bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in leaf flushing date influences autumnal senescence and next year’s flushing date in two temperate tree species
Authors: Fu Yongshuo S. H. , Campioli Matteo , Vitasse Yann , De Boeck Hans J. , Van den Berge Joke , AbdElgawad Hamada , Asard Han , Piao Shilong , Deckmyn Gaby , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Leaf phenology of temperate ecosystems is shifting in response to global warming. This affects surface albedo, ecosystem carbon balance, and evapotranspiration, and the response of leaf phenology to climatic drivers has therefore received particular interest. However, despite considerable effort, models have failed to accurately reproduce phenology patterns, likely because mechanistic understanding is incomplete. Here, we show that earlier leaf flushing in response to a warm winter translated into earlier leaf senescence and even earlier leaf flushing in the following year. This legacy effect of winter warming on leaf phenology has important implications for understanding and modelling leaf phenology and its impact on ecosystem functioning, especially in relation to global warming, and is likely to open new research lines.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies by semiconductor sequencing
Authors: Liao Can , Yin Ai-hua , Peng Chun-fang , Fu Fang , Yang Jie-xia , Li Ru , Chen Yang-yi , Luo Dong-hong , Zhang Yong-ling , Ou Yan-mei , Li Jian , Wu Jing , Mai Ming-qin , Hou Rui , Wu Frances , Luo Hongrong , Li Dong-zhi , Liu Hai-liang , Zhang Xiao-zhuang , Zhang Kang
Published: May 2014

Significance

Chromosomal aneuploidies represent a major cause of fetal loss and birth defects. Current methods for the prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy require invasive methods that are associated with a risk of miscarriage and other complications. Recently, noninvasive prenatal testing has been developed using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma. In this study, we validated an effective method for noninvasive diagnosis of fetal aneuploidy using a semiconductor sequencer, which reduces the time and cost of sequencing. Our method is cost-effective and practical in a clinical setting with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of trisomy 13, 18, and 21 as well as sex chromosome aneuploidies.
O-Glycosylation regulates polarized secretion by modulating Tango1 stability
Authors: Zhang Liping , Syed Zulfeqhar Ali , van Dijk Härd Iris , Lim Jae-Min , Wells Lance , Ten Hagen Kelly G.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Secretion of protein products from cells is crucial during development, as well as in adult tissues, where secreted factors perform specialized functions. Previous studies demonstrated that an essential, conserved protein modification (O-glycosylation) affected secretion in
Drosophila
and mammalian tissues. However, the mechanisms by which secretion was affected were unknown. Here we demonstrate that this protein modification affects secretory vesicle formation and polarized secretion by protecting an essential endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi transmembrane protein (Tango1) from protease cleavage. Moreover, we identify the specific enzyme (PGANT4) and furin protease (Dfur2) that form this regulatory partnership. Finally, our results have implications for the treatment of human diseases resulting from the loss of this protein modification by modulating the activity of specific proteases in vivo.
Extraordinary strain hardening by gradient structure
Authors: Wu XiaoLei , Jiang Ping , Chen Liu , Yuan Fuping , Zhu Yuntian T.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Nature creates the gradient structure (GS) for a purpose: to make biological systems strong and tough to survive severe natural forces. For the grain-size GS, the deformation physics is still unclear. One wonders if the grain-size GS in the nanomicroscale would also benefit materials engineered by mankind. In this paper, a universal strain hardening mechanism is revealed in the GS. We discovered a unique extra strain hardening that is intrinsic to the GS. Its mechanism is the presence of strain gradient together with the stress state change. A superior combination of strength and ductility that is not accessible to conventional homogeneous materials is obtained. As a novel mechanism, extra strain hardening renders high ductility in the GS materials.
Rich-club organization of the newborn human brain
Authors: Ball Gareth , Aljabar Paul , Zebari Sally , Tusor Nora , Arichi Tomoki , Merchant Nazakat , Robinson Emma C. , Ogundipe Enitan , Rueckert Daniel , Edwards A. David , Counsell Serena J.
Published: May 2014

Significance

To investigate the organizational principles of human brain development, we analyzed cerebral structural connectivity in the period leading up to the time of normal birth. We found that a “rich club” of interconnected cortical hubs previously reported in adults is present by 30 wk gestation. From mid to late gestation, connections between core hubs and the rest of the brain increased significantly. To determine the influence of environmental factors on network development, we also compared term-born infants to those born prematurely. Alterations in cortical–subcortical connectivity and short-distance connections outside the core network were associated with prematurity. Rich-club organization in the human brain precedes the emergence of complex neurological function, and alterations during this time may impact negatively on subsequent neurodevelopment.
Spatiotemporally different origins of NG2 progenitors produce cortical interneurons versus glia in the mammalian forebrain
Authors: Tsoa Rosemarie W. , Coskun Volkan , Ho Chi K. , de Vellis Jean , Sun Yi E.
Published: May 2014

