bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xylanimonas allomyrinae sp. nov. isolated from the gut of larva of Allomyrina dichotoma, reclassification of Xylanibacterium ulmi as Xylanimonas ulmi comb. nov. and Xylanimicrobium pachnodae as Xylanimonas pachnodae comb. nov., and emendation of the genus Xylanimonas
Authors: Heo Jun , Cho Hayoung , Hamada Moriyuki , Kim Jeong-Seon , Hong Seung-Beom , Kim Soo-Jin , Kwon Soon-Wo
Published: January 2020

A bacterium that was Gram-staining-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, rod- or filamentous-shaped, designated as strain 2JSPR-7T, was isolated from a gut of larvae of Allomyrina dichotoma which were raised at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea. 2JSPR-7T had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Xylanibacterium ulmi

XIL08T (98.1 %),

Xylanimicrobium pachnodae

NBRC 107786T (97.8 %) and

Xylanimonas cellulosilytica

DSM 15894T (97.5 %). Optimum growth conditions were at 28–30 °C, pH 7–8 and 0 % salt concentration. The cellular fatty acids mainly consisted of anteiso-C15 : 0, C14 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified glycophospholipids. The major menaquinones were MK-8(H4) and MK-9(H4). The peptidoglycan structure was suggested to be the type A3α (A11.14) l-Lys–l-Ser with the presence of d-Ala, l-Ala, d-Glu, l-Ser and l-Lys. Whole cell sugars were rhamnose, ribose and glucose. The DNA G+C content was 72.7 mol%. We encountered difficulty in selecting a suitable genus to accommodate strain 2JSPR-7T from any of the genera

Xylanimonas

,

Xylanimicrobium

and

Xylanibacterium

based on the polyphasic approach including phylogenetic and phenotypic characterization. Therefore, it is proposed to combine the genera

Xylanimicrobium

and

Xylanibacterium

with the genus

Xylanimonas

considering the priority of publication and to classify strain 2JSPR-7T in the genus as Xylanimonas allomyrinae sp. nov. The type strain of the novel species is 2JSPR-7T (=KACC 19330T=NBRC 113052T). In addition, the description of the genus

Xylanimonas

is emended, and

Xylanibacterium ulmi

and

Xylanimicrobium pachnodae

are reclassified as Xylanimonas ulmi comb. nov. and Xylanimonas pachnodae comb. nov., respectively.
A distributed neocortical action map associated with reach-to-grasp
Authors: Quarta Eros , Scaglione Alessandro , Lucchesi Jessica , Sacconi Leonardo , Allegra Mascaro Anna Letizia , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: January 2020

Reach-to-Grasp (RtG) is known to be dependent upon neocortical circuits and extensive research has provided insights into how selected neocortical areas contribute to control dexterous movements. Surprisingly, little infor-mation is available on the global neocortical computations underlying RtG in the mouse. Here, we characterized, employing fluorescence wide-field cal-cium imaging, the neocortex-wide dynamics from mice engaging in a RtG task. We demonstrate that, beyond canonical motor regions, several areas, such as the visual and the retrosplenial cortices, also increase their activ-ity levels during successful RtGs. Intriguingly, homologous regions across the ipsilateral hemisphere are also involved. Functional connectivity among areas increases transiently from rest to planning, and decreases during move-ment. Two anti-correlated neocortical networks emerged during movement. At variance, neural activity levels scale linearly with kinematics measures of successful RtGs in secondary motor areas. Our findings establish the coex-istence of distributed and localized neocortical dynamics for efficient control of complex movements.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In mammals, including humans, the cerebral cortex is known to be critical for the correct execution of dexterous movements. Despite the importance of the mouse for elucidating the neural circuitry for motor control, its neocortex-wide dynamics during RtG are largely unexplored. We used in-vivo fluores-cence microscopy to characterize the neural activity across the neocortex as mice performed a reach-to-grasp task. We show that for such complex movements, a large network of neocortical areas gets involved, while movement kinematics correlates with neural activity in secondary motor areas. These findings indicate the coexistence, at the mesoscale level, of distributed and localized neocortical dynamics for the execution of fine movements. This study offers a novel view on the neocortical correlates of motor control, with potential implications for neural repair.
Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA): A Comprehensive Resource with Functional Genomic Data for Chinese Glioma Patients
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Zhang Ke’nan , Wang Qiangwei , Li Guanzhang , Zeng Fan , Zhang Ying , Wu Fan , Chai Ruichao , Wang Zheng , Zhang Chuanbao , Zhang Wei , Bao Zhaoshi , Jiang Tao
Published: January 2020

