bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
G-Anchor: a novel approach for whole-genome comparative mapping utilizing evolutionary conserved DNA sequences
Authors: Lenis Vasileios Panagiotis E , Swain Martin , Larkin Denis M
Published: April 2018

Background

Cross-species whole-genome sequence alignment is a critical first step for genome comparative analyses, ranging from the detection of sequence variants to studies of chromosome evolution. Animal genomes are large and complex, and whole-genome alignment is a computationally intense process, requiring expensive high-performance computing systems due to the need to explore extensive local alignments. With hundreds of sequenced animal genomes available from multiple projects, there is an increasing demand for genome comparative analyses.

Results

Here, we introduce G-Anchor, a new, fast, and efficient pipeline that uses a strictly limited but highly effective set of local sequence alignments to anchor (or map) an animal genome to another species' reference genome. G-Anchor makes novel use of a databank of highly conserved DNA sequence elements. We demonstrate how these elements may be aligned to a pair of genomes, creating anchors. These anchors enable the rapid mapping of scaffolds from a de novo assembled genome to chromosome assemblies of a reference species. Our results demonstrate that G-Anchor can successfully anchor a vertebrate genome onto a phylogenetically related reference species genome using a desktop or laptop computer within a few hours and with comparable accuracy to that achieved by a highly accurate whole-genome alignment tool such as LASTZ. G-Anchor thus makes whole-genome comparisons accessible to researchers with limited computational resources.

Conclusions

G-Anchor is a ready-to-use tool for anchoring a pair of vertebrate genomes. It may be used with large genomes that contain a significant fraction of evolutionally conserved DNA sequences and that are not highly repetitive, polypoid, or excessively fragmented. G-Anchor is not a substitute for whole-genome aligning software but can be used for fast and accurate initial genome comparisons.

G-Anchor is freely available and a ready-to-use tool for the pairwise comparison of two genomes.
Repeal of Comprehensive Background Check Policies and Firearm Homicide and Suicide
Authors: Kagawa Rose M.C. , Castillo-Carniglia Alvaro , Vernick Jon S. , Webster Daniel , Crifasi Cassandra , Rudolph Kara E. , Cerdá Magdalena , Shev Aaron , Wintemute Garen J.
Published: April 2018

Background:

In 2016, firearms killed 38,658 people in the United States. Federal law requires licensed gun dealers, but not private parties, to conduct background checks on prospective firearm purchasers with the goal of preventing prohibited persons from obtaining firearms. Our objective was to estimate the effect of the repeal of comprehensive background check laws—requiring a background check for all handgun sales, not just sales by licensed dealers—on firearm homicide and suicide rates in Indiana and Tennessee.

Methods:

We compared age-adjusted firearm homicide and suicide rates, measured annually from 1981 to 2008 and 1994 to 2008 in Indiana and Tennessee, respectively, to rates in control groups constructed using the synthetic control method.

Results:

The average rates of firearm homicide and suicide in Indiana and Tennessee following repeal were within the range of what could be expected, given natural variation (differences = 0.7 firearm homicides and 0.5 firearm suicides per 100,000 residents in Indiana and 0.4 firearm homicides and 0.3 firearm suicides per 100,000 residents in Tennessee). Sensitivity analyses resulted in similar findings.

Conclusion:

We found no evidence of an association between the repeal of comprehensive background check policies and firearm homicide and suicide rates in Indiana and Tennessee. In order to understand whether comprehensive background check policies reduce firearm deaths in the United States generally, more evidence on the impact of such policies from other states is needed. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B353.
Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Hospitalization Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis
Authors: Heinonen Santtu , Süvari Liina , Gissler Mika , Pitkänen Olli , Andersson Sture , Helve Otto
Published: April 2018

Background:

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a self-limiting respiratory disorder, resulting from a failure to clear the lungs of perinatal fluid. As similar pathophysiologic features are present in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis, we hypothesized that these two conditions may be connected.

Methods:

This was a population-based cohort study that included all children born in term (≥37 weeks of gestation) without congenital malformations in Finland between 1996 and 2015. Children diagnosed with TTN (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision [ICD-10] code P22.1) after birth and children hospitalized because of RSV bronchiolitis (ICD-10 code J21.0) during first year of life were identified from the Medical Birth Register and National Hospital Discharge Register, respectively, and the data were linked. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between these two conditions.

Results:

Of the 1,042,045 children included in the study cohort, 16,327 (1.57%) were diagnosed with TTN at birth and 12,345 (1.18%) were hospitalized because of RSV bronchiolitis during the first year of life. The rate of RSV hospitalization was higher in children with a history of TTN compared with children without TTN diagnosis [260/16,327 (1.59%) vs. 12,085/1,025,718 (1.18%), respectively; P value <0.0001]. After adjusting for gestational age at birth, mode of delivery, gender, birth weight, multiple births, older siblings and maternal smoking, TTN was associated with increased risk for RSV hospitalization (odds ratio: 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.48).

