bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective randomized comparison of a 22G core needle using standard versus capillary suction for EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic masses
Authors: Weston Brian , Ross William , Bhutani Manoop , Lee Jeffrey , Pande Mala , Sholl Andrew , Krishnamurthy Savitri
Published: June 2017

Background and study aims The optimal technique for sampling pancreatic lesions with a 22 G Procore needle (pc) is unknown. The aims of this study were to evaluate the 22 Gpc using standard suction technique (SST) and capillary suction technique (CST) and compare diagnostic adequacy of 22 Gpc with the standard 25 G needle.

Patients and methods Sixty consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA of a solid pancreatic mass were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent 2 passes with a standard 25 G needle for cytologic analysis. The first group of 30 patients underwent a single pass with the 22 Gpc needle using SST for cytology and histology. The second group underwent a single pass with the 22 Gpc needle using CST. The sequence of passes was randomized. The diagnostic adequacy of each pass was graded by 2 cytopathologists blinded to technique and needle type for comparison.

Results For a cytologic diagnosis with 22 Gpc, an adequate sample was obtained in 82.8 % SST vs. 80.0 % CST (P = 0.79). For a histologic diagnosis with 22 Gpc, an adequate sample was obtained in 70.4 % SST vs. 69.0 % CST (P = 0.91). A single pass with 22 Gpc provided comparable results to a single pass with the 25 G needle for a cytologic diagnosis; both were superior to a single 22 Gpc pass for a histologic diagnosis. Two passes with the 25 G needle provided a diagnostic specimen in 95.0 % vs 81.4 % with one pass using 22 Gpc (P = 0.01).

Conclusions No significant difference in diagnostic adequacy was observed between techniques for the 22 Gpc. Two passes with a 25 G needle performed better than 1 pass with 22 Gpc. (NCT01598194)

Meeting presentations: Digestive Disease Week 2015
Lebenswelt Demenz und Ernährung
Authors: Gündling Andrea
Published: June 2017

Menschen mit Demenz leben in eigenen Wirklichkeitsbereichen. Sie haben ein Anrecht darauf, dass ihre Gefühle und Grundbedürfnisse
respektiert werden. Nach dem Konzept der „Validation“ von Naomi Feil bedeutet das, die Realität und Lebenswelt, in der sich der
Demenzkranke befindet, wertzuschätzen. Gleichzeitig ergibt sich daraus aber auch eine ethisch-moralische Verpflichtung gegenüber
den Betroffenen, beispielsweise, wenn diese nicht mehr in ausreichendem Maße für ihre Ernährung sorgen können. Strategien wie die
Ernährungsbiografie oder gemeinsame Mahlzeiten in angenehmer Atmosphäre, helfen dabei, eine adäquate Nährstoffzufuhr sicherstellen
und Menschen mit Demenz vor Mangelernährung zu schützen. Zudem sollten ihren Vorlieben und veränderte Ess- und Trinkgewohnheiten
(z. B. nächtliches Hungergefühl) berücksichtigt werden.
Improving patient information – are the new media already requested? – A questionnaire study at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic
Authors: Walter Benjamin , Schmid Roland , von Delius Stefan
Published: June 2017

Background Information provided for patients is an essential factor for communication between patients and health-care professionals. To analyze the most used sources of medical information and requested media for patient information, a questionnaire study was initiated.

Methods A single-center questionnaire study at an outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Two hundred participating patients, average age 54.4 years (1:1.5 m:f). Results were displayed in total and as count per participant (i. e., how often is a medium mentioned per participant).

Results As a source for general information, printed media are mentioned 112 times (0.56 counts per participant), the Internet 125 (0.62), and television 124 (0.62). As a source for medical information, printed media were mentioned 84 times (0.42) and the Internet 133 (0.67). As the most requested source for additional patient information, printed media were mentioned 105 times (0.53) and medical apps 63 (0.32).

Conclusion A majority of our patients regularly use the Internet for medical information. Paper-print media are still highly requested by patients. New media are more often requested in younger patients but still reach the ages for screening programs and therefore offer big opportunities towards patient-doctor communication. By a good mixture of media provided a higher patient satisfaction and adherence could be ensured by the health-care professionals.
Die Haut mag’s bitter
Authors: Schempp Christoph M
Published: June 2017

Bitterstoffrezeptoren gibt es nicht nur auf der Zunge, sondern vermutlich auch im gesamten Magen-Darm-Trakt und in allen extraintestinalen Organen. Bitterstoffe aus dem Gelben Enzian und der Weidenrinde binden an Bitterstoffrezeptoren der Haut. Sie beleben den Hautstoffwechsel und stärken die Hautbarriere, zum Beispiel bei Neurodermitis. In der Anthroposophischen Medizin wendet man Bitterstoffe innerlich zur Behandlung von sogenannten Leberdermatosen wie Akne oder Rosazea an.
Von schwarzem und weißem Hautkrebs
Authors: Schmid Eva C
Published: June 2017

