bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution ISR amplicon sequencing reveals personalized oral microbiome
Authors: Mukherjee Chiranjit , Beall Clifford J. , Griffen Ann L. , Leys Eugene J.
Published: May 2018

Background:Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene has been the standard for studying the composition of microbial communities. While it allows identification of bacteria at the level of species, it does not usually provide sufficient information to resolve at the sub-species level. Species-level resolution is not adequate for studies of transmission or stability, or for exploring subspecies variation in disease association. Current approaches using whole metagenome shotgun sequencing require very high coverage that can be cost-prohibitive and computationally challenging for diverse communities. Thus there is a need for high-resolution, yet cost-effective, high-throughput methods for characterizing microbial communities.

Results:Significant improvement in resolution for amplicon-based bacterial community analysis was achieved by combining amplicon sequencing of a high-diversity marker gene, the ribosomal operon ISR, with a probabilistic error modeling algorithm, DADA2. The resolving power of this new approach was compared to that of both standard and high-resolution 16S-based approaches using a set of longitudinal subgingival plaque samples. The ISR strategy achieved a 5.2-fold increase in community richness compared to reference-based 16S rRNA gene analysis, and showed 100% accuracy in predicting the correct source of a clinical sample. Individuals’ microbial communities were highly personalized, and although they exhibited some drift in membership and levels over time, that difference was always smaller than the differences between any two subjects, even after one year. The construction of an ISR database from publicly available genomic sequences allowed us to explore genomic variationwithinspecies, resulting in the identification of multiple variants of the ISR for most species.

Conclusions:The ISR approach resulted in significantly improved resolution of communities, and revealed a highly personalized, stable human oral microbiota. Multiple ISR types were observed for all species examined, demonstrating a high level of subspecies variation in the oral microbiota. The approach is high-throughput, high-resolution yet cost-effective, allowing subspecies-level community fingerprinting at a cost comparable to that of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. It will be useful for a range of applications that require high-resolution identification of organisms, including microbial tracking, community fingerprinting, and potentially for identification of virulence-associated strains.
Plant-soil feedbacks trigger tannin evolution by niche construction: a spatial stoichiometric model
Authors: Arnoldi Jean-François , Coq Sylvain , Kéfi Sonia , Ibanez Sébastien
Published: May 2018

Among plant traits, plant secondary metabolites such as tannins mediate plant-herbivore interactions but also have after-life effects on litter decomposition and nutrient cycling, which could influence their evolution. By modeling the flow of nitrogen and carbon through plants and soil in a spatially explicit context, we explored the relative contribution of herbivory and plant-soil feedbacks as drivers of tannin evolution. We assumed soil nitrogen to be composed of labile and recalcitrant compartments, the latter made of tannin-protein complexes accessible by plants via associations with mycorrhizal fungi. In unproductive environments and for plants with low biomass turnover rates, we show that when tannins modify soil properties locally, plant-soil feedbacks alone can drive their evolution. We further predict the existence of positive coevolutionary feedbacks between associations with mycorrhizae and tannins, possibly triggered by the evolution of the latter as protection against herbivores. In line with our theoretical results, tannins are mostly present in conservative plants, associated with mycorrhizae and inhabiting unproductive environments. Our work suggests that plant-soil feedbacks can enable niche construction mechanisms which can be key to the evolution of plant traits.
Apparent Motion Perception in the Praying Mantis: Psychophysics and Modelling
Authors: Tarawneh Ghaith , Jones Lisa , Nityananda Vivek , Rosner Ronny , Rind Claire , Read Jenny
Published: May 2018

Apparent motion is the perception of a motion created by rapidly presenting still frames in which objects are displaced in space. Observers can reliably discriminate the direction of apparent motion when inter-frame object displacement is below a certain limit, Dmax. Earlier studies of motion perception in humans found that Dmax scales with spatial element size, interpreting the relationship between the two as linear, and that Dmax appears to be lower-bounded at around 15 arcmin. Here, we run corresponding experiments in the praying mantisSphodromantis lineolato investigate how Dmax scales with element size. We used moving random chequerboard patterns of varying element and displacement step sizes to elicit the optomotor response, a postural stabilization mechanism that causes mantids to lean in the direction of large-field motion. Subsequently, we calculated Dmax as the displacement step size corresponding to a 50% probability of detecting an optomotor response in the same direction as the stimulus. Our main findings are that mantis Dmax appears to scale as a power-law of element size and that, in contrast to humans, it does not appear to be lower-bounded. We present two models to explain these observations: a simple high-level model based on motion energy in the Fourier domain and a more detailed one based on the Reichardt Detector. The models present complementary intuitive and physiologically-realistic accounts of how Dmax scales with element size in insects.

