bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Public Health Uniform National Data System (PHUND$): A Platform for Monitoring Fiscal Health and Sustainability of the Public Health System
Authors: Honoré Peggy A. , Zometa Carlos , Thomas Craig , Edmiston Ashley
Published: August 2018

Context:

Leaders of government agencies are responsible for stewardship over taxpayer investments. Stewardship strengthens agency performance that is critical to improving population health. Most industries, including health care, and public enterprises, such as education, have policies for uniform data reporting and financial systems for the application of theoretical analytical techniques to organizations and entire systems. However, this is not a mainstreamed practice in local and state government public health.

Program:

The Public Health Uniform National Data System (PHUND$) is a financial information system for local health departments that advances the application of uniform practices to close financial analytical gaps. A 10-year retrospective overview on the development, implementation, and utility of PHUND$ is provided and supported by documented program and agency improvements to validate the analytical features and demonstrate a best practice.

Results:

Benefits found from utilizing PHUND$ included reducing financial risks, supporting requests for increased revenues, providing comparative analysis, isolating drivers of costs and deficits, increasing workforce financial management skills, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering agency sustainability to support continuous improvements in quality and population health. The PHUND$ financial data definitions in the data dictionary provided the structure needed for standardized data collection and confirmed the feasibility of a standardized public health chart of accounts.

Conclusion:

PHUND$ analysis provided evidence on the relationship between financial and operational performance, as well as informing strategies for managing risks and improving quality. Such analysis is critical to identifying financial and operational problems and essential to mitigating financial crisis, avoiding disruption of services, and fostering agency sustainability. PHUND$ additionally serves as an instrument that can guide development of standards that measure for agency sound financial management systems.
Associated Factors With Acute Transfusion Reaction From Hospital Online Reporting Events: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yao Chao-Yuan , Chien Ju-Huei , Chuang Hsun-Yang , Ho Tsing-Fen
Published: August 2018

Objectives

In our hospital’s hemovigilance system, a Wi-Fi–based vital signs monitor that automatically transmits data to ensure patient safety has been implemented. We derived the potential clinical characteristics for subsequent association of acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) using the hospital information system database.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed multiple factors to identify the possible associations between clinical factors and developing ATRs. The following data were collected: recipient’s pretransfusion and posttransfusion vital signs, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and presence of ATRs.

Results

In all, 44,691 events were analyzed. Of these, ATR events occurred in 1586 (3.5%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that leukopenia (<5×103/μL) before transfusion was shown a statistically associated with developing mild ATRs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68–3.35, P < 0.001). The association between elevated body temperature (forehead temperature > 37.5°C) and moderate ATRs was significant (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.22–1.98, P < 0.001). In addition, the association between high diastolic pressure (>90 mm Hg) and severe ATRs was significant (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.06–2.99, P = 0.03). Therefore, evaluated patient’s status such as vital signs before transfusion is very important. In addition, every hospital should established a complete hemovigilance program focus on effectively reporting and real-time monitoring ATRs to improve transfusion patient safety.

Conclusions

Vital signs monitoring and leukocyte counts before transfusion were significantly associated with the subsequent risk of ATRs. When patients with elevated body temperature, leukopenia, and high diastolic pressure who are scheduled to receive transfusion, clinicians should be aware of increasing the risk of ATRs in these patients.
Hepatic Involvement of IgG4-Related Disease Presenting as Multiple Hypermetabolic Masses on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Wang Ying , Luo Yaping , Ma Yanru , Li Fang
Published: August 2018

A 45-year-old man was found with multiple hepatic masses in CT/MR, suggesting liver metastases of unknown origin. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed several hypermetabolic masses in the liver; patchy increased uptake in the pancreas; and FDG-avid lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, and mediastinum. Histopathology with biopsy revealed enriched IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic cells infiltrating in the liver, pancreas, and lymph nodes, which confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease. The lesions were diminished on follow-up PET/CT 3 months after treatment with prednisone. This case illustrated that multifocal FDG-avid hepatic mass might be the involvement of IgG4-related disease, which should be differentiated from malignancies.
Anthropometric Analysis of the Nigerian Face: Any Conformity to the Neoclassical Canons?
Authors: Olusanya Adeola Adenike , Aladelusi Timothy Olukunle , Adedokun Babatunde
Published: August 2018