Der Begriff „Hautkrebs” ist ein Sammelbegriff für maligne und semimaligne Tumoren der Haut.
Schweißfüße
Authors: Germann Peter
Published: June 2017

Die übermäßige Schweißbildung an den Füßen kann ein Hinweis dafür sein, dass Leber und Galle belastet sind.
Monte Carlo simulations of electron photoemission from cesium antimonide
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Cultrera Luca , Bazarov Ivan
Published: June 2017

We report on the results from semi-classical Monte Carlo simulations of electron photoemission (photoelectric emission) from cesium antimonide (Cs3Sb) and compare them with experimental results at 90 K and room temperature, with an emphasis on near-threshold photoemission properties. Interfacial effects, impurities, and electron-phonon coupling are central features of our Monte Carlo model. We use these simulations to predict photoemission properties at the ultracold cryogenic temperature of 20 K and to identify critical material parameters that need to be properly measured experimentally for reproducing the electron photoemission properties of Cs3Sb and other materials more accurately.
Homology groups for particles on one-connected graphs
Authors: Maciążek Tomasz , Sawicki Adam
Published: June 2017

We present a mathematical framework for describing the topology of configuration spaces for particles on one-connected graphs. In particular, we compute the homology groups over integers for different classes of one-connected graphs. Our approach is based on some fundamental combinatorial properties of the configuration spaces, Mayer-Vietoris sequences for different parts of configuration spaces, and some limited use of discrete Morse theory. As one of the results, we derive the closed-form formulae for ranks of the homology groups for indistinguishable particles on tree graphs. We also give a detailed discussion of the second homology group of the configuration space of both distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. Our motivation is the search for new kinds of quantum statistics.
Non-adiabatic effects in F + CHD3 reactive scattering
Authors: Palma Juliana , Manthe Uwe
Published: June 2017

The effect of non-adiabatic transitions on the F(2P) + CHD3(ν1) → DF + CHD2 and F(2P) + CHD3(ν1) → HF + CD3 reactions is investigated. The dynamics of the nuclei was simulated using trajectory surface hopping and a vibronically and spin-orbit coupled diabatic potential energy matrix. To facilitate the calculations, the fewest switching algorithm of Tully was adapted to the use of a complex diabatic potential energy matrix. For reactions of CHD3 with ground state fluorine atoms, F(2P3/2), the ratio between the previously computed adiabatic cross sections and the non-adiabatic ones was found to range from 1.4 to 2.1. The actual ratio depends on the translational energy and the initial vibrational state of CHD3. The total reactivity of CHD3(ν1 = 1) was found to be always larger than that of CHD3(ν1=0) mainly because of the increase in the cross sections for the HF + CD3 channel. Thus, the inclusion of non-adiabatic transitions in the theoretical treatment cannot resolve the existing disagreement between theory and experiment. Cross sections for the reaction of CHD3 with spin-orbit excited fluorine atoms, F(2P1/2), were found to be significantly smaller than the ones for reaction with F(2P3/2).
Asymmetrical domain wall propagation in bifurcated PMA wire structure due to the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Authors: Kwon J. , Goolaup S. , Gan W. L. , Chang C. H. , Roy K. , Lew W. S.
Published: June 2017

Controlling domain wall (DW) motion in complex magnetic network structures is of paramount significance for the development of spin-based devices. Here, we report on the dynamics of a propagating DW in a bifurcated ferromagnetic wire with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) in the wire structure induces a tilt angle to the injected DW, which leads to a quasi-selective propagation through the network branch. The DW tilting causes a field interval between DWs to arrive at Hall bars in the individual branches. Micromagnetic results further show that by tailoring the strength of the DMI, the control of DW dynamics in the PMA complex network structures can be achieved.
Small amplitude double layers in a warm electronegative plasma with trapped kappa distributed electrons
Authors: Shan Shaukat Ali , Imtiaz Nadia
Published: June 2017

We employ quasipotential analysis to derive the Sagdeev potential which accounts for the effect of electron trapping in a warm electronegative plasma with κ-distributed electrons. The trapped electron density is truncated to some finite order of the electrostatic potential Φ. This consequently leads to an extended KdV equation which gives rise to small amplitude double layers (SIADLs). The effects of various plasma parameters, e.g., superthermality index, the electron trapping efficiency, the mass ratio of negative to positive ion, the number density ratio of electron to positive ion, and temperature ratio of positive ion to electron on the small amplitude ion acoustic double layers (SIADLs), have been investigated. It has been found that these parameters have a significant modifying role in the SIADLs.
Multi-physics simulation of metal printing at micro/nanoscale using meniscus-confined electrodeposition: Effect of nozzle speed and diameter
Authors: Morsali Seyedreza , Daryadel Soheil , Zhou Zhong , Behroozfar Ali , Baniasadi Mahmoud , Moreno Salvador , Qian Dong , Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: June 2017

