bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Correlation of Serum BDNF and microRNA Content in Rats with Rapid or Late Onset of Heavy Alcohol Use
Authors: Ehinger Yann , Phamluong Khanhky , Darevesky David , Welman Melanie , Moffat Jeffrey J. , Sakhai Samuel A. , Whiteley Ellanor L. , Berger Anthony L. , Laguesse Sophie , Farokhnia Mehdi , Leggio Lorenzo , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Ron Dorit
Published: December 2019

Heavy alcohol use reduces the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex of rodents through the upregulation of microRNAs targetingBDNFmRNA. In humans, an inverse correlation exists between circulating blood levels of BDNF and the severity of psychiatric disorders including alcohol abuse. Here, we set out to determine whether a history of heavy alcohol use produces comparable alterations in the blood of rats. We used an intermittent access to 20% alcohol using the 2-bottle choice paradigm (IA20%2BC), and measured circulating levels of BDNF protein and microRNAs in the serum of Long-Evans rats before and after 8-weeks of excessive alcohol intake. We observed that the drinking profile of heavy alcohol users is not unified; Whereas 70% of the rats gradually escalate their alcohol intake (Late Onset), 30% of alcohol users exhibit a very Rapid Onset of drinking (Rapid Onset). We found that serum BDNF levels are negatively correlated with alcohol intake in both Rapid Onset and Late Onset rats. In contrast, increased expression of the microRNAs (miRs) targeting BDNF, miR30a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR191-5p and miR206-3p, was detected only in the Rapid Onset rats. Finally, we report that the alcohol-dependent molecular changes are not due to alterations in platelet number. Our data suggest that rats exhibit both Late and Rapid Onset of alcohol intake. We further show that heavy alcohol use produces comparable changes in BDNF protein levels in both groups. However, circulating microRNAs are responsive to alcohol only in the Rapid Onset rats.
Relaxation times of ligand-receptor complex formation control T cell activation
Authors: Teimouri Hamid , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: December 2019

One of the most important functions of immune T cells is to recognize the presence of the pathogen-derived ligands and to quickly respond to them while at the same time not to respond to its own ligands. This is known as an absolute discrimination, and it is one of the most challenging phenomena to explain. The effectiveness of pathogen detection by T cell receptor (TCR) is limited by the chemical similarity of foreign and self-peptides and very low concentrations of foreign ligands. We propose a new mechanism of the absolute discrimination by T cells. It is suggested that the decision to activate or not to activate the immune response is controlled by the time to reach the stationary concentration of the TCR-ligand activated complex, which transfers the signal to downstream cellular biochemical networks. Our theoretical method models T-cell receptor phosphorylation events as a sequence of stochastic transitions between discrete biochemical states, and this allows us to explicitly describe the dynamical properties of the system. It is found that the proposed criterion on the relaxation times is able to explain available experimental observations. In addition, our theoretical approach explicitly analyzes the relationships between speed, sensitivity and specificity of the T cell functioning, which are the main characteristics of the process. Thus, it clarifies the molecular picture of the T cell activation processes in immune response.
Estimating Sparse Neuronal Signal from Hemodynamic Response: the Mixture Components Inference Approach
Authors: Pidnebesna Anna , Fajnerová Iveta , Horáček Jiří , Hlinka Jaroslav
Published: December 2019

The approximate knowledge of the hemodynamic response to neuronal activity is widely used in statistical testing of effects of external stimulation, but has also been applied to estimate the neuronal activity directly from functional magnetic resonance data without knowing the stimulus timing. To this end, sparse linear regression methods have been previously used, including the well-known LASSO and the Dantzig selector. These methods generate a parametric family of solutions with different sparsity, among which a choice is finally based using some information criteria. As an alternative we propose a novel approach that instead utilizes the whole family of sparse regression solutions. Their ensemble provides a first approximation of probability of activation at each timepoint, and together with the conditional neuronal activity distributions estimated with the theory of mixtures with varying concentrations, they serve as the inputs to a Bayes classifier ultimately deciding between the true and false activations.

As we show in extensive numerical simulations, the new method performs favourably in comparison with standard approaches in a range of realistic scenarios. This is mainly due to the avoidance of overfitting and underfitting that commonly plague the solutions based on sparse regression combined with model selection methods, including the corrected Akaike Information Criterion. This advantage is finally documented on fMRI task dataset.
Thermal cycling protects SH-SY5Y cells against hydrogen peroxide and β-amyloid-induced cell injury through stress response mechanisms involving Akt pathway
Authors: Chen Wei-Ting , Kuo Yu-Yi , Lin Guan-Bo , Lu Chueh-Hsuan , Hsu Hao-Ping , Sun Yi-Kun , Chao Chih-Yu
Published: December 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are becoming a major threat to public health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common form of NDDs is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), boasting 60-70% share. Although some debates still exist, excessive aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles has been deemed one of the major causes for the pathogenesis of AD. A growing number of evidences from studies, however, have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a key role in the onset and progression of AD. Although scientists have had some understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, the disease still cannot be cured, with existing treatment only capable of providing a temporary relief at best, partly due to the obstacle of blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study was aimed to ascertain the neuroprotective effect of thermal cycle hyperthermia (TC-HT) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Treating cells with this physical stimulation beforehand significantly improved the cell viability and decreased the ROS content. The underlying mechanisms may be due to the activation of Akt pathway and the downstream antioxidant and prosurvival proteins. The findings manifest significant potential of TC-HT in neuroprotection, via inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. It is believed that coupled with the use of drugs or natural compounds, this methodology can be even more effective in treating NDDs.
Where can a place cell put its fields? Let us count the ways
Authors: Yim Man Yi , Sadun Lorenzo A , Fiete Ila R , Taillefumier Thibaud
Published: December 2019