Significance

The CRE/LoxP cell lineage tracing strategy has been applied effectively to label progenies derived from specific progenitors in different model organisms. Although this approach efficaciously labels cells expressing a specific marker, it often discounts the heterogeneity of the cell populations sharing the same cellular marker. In this study, we combined the CRE/LoxP tracing strategy with BrdU birth-dating analysis to separate the NG2 expression progenitor populations and identified the defined interneuronal versus oligodendroglial lineages on the basis of special and temporal specific origins.
Type I interferon suppresses de novo virus-specific CD4 Th1 immunity during an established persistent viral infection
Authors: Osokine Ivan , Snell Laura M. , Cunningham Cameron R. , Yamada Douglas H. , Wilson Elizabeth B. , Elsaesser Heidi J. , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Brooks David
Published: May 2014

Significance

Potent antiviral CD4 Th1 responses generated at the onset of persistent infection are lost as infection progresses. However, it is unknown how CD4 T cell responses are mounted in the midst of an established persistent infection to restore the diminishing Th1 response. We report that an established persistent virus infection suppresses the induction and distribution of new virus-specific CD4 Th1 cells. The failure to generate new Th1 responses is mediated by chronic type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling, and its blockade effectively restored de novo Th1 development. Our study identifies a mechanism of immunosuppression and a method to restore Th1 generation during persistent infection.
Ultrasensitive detection of waste products in water using fluorescence emission cavity-enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: Bixler Joel N. , Cone Michael T. , Hokr Brett H. , Mason John D. , Figueroa Eleonora , Fry Edward S. , Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Clean water is paramount to human health. Contaminants, such as human waste products in drinking water, can result in significant health issues. In this article, we present a technique for detection of trace amounts of human or animal waste products in water. This technique could allow for real-time assessment of water quality without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
Caspase-8 and RIP kinases regulate bacteria-induced innate immune responses and cell death
Authors: Weng Dan , Marty-Roix Robyn , Ganesan Sandhya , Proulx Megan K. , Vladimer Gregory I. , Kaiser William J. , Mocarski Edward S. , Pouliot Kimberly , Chan Francis Ka-Ming , Kelliher Michelle A. , Harris Phillip A. , Bertin John , Gough Peter J. , Shayakhmetov Dmitry M. , Goguen Jon D. , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Silverman Neal , Lien Egil
Published: May 2014

Significance

Receptor-interacting protein-1 (RIP1) kinase and caspase-8 are important players in activation of apoptotic pathways. Here we show that RIP1, caspase-8, and RIP3 contribute to infection-induced macrophage cell death and also are required for activation of transcription factor NF-κB and caspase-1 upon infection with the bacterial pathogen
Yersinia pestis
, the causative agent of plague. Mice lacking caspase-8 and RIP3 are also very susceptible to bacterial infection. This suggests that RIP1, caspase-8, and RIP3 are key molecules with multiple roles in innate immunity during bacterial challenge.
Noninvasive in vivo monitoring of tissue-specific global gene expression in humans
Authors: Koh Winston , Pan Wenying , Gawad Charles , Fan H. Christina , Kerchner Geoffrey A. , Wyss-Coray Tony , Blumenfeld Yair J. , El-Sayed Yasser Y. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Circulating cell-free RNA in the blood provides a potential window into the health, phenotype, and developmental programs of a variety of human organs. We used high-throughput methods of RNA analysis such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing to characterize the global landscape of circulating RNA in human subjects. By focusing on tissue-specific genes, we were able to identify the relative contributions of these tissues to circulating RNA and monitor changes during tissue development and neurodegenerative disease states.
Quenched disorder and vestigial nematicity in the pseudogap regime of the cuprates
Authors: Nie Laimei , Tarjus Gilles , Kivelson Steven Allan
Published: May 2014

Significance

Recent experiments show that a tendency toward charge density wave (CDW) order, long documented in certain structurally special members of the cuprate family, is a ubiquitous feature of the pseudogap regime in these high-temperature superconductors. We show that quenched disorder plays a key role in this problem, inevitably limiting the growth of CDW correlations even in the most perfect existing crystals and rounding the associated phase transitions. However, weak disorder operating on a unidirectional CDW leaves behind a sharply defined vestigial point-group symmetry breaking and an associated phase transition. We suggest that such electron-nematic order is an essential feature of the pseudogap phase and that the associated quantum critical point may play an essential role in the physics of high-temperature superconductivity.
A 2,300-year-old architectural and astronomical complex in the Chincha Valley, Peru
Authors: Stanish Charles , Tantaleán Henry , Nigra Benjamin T. , Griffin Laura
Published: May 2014