Gliomas are the most common and malignant intracranial tumours in adults. Recent studies have shown that functional genomics greatly aids in the understanding of the pathophysiology and therapy of glioma. However, comprehensive genomic data and analysis platforms are relatively limited. In this study, we developed the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA,http://www.cgga.org.cn), a user-friendly data portal for storage and interactive exploration of multi-dimensional functional genomic data that includes nearly 2,000 primary and recurrent glioma samples from Chinese cohorts. CGGA currently provides access to whole-exome sequencing (286 samples), messenger RNA sequencing (1,018 samples) and microarray (301 samples), DNA methylation microarray (159 samples), and microRNA microarray (198 samples) data, as well as detailed clinical data (e.g., WHO grade, histological type, critical molecular genetic information, age, sex, chemoradiotherapy status and survival data). In addition, we developed an analysis tool to allow users to browse mutational, mRNA/microRNA expression, and DNA methylation profiles and perform survival and correlation analyses of specific glioma subtypes. CGGA greatly reduces the barriers between complex functional genomic data and glioma researchers who seek rapid, intuitive, and high-quality access to data resources and enables researchers to use these immeasurable data sources for biological research and clinical application. Importantly, the free provision of data will allow researchers to quickly generate and provide data to the research community.
The effects of seasonal climate variability on dengue annual incidence in Hong Kong: A modelling study
Authors: Yuan Hsiang-Yu , Liang Jingbo , Lin Pei-Sheng , Sucipto Kathleen , Tsegaye Mesfin Mengesha , Wen Tzai-Hung , Pfeiffer Susanne , Pfeiffer Dirk
Published: January 2020

In recent years, dengue has been rapidly spreading and growing in the tropics and subtropics. Located in southern China, Hong Kong’s subtropical monsoon climate may favour dengue vector populations and increase the chance of disease transmissions during the rainy summer season. An increase in local dengue incidence has been observed in Hong Kong ever since the first case in 2002, with an outbreak reaching historically high case numbers in 2018. However, the effects of seasonal climate variability on recent outbreaks are unknown. As the local cases were found to be spatially clustered, we developed a Poisson generalized linear mixed model using pre-summer monthly total rainfall and mean temperature to predict annual dengue incidence (the majority of local cases occur during or after the summer months), over the period 2002-2018 in three pre-defined areas of Hong Kong. Using leave-one-out cross-validation, 5 out of 6 observations of area-specific outbreaks during the major outbreak years 2002 and 2018 were able to be predicted. 42 out of a total of 51 observations (82.4%) were within the 95% confidence interval of the annual incidence predicted by our model. Our study found that the rainfall before and during the East Asian monsoon (pre-summer) rainy season is negatively correlated with the annual incidence in Hong Kong while the temperature is positively correlated. Hence, as mosquito control measures in Hong Kong are intensified mainly when heavy rainfalls occur during or close to summer, our study suggests that a lower-than-average intensity of pre-summer rainfall should also be taken into account as an indicator of increased dengue risk.
A sister lineage of theMycobacterium tuberculosis complexdiscovered in the African Great Lakes region
Authors: Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Loiseau Chloé , Marceau Michael , Jouet Agathe , Menardo Fabrizio , Tzfadia Oren , Antoine Rudy , Niyigena Esdras Belamo , Mulders Wim , Fissette Kristina , Diels Maren , Gaudin Cyril , Duthoy Stéphanie , Ssengooba Willy , André Emmanuel , Kaswa Michel K , Habimana Yves Mucyo , Brites Daniela , Affolabi Dissou , Mazarati Jean Baptiste , de Jong Bouke Catherine , Rigouts Leen , Gagneux Sebastien , Meehan Conor Joseph , Supply Philip
Published: January 2020

The human- and animal-adapted lineages of theMycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTBC) are thought to have clonally expanded from a common progenitor in Africa. However, the molecular events that accompanied this emergence remain largely unknown. Here, we describe two MTBC strains isolated from patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, representing an as-yet-unknown lineage, named Lineage 8 (L8), seemingly restricted to the African Great Lakes region. Using genome-based phylogenetic reconstruction, we show that L8 is a sister clade to the known MTBC lineages. Comparison with other complete mycobacterial genomes indicate that the divergence of L8 preceded the loss of thecobFgenome region - involved in the cobalamin/vitamin B12 synthesis - and gene interruptions in a subsequent common ancestor shared by all other known MTBC lineages. This discovery further supports an East African origin for the MTBC and provides additional molecular clues on the ancestral genome reduction associated with adaptation to a pathogenic lifestyle.
Age dependent changes in synaptic NMDA receptor composition in adult human cortical neurons
Authors: Pegasiou C.M. , Zolnourian A. , Gomez-Nicola D. , Deinhardt K. , Nicoll J.A.R. , Ahmed A.I. , Vajramani G. , Grundy P. , Verhoog M.B. , Mansvelder H.D. , Perry V.H. , Bulters D. , Vargas-Caballero M.
Published: January 2020