A hippocampal place cell exhibits multiple firing fields within and across environments. What factors determine the configuration of these fields, and could they be set down in arbitrary locations? We conceptualize place cells as performing evidence combination across many inputs and selecting a threshold to fire. Thus, mathematically they are perceptrons, except that they act on geometrically organized inputs in the form of multiscale periodic grid-cell drive, and external cues. We analytically count which field arrangements a place cell can realize with structured grid inputs, to show that many more place-field arrangements are realizable with grid-like than one-hot coded inputs. However, the arrangements have a rigid structure, defining an underlying response scaffold. We show that the “separating capacity” or spatial range over which all potential field arrangements are realizable equals the rank of the grid-like input matrix, which in turn equals the sum of distinct grid periods, a small fraction of the unique grid-cell coding range. Learning different grid-to-place weights beyond this small range will alter previous arrangements, which could explain the volatility of the place code. However, compared to random inputs over the same range, grid-structured inputs generate larger margins, conferring relative robustness to place fields when grid input weights are fixed.

Significance statement

Place cells encode cognitive maps of the world by combining external cues with an internal coordinate scaffold, but our ability to predict basic properties of the code, including where a place cell will exhibit fields without external cues (the scaffold), remains weak. Here we geometrically characterize the place cell scaffold, assuming it is derived from multiperiodic modular grid cell inputs, and provide exact combinatorial results on the space of permitted field arrangements. We show that the modular inputs permit a large number of place field arrangements, with robust fields, but also strongly constrain their geometry and thus predict a structured place scaffold.
Odor Modulates the Temporal Dynamics of Fear Memory Consolidation
Authors: Grella Stephanie L. , Fortin Amanda H. , McKissick Olivia , Leblanc Heloise , Ramirez Steve
Published: December 2019

Systems consolidation (SC) theory proposes that recent, contextually rich memories are stored in the hippocampus (HPC). As these memories become remote, they are believed to rely more heavily on cortical structures within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), where they lose much of their contextual detail and become schematized. Odor is a particularly evocative cue for intense remote memory recall and despite these memories being remote, they are highly contextual. In instances such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intense remote memory recall can occur years after trauma, which seemingly contradicts SC. We hypothesized that odor may shift the organization of salient or fearful memories such that when paired with an odor at the time of encoding, they are delayed in the de-contextualization process that occurs across time, and retrieval may still rely on the HPC, where memories are imbued with contextually rich information, even at remote time points. We investigated this by tagging odor- and non-odor-associated fear memories in male c57BL/6 mice and assessed recall andc-Fosexpression in the dorsal CA1 (dCA1) and prelimbic cortex (PL) 1 d or 21 d later. In support of SC, our data showed that recent memories were more dCA1-dependent whereas remote memories were more PL-dependent. However, we also found that odor influenced this temporal dynamic biasing the memory system from the PL to the dCA1 when odor cues were present. Behaviorally, inhibiting the dCA1 with activity-dependent DREADDs had no effect on recall at 1 d and unexpectedly caused an increase in freezing at 21 d. Together, these findings demonstrate that odor can shift the organization of fear memories at the systems level.
mRNA with mammalian codon bias accumulates in yeast mutants with constitutive stress granules
Authors: Kozlova Natalia V. , Pichon Chantal , Rahmouni A. Rachid
Published: December 2019

Stress granules and P bodies are cytoplasmic structures assembled in response to various stress factors and represent sites of temporary storage or decay of mRNAs. Depending on the source of stress, the formation of these structures may be driven by distinct mechanisms, but several stresses were shown to stabilize mRNAs via inhibition of deadenylation. A recent study identified yeast gene deletion mutants with constitutive stress granules and elevated P bodies; however, the mechanisms which trigger its formation remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the possibility of accumulating mRNA with mammalian codon bias, which we termed the model RNA, in these mutants. We found that the model RNA accumulates indcp2andxrn1mutants and in four mutants with constitutive stress granules overlapping with P bodies. However, in eight other mutants with constitutive stress granules the model RNA is downregulated, or its steady state levels vary. We further suggest that the accumulation of the model RNA is linked to its protection from the main mRNA surveillance path. However, there is no obvious targeting of the model RNA to stress granules or P bodies. Thus, accumulation of the model RNA and formation of constitutive stress granules occur independently and only some paths inducing formation of constitutive stress granules will stabilize mRNA as well.
Modeling of root nitrate responses suggests preferential foraging arises from the integration of demand, supply and local presence signals
Authors: Boer Meine D. , Teixeira Joana Santos , ten Tusscher Kirsten H.
Published: December 2019

