bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive paediatric Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections are best treated with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolone
Authors: Chan J. C. , Chong C. Y. , Thoon K. C. , Tee N. W. S. , Maiwald M. , Lam J. C. M. , Bhattacharya R. , Chandran S. , Yung C. F. , Tan N. W. H.
Published: June 2019

Objectives.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica

is a multi-drug-resistant organism that is associated with high mortality and morbidity in newborn and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to identify the best antimicrobial therapy for treating this infection.

Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore. Paediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years old with a positive culture for

E. meningoseptica

from any sterile site were identified from the hospital laboratory database. The data collected included clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility and treatment, and clinical outcomes.

Results. Thirteen cases were identified in this study. Combination therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or a fluoroquinolone resulted in a cure rate of 81.8  %. The mortality rate was 15.4  % and neurological morbidity in patients with bacteraemia and meningitis remained high (75 %).

Conclusions. Treatment with combination therapy of piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or a fluroquinolone was effective in this study, with low mortality rates being observed.
GenEditID: an open-access platform for the high-throughput identification of CRISPR edited cell clones
Authors: Xue Ying , Tung YC Loraine , Siersbaek Rasmus , Pajon Anne , Chilamakuri Chandra SR , Alvarez-Fernandez Ruben , Bowers Richard , Carroll Jason , Eldridge Matthew , Russell Alasdair , Merkle Florian T.
Published: June 2019

CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing is a powerful tool to reveal genotype-phenotype relationships, but identifying cell clones carrying desired edits remains challenging. To address this issue we developed GenEditID, a flexible, open-access platform for sample tracking, analysis and integration of multiplexed deep sequencing and proteomic data, and intuitive plate-based data visualisation to facilitategeneedited cloneidentification. To demonstrate the scalability and sensitivity of this method, we identified KO clones in parallel from multiplexed targeting experiments, and optimised conditions for single base editing using homology directed repair. GenEditID enables non-specialist groups to expand their gene targeting efforts, facilitating the study of genetically complex human disease.
Protein structure from experimental evolution
Authors: Stiffler Michael A , Poelwijk Frank J , Brock Kelly , Stein Richard R , Teyra Joan , Sidhu Sachdev , Marks Debora S , Gauthier Nicholas P , Sander Chris
Published: June 2019

Natural evolution encodes rich information about the structure and function of biomolecules in the genetic record. Previously, statistical analysis of co-variation patterns in natural protein families has enabled the accurate computation of 3D structures. Here, we explored whether similar information can be generated by laboratory evolution, starting from a single gene and performing multiple cycles of mutagenesis and functional selection. We evolved two bacterial antibiotic resistance proteins, β-lactamase PSE1 and acetyltransferase AAC6, and obtained hundreds of thousands of diverse functional sequences. Using evolutionary coupling analysis, we inferred residue interactions in good agreement with contacts in the crystal structures, confirming genetic encoding of structural constraints in the selected sequences. Computational protein folding with contact constraints yielded 3D structures with the same fold as that of natural relatives. Evolution experiments combined with inference of residue interactions from sequence information opens the door to a new experimental method for the determination of protein structures.
Multifactorial motor behavior assessment for real-time evaluation of emerging therapeutics to treat neurologic impairments
Authors: Islam Riazul , Cuellar Carlos , Felmlee Ben , Riccelli Tori , Silvernail Jodi , Boschen Suelen Lucio , Grahn Peter , Lavrov Igor
Published: June 2019

Integrating multiple assessment parameters of motor behavior is critical for understanding neural activity dynamics during motor control in both intact and dysfunctional nervous systems. Here, we described a novel approach (termed Multifactorial Behavioral Assessment (MfBA)) to integrate, in real-time, electrophysiological and biomechanical properties of rodent spinal sensorimotor network activity with behavioral aspects of motor task performance. Specifically, the MfBA simultaneously records limb kinematics, multi-directional forces and electrophysiological metrics, such as high-fidelity chronic intramuscular electromyography synchronized in time to spinal stimulation in order to characterize spinal cord functional motor evoked potentials (fMEPs). Additionally, we designed the MfBA to incorporate a body weight support system to allow bipedal and quadrupedal stepping on a treadmill and in an open field environment to assess function in rodent models of neurologic disorders that impact motor activity This novel approach was validated using, a neurologically intact cohort, a cohort with unilateral Parkinsonian motor deficits due to midbrain lesioning, and a cohort with complete hind limb paralysis due to T8 spinal cord transection. In the SCI cohort, lumbosacral epidural electrical stimulation (EES) was applied, with and without administration of the serotonergic agonist Quipazine, to enable hind limb motor functions following paralysis. The results presented herein demonstrate the MfBA is capable of integrating multiple metrics of motor activity in order to characterize relationships between EES inputs that modulate mono- and polysynaptic outputs from spinal circuitry which in turn, can be used to elucidate underlying electrophysiologic mechanisms of motor behavior by synchronizing these datasets to metrics of movement and behavior. These results also demonstrate that proposed MfBA is an effective tool to integrate biomechanical and electrophysiology metrics, synchronized to therapeutic inputs such as EES or pharmacology, during body weight supported treadmill or open field motor activities, to target a high range of variations in motor behavior as a result of neurological deficit at the different levels of CNS.
The Protein Mat(ters) - Revealing Biologically Relevant Mechanical Contribution of Collagen and Fibronectin Coated Micropatterns
Authors: Horvath Aron N. , Holenstein Claude N. , Silvan Unai , Snedeker Jess G.
Published: June 2019