Meniscus-confined electrodeposition (MCED) is a solution-based, room temperature process for 3D printing of metals at micro/nanoscale. In this process, a meniscus (liquid bridge or capillary) between a nozzle and a substrate governs the localized electrodeposition process, which involves multiple physics of electrodeposition, fluid dynamics, mass, and heat transfer. We have developed a multiphysics finite element (FE) model to investigate the effects of nozzle speed (vN) and nozzle diameter (D0) in the MCED process. The simulation results are validated with experimental data. Based on theoretical approach and experimental observation, the diameter of the deposited wire is in the range of 0.5–0.9 times of the nozzle diameter. The applicable range for vN for various nozzle diameters is computed. The results showed that the contribution of migration flux to total flux remains nearly constant (∼50%) for all values of pipette diameter in the range examined (100 nm–5 μm), whereas the contribution of diffusion and evaporation fluxes to total flux increase and decrease with the increasing pipette diameter, respectively. Results of this multiphysics study can be used to guide the experiment for optimal process conditions.
A theoretical model for predicting Schottky-barrier height of the nanostructured silicide-silicon junction
Authors: Lee Jaehyun , Kim Seungchul , Shin Mincheol
Published: June 2017

In this work, we have performed the first-principles calculations to investigate the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of various nanostructured silicide-silicon junctions. As for the silicides, PtSi, NiSi, TiSi2, and YSi2 have been used. We find that EFiF = EFi – EF, where EFi and EF are the intrinsic Fermi level of the semiconductor part and the Fermi level of the junction, respectively, is unchanged by nanostructuring. From this finding, we suggest a model, a symmetric increase of the SBH (SI) model, to properly predict SBHs of nanostructured silicide-silicon junctions. We also suggest two measurable quantities for the experimental validation of our model. The effect of our SI model applied to nanostructures such as nanowires and ultra-thin-bodies is compared with that of the widely used previous SBH model.
Erythrocyte membrane skeleton inhibits nanoparticle endocytosis
Authors: Gao Xinli , Yue Tongtao , Tian Falin , Liu Zhiping , Zhang Xianren
Published: June 2017

Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, have been experimentally proposed in recent decades as the biological drug delivery systems through entrapping certain drugs by endocytosis. However, the internalization pathway of endocytosis seems to conflict with the robust mechanical properties of RBCs that is induced by the spectrin-actin network of erythrocyte membrane skeleton. In this work, we employed a minimum realistic model and the dissipative particle dynamics method to investigate the influence of the spectrin-actin membrane skeleton on the internalization of nanoparticles (NPs). Our simulations show that the existence of skeleton meshwork indeed induces an inhibiting effect that effectively prevents NPs from internalization. The inhibiting effect is found to depend on the membrane-NP attraction, skeleton tension and relative size of the NP to the membrane skeleton mesh. However, our simulations also demonstrate that there are two possibilities for successful internalization of NPs in the presence of the membrane skeleton. The first case is for NPs that has a much smaller size than the dimension of skeleton meshes, and the other is that the skeleton tension is rather weak so that the formed vesicle can still move inward for NP internalization.
Communication: Almost error-free resolution-of-the-identity correlation methods by null space removal of the particle-hole interactions
Authors: Schurkus Henry F. , Luenser Arne , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: June 2017

We present a method to improve upon the resolution-of-the-identity (RI) for correlation methods. While RI is known to allow for drastic speedups, it relies on a cancellation of errors. Our method eliminates the errors introduced by RI which are known to be problematic for absolute energies. In this way, independence of the error compensation assumption for relative energies is also achieved. The proposed method is based on the idea of starting with an oversized RI basis and projecting out all of its unphysical parts. The approach can be easily implemented into existing RI codes and results in an overhead of about 30%, while effectively removing the RI error. In passing, this process alleviates the problem that for many frequently employed basis sets no optimized RI basis sets have been constructed. In this paper, the theory is presented and results are discussed exemplarily for the random phase approximation and Møller-Plesset perturbation theory.
Extraordinary acoustic transmission at low frequency by a tunable acoustic impedance metasurface based on coupled Mie resonators
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: June 2017