A plants’ fitness to a large extent depends on its capacity to adapt to spatio-temporally varying environmental conditions. One such environmental condition to which plants display extensive phenotypic plasticity is soil nitrate levels and patterns. In response to heterogeneous nitrate distribution, plants show a preferential foraging response, enhancing root growth in high nitrate patches and repressing root growth in low nitrate locations beyond a level that can be explained from local nitrate sensing. Although various molecular players involved in this preferential foraging behavior have been identified, how these together shape root system adaptation has remained unresolved. Here we use a simple modeling approach in which we incrementally incorporate the various known molecular pathways to investigate the combination of regulatory mechanisms that underly preferential root nitrate foraging. Our model suggests that instead of a thus far not discovered growth suppressing supply signal, growth reduction on the low nitrate side may simply arise from a reduced root foraging and increased competition for carbon. Additionally, our work suggests that the long distance CK signaling involved in root growth increase in high nitrate patches may represent a supply signal specifically functioning in modulating demand signaling strength. We illustrate how this integration of demand and supply signals prevents excessive preferential foraging under conditions in which demand is not met by sufficient supply and a more generic foraging in search of nitrate should be maintained.
Rapid method for generating designer algal mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Cochrane Ryan R. , Brumwell Stephanie L. , Soltysiak Maximillian P.M. , Hamadache Samir , Davis Jennifer G. , Wang Jiayi , Tholl Samuel Q. , Janakirama Preetam , Edgell David R. , Karas. Bogumil J.
Published: December 2019

With synthetic biology, we can turn algae into bio-factories that produce high-value molecules (e.g. medicines or biofuels) or tackle global challenges (e.g. malnutrition and climate change). This realization has provoked rapid progress towards the creation of genetic tools for multiple algal species, notablyPhaeodactylum tricornutum.The power of synthetic biology to generate more useful or productive organisms is contingent on the ability to produce diverse DNA molecules and rapidly screen them for beneficial variants. However, it is still relatively expensive to synthesize DNA, and delivering large DNA (>50 kbp) to eukaryotic cellular compartments remains challenging. In this study, we establish a robust system for building algal mitochondrial genomes as a practical alternative to DNA synthesis. Our approach permits an inexpensive and rapid generation of mitochondrial derivatives designed for testing targeted DNA delivery. First, we cloned the mitochondrial genome ofP. tricornutuminto the eukaryotic host organismS. cerevisiaeusing two different techniques: transformation-associated recombination; and PCR-based cloning. Next, we analyzed the cloned genomes by multiplex PCR, and correct genomes were transferred to prokaryotic hostE. coli.Then these genomes were again analyzed by multiplex PCR, followed by diagnostic digest and complete-plasmid sequencing to evaluate the fidelity of each cloning method. Finally, we assessed the burden on eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts to propagate the cloned genomes. We conclude that our system can reliably generate variants for genome-level engineering of algal mitochondria.

HIGHLIGHTS

TAR-cloned mitochondrial genome ofP. tricornutumin yeast

Developed PCR-based cloning method to create designer algal mitochondrial genomes

Stably propagated algal mitochondrial genomes inS. cerevisiaeandE. colihosts
Hippocampus and amygdala fear memory engrams re-emerge after contextual fear relapse
Authors: Zaki Yosif , Mau William , Cincotta Christine , Doucette Emily , Grella Stephanie L. , Merfeld Emily , Murawski Nathen J. , Shpokayte Monika , Ramirez Steve
Published: December 2019

The formation and extinction of fear memories represent two forms of learning that each engage the hippocampus and amygdala. How cell populations in these areas contribute to fear relapse, however, remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, in male mice, cells active during fear conditioning in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus exhibit decreased activity during extinction and are re-engaged after contextual fear relapse.In vivocalcium imaging reveals that relapse drives population dynamics in the basolateral amygdala to revert to a network state similar to the state present during fear conditioning. Finally, we find that optogenetic inactivation of neuronal ensembles active during fear conditioning in either the hippocampus or amygdala is sufficient to disrupt fear expression after relapse. These results suggest that fear relapse triggers a partial re-emergence of the original fear memory representation, providing new insight into the neural substrates of fear relapse.
Becoming a better parent: mice learn sounds that improve a stereotyped maternal behavior
Authors: Dunlap Alexander G. , Besosa Cristina , Pascual Leila M. , Chong Kelly K. , Walum Hasse , Kacsoh Dorottya B. , Tankeu Brenda B. , Lu Kai , Liu Robert C.
Published: December 2019