Conclusions:

TTN diagnosis after birth was associated with increased risk for RSV hospitalization during the first year of life.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Pediatric Patient with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome and Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava After Living Related Liver Donation
Authors: Phillips Michael R. , Priest Marc , Beaty Christopher , Parker Robert , Meyer Marisa , Dunn Stephen , Froehlich Curtis D. , Dirnberger Daniel R. , Martin Abigail E. , Ogino Mark T.
Published: April 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) occurs in the setting of liver failure and may cause hypoxemia. Previous reports have described the use of ECMO for HPS after liver transplant. Our patient is a 19-month-old female with biliary atresia, an interrupted inferior vena cava, and HPS on 8 liters per minute of high-flow oxygen. Following liver transplantation, her postoperative course was complicated by severe hypoxemia requiring ECMO. Due to her interrupted inferior vena cava, our standard bi-caval cannula could not be used. Hence, a 16-French double lumen venovenous right internal jugular to right atrial cannula was used to provide extracorporeal life support. She was decannulated after 17 days, remained intubated for 2 days, and weaned to room air over the next 3 weeks. This is the third pediatric liver transplant patient supported with ECMO identified in the literature, and the youngest and smallest of those reported. This approach to cannulation is unique because of the use of a double lumen venovenous cannula for HPS in a child, selected due to complex anatomy. Posttransplant ECMO may provide pediatric patients with HPS and posttransplant hypoxemia a period of support for their pulmonary remodeling and recovery from HPS.
How Well Does Dual-Energy Computed Tomography With Metal Artifact Reduction Software Improve Image Quality and Quantify Computed Tomography Number and Iodine Concentration?
Authors: Ohira Shingo , Kanayama Naoyuki , Wada Kentaro , Karino Tsukasa , Nitta Yuya , Ueda Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Koizumi Masahiko , Teshima Teruki
Published: April 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the quantitative measurements obtained using dual-energy computed tomography with metal artifact reduction software (MARS).

Methods

Dual-energy computed tomography scans (fast kV-switching) are performed on a phantom, by varying the number of metal rods (Ti and Pb) and reference iodine materials. Objective and subjective image analyses are performed on retroreconstructed virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) (VMI at 70 keV).

Results

The maximum artifact indices for VMI-Ti and VMI-Pb (5 metal rods) with MARS (without MARS) were 17.4 (166.7) and 34.6 (810.6), respectively; MARS significantly improved the mean subjective 5-point score (P < 0.05). The maximum differences between the measured Hounsfield unit and theoretical values for 5 mg/mL iodine and 2-mm core rods were −42.2% and −68.5%, for VMI-Ti and VMI-Pb (5 metal rods), respectively, and the corresponding differences in the iodine concentration were −64.7% and −73.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Metal artifact reduction software improved the objective and subjective image quality; however, the quantitative values were underestimated.
Evaluation of Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery and Arrhythmia-Insensitive Rapid Cardiac T1 Mapping Pulse Sequences in Cardiomyopathy Patients
Authors: Robison Sean , Hong KyungPyo , Kim Daniel , Lloyd Rachel , Ramchand Jay , Hornsey Emma , Srivastava Piyush , Smith Gerard , Kearney Leighton , Lim Ruth
Published: April 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of arrhythmia-insensitive rapid (AIR) and modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) T1 mapping in patients with cardiomyopathies.

Methods

In 58 patients referred for clinical cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T, we compared MOLLI and AIR native and postcontrast T1 measurements. Two readers independently analyzed myocardial and blood T1 values. Agreement between techniques, interreader agreement per technique, and intrascan agreement per technique were evaluated.

Results

The MOLLI and AIR T1 values were strongly correlated (r
2 = 0.98); however, statistically significantly different T1 values were derived (bias 80 milliseconds, pooled data, P < 0.01). Both techniques demonstrated high repeatability (MOLLI, r
2 = 1.00 and coefficient of repeatability [CR] = 72 milliseconds; AIR, r
2 = 0.99 and CR = 184.2 milliseconds) and produced high interreader agreement (MOLLI, r
2 = 1.00 and CR = 51.7 milliseconds; AIR, r
2 = 0.99 and CR = 183.5 milliseconds).

Conclusions

Arrhythmia-insensitive rapid and MOLLI sequences produced significantly different T1 values in a diverse patient cohort.
Killing Me Sovereignly: The Quiet Demise of the Americans With Disabilities Act
Authors: Miller Michelle , Neal-Boylan Leslie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to make rehabilitation nurses aware that the Supreme Court has limited some of the protections afforded by the Americans With Disabilities Act (1990) on the basis of “sovereign immunity.”