This study defines the facial anthropometric and aesthetic measurements in young Nigerians. This is a prospective cohort study involving facial anthropometric measurement in young adults without craniofacial abnormalities. Ten anthropometric measurements (upper facial height (tr-n), mid-facial height (n-sn), lower facial height (sn-gn), height of auricle (sa-sba) bilaterally, intercanthal width (en-en), palpebral fissure width (en-ex) bilaterally, face width (zy-zy), nose width (al-al), mouth width (ch-ch) and the interincisal distance) were determined. Proportions were compared with neoclassic cannons, published North American and Asian norms 151 individuals consisting of 50 males and 51 females with age range from 16 to 31 (23.9 + 2.49) were enrolled. Only 1% of the study population had equal facial thirds, the midface was the shortest of the facial thirds and the male gender generally had larger mean values of the facial dimensions than the female gender. About half of the participants had the lower third > upper third > middle third, the intercanthal width was equal to the nasal width in only about a tenth of the participants and less than the nasal width in majority (88.1%) of the participants and the mean interincisal distance was 51.1 (SD ± 6.997). The anthropometric measurements from this Nigerian study do not conform to the neoclassical cannons. Racially sensitive facial canons and measurements are advocated during reconstructive and aesthetic interventions in the craniofacial region.
Syngnathia
Authors: Olusanya Adeola A. , Tongo Olukemi O. , Lawal Taiwo A. , Aladelusi Timothy O. , Daniel Adekunle , Awana Emily E. , Hamza Abdulhakeem
Published: August 2018

Syngnathia is a congenital fusion of the upper and lower jaws. Its occurrence poses a significant challenge to feeding and its management is challenging to both the surgeon and the anaesthetist. Reports in the literature are mainly clinical reports or case series. To the knowledge of the authors and from the available literature, this is only the fourth report from Nigeria. The presentation and successful management of a Nigerian female neonate with congenital syngnathia is described and reviewed with literature.
Part II: Minimum Quality Threshold in Preclinical Sepsis Studies (MQTiPSS) for Types of Infections and Organ Dysfunction Endpoints
Authors: Libert Claude , Ayala Alfred , Bauer Michael , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Deutschman Clifford , Frostell Claes , Knapp Sylvia , Kozlov Andrey V. , Wang Ping , Osuchowski Marcin F. , Remick Daniel G.
Published: August 2018

Although the clinical definitions of sepsis and recommended treatments are regularly updated, a systematic review has not been done for preclinical models. To address this deficit, a Wiggers-Bernard Conference on preclinical sepsis modeling reviewed the 260 most highly cited papers between 2003 and 2012 using sepsis models to create a series of recommendations. This Part II report provides recommendations for the types of infections and documentation of organ injury in preclinical sepsis models. Concerning the types of infections, the review showed that the cecal ligation and puncture model was used for 44% of the studies while 40% injected endotoxin. Recommendation #8 (numbered sequentially from Part I): endotoxin injection should not be considered as a model of sepsis; live bacteria or fungal strains derived from clinical isolates are more appropriate. Recommendation #9: microorganisms should replicate those typically found in human sepsis. Sepsis-3 states that sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, but the review of the papers showed limited attempts to document organ dysfunction. Recommendation #10: organ dysfunction definitions should be used in preclinical models. Recommendation #11: not all activities in an organ/system need to be abnormal to verify organ dysfunction. Recommendation #12: organ dysfunction should be measured in an objective manner using reproducible scoring systems. Recommendation #13: not all experiments must measure all parameters of organ dysfunction, but investigators should attempt to fully capture as much information as possible. These recommendations are proposed as “best practices” for animal models of sepsis.
Acute Management of Optic Neuritis: An Evolving Paradigm
Authors: Horton Lindsay , Bennett Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2018

The current management of acute optic neuritis (ON) is focused on expediting visual recovery through the use of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. The recent identification of specific autoantibodies associated with central nervous system inflammatory disorders has provided novel insights into immune targets and mechanisms that impact the prognosis, treatment, and recurrence of ON. Therefore, neurologists and ophthalmologists need to be aware of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings that may provide important clues to the etiology of ON and the potential need for aggressive management. Moving forward, rapid and accurate diagnosis of inflammatory ON will likely be critical for implementing clinical care that optimizes short-term and long-term therapeutic outcomes.
Visual Evoked Potentials as a Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis and Associated Optic Neuritis
Authors: Leocani Letizia , Guerrieri Simone , Comi Giancarlo
Published: August 2018

From the Section Editor: The next two installments in the JNO “Disease of the Year: Multiple Sclerosis” series focus on lessons that can be learned form the afferent visual pathway, as a putative model of MS. In their article entitled, “Visual evoked potentials as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis and associated optic neuritis” Leocani and colleagues highlight the role of visual evoked potential (VEP) testing as a means of capturing the effects of demyelination, remyelination, and associated neuroaxonal injury in the central nervous system (CNS). Conjointly, Horton and Bennett discuss the acute management of optic neuritis, which is aptly described as an “evolving paradigm.” In their state-of-the art overview of the topic, these authors explore the spectrum of inflammatory optic neuropathies, with emphasis on clinical features, neuroimaging findings, and serological markers that help refine diagnosis, and target appropriate treatment strategies. When considered holistically, these reviews prompt us to consider how VEP and other surrogate endpoints can be used to differentiate subtypes of optic neuritis that may ultimately herald a wide variety of CNS inflammatory disorders.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by progressive neurological decline over time. The need for better “biomarkers” to more precisely capture and track the effects of demyelination, remyelination, and associated neuroaxonal injury is a well-recognized challenge in the field of MS. To this end, visual evoked potentials (VEPs) have a role in assessing the extent of demyelination along the optic nerve, as a functionally eloquent CNS region. Moreover, VEPs testing can be used to predict the extent of recovery after optic neuritis (ON) and capture disabling effects of clinical and subclinical demyelination events in the afferent visual pathway. In this review, the evolving role of VEPs in the diagnosis of patients with ON and MS and the utility of VEPs testing in determining therapeutic benefits of emerging MS treatments is discussed.
Fine Tuning of Histone Demethylase KDM6A/B Improves the Development of Nuclear Transfer Embryo
Authors: Yang Lei , Song Lishuang , Liu Xuefei , Bai Lige , Li Guangpeng
Published: August 2018