The molecular processes underlying the ageing-related decline in cognitive performance and memory observed in humans are poorly understood. Studies in rodents have shown a decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) that contain the GluN2B subunit in ageing synapses, and this decrease is correlated with impaired memory functions. However, the age-dependent contribution of GluN2B containing receptors to synaptic transmission in human cortical synapses has not been previously studied. We investigated the synaptic contribution of GluN2A and GluN2B containing NMDARs in adult human neurons using fresh non-pathological temporal cortical tissue resected during neurosurgical procedures. The tissue we obtained fulfilled quality criteria by the absence of inflammation markers and proteomic degradation. We show an age-dependent decline in the NMDA/AMPA receptor ratio in adult human temporal cortical synapses. We demonstrate that GluN2B containing NMDA receptors contribute to synaptic responses in the adult human brain with a reduced contribution in older individuals. With previous evidence demonstrating the critical role of synaptic GluN2B in regulating synaptic strength and memory storage in mice, this progressive reduction of GluN2B in the human brain during ageing may underlie a molecular mechanism in the age-related decline in cognitive abilities and memory observed in humans.
Production and Purification of Endogenously Modified tRNA-Derived Small RNAs
Authors: Drino Aleksej , Oberbauer Vera , Troger Conor , Janisiw Eva , Anrather Dorothea , Hartl Markus , Kaiser Steffen , Kellner Stefanie , Schaefer Matthias R.
Published: January 2020

During particular stress conditions, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) become substrates of stress-induced endonucleases, resulting in the production of distinct tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). These small RNAs have been implicated in a wide range of biological processes, but how isoacceptor and even isodecoder-specific tsRNAs act at the molecular level is still poorly understood. Importantly, stress-induced tRNA cleavage affects only a few tRNAs of a given isoacceptor or isodecoder, raising the question as to how such limited molecule numbers could exert measurable biological impact. While the molecular function of individual tsRNAs is likely mediated through association with other molecules, addressing the interactome of specific tsRNAs has only been attempted by using synthetic RNA sequences. Since tRNAs carry post-transcriptional modifications, tsRNAs are likely modified but the extent of their modifications remains largely unknown. Here, we developed a biochemical framework for the production and purification of specific tsRNAs using human cells. Preparative scale purification of tsRNAs from biological sources should facilitate experimentally addressing as to how exactly these small RNAs mediate the multitude of reported molecular functions.
Role of RBC membrane protein palmitoylation in regulation of molecular topology and susceptibility toPlasmodium falciparuminvasion
Authors: Pati Soumya , Yadav Preeti , Kumari Geeta , D.A.B Rex , Goswami Sangam , Garg Swati , Prasad T.S. Keshava , Ramalingam Sivaprakash , Singh Shailja
Published: January 2020

Squeezability of biconcave RBC raises a fundamental query, about, how it can restructure its bendable cytoskeleton for efficient micro-circulation. We report for the first time, the existence of dynamic palmitoylome in RBC composed of 118 palmitoylated proteins that reduced to 42 upon treatment with 2BP, a generic inhibitor of palmitoylation. In-depth analysis revealed that Semaphorin7A, CR1 and ABCB6, the known RBC receptors forP. falciparumwere reduced to negligible in 2BP-treated RBCs, suggesting palmitoylation-dependent recruitment of parasite-specific receptors. Interestingly, Kell, a single disulphide-linked co-partner in Kell-Kx complex was undetected in 2BP-treated RBCs, while Kx remained intact. RBCs-blocked with anti-Kell antibody demonstrated signficant reduction in parasite invasion, thus suggesting it as a receptor proto-type forP. falciparuminvasion. Finally, reduced expression of Kell in palmitoylated protein pool of sickle-cell RBC ghost, with its diminished surface representation in these RBCs, proposed Kell, as one of the novel receptor-prototype forP. falciparuminvasion.
A stable core of GCPs 4, 5 and 6 promotes the assembly of γ-tubulin ring complexes
Authors: Haren Laurence , Farache Dorian , Emorine Laurent , Merdes Andreas
Published: January 2020

γ-tubulin is a major protein involved in the nucleation of microtubules in all eukaryotes. It forms two different complexes with proteins of the GCP family (gamma-tubulin complex proteins): γ-tubulin small complexes (γTuSCs), containing γ-tubulin and GCPs 2 and 3, and γ-tubulin ring complexes (γTuRCs), containing multiple γTuSCs, in addition to GCPs 4, 5, and 6. Whereas the structure and assembly properties of γTuSCs have been intensively studied, little is known about the assembly of γTuRCs, and about the specific roles of GCPs 4, 5, and 6. Here, we demonstrate that two copies of GCP4 and one copy each of GCP5 and GCP6 form a salt-resistant sub-complex within the γTuRC that assembles independently of the presence of γTuSCs. Incubation of this sub-complex with cytoplasmic extracts containing γTuSCs leads to the reconstitution of full-sized γTuRCs that are competent to nucleate microtubules. In addition, we investigate sequence extensions and insertions that are specifically found at the amino-terminus of GCP6, and between the GCP6 grip1 and grip2 motifs, and we demonstrate that these are involved in the assembly or stabilization of the γTuRC.