Methods

The authors use the case review method to analyze Supreme Court cases and alternatives for people with disabilities discriminated against because of the state in which they live.

Findings

Sovereign immunity makes it more difficult for a disabled person to bring a lawsuit against a state government (as an employer or provider of a public service) under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Conclusion

The extent to which disabled Americans can fully participate in their communities should not depend on where in the country they live.

Clinical Relevance

As patient advocates, rehabilitation nurses are in an ideal position to educate patients and families and have a duty to make their voices heard to persuade lawmakers to strengthen legal protections for disabled Americans.
Reduced deoxyribonuclease enzyme activity in response to high postinjury mitochondrial DNA concentration provides a therapeutic target for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: McIlroy Daniel J. , Minahan Kyra , Keely Simon , Lott Natalie , Hansbro Philip , Smith Doug W. , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is proinflammatory and has been detected in high concentrations in trauma patients’ plasma. Deoxyribonuclease (DNAse) is the free plasma enzyme responsible for the digestion of extracellular DNA. The relationship between mtDNA and DNAse after major trauma is unknown. We hypothesized that DNAse activity would be elevated after injury and trauma surgery and would be associated with high concentrations of extracellular DNA.

METHODS

Two-year prospective study was performed on 103 consecutive trauma patients (male, 81%; age, 38 years [interquartile range, 30–59 years]; injury severity score, 18 [interquartile range, 12–26 years]) who underwent standardized major orthopedic trauma surgical interventions. Blood was collected at five perioperative time points (preoperative, postoperative, 7 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days postoperatively). Healthy control subjects (n = 20) were also sampled. Cell-free mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Deoxyribonuclease was also assayed in the same plasma samples.

RESULTS

Increased levels of mtDNA (from preoperative 163 ± 86 ng/mL to 3 days 282 ± 201 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and nDNA (from preoperative 28 ± 20 ng/mL to 3 days 37 ± 27 ng/mL, p < 0.05) were present in trauma patients at all perioperative time points compared with healthy controls (mtDNA: 4 ± 2 ng/mL; nDNA: 10 ± 5 ng/mL). Deoxyribonuclease activity was lower in the trauma cohort (from preoperative 0.06 ± 0.04U/mL to 3 days 0.08 ± 0.04U/mL, p < 0.0001) compared with healthy controls (DNAse: 0.17 ± 0.03U/mL). There was no correlation between DNAse and perioperative DNA concentrations. Elevated mtDNA (but not nDNA) correlated with the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (p = 0.026) but not multiple organ failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant perioperative elevation in plasma-free mtDNA concentration is associated with the development of SIRS. The fact that increased cell-free DNA concentrations present with significantly lower than healthy control DNAse activity suggests a potential therapeutic opportunity with DNAse administration to modulate postinjury severe SIRS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/Epidemiological, level II.
On the complexity of shark bite wounds: From associated bacteria to trauma management and wound repair
Authors: Isci Evren Tevfik , Ritter Erich
Published: April 2018

The mouth of a shark is a breeding ground for a large variety of bacteria which can easily get transferred onto a human body in the event of a shark bite. Here, we review infections originating from shark oral bacterial flora, which originate from the microbiome of its prey, as well as from the surroundings where an incident takes place. We use the example of an incident which occurred in an aquarium involving a sandtiger shark, Carcharias taurus. In addition to a succinct analysis and interpretation of the wound and recovery process, an overview of currently known bacteria associated with shark bite wounds is given, as well as a summary of the effects of various previously tested antibiotics on bacteria derived from blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, bull sharks, C. leucas, and tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level V.
Accuracy of genomic selection for growth and wood quality traits in two control-pollinated progeny trials using exome capture as genotyping platform in Norway spruce
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Baison John , Pan Jin , Karlsson Bo , Gull Bengt Andersson , Westin Johan , García Gil María Rosario , Wu Harry X.
Published: April 2018

Background

Genomic selection (GS) can increase genetic gain by reducing the length of breeding cycle in forest trees. Here we genotyped 1370 control-pollinated progeny trees from 128 full-sib families in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), using exome capture as a genotyping platform. We used 116,765 high quality SNPs to develop genomic prediction models for tree height and wood quality traits. We assessed the impact of different genomic prediction methods, genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E), genetic composition, size of the training and validation set, relatedness, and the number of SNPs on the accuracy and predictive ability (PA) of GS.