Understanding cell-material interactions requires accurate characterization of substrate mechanics, which are generally measured by indentation-type atomic force microscopy. Although model extracellular matrix coatings are used to facilitate cell-substrate adhesion, their tensile mechanical properties are generally unknown. In this study a novel tensile mechanical characterization of collagen and fibronectin micropatterned polyacrylamide hydrogels is performed. Our findings reveal that the protein coating itself has measurable and biologically relevant consequences, with ligand-specific tensile resistance of the patterned regions relative to the non-patterned surfaces. To our knowledge our study is the first to uncover a direction-dependent mechanical behavior of the protein coatings and to demonstrate that it affects cellular response relative to substrate mechanics.
Effects of abnormal muscle forces on prenatal joint morphogenesis in mice
Authors: Sotiriou Vivien , Rolfe Rebecca A , Murphy Paula , Nowlan Niamh C
Published: June 2019

Fetal movements are essential for normal development of the human skeleton. When fetal movements are reduced or restricted, infants are at higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis (multiple joint contractures). Joint shape abnormalities have been reported in mouse models with abnormal or absent musculature, but the effects on joint shape in such models have not been quantified or characterised in detail. In this study, embryonic mouse forelimbs and hindlimbs at a single developmental stage (Theiler Stage 23) with normal, reduced or absent muscle were imaged in 3D. Skeletal rudiments were virtually segmented and rigid image registration was used to reliably align rudiments with each other, enabling repeatable assessment and measurement of joint shape differences between normal, reduced-muscle and absent muscle groups. We demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively that joint shapes are differentially affected by a lack of, or reduction in, skeletal muscle, with the elbow joint being the most affected of the major limb joints. Surprisingly, the effects of reduced muscle were often more pronounced than those of absent skeletal muscle, indicating a complex relationship between muscle mass and joint morphogenesis. These findings have relevance for human developmental disorders of the skeleton in which abnormal fetal movements are implicated, particularly developmental dysplasia of the hip and arthrogryposis.
Bioactivity of curcumin on the cytochrome P450 enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway
Authors: Rodríguez Castaño Patricia , Parween Shaheena , Pandey Amit V
Published: June 2019

Turmeric, a popular ingredient in the cuisine of many Asian countries, comes from the roots of theCurcuma longaand is known for its use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids have potent wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. While curcuminoids have been studied for many years, not much is known about their effects on steroid metabolism. Since many anti-cancer drugs target enzymes from the steroidogenic pathway, we tested the effect of curcuminoids on cytochrome P450 CYP17A1, CYP21A2, and CYP19A1 enzyme activities. When using 10 µg/ml of curcuminoids, both the 17α-hydroxylase as well as 17,20 lyase activities of CYP17A1 were reduced significantly. On the other hand, only a mild reduction in CYP21A2 activity was observed. Furthermore, CYP19A1 activity was also reduced up to ~20% of control when using 1-100 µg/ml of curcuminoids in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking studies confirmed that curcumin could dock into the active sites of CYP17A1, CYP19A1 as well as CYP21A2. In CYP17A1 and CYP19A1, curcumin docked within 2.5 Å of central heme while in CYP21A2 the distance from heme was 3.4 Å, which is still in the same range or lower than distances of bound steroid substrates. These studies suggest that curcuminoids may cause inhibition of steroid metabolism, especially at higher dosages. Also, the recent popularity of turmeric powder as a dilatory supplement needs further evaluation for the effect of curcuminoids on steroid metabolism. Molecular structure of curcuminoids could be modified to generate better lead compounds with inhibitory effects on CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 for potential drugs against prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Effects of the estrous cycle and ovarian hormones on cue-triggered motivation and intrinsic excitability of medium spiny neurons in the Nucleus Accumbens of female rats
Authors: Alonso-Caraballo Yanaira , Ferrario Carrie R.
Published: June 2019