Author Summary

Computer monitors, smart phone screens and other forms of digital displays present a series of still images (frames) in which objects are displaced in small steps, tricking us into perceiving smooth motion. This illusion is referred to as “apparent motion”, and for it to work effectively the magnitude of each displacement step must be smaller than a certain limit, referred to as Dmax. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between this limit and object size in humans and found that larger objects can be displaced in larger steps without affecting motion perception. In this work, we investigated the same relationship in the praying mantisSphodromantis lineolaby presenting them with moving chequerboard patterns on a computer monitor. Even though motion perception in humans and insects are believed to be explained equally well by the same underlying model, we found that Dmax scales with object size differently in mantids. These results suggest that there may be qualitative differences in how mantids perceive apparent motion compared to humans.
Full Rescue of F508del-CFTR Processing and Function by CFTR Modulators can be Achieved by Removal of Two Unique Regulatory Regions
Authors: Uliyakina Inna , Da Paula Ana C , Afonso Sara , Lobo Miguel J , Felício Verónica , Botelho Hugo M , Farinha Carlos M , Amaral Margarida D
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR), the only ABC transporter functioning as a channel. Unique to CFTR are two highly conformationally dynamic regions: the regulatory extension (RE) and regulatory insertion (RI). Removal of the latter rescues the trafficking defect of CFTR with F508del, the most common CF-causing mutation.

We aimed here to assess the impact of RE removal (alone or with RI or genetic revertants) on F508del-CFTR traffic and how CFTR modulator drugs corrector VX-809/lumacaftor and potentiator VX-770/ivacaftor rescue these combined variants so as to gain insight into the mechanism of action (MoA) of these drugs.

Experimental Approach. We generated ∆RE and ∆RI CFTR variants (with and without genetic revertants) by site-directed mutagenesis and used them to stably transfect BHK cell lines. We studied CFTR expression and stability by Western blotting and pulse-chase respectively, plasma membrane levels by cell surface biotinylation and channel activity by the iodide efflux technique.

Key Results. Our data demonstrate that ∆RI significantly enhanced rescue of F508del-CFTR by VX-809. Thus, while the presence of the regulatory insertion seems to be precluding full rescue of F508del-CFTR processing by VX-809, this region appears essential to rescue its function by VX-770, thus suggesting some contradictory role in rescue of F508del-CFTR by these two modulators. Nevertheless, this negative impact of RI removal on VX-770-stimulated currents on F508del-CFTR can be compensated by deletion of the regulatory extension which also leads to the stabilization of this mutant. We thus propose that, despite both these regions being conformationally active, RI precludes F508del-CFTR processing while RE affects mostly its stability and channel opening.

Supporting Information: Additional figures with supplementary data
Adolescent Social Isolation Increases Vulnerability to Cocaine
Authors: Fosnocht Anne Q. , Lucerne Kelsey E. , Ellis Alexandra S. , Olimpo Nicholas A. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: May 2018

Childhood and adolescent adversity is associated with a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including an increased risk for substance abuse. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying how chronic stress during adolescence alters reward signaling remains largely unexplored. Understanding how adolescent stress increases addiction-like phenotypes could inform the development of targeted interventions both before and after drug use. The current study examined how adolescent-onset isolation stress affected behavioral, molecular, and physiological responses to cocaine in male and female mice. Adolescent-onset social isolation did not alter the ability of mice to learn an operant response for food, nor influence food self-administration or motivation for food on a progressive ratio schedule. However, male and female socially stressed mice exhibited an increase in motivation for cocaine and cocaine seeking during a cue-induced reinstatement session. Additionally, we demonstrated that adolescent-onset social isolation increased cocaine-induced neuronal activation, as assessed by Fos expression, within the nucleus accumbens core and shell, ventral pallidum, dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral septum and basolateral amygdala. Taken together, the present studies demonstrate that social stress during adolescence augments the behavioral responses to cocaine during adulthood and alters the responsiveness of reward-related brain circuitry.
A new subspecies of gray wolf, recently extinct, from Sicily, Italy (Carnivora, Canidae)
Authors: Angelici Francesco Maria , Rossi Lorenzo
Published: May 2018

A new endemic subspecies of gray wolf from the island of Sicily (Italy) is described. While usually considered extinct before 1940, there’s some evidence it may have survived up to 1970. This wolf was widespread throughout the island and characterized by a smaller size and a paler coloration than the Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) from Central-Southern Italy.