Results

Using G matrix slightly altered heritability estimates relative to pedigree-based method. GS accuracies were about 11–14% lower than those based on pedigree-based selection. The efficiency of GS per year varied from 1.71 to 1.78, compared to that of the pedigree-based model if breeding cycle length was halved using GS. Height GS accuracy decreased more than 30% using one site as training for GS prediction to the second site, indicating that G×E for tree height should be accommodated in model fitting. Using half-sib family structure instead of full-sib led a significant reduction in GS accuracy and PA. The full-sib family structure only needed 750 makers to reach similar accuracy and PA as 100,000 markers required for half-sib family, indicating that maintaining the high relatedness in the model improves accuracy and PA. Using 4000–8000 markers in full-sib family structure was sufficient to obtain GS model accuracy and PA for tree height and wood quality traits, almost equivalent to that obtained with all makers.

Conclusions

The study indicates GS would be efficient in reducing generation time of a breeding cycle in conifer tree breeding program that requires a long-term progeny testing. Sufficient number of trees within-family (16 for growth and 12 for wood quality traits) and number of SNPs (8000) are required for GS with full-sib family relationship. GS methods had little impact on GS efficiency for growth and wood quality traits. GS model should incorporate G × E effect when a strong G×E is detected.
Cell cycle-controlled clearance of the CcrM DNA methyltransferase by Lon is dependent on DNA-facilitated proteolysis and substrate polar sequestration
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Shapiro Lucy
Published: April 2018

N6-adenine methylation catalyzed by the DNA methyltransferase CcrM is an essential epigenetic event of theCaulobactercell cycle. Limiting CcrM to a specific time period during the cell cycle relies on temporal control ofccrMtranscription and CcrM proteolysis. We investigated how Lon, a protease from AAA+ superfamily conserved from bacteria to humans, temporally degrades CcrM to maintain differential chromosomal methylation state, thereby regulating transcription factor synthesis and enabling cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that CcrM degradation by Lon requires DNA as an adaptor for robust proteolysis. Lon, a DNA-bound protein, is constitutively active throughout the cell cycle, but allows CcrM mediated DNA methylation only when CcrM is transcribed and translated upon completion of DNA replication. An additional mechanism to limit CcrM activity to a narrow window of the cell cycle is its sequestration to the pole of the progeny stalked cell, which prevents physical contact with DNA-bound Lon. Thus, we have provided evidence for a novel mechanism for substrate selection by the Lon protease, providing robust cell cycle control mediated by DNA methylation.
Structure and function of the type III pullulan hydrolase fromThermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Guo Jingxu , Coker Alun R. , Wood Steve P. , Cooper Jonathan B. , Keegan Ronan M. , Ahmad Nasir , Muhammad Majida Atta , Rashid Naeem , Akhtar Muhummad
Published: April 2018

Pullulan-hydrolysing enzymes, more commonly known as debranching enzymes for starch and other polysaccharides, are of great interest and have been widely used in the starch-saccharification industry. Type III pullulan hydrolase fromThermococcus kodakarensis(TK-PUL) possesses both pullulanase and α-amylase activities. Until now, only two enzymes in this class, which are capable of hydrolysing both α-1,4- and α-1,6-glycosidic bonds in pullulan to produce a mixture of maltose, panose and maltotriose, have been described. TK-PUL shows highest activity in the temperature range 95–100°C and has a pH optimum in the range 3.5–4.2. Its unique ability to hydrolyse maltotriose into maltose and glucose has not been reported for other homologous enzymes. The crystal structure of TK-PUL has been determined at a resolution of 2.8 Å and represents the first analysis of a type III pullulan hydrolyse. The structure reveals that the last part of the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain are significantly different from homologous structures. In addition, the loop regions at the active-site end of the central catalytic domain are quite different. The enzyme has a well defined calcium-binding site and possesses a rare vicinal disulfide bridge. The thermostability of TK-PUL and its homologues may be attributable to several factors, including the increased content of salt bridges, helical segments, Pro, Arg and Tyr residues and the decreased content of serine.
Training effectiveness during technological changes in Dubai-based companies: perspectives from managers and employees
Authors: El Baroudi Sabrine , Abdulaal Dawood Yaseen , Rampur Mahantesh
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of training during technological changes in Dubai-based companies by focusing on training program characteristics and employees’ training motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative investigation was conducted that included interviews with eight managers and seven employees.

Findings

As demonstrated by the study results, managers and employees suggest that the 70-20-10 training model is effective for preparing employees to independently implement technological changes. However, employees argue that training motivations are not stable and vary within and among individuals during any organizational change, although this consideration is not acknowledged by managers.