Despite the success of the production of animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in many species, the method is limited by a low efficiency. After zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a large number of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are expressed, including the murine endogenous retrovirus-L (MuERVL/MERVL). In this study, we generated a series of MERVL-reporter mouse strains to detect the ZGA event in embryos. We found that the majority of SCNT embryos exhibited ZGA failure, and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) prevented SCNT reprogramming. Overexpression of the H3K27me3-specific demethylase KDM6A, but not KDM6B, improved the efficiency of SCNT. Conversely, knockdown KDM6B not only facilitate ZGA, but also impede ectopic Xist expression in SCNT reprogramming. Furthermore, the knockdown of KDM6B increased the rate of SCNT-derived Duchenne muscular dystrophy embryonic stem cell establishment, indicate that these results not only provide insight into the mechanisms underlying failures of SCNT, but also may extend the applications of SCNT.
Mechanistic and experimental models of cell migration reveal the importance of intercellular interactions in cell invasion
Authors: Matsiaka Oleksii M. , Baker Ruth E. , Shah Esha T. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: August 2018

Moving fronts of cells are essential for development, repair and disease progression. Therefore, understanding and quantifying the details of the mechanisms that drive the movement of cell fronts is of wide interest. Quantitatively identifying the role of intercellular interactions, and in particular the role of cell pushing, remains an open question. Indeed, perhaps the most common continuum mathematical idealization of moving cell fronts is to treat the population of cells, either implicitly or explicitly, as a population of point particles undergoing a random walk that neglects intercellular interactions. In this work, we report a combined experimental-modelling approach showing that intercellular interactions contribute significantly to the spatial spreading of a population of cells. We use a novel experimental data set with PC-3 prostate cancer cells that have been pretreated with Mitomycin-C to suppress proliferation. This allows us to experimentally separate the effects of cell migration from cell proliferation, thereby enabling us to focus on the migration process in detail as the population of cells recolonizes an initially-vacant region in a series of two-dimensional experiments. We quantitatively model the experiments using a stochastic modelling framework, based on Langevin dynamics, which explicitly incorporates random motility and various intercellular forces including: (i) long range attraction (adhesion); and (ii) finite size effects that drive short range repulsion (pushing). Quantitatively comparing the ability of this model to describe the experimentally observed population-level behaviour provides us with quantitative insight into the roles of random motility and intercellular interactions. To quantify the mechanisms at play, we calibrate the stochastic model to match experimental cell density profiles to obtain estimates of cell diffusivity,D, and the amplitude of intercellular forces,f0. Our analysis shows that taking a standard modelling approach which ignores intercellular forces provides a poor match to the experimental data whereas incorporating intercellular forces, including short-range pushing and longer range attraction, leads to a faithful representation of the experimental observations. These results demonstrate a significant role for intercellular interactions in cell invasion.

Author summary

Moving cell fronts are routinely observed in various physiological processes, such as wound healing, malignant invasion and embryonic morphogenesis. We explore the effects of a previously overlooked mechanism that contributes to population-level front movement: pushing. Our framework is flexible and incorporates range of reasonable biological phenomena, such as random motility, cell-to-cell adhesion, and pushing. We find that neglecting finite size effects and intercellular forces, such as cell pushing, reduces our ability to mimic and predict our experimental observations.
POFUT2-mediated O-glycosylation of MIC2 is dispensable for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites
Authors: Khurana Sachin , Coffey Michael J. , John Alan , Uboldi Alessandro D. , Huynh My-Hang , Stewart Rebecca J. , Carruthers Vern B. , Tonkin Christopher J. , Goddard-Borger Ethan D. , Scott Nichollas E.
Published: August 2018

