acidparts(DNA fragments) into more complex biologicaldevices(vectors) and higher ordermulti-devicesystems.Individualpartsinclude bacterial selection markers, bacterial origins of replication, promoters from a variety of different species, transcription terminators, shuttle sequences and a variety of “N” and “C” terminal solubility/affinity expression tags. Pre-assembly modification ofpartswith DNA modifying enzymes is not required. Seamless assembly of multiple parts is accomplished in a single step using a specialized thermostable enzyme blend in about 30 minutes. Combinatorial assembly ofpartsis an inherent feature of the new process, substantially simplifyingdeviceandsystemoptimization. To underscore the utility of the new process,partswere assembled into several protein expressiondevicesin order to identify the optimal expression construct for a model target gene, as an example of the utility of the assembly process, and a higher order multi-device systemis also described, for the over-expression of a four-enzyme bio-synthetic pathway, and optimized for end-product accumulation inE. colias a paradigm for how this assembly process could be used to address the assembly of more complex biological pathways.
SIR proteins create compact heterochromatin fibers
Authors: Swygert Sarah G. , Senapati Subhadip , Bolukbasi Mehmet F. , Wolfe Scot A. , Lindsay Stuart , Peterson Craig L.
Published: June 2018

Heterochromatin is a silenced chromatin region essential for maintaining genomic stability and driving developmental processes. The complicated structure and dynamics of heterochromatin have rendered it difficult to characterize. In budding yeast, heterochromatin assembly requires the SIR proteins -- Sir3, believed to be the primary structural component of SIR heterochromatin, and the Sir2/4 complex, responsible for the targeted recruitment of SIR proteins and the deacetylation of lysine 16 of histone H4. Previously, we found that Sir3 binds but does not compact nucleosomal arrays. Here we reconstitute chromatin fibers with the complete complement of SIR proteins and use sedimentation velocity, molecular modeling, and atomic force microscopy to characterize the stoichiometry and conformation of SIR chromatin fibers. In contrast to previous studies, our results demonstrate that SIR arrays are highly compact. Strikingly, the condensed structure of SIR heterochromatin fibers requires both the integrity of H4K16 and an interaction between Sir3 and Sir4. We propose a model in which two molecules of Sir3 bridge and stabilize two adjacent nucleosomes, while a single Sir2/4 heterodimer binds the intervening linker DNA, driving fiber compaction.
Reciprocal regulation among TRPV1 channels and phosphoi nos itide 3-kinase in response to nerve growth factor
Authors: Stratiievska Anastasiia , Nelson Sara , Senning Eric N. , Lautz Jonathan D. , Smith Stephen E.P. , Gordon Sharona E.
Published: June 2018

Although it has been known for over a decade that the inflammatory mediator NGF sensitizes pain-receptor neurons through increased trafficking of TRPV1 channels to the plasma membrane, the mechanism by which this occurs remains mysterious. NGF activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), the enzyme that generates PIP3, and PI3K activity is required for sensitization. One tantalizing hint came from the finding that the N-terminal region of TRPV1 interacts directly with PI3K. Using 2-color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we show that TRPV1 potentiates NGF-induced PI3K activity. A soluble TRPV1 fragment corresponding to the N-terminal Ankyrin repeats domain (ARD) was sufficient to produce this potentiation, indicating that allosteric regulation was involved. Further, other TRPV channels with conserved ARDs also potentiated NGF-induced PI3K activity whereas TRP channels lacking ARDs did not. Our data demonstrate a novel reciprocal regulation of PI3K signaling by the ARD of TRPV channels.
Elucidating the functional role of predicted miRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation along with symbiosis inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Moumita Roy Chowdhury , Basak Jolly , Bahadur Ranjit Prasad
Published: June 2018