Originality/value

This study is the first to focus on identifying how change management can be improved in Dubai-based companies via effective training.
Using analytics to inform category management and strategic sourcing
Authors: Landale Karen A.F. , Apte Aruna , Rendon Rene G. , Salmerón Javier
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how data analytics can be used to identify areas of potential cost savings for category managers of installation-level services. Using integrated solid waste management (ISWM) as a test case, the authors also examine the impact of small business set-asides on price and contractor performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data analytics, specifically sequential regression, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and ordered logistic regression to investigate the influence of service- and contracting-related variables on price and contractor performance.

Findings

The authors find that service- and contracting-related variables influence price. Specifically, they identify that a service-related variable, number of containers, significantly affects price, and that two contracting-related variables, one type of small business set-aside and the number of offers received, also significantly affect price. The authors quantify the price premiums paid for using various types of small business set-asides.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings were significant, the authors believe that the robustness of the conclusions could be enhanced if the Air Force captured more data. Additional observations would increase the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

This empirical experiment demonstrates that detailed analyses are required to gain insights into services’ price drivers to craft more appropriate category management strategies for installation-level services.

Originality/value

This empirical study shows how historical data can be used to assess price drivers of installation-level services. It is also one of the first to quantify the impact that small business set-asides have on price.
An exploration of preferred teacher characteristics and hiring tools in Belize
Authors: Ingle Kyle , Thompson Cynthia T. , Abla Zipporah W.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the following research questions: what characteristics do key Belizean educational leaders value in teacher applicants and why? What hiring tools do they use to ascertain whether teacher applicants have the characteristics they prefer?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a mixed-methods approach drawing upon three data sources – face-to-face interviews with Belizean educational leaders, field notes, and government documents. A card sorting activity of applicant characteristics and tools was embedded into the interview.

Findings

Informants preferred motivation, caring, subject matter knowledge, and teaching skills. Intelligence was perceived as a potentially negative characteristic unless coupled with other characteristics, such as strong teaching skills, motivation, and caring or the umbrella of other characteristics, such as content knowledge or university training/credentialing. Professional characteristics, such as where one went for teacher training and academic performance, were perceived as having less relative importance than personal characteristics. Least important were applicant demographics. Consistent with the extant literature, Belizean informants perceived the interview, evidence of prior experience, and certification as the most important tools in vetting and hiring applicants.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory study is limited by the small sample of informants, but provides insights into preferences for applicant characteristics and hiring tools in an understudied international context. This study informs future research that may seek to survey representative samples of various stakeholder groups (i.e. general managers and principals) for their preferences in applicant characteristics and hiring tools from across Belizean schools and educational providers.

Originality/value

The study adds to limited research on preferred teacher characteristics among educational leaders responsible for hiring and/or working with teachers and to the limited international educational leadership research.
Participative change toward digitalized, customer-oriented continuous improvements within a municipality
Authors: Gravesteijn Marianne , Wilderom Celeste P.M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a newly constructed organization behavioral lens for participative action research (PAR) may aid a public-sector organization in successfully digitalizing its internal shared services. In addition, the intervention is aimed at fostering a continuously improving type of learning culture on the workfloor of a new service unit.

Design/methodology/approach

In a large Dutch municipality, the installation of a new digitalized process of offering internal services was studied. A PAR method, the so-called Fourth Generation Evaluation, was used on seven internal actor groups. This method enables various intra-organizational actors to reflect collectively on the ongoing change progress. Their explicit views on the change were communicated to all actors and the change agents.

Findings

The study describes the attempt of establishing a continuously improving learning culture during an internal digitalization process: substantial participation of the non-managerial employees was enabled. The paper highlights the practical value of the internal digitalization approach used, and concludes with four change process lessons learnt for those wanting to initiate a continuously improving culture on the workfloor.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the findings are based on one case, they may be of interest to other public/private organizations aiming to establish a continuously improving culture within workfloor units that interact, on a daily basis, with (internal) customers.

Originality/value

The paper offers a theoretical framework and a matching practical approach to the process of creating an internal shared service unit that aims to evolve further into a customer-oriented, continuously improving culture.
Visual management for a dynamic strategic change
Authors: Eriksson Yvonne , Fundin Anders
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Strategic changes in an organization will face challenges not only related to the changes as such but also with regard to how the vision of the future is interpreted and understood by the organization. Visual management is a field of research that could contribute to change management research as a means to facilitate management of the dynamics in a change process and to facilitate the process of communication. The purpose of this paper is to problematize episodic change processes with regard to communication and to contribute with a proposed model on how to facilitate dynamic strategic change management using visual management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an interdisciplinary approach by linking change management literature to visual communication to be used for visual management.