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasite that causes congenital birth defects, disease of the immunocompromised and blindness. Protein glycosylation plays an important role in the infectivity and evasion of immune response of many eukaryotic parasites and is also of great relevance to vaccine design. Here, we demonstrate that MIC2, the motility-associated adhesin of T. gondii, has highly glycosylated thrombospondin repeat domains (TSR). At least seven C-linked and three O-linked glycosylation sites exist within MIC2, with >95% occupancy at O-glycosylation sites. We demonstrate that the addition of O-glycans to MIC2 is mediated by a protein O-fucosyltransferase 2 homologue (TgPOFUT2) encoded by TGGT1_273550. While POFUT2 homologues are important for stabilizing motility associated adhesins and host infection in other apicomplexan parasites, in T. gondii loss of TgPOFUT2 has only a modest impact on MIC2 levels and the wider proteome. Consistent with this, both plaque formation and tachyzoite infectivity are broadly similar in the presence or absence of TgPOFUT2. These findings demonstrate that TgPOFUT2 O-glycosylates MIC2 and that this glycan is dispensable in T. gondii tachyzoites.
Loss of leaf-out and flowering synchrony under global warming
Authors: Zohner Constantin M. , Mo Lidong , Renner Susanne S.
Published: August 2018

The temporal overlap of phenological stages, phenological synchrony, crucially influences ecosystem functioning. For flowering, among-individual synchrony influences gene flow. For leaf-out, it affects interactions with herbivores and competing plants. If individuals differ in their reaction to the ongoing change in global climate, this should affect population-level synchrony. Here, we use climate-manipulation experiments, Pan-European long-term (>15 years) observations, and common garden monitoring data on up to 72 woody and herbaceous species to study the effects of increasing temperatures on the extent of within-population leaf-out and flowering synchrony. Warmer temperatures reduce in situ leaf-out and flowering synchrony by up to 55%, and experiments on European beech provide a mechanism for how individual genetic differences may explain this finding. The rapid loss of reproductive and vegetative synchrony in European plants predicts changes in their gene flow and trophic interactions, but community-wide consequences remain largely unknown.
DdcA antagonizes a bacterial DNA damage checkpoint
Authors: Burby Peter E. , Simmons Zackary W. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: August 2018

Bacteria coordinate DNA replication and cell division, ensuring that a complete set of genetic material is passed onto the next generation. When bacteria encounter DNA damage or impediments to DNA replication, a cell cycle checkpoint is activated to delay cell division by expressing a cell division inhibitor. The prevailing model for bacterial DNA damage checkpoints is that activation of the DNA damage response and protease mediated degradation of the cell division inhibitor is sufficient to regulate the checkpoint process. Our recent genome-wide screens identified the geneddcAas critical for surviving exposure to a broad spectrum of DNA damage. TheddcAdeletion phenotypes are dependent on the checkpoint enforcement protein YneA. We found that expression of the checkpoint recovery proteases could not compensate forddcAdeletion. Similarly, expression ifddcAcould not compensate for the absence of the checkpoint recovery proteases, indicating that DdcA function is distinct from the checkpoint recovery step. Deletion ofddcAresulted in sensitivity toyneAoverexpression independent of YneA protein levels or stability, further supporting the conclusion that DdcA regulates YneA through a proteolysis independent mechanism. Using a functional GFP-YneA we found that DdcA inhibits YneA activity independent of YneA localization, suggesting that DdcA may regulate YneA access to its target. These results uncover a regulatory step that is important for controlling the DNA damage checkpoint in bacteria, and suggests that the typical mechanism of degrading the checkpoint enforcement protein is insufficient to control the rate of cell division in response to DNA damage.

Author Summary

All cells coordinate DNA replication and cell division. When cells encounter DNA damage, the process of DNA replication is slowed and the cell must also delay cell division. In bacteria, the process has long been thought to occur using two principle modes of regulation. The first, is RecA coated ssDNA transmits the signal of DNA damage through inactivation of the repressor of the DNA damage (SOS) response regulon, which results in expression of a cell division inhibitor establishing the checkpoint. The second principle step is protease mediated degradation of the cell division inhibitor relieving the checkpoint. Recent work by our lab and others has suggested that this process may be more complex than originally thought. Here, we investigated a gene of unknown function that we previously identified as important for survival when the bacteriumBacillus subtilisis exposed to DNA damage. We found that this gene negatively regulates the cell division inhibitor, but is functionally distinct from the checkpoint recovery process. We provide evidence that this gene functions as an antagonist to establishing the DNA damage checkpoint. Our study uncovers a novel layer of regulation in the bacterial DNA damage checkpoint process challenging the longstanding models established in the bacterial DNA damage response field.
Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and clinical data uncovers the tumor suppressive activity of MITF in prostate cancer
Authors: Valcarcel-Jimenez Lorea , Macchia Alice , Martín-Martín Natalia , Cortazar Ana Rosa , Schaub-Clerigué Ariane , Pujana-Vaquerizo Mikel , Fernández-Ruiz Sonia , Lacasa-Viscasillas Isabel , Santos-Martin Aida , Loizaga-Iriarte Ana , Unda-Urzaiz Miguel , Hermanova Ivana , Astobiza lanire , Graupera Mariona , Starkova Julia , Sutherland James , Barrio Rosa , Aransay Ana M. , Carracedo Arkaitz , Torrano Verónica
Published: August 2018