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are found to be important regulator of gene expression because of their ability to modulate post-transcriptional processes. microRNAs are small ncRNAs which inhibit translational and post-transcriptional processes whereas long ncRNAs are found to regulate both transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression.Medicago truncatulais a well-known model plant for studying legume biology and is also used as a forage crop. In spite of its importance in nitrogen fixation and soil fertility improvement, little information is available about Medicago ncRNAs that play important role in symbiosis. To understand the role of Medicago ncRNAs in symbiosis and regulation of transcription factors, we have identified novel miRNAs and tried to establish an interaction model with their targets. 149 novel miRNAs are predicted along with their 770 target proteins. We have shown that 51 of these novel miRNAs are targeting 282 lncRNAs. We have analyzed the interactions between miRNAs and their target mRNAs as well as their targets on lncRNAs. Role of Medicago miRNAs in the regulation of various transcription factors were also elucidated. Knowledge gained from this study will have a positive impact on the nitrogen fixing ability of this important model plant, which in turn will improve the soil fertility.
Linking transcriptional and genetic tumor heterogeneity through allele analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Fan Jean , Lee Hae-Ock , Lee Soohyun , Ryu Da-eun , Lee Semin , Xue Catherine , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Kihyun , Barkas Nikolaos , Park Peter J. , Park Woong-Yang , Kharchenko Peter V.
Published: June 2018

Characterization of intratumoral heterogeneity is critical to cancer therapy, as the presence of phenotypically diverse cell populations commonly fuels relapse and resistance to treatment. Although genetic variation is a well-studied source of intratumoral heterogeneity, the functional impact of most genetic alterations remains unclear. Even less understood is the relative importance of other factors influencing heterogeneity, such as epigenetic state or tumor microenvironment. To investigate the relationship between genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity in a context of cancer progression, we devised a computational approach called HoneyBADGER to identify copy number variation and loss of heterozygosity in individual cells from single-cell RNA-sequencing data. By integrating allele and normalized expression information, HoneyBADGER is able to identify and infer the presence of subclone-specific alterations in individual cells and reconstruct the underlying subclonal architecture. By examining several tumor types, we show that HoneyBADGER is effective at identifying deletions, amplifications, and copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity events and is capable of robustly identifying subclonal focal alterations as small as 10 megabases. We further apply HoneyBADGER to analyze single cells from a progressive multiple myeloma patient to identify major genetic subclones that exhibit distinct transcriptional signatures relevant to cancer progression. Other prominent transcriptional subpopulations within these tumors did not line up with the genetic subclonal structure and were likely driven by alternative, nonclonal mechanisms. These results highlight the need for integrative analysis to understand the molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity in cancer.
Human-specific features of spatial gene expression and regulation in eight brain regions
Authors: Xu Chuan , Li Qian , Efimova Olga , He Liu , Tatsumoto Shoji , Stepanova Vita , Oishi Takao , Udono Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Kakita Akiyoshi , Nawa Hiroyuki , Khaitovich Philipp , Go Yasuhiro
Published: June 2018

Molecular maps of the human brain alone do not inform us of the features unique to humans. Yet, the identification of these features is important for understanding both the evolution and nature of human cognition. Here, we approached this question by analyzing gene expression and H3K27ac chromatin modification data collected in eight brain regions of humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, a gibbon, and macaques. An analysis of spatial transcriptome trajectories across eight brain regions in four primate species revealed 1851 genes showing human-specific transcriptome differences in one or multiple brain regions, in contrast to 240 chimpanzee-specific differences. More than half of these human-specific differences represented elevated expression of genes enriched in neuronal and astrocytic markers in the human hippocampus, whereas the rest were enriched in microglial markers and displayed human-specific expression in several frontal cortical regions and the cerebellum. An analysis of the predicted regulatory interactions driving these differences revealed the role of transcription factors in species-specific transcriptome changes, and epigenetic modifications were linked to spatial expression differences conserved across species.
Staffing practices and employee performance: the role of age
Authors: Pahos Nikolaos , Galanaki Eleanna
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Staffing is a tool that employers use to decrease information asymmetry when hiring employees. However, how staffing effectiveness evolves according to employee demographic characteristics has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model linking staffing practices, age and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a stratified sample of 1,254 employees, the authors hypothesize: the main effects of staffing practices on employee performance, the main effects of age on employee performance and the moderating effects of age on the relationship between staffing practices and employee performance.