Significance

Recent archaeological discoveries on the south coast of Peru demonstrate that Paracas period peoples constructed a complex set of geoglyphs to mark ceremonial mounds and residential sites. Paracas societies in this region created a built or artificial landscape in an open desert to mediate periodic social events. Several of these architectural features were oriented to the sunset during the winter solstice. These data provide insight into the ways by which people in stateless societies organized their social, economic, and political life. Social units, labor, and astronomically significant periods mesh, attracting participants to cyclical events in the midvalley zone. This case study refines our understanding of the processes of human social evolution prior to the development of archaic states.
Genome-wide high-resolution mapping of chromosome fragile sites in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Song Wei , Dominska Margaret , Greenwell Patricia W. , Petes Thomas D.
Published: May 2014

Significance

When mammalian cells are treated with drugs that perturb DNA replication, chromosomes break in specific locations called “fragile sites.” Human fragile sites are hotspots for chromosome rearrangements seen in many solid tumors. In the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, DNA breaks are repaired by homologous recombination. We have developed methods of genome-wide mapping of recombination events in yeast strains that have 10-fold reduced levels of DNA polymerase. We find that these yeast fragile sites are often associated with sequence/structural motifs that pause or stall the DNA replication fork. We also show that low levels of DNA polymerase greatly elevate the frequency of deletions and duplications (reflecting unequal sister-chromatid recombination between repeated genes), and result in changes in chromosome number (aneuploidy).
Plasma membrane phosphoinositide balance regulates cell shape during Drosophila embryo morphogenesis
Authors: Reversi Alessandra , Loeser Eva , Subramanian Devaraj , Schultz Carsten , De Renzis Stefano
Published: May 2014

Remodeling of cell shape during morphogenesis is driven by the coordinated expansion and contraction of specific plasma membrane domains. Loss of this coordination results in abnormal cell shape and embryonic lethality. Here, we show that plasma membrane lipid composition plays a key role in coordinating plasma membrane contraction during expansion. We found that an increase in PI(4,5)P2 levels caused premature actomyosin contraction, resulting in the formation of shortened cells. Conversely, acute depletion of PI(4,5)P2 blocked plasma membrane expansion and led to premature actomyosin disassembly. PI(4,5)P2-mediated contractility is counteracted by PI(3,4,5)P3 and the zygotic gene bottleneck, which acts by limiting myosin recruitment during plasma membrane expansion. Collectively, these data support a model in which the ratio of PI(4,5)P2/PI(3,4,5)P3 coordinates actomyosin contractility and plasma membrane expansion during tissue morphogenesis, thus ensuring proper cell shape.
Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 are polymorphic paired receptors that modulate neutrophil and amnion signaling responses to group B Streptococcus
Authors: Ali Syed Raza , Fong Jerry J. , Carlin Aaron F. , Busch Tamara D. , Linden Rebecka , Angata Takashi , Areschoug Thomas , Parast Mana , Varki Nissi , Murray Jeffrey , Nizet Victor , Varki Ajit
Published: May 2014

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in human newborns. We recently showed that the GBS β-protein attenuates innate immune responses by binding to sialic acid–binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 5 (Siglec-5), an inhibitory receptor on phagocytes. Interestingly, neutrophils and monocytes also express Siglec-14, which has a ligand-binding domain almost identical to Siglec-5 but signals via an activating motif, raising the possibility that these are paired Siglec receptors that balance immune responses to pathogens. Here we show that β-protein–expressing GBS binds to both Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 on neutrophils and that the latter engagement counteracts pathogen-induced host immune suppression by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT signaling pathways. Siglec-14 is absent from some humans because of a SIGLEC14-null polymorphism, and homozygous SIGLEC14-null neutrophils are more susceptible to GBS immune subversion. Finally, we report an unexpected human-specific expression of Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 on amniotic epithelium, the site of initial contact of invading GBS with the fetus. GBS amnion immune activation was likewise influenced by the SIGLEC14-null polymorphism. We provide initial evidence that the polymorphism could influence the risk of prematurity among human fetuses of mothers colonized with GBS. This first functionally proven example of a paired receptor system in the Siglec family has multiple implications for regulation of host immunity.
The social and political realities of marine spatial planning: some land-based reflections
Authors: Kidd Sue , Shaw Dave
Published: May 2014