While mothering is often instinctive and stereotyped in species-specific ways, evolution can favor genetically “open” behavior programs that allow experience to shape infant care. Among experience-dependent maternal behavioral mechanisms, sensory learning about infants has been hard to isolate from motivational changes arising from sensitization with infants. We developed a paradigm where sensory learning of an infant-associated cue improves a stereotypical maternal behavior in female mice. Mice instinctively employed a spatial memory-based strategy when engaged repetitively in a pup search and retrieval task. However, by playing a sound from a T-maze arm to signal where a pup will be delivered for retrieval, mice learned within 7 days and retained for at least 2 weeks the ability to use this specific cue to guide a more efficient search strategy. The motivation to retrieve pups also increased, but that alone did not sufficiently explain the shift in search strategy. Bilaterally silencing auditory cortical activity significantly impaired the new strategy without changing the motivation to retrieve pups. Finally, motherhood as compared to infant-care experience alone accelerated how quickly the new sensory-based strategy was acquired, suggesting a role for the maternal hormonal state. By rigorously establishing that newly formed sensory associations can improve the performance of a natural maternal behavior, this work facilitates future studies into the neurochemical and circuit mechanisms that mediate novel sensory learning in the maternal context, as well as more learning-based mechanisms of parental behavior in rodents.
14-3-3γ prevents centrosome duplication by inhibiting NPM1 function
Authors: Bose Arunabha , Modi Kruti , Dey Suchismita , Dalvi Somavally , Nadkarni Prafful , Sudarshan Mukund , Kundu Tapas Kumar , Venkatraman Prasanna , Dalal Sorab N.
Published: December 2019

14-3-3 proteins bind to ligands via phospho-Serine containing consensus motifs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying complex formation and dissociation between 14-3-3 proteins and their ligands remain unclear. We identified two conserved acidic residues in the 14-3-3 peptide-binding pocket (D129 and E136) that potentially regulate complex formation and dissociation. Altering these residues to Alanine led to opposing effects on centrosome duplication. D129A inhibited centrosome duplication while E136A stimulated centrosome amplification. These results were due to the differing abilities of these mutant proteins to form a complex with NPM1. Inhibiting complex formation between NPM1 and 14-3-3γ led to an increase in centrosome duplication and overrode the ability of D129A to inhibit centrosome duplication. We identify a novel role of 14-3-3 in regulating centrosome licensing and a novel mechanism underlying the formation and dissociation of 14-3-3 ligand complexes dictated by conserved residues in the 14-3-3 family.
Wheel design and motion analysis of a new heavy-duty AGV in aircraft assembly lines
Authors: Jiang Junxia , Zhang Shenglin , He Yuxiao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The flexible automatic transportation and manual assembly jobs for large aircraft components demand an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system with heavy-duty capacity and omnidirectional movability. This paper aims to propose a four driving-steering wheels-four supporting-steering wheels (4DSW-4SSW) layout plan to enhance the controllability and moving stability of AGV.

Design/methodology/approach

The anti-vibration structure of DS wheels and high-torque steering mechanism of SS wheels with tapered rolling bearings are rigorously designed to meet the functional requirements. Based on the specific wheel layout and vehicle dynamics, the rotational kinematic model as well as the straight and rotational dynamic models of AGV are established by the authors. To well verify the motion characteristics of wheels under heavy load in three motion states including straight motion, self-rotation and rotation around a certain point, the simulations in ADAMS and factory experiments have all been conducted.

Findings

Simulation results indicate that normal and friction forces of DS wheels and SS wheels are very stable except for some small oscillations, which are caused by non-center load distribution on AGV. Experimental results on driving speed of AGV have directly demonstrated that its positioning accuracy is enough for use in real aircraft assembly lines.

Practical implications

The designed AGV system has been applied to the final assembly line of a certain aircraft in Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd, whose assembly efficiency and flexibility have been significantly improved.

Originality/value

A new layout plan of wheels for an omnidirectional heavy-duty AGV is proposed, which enhances the operating and moving capacity of AGV. A function of human-machine collaboration is also offered by the AGV for transporting large workpieces intelligently and economically in aerospace and other heavy industries.
Employees’ perceptions on the relationship between human resource management practices and employee turnover
Authors: Basnyat Sandeep , Clarence Lao Chi Sio
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore hotel employees’ views on how human resource management (HRM) practices influence their turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this empirical study were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 employees who had experience of working in various hotels in Macau, China. The thematic analysis approach was carried out to analyze the interview data and interpret the findings.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrate that although employee-oriented human resource policies and practices are favored, the way HR department handles and implement those policies are valued more by hotel employees. Furthermore, the retention of an organizational culture that helps create a feeling of ownership among employees is highly influenced by employees’ turnover intentions. The current study demonstrates that the HR department in hotels holds a powerful position, and therefore, hotel employees expect their HR department to play greater and proactive roles in the HRM apart from providing equitable opportunities for their growth. This implication is particularly important for Integrated Resorts where a large number of employees collectively work to serve a range of customers who visit hotels for a variety of purposes.