Findings

The results show significant positive effects of staffing and age on employee performance and a negative moderating effect of age on the abovementioned relationship.

Practical implications

The organizations are urged to invest in recruitment and selection practices and implement focused practices that appeal to an aging workforce.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to explore the topic of aging workforce and the efficiency of staffing practices on employee performance in the context of the Greek labor force. The authors discuss the results, theoretical contributions, practical implications and future research directions in light of the challenge of managing an aging workforce.
Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: exploring the challenges and solutions
Authors: Martinsuo Miia , Luomaranta Toni
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Adopting additive manufacturing (AM) can be challenging, especially in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and as part of the supply chains of larger firms. The purpose of this paper is to explore SMEs’ perspectives on the adoption of AM in their specific supply chain positions. The paper develops new knowledge on the challenges SMEs face across the supply chain and the actions they need to promote the adoption of AM.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory interview-based research design is used. In total, 17 interviews were conducted and analyzed in four types of SMEs in their specific positions in AM supply chains. The challenges of adopting AM were mapped, and actions to promote AM adoption were identified.

Findings

SMEs in different supply chain positions experience different challenges when adopting AM. Strategic and operative actions are suggested as key solutions to overcome the challenges. The benefits of AM on a large scale will be achieved only if the broader supply chain adopts AM technology and experiences its benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by its single-country context, its focus on SMEs, and the selection of early-phase AM-adopter firms. The findings imply a need to understand AM adoption as a shared concern and systemic innovation in the supply chain, instead of just a firm-specific implementation task.

Practical implications

The findings offer a framework for categorizing AM adoption challenges and propose ways to overcome the challenges of adoption.

Originality/value

The study reveals that AM adoption is not only a technology issue, but also an issue of strategic, organizational and operational challenges across the supply chain. It shows that when adopting AM, SMEs face particular challenges and require specific solutions according to their supply chain position.
Development of MBA in court administration and management
Authors: Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , Pandey Satyendra C. , Mustafa Faizan
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of Centre for Management Studies, NALSAR University of Law in developing the new MBA programme in Court Administration and Management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the urgent need of skilled managers for court management and administration in an Indian context. The identification of the gap in skilled manpower and the availability of a structured learning platform at a master’s level is also discussed in the paper. In addition, the detailed process that the university adopted in developing the programme objectives, structure and curriculum is also explained.

Findings

Educational innovations are rare. This programme is one-of-its-kind in India. NALSAR University of Law introduced this programme after a rigorous screening and evaluation process. This paper highlights the importance of proper planning and execution in introducing innovative programmes. The paper also highlights the acceptance that the programme received from all stakeholders due to its relevance and diligent planning.

Practical implications

This paper makes an attempt to provide the detailed workflow that any university should undertake prior to launching any programme. The importance of identifying relevant stakeholders, the process of developing a programme, curating and conducting the process for best outcomes, with an emphasis on the contribution that a university can make is discussed in detail.

Originality/value

MBA in Court Administration and Management offered by NALSAR University of Law is unique as similar programmes are not offered by any other university in India. Thus, this paper is a novel contribution in highlighting the development and launch of the programme in Asia.
What universities might learn from professional associations in marking large undergraduate modules
Authors: Evans Carl , Gardener John
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight to universities the approach of professional associations in marking large volumes of assessments.

Design/methodology/approach

The issues arising in marking large undergraduate modules in universities are discussed, before describing the approach typically adopted by professional associations. The benefit for universities of adopting such an approach is then examined.

Findings

The key to marking large volumes for professional associations lies in the initial standardisation meeting, on-going discussions between markers and an ability to check and if necessary stop the marking process at several points in the marking cycle, until agreement and consistency between markers are achieved.

Research limitations/implications

This viewpoint paper is based on the experiences of the two authors in assessing professional business management associations, and not empirical research.

Practical implications

The approach described here to marking large volumes of undergraduate assessments offers a practical solution to the prevailing issues concerning consistency across teaching teams.