Summary statement

γ-tubulin ring complexes are templates for microtubule nucleation, composed of γ-tubulin and GCP proteins. GCPs 4, 5, 6 form a stable sub-complex, driving the assembly of the full complex.
Desmosomes polarize mechanical signaling to govern epidermal tissue form and function
Authors: Broussard Joshua A. , Koetsier Jennifer L. , Hegazy Marihan , Green Kathleen J.
Published: January 2020

The epidermis is a stratified epithelium in which structural and functional features are polarized across multiple cell layers. This type of polarity is essential for establishing the epidermal barrier, but how it is created and sustained is poorly understood. Previous work identified a role for the classical cadherin/filamentous-actin network in establishment of epidermal polarity. However, little is known about potential roles of the most prominent epidermal intercellular junction, the desmosome, in establishing epidermal polarity, in spite of the fact that desmosome constituents are patterned across the apical to basal cell layers. Here, we show that desmosomes and their associated intermediate filaments (IF) are key regulators of mechanical polarization in epidermis, whereby basal and suprabasal cells experience different forces that drive layer-specific functions. Uncoupling desmosomes and IF or specific targeting of apical desmosomes through depletion of the superficial desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein 1, impedes basal stratification in an in vitro competition assay and suprabasal tight junction barrier functions in 3D reconstructed epidermis. Surprisingly, disengaging desmosomes from IF also accelerated the expression of differentiation markers, through precocious activation of the mechanosensitive transcriptional regulator serum response factor (SRF) and downstream activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor family member ErbB2 by Src family kinase (SFK) mediated phosphorylation. This Dsg1-SFK-ErbB2 axis also helps maintain tight junctions and barrier function later in differentiation. Together, these data demonstrate that the desmosome-IF network is a critical contributor to the cytoskeletal-adhesive machinery that supports the polarized function of the epidermis.
High-resolution cryo-EM using beam-image shift at 200 keV
Authors: Cash Jennifer N. , Kearns Sarah , Li Yilai , Cianfrocco Michael A.
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data collection utilizes beam-image shift to improve throughput. Despite implementation on 300 keV cryo-EM instruments, it remains unknown how well beam-image shift data collection affects data quality on 200 keV instruments and how much aberrations can be computationally corrected. To test this, we collected and analyzed a cryo-EM dataset of aldolase at 200 keV using beam-image shift. This analysis shows that beam tilt on the instrument initially limited the resolution of aldolase to 4.9Å. After iterative rounds of aberration correction and particle polishing in RELION, we were able to obtain a 2.8Å structure. This analysis demonstrates that software correction of microscope aberrations can provide a significant improvement in resolution at 200 keV.
A standardized head-fixation system for performing large-scale,in vivophysiological recordings in mice
Authors: Groblewski PA , Sullivan D , Lecoq J , de Vries SEJ , Caldejon S , L’Heureux Q , Keenan T , Roll K , Slaughterback C , Williford A , Farrell C
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The Allen Institute recently built a set of high-throughput experimental pipelines to collect comprehensivein vivosurveys of physiological activity in the visual cortex of awake, head-fixed mice. Developing these large-scale, industrial-like pipelines posed many scientific, operational, and engineering challenges.

NEW METHOD

Our strategies for creating a cross-platform reference space to which all pipeline datasets were mapped required development of 1) a robust headframe, 2) a reproducible clamping system, and 3) data-collection systems that are built, and maintained, around precise alignment with a reference artifact.

RESULTS

When paired with our pipeline clamping system, our headframe exceeded deflection and reproducibility requirements. By leveraging our headframe and clamping system we were able to create a cross-platform reference space to which multi-modal imaging datasets could be mapped.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

Together, theAllen Brain Observatoryheadframe, surgical tooling, clamping system, and system registration strategy create a unique system for collecting large amounts of standardizedin vivodatasets over long periods of time. Moreover, the integrated approach to cross-platform registration allows for multi-modal datasets to be collected within a shared reference space.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we report the engineering strategies that we implemented when creating theAllen Brain Observatoryphysiology pipelines. All of the documentation related to headframe, surgical tooling, and clamp design has been made freely available and can be readily manufactured or procured. The engineering strategy, or components of the strategy, described in this report can be tailored and applied by external researchers to improve data standardization and stability.
A probabilistic functional atlas of human occipito-temporal visual cortex
Authors: Rosenke Mona , van Hoof Rick , van den Hurk Job , Grill-Spector Kalanit , Goebel Rainer
Published: January 2020

Human visual cortex contains many retinotopic and category-specific regions. These brain regions have been the focus of a large body of functional MRI research, significantly expanding our understanding of visual processing. As studying these regions requires accurate localization of their cortical location, researchers perform functional localizer scans to identify these regions in each individual. However, it not always possible to conduct these localizer scans. Here, we developed and validated a functional region of interest atlas of early visual and category-selective regions in human ventral and lateral occipito-temporal cortex. Results show that for the majority of fROIs, cortex-based alignment results in lower between-subject variability compared to nonlinear volumetric alignment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that (1) the atlas accurately predicts the location of an independent dataset of ventral temporal cortex ROIs and other atlases of place-selectivity, motion-selectivity, and retinotopy. Next, (2) we show that the majority of voxel within our atlas are responding mostly to the labelled category in a left-out subject cross-validation, demonstrating the utility of this atlas. The functional atlas is publicly available (download.brainvoyager.com/data/visfAtlas.zip) and can help identify the location of these regions in healthy subjects as well as populations (e.g. blind people, infants) in which functional localizers cannot be run.
The simulation of single wraparound fin on a semi-cylindrical missile body
Authors: Sharma Nayhel , Kumar Rakesh
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a freestream computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a three-dimensional non-spinning semi-cylindrical missile model with a single wrap around fin in Mach 2.70-3.00M range and 0° angle of attack, and ultimately establishing itself for future research study.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the behaviour of flow around the fin was investigated using a κ-ϵ turbulence model of second-order of discretization. This was done using a highly structured mesh. Additionally, an inviscid CFD simulation involving the same boundary conditions have also been carried out for comparison.