Practical implications

This study suggests that addressing employees’ needs particularly those related to resolving complaints and managing relationships with other colleagues and providing opportunities for employees’ family members to take part in the organization’s activities and use its facilities are important practices that HR department can initiate to encourage employees’ engagement in hotels. Furthermore, the study shows that managers need to understand their employees’ perspectives as they can help resolve problems at the root level where they grow, and send a signal to the employees that the management is genuinely interested in resolving their problems and making them happy and satisfied.

Originality/value

Although several studies have provided valuable insights into the relationship between HRM practices and employee turnover intentions, most of those studies have used quantitative approaches to collect and analyze data. Furthermore, almost none of the findings were derived from the hotel sector. This study explores hotel employees’ views on the relationship between HRM practices and employee turnover intention using qualitative methods.
Newly professionalised physiotherapists: symbolic or substantive change?
Authors: Anderson Pauline , Warhurst Chris
Published: December 2019

Purpose

There is renewed interest in the professions as a range of occupations pursue professionalisation projects. The purpose of this paper is turn analysis to an important omission in current research – the skills deployed in the work of these professions. Such research is necessary because skills determine the formal classification of occupations as a profession.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative research, this paper explores the deployment of skills in work of one newly professionalised occupation in the UK’s National Health Service – physiotherapists.

Findings

The findings point to a disconnect between how this occupation has become a profession (the skills to get the job, and related political manoeuvring by representative bodies) and the mixed outcomes for their skills deployment (the skills to do the job) in work as a profession.

Originality/value

The paper provides missing empirical understanding of change for this new profession, and new conceptualisation of that change as both symbolic and substantive, with a “double hybridity” around occupational control and skill deployment for physiotherapists as a profession.
Effectuation theoretical debate: systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Dias Suzi Elen Ferreira , Sadao Iizuka Edson , Vilas Boas Eduardo Pinto
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the theoretical discussion of effectuation since the seminal paper in 2001 and to propose an agenda for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review and content analysis of 71 papers.

Findings

Most papers performed a replication of the concepts empirically, and few studies proposed to understand theoretical aspects of effectuation, among them, some authors presented theoretical advances to improve the approach and others participated in an ongoing debate that shows there is no consensus on whether the approach is theory or if considered, appears to be under construction at a rudimentary level or being questioned.

Research limitations/implications

The method requires authors to make choices, so the database used and the criteria defined for searching papers that were analyzed are the main limitations of this research.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that researchers, teachers and practitioners use effectuation analytically and reflectively.

Social implications

The authors present and analyze the current theoretical debate on effectuation. Results suggest the need for new discussions about the concepts, as well as new theoretical efforts of the researchers to analyze the potentialities and limitations of this approach.

Originality/value

Among empirical and applied research, with replications of the concepts of effectuation, this research contributes to a theoretical discussion based on a systematic literature review, seeking to bring new reflections about this approach. Additionally, the authors present an agenda of theoretical gaps for the development of future research.
Channel capability and the effectiveness of new product strategies
Authors: Trihatmoko Roderikus Agus , Mulyani Roch , Q.A. Intan Novela
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: detecting, describing and providing a detailed understanding on the essence of buyer responses on the channel capability in deciding new product purchase; and describing the effectiveness of new product innovation related to the channel capability. The new product innovation intended here is an outcome of the brand strategy created by the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies qualitative method and uses grounded theory approach and pragmatism interpretation, which are focused on FMCG. The approach chosen in research is grounded theory and pragmatism, parallel to the previous phenomenology and constructivism approach; therefore, the main data for this study use transcript records of the results of in-depth interviews in the field of study.

Findings

The research showed the following results: the channel capability aspects (warehouse space, shelf space and customer coverage) are the essence of buyers’ responses; construction of business buyer behavior and economic mechanism; the effectiveness of new product innovation; and channel capabilities of selling products.

Practical implications

The results of this research have some implications: developing the concept of business buyer behavior in a new-task purchase situation; expanding the micro-economic system of trading sector; and expanding the concept of marketing mix strategy.

Originality/value

Some of the theoretical implications are the originality of this research paper; therefore, the constructs will be described theoretically in order to provide practical understanding in some contexts of business importance.
Eventful futures and triple bottom line impacts: BRICS, image regeneration and competitiveness
Authors: Wise Nicholas
Published: December 2019

Purpose

There are many ways of viewing, interpreting and even conceptualizing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) growth. This paper considers image regeneration and how this helps enhance place competitiveness. A focus on events and the spectacle they create also challenges to think about sustainable futures. This paper aims to supplement this focus on image regeneration and competitiveness, it is important to discuss and outline triple bottom line impacts as a framework to consider going forward.