This paper highlights the value for marine spatial planning (MSP) of engaging with terrestrial planning theory and practice. It argues that the traditions of reflection, critique, and debate that are a feature of land-based planning can inform the development of richer theoretical underpinnings of MSP as well as MSP practice. The case is illustrated by tempering the view that MSP can be a rational planning process that can follow universal principles and steps by presenting an alternative perspective that sees MSP as a social and political process that is highly differentiated and place-specific. This perspective is discussed with reference to four examples. First, the paper considers why history, culture, and administrative context lead to significant differences in how planning systems are organized. Second, it highlights that planning systems and processes tend to be in constant flux as they respond to changing social and political viewpoints. Third, it discusses why the integration ambitions which are central to “spatial” planning require detailed engagement with locally specific social and political circumstances. Fourth, it focuses on the political and social nature of plan implementation and how different implementation contexts need to inform the design of planning processes and the style of plans produced.
Concordance of patient and caregiver reports in evaluating quality of life in patients with malignant gliomas and an assessment of caregiver burden
Authors: Jacobs Daniel I. , Kumthekar Priya , Stell Becky V. , Grimm Sean A. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Rice Laurie , Chandler James P. , Muro Kenji , Marymont MaryAnne , Helenowski Irene B. , Wagner Lynne I. , Raizer Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2014

Background

Given the neurocognitive impairment experienced by many patients with malignant gliomas, caregiver reports can be critical in assessing the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. In this study, we explored whether assessment of patient QOL by the primary caregiver shows concordance with the patient's self-reported QOL, and we quantified the burden faced by caregivers.

Methods

QOL of 45 patients was evaluated by both the patient and primary caregiver on 3 or more separate occasions using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) instrument, and concordance between the 2 reports was evaluated. Caregiver burden was measured using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOL-C) instrument.

Results

Overall, good concordance was observed between the patient and caregiver FACT-Br reports (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74). Patient-reported FACT-Br scores were 4.75 (95% CI, 1.44–8.05) points higher than paired caregiver reports on the 200-point scale (P = .008); however, this difference did not achieve clinical significance. Caregiver burden, as measured by the CQOL-C, was significantly greater among caregivers in this study than those previously reported for caregivers of patients with lung, breast, or prostate cancer (P < .001).

Conclusions

Despite minor discrepancies in caregiver assessments of patient QOL relative to patient self-reports, our results suggest that the caregiver assessments can serve as adequate proxies for patient reports. Our results also illustrate the particularly heavy burden faced by caregivers of patients with malignant glioma. Further research into both of these areas is warranted.
Impact of recall period on primary brain tumor patient's self-report of symptoms
Authors: Armstrong Terri S. , Vera-Bolanos Elizabeth , Acquaye Alvina , Gilbert, Mark R. , Mendoza Tito R.
Published: May 2014

Background

Understanding the severity of symptoms is an integral part of patient care. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor (MDASI-BT) was developed using a 24-hour recall period. The choice of recall period is dependent on the treatment and disease of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the congruence and equivalency of 24-hour and 7-day symptom reporting using the MDASI-BT.

Method

Adult brain tumor patients completed the MDASI-BT using 24-hour and 7-day recall periods and a tablet format. Equivalence and congruence were determined using equivalency testing and Bland-Altman analysis. Reliability and known group's validity were then assessed by use of Cronbach's alpha and evaluating differences based on performance status.

Results

One hundred patients (mean age, 48 y; range 19 y–77 y), who were primarily white (86%) males (62%) with a variety of brain tumors, most commonly glioblastoma (69%), participated. KPS scores ranged from 50%–100%, with 28% of participants scoring 80% or lower. Overall severity reporting using the 7-day recall was congruent and equivalent with the 24-hour rating, with difference scores of one point or less on the overall instrument and individual symptoms. The 7-day recall period instrument demonstrated psychometric properties similar to the established 24-hour recall instrument.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of the 7-day recall period in addition to the 24-hour recall period for symptom reports of patients with primary brain tumors. Future studies should continue to explore the reliability and validity of this recall period and its utility in other central nervous system tumor populations.
Liver Disease in Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Luoto Topi T. , Pakarinen Mikko P. , Jahnukainen Timo , Jalanko Hannu
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

We correlated liver and kidney manifestations in a national cohort of patients with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).

Methods:

A total of 27 consecutive patients with ARPKD were included. Hepatobiliary disorders were comparatively evaluated in 2 groups: children in group 1 (n = 10) displayed renal failure as infants and those in group 2 (n = 17) had normal kidney function through the first year of life.