The dysregulation of gene expression is an enabling hallmark of cancer. Computational analysis of transcriptomics data from human cancer specimens, complemented with exhaustive clinical annotation, provides an opportunity to identify core regulators of the tumorigenic process. Here we exploit well-annotated clinical datasets of prostate cancer for the discovery of transcriptional regulators relevant to prostate cancer. Following this rationale, we identify Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) as a prostate tumor suppressor among a subset of transcription factors. Importantly, we further interrogate transcriptomics and clinical data to refine MITF perturbation-based empirical assays and unveil Crystallin Alpha B (CRYAB) as an unprecedented direct target of the transcription factor that is, at least in part, responsible for its tumor suppressive activity in prostate cancer. This evidence was supported by the enhanced prognostic potential of a signature based on the concomitant alteration of MITF and CRYAB in prostate cancer patients. In sum, our study provides proof-of-concept evidence of the potential of the bioinformatics screen of publicly available cancer patient databases as discovery platforms, and demonstrates that the MITF-CRYAB axis controls prostate cancer biology.
Whole-head recording of chemosensory activity in the marine annelidPlatynereis dumerilii
Authors: Chartier Thomas F. , Deschamps Joran , Duerichen Wiebke , Jekely Gaspar , Arendt Detlev
Published: August 2018

Chemical detection is key to various behaviours in both marine and terrestrial animals. Marine species, though highly diverse, have been underrepresented so far in studies on chemosensory systems, and our knowledge mostly concerns the detection of airborne cues. A broader comparative approach is therefore desirable. Marine annelid worms with their rich behavioural repertoire represent attractive models for chemosensory studies. Here, we study the marine wormPlatynereis dumeriliito provide the first comprehensive study of head chemosensory organ physiology in an annelid. By combining microfluidics and calcium imaging, we record neuronal activity in the entire head of early juveniles upon chemical stimulation. We find thatPlatynereisuses four types of organs to detect stimuli such as alcohols, esters, amino acids and sugars. Antennae, but not nuchal organs or palps as generally hypothesised in annelids, are the main chemosensory organs. We report chemically-evoked activity in possible downstream brain regions including the mushroom bodies, which are anatomically and molecularly similar to insect mushroom bodies. We conclude that chemosensation is a major sensory modality for marine annelids, and propose earlyPlatynereisjuveniles as a model to study annelid chemosensory systems.
Optogenetic entrainment of the septo-hippocampal circuit is state conditional and attenuates spatial accuracy
Authors: Mouchati Philippe R. , Holmes Gregory L. , Kloc Michelle L. , Barry Jeremy M.
Published: August 2018

The manipulation of pattern generators in order to impose temporal organization on target nodes while accounting for dynamic changes in behavior and cognitive demand remains a significant challenge for the use of neurostimulation as a therapeutic treatment option. While perturbation through optogentic stimulation can reveal circuit mechanisms that create and locally integrate temporal organization, it is unclear whether superseding endogenous signals with artificial oscillations would benefit or impede hippocampus-dependent cognition or how cognitive demand might affect artificial septo-hippocampal entrainment. Optogenetic MS stimulation in wild-type rats in 3 conditions showed that septal input is more likely to supersede endogenous hippocampal LFP oscillations when animals are at rest or performing a hippocampus-dependent spatial accuracy task. Stimulation during a hippocampus-independent task, however, resulted in compensatory endogenous oscillations. Although stimulation effects on the inter-spike interval of hippocampal pyramidal cells mirrored task-conditional theta entrainment of the LFP, place field properties were unaffected. Analyses of spatial behavior indicate that optogenetic stimulation can attenuate performance and specific measures of goal zone estimation accuracy but otherwise does not affect the rat’s ability to navigate to the target quadrant. The results suggest that the behavioral effect of temporally organizing the septo-hippocampal circuit relative to an artificial theta signal is limited to the accuracy of the rat’s approximation of the goal zone location. These results have significant implications for the therapeutic use of optogenetic stimulation as a means of attenuating cognitive deficits associated with temporal discoordination.
Site-specific K63 ubiquitinomics reveals post-initiation regulation of ribosomes under oxidative stress
Authors: Back Songhee , Vogel Christine , Silva Gustavo M.
Published: August 2018

During oxidative stress, K63-linked polyubiquitin chains accumulate in the cell and modify a variety of proteins including ribosomes. Knowledge of the precise sites of K63 ubiquitin is key to understanding its function during the response to stress. To identify the sites of K63 ubiquitin, we developed a new mass-spectrometry based method that quantified >1,100 K63 ubiquitination sites in yeast responding to oxidative stress induced by H2O2. We determined that under stress, K63 ubiquitin modified proteins involved in several cellular functions including ion transport, protein trafficking, and translation. The most abundant ubiquitination sites localized to the head of the 40S subunit of the ribosome, modified assembled polysomes, and affected the binding of translation factors. The results suggested a new pathway of post-initiation control of translation during oxidative stress and illustrated the importance of high-resolution mapping of noncanonical ubiquitination events.
Distinct patterns of histone acetyltransferase and Mediator deployment at yeast protein-coding genes
Authors: Bruzzone Maria Jessica , Grünberg Sebastian , Kubik Slawomir , Zentner Gabriel E. , Shore David
Published: August 2018