Design/methodology/approach

Looking at the BRICS, the growing events, tourism and leisure industries transcend private and public business practices and can help align with more contemporary sustainable development practices and regeneration agendas. Such agendas can, in turn, help enhance destination competitiveness and image. While the authors need (and should) continue to assess and address economic impacts and development, it is just as important to consider environmental impacts and social impacts on a destination and its residents when considering competitiveness.

Findings

This conceptual paper frames insight from the literature to reflect on and consider research directions linked to triple bottom line impacts. The paper puts emphasis on the need to consider the social and environmental impacts of events.

Originality/value

This paper links conceptual discussions of image regeneration and competitiveness with triple bottom line impacts to look at directions for BRICS nations. It is useful for policymakers and planners who look at the “big picture” of event hosting and argues the need for more sustainable policy and planning agendas.
Predictive factors for work‐day loss in Behçet's syndrome: A multi‐center study
Authors: Mumcu Gonca , Yay Meral , Aksoy Aysun , Taş Mehmet Nedim , Armağan Berkan , Sarı Alper , Bozca Burçin Cansu , Tekgöz Emre , Karadağ Duygu Temiz , Badak Suade Özlem , Tecer Duygu , Bes Cemal , Şahin Ali , Erken Eren , Cefle Ayse , Çınar Muhammet , Yılmaz Sedat , Karaçaylı Ümit , Alpsoy Erkan , Şenel Soner , Yaşar Bilge Şule , Kaşifoğlu Timuçin , Karadağ Ömer , Aksu Kenan , Keser Gökhan , Alibaz‐Öner Fatma , İnanç Nevsun , Ergun Tülin , Direskeneli Haner
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this multi‐center study was to assess predictive factors for work‐day loss as an indirect cost element in Behçet's syndrome (BS).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional, multi‐center study, 834 BS patients (F/M: 441/393, age mean: 38.4 ± 10.9 years) were included. Data were collected by a questionnaire regarding treatment protocols, disease duration, smoking pattern, frequency of medical visits during the previous year and self‐reported work‐day loss during the previous year.

Results

Work‐day loss was observed in 16.2% of patients (M/F: 103/32). The percentages of being a smoker (81.8%), using immunosuppressive (IS) medications (82%), and having disease duration <5 years (74%) were higher in male patients with work‐day loss (P < .05). The majority of males (90.9%) had more than four clinic visits during the previous year. Moreover, the mean work‐day loss (30.8 ± 57.7 days) was higher in patients with vascular involvement (56.1 ± 85.9) than those without (26.4 ± 50.6 days) (P = .046). In addition, increased frequency of ocular involvement (25.9%) was also observed in patients with work‐day loss compared to others (8.6%) (P = .059).

Conclusion

Work‐day loss was associated with both vascular and ocular involvement. Close associations were observed among male gender, early period of the disease, frequent medical visits, being a smoker and treatment with IS medications in patients with work‐day loss.
The C40 Experience: From Technical Experiment to Political Inspiration
Authors: Pinault Emmanuelle
Published: December 2019

In her response to the article ‘The C40 Experience: Global Network Insights From A Decade Of C40’, Emmanuelle Pinault discusses ‘the C40 experience’ from an insider and practitioner’s perspective, showing the city network has been evolving from technical experiment to increasing political inspiration.
On the AIIB’s Non‐resident Board: Strategic Trade‐offs, Roles and Responsibilities
Authors: von Müller Camillo , Baumann Elke
Published: December 2019

The AIIB’s non‐resident Board of Directors has drawn a lot of attention among experts and in the literature, although it is not an unprecedented feature among the existing international financial institutions. A non‐resident Board setting has implications for how the respective Board undertakes its role and responsibilities. This essay analyses the characteristics of the AIIB’s non‐resident board in regard to four roles or functions as defined in the literature on Board evaluation (Martinez‐Diaz 2008), that is, the roles of strategic thinker, political counterweight, performance police, and democratic forum. AIIB’s Board of Directors is particularly apt to perform the role of a strategic thinker, while taking on the other roles to different degrees of effectiveness.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – New Multilateralism: Early Development, Innovation, and Future Agendas
Authors: Chin Gregory T.
Published: December 2019

Analysts across the disciplines have started to address the development and agenda of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), however the collective understanding of major aspects of the AIIB's institutional evolution, and related multilateral cooperation and international contestation, remain fuzzy and fragmented. This Introductory article discusses how the AIIB has progressed so rapidly in three years, and provides an overview of the unique contributions of the 13 essays in this collection, and of the ways the essays complement one another. Focusing on the main trends and patterns in the AIIB's early development, four essays address major overarching themes that reflect the multilateral character of the Bank, and nine essays provide member‐country or regional perspectives on the new Bank, highlighting variations and complementarities in interests, ideas, and priorities among the broader membership of the Bank. The Introduction concludes with some implications for future research, and for AIIB policy and programming that can be drawn from the essays.
Australian orthopaedic surgery training: Australian Orthopaedic Association's strategic education review
Authors: Incoll Ian W. , Atkin Jodie , Owen John , Keane Ally , Khorshid Omar , Cosenza Adrian , Frank Jason
Published: December 2019

Background

The Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) is the peak professional body for orthopaedic surgeons in Australia and is responsible for their training and continuing medical education. The 2012 AOA strategic education review employed a gap analysis to identify issues and generate a roadmap for the enhancement of AOA's education and training activities. This paper describes the process and outcomes of this review, which led to the ‘AOA 21’ Education Re‐design Project, and the review's relevance to surgical education in Australia.