Findings

A proposed model presents how a dynamic episodic change process can be managed in terms of visual management, potential pitfalls to avoid, and what ambidextrous capabilities are needed throughout the complete episodic change.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model is still yet theoretical, based on a literature review of dynamic change management and visual communication. Future research will validate the model in practice to confirm its robustness.

Practical implications

An implementation of visual management in Kotter’s (1995) eight steps on how to strategically manage change in combination with theories on ambidexterity and episodic change is suggested.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to how visual management can support change management by combining visual communication and change management.
Emotions during executive succession in a public board
Authors: Manzoor Humera , Johnson Nancy , Rashid Mehboob ur
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a significant gap in the literature as it explores challenging emotions in the context of forced executive succession in a public sector board by re(conceptualizing) executive succession as a change process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is empirical in nature and uses a combination of an ethnographic case study and narratives to understand emotions in the context.

Findings

The authors show that the emotional complexities emerged when executive succession was enforced from outside due to multiple interpretations of the emergent situations. It further shows how shame, guilt and embarrassment were produced when actors realized that they had failed to deliver responsibility; issues of trust and betrayal emerged when actors were not taken into confidence whilst taking certain actions; and the way actors manipulated situations and managed unwanted emotions by finding excuses and shifting blame.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can explore the political nature of emotions and can take into account the emotions of other stakeholders, such as staff and general public during forced succession in public sector organizations.

Originality/value

The re(conceptualizing) of executive succession as an emotive change process is an important contribution, since the current literature concentrates mainly on the changes and subsequent emotions triggered by new executive in the public sector. Through the lens of emotions, multiple interpretations of the situated emotions are revealed that influences board members relationships and interactions. This will help to create a better understanding of what happens inside public boards when executive succession is enforced from outside.
Iterative prototyping of strategy implementation workshop design
Authors: Kryger Anders
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a strategy implementation workshop design can be developed and tested while minimizing the time spent on developing the design.

Design/methodology/approach

This multiple case study at a diesel engine company shows how iterative prototyping can be used to structure the design process of a strategy implementation workshop.

Findings

Strategy implementation workshop design can be developed in resource-constrained environments through iterative prototyping of the workshop design. Each workshop iteration can generate value in its own right and at the same time the workshop design can be optimized until the final, most effective, design is found which can then be rolled out.

Research limitations/implications

In a strategy-as-practice perspective, this study shows how scholarly attention to micro-level strategy praxis at a company can be enlightening to strategy consultants who need to conduct strategy implementation workshops.

Practical implications

By selecting an iterative modular workshop design, the strategy consultant has at his/her disposal a strategy tool that is easily adaptable to organizational practice and one for which s/he can draw on his/her experience as well as add to his/her knowledge base.

Originality/value

Introducing iterative prototyping in an organizational context can facilitate fast yet structured development of a rigorous workshop design. Strategy consultants are provided with empirical examples of how an iterative prototyping process can be structured across multiple workshops.
A service network perspective to evaluate service matching in early design
Authors: Barravecchia Federico , Franceschini Fiorenzo , Mastrogiacomo Luca
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Service matching is defined in this paper as the process of combining a new service with one or more existing services. A recurring problem for service designer is to match new services with existing ones. This process may be seen as the fundamental action for the development of a service network. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the consequences that may follow from service matching.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an analogy with living organisms in natural ecosystems, the service relationship deployment (SRD) allows the investigation of the possible relationships between matched services.

Findings

This paper presents a new method, named SRD, developed to support the process of service matching in the early design phases of a new service. The description of the method is supported by some practical examples.

Originality/value

The focus of the scientific community on the problem of matching new services with existing ones, is very limited. This paper proposes a new methodology to address this issue.
Clinical and prognostic significance of changes in haemoglobin concentration during 1 year of androgen‐deprivation therapy for hormone‐naïve bone‐metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Ebbinge Maria , Berglund Anders , Varenhorst Eberhard , Hedlund Per Olov , Sandblom Gabriel ,   the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group (SPCG)‐5 Study Group
Published: April 2018

Objective

To estimate the strength of change in haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations during 1 year of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) as a predictor of survival in hormone‐naïve patients with bone‐metastatic (Stage M1b) prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