Results:

Median follow‐up time was 10.6 (range, 0.4–40) years. Portal hypertension was diagnosed in 13 patients (48%) at the median age 5.0 (1.5–27.9) years. Esophageal varices developed in 8 patients (30%) at age 8.0 (2.1–11.9) years; 4 patients (15%) had variceal bleeding, and hypersplenism/splenomegaly occurred in 52%, similarly in both groups. Biliary tract dilatation was detected at 2.8 years in group 1 and at 7.9 years in group 2, significantly more frequently in group 1 (60% vs 18%, P = 0.039), causing cholangitis in 2 (20%) versus none in group 2 (P = 0.055). A total of 10 patients (37%) underwent cadaveric liver transplantation (LT) at a median age of 6.6 (1.0–20.0) years. In 1 patient LT was performed because of hepatoblastoma. Nine of these were combined liver–kidney transplantations (CLKT). Patients in group 1 required LT earlier (4.1 years vs 18.2 years, P = 0.017) and more frequently (70% vs 18%, P = 0.01). Overall survival beyond neonatal period was 85%. Two patients died because of infectious complications after CLKT, and 1 patient because of recurrent hepatoblastoma.

Conclusions:

Although correlation of renal and liver manifestations was variable, biliary dilatation was associated with early renal failure. CLKT may be a treatment for patients with ARPKD with marked hepatobiliary complications.
Reducing food losses by intelligent food logistics
Authors: Jedermann Reiner , Nicometo Mike , Uysal Ismail , Lang Walter
Published: May 2014

The need to feed an ever-increasing world population makes it obligatory to reduce the millions of tons of avoidable perishable waste along the food supply chain. A considerable share of these losses is caused by non-optimal cold chain processes and management. This Theme Issue focuses on technologies, models and applications to monitor changes in the product shelf life, defined as the time remaining until the quality of a food product drops below an acceptance limit, and to plan successive chain processes and logistics accordingly to uncover and prevent invisible or latent losses in product quality, especially following the first-expired-first-out strategy for optimized matching between the remaining shelf life and the expected transport duration. This introductory article summarizes the key findings of this Theme Issue, which brings together research study results from around the world to promote intelligent food logistics. The articles include three case studies on the cold chain for berries, bananas and meat and an overview of different post-harvest treatments. Further contributions focus on the required technical solutions, such as the wireless sensor and communication system for remote quality supervision, gas sensors to detect ethylene as an indicator of unwanted ripening and volatile components to indicate mould infections. The final section of this introduction discusses how improvements in food quality can be targeted by strategic changes in the food chain.
Improvement in fresh fruit and vegetable logistics quality: berry logistics field studies
Authors: do Nascimento Nunes M. Cecilia , Nicometo Mike , Emond Jean Pierre , Melis Ricardo Badia , Uysal Ismail
Published: May 2014

Shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables is greatly influenced by environmental conditions. Increasing temperature usually results in accelerated loss of quality and shelf-life reduction, which is not physically visible until too late in the supply chain to adjust logistics to match shelf life. A blackberry study showed that temperatures inside pallets varied significantly and 57% of the berries arriving at the packinghouse did not have enough remaining shelf life for the longest supply routes. Yet, the advanced shelf-life loss was not physically visible. Some of those pallets would be sent on longer supply routes than necessary, creating avoidable waste. Other studies showed that variable pre-cooling at the centre of pallets resulted in physically invisible uneven shelf life. We have shown that using simple temperature measurements much waste can be avoided using ‘first expiring first out’. Results from our studies showed that shelf-life prediction should not be based on a single quality factor as, depending on the temperature history, the quality attribute that limits shelf life may vary. Finally, methods to use air temperature to predict product temperature for highest shelf-life prediction accuracy in the absence of individual sensors for each monitored product have been developed. Our results show a significant reduction of up to 98% in the root-mean-square-error difference between the product temperature and air temperature when advanced estimation methods are used.
Ethylene detection in fruit supply chains
Authors: Janssen S. , Schmitt K. , Blanke M. , Bauersfeld M. L. , Wöllenstein J. , Lang W.
Published: May 2014

Ethylene is a gaseous ripening phytohormone of fruits and plants. Presently, ethylene is primarily measured with stationary equipment in laboratories. Applyingin situmeasurement at the point of natural ethylene generation has been hampered by the lack of portable units designed to detect ethylene at necessary resolutions of a few parts per billion. Moreover, high humidity inside controlled atmosphere stores or containers complicates the realization of gas sensing systems that are sufficiently sensitive, reliable, robust and cost efficient. In particular, three measurement principles have shown promising potential for fruit supply chains and were used to develop independent mobile devices: non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy, miniaturized gas chromatography and electrochemical measurement. In this paper, the measurement systems for ethylene are compared with regard to the needs in fruit logistics; i.e. sensitivity, selectivity, long-term stability, facilitation of automated measurement and suitability for mobile application. Resolutions of 20–10 ppb can be achieved in mobile applications with state-of-the-art equipment, operating with the three methods described in the following. The prices of these systems are in a range below €10 000.
Two underestimated threats in food transportation: mould and acceleration
Authors: Janssen S. , Pankoke I. , Klus K. , Schmitt K. , Stephan U. , Wöllenstein J.
Published: May 2014