The effective impedance modulation of artificial acoustic metamaterials is crucial in application scenarios. Here, a Mie-resonator dimer is proposed as a tunable mutual inductive coupled unit to drive a mismatched to matched impedance transition, which can achieve a wide impedance modulation range. We have demonstrated a widely tunable impedance modulation to realize an extraordinary acoustic transmission at low frequency by using the metasurface with a Mie-resonator dimer. Based on full-wave simulations, a two-port equivalent circuit model is made to explain the mechanism of the impedance modulation. Moreover, the proposal metasurface can be tuned to exhibit any desired transmittance.
Reconstitution of a minimal machinery capable of assembling periplasmic type IV pili
Authors: Goosens Vivianne J. , Busch Andreas , Georgiadou Michaella , Castagnini Marta , Forest Katrina T. , Waksman Gabriel , Pelicic Vladimir
Published: June 2017

Significance

Type IV pili (Tfp) define a group of multipurpose filamentous nanomachines widespread in Bacteria and Archaea. Tfp biogenesis is a complex process relying on machines composed of up to 15 conserved proteins. Here, to improve our limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms of filament assembly, we have reconstituted in a nonpiliated heterologous host a minimal machinery capable of building Tfp. We show that eight proteins are sufficient to promote filament assembly and that they form a macromolecular complex at the cytoplasmic membrane, which we have purified and characterized biochemically. Our results contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of the functioning of filamentous nanomachines nearly ubiquitous in prokaryotes.
Effect of water flow and chemical environment on microbiota growth and composition in the human colon
Authors: Cremer Jonas , Arnoldini Markus , Hwa Terence
Published: June 2017

Significance

The human gut is populated by a dense microbial population, strongly impacting health and disease. Metagenomic sequencing has led to crucial insights into microbiota changes in response to various perturbations, but a mechanistic understanding of these changes is largely missing. As the composition of the gut microbiota is a consequence of bacterial growth, we propose an approach that focuses on bacterial growth in the human large intestine and the physiological factors influencing it. Using a combination of experimental analysis and quantitative simulations, we explain the observed variation in microbiota composition among healthy humans and the dominant role of nutrient inflow and stool consistency. Our quantitative modeling framework is a step toward a predictive understanding of microbiota dynamics in the human host.
Isolation of membrane vesicles from prokaryotes: a technical and biological comparison reveals heterogeneity
Authors: Dauros Singorenko Priscila , Chang Vanessa , Whitcombe Alana , Simonov Denis , Hong Jiwon , Phillips Anthony , Swift Simon , Blenkiron Cherie
Published: June 2017

Prokaryotes release membrane vesicles (MVs) with direct roles in disease pathogenesis. MVs are heterogeneous when isolated from bacterial cultures so Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) is valuable for separation of MV subgroups from contaminating material. Here we report the technical variability and natural biological heterogeneity seen between DGC preparations of MVs for Mycobacterium smegmatis and Escherichia coli and compare these DGC data with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns. Crude preparations of MVs, isolated from cultures by ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation were separated by DGC with fractions manually collected as guided by visible bands. Yields of protein, RNA and endotoxin, protein banding and particle counts were analysed in these. DGC and SEC methods enabled separation of molecularly distinct MV populations from crude MVs. DGC banding profiles were unique for each of the two species of bacteria tested and further altered by changing culture conditions, for example with iron supplementation. SEC is time efficient, reproducible and cost effective method that may also allow partial LPS removal from Gram‐negative bacterial MVs. In summary, both DGC and SEC are suitable for the separation of mixed populations of MVs and we advise trials of both, coupled with complete molecular and single vesicle characterisation prior to downstream experimentation.
Minimally Invasive Microsurgical Resection of Primary, Intradural Spinal Tumors is Feasible and Safe: A Consecutive Series of 83 Patients
Authors: Formo Maja , Halvorsen Charlotte Marie , Dahlberg Daniel , Brommeland Tor , Fredø Hege , Hald John , Scheie David , Langmoen Iver A , Lied Bjarne , Helseth Eirik
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

To date, the traditional approach to intraspinal tumors has been open laminectomy or laminoplasty followed by microsurgical tumor resection. Recently, however, minimally invasive approaches have been attempted by some.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for primary intradural spinal tumors.

METHODS

Medical charts of 83 consecutive patients treated with MIS for intradural spinal tumors were reviewed. Patients were followed up during the study year, 2015, by either routine history/physical examination or by telephone consultation, with a focus on tumor status and surgery-related complications.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 53.7 yr and 52% were female. There were 49 schwannomas, 18 meningeomas, 10 ependymomas, 2 hemangioblastomas, 1 neurofibroma, 1 paraganglioma, 1 epidermoid cyst, and 1 hemangiopericytoma. The surgical mortality was 0%. In 87% of cases, gross total resection was achieved. The complication rate was 11%, including 2 cerebrospinal fluid leakages, 1 asymptomatic pseudomeningocele, 2 superficial surgical site infections, 1 sinus vein thrombosis, and 4 cases of neurological deterioration. There were no postoperative hematomas, and no cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Ninety-three percent of patients were ambulatory and able to work at the time of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study both demonstrates that it is feasible and safe to remove select, primary intradural spinal tumors using MIS, and augments the previous literature in favor of MIS for these tumors.
Susceptibility to Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis Associated With Idiopathic CD4+ Lymphopenia and Secondary Germline or Acquired Defects
Authors: Panackal Anil A. , Rosen Lindsey B. , Uzel Gulbu , Davis Michael J. , Hu Guowu , Adeyemo Adebowale , Tekola-Ayele Fasil , Lisco Andrea , Diachok Christopher , Kim Jonathan D. , Shaw Dawn , Sereti Irini , Stoddard Jennifer , Niemela Julie , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Bennett John E. , Williamson Peter R.
Published: June 2017