This subspecies is described from a mounted specimen (the holotype) including also a separate skull stored at the Museo di Storia Naturale ‘La Specola’, Università di Firenze, Italy. The three paratypes are: a) a mounted specimen stored at the ‘Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Terrasini’ in Terrasini (PA), Italy, b) a mounted specimen stored at the Museo di Zoologia ‘Pietro Doderlein’, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy, c) a mounted specimen stored at the ‘Museo Civico Baldassarre Romano’ in Termini Imerese (PA), Italy.

This new subspecies is described as Canis lupus cristaldiisubsp. nov. We suggest ‘Sicilian wolf’ as common name for this new taxon.
Bidirectional Long-Term Synaptic Zinc Plasticity at Mouse Glutamatergic Synapses
Authors: Vogler Nathan W. , Tzounopoulos Thanos
Published: May 2018

Synaptic zinc is coreleased with glutamate to modulate neurotransmission in many excitatory synapses. In the auditory cortex, synaptic zinc modulates sound frequency tuning and enhances frequency discrimination acuity. In auditory, visual, and somatosensory circuits, sensory experience causes long-term changes in synaptic zinc levels and/or signaling, termed here synaptic zinc plasticity. However, the mechanisms underlying synaptic zinc plasticity and the effects of this plasticity on long-term glutamatergic plasticity remain unknown. To study these mechanisms, we used male and female mice and employed in vitro and in vivo models in zinc-rich, glutamatergic dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) parallel fiber (PF) synapses. High-frequency stimulation of DCN PF synapses induced long-term depression of synaptic zinc signaling (Z-LTD), as evidenced by reduced zinc-mediated inhibition of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Low-frequency stimulation induced long-term potentiation of synaptic zinc signaling (Z-LTP), as evidenced by enhanced zinc-mediated inhibition of AMPAR EPSCs. Thus, Z-LTD is a new mechanism of LTP and Z-LTD is a new mechanism of LTP. Pharmacological inhibition of Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (G1 mGluRs) eliminated Z-LTD and Z-LTP. Pharmacological activation of G1 mGluRs induced Z-LTD and Z-LTP, associated with bidirectional changes in presynaptic zinc levels. Finally, exposure of mice to loud sound caused G1 mGluR-dependent Z-LTD in DCN PF synapses, consistent with our in vitro results. Together, we show that G1 mGluR activation is necessary and sufficient for inducing bidirectional long-term synaptic zinc plasticity.

Key points summary

Synaptic zinc is coreleased with glutamate to modulate neurotransmission and auditory processing. Sensory experience causes long-term changes in synaptic zinc signaling, termed synaptic zinc plasticity.

At zinc-containing glutamatergic synapses in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), we show that high-frequency stimulation reduces synaptic zinc signaling (Z-LTD), whereas low-frequency stimulation increases synaptic zinc signaling (Z-LTP).

Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation is necessary and sufficient to induce Z-LTP and Z-LTD. Z-LTP and Z-LTD are associated with bidirectional changes in presynaptic zinc levels.

Sound-induced Z-LTD at DCN synapses requires Group 1 mGluR activation.

Bidirectional synaptic zinc plasticity is a previously unknown mechanism of LTP and LTD at zinc-containing glutamatergic synapses.
Tumor suppressor DAPK1 catalyzes Adhesion Assembly on Rigid but Anoikis on Soft Matrices
Authors: Qin Ruifang , Wolfenson Haguy , Saxena Mayur , Sheetz Michael P.
Published: May 2018

Cancer cells will normally grow on soft surfaces, but if rigidity sensing modules are restored in cancer cells, they will undergo apoptosis on soft surfaces (anoikis) like most normal cells. DAPK1 is a major tumor suppressor that activates cell death, but it is unclear how DAPK1 could activateanoikisthrough rigidity sensing. Here we find that when rigidity sensing is decreased through inhibition of DAPK1 activity, cells are transformed for growth on soft matrices. Further, DAPK1 catalyzes matrix adhesion assembly and is part of adhesions on rigid surfaces. Additional factors include DAPK1 phosphorylation of tropomyosin2.1, talin1 head domain and tyrosine phosphorylation of DAPK1 by Src. On soft surfaces, DAPK1 rapidly dissociates from the adhesion complexes and activates apoptosis that requires PTPN12 activity and talin1 head. Thus, DAPK1 is important for adhesion assembly on rigid surfaces and the activation ofanoikison soft surfaces through its binding to rigidity-sensing modules.
A three dimensional multiplane kinematic model for bilateral hind limb gait analysis in cats
Authors: Brown Nathan P. , Bertocci Gina E. , Cheffer Kimberly A. , Howland Dena R.
Published: May 2018

Background: Kinematic gait analysis is an important noninvasive technique used for quantitative evaluation and description of locomotion and other movements in healthy and injured populations. Three dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis offers additional outcome measures including internal-external rotation not characterized using sagittal plane analysis techniques.