Findings

The obtained values of aerodynamic coefficients and pressure contours visualizations are compared against their experimental and computational counterparts. A typical missile aerodynamic characteristic trend can be seen in the current CFD.

Practical implications

The predicted values of the aerodynamic coefficients of this single fin model have also been compared to those of the full missile body comprising of four fins from the previous research studies, and a similar aerodynamic trend can be seen.

Originality/value

This study explores the possibility of the use of turbulence modelling in a single fin model of a missile and provides a basic computational model for further understanding the flow behaviour near the fin.
El fin de las bolsas plásticas, dilema estratégico de INAPOL
Authors: Peña Ramírez Camilo , Briones Maira Fernanda , Paredes Fernanda Valentina , Diaz Javiera Constanza , Vásquez María José
Published: January 2020

Learning outcomes

Formular un análisis externo de INAPOL. Desarrollar un análisis estratégico para identificar alternativas estratégicas.

Case overview/synopsis

INAPOL es una empresa manufacturera dedicada a la fabricación de mangas de polietileno y confección de bolsas plásticas, que enfrentó una crisis por la nueva normativa medioambiental en Chile. Esta norma prohíbe la entrega de bolsas plásticas en el comercio, lo que conlleva directamente a una disminución en la demanda de bolsas por parte de sus principales clientes. Es por esto que es necesario realizar un análisis estratégico y reformular un plan de desarrollo. El presente caso de estudio presenta una baja complejidad y podrá ser aplicado en cursos introductorios de estrategia o gestión de empresas para estudiantes de pregrado en ingeniería, administración y negocios. Se espera que el lector sea capaz de identificar los factores externos que limitan a la empresa, y los factores internos que afectan a la empresa. Además, se espera que el lector desarrolle herramientas de análisis estratégico tales como PESTAL (PESTEL) y FODA (SWOT) e identificar antecedentes necesarios para proponer alternativas estratégicas.

Complexity academic level

El presente caso de estudio presenta una baja complejidad y podrá ser aplicado en cursos introductorios de estrategia o gestión de empresas para estudiantes de pregrado en administración y negocios.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Shift schedule realignment and patient safety culture
Authors: Wijaya Made Indra , Mohamad Abd Rahim , Hafizurrachman Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between shift schedule realignment and patient safety culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Using difference in differences model, BIMC Hospitals and Siloam Hospital Bali were compared before and after shift schedule realignment to test the association between shift schedule realignment and patient safety culture.

Findings

Shift schedule realignment was associated with a significant improvement in staffing (coefficient 1.272; 95% CI 0.842 – 1.702; p<0.001), teamwork within units (coefficient 1.689; 95% CI 1.206 – 2.171; p<0.001), teamwork across units (coefficient 1.862; 95% CI 1.415 – 2.308; p<0.001), handoffs and transitions (coefficient 0.999; 95% CI 0.616 – 1.382; p<0.001), frequency of error reported (coefficient 1.037; 95% CI 0.581 – 1.493; p<0.001), feedback and communication about error (coefficient 1.412; 95% CI 0.982 – 1.841; p<0.001) and communication openness (coefficient 1.393; 95% CI 0.968 – 1.818; p<0.001).

Practical implications

With positive impact on patient safety culture, shift schedule realignment should be considered as quality improvement initiative. It stretches the compressed workload suffered by staff while maintaining 40 h per week in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Originality/value

Shift schedule realignment, designed to improve patient safety culture, has never been implemented in any Indonesian private hospital. Other hospital managers might also appreciate knowing about the shift schedule realignment to improve the patient safety culture.
A modified approach based on bearing area curve for surface wear characterization
Authors: Wang Yun , Mao Junhong , Lu Suwen , Xu Zhenying , Liu Hong , Li Ruitao
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Wear greatly influences the machine lifetime, performance and reliability and its quantification is very important. This paper aims to propose a modified bearing area curve method by combining the theory of the bearing area curve, and the relocation technique to calculate wear accurately and efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

H13 steel was chosen as the material of wear pair, and the wear experiments were carried out at 50 N, 60 r/min for 20 min. The surface was measured before and after wear experiments. The relocation was made by comparing the mean lines (planes) of the unworn and worn surface profiles. The calculated results using the proposed method were compared with that of the surface profile method for a two-dimensional surface to validate its accuracy. The method was then applied for a three-dimensional (3D) wear analysis.

Findings

The worn surface shows clearly displacement compared to the unworn surface and implies the importance of including relocation in the bearing area curve method. The results from the proposed method are 98 per cent close to that from the surface profile method, indicating that the method is accurate for wear evaluation.