Idiopathic CD4+ lymphopenia (ICL) predisposes to opportunistic infections (OIs) but can often remain asymptomatic and does not have a strong association with monogenic mutations. Likewise, cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, the most common OI in ICL, is not strongly associated with monogenic mutations. In this study, we describe 2 patients with ICL plus an additional immune defect: one from an E57K genetic mutation in the nuclear factor-κβ essential modulator, and the other with acquired autoantibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Thus, these cases may exemplify a “multi-hit model” in patients with ICL who acquire OIs.
Medication Adherence Mediates the Relationship Between Heart Failure Symptoms and Cardiac Event-Free Survival in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Wu Jia-Rong , Moser Debra K.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Heart failure (HF) symptoms such as dyspnea are common and may precipitate hospitalization. Medication nonadherence is presumed to be associated with symptom exacerbations, yet how HF symptoms, medication adherence, and hospitalization/death are related remains unclear.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships among HF symptoms, medication adherence, and cardiac event-free survival in patients with HF.

Methods:

At baseline, patient demographics, clinical data, and HF symptoms were collected in 219 patients with HF. Medication adherence was monitored using the Medication Event Monitoring System. Patients were followed for up to 3.5 years to collect hospitalization and survival data. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used for the analyses.

Results:

Patients reporting dyspnea or ankle swelling were more likely to have poor medication adherence (P = .05). Poor medication adherence was associated with worse cardiac event-free survival (P = .006). In Cox regression, patients with HF symptoms had 2 times greater risk for a cardiac event than patients without HF symptoms (P = .042). Heart failure symptoms were not a significant predictor of cardiac event-free survival after entering medication adherence in the model (P = .091), indicating mediation.

Conclusions:

Medication adherence was associated with fewer HF symptoms and lower rates of hospitalization and death. It is important to develop interventions to improve medication adherence that may reduce HF symptoms and high hospitalization and mortality in patients with HF.
Quality measures in gastrointestinal endoscopy: the current state
Authors: Adams Megan A. , Saini Sameer D. , Allen John I.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of endoscopic quality measurement and use of measures in enhancing the value of endoscopic services.

Recent findings

Initially, quality measurement of endoscopic procedures was claims based or included small unit or practice-specific efforts. Now we have a mature national registry and large electronic medical or procedural records that are designed to yield valuable data relevant to quality measurement.

With the advent of better measures, we are beginning to understand that initial process and surrogate outcome measures (adenoma detection rate) can be improved to provide a better reflection of endoscopic quality. Importantly, however, even measures currently in use relate to important patient outcomes such as missed colon cancers. At a federal level, older cumbersome pay-for-performance initiatives have been combined into a new overarching program named the quality payment program within the centers for medicare and medicaid services. This program is an additional step toward furthering the progress from volume-to-value-based reimbursement. The legislation mandating the movement toward outcomes-linked (value) reimbursement is the medicare access and children's health insurance program reauthorization act, which was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will not be walked back by alterations of the affordable care act. Increasing portions of medicare reimbursement (and likely commercial to follow) will be linked to quality metrics, so familiarity with the underlying process and rationale will be important for all proceduralists.
The structural response of the cornea to changes in stromal hydration
Authors: Hayes Sally , White Tomas , Boote Craig , Kamma-Lorger Christina S. , Bell James , Sorenson Thomas , Terrill Nick , Shebanova Olga , Meek Keith M.
Published: June 2017