The transcriptional coactivators Mediator and two histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes, NuA4 and SAGA, play global roles in transcriptional activation. Here we explore the relative contributions of these factors to RNA polymerase II association at specific genes and gene classes by rapid nuclear depletion of key complex subunits. We show that the NuA4 HAT Esa1 differentially affects certain groups of genes, whereas the SAGA HAT Gcn5 has a weaker but more uniform effect. Relative dependence on Esa1 and Tra1, a shared component of NuA4 and SAGA, distinguishes two large groups of coregulated growth-promoting genes. In contrast, we show that the activity of Mediator is particularly important at a separate, small set of highly transcribed TATA-box-containing genes. Our analysis indicates that at least three distinct combinations of coactivator deployment are used to generate moderate or high transcription levels and suggests that each may be associated with distinct forms of regulation.
Advantages of breast cancer visualization and characterization using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast tomography
Authors: Pacilè Serena , Baran Patrycja , Dullin Christian , Dimmock Matthew , Lockie Darren , Missbach-Guntner Jeannine , Quiney Harry , McCormack Mikkaela , Mayo Sheridan , Thompson Darren , Nesterets Yakov , Hall Chris , Pavlov Konstantin , Prodanovic Zdenka , Tonutti Maura , Accardo Agostino , Fox Jane , Tavakoli Taba Seyedamir , Lewis Sarah , Brennan Patrick , Hausermann Daniel , Tromba Giuliana , Gureyev Tim
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages that propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) with synchrotron radiation can provide in breast cancer diagnostics. For the first time, a fresh and intact mastectomy sample from a 60 year old patient was scanned on the IMBL beamline at the Australian Synchrotron in PB-CT mode and reconstructed. The clinical picture was described and characterized by an experienced breast radiologist, who underlined the advantages of providing diagnosis on a PB-CT volume rather than conventional two-dimensional modalities. Subsequently, the image quality was assessed by 11 breast radiologists and medical imaging experts using a radiological scoring system. The results indicate that, with the radiation dose delivered to the sample being equal, the accuracy of a diagnosis made on PB-CT images is significantly higher than one using conventional techniques.
Hexaaquazinc(II) dinitrate bis[5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetrazol-1-ide]
Authors: Chi-Duran Ignacio , Enriquez Javier , Vega Andres , Herrera Felipe , Pratap Singh Dinesh
Published: August 2018

Hexaaquazinc(II) dinitrate 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetrazol-1-ide, [Zn(H2O)6](NO3)2·2C6H5N5, crystallizes in the space group P\overline{1}. The asymmetric unit contains one zwitterionic 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetrazol-1-ide molecule, one NO3
− anion and one half of a [Zn(H2O)6]2+ cation (\overline{1} symmetry). The pyridinium and tetrazolide rings in the zwitterion are nearly coplanar, with a dihedral angle of 5.4 (2)°. Several O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions exist between the [Zn(H2O)6]2+ cation and the N atoms of the tetrazolide ring, and between the nitrate anions and the N—H groups of the pyridinium ring, respectively, giving rise to a three-dimensional network. The 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetrazol-1-ide molecules show parallel-displaced π–π stacking interactions; the centroid–centroid distance between adjacent tetrazolide rings is 3.6298 (6) Å and that between the pyridinium and tetrazolide rings is 3.6120 (5) Å.
Crystal structure of fac-bis[bis(pyridin-2-yl)methanamine]iron(II) 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-(dicyanomethylidene)propane-1,3-diide, [Fe(dipa)2](tcpd)
Authors: Setifi Zouaoui , Corfield Peter W. R. , Setifi Fatima , Morgenstern Bernd , Hegetschweiler Kaspar , Kaddouri Yassine
Published: August 2018

In the title compound, [Fe(C11H11N3)2](C10N6), the FeII cation is coordinated by two bis(pyridin-2-yl)methanamine (dipa) ligands and has crystallographic twofold symmetry. There are deviations from ideal octahedral geometry due to the steric requirements of the ligands. The polynitrile 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-(dicyanomethylidene)propane-1,3-diide (tcpd2−) dianion is disordered about an inversion center and is not coordinated to the Fe atom. The anion is not planar but has a propeller shape. In the crystal, weak N—H...N interactions between the amine H atoms of the dipa ligands and two nitrile groups of the anion form an alternating chain of cations and anions related by the C-centering of the unit cell.
Crystal structure of [μ-1κ2
C
1,C
4:2(1,2,3,4-η)-1,2,3,4-tetraphenylbuta-1,3-diene-1,4-diyl]bis(tricarbonylosmium)(Os—Os)
Authors: Rutledge Erin F. , Wilson Kylie M. , Martin Stephanie M. , Swartout John W. , Archambeau Ashley K. , Mikeska Emily R. , Powell Gregory L. , Reinheimer Eric W. , Powell Cynthia B.
Published: August 2018