Two important parameters are often neglected in the monitoring of perishable goods during transport: mould contamination of fresh food and the influence of acceleration or vibration on the quality of a product. We assert the claim that it is necessary to focus research on these two topics in the context of intelligent logistics in this opinion paper. Further, the technical possibilities for future measurement systems are discussed. By measuring taste deviations, we verified the effect on the quality of beer at different vibration frequencies. The practical importance is shown by examining transport routes and market shares. The general feasibility of a mobile mould detection system is established by examining the measurement resolution of semiconductor sensors for mould-related gases. Furthermore, as an alternative solution, we present a concept for a miniaturized and automated culture-medium-based system. Although there is a lack of related research to date, new efforts can make a vital contribution to the reduction of losses in the logistic chains for several products.
Automatic Classification of Human Epithelial Type 2 Cell Indirect Immunofluorescence Images using Cell Pyramid Matching
Authors: Wiliem Arnold , Sanderson Conrad , Wong Yongkang , Hobson Peter , Minchin Rodney , Lovell Brian
Published: May 2014

This paper describes a novel system for automatic classification of images obtained from Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) pathology tests on Human Epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells using the Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) protocol. The IIF protocol on HEp-2 cells has been the hallmark method to identify the presence of ANAs, due to its high sensitivity and the large range of antigens that can be detected. However, it suffers from numerous shortcomings, such as being subjective as well as time and labour intensive. Computer Aided Diagnostic (CAD) systems have been developed to address these problems, which automatically classify a HEp-2 cell image into one of its known patterns (eg. speckled, homogeneous). Most of the existing CAD systems use handpicked features to represent a HEp-2 cell image, which may only work in limited scenarios. We propose a novel automatic cell image classification method termed Cell Pyramid Matching (CPM), which is comprised of regional histograms of visual words coupled with the Multiple Kernel Learning framework. We present a study of several variations of generating histograms and show the efficacy of the system on two publicly available datasets: the ICPR HEp-2 cell classification contest dataset and the SNPHEp-2 dataset.
Pre-trial exogenous visual flicker does not affect behavioral or EEG signatures of conflict processing
Authors: Cohen Michael X , Steel Fraser William
Published: May 2014

Activity in the theta frequency band (4-8 Hz) over medial prefrontal regions has been consistently implicated in top-down cognitive control processes, including recognizing and resolving response conflict. It remains an unanswered question whether these theta-band dynamics are a neural mechanism of cognitive control, or instead are epiphenomenal to the neural computational machinery but are useful indices of brain function. Here we addressed this question by attempting to boost conflict processing (or its EEG theta-band signatures) via pre-trial exogenous theta-band visual flicker. Although the flicker successfully entrained posterior brain networks, there were no effects of flicker on behavior or on EEG signatures of conflict processing. In this paper, we detail our attempts and discuss possible future directions for using exogenous flicker in the study of the role of endogenous brain oscillations in conflict processing.
Two nickel(II) bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine complexes with homophthalic and benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acids
Authors: Atria Ana María , Garland Maria Teresa , Baggio Ricardo
Published: May 2014

Two new NiIIcomplexes involving the ancillary ligand bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (bpma) and two different carboxylate ligands,i.e.homophthalate [hph; systematic name: 2-(2-carboxylatophenyl)acetate] and benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate (btc), namelycatena-poly[[aqua{bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}nickel(II)]-μ-2-(2-carboxylatophenyl)aceteto-κ2O:O′], [Ni(C9H6O4)(C12H13N3)(H2O)]n, and (μ-benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylato-κ4O1,O2:O4,O5)bis(aqua{bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}nickel(II)) bis(triaqua{bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}nickel(II)) benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate hexahydrate, [Ni2(C10H2O8)(C12H13N3)2(H2O)2]·[Ni(C12H13N3)(H2O)3]2(C10H2O8)·6H2O, (II), are presented. Compound (I) is a one-dimensional polymer with hph acting as a bridging ligand and with the chains linked by weak C—H...O interactions. The structure of compound (II) is much more complex, with two independent NiIIcentres having different environments, one of them as part of centrosymmetric [Ni(bpma)(H2O)]2(btc) dinuclear complexes and the other in mononuclear [Ni(bpma)(H2O)3]2+cations which (in a 2:1 ratio) provide charge balance for btc4−anions. A profuse hydrogen-bonding scheme, where both coordinated and crystal water molecules play a crucial role, provides the supramolecular linkage of the different groups.
Bunch: a channel-oriented business network modelling approach
Authors: Durugbo Christopher
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of using the business network channel (Bunch) approach for modelling business networks and studying the business network evolution. Business network models put the structures of process models into context by visualising roles and communication channels for social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research applies a case study-based approach involving the creation of business network visualisations to capture snapshots of an industrial firm's business network over a three-year period. A questionnaire-based study was also conducted with 18 key informants to evaluate the Bunch approach against existing business network modelling techniques.