Methods: The objectives of this study were to 1) develop and evaluate a 3D hind limb multiplane kinematic model for gait analysis in cats using joint coordinate systems, 2) implement and compare two 3D stifle (knee) prediction techniques, and 3) compare flexion-extension determined using the multiplane model to a sagittal plane model. Walking gait was recorded in 3 female adult cats (age = 2.9 years, weight = 3.5 ± 0.2 kg). Kinematic outcomes included flexion-extension, internal-external rotation, and abduction-adduction of the hip, stifle, and tarsal (ankle) joints.

Results: Each multiplane stifle prediction technique yielded similar findings. Joint angles determined using markers placed on skin above bony landmarks in vivo were similar to joint angles determined using a feline hind limb skeleton in which markers were placed directly on landmarks ex vivo. Differences in hip, stifle, and tarsal joint flexion-extension were demonstrated when comparing the multiplane model to the sagittal plane model.

Conclusions: This multiplane cat kinematic model can predict joint rotational kinematics as a tool that can quantify frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane motion. This model has multiple advantages given its ability to characterize joint internal-external rotation and abduction-adduction. A further, important benefit is greater accuracy in representing joint flexion-extension movements.
Using cryo-electron microscopy maps for X-ray structure determination
Authors: Zeng Lingxiao , Ding Wei , Hao Quan
Published: May 2018

X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) are complementary techniques for structure determination. Crystallography usually reveals more detailed information, while cryo-EM is an extremely useful technique for studying large-sized macromolecules. As the gap between the resolution of crystallography and cryo-EM data narrows, the cryo-EM map of a macromolecule could serve as an initial model to solve the phase problem of crystal diffraction for high-resolution structure determination. FSEARCH is a procedure to utilize the low-resolution molecular shape for crystallographic phasing. The IPCAS (Iterative Protein Crystal structure Automatic Solution) pipeline is an automatic direct-methods-aided dual-space iterative phasing and model-building procedure. When only an electron-density map is available as the starting point, IPCAS is capable of generating a completed model from the phases of the input map automatically, without the requirement of an initial model. In this study, a hybrid method integrating X-ray crystallography with cryo-EM to help with structure determination is presented. With a cryo-EM map as the starting point, the workflow of the method involves three steps. (1) Cryo-EM map replacement: FSEARCH is utilized to find the correct translation and orientation of the cryo-EM map in the crystallographic unit cell and generates the initial low-resolution map. (2) Phase extension: the phases calculated from the correctly placed cryo-EM map are extended to high-resolution X-ray data by non-crystallographic symmetry averaging with phenix.resolve. (3) Model building: IPCAS is used to generate an initial model using the phase-extended map and perform model completion by iteration. Four cases (the lowest cryo-EM map resolution being 6.9 Å) have been tested for the general applicability of the hybrid method, and almost complete models have been generated for all test cases with reasonable R
work/R
free. The hybrid method therefore provides an automated tool for X-ray structure determination using a cryo-EM map as the starting point.
Concomitant polymorphism in an organometallic ruthenium(II) complex with an N,N′-donor ligand
Authors: Traven Katja , Turel Iztok , Koziskova Julia , Bučinský Lukáč , Kožíšek Jozef
Published: May 2018

The simultaneous crystallization of different polymorphs, i.e. concomitant polymorphism, is a phenomenon which, when properly recognized and studied, can provide useful information for a variety of disciplines. It is rare for ruthenium complexes, although it has been observed. In the synthesis of the ruthenium(II) complex chlorido(η6-p-cymene)(dimethyl 2,2′-bypyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate-κ2
N,N′)ruthenium(II) hexafluoridophosphate, [RuCl(C10H14)(C14H12N2O4)]PF6, concomitant polymorphs were crystallized under the same conditions. The colour of both crystals was orange, but the shapes, as well as the orientation of the p-cymene and methoxycarbonyl groups, were different. The crystal structures of both isomers show approximately the same bond lengths. In the asymmetric unit, there is one cation and one anion. Due to the absence of strong hydrogen bonds, only weak intermolecular interactions were observed. The Hirshfeld surface and two-dimensional fingerprint plots of both isomers satisfactorily explain the difference in the melting points.
Building a rough sets-based prediction model for classifying large-scale construction projects based on sustainable success index
Authors: Akbari Saeed , Khanzadi Mostafa , Gholamian Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To address requirements and specifications of construction project, academics need to build a project classification model. In recent years, project success concept, particularly on large-scale construction projects, has been a controversial issue, especially in developing countries. Hence, in this paper, after introducing a sustainable success index (SSI), a novel method called “rough set approach” had been adopted to induce decision rules and to classify construction projects. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