Originality/value

The application of the approach of professional associations to the issues surrounding marking large undergraduate modules offers a unique proposition for university staff to consider.
Hybrid organisations contributing to wellbeing in Small Pacific Island Countries
Authors: Douglas Heather , Eti-Tofinga Buriata , Singh Gurmeet
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the contributions of hybrid organisations to wellbeing in small Pacific island countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept and different forms of hybrid organisations are examined, and then the operation and contributions to wellbeing of three Fijian hybrid organisations are considered.

Findings

Hybrid organisations in this region operate with a commitment to the common good and an ethic of care. Fijian hybrid organisations improve social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities by providing employment, schools and training facilities, financial and support services, sustainable agriculture projects and facilitating networking. These services improve individual and community social and economic wellbeing, build resilience, add to personal and family security, offer opportunities for the future, advance leadership skills and sustain the environment. Commercial activities that support these organisations in their wellbeing endeavours include product sales, service fees, project levies and investment income.

Research limitations/implications

Generalisability beyond the Pacific region is not assured, as this review only examines hybrid organisations in small Pacific island countries.

Practical implications

Hybrid organisations offer an alternative pathway to achieve a sustainable enterprise economy, an approach that is more culturally relevant for the Pacific region. Policies to nurture the development of these organisations, and research into the startup, operation, impact and effectiveness of different hybrid organisation models would help to improve wellbeing in this region. International charities and aid agencies could advance the wellbeing of people living in this region by supporting the development of hybrid organisations. External agencies seeking to support hybrid organisation development are advised to consider providing funding through a regional agency rather than engaging directly with national governments.

Social implications

Developing a robust hybrid organisation sector will improve social and economic wellbeing for people living in small island nations.

Originality/value

As one of the first studies to examine wellbeing and hybrid organisations, this review adds to hybrid business theory by its consideration of small Pacific island countries. The authors add to existing understandings of how hybrid organisations contribute to social and economic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. The review identifies each form hybrid organisational form adopts. Each has a central commitment to generating social and economic value but different revenue sources. The review adds valuable new knowledge to the limited scholarship of this region by identifying the philosophical foundations and contributions to wellbeing of these hybrid organisations. A future research agenda and policy development process is proposed to improve wellbeing and advance hybrid organisations in the region.
Clinical and microbiological properties of Staphylococcus lugdunensis skin infections
Authors: Zaaroura Hiba , Geffen Yuval , Bergman Reuven , Avitan‐Hersh Emily
Published: June 2018

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emerging pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections that was previously considered a commensal. The aim of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of skin infections by S. lugdunensis and its appropriate management, in a tertiary referral medical center. The clinical files, bacterial cultures and histopathology reports of all S. lugdunensis isolates from skin infections over a period of 8 years (September 2009–September 2017) were reviewed. S. lugdunensis was isolated from 29 patients with skin infections, aged 7–89 years (mean 33.3 years). A state of immune suppression (drug‐induced, malignancy or diabetes) was present in five patients (17%). Folliculitis and cutaneous pustulosis were the most common presentations (16 cases, 55%), followed by secondary infection of hidradenitis suppurativa (five cases, 17%). Other sources of isolation were infected molluscum contagiosum (two cases), folliculitis decalvans (one case), dissecting cellulitis (one case), abscess (one case), cyst (one case), impetigo (one case) and granuloma after trauma (one case). The in vitro antibiotic sensitivity tests showed susceptibility to most tested antibiotics, although a few isolates were resistant to gentamycin, penicillin and oxacillin. In 19 of 20 patients for whom follow ups were available, cutaneous manifestations improved or resolved with proper local and/or oral antibiotic therapy. S. lugdunensis may play a role as a primary or secondary pathogen in various skin infections, most commonly folliculitis and pustulosis. Proper antibiotic therapy may lead to improvement or resolution.
Couple therapy, family therapy and systemic interventions for adult‐focused problems: the current evidence base
Authors: Carr Alan
Published: June 2018

This paper updates previous similar reviews published in JFT in 2000, 2009 and 2014. It presents evidence from meta‐analyses, systematic literature reviews and controlled trials for the effectiveness of couple therapy, family therapy, and systemic interventions for adults with a range or relationship and mental health problems. The evidence supports the effectiveness of systemic interventions, either alone or as part of multimodal programmes, for relationship distress, psychosexual problems, intimate partner violence, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, alcohol problems, psychosis and adjustment to chronic physical illness.
Quality of childbirth care
Authors: Chien Patrick
Published: June 2018