Findings

– This study shows that when business networks – as opposed to business processes – are diagrammatically modelled, patterns of relations between individuals can also be visualised and factored into how information systems are (re)designed and deployed. The study also finds that as business networks evolve, the ability to offer complementary channels of communication and coordinate business/technological information is vital to how upturns in process times improves overall business effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

– The major contribution of this paper is an exposition on how the Bunch approach could serve as a pedagogical tool for gaining clarity on their roles and links within the business and as an analytical tool for studying the evolution of business networks in relation to roles, links, information technologies, business strategies and business network anomalies.
An analysis of BPM lifecycles: from a literature review to a framework proposal
Authors: Macedo de Morais Rinaldo , Kazan Samir , Inês Dallavalle de Pádua Silvia , Lucirton Costa André
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Business process management (BPM) is an emerging research theme in management. BPM lifecycles are models that systematize the steps and activities that should be followed for conducting BPM projects. The theoretical and empirical studies present differences regarding the number of steps and activities that should be carried out for promoting BPM. Using the BPM lifecycle model of the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP) – an entity that proposes a common body of knowledge on BPM, as a parameter, this paper conducts a literature review to investigate lifecycle models within the academic-scientific ambit, identify convergences and variations and analyze the alignment between business strategy and processes in BPM activities in these models. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that deals with alignment between strategy and business processes in an explicit manner.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review was conducted aimed at prospecting papers about the BPM lifecycle. For such, the Scopus, Google Schoolar and Science Direct databases were accessed. The selection process was structured in two steps: the first filtered studies based on a reading of the title, abstract and key words; the second step consisted of selecting papers based on a complete reading of those papers resulting from the first step and from the references they contained.

Findings

– Seven BPM lifecycle models were selected and analyzed. A comparison was presented between the model steps and the model proposed by ABPMP. The particularities of each model were identified and the study suggests an alignment of these models with the BPM lifecycle proposed by ABPMP, in particular with the analysis, design and modeling, implementation and monitoring and control steps. Four models do not include the planning step, whereas four others do not incorporate refining. The majority of models studied projects the automation of business processes. This study reinforces that ABPMP's BPM lifecycle is a reference model, observing that the activities in the other models studied are projected in it. However, it was observed that in the ABPMP model as well as the models studied, there is little emphasis on organization strategy and on defining process architecture. Thus, this study suggests the incorporation of activities proposed by Burlton (2010) as an additional instrument for the ABPMP BPM lifecycle model to align strategy to processes in BPM projects. For such, a framework was proposed that deals with alignment between strategy and business process in an explicit manner.

Originality/value

– This study presents a typology of BPM lifecycle models, with common characteristics and peculiarities, and it analyzes the alignment between processes and strategy in the models’ activities. This study can assist professionals in the adoption of a model for implementing BPM projects and for continuous improvement.
Assessing the design, management and improvement of Kaizen projects in local governments
Authors: F. Suárez-Barraza Manuel , Á. Miguel-Dávila José
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Despite the abundant literature in the private sector, a significant gap was detected in the public sector where there were only a few academic efforts to appraise or assess the implementation of the Japanese approach. The likely reason for this lack of literature is the low implementation of Kaizen that has been evidenced over the years in the public sector. Public organizations have a large number of recommendations at their disposal which are vague, abstract and even contradictory. Accordingly, the assessment of the implementation of Kaizen represents a theoretical gap, the filling of which is both necessary and vital to the body of knowledge that represents the application of continuous improvement in a public setting. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the design, management and implementation of Kaizen projects in local governments through the analysis and comparison of empirical data with regard to a theoretical conceptual scheme found in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study was conducted using a case study strategy. The case studies were conducted in three Town Halls (two in Spain and one in Mexico) with active and sustained implementation of Kaizen projects. It was verified throughout that the selected cases applied Kaizen projects for at least five years in their work processes and public services.

Findings

– As a result of the empirical work the authors proposed a new specific and individualized framework for the public sector called: “Kaizen projects conceptual schemes (KPCS), based on the cycle Plan-Do-Check-Act in order to form a theoretical and practical guide that can serve as a base for local governments seeking to implement Kaizen in their management.