At first, 20 effective success factors and 15 success criteria based on three pillars of sustainability of economy, society and environment had been categorized. The research data used for analysis had been collected from 26 large-scale construction projects in Iran and five other countries. After collecting data collection, observations had been analyzed and 51 decision rules were generated, and the projects were classified. Eventually, in order to evaluate the performance of the generated rules, confusion matrix was applied, and the model was validated.

Findings

The results of the present study show that rough set theory (RST) can be an effective and valuable tool for building expert systems. Practical applications of these results along with limitations and future research are described.

Originality/value

Perhaps for the first time, in the present study, a number of large-scale construction projects are classified based on SSI. Applying RST for building rule-based system and classifying projects in construction project area are novel attempts undertaken in this paper. The rules induced in this study can be applied to develop a sustainable success prediction model in the future studies.
Modeling of workers’ learning behavior in construction projects using agent-based approach
Authors: Mahjoubpour Behzad , Nasirzadeh Farnad , Mohammad Hosein Zadeh Golabchi Mahmoud , Ramezani Khajehghiasi Maryam , Mir Mostafa
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Learning as the way in which labor acquire new knowledge and skills has important strategic implications for the competitive advantage of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to present an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach to investigate the learning behavior of workers. The effect of interactions among different workers as well as the factors affecting the workers’ learning behavior is assessed using the proposed ABM approach.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the processes through which the competency value of worker is changed are understood and the workers’ learning behavior is modeled, taking account of various influencing factors such as knowledge flow, social ability to teach and forgetting factor.

Findings

The proposed model is implemented on a real steel structure project to evaluate its applicability and performance. The variation in the competency value of different workers involved in the project is simulated over time taking account of all the influencing factors using the proposed ABM approach.

Practical implications

In order to assess the effect of interactions among welders as well as the welders’ characteristics on their learning behavior, the competence value of different welders is evaluated.

Originality/value

This research presents an ABM approach to investigate the workers’ learning behavior. To evaluate the performance of the proposed ABM approach, it was implemented on a real steel structure project. The learning behavior of different welders (agents) was simulated taking account of their interactions as well as the factors affecting the welders’ learning behavior. The project involved the welding of a 240-ton steel structure. The initial project duration was estimated as 100 days. In this project, it has been planned to execute the welding process using three different welders namely welder A, B and C.
Examining the role of work context, transfer design and transfer motivation on training transfer
Authors: Muduli Ashutosh , Raval Deepti
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Research on training transfer in India in general and insurance sector in specific adopting case study method is largely absent. This study aims to address this gap by adopting a case study method to explore the relationship between work context, transfer design and training transfer in an Indian Insurance company. It also examined the role of transfer motivation as a mediating variable between work context, transfer design and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from a public sector insurance company using a first ever vernacularly translated learning transfer system inventory (LTSI), following the translation and back translation process. Learning and development practitioners and academicians have been consulted and suggestions related to changing the language to be compatible with the insurance industry have been incorporated. Structural equation modeling (Amos 16) has been used to test the suggested model.

Findings

The significant positive relationship of peer support, supervisory support and opportunity to use and transfer design with training transfer can be attributed to the business context of the sample organization. Interestingly, the role of performance coaching and the mediating role of transfer motivation have been rejected. This study has proved the mediating role of transfer design.

Originality/value

This study is the first ever study on training transfer in Indian insurance sector adopting case study method. This study has used LTSI translated in an Indian vernacular language following the translation and back translation process.
Developing health leadership with Health LEADS Australia
Authors: Shannon Elizabeth , Sebastian Andi
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Leadership, and leadership development, in health and human services is essential. This review aims to draw conclusions from practice within the Australian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This review is an overview of health leadership development in Australia, with a particular focus on the implementation of the national health leadership framework, Health LEADS Australia (HLA).