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Patrick Chien, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/july-editors-choice-2018
Urban‐rural water access inequalities in Malawi: implications for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Adams Ellis A. , Smiley Sarah L.
Published: June 2018

Urban‐rural inequalities in water access constitute one of the major obstacles to achieving universal water coverage. In Sub‐Saharan Africa, these inequalities have persisted for decades. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to achieve universal access to safely managed water, which requires that an improved source be located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. This paper draws on empirical evidence from household surveys in peri‐urban and rural Malawi to examine urban‐rural differences in access to safely managed water. The paper highlights issues with the SDGs’ definition and monitoring indicators and outlines lessons for improving water access given existing inequalities between urban and rural areas. It concludes by arguing that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to governance, monitoring, and planning cannot eliminate inequalities in water access, especially between urban and rural areas.
Magnetite accelerates syntrophic acetate oxidation in methanogenic systems with high ammonia concentrations
Authors: Zhuang Li , Ma Jinlian , Yu Zhen , Wang Yueqiang , Tang Jia
Published: June 2018

Ammonia accumulation is a major inhibitory substance causing anaerobic digestion upset and failure in CH4 production. At high ammonia levels, CH4 production through syntrophic acetate oxidization (SAO) pathways is more tolerant to ammonia toxicity than the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway, but the low CH4 production rate through SAO constitutes the main reason for the low efficiency of energy recovery in anaerobic digesters treating ammonia‐rich substrates. In this study, we showed that acetate fermentation to CH4 and CO2 occurred through SAO pathway in the anaerobic reactors containing a high ammonia concentration (5.0 g l−1 NH4+–N), and the magnetite nanoparticles supplementation increased the CH4 production rates from acetate by 36–58%, compared with the anaerobic reactors without magnetite under the same ammonia level. The mechanism of facilitated methanogenesis was proposed to be the establishment of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) for SAO, in which magnetite facilitated DIET between syntrophic acetate oxidizing bacteria and methanogens. High‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that the bacterial Geobacteraceae and the archaeal Methanosarcinaceae and Methanobacteriaceae might be involved in magnetite‐mediated DIET for SAO and CH4 production. This study demonstrated that magnetite supplementation might provide an effective approach to accelerate CH4 production rates in the anaerobic reactors treating wastewater containing high ammonia.
An enzymatic system for decolorization of wastewater dyes using immobilized CueO laccase‐like multicopper oxidase on poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Bello‐Gil Daniel , Roig‐Molina Emma , Fonseca Jennifer , Sarmiento‐Ferrández María Dolores , Ferrándiz Marcela , Franco Esther , Mira Elena , Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M.
Published: June 2018

The presence of synthetic dyes in wastewaters generated by the textile industry constitutes a serious environmental and health problem that urges the scientific community on an appropriate action. As a proof‐of‐concept, we have developed a novel approach to design enzymatic bioreactors with the ability to decolorize dye solutions through the immobilization of the bacterial CueO laccase‐like multicopper oxidase from Escherichia coli on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) beads by making use of the BioF affinity tag. The decolorization efficiency of the system was characterized by a series of parameters, namely maximum enzyme adsorption capacity, pH profile, kinetic constants, substrate range, temperature and bioreactor recycling. Depending on the tested dye, immobilization increased the catalytic activity of CueO by up to 40‐fold with respect to the soluble enzyme, reaching decolorization efficiencies of 45–90%. Our results indicate that oxidase bioreactors based on polyhydroxyalkanoates are a promising alternative for the treatment of coloured industrial wastewaters.
Corporate Tax Aggressiveness and Insider Trading
Authors: Chung Sung Gon , Goh Beng Wee , Lee Jimmy , Shevlin Terry
Published: June 2018