Originality/value

As no feature point or relocation mark is needed to calculate the relocation value using the proposed method, the method can be applied to mild to severe wear. Also, as the deviation of different scans does not affect the relocation calculation, and no matching and stitching is required, this method can be easily applied to a wide wear area and 3D surface wear analysis.
Academic production and technological emergence in finance
Authors: Caciatori Junior Itamir , Cherobim Ana Paula Mussi Szabo
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the FinTech enterprises and the management theories related to this subject in a scientific way.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a bibliometric study on FinTech enterprises. Its origin is a survey of 1,749 papers in 6 traditional peer-reviewed academic databases (e.g. Science Direct and Scopus) and in the “gray” literature, published by other agents and not subject to double-blind peer review. In this analysis we use three approaches: academic paper or not; journal main interest, and main purpose of the paper.

Findings

The first approach shows 45% of papers without blind review. The second approach shows no concentration on any journal. It represents no concentration on any kind of specific journal. And the third approach shows four kinds of contents in all researched papers: FinTech categorizations; FinTech related to theory of disruptive innovation; FinTech and theories of administration or economy; and finally, FinTech and regulatory and legislative aspects.

Originality/value

The findings identified the emergence of new research strands, precedence of studies of “gray” literature to explain the phenomenon, distribution of studies in different fields of knowledge (e.g. information technology, business and law) and lack of consensus in theories to explain the matter.
Corporations in the political arena: an ethical framework
Authors: Barron Andrew , Stacey Stephen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how firms can configure their organisational architectures in ways that limit ethical transgressions of their corporate political activities (CPAs).

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual work is informed by existing research into organisational architecture and ethical decision-making, combined with illustrative examples of firms’ political actions derived from secondary and primary data sources.

Findings

Findings suggest that the ways that firms assign decision-making authority and design performance management systems can, depending on their combined configuration, either help or hinder the promotion of ethical CPA practice.

Practical implications

The study provides practitioners with a useful tool for reflecting on the organisational levers they can pull to shield their firms from the financial and reputation damage associated with objectionable conduct in their political activities.

Originality/value

Whilst previous research studies emphasise the importance of statutory guidelines, self-regulation or corporate codes for promoting ethical CPA, this study argues that organisational design is an important yet overlooked antecedent of a firm’s ability to practice CPA ethically and responsibly.
Channels of corruption in Africa: analytical review of trends in financial crimes
Authors: Hope, Sr Kempe Ronald
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analytically review the trends of financial crimes as channels of corruption that impact the development process and economic progress in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines the trends in financial crimes by compiling statistics derived from a scan of the publicly available survey and other published data related.

Findings

The financial crimes of embezzlement and theft, bribes and kickbacks, money laundering and illicit financial flows and state capture are all channels of corruption that are prevalent in Africa with significant negative effects on the continent’s socio-economic development progress. The magnitude of these crimes has been trending upward with the resultant effect that corruption continues to have significant negative impacts on Africa’s current and future development prospects. To develop policies to minimise these negative effects, it is necessary to quantify and continuously monitor the magnitude of these various corruption channels.

Originality/value

The main value of the study is the insights it provides on the nature and extent of the trends in financial crimes as channels of corruption in Africa, and the resultant negative impact on socio-economic development in the region.
Bitcoin, corruption and economic freedom
Authors: Johnson Jackie
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test whether the price traders are prepared to pay for Bitcoin, over the market price, is related to a country’s level of corruption and lack of economic freedom, during Bitcoin’s most turbulent period, 2017-2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Bitcoin premiums (the excess over the market price) are calculated for 17 countries from April 2017 to September 2018, using daily weighted Bitcoin prices compared to the market price and testing against the Corruption Perception Index, the Index of Economic Freedom and changes in the Economic Uncertainty Index.

Findings

On testing Bitcoin premiums across 17 countries, it is found that the price paid for Bitcoin above the market price goes hand-in-hand with the level of corruption and decline in economic freedom. As corruption increases so does the premium paid for Bitcoin, and as the level of economic freedom declines, the premium increases. This relationship holds during very different market conditions: the increasing Bitcoin price from April to September 2017; the rise and fall in Bitcoin prices from October 2017 to March 2018; the declining market price from April to September 2018; and in December 2017 when Bitcoin reached over US$19,000.

Originality/value

Rather than focussing on daily returns which measure changes from day to day, this research uses all transactions during the day focussing on an intra-day consensus price measured in local currency. With such large price increases, percentage measures can hide the size of the monetary response. By focussing on the monetary impact, the differences between countries become more apparent.
Jungian theory of dreaming and contemporary dream research – findings from the research project ‘Structural Dream Analysis’
Authors: Roesler Christian
Published: January 2020