Naturally occurring alterations in estradiol influence food intake in females. However, how motivational responses to food cues are affected by the estrous cycle or ovarian hormones is unknown. In addition, while individual susceptibility to obesity is accompanied by enhanced incentive motivational responses to food cues and increased NAc intrinsic excitability in males, studies in females are absent. Here, we examined basal differences in intrinsic NAc excitability of obesity-prone vs. obesity-resistant females and determined how conditioned approach (a measure of cue-triggered motivation), food intake, and motivation for food vary with the cycle in naturally cycling female obesity-prone, obesity-resistant, and outbred Sprague-Dawley rats. Finally, we used ovariectomy followed by hormone treatment to determine the role of ovarian hormones in cue-triggered motivation in selectively-bred and outbred female rats. We found that intrinsic excitability of NAc MSNs and conditioned approach are enhanced in female obesity-prone vs. obesity-resistant rats. These effects were driven by greater MSN excitability and conditioned approach behavior during metestrus/diestrus vs. proestrus/estrus in obesity-prone but not obesity-resistant rats, despite similar regulation of food intake and food motivation by the cycle in these groups. Furthermore, estradiol and progesterone treatment reduced conditioned approach behavior in obesity-prone and outbred Sprague-Dawley females. To our knowledge, these data are the first to demonstrate cycle- and hormone-dependent effects on the motivational response to a food cue, and the only studies to date to determine how individual susceptibility to obesity influences NAc excitability, cue-triggered food-seeking, and differences in the regulation of these neurobehavioral responses by the cycle.
Acid exposure impairs mucus secretion and disrupts mucus transport in neonatal piglet airways
Authors: Liao Yan Shin J. , Kuan Shin Ping , Guevara Maria V. , Collins Emily N. , Atanasova Kalina R. , Dadural Joshua S. , Vogt Kevin , Schurmann Veronica , Reznikov Leah R.
Published: June 2019

Tenacious mucus produced by tracheal and bronchial submucosal glands is a defining feature of cystic fibrosis (CF). Although airway acidification occurs early in CF, whether transient acidification is sufficient to initiate mucus abnormalities is unknown. We studied mucus secretion and mucus transport in piglets forty-eight hours following an intra-airway acid challenge. Acid-challenged piglet airways were distinguished by increased mucin 5B (MUC5B) in the submucosal gland but decreased lung lavage fluid MUC5B, following in vivo cholinergic stimulation, suggesting a failure in submucosal gland secretion. Concomitantly, intrapulmonary airways were obstructed with glycoprotein rich material under both basal and methacholine-stimulated conditions. To mimic a CF-like environment, we also studied mucus secretion and transport under diminished bicarbonate and chloride transport conditions ex vivo. Cholinergic stimulation in acid-challenged piglet airways induced extensive mucus films, greater mucus strand formation, increased dilation of submucosal gland duct openings and decreased mucociliary transport. Finally, to elucidate potential mediators of acid-induced mucus defects, we investigated diminazene aceturate, a small molecule that inhibits the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC). Diminazene aceturate restored surface MUC5B in acid-challenged piglet airways under basal conditions, mitigated acid-induced airway obstruction, and magnified the number of dilated submucosal gland duct openings. These findings suggest that even transient airway acidification early in life might have profound impacts on mucus secretion and transport properties. Further they highlight diminazene aceturate as an agent that might be beneficial in alleviating certain mucus defects in CF airway disease.

One sentence summary

Early life airway acidification has profound impacts on mucus secretion and transport.
Natural genetic variation screen inDrosophilaidentifies Wnt signaling, mitochondrial metabolism, and redox homeostasis genes as modifiers of apoptosis
Authors: Palu Rebecca A.S. , Ong Elaine , Stevens Kaitlyn , Chung Shani , Owings Katie G. , Goodman Alan G. , Chow Clement Y.
Published: June 2019

Apoptosis is the primary cause of degeneration in a number of neuronal, muscular, and metabolic disorders. These diseases are subject to a great deal of phenotypic heterogeneity in patient populations, primarily due to differences in genetic variation between individuals. This creates a barrier to effective diagnosis and treatment. Understanding how genetic variation influences apoptosis could lead to the development of new therapeutics and better personalized treatment approaches. In this study, we examine the impact of the natural genetic variation in theDrosophilaGenetic Reference Panel (DGRP) on two models of apoptosis-induced retinal degeneration: overexpression ofp53orreaper(rpr). We identify a number of known apoptotic, neural, and developmental genes as candidate modifiers of degeneration. We also use Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify pathways that harbor genetic variation that impact these apoptosis models, including Wnt signaling, mitochondrial metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Finally, we demonstrate that many of these candidates have a functional effect on apoptosis and degeneration. These studies provide a number of avenues for modifying genes and pathways of apoptosis-related disease.
ASFVdb: An integrative resource for genomics and proteomics analyses of African swine fever
Authors: Zhu Zhenglin , Meng Geng
Published: June 2019