We examine the association between corporate tax aggressiveness and the profitability of insider trading under the assumption that insider trading profits reflect managerial opportunism. We document that insider purchase profitability, but not sales profitability, is significantly higher on average in more tax aggressive firms. We also find that the positive association between tax aggressiveness and insider purchase profitability is attenuated for firms with more effective monitoring and is accentuated for firms with a more opaque information environment. In addition, we provide empirical evidence that tax aggressiveness is significantly associated with greater insider sales volume in the fiscal year prior to a stock price crash. Finally, we find that the association between tax aggressiveness and insider purchase profitability weakens after the introduction of FIN 48, consistent with the increased transparency of tax positions under the new disclosure requirement reducing insiders' information advantage and hence their ability to profit from insider trading. To the extent that insider trading profits reflect managerial opportunism, our results are consistent with managers exploiting the opacity arising from tax aggressive activities to extract rent from shareholders, particularly those shareholders who sold their shares to the managers. Our findings are particularly important in light of the number of studies relying on the agency view of tax avoidance to develop arguments or to draw inferences.
Patient Preferences Regarding Shared Decision Making in the Emergency Department: Findings From a Multisite Survey
Authors: Schoenfeld Elizabeth M. , Kanzaria Hemal K. , Quigley Denise D. , Marie Peter St. , Nayyar Nikita , Sabbagh Sarah H. , Gress Kyle L. , Probst Marc A.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

As shared decision making (SDM) has received increased attention as a method to improve the patient‐centeredness of emergency department (ED) care, we sought to determine patients’ desired level of involvement in medical decisions and their perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators to SDM in the ED.

Methods

We surveyed a cross‐sectional sample of adult ED patients at three academic medical centers across the United States. The survey included 32 items regarding patient involvement in medical decisions including a modified Control Preference Scale and questions about barriers and facilitators to SDM in the ED. Items were developed and refined based on prior literature and qualitative interviews with ED patients. Research assistants administered the survey in person.

Results

Of 797 patients approached, 661 (83%) agreed to participate. Participants were 52% female, 45% white, and 30% Hispanic. The majority of respondents (85%–92%, depending on decision type) expressed a desire for some degree of involvement in decision making in the ED, while 8% to 15% preferred to leave decision making to their physician alone. Ninety‐eight percent wanted to be involved with decisions when “something serious is going on.” The majority of patients (94%) indicated that self‐efficacy was not a barrier to SDM in the ED. However, most patients (55%) reported a tendency to defer to the physician's decision making during an ED visit, with about half reporting they would wait for a physician to ask them to be involved.

Conclusion

We found that the majority of ED patients in our large, diverse sample wanted to be involved in medical decisions, especially in the case of a “serious” medical problem, and felt that they had the ability to do so. Nevertheless, many patients were unlikely to actively seek involvement and defaulted to allowing the physician to make decisions during the ED visit. After fully explaining the consequences of a decision, clinicians should make an effort to explicitly ascertain patients’ desired level of involvement in decision making.
Recommendations for linking client data with clinic services to improve our ability to make inferences
Authors: Pearson Jennifer L. , Villanti Andrea C.
Published: June 2018

Commentary to: Evaluating clinical stop-smoking services globally: towards a minimum data set
Swedish consensus reached on recording, interpretation and reporting of neonatal continuous simplified electroencephalography that is supported by amplitude‐integrated trend analysis
Authors: Backman Sofia , Rosén Ingmar , Blennow Mats , Andersson Thomas , Englund Marita , Flink Roland , Hallberg Boubou , Liedholm Lars‐Johan , Norman Elisabeth , Sailer Alexandra , Thordstein Magnus
Published: June 2018

Continuous monitoring of electroencephalography (EEG), with a focus on amplitude‐integrated EEG (aEEG), has been used in neonatal intensive care for decades. A number of systems have been suggested for describing and quantifying aEEG patterns. Extensive full‐montage EEG monitoring is used in specialised intensive care units. The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society published recommendations for defining and reporting EEG findings in critically ill adults and infants. Swedish neonatologists and clinical neurophysiologists collaborated to optimise simplified neonatal continuous aEEG and EEG recordings based on these American documents.

Conclusion

This paper describes the Swedish consensus document produced by those meetings.