In the title complex C34H20O6Os2 or (μ-η4-C4Ph4)Os2(CO)6, one Os atom is part of a metallacyclopentadiene ring, while the second Os atom is π-bonded to the organic portion of this ring. The distance of 2.7494 (2) Å between the two Os atoms is typical of an Os—Os single bond. Three carbonyl ligands are attached to each Os atom and these six carbonyls adopt an eclipsed conformation. There are no bridging or semibridging CO groups. Two carbonyl ligands and all four phenyl groups are disordered over two slightly different positions for which each atom in the minor components is displaced less than 1 Å from the corresponding atom in the major components. The refined occupancies of the major components of the carbonyl ligands are 0.568 (16) and 0.625 (13), while those for the phenyl rings are 0.50 (3), 0.510 (12), 0.519 (18), and 0.568 (12).
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of methyl 4-[(E)-2-(5-bromo-2-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazinyl]-3-nitrobenzoate
Authors: Malek Tanvirbanu J. , Gandhi Sahaj A. , Barot Vijay , Patel Mukesh , Patel Urmila H.
Published: August 2018

The title compound, C16H14BrN3O5, is a novel halogen (Br) substituted hydrazine derivative. The hydrazine derivatives were the group of compounds with the general structure, R
1
R
2C=NNH2 (Uppal et al., 2011), with the central RC=NNH2 moiety bridging two different groups on both sides. An all-trans configuration of the backbone (RC=NNH2) results in an extended molecular conformation. The dihedral angle between the 5-bromo-2-methoxyphenyl ring and the nitrophenyl ring is 4.4 (3)°. Intramolecular N—H...O interactions form S(6) graph-set motifs, while C—H...O and C—H...N interactions form S(5) graph-set motifs. Symmetry-related molecules are linked by C—H...O intermolecular interactions forming an R
2
1(10) graph-set motif. There are nearly face-to-face directional specific π–π stacking interactions between the centroids of the nitrophenyl ring and the benzene ring of the 5-bromo-2-methoxy group [centroid–centroid distance = 3.6121 (5) Å and slippage = 1.115 Å], which also contributes to the molecular packing. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed in order to visualize, explore and quantify the intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice of the title compound.
Making sustainability meaningful: aspirations, discourses and reporting practices
Authors: Busco Cristiano , Giovannoni Elena , Granà Fabrizio , Izzo Maria Federica
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the enabling role of accounting and reporting practices as discourses about sustainability unfold inside organizations. In particular, the authors investigate how managers attempt to connect the concept of “sustainability” to their specific experience, as they seek to make sustainability meaningful (i.e. filling it with unfolding meaning) through accounting and within particular discursive spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely upon the case of LOGIC, a large international oil and gas company operating in more than 70 countries worldwide. The authors analyze the evolution of discourses concerning sustainability inside the company, as well as the changing accounting and reporting practices, with a particular focus on integrated reporting.

Findings

The authors show that accounting and reporting practices (such as integrated reporting within LOGIC) provide the conditions for “sustainability”—as a discursive concept—to become meaningful, while evolving themselves as they are attached to this concept. They do so by enabling individuals (the management team within LOGIC) to connect their diverse experiences and aspirations to the concept of sustainability. Rather than filling sustainability with stable meaning, the authors observed that individuals are attracted by the gaps left by accounting representations, leading to the development of new practices and unfolding meanings within specific discursive spaces.

Originality/value

Most of the literature on sustainability accounting and reporting practices concentrate on the need for these practices to mirror what companies do about sustainability. Differently, the authors add to the very few studies on “aspirational” reporting that have emphasized the enabling effects of the gap between what companies say and do about sustainability. The authors do so by demonstrating that accounting is “aspirational” not only because it stimulates corporate efforts toward an imaginary better future, but also because it attracts managers’ particular aspirations through its representational gap. The authors show that this gap enables meaningful connections between individuals (their particular experience and aspirations) and “sustainability,” bringing this concept into their specific discursive space and, thereby, leading to the emergence of new practices.
Entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy and intentions in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Puni Albert , Anlesinya Alex , Korsorku Patience Dzigbordi Akosua
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and intention in Ghana, Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 357 questionnaires from final year undergraduate students at a public university in Ghana are analysed using linear multiple regression.

Findings

The study reveals that entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition and opportunity recognition as dimensions of entrepreneurship education positively affect entrepreneurial intention (EI) and self-efficacy. Also, ESE increases the development of EI. The results further show that ESE mediated the relationship between the two measures of entrepreneurship education and EI.