Methods

The AOA strategic education review was undertaken by international clinician education and orthopaedic experts, and involved AOA staff, fellows and trainee members throughout Australia. This review progressed through four phases: a review of current training; a global ‘best‐practice’ perspective; a set of aspirational goals; and a roadmap for implementation.

Results

Seven key strengths (e.g. camaraderie in training and surgical skills teaching) and 15 challenges (e.g. ‘non‐technical’ skills teaching, subjective methods of decision making and inadequate assessment practices) were identified in the review stage. Sixteen major recommendations for improvements incorporating current or emerging world's best education practices were targeted in an 8‐year implementation framework.

Conclusion

The AOA's strategic education review serves as a roadmap for other specialty training organizations to review their programmes and implement contemporary best practices in surgical training. The AOA 21 project has positioned orthopaedic surgery as a leader in competency‐based surgical education and training in Australia.
Practical management of tumour lysis syndrome in venetoclax‐treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Gribben John G.
Published: December 2019

The treatment landscape in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has rapidly evolved over the past five years, with one such emergent treatment being the BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax. This oral treatment has demonstrated significant clinical advantages in indicated patients, but rapid tumour debulking can lead to a treatment‐related risk of the acute condition known as tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). Here, I present real patient cases to show how I have used the recommended predose monitoring and prophylactic procedures to mitigate the risk of TLS. I also used the ramp‐up dose escalation schedule of venetoclax therapy initiation to safely take patients through the treatment, successfully providing them with sustained clinical benefits.
Benefit from extended surveillance interval on colorectal cancer risk in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Lindberg L. J. , Rasmussen M. , Andersen K. K. , Nilbert M. , Therkildsen C.
Published: December 2019

Aim

Although patients with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, surveillance can reduce morbidity and mortality. Whether or not affected individuals benefit from lifetime surveillance depends on individual factors and patient adherence, and these may vary, complicating risk modelling. The aim of this study was to identify individual factors which influence patient adherence to surveillance programmes and whether extended surveillance interval influenced their risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Method

Demographics and survival data were obtained from patients (n = 1223) with Lynch syndrome, identified by interrogating the Danish Hereditary Non‐Polyposis Colorectal Cancer Register. These data were linked to patient surveillance interval data which had been divided into three subsets (< 27 months, adherent to the recommended biennial programme; > 27 months, extended surveillance interval; and no surveillance) to estimate the cumulative risks and hazard ratios (HRs) for colorectal cancer.

Results

In all, 147 colorectal cancers (99 first; 48 metachronous) were identified in 1223 patients. Factors associated with adherence to surveillance were female sex, a previous history of cancer and age < 75 years. The cumulative incidence for colorectal cancer was 38% (95% CI 27%–50%) for surveillance intervals < 27 months, 48% (95% CI 29%–67%) for intervals > 27 months and 72% (95% CI 61%–83%) with no surveillance. Adjusted HRs were 0.22 for surveillance intervals < 27 months and 0.32 for surveillance intervals > 27 months. Extended surveillance intervals > 27 months had a non‐significant benefit with an HR of 1.51 (95% CI 0.83–2.75) compared to surveillance intervals < 27 months.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that adherence to colonoscopic surveillance in Lynch syndrome varies with age, sex and cancer history and demonstrates a consistent benefit from colorectal cancer surveillance, though it might be lower for individuals with extended intervals.
Low‐dose empagliflozin as adjunct‐to‐insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes: A valid modelling and simulation analysis to confirm efficacy
Authors: Perkins Bruce A. , Soleymanlou Nima , Rosenstock Julio , Skyler Jay S. , Laffel Lori M. , Liesenfeld Karl‐Heinz , Neubacher Dietmar , Riggs Matthew M. , Johnston Curtis K. , Eudy‐Byrne Rena J. , Elmokadem Ahmed , George Jyothis T. , Marquard Jan , Nock Valerie
Published: December 2019

Aim

To confirm the observed reduction in HbA1c for the 2.5 mg dose in EASE‐3 by modelling and simulation analyses.