The primary aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between corneal structure and hydration in humans and pigs. X-ray scattering data were collected from human and porcine corneas equilibrated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to varying levels of hydration, to obtain measurements of collagen fibril diameter, interfibrillar spacing (IFS) and intermolecular spacing. Both species showed a strong positive linear correlation between hydration and IFS
2
and a nonlinear, bi-phasic relationship between hydration and fibril diameter, whereby fibril diameter increased up to approximately physiological hydration,
H
= 3.0, with little change thereafter. Above
H
= 3.0, porcine corneas exhibited a larger fibril diameter than human corneas (
p
< 0.001). Intermolecular spacing also varied with hydration in a bi-phasic manner but reached a maximum value at a lower hydration (
H
= 1.5) than fibril diameter. Human corneas displayed a higher intermolecular spacing than porcine corneas at all hydrations (
p
< 0.0001). Human and porcine corneas required a similar PEG concentration to reach physiological hydration, suggesting that the total fixed charge that gives rise to the swelling pressure is the same. The difference in their structural responses to hydration can be explained by variations in molecular cross-linking and intra/interfibrillar water partitioning.
A cohort of new adhesive proteins identified from transcriptomic analysis of mussel foot glands
Authors: DeMartini Daniel G. , Errico John M. , Sjoestroem Sebastian , Fenster April , Waite J. Herbert
Published: June 2017

The adaptive attachment of marine mussels to a wide range of substrates in a high-energy, saline environment has been explored for decades and is a significant driver of bioinspired wet adhesion research. Mussel attachment relies on a fibrous holdfast known as the byssus, which is made by a specialized appendage called the foot. Multiple adhesive and structural proteins are rapidly synthesized, secreted and moulded by the foot into holdfast threads. About 10 well-characterized proteins, namely the mussel foot proteins (Mfps), the preCols and the thread matrix proteins, are reported as representing the bulk of these structures. To explore how robust this proposition is, we sequenced the transcriptome of the glandular tissues that produce and secrete the various holdfast components using next-generation sequencing methods. Surprisingly, we found around 15 highly expressed genes that have not previously been characterized, but bear key similarities to the previously defined mussel foot proteins, suggesting additional contribution to byssal function. We verified the validity of these transcripts by polymerase chain reaction, cloning and Sanger sequencing as well as confirming their presence as proteins in the byssus. These newly identified proteins greatly expand the palette of mussel holdfast biochemistry and provide new targets for investigation into bioinspired wet adhesion.
Transoceanic origin of microendemic and flightless New Caledonian weevils
Authors: Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Tänzler Rene , Balke Michael , Riedel Alexander
Published: June 2017

The origin of the astonishing New Caledonian biota continues to fuel a heated debate among advocates of a Gondwanan relict scenario and defenders of late oceanic dispersal. Here, we study the origin of New Caledonian
Trigonopterus
flightless weevils using a multimarker molecular phylogeny. We infer two independent clades of species found in the archipelago. Our dating estimates suggest a Late Miocene origin of both clades long after the re-emergence of New Caledonia about 37 Ma. The estimation of ancestral ranges supports an ancestral origin of the genus in a combined region encompassing Australia and New Guinea with subsequent colonizations of New Caledonia out of New Guinea in the mid-Miocene. The two New Caledonian lineages have had very different evolutionary trajectories. Colonizers belonging to a clade of foliage dwellers greatly diversified, whereas species inhabiting leaf-litter have been less successful.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Corticoviridae
Authors: Oksanen Hanna M ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: June 2017

The Corticoviridae is a family of icosahedral, internal-membrane-containing viruses with double-stranded circular DNA genomes of approximately 10 kb. Only one species, Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2, has been recognized. Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2 infects Gram-negative bacteria and was isolated from seawater in 1968. Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2 is the first bacterial virus in which the presence of lipids in the virion has been demonstrated. Viral lipids are acquired selectively during virion assembly from the host cytoplasmic membrane. The outer protein capsid is an icosahedron with a pseudo T=21 symmetry. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Corticoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/corticoviridae.
Dilemma of “Make in India” for Dalmec industrial manipulator S.P.A, Italy
Authors: Pandey Mithilesh , Shukla Yupal Sanatkumar
Published: June 2017

Subject area

The subject areas are strategic management, international marketing business-to-business marketing.

Study level/applicability

The study is applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Case overview

Dalmec Industries Manipulators India Pvt. Ltd. was incorporated in 2011 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. The company was formed to carry on importing machinery and distributing it to the clients. This case focuses on the dilemma faced by the company: whether it should establish a manufacturing unit in India or continue with the current operation procedures. Dalmec has faced various problems in India regarding local players, low-cost material handling equipment and the nascent stage of material handling industry. In Europe and the Middle East, the industries are more focused on safety standards and provide high quality material handling products to their workers, compared to the Indian industries. As local players in material handling sectors price their product very low, to compete with them with quality products is a major challenge for foreign companies. The company needed to build a strong and unique brand for non-European markets. In India, the material handling equipment market is crowded with local players. So, Dalmec needs to establish its reputation as a reliable partner and create a distinct identity. It has to create brand awareness among Indian companies and influence the decision makers of the corporates. The case discusses the impact of Make in India campaign on Dalmec and examines whether the Make in India initiative will prove helpful to Dalmec.