The recent outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in China and Europe have threatened the swine industry globally. To control the transmission of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), we developed ASFVdb, the African swine fever virus database, an online data visualization and analysis platform for comparative genomics and proteomics. On the basis of known ASFV genes, ASFVdb reannotates the genomes of every strain and annotates 4833 possible ORFs. Moreover, ASFVdb performs a thorough analysis of the population genetics of all the published genomes of ASFV strains and performs functional and structural predictions for all genes. For each ASFV gene, visitors can obtain not only basic information of the gene but also the distribution of the gene in strains, conserved or high mutation regions, possible subcellular location of the gene and topology of the gene. In the genome browser, ASFVdb provides sliding window population genetics analysis results, which facilitate genetics and evolutional analyses at the genomic level. The web interface is constructed based on SWAV 1.0. ASFVdb is freely accessible athttp://asfvdb.popgenetics.net.
Using Machine Learning to Identify True Somatic Variants from Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhao Xiaonan , Welsh Mark , Costello Kellianne , Cao Kajia , Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Li Marilyn , Sarmady Mahdi
Published: June 2019

Background

Molecular profiling has become essential for tumor risk stratification and treatment selection. However, cancer genome complexity and technical artifacts make identification of real variants a challenge. Currently, clinical laboratories rely on manual screening, which is costly, subjective, and not scalable. Here we present a machine learning-based method to distinguish artifacts from bona fide Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) detected by NGS from tumor specimens.

Methods

A cohort of 11,278 SNVs identified through clinical sequencing of tumor specimens were collected and divided into training, validation, and test sets. Each SNV was manually inspected and labeled as either real or artifact as part of clinical laboratory workflow. A three-class (real, artifact and uncertain) model was developed on the training set, fine-tuned using the validation set, and then evaluated on the test set. Prediction intervals reflecting the certainty of the classifications were derived during the process to label “uncertain” variants.

Results

The optimized classifier demonstrated 100% specificity and 97% sensitivity over 5,587 SNVs of the test set. 1,252 out of 1,341 true positive variants were identified as real, 4,143 out of 4,246 false positive calls were deemed artifacts, while only 192(3.4%) SNVs were labeled as “uncertain” with zero misclassification between the true positives and artifacts in the test set.

Conclusions

We presented a computational classifier to identify variant artifacts detected from tumor sequencing. Overall, 96.6% of the SNVs received a definitive label and thus were exempt from manual review. This framework could improve quality and efficiency of variant review process in clinical labs.
Phosphorylation of Ser111 in Rab8a modulates Rabin8 dependent activation by perturbation of side chain interaction networks
Authors: Pourjafar-Dehkordi Danial , Vieweg Sophie , Itzen Aymelt , Zacharias Martin
Published: June 2019