Findings

Since its inception, the HLA has influenced the development of health leadership frameworks across the Australian states and territories. Both the National Health Leadership Collaboration and individuals with “boundary-spanning” roles across state government and the university sector have contributed to the development of collaborative online communities of practice and professional networks. Innovation has also been evident as the HLA has been incorporated into existing academic curricula and new professional development offerings. Ideas associated with distributed leadership, integral to the HLA, underpin both sets of actions.

Practical implications

The concept of a national health leadership framework has been implemented in different ways across jurisdictions. The range of alternative strategies (both collaborative and innovative) undertaken by Australian practitioners provide lessons for practice elsewhere.

Originality/value

This article adds to the body of knowledge associated with policy implementation and provides practical recommendations for the development and promotion of health leadership development programmes.
Determining quantitative targets for performance measures in the balanced scorecard method using response surface methodology
Authors: Farokhi Sorour , Roghanian Emad
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a quantitative methodology for setting targets in the framework of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in order to achieve vision and goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Response Surface Methodology is proposed to find the significant relationships that should be included in the strategy map and the optimal values of performance measures are assessed by using the desirability function-based approach of RSM. The proposed method was created by reviewing the existing literature, modeling the problem, and applying it in an oil company. In fact, RSM is used to execute the design matrix, analyze the collected data, extract models, analyze the results, and optimize the procedures that generate multiple responses.

Findings

By applying this methodological design, a clearer picture of the relationships between strategic objectives is obtained and the influence of strategic objectives on one another is determined. Afterward, optimal values for performance measures are determined.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proposes a framework for constructing a strategy map and setting quantitative targets to translate the goals and strategies into corresponding performance measures and targets. Also, this paper presents a case study to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach. However, RSM-based techniques require a greater amount of data to generate more accurate results. Although the advent of the Information Age has forced organizations’ decision makers to provide sufficient information and data for business analysis, the data requirements of RSM-based techniques are met.

Practical implications

In practice, the process of setting targets for performance measures can be challenging in terms of reaching a consensus between managers and decision makers. The findings of this paper can offer a new approach for performance evaluation based on the BSC which allows the organization’s decision makers to reach a more accurate picture of the relationship model between organization goals and those objectives within the BSC. It also demonstrates how decision makers can be guided in the process of defining performance target values in the BSC method.

Originality/value

Reviewing the literature on setting quantitative targets within the framework of the BSC showed no prior study in which RSM is used. This approach has two main contributions: the associations among strategic objectives are investigated and obtained in an effective way which analytically identifies the direction and degree of the relations among the performance measures. Considering the performance evaluation structure based on the BSC, quantitative targets have been determined to help in achieving the long-term goals of the organization. The application of the proposed method in a company showed that the contributions of this research are not only theoretical, but practical as well.
Commonality, conflict, and absorptive capacity
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Hameed Shafqat , Agha Mujtaba Hassan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of middle managers (MM) in the knowledge-intensive environment as perceived by the employees, MM and principal decision makers (DM) in the context of the absorptive capacity process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, the data were collected from pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan by using purposive sampling and the results were analyzed based on the thematic analysis approach.

Findings

The results show that employees and principal DM have a strong agreement between them regarding the roles of MM; however, MM have contrasted views. Some of the roles were agreed to by all the respondents.

Research limitations/implications

This study has focused on the roles of MM (common and conflicting) in knowledge-intensive pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan. The results of other studies on the roles of MM in the context of traditional and hybrid organizations may differ from this study.

Practical implications

The results of this study show the importance of role specificity of MM for the smooth absorptive capacity process. While dealing with complex knowledge structures in pharmaceutical companies, this study gives strong input to HR mangers and consultants and practitioners as they continuously handle complex knowledge process activities.

Originality/value

The study has explored the specific roles of MM by using the thematic analysis approach.
Trait selection and community weighting are key to understanding ecosystem responses to changing precipitation regimes
Authors: Griffin‐Nolan Robert J. , Bushey Julie A. , Carroll Charles J. W. , Challis Anthea , Chieppa Jeff , Garbowski Magda , Hoffman Ava M. , Post Alison K. , Slette Ingrid J. , Spitzer Daniel , Zambonini Dario , Ocheltree Troy W. , Tissue David T. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: May 2018

Plant traits can be used to predict ecosystem responses to environmental change using a response–effect trait framework. To do this, appropriate traits must be identified that explain a species' influence on ecosystem function (“effect traits”) and the response of those species to environmental change (“response traits”). Response traits are often identified and measured along gradients in plant resources, such as water availability; however, precipitation explains very little variation in most plant traits globally. Given the strong relationship between plant traits and ecosystem functions, such as net primary productivity (NPP), and between NPP and precipitation, the lack of correlation between precipitation and plant traits is surprising.