Expected learning outcomes

This study enables to familiarize students with the expansion strategy of a company; help students understand the international market entry strategies frequently used by multinationals to expand their business.; examine the feasibility of entering into emerging markets like India; and make students understand the relevance of the Make in India campaign for foreign corporate players.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
People with intellectual disabilities accessing mainstream mental health services: some facts, features and professional considerations
Authors: Standen Penelope Jane , Clifford Adam , Jeenkeri Kiran
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide information for non-specialists on identifying the characteristics, assessment and support needs of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) accessing mainstream services.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of relevant policy and research literature is supplemented with observations from the authors’ own experience of working in mental health services for people with ID.

Findings

With change in provision of services the likelihood of mainstream staff encountering someone with ID will increase. However, information on whether a person has ID or their level of ID is not always available to professionals in acute mental health services meeting an individual for the first time. Reliance on observational and interview-based assessments can leave people with ID vulnerable to a range of over- and under-diagnosis issues. This is as a result of difficulties with communication and emotional introspection, psychosocial masking, suggestibility, confabulation and acquiescence. For people with poor communication, carers will be the primary source of information and their contribution has to be taken into account.

Practical implications

Knowing or suspecting an individual has ID allows staff to take into account the various assessment, diagnosis and formulation issues that complicate a valid and reliable understanding of their mental health needs. Awareness about an individual’s ID also allows professionals to be vigilant to their own biases, where issues of diagnostic overshadowing or cognitive disintegration may be important considerations. However, understanding some of the practical and conceptual issues should ensure a cautious and critical approach to diagnosing, formulating and addressing this population’s mental health needs.

Originality/value

This synthesis of a review of the literature and observations from the authors’ experience of working in mental health services for people with ID provides an informed and practical briefing for those encountering people with ID accessing mainstream services.
Hedonic and eudaimonic well-being outcomes from co-creation roles: a study of vulnerable customers
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Conduit Jodie , Rao Hill Sally
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to provide an understanding of how the participation of vulnerable customers in the co-creation of health-care provision influences their individual well-being outcomes. Using self-determination theory, it demonstrates that co-creation at the point of care and at an organisational or system level impacts individual hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is adopted to identify the various customer well-being outcomes. Two case studies of health-care organisations, comprising ten in-depth interviews and eight focus groups, as well as documents and noted observations are used for thematic analysis.

Findings

The study demonstrates ways in which vulnerable customers integrate resources to co-create value outcomes. It shows how differing co-creative role of customers with mental illness lead to different customer well-being outcomes. These roles manifest not only the hedonic well-being characteristics of pleasure and happiness but also eudaimonic well-being, which provides a sense of achievement and purpose to customers. The study used self-determination theory to identify different forms of eudaimonic well-being derived from the co-creation roles of co-producer, strategic partner and community citizen.

Originality/value

The co-creation and transformative service literature is extended by demonstrating that a feeling of self-efficacy and self-determination because of value co-creation foster customer well-being. This study demonstrates that co-creation at the point of care and at an organisational or system level impacts individual hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.
Becoming global leaders: innovation challenges for five large Chinese firms
Authors: Chakravarthy Bala , Yau David
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In order to be a true global leader, Chinese firms must be able to be trailblazers in both emerging and advanced markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Five major Chinese companies are studied: Each of the five leaders has shown interest in building an organization that can nurture innovation that is more than incremental.

Findings

Each of the five companies needs a clear long-term vision that will guide innovation and point to where these companies should place their slow-to-pay-off R&D bets.

Practical implications

The agility to take advantage quickly as opportunities emerge–by practicing frequent experimentation, promptly divesting failed projects and rapidly scaling up investments in successful ones–has been an important ability that has contributed to the success of the five companies.

Originality/value

Breakthrough product innovation will be an important competence for the future success of these five Chinese companies. Some of the five companies have developed a growing appetite for external collaboration to drive innovation.
Heterogeneous Welfare Effect of Cotton Pricing on Households in Benin
Authors: Alia Didier Yélognissè , Floquet Anne , Adjovi Epiphane
Published: June 2017

Since 2004–2005 the cotton sector in Benin has been experiencing major problems that have caused a decline in production. To help the sector recover, the government intensified its intervention in the form of prices support. This study assesses the impacts of sharp increases in producer prices during the years 2009–2012 on cotton production and the distributional impacts on welfare. Using a partial adjustment model of supply response, we estimate that cotton supply elasticity ranges between 1.3 and 2.6, suggesting that cotton production responds strongly to price incentives. Next, we use concepts of compensating variation and net benefit ratio measures to analyse the welfare implications. We find that an increase in price from 190 FCFA per kg in 2009 to 250 FCFA per kg in 2012 led to a 9.8 percent increase in producers’ welfare. Non‐parametric regressions showed that the increase in cotton prices likely benefited all households across the entire income distribution. However, the gains are larger for rich farmers in the northern regions where cotton is predominant.
Economic Expansion and Environmental Sustainability Nexus in Ghana
Authors: Aboagye Solomon
Published: June 2017