GTPases are key-players in cellular signaling processes. Phosphorylation of Rab proteins, which belong to the Ras superfamily of small GTPases regulating intracellular transport, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease (PD). For Rab8a, it was shown that serine 111 phosphorylation (pS111) is dependent on the protein kinase PINK1, and that mimicking the phosphorylation at S111 by a serine/glutamate substitution (S111E) impaired Rab8a activation by its cognate nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Rabin8. Here, we performed comparative Molecular Dynamics and free energy simulations on Rab8a and Rab8a:Rabin8 complexes to elucidate the molecular details on how pS111 and S111E may influence the interaction with Rabin8. The simulations indicate that S111E and pS111 establish an intramolecular interaction with arginine 79 (R79). In the complex, this interaction persists, and therefore perturbs a favorable intermolecular salt-bridge contact between R79 in Rab8a and the acidic aspartate 187 (D187) in Rabin8. Binding free analysis reveals that S111E and pS111, as well as the mutation R79A, in Rab8a drastically reduce the binding affinity to Rabin8. Combining the R79A mutation with S111E or pS111, respectively, nearly diminishes Rab8a-Rabin8 binding. In vitro experiments confirm our computational results showing that the nucleotide exchange rates of the respective Rab8a mutants are decreased by >80% in the presence of Rabin8 compared to wild type. In addition to specific insights into how S111 phosphorylation of Rab8a can influence GEF-mediated activation, the simulations demonstrate how side chain modifications in general can allosterically influence the network of surface side chain interactions between binding partners.
Meta-analysis of Gene Expression Microarray Datasets in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Rogers Lavida R. K. , Verlinde Madison , Mias George I.
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014 as the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States (US). The main cause of COPD is exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollutants. Problems associated with COPD include under-diagnosis of the disease and an increase in the number of smokers worldwide. The goal of our study is to identify disease variability in the gene expression profiles of COPD subjects compared to controls. We used pre-existing, publicly available microarray expression datasets to conduct a meta-analysis. Our inclusion criteria for microarray datasets selected for smoking status, age and sex of blood donors reported. Our datasets used Affymetrix, Agilent microarray platforms (7 datasets, 1,262 samples). We re-analyzed the curated raw microarray expression data using R packages, and used Box-Cox power transformations to normalize datasets. To identify significant differentially expressed genes we ran an analysis of variance with a linear model with disease state, age, sex, smoking status and study as effects that also included binary interactions. We found 1,513 statistically significant (Benjamini-Hochberg-adjusted p-value <0.05) differentially expressed genes with respect to disease state (COPD or control). We further filtered these genes for biological effect using results from a Tukey test post-hoc analysis (Benjamini-Hochberg-adjusted p-value <0.05 and 10% two-tailed quantiles of mean differences between COPD and control), to identify 304 genes. Through analysis of disease, sex, age, and also smoking status and disease interactions we identified differentially expressed genes involved in a variety of immune responses and cell processes in COPD. We also trained a logistic regression model using the 304 genes as features, which enabled prediction of disease status with 84% accuracy. Our results give potential for improving the diagnosis of COPD through blood and highlight novel gene expression disease signatures.
Single-molecule long-read sequencing reveals the chromatin basis of gene expression
Authors: Wang Yunhao , Wang Anqi , Liu Zujun , Thurman Andrew L. , Powers Linda S. , Zou Meng , Zhao Yue , Hefel Adam , Li Yunyi , Zabner Joseph , Au Kin Fai
Published: June 2019

Genome-wide chromatin accessibility and nucleosome occupancy profiles have been widely investigated, while the long-range dynamics remain poorly studied at the single-cell level. Here, we present a new experimental approach, methyltransferase treatment followed by single-molecule long-read sequencing (MeSMLR-seq), for long-range mapping of nucleosomes and chromatin accessibility at single DNA molecules and thus achieve comprehensive-coverage characterization of the corresponding heterogeneity. MeSMLR-seq offers direct measurements of both nucleosome-occupied and nucleosome-evicted regions on a single DNA molecule, which is challenging for many existing methods. We applied MeSMLR-seq to haploid yeast, where single DNA molecules represent single cells, and thus we could investigate the combinatorics of many (up to 356) nucleosomes at long range in single cells. We illustrated the differential organization principles of nucleosomes surrounding the transcription start site for silent and actively transcribed genes, at the single-cell level and in the long-range scale. The heterogeneous patterns of chromatin status spanning multiple genes were phased. Together with single-cell RNA-seq data, we quantitatively revealed how chromatin accessibility correlated with gene transcription positively in a highly heterogeneous scenario. Moreover, we quantified the openness of promoters and investigated the coupled chromatin changes of adjacent genes at single DNA molecules during transcription reprogramming. In addition, we revealed the coupled changes of chromatin accessibility for two neighboring glucose transporter genes in response to changes in glucose concentration.
A temperature-controlled cold-gas humidifier and its application to protein crystals with the humid-air and glue-coating method
Authors: Baba Seiki , Shimada Atsuhiro , Mizuno Nobuhiro , Baba Junpei , Ago Hideo , Yamamoto Masaki , Kumasaka Takashi
Published: June 2019

The room-temperature experiment has been revisited for macromolecular crystallography. Despite being limited by radiation damage, such experiments reveal structural differences depending on temperature, and it is expected that they will be able to probe structures that are physiologically alive. For such experiments, the humid-air and glue-coating (HAG) method for humidity-controlled experiments is proposed. The HAG method improves the stability of most crystals in capillary-free experiments and is applicable at both cryogenic and ambient temperatures. To expand the thermal versatility of the HAG method, a new humidifier and a protein-crystal-handling workbench have been developed. The devices provide temperatures down to 4°C and successfully maintain growth at that temperature of bovine cytochrome c oxidase crystals, which are highly sensitive to temperature variation. Hence, the humidifier and protein-crystal-handling workbench have proved useful for temperature-sensitive samples and will help reveal temperature-dependent variations in protein structures.
Advancements towards the implementation of clinical phase-contrast breast computed tomography at Elettra
Authors: Longo Renata , Arfelli Fulvia , Bonazza Deborah , Bottigli Ubaldo , Brombal Luca , Contillo Adriano , Cova Maria A. , Delogu Pasquale , Di Lillo Francesca , Di Trapani Vittorio , Donato Sandro , Dreossi Diego , Fanti Viviana , Fedon Christian , Golosio Bruno , Mettivier Giovanni , Oliva Piernicola , Pacilè Serena , Sarno Antonio , Rigon Luigi , Russo Paolo , Taibi Angelo , Tonutti Maura , Zanconati Fabrizio , Tromba Giuliana
Published: June 2019