The research method ‘Structural Dream Analysis’ (SDA) is described which allows for systematic and objective analysis of the meaning of dreams produced by patients in Jungian psychotherapies. The method focuses especially on the relationship between the dream ego and other figures in the dream and the extent of activity of the dream ego. Five major dream patterns were identified which accounted for the majority of the dreams. The clients’ dream series were dominated by one or two repetitive patterns which were closely connected to the psychological problems of the dreamers. Additionally, typical changes in the dream series’ patterns could be identified which corresponded with therapeutic change. These findings support Jung's theory of dreams as providing a holistic image of the dreamer’s psyche, including unconscious aspects. The implications for different psychoanalytic theories of dreaming and dream interpretation are discussed as well as implications for the continuity hypothesis.
Self, other and individuation: resolving narcissism through the lunar and solar paths of the Rosarium
Authors: West Marcus
Published: January 2020

This paper describes narcissism as our natural, infant‐like behaviour, and specifies three characteristics relating to the evacuation and avoidance of distress, to control, and to distancing from relationship. It suggests that the processes of incarnation and individuation represent the development of the early ego and the ‘resolution’ of these narcissistic ways of being, including escape from the ‘mirror trap’. The development of the early, controlling ‘homunculus‐ego’ entails the loosening and broadening of ego‐identifications and the ego becoming subject to the Self. This is an embodied‐relational‐social‐spiritual process outlined in detail by the full 20 woodcuts of the Rosarium Philosophorum, and specifically the lunar (relational) and solar (self‐expressive) paths, which are explored herein. These processes are illustrated with respect to the interaction between infant and caregiver, clinical vignettes and examples from the political sphere.
A high‐fat diet reverses metabolic disorders and premature aging by modulating insulin and IGF1 signaling in SIRT6 knockout mice
Authors: Li Zhongchi , Xu Kang , Guo Yannan , Ping Lu , Gao Yuqi , Qiu Ying , Ni Jianquan , Liu Qingfei , Wang Zhao
Published: January 2020

Mammalian sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is involved in the regulation of many essential processes, especially metabolic homeostasis. SIRT6 knockout mice undergo premature aging and die at age ~4 weeks. Severe glycometabolic disorders have been found in SIRT6 knockout mice, and whether a dietary intervention can rescue SIRT6 knockout mice remains unknown. In our study, we found that at the same calorie intake, a high‐fat diet dramatically increased the lifespan of SIRT6 knockout mice to 26 weeks (males) and 37 weeks (females), reversed multi‐organ atrophy, and reduced body weight, hypoglycemia, and premature aging. Furthermore, the high‐fat diet partially but significantly normalized the global gene expression profile in SIRT6 knockout mice. Regarding the mechanism, excessive glucose uptake and glycolysis induced by the SIRT6 deficiency were attenuated in skeletal muscle through inhibition of insulin and IGF1 signaling by the high‐fat diet. Similarly, fatty acids but not ketone bodies inhibited glucose uptake, glycolysis, and senescence in SIRT6 knockout fibroblasts, whereas PI3K inhibition antagonized the effects of a high‐fatty‐acid medium in vitro. Overall, the high‐fat diet dramatically reverses numerous consequences of SIRT6 deficiency through modulation of insulin and IGF1 signaling, providing a new basis for elucidation of SIRT6 and fatty‐acid functions and supporting novel therapeutic approaches against metabolic disorders and aging‐related diseases.
Physical fitness in community‐dwelling older adults is linked to dietary intake, gut microbiota, and metabolomic signatures
Authors: Castro‐Mejía Josué L. , Khakimov Bekzod , Krych Łukasz , Bülow Jacob , Bechshøft Rasmus L. , Højfeldt Grith , Mertz Kenneth H. , Garne Eva Stahl , Schacht Simon R. , Ahmad Hajar F. , Kot Witold , Hansen Lars H. , Perez‐Cueto Federico J. A. , Lind Mads V. , Lassen Aske J. , Tetens Inge , Jensen Tenna , Reitelseder Søren , Jespersen Astrid P. , Holm Lars , Engelsen Søren B. , Nielsen Dennis S.
Published: January 2020