Materials and methods

Independent of data from EASE‐3 that tested 2.5 mg, we simulated the effect of a 2.5 mg dose through patient‐level, exposure‐response modelling in the EASE‐2 clinical study. A primary semi‐mechanistic model evaluated efficacy considering clinical insulin dose adjustments made after treatment initiation that potentially limited HbA1c reductions. The model was informed by pharmacokinetic, insulin dose, mean daily glucose and HbA1c data, and was verified by comparing the simulations with the observed HbA1c change in EASE‐3. One of two empagliflozin phase 3 trials in type 1 diabetes (EASE‐3 but not EASE‐2) included a lower 2.5 mg dose. A placebo‐corrected HbA1c reduction of 0.28% was demonstrated without the increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis observed at higher doses (10 mg and 25 mg). Since only one trial included the lower dose, we aimed to confirm the observed reduction in HbA1c for the 2.5 mg dose by modelling and simulation analyses.

Results

The simulated 26‐week mean HbA1c change was −0.41% without insulin dose adjustment and −0.29% at 26 weeks with insulin dose adjustment. A simplified (descriptive) model excluding insulin dose and mean daily glucose confirmed the –0.29% HbA1c change that would have been observed had the EASE‐2 population received a 2.5 mg dose for 26/52 weeks.

Conclusions

The HbA1c benefit of low‐dose empagliflozin directly observed in the EASE‐3 trial was confirmed by two modelling and simulation approaches.
Bee body size and global change: Growing with the task?
Authors: Jauker Frank
Published: December 2019

This article is a commentary on Gérard et al. 26, 1185-1195.
Comparative study of Pickering emulsions stabilised by starch particles from different botanical origins
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Ma Fenglian , Zheng Fen , Ren Hongtao , Gong Hui
Published: December 2019

Starch botanical origin is a key factor for the characteristics of Pickering emulsion. Starches with different sizes from rice (2.9–7.6 µm), waxy corn (9.3–25.0 µm), wheat (11.4–33.7 µm) and potato (24.4–54.1 µm) were esterified by octenyl succinic anhydride. The modified starch particles were used as stabilisers to produce oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsions. The physical stability, microstructures and rheological properties of different emulsions were compared. Results indicated that the emulsion stabilised with rice starch particles had the minimum droplet size of 83.6 µm and best physical stability during 30 days of storage. Moreover, starch particle size was negatively correlated with emulsion stability (P < 0.05). The particles (3.85% of the emulsion, w/w) built up wall‐like structures around oil droplets, which prevented them from freely moving. All emulsions showed pseudoplastic fluid behaviours and presented gel properties, but elastic modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) were mainly affected by starch botanical origins.
Singing under glass: rapid effects of anthropogenic habitat modification on song and response behaviours in an isolated house sparrow Passer domesticus population
Authors: Sheldon Elizabeth L. , Ironside Joseph E. , de Vere Natasha , Marshall Rupert C.
Published: December 2019

Anthropogenic noise pollution and the introduction of novel infrastructure can impose strong selective pressures on avian communication by affecting the efficacy with which acoustic signals are transmitted and received. Many species have now been shown to sing at higher frequencies in noisy urban environments. However, few studies have investigated the effects of signal modification on the response behaviours of receivers, and fewer still have been able to indicate the timescale over which these changes in pitch have occurred. We compare vocal communication between house sparrows Passer domesticus that reside within the world's largest, single‐span glasshouse (completed in the year 2000), and house sparrows directly outside this glasshouse, in open farmland. The glasshouse contrasts both acoustically and physically with the external environment, low frequency background noise being significantly louder inside than outside. We show that minimum song frequency was significantly higher inside the glasshouse than in surrounding farm habitat. Using song playback, we also found that birds within the glasshouse reacted more strongly to playbacks from the glasshouse habitat than they did to playback of song from farm birds outside. The degree of difference in frequency is similar to that shown for other bird species between urban and rural environments, demonstrating that such behavioural differences may arise over a relatively short time period (14 yr in this case).
Does blood loss explain higher resting metabolic rates in nestling birds with hematophagous ectoparasites?
Authors: Sun Natalie W. , Goodwin Sarah E. , Griego Michael S. , Gerson Alexander R. , Clotfelter Ethan D.
Published: December 2019

Nestlings of many bird species are hosts to hematophagous ectoparasites. Parasitism of nestlings is usually sub‐lethal, but its effects can extend into the fledgling and adult stages. Nestling hosts lose enough blood to become anemic, but the effects of reduced oxygen‐carrying capacity on metabolic rate are poorly understood. This study examined the consequences of parasitism by larval blow flies Protocalliphora sialia for nestling tree swallows Tachycineta bicolor. We found that nestlings with more parasites had higher whole‐animal RMR. We evaluated the role of increased erythropoiesis as a potential mechanism explaining increased RMR by drawing blood from some birds. However, we found no evidence that blood loss, as a proxy for hematophagous parasitism, increased metabolic rate. Future work should examine the metabolic costs of upregulation of immunity and how elevated RMR due to ectoparasites affects nestlings as they develop into independent adults.