The patients included in this study were taken from the randomised trial (number 5) carried out by the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group (SPCG), comparing parenteral oestrogen with total androgen blockade (TAB) in hormone‐naïve M1b prostate cancer. We identified 597 men where Hb measurements were made at enrolment, as well as at 3, 6 and 12 months of ADT. The time‐dependent impact of Hb concentration changes on overall survival (OS) was analysed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. The 10‐year OS according to increase/decrease in Hb concentration for the three treatment periods was demonstrated using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Multivariate analysis of changes in Hb concentration between baseline and 3 months showed better survival in patients with a decrease in Hb concentration (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.80) compared to those with an increase, whilst there was no difference in survival associated with a change in Hb concentration between 3 and 6 months (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76–1.12). Contrary to the first 3 months, poorer survival was seen in patients with a decrease in Hb concentration between 6 and 12 months (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62–0.92) compared to those with an increase.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of Scandinavian men with hormone‐naïve M1b prostate cancer, an increase in Hb concentration between baseline and 3 months of ADT was associated with significantly poorer survival, whereas an increase between 6 and 12 months was associated with better survival. These findings provide new information about patterns of change in Hb concentrations during 12 months of ADT for M1b prostate cancer, and survival. Clinicians should be aware of the prognostic value of Hb concentration changes during ADT in M1b prostate cancer.
Maternal Behavior and Socioeconomic Status Predict Longitudinal Changes in Error‐Related Negativity in Preschoolers
Authors: Brooker Rebecca J.
Published: April 2018

The development self‐regulation has been called a primary task of childhood. One system of self‐regulation, self‐monitoring, is indexed at the level of neural activity as early as preschool as the error‐related negativity (ERN). However, how context elicits developmental changes in neural processes of self‐monitoring like the ERN is not well understood. Here, socioeconomic status (SES) and parenting were tested as environmental influences on ERN development between ages 3 and 4 (N = 119). Results showed the expected increases in ERN between ages 3 and 4 only when both maternal sensitivity and SES were high. This work demonstrates the importance of considering the early environment in order to understand the development of a neural process supporting self‐regulation in young children.
Decreasing the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: structured communication of risk factors for premature mortality in people with epilepsy
Authors: Shankar R. , Henley W. , Boland C. , Laugharne R. , McLean B. N. , Newman C. , Hanna J. , Ashby S. , Walker M. C. , Sander J. W.
Published: April 2018

Background and purpose

Good practice guidelines highlight the importance of making people with epilepsy aware of the risk of premature mortality in epilepsy particularly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The SUDEP and Seizure Safety Checklist (‘Checklist’) is a structured risk communication tool used in UK clinics. It is not known if sharing structured information on risk factors allows individuals to reduce SUDEP and premature mortality risks. The aim of this study was to ascertain if the introduction of the Checklist in epilepsy clinics led to individual risk reduction.

Methods

The Checklist was administered to 130 consecutive people with epilepsy attending a specialized epilepsy neurology clinic and 129 attending an epilepsy intellectual disability (ID) clinic within a 4‐month period. At baseline, no attendees at the neurology clinic had received formal risk advice, whereas all those attending the ID clinic had received formal risk advice on multiple occasions for 6 years. The Checklist was readministered 1 year later to each group and scores were compared with baseline and between groups.

Results

Of 12 risk factors considered, there was an overall reduction in mean risk score for the general (P = 0.0049) but not for the ID (P = 0.322) population. Subanalysis of the 25% of people at most risk in both populations showed that both sets had a significant reduction in risk scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Structured discussion results in behavioural change that reduces individual risk factors. This impact seems to be higher in those who are at current higher risk. It is important that clinicians share risk information with individuals as a matter of public health and health promotion.
Understanding lymphocyte metabolism for use in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: MacPherson Sarah , Kilgour Marisa , Lum Julian J.
Published: April 2018

Like all dividing cells, naïve T cells undergo a predictable sequence of events to enter the cell cycle starting from G0 and progressing to G1, S and finally G2/M. This methodical series of steps ensures fidelity in the generation of two identical T cells during a single round of division. To achieve this, T cells must activate or inactivate metabolic pathways at discrete times during each phase of the cell cycle. This permits the generation of substrates to support biosynthesis, bioenergetics and the epigenetic changes required for proper differentiation and function. The precursors that feed into these pathways are often shared, highlighting the complex relationship between metabolism and cellular processes that are essential to lymphocytes. It is therefore not surprising that different T cell subtypes exhibit unique metabolic dependencies that change as they mature and go through specialized differentiation programmes. The importance of the influence of metabolism on T cells is underscored by the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy, where autologous T cells can be manufactured ex vivo then infused as a form of curative treatment for human cancers. This review will highlight some of the recent knowledge on T lymphocyte metabolism and give a perspective on the practical implications for cellular‐based immunotherapy.
Macrorefugia for North American trees and songbirds: Climatic limiting factors and multi‐scale topographic influences
Authors: Stralberg Diana , Carroll Carlos , Pedlar John H. , Wilsey Chad B. , McKenney Daniel W. , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: April 2018

Aim

To inform conservation planning in the face of climate change, our objectives were to map spatial patterns of tree and songbird macrorefugia; to identify climatic limiting factors by region and taxonomic group; and to quantify multi‐scale topographic components of end‐of‐century biotic refugia.