Practical implications

The findings imply that when students are exposed to entrepreneurship knowledge and opportunity recognition skills via entrepreneurship education, they can develop high ESE and intention to engage in venture creation. Findings therefore urge stakeholders in the education sector in Africa to formulate policy guidelines for the design and teaching of entrepreneurship education. Such policies and guidelines should emphasise more students’ acquisition of adequate knowledge in venture creation and management, and the development of skills for identifying business opportunities while instilling confidence in their abilities to become successful entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The mediating role of ESE in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and intention has been under-researched globally not just in Africa. Hence, this first study to the best of the knowledge in a Sub-Saharan African context, contributes further empirical evidence by demonstrating that ESE is a central psychological mechanism that can convert entrepreneurship education into EI. Besides, the study defies some of the findings in advanced economies by indicating that a theoretical entrepreneurship education course in Africa may work differently than in advanced economies and may actually foster the development of EI unlike in advanced economies.
Factors explaining participation in WhatsApp groups: an exploratory study
Authors: Gazit Tali , Aharony Noa
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To date, only a limited number of studies have considered WhatsApp groups. The purpose of this paper is to focus on single WhatsApp groups and explore their special characteristics and dynamics. The present study used the social support perspective, Big Five model and narcissism paradigm to predict the level of participation in WhatsApp groups with these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Israel during the Spring semester of the 2017 academic year and encompassed 127 students. Researchers used eight questionnaires to gather data: a demographic questionnaire; a perceived social support questionnaire; three characteristics from the BIG5 questionnaire: extroversion, openness to experience and neuroticism; a narcissistic questionnaire; questions about WhatsApp usage; questions about one meaningful WhatsApp group; participation level in the meaningful group; and group importance.

Findings

The findings confirmed that psychological factors such as social support, extroversion and narcissism significantly predict the level of participation in WhatsApp groups. It was also found that age, the level of group importance, being the group’s manager, WhatsApp usage and group’s subject play an important role in the participation level.

Originality/value

These results affirmed the importance of psychological factors when exploring new technological platforms, as the paper proposes that individuals may behave differently in various technological environments due to their psychological characteristics. The study expanded current research about a popular communication tool, WhatsApp, by examining it within the special context of WhatsApp groups. This focus enables researchers to follow the special dynamics that take place in a new technological platform.
Workplace spirituality: a new imperative in Indian manufacturing sector
Authors: Singh Nishant , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the need for workplace spirituality (WPS) through the planned implementation of strategies in the Indian manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a viewpoint based on literature review.

Findings

WPS is useful for reducing employee turnover as well as increasing satisfaction, commitment, and engagement among employees. Employees feel empowered if they get ample opportunities and challenging tasks to grow in a positive environment.

Originality/value

The latest prevalent issues of industry have been addressed, and the strategies to overcome these problems are suggested.
Learning nuggets, personalized eLearning (PeL) and product training for professionals with niche skills: a case study from India
Authors: Roy Shirshendu , Bhattacharya Samar , Das Prasun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the impact of personalized eLearning (PeL) using small videos and simulations. It sets out the results of a research project carried out across four Indian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study. The respondents completed product training using small videos and simulations as training content. The courses were assigned to learners using PeL concept. An online survey was conducted to capture feedback on learning content and process, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to explain the acceptance.

Findings

The research concluded that flexibility and engagement play an important role in competency development using eLearning. It also revealed the positive role of small videos, simulations, and PeL to improve product knowledge. The research findings are consistent with earlier studies.

Research limitations/implications

The pilot study was a part of a thesis topic for a doctoral program. The study is limited to four domains, namely, aerospace engineering, biological science, thermodynamics, and nuclear research. More studies are required to generalize results. Data were collected through self-responses and focus group discussion. Hence, the “perception” of respondents has some influence on the overall outcome.

Practical implications

The foundation’s result will help learning & development (L&D) professionals and courseware designers to identify important factors for small video and simulation-based learning in an Indian context. The recommendations will help practitioners design effective PeL content for product training.

Originality/value

This research increases the knowledge base related to competency development using eLearning for product training in an Indian context.
Ghana’s decentralized governance system: the role of Chiefs
Authors: Honyenuga Ben Quarshie , Wutoh Edem Happy
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which Chiefs are involved in Ghana’s decentralization process and assess the benefits and challenges associated with the formal inclusion of Chiefs in local governance in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a qualitative inductive approach and employed interviews and focus group discussions to gather data from selected traditional areas within the Volta Region of Ghana.

Findings

The findings reveal conflicting roles being performed by Chiefs and local government actors leading to role conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study is limited with respect to its scope, it opens up the debate regarding the position of Chiefs in Ghana’s decentralized local governance system and also serves as a useful point of reference for future research in the decentralization process and the Chieftaincy institution.

Practical implications

The paper provides an opportunity for stakeholders in Ghana’s decentralized local governance system to review the current decentralization policy to take care of the concerns of the traditional authorities at the grassroots. The recommendations, among others, call for a great deal of consensus building between the Chiefs and local government actors to enhance the success of the decentralization process.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence regarding the loopholes in the structure of Ghana’s decentralized local governance system which appear to exclude the traditional authorities thereby affecting the smooth running of that system.