We address this issue through a systematic review of >500 published studies that describe plant trait responses to altered water availability. The overarching goal of this review was to identify potential causes for the weak relationship between commonly measured plant traits and water availability so that we may identify more appropriate “response traits.”

We attribute weak trait–precipitation relationships to an improper selection of traits (e.g., nonhydraulic traits) and a lack of trait‐based approaches that adjust for trait variation within communities (only 4% of studies measure community‐weighted traits). We then highlight the mechanistic value of hydraulic traits as more appropriate “response traits” with regard to precipitation, which should be included in future community‐scale trait surveys.

Trait‐based ecology has the potential to improve predictions of ecosystem responses to predicted changes in precipitation; however, this predictive power depends heavily on the identification of reliable response and effect traits. To this end, trait surveys could be improved by a selection of traits that reflect physiological functions directly related to water availability with traits weighted by species relative abundance.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Exploring novel pharmacotherapeutic applications and repurposing potential of sodium glucose CoTransporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Madaan Tushar , Husain Ibraheem , Akhtar Mohamad , Najmi Abul Kalam
Published: May 2018

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs with a distinctive mechanism of action focusing on renal absorption of glucose. Apart from its anti‐hyperglycaemic effects, a multitude of research studies on this class have revealed that these drugs have far more versatile and comprehensive pharmacological effects than previously believed. Approximately 30% of FDA approved drugs are repurposed and used for indications other than those for which they were initially intended. Repurposing already approved drugs leads to significant reduction in pre‐clinical and clinical R&D costs as well as minimizing the burden with respect to obtaining regulatory approval. SGLT2 inhibitors have been found to exhibit cardioprotective, renoprotective, anti‐hyperlipidaemic, anti‐atherosclerotic, anti‐obesity, anti‐neoplastic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective effects in in vitro, pre‐clinical, and clinical studies. The pleiotropic effects of this class have been attributed to a variety of its pharmacodynamic actions such as natriuresis, haemoconcentration, deactivation of RAAS, ketone body formation, alterations in energy homeostasis, glycosuria, lipolysis, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐oxidative actions. These favourable observations encourage further research on this multifaceted class in order to effectively explore and harness its full potential and consequently lead to clinical outcomes.
Effect of type of language therapy on expressive language skills in patients with post‐stroke aphasia
Authors: Vuksanović Jasmina , Milovanović Tanja , Konstantinović Ljubica , Filipović Saša R.
Published: May 2018

Background

Constraint‐induced (language) aphasia therapy (CIAT), based on constraint usage of the language channel only, massed practice and shaping through therapeutic language games, has been suggested as a more efficient therapy approach than traditional aphasia therapies.

Aims

To examine the comparative efficacy of CIAT and a traditional therapy approach on expressive language ability, with the intensity of therapy controlled and matched, in the treatment of post‐stroke aphasia.

Methods & Procedures

Two successive 4‐week blocks of intense (1 h, 5 days a week) of aphasia therapy programmes were delivered in a randomized within‐subject crossover design: one therapy block consisted of stimulation aphasia therapy (SAT, a common traditional therapy approach), another of CIAT. Twenty consecutive patients, up to 1 year after stroke, were randomly assigned either to have SAT followed by CIAT (S1C2 group) or to have CIAT followed by SAT (C1S2 group). Measurements of naming (Boston Naming Test) and spontaneous sentence production (Cookie Theft Picture description task) were carried at the baseline, following the first therapy block, following the second therapy block and 4 weeks following the last therapy block.

Outcomes & Results

Both groups of patients significantly improved in all variables of expressive language skills; the improvement was maintained 1 month post‐treatment. However, patients who started with CIAT and continued with SAT (C1S2 group) tended to have higher final improvement than the patients who started with SAT and continued with CIAT (S1C2 group). This was particularly pronounced for naming. Moreover, when CIAT was the first therapy (the C1S2 group) the improvement achieved in naming following CIAT significantly exceeded the improvements achieved following SAT, not only in the same group (when SAT was the second) but also in the S1C2 group (when SAT was the first). In addition, the improvement in naming following CIAT in the C1S2 group exceeded the one in the S1C2 group, too. Similarly, the improvement in the total number of sentences produced following each therapy was quite clear and significant in the C1S2 group (when CIAT was the first), while in the S1C2 group it was much more modest and not significant.