Location

United States and Canada outside the far north.

Time period

End of the 21st century.

Major taxa studied

Trees and songbirds.

Methods

We used species distribution models for 324 trees and 268 songbirds to develop a macrorefugia index using species‐specific climate velocity. Maps of multispecies refugia potential were developed for each taxonomic/functional group and quantile regression was used to identify climatic limiting factors and relationships with multi‐scale topographic variables.

Results

End‐of‐century macrorefugia for both trees and songbirds were concentrated in western mountains and, to a lesser extent, in north‐eastern coastal regions. For the highest‐value refugia, precipitation was generally most limiting in the north, and warm temperatures and moisture availability were limiting in the south. Tree refugia were more limited by precipitation and moisture, while songbird refugia were more limited by temperature. Upper‐percentile refugia, but not median values, were well explained by topographic conditions. Songbird refugia were strongly associated with elevation, while coastal proximity and landform composition (particularly headwaters) were important for both groups. There was a general lack of concordance between patterns of current species richness and future climate refugia.

Main conclusions

Macrorefugia patterns are partly explained by steep elevational or latitudinal temperature gradients and/or moderate climates, such as coastal regions. However, climatic limiting factors for these refugia suggest contrasts in the ecological processes governing warm‐end range limits for different taxa in different regions. Our framework can be applied to other regions, taxa, and time periods to generate and explain biologically meaningful indices of macrorefugia for conservation planning.
Recognition of early melanoma: a monocentric dermoscopy follow‐up study comparing de novo melanoma with nevus‐associated melanoma
Authors: Alvarez Martinez David , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Kaya Gürkan , Merat Rastine
Published: April 2018

Background

The earlier detection of melanomas occurring within preexisting nevi is theoretically possible using sequential dermoscopy. Characterizing the early follow‐up changes of nevus‐associated melanomas (NAMs) and differentiating them from those observed in de novo melanomas (DNMs) may help the earlier recognition of NAMs.

Methods

Using descriptive dermoscopic features to detect focal changes, we blindly evaluated retrospectively the baseline and follow‐up images of 32 melanomas that were subsequently classified as histopathologically defined NAMs or DNMs.

Results

Correlates of growth, as structureless brown‐black areas or clods, complemented each other for the identification of DNMs at baseline (structureless brown‐black areas: 66.7% DNMs, 15% NAMs, P < 0.01; combined with dots, one or the other being present: 100% DNMs, 30% NAMs, P < 0.01) and when considering their baseline presence or their appearance at follow‐up (100% DNMs, 35% NAMs, P < 0.01). Correlates of fibrosis, as white lines, when considering their baseline presence or their appearance at follow‐up, were associated with NAMs (60%, 16.7% DNMs, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Significant differences, distinguishing NAMs from DNMs, were detected particularly when considering both baseline signs and follow‐up changes. Earlier identification of NAMs and their subsequent improved histological characterization will help define the subgroup of high‐risk patients, for whom comprehensive image monitoring may be beneficial.
Maternal environment and craniofacial growth: geometric morphometric analysis of mandibular shape changes with in utero thyroxine overexposure in mice
Authors: Kesterke Matthew J. , Judd Margaret A. , Mooney Mark P. , Siegel Michael I. , Elsalanty Mohammed , Howie R. Nicole , Weinberg Seth M. , Cray James J.
Published: April 2018

An estimated 3% of US pregnancies are affected by maternal thyroid dysfunction, with between one and three of every 1000 pregnancies being complicated by overactive maternal thyroid levels. Excess thyroid hormones are linked to neurological impairment and excessive craniofacial variation, affecting both endochondral and intramembranous bone. Using a geometric morphometric approach, this study evaluates the role of in utero thyroxine overexposure on the growth of offspring mandibles in a sample of 241 mice. Canonical variate analysis utilized 16 unilateral mandibular landmarks obtained from 3D micro‐computed tomography to assess shape changes between unexposed controls (n = 63) and exposed mice (n = 178). By evaluating shape changes in the mandible among three age groups (15, 20 and 25 days postnatal) and different dosage levels (low, medium and high), this study found that excess maternal thyroxine alters offspring mandibular shape in both age‐ and dosage‐dependent manners. Group differences in overall shape were significant (P < 0.001), and showed major changes in regions of the mandible associated with muscle attachment (coronoid process, gonial angle) and regions of growth largely governed by articulation with the cranial base (condyle) and occlusion (alveolus). These results compliment recent studies demonstrating that maternal thyroxine levels can alter the cranial base and cranial vault of offspring, contributing to a better understanding of both normal and abnormal mandibular development, as well as the medical implications of craniofacial growth and development.