Research limitations/implications

– The study focussed on three Town Halls (two Spanish and one Mexican), so is not possible to generalize the results.

Practical implications

– El KPCS may represent an instrument of evaluation, management, development and improvement to any Kaizen effort initiated in the public sector.

Social implications

– The study focussed on public service.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors are aware, this is one of the first paper to propose a framework of Kaizen in public organizations within both academic and practitioner ambits.
A critical analysis of Lean approach structuring in hospitals
Authors: Curatolo Niccolo , Lamouri Samir , Huet Jean-Charles , Rieutord André
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– As reimbursements fall and costs for services climb, organizations are forced to follow the painful motto of doing more with less. A solution could be the adaptation of industrial business process improvement (BPI) methods such as Lean to the hospital setting (HS). The purpose of this paper is to analyze if Lean approaches related in the literature provide sufficient methodological support for other practitioners to reproduce the reported results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyzed the published Lean literature in the HS using a methodological maturity-level framework and what the authors defined as the 11 characteristic activities of BPI.

Findings

– The literature analysis reveals that a Lean approach with a high-methodological maturity level that includes the 11 characteristic activities of BPI has never been reported. Considering this, the paper suggests a meta model for a high-methodological maturity-level Lean method based on the characteristic activities of BPI.

Originality/value

– This is the first study on the Lean approach in the HS that evidences the absence of a robust Lean methodology in the literature. For Lean to be adopted and implemented by hospital practitioners a structured robust method should be provided.
Public service motivation and willingness to collaborate
Authors: Getha-Taylor Heather , Haddock-Bigwarfe Alexa
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine public service motivation (PSM) and the connection with collaborative attitudes among a sample of homeland security actors representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study examines relationships between measures of PSM and collaboration using original survey data and hierarchical multiple regression.

Findings

– Findings reveal strong positive relationships between PSM measures and attitudes toward collaboration at the individual and organizational level.

Research limitations/implications

– Survey results are cross-sectional and are from respondents participating in a single state's homeland security summit.

Practical implications

– It is expected that results can be used to enhance collaboration at the individual and organizational levels. At the organizational level, results can be used for matching individuals with collaborative opportunities. At the individual level, results can be used for enhanced self-reflection and effectiveness purposes.

Originality/value

– This study provides insights on the relationship between PSM measures and collaborative attitudes. The research contributes to the body of scholarly work connecting PSM and correlates of interest.
Public service motivation and performance: a critical perspective
Authors: Petrovsky Nicolai , Ritz Adrian
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– A growing body of literature points to the importance of public service motivation (PSM) for the performance of public organizations. The purpose of this paper is to assess the method predominantly used for studying this linkage by comparing the findings it yields without and with a correction suggested by Brewer (2006), which removes the common-method bias arising from employee-specific response tendencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors conduct a systematic review of published empirical research on the effects of PSM on performance and show that all studies found have been conducted at the individual level. Performance indicators in all but three studies were obtained by surveying the same employees who were also asked about their PSM. Second, the authors conduct an empirical analysis. Using survey data from 240 organizational units within the Swiss federal government, the paper compares results from an individual-level analysis (comparable to existing research) to two analyses where the data are aggregated to the organizational level, one without and one with the correction for common-method bias suggested by Brewer (2006).

Findings

– Looking at the Attraction to Policy-Making dimension of PSM, there is an interesting contrast: While this variable is positively correlated with performance in both the individual-level analysis and the aggregated data analysis without the correction for common-method bias, it is not statistically associated with performance in the aggregated data analysis with the correction.

Originality/value

– The analysis is the first to assess the robustness of the performance-PSM linkage to a correction for common-method bias. The findings place the validity of at least one part of the individual-level linkage between PSM and performance into question.
Innovation education programs: toward a conceptual framework
Authors: Maritz Alex , de Waal Anton , Buse Stephan , Herstatt Cornelius , Lassen Astrid , Maclachlan Ross
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Innovation education has been identified as a key contributor to enhancing the innovative behavior of individuals, organizations and economies; yet very little literature exists on the development and assessment of innovation education programs (IEPs). This is particularly so in the higher education and vocational education domains. The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap in the literature, by proposing a conceptual framework of a multi-dimensional IEP.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs a transparent and reproducible procedure and critical appraisal of the literature; coupled with emergent inquiry and case study implementation of a leading international IEP.

Findings

– The study provides a framework by which innovation education facilitators may develop and evaluate their IEPs. The proposed framework provides a thematic appreciation of the multi-dimensional relationships between components.

Research limitations/implications

– Limited within the context of this case study, geographical context and scant literature on IEPs and reproducible procedure.

Originality/value

– The study provides a conceptual innovation education framework, based upon a successful international innovation management program.