Breast computed tomography (BCT) is an emerging application of X-ray tomography in radiological practice. A few clinical prototypes are under evaluation in hospitals and new systems are under development aiming at improving spatial and contrast resolution and reducing delivered dose. At the same time, synchrotron-radiation phase-contrast mammography has been demonstrated to offer substantial advantages when compared with conventional mammography. At Elettra, the Italian synchrotron radiation facility, a clinical program of phase-contrast BCT based on the free-space propagation approach is under development. In this paper, full-volume breast samples imaged with a beam energy of 32 keV delivering a mean glandular dose of 5 mGy are presented. The whole acquisition setup mimics a clinical study in order to evaluate its feasibility in terms of acquisition time and image quality. Acquisitions are performed using a high-resolution CdTe photon-counting detector and the projection data are processed via a phase-retrieval algorithm. Tomographic reconstructions are compared with conventional mammographic images acquired prior to surgery and with histologic examinations. Results indicate that BCT with monochromatic beam and free-space propagation phase-contrast imaging provide relevant three-dimensional insights of breast morphology at clinically acceptable doses and scan times.
Low-dose X-ray structure analysis of cytochrome c oxidase utilizing high-energy X-rays
Authors: Ueno Go , Shimada Atsuhiro , Yamashita Eiki , Hasegawa Kazuya , Kumasaka Takashi , Shinzawa-Itoh Kyoko , Yoshikawa Shinya , Tsukihara Tomitake , Yamamoto Masaki
Published: June 2019

To investigate the effect of high-energy X-rays on site-specific radiation-damage, low-dose diffraction data were collected from radiation-sensitive crystals of the metal enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. Data were collected at the Structural Biology I beamline (BL41XU) at SPring-8, using 30 keV X-rays and a highly sensitive pixel array detector equipped with a cadmium telluride sensor. The experimental setup of continuous sample translation using multiple crystals allowed the average diffraction weighted dose per data set to be reduced to 58 kGy, and the resulting data revealed a ligand structure featuring an identical bond length to that in the damage-free structure determined using an X-ray free-electron laser. However, precise analysis of the residual density around the ligand structure refined with the synchrotron data showed the possibility of a small level of specific damage, which might have resulted from the accumulated dose of 58 kGy per data set. Further investigation of the photon-energy dependence of specific damage, as assessed by variations in UV-vis absorption spectra, was conducted using an on-line spectrometer at various energies ranging from 10 to 30 keV. No evidence was found for specific radiation damage being energy dependent.
Examining the shared development of socialist political economics with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Liu Can
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The shared development concept is crucial for the construction of a socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This is because shared development constitutes the logic thread of the socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics and the core for the formation and development of its whole system.

Findings

China’s modernization is well underway and is following a unique path with its own characteristics, whereby shared development is undoubtedly one of its core values.

Originality/value

In the new era, the development path under the concept of shared development of socialism with Chinese characteristics must adhere to the all-round development of human beings, promote social equity and justice via development, and embrace inclusive growth, specifically, pro-poor growth.
Recapitulation of the relationship between economic thoughts and realities
Authors: Liang Hua
Published: June 2019

Purpose

It is rather common for China’s current academic circles to use western doctrines that originated in situ to explain China’s economic problems, a suspicion of scenario misplacement may thus arise. The root cause lies in the lack of reflection about the current relationship between economic thoughts and realities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Correctly understanding economic thoughts associated with the brand of “that era” and effectively deducing its characteristics is of great significance to finding new features of this era and constructing new ideas with the characteristics of “this era.”

Findings

This motif is exactly the keynote on which to base the study of economic history and economic thought.