When humans age, changes in body composition arise along with lifestyle‐associated disorders influencing fitness and physical decline. Here we provide a comprehensive view of dietary intake, physical activity, gut microbiota (GM), and host metabolome in relation to physical fitness of 207 community‐dwelling subjects aged +65 years. Stratification on anthropometric/body composition/physical performance measurements (ABPm) variables identified two phenotypes (high/low‐fitness) clearly linked to dietary intake, physical activity, GM, and host metabolome patterns. Strikingly, despite a higher energy intake high‐fitness subjects were characterized by leaner bodies and lower fasting proinsulin‐C‐peptide/blood glucose levels in a mechanism likely driven by higher dietary fiber intake, physical activity and increased abundance of Bifidobacteriales and Clostridiales species in GM and associated metabolites (i.e., enterolactone). These factors explained 50.1% of the individual variation in physical fitness. We propose that targeting dietary strategies for modulation of GM and host metabolome interactions may allow establishing therapeutic approaches to delay and possibly revert comorbidities of aging.
Melatonin suppresses senescence‐derived mitochondrial dysfunction in mesenchymal stem cells via the HSPA1L–mitophagy pathway
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Yoon Yeo Min , Song Keon‐Hyoung , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Sang Hun
Published: January 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a popular cell source for stem cell‐based therapy. However, continuous ex vivo expansion to acquire large amounts of MSCs for clinical study induces replicative senescence, causing decreased therapeutic efficacy in MSCs. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of melatonin on replicative senescence in MSCs. In senescent MSCs (late passage), replicative senescence decreased mitophagy by inhibiting mitofission, resulting in the augmentation of mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment with melatonin rescued replicative senescence by enhancing mitophagy and mitochondrial function through upregulation of heat shock 70 kDa protein 1L (HSPA1L). More specifically, we found that melatonin‐induced HSPA1L binds to cellular prion protein (PrPC), resulting in the recruitment of PrPC into the mitochondria. The HSPA1L‐PrPC complex then binds to COX4IA, which is a mitochondrial complex IV protein, leading to an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and anti‐oxidant enzyme activity. These protective effects were blocked by knockdown of HSPA1L. In a murine hindlimb ischemia model, melatonin‐treated senescent MSCs enhanced functional recovery by increasing blood flow perfusion, limb salvage, and neovascularization. This study, for the first time, suggests that melatonin protects MSCs against replicative senescence during ex vivo expansion for clinical application via mitochondrial quality control.
Prospective association of e‐cigarette and cigarette use with alcohol use in two waves of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health
Authors: Roberts Walter , Verplaetse Terril , Peltier Mac Kenzie R. , Moore Kelly E. , Gueorguieva Ralitza , McKee Sherry A.
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Prior cross‐sectional research finds that electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use clusters with higher rates of harmful alcohol consumption in the United States adult population. The current study examined prospectively the association between e‐cigarette use, cigarette use and the combined use of e‐cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes and alcohol use outcomes.

Design

A nationally representative multi‐wave cohort survey (wave 1: September 2013–December 2014, wave 2: October 2014–October 2015).

Setting

United States.

Participants

A representative sample of civilian, non‐institutionalized adults who completed waves 1 and 2 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health survey (n = 26 427).

Measurements

Participants were categorized into exposure groups according to their e‐cigarette and cigarette use during wave 1. Past 30‐day alcohol use outcomes were (1) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)‐defined hazardous alcohol use, (2) total alcohol drinks consumed and (3) alcohol‐related consequences.

Findings

After controlling for socio‐demographic risk factors and alcohol use at wave 1, all exposure groups showed higher odds of hazardous alcohol use [adjusted odds ratios (aORs) = 2.05–2.12, all P < 0.001] and reported higher past‐month total drinks (B = 0.46–0.70, all P < 0.001) and more alcohol consequences (B = 0.63–0.89, all P ≤ 0.10) at wave 2 compared with non‐users. Cigarette users (B = 0.24, P = 0.038) and dual e‐cigarette/cigarette users (B = 0.32, P = 0.038) reported higher past‐month total drinks compared with e‐cigarette users. There was no conclusive evidence that non‐daily use of e‐cigarettes or cigarettes predicted poorer alcohol use outcomes compared with daily use.

Conclusions

In the United States between 2013 and 2015, after adjustment for socio‐demographic characteristics, cigarette and e‐cigarette use were associated with alcohol use 1 year later.
Life history traits of a key agricultural pest, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): are laboratory settings appropriate?
Authors: Katsikis Christina I , Wang Peng , Zalucki Myron P
Published: January 2020

Helicoverpa armigera is intensively researched in laboratory settings, yet developmental rates can vary considerably even under controlled conditions. Here, dietary choice and light spectra were tested as possible factors influencing this variability, a range of fitness indicators were collected and dietary choice behaviour in early instars was observed. We show that early instars of H. armigera exhibited self‐selection of nutrient intake, a novel finding. Larvae given a choice between two artificial diets varying in macronutrient ratios were heavier, exhibited a higher relative growth rate, shorter developmental time and longer eclosion time compared with larvae reared on a single diet. Wing size relative to body mass was higher for larvae on extreme no choice treatments and smallest for those on the choice diets, indicating a potential adaptation to escape poor nutrient landscapes. Light spectra had an effect on the size of pupae, with H. armigera reared under white LED light having larger pupae than those reared under fluorescent white light. Larvae reared under LED light took longer to emerge from pupation. Giving larvae a choice of diets with a range of nutrients may reduce developmental variability rather than assuming that one diets suits all.
When Do Displaced Persons Return? Postwar Migration among Christians in Mount Lebanon
Authors: Camarena Kara Ross , Hägerdal Nils
Published: January 2020

Under what conditions will forcibly displaced persons return to their original homes after wars end? We draw on theories of labor migration to show that even displaced persons who have positive feelings toward their original location may nevertheless choose to return as regular visitors rather than permanent residents unless the location offers attractive economic opportunities. Furthermore, we argue that violence can create negative emotions not only toward geographic locations of bloodshed but also against its perpetrators. After ethnic wars, the displaced may be unwilling to return to intermixed locations, exacerbating ethnic separation. We study postwar migration among Lebanese Christians displaced during the 1980s and identify economic conditions using exogenous price shocks for olive oil, a major local export. Among policy implications for economic reconstruction and transitional justice, our most important insight is that sometimes we should help the displaced in their new location rather than induce permanent return to their old homes.