In recent years, following the continued rise in the level of degradation and pollution in developing and emerging economies, the debate on the costs, benefits and longer‐term implications of growth policies on the environment has intensified among stakeholders. Although economic expansion remains paramount in policy, ensuring environmental sustainability amidst the quest to stimulate growth in Ghana has assumed a central theme in its contemporary growth agenda. Exploring annual time series data spanning 1975–2015 this study examined, in Ghana, the environmental impact of economic expansion within the standard Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework. The Autoregressive Distributed Lagged bounds approach to cointegration did not confirm the existence of EKC for any of the environmental indicators in the short run, but was robustly established in the long run for CO2 emissions and energy consumption. This conclusion implies that, given the long‐run parameters of Ghana, beyond a certain income level, degradation emanating from energy consumption and CO2 emissions will eventually fall as the country's economy expands. The study is the first to examine the effect of economic expansion on three of the most important environmental indicators in Ghana and also to employ an environmentally adjusted income variable as a measure of environment sustainability.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Unemployment: Empirical Evidence from Economic Community of West African States
Authors: Folawewo Abiodun O. , Adeboje Oluwafemi M.
Published: June 2017

This paper builds on Okun's law and Phillips curve theoretical frameworks to analyse the relationship between macroeconomic aggregates and unemployment in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Fixed and random effects, as well as fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOL) panel data estimation techniques are employed on annual data covering 1991 to 2014. Empirical analyses are performed at both aggregate ECOWAS data level and sub‐regional levels, that is, Francophone and Anglophone country levels. Results show that gross domestic product (GDP) growth has a reducing but insignificant effect on unemployment rate, which indicates low employment elasticity of growth in the region. Inflation has an overwhelming positive impact on unemployment, indicating invalidity of the Phillips curve hypothesis. Another important finding of the paper is the positive impact of labour productivity on unemployment rate, reflecting a trade‐off between labour productivity and employment. Further, FDI and external debt exert a weak negative impact on unemployment, while population growth has an increasing effect. The paper suggests the need for enabling macroeconomic environment that promotes employment generation in the ECOWAS region.
Investigating the Nexus between Institutional Quality and Stock Market Development in Nigeria: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Approach
Authors: Manasseh Charles O. , Mathew Timothy E. , Ogbuabor Jonathan E.
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the nexus between institutional quality and stock market development. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL (1,1)) and ARDL bounds testing procedure (Pesaranet al.,) was adopted for the estimation. We used annual time series data that covers the periods 1985 to 2013. Institutional quality is measured with corruption control, democratic accountability and bureaucratic quality, while stock market development is measured with market capitalization ratio. The institutional quality captures the degree of transparency and the level of investors' confidence while market capitalization measures overall performance. In addition, we also accounted for the influence of the banking sector (proxy: ratio of credit to the private sector). We control for the influence of variables such as stock market liquidity and per capita income. The results of the bounds test suggest that institutional quality and market development move together in the long run. Further investigation also shows that corruption control and democratic accountability are key institutional measures that impact significantly on stock market development, suggesting that institutional quality promotes the degree of transparency and investors' confidence. Other variables such as stock market liquidity, bureaucratic quality and per capita income were also found to be important determinants of stock market development in Nigeria. Hence, given the above findings, the relevant authorities should increase their efforts to control the level of corruption through the enhancement of the regulatory framework that could ensure accountability and efficient monitoring of the market actors for the sustainability of investors' confidence and the promotion of stock market development in Nigeria.
Dividend Policy and Shareholders’ Value: Evidence from Listed Companies in Ghana
Authors: Ofori‐Sasu Daniel , Abor Joshua Yindenaba , Osei Achampong Kofi
Published: June 2017

This study examines the effect of dividend policy on shareholder value of listed companies in Ghana. It analyses the factors affecting dividend policy and how dividend policy affects shareholders’ value. Data from 2009 to 2014 financial reports of listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange were used. The data was analysed using pooled OLS panel regression. The findings reveal that ROE, firm age, tax, tangibility, GDP growth and interest rate are statistically significant in explaining dividend policy. The study suggests that firms consider the use of dividend yield as an appropriate measure when making choices in dividend policy. The study finds a positive relationship between dividend per share and shareholders’ value. More so, firms with higher dividend yield tend to reduce shareholders’ value, as confirmed by a negative and significant relationship between dividend yield and shareholders’ value. It concludes that dividend policy has a strong relationship with shareholders’ value. The study recommends that managers should embark on prudent investment activities that would generate higher returns (both dividend and capital gains) to shareholders in order to increase shareholder value.