Originality/value

In a period of major historical turning points, the economic realities on which the economic thinking about that era (the era of economists) relied was undergoing major changes, and re-emphasizing the ancient topic of the relationship between economic thoughts and economic realities became particularly urgent.
Converging HRM practices? A comparison of high performance work system practices in MNC subsidiaries and domestic firms in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Mansoor , Allen Matthew M.C. , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , ur Rehman Wali
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Existing work on convergence/divergence among HRM practices in MNCs and local firms mainly focuses on Europe and the USA. Limited research examines these organizations in Pakistan, hindering our understanding of what policies MNCs are likely to adopt there as well as the extent of any differences between HRM in MNC subsidiaries and local firms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between the HRM practices of MNC subsidiaries and domestic firms to assess if there is evidence for convergence or divergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors targeted MNC subsidiaries and domestically owned firms working in the banking, information technology and pharmaceutical sectors in Pakistan. These sectors have enjoyed a steady inflow of foreign direct investment and have a sizeable number of MNC subsidiaries. Out of 1,081 companies, some 392 participated in a face-to-face survey (response rate of 36.4 percent). The authors ran a series of binary logistic regression models to test the hypothesized relationships between HR practices and nationality of ownership.

Findings

The authors reveal that a small minority of both types of firm use some practices, such as high compensation contingent on performance and performance review, appraisal and career development. However, domestic firms use some practices, such as extensive training, performance appraisals and performance-related pay significantly less than their multinational counterparts. The authors argue that these differences reflect institutional influences in Pakistan as well as a potential opportunity for local firms to change their HRM practices. In other areas, such as recruitment and employee involvement, there are no differences between the two groups.

Originality/value

The authors deepen our understanding of the types of HR practices that local companies in an emerging economy are likely to adopt as well as those that they are unlikely to adopt. Existing research has tended to downplay HRM in Pakistan and the different use of individual HRM practices among MNC subsidiaries and local firms. This research reveals that some companies in Pakistan have sophisticated HRM practices in place in some areas; however, MNC subsidiaries make greater use of some HR practices, reflecting different cultural norms between the two groups.
Support for supervisors: HR enabling flexible work
Authors: Williams Penelope
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are routinely offered in organizational policy, yet employee access to FWAs is highly dependent upon support from their immediate supervisor. There is little empirical research that specifically investigates the role of the human resource function (HR) in supporting managers to implement FWA policy. Through the lens of HR systems theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine how HR supports managers to implement FWAs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study in the Australian Insurance industry, this paper analyzes corporate documents and interviews with 47 managers, supervisors and HR staff across four diverse business units.

Findings

This study identifies supervisors’ perceived ability to implement FWAs as a potential barrier to utilization. Five mechanisms of HR support to overcome perceived barriers are identified in the data. An HR system that enables managers to support FWAs requires alignment of HR policies; the provision of supportive technology; an HR structure that facilitates proactive advice and support; HR business partners with influence; and managerial training on FWAs.

Practical implications

This paper provides HR practitioners with insights into the mechanisms that can support managers to implement FWAs or other devolved HR policies.

Originality/value

Applying HR systems theory, this case study utilizes the perspectives of senior managers, supervisors and HR staff to explain how the HR function supports or constrains managers in the effective implementation of FWAs.
Whole system approaches to health in higher education
Authors: Dooris Mark , Farrier Alan , Powell Susan , Holt Maxine
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network (UKHUN), which explored engagement of network members; identified what members value about the network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the network’s future development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process.

Findings

A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the network; interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support.

Research limitations/implications

Only six universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded.

Originality/value

The UKHUN is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include the capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a “refresh” of the network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence.
Predicting property price index using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Abidoye Rotimi Boluwatife , Chan Albert P.C. , Abidoye Funmilayo Adenike , Oshodi Olalekan Shamsideen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Booms and bubbles are inevitable in the real estate industry. Loss of profits, bankruptcy and economic slowdown are indicators of the adverse effects of fluctuations in property prices. Models providing a reliable forecast of property prices are vital for mitigating the effects of these variations. Hence, this study aims to investigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the prediction of property price index (PPI).

Design/methodology/approach

Information on the variables that influence property prices was collected from reliable sources in Hong Kong. The data were fitted to an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) models. Subsequently, the developed models were used to generate out-of-sample predictions of property prices.

Findings

Based on the prediction evaluation metrics, it was revealed that the ANN model outperformed the SVM and ARIMA models. It was also found that interest rate, unemployment rate and household size are the three most significant variables that could influence the prices of properties in the study area.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide useful information to stakeholders for policy formation and strategies for real estate investments and sustained growth of the property market.

Originality/value

The application of the SVM model in the prediction of PPI in the study area is lacking. This study evaluates its performance in relation to ANN and ARIMA.
Effects of socialization interactions on customer engagement in online travel communities
Authors: Luo Nuan , Wang Yu , Jin Chunhua , Ni Yuan , Zhang Mingli
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Travel companies are increasingly hosting online communities to extend their initiatives of customer relationship management and gain additional insight into their business. While the benefits to companies from hosting online communities are clear, another closely related issue has not been given comparative attention: Why do customers engage voluntarily in online travel communities? The purpose of this paper is to answer the question by developing and testing a conceptual model that exploring the influence of socialization interactions on customer engagement with the community.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested by applying structural equation modeling based on survey data collected from an online travel community (n=665).

Findings

The results supported the research hypotheses and demonstrated that socialization interactions (i.e. information and social exchange) in the online travel community are important catalysts for customer engagement.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold. First, from a theoretical perspective, it offers new insights into the conceptualization of customer engagement and its antecedents in the context of the online travel community. Second, from a pragmatic perspective, the conceptual model derived from this research aids practitioners in stimulating customer engagement from the perspective of socialization interactions.
Malvinas/Falkland Islands War: a look into ads
Authors: Mundel Juan , Nieves-Pizarro Yadira , Wickham Douglas , Aiello Melinda
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Little is known about patriotic appeals and Latin American symbols in ads. The purpose of this study was to content analyze Argentine and English print newspaper ads to examine how advertising expression and content differed in the two countries while they were fighting the Malvinas/Falkland Islands War.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 3,707 ads were analyzed fromLa NaciónandThe Timesfrom April 1, 1982, to December 31, 1982. Appeals, advertised products, cultural values and code-switching were studied.

Findings

The War resulted in marginal changes to advertising in Argentina and England. Interestingly, while the use of national symbols was scarce across both countries, Argentina accounted for the majority of the references to the war. A number of Argentine brands that adapted their names from English to Spanish are taken into account.

Research limitations/implications

By drawing comparisons to English ads, this paper illustrates the boundaries of strategies and appeals in two different cultures over the same time period. This study extends the literature on the use of advertising during periods of conflict.

Practical implications

This content analysis provides a look at the strategies, tactics and symbols used by print advertisers in Argentina and England during the War.

Originality/value

The study provides a depiction of advertising campaigns featured in Argentine and English newspapers during one of the most recent armed conflicts in South America. The study provides a summary of changes in advertising as a result of the War. In doing so, the paper extends the advertising literature to an understudied market.
Factors influencing adoption of e-services in rural India – perspectives of consumers and service providers
Authors: Ray Arghya , Bala Pradip Kumar , Dasgupta Shilpee A. , Sivasankaran Narayanasamy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the consumers’ and service-providers’ perspectives on the factors influencing adoption of e-services in rural India. The purpose is to enable better diffusion of technology for societal development in this digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative-based multiple-participant interviews, this study explores the factors affecting e-service adoption from two different perspectives. While interviews were conducted in five villages with 14 respondents to find out the perspectives of the consumers, this study also explores the service-providers’ perspectives through interviews conducted among 11 managerial respondents.

Findings

Catering to personal needs, improving perceived usefulness, value-added options, data analytics for better understanding customers and improving service delivery of the e-service are the major factors identified by the service-providers. The study also concludes that convenience, compatibility, societal influence and availability of value-added addition of the e-service are decisive in e-service adoption from the perspectives of the consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of this research is that there can be common method bias. Second, there were overlapping themes.

Practical implications

This study can help researchers working on the adoption of e-services in under-developed/developing countries. The findings of this study may help industries to focus on the determinants while designing the e-services for improving their rate of adoption.

Social implications

This study will help in better diffusion of e-services in rural areas, which in turn will help in societal development in this digital era.

Originality/value

The focus is on societal development through the adoption of e-services in rural areas. To the best of the knowledge of the researchers, no qualitative study has been performed to capture the perspectives of both the service-providers and the consumers on the adoption of e-services in India.
Mechanical Turk and the gig economy: exploring differences between gig workers
Authors: Keith Melissa G. , Harms Peter , Tay Louis
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an investigation of how different types of gig workers engage in the gig economy. Specifically, the authors distinguish between workers who view gig work as primary income (or not) and those workers who view it as a job (or not).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,190 Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers completed surveys across two studies examining whether types of workers differ based on demographic characteristics, utilization of MTurk, why they participate in the gig economy on MTurk (i.e. push and pull factors) and how this impacts life satisfaction.

Findings

Workers relying on MTurk as a primary income had lower incomes and spent more time completing large numbers of work units. This group of workers also reported fewer pull factors (e.g. enjoyment) as a reason for working in the gig economy and had lower levels of self-reported current and predicted future life satisfaction. Individuals who view MTurk as a job were more likely to treat MTurk like a job – engaging in online communities and having a regular work schedule. These workers were more likely to report pull factors (e.g. enjoyment and challenge) and did not differ on life satisfaction.

Originality/value

The current research contributes to our understanding of MTurk, one of the largest online platforms for gig work, as part of the diverse gig economy and highlights potential areas for future research.