Conclusions & Implications

Results suggest that the maximization of quantity and frequency of language therapy have a significant impact on the improvement of expressive language ability. Moreover, if practised early in aphasia therapy, the constrained usage of the language modality, as practised in CIAT, confers an additional benefit to massed practice, particularly on naming ability.
Transcriptional responses of the marine green alga Micromonas pusilla and an infecting prasinovirus under different phosphate conditions
Authors: Bachy Charles , Charlesworth Christina J. , Chan Amy M. , Finke Jan F. , Wong Chee‐Hong , Wei Chia‐Lin , Sudek Sebastian , Coleman Maureen L. , Suttle Curtis A. , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: May 2018

Prasinophytes are widespread marine algae for which responses to nutrient limitation and viral infection are not well understood. We studied the picoprasinophyte, Micromonas pusilla, grown under phosphate‐replete (0.65 ± 0.07 d−1) and 10‐fold lower (low)‐phosphate (0.11 ± 0.04 d−1) conditions, and infected by the phycodnavirus MpV‐SP1. Expression of 17% of Micromonas genes in uninfected cells differed by >1.5‐fold (q < 0.01) between nutrient conditions, with genes for P‐metabolism and the uniquely‐enriched Sel1‐like repeat (SLR) family having higher relative transcript abundances, while phospholipid‐synthesis genes were lower in low‐P than P‐replete. Approximately 70% (P‐replete) and 30% (low‐P) of cells were lysed 24 h post‐infection, and expression of ≤5.8% of host genes changed relative to uninfected treatments. Host genes for CAZymes and glycolysis were activated by infection, supporting importance in viral production, which was significantly lower in slower growing (low‐P) hosts. All MpV‐SP1 genes were expressed, and our analyses suggest responses to differing host‐phosphate backgrounds involve few viral genes, while the temporal program of infection involves many more, and is largely independent of host‐phosphate background. Our study (i) identifies genes previously unassociated with nutrient acclimation or viral infection, (ii) provides insights into the temporal program of prasinovirus gene expression by hosts and (iii) establishes cell biological aspects of an ecologically important host‐prasinovirus system that differ from other marine algal‐virus systems.
INTRODUCTION to Special Edition of JAP on the ‘Who is My Jung?’ conference held at the British Library in October 2017 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Jungian Analysts (AJA)
Authors: Williams Ruth
Published: May 2018

The paper reviews the processes which went into the creation of an exceptionally comprehensive conference on Jungian analysis and psychology. The conference brought together all five of the constituent societies based in London of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP). The personal nature of the conference contributions is highlighted together with observations about the passage from spoken to written modes. The idea of ‘conference space’ is reviewed and this leads to a discussion of the often overlooked benign role of conferences in professional life.
Who is my Jung? Memories, Reflections, Prospects
Authors: Stone Martin
Published: May 2018

The author describes his personal and professional journey in relation to the subject of the AJA 40th anniversary conference, ‘Who is my Jung?’ The first part of the paper covers his early life and his attempt to bring together two opposing parts within him: valuation of a scientific approach, and an interest in the inner world, dreams and the paranormal. Discussion of his professional life follows, including his relationship with Gerhard Adler, past problems and splits within the Jungian community and the author's attempts to heal these. The value of both remembering and forgetting is questioned. This leads onto ideas that bring value and meaning to his work and life, and which bridge the inner divisions he felt in his early life: notably Jung's focus on applying scientific theory to the mystery of the psyche, his relational attitude (exemplified by the dialectical process and his interest in countertransference) and his theory of synchronicity. Recent discussion in Jungian writing has questioned the nature of synchronistic experiences and explored how they may emerge naturally from complex systems. The paper ends the author's continuing journey with two personal vignettes describing how meaning may emerge from the unconscious.
‘Who is my Jung?’ The progressive, though sometimes ambivalent, expansion of Jung's idea of the collective unconscious: from an ‘unconscious humanity’ to – in all but name – the soul of the world
Authors: Cashford Jules
Published: May 2018

This paper discusses Jung's idea of myth as a projection of the collective unconscious, suggesting that the term ‘projection’ separates human beings from nature, withdrawing nature's life into humanity. Jung's discovery of a realm independent of consciousness – in conversations with his soul in The Red Book, and in synchronicity, began a dialogue which finally brought him, through the Alchemical Mercurius, closer to the idea of a world‐soul.
‘Thank God I’m not a Jungian’
Authors: Shearer Ann
Published: May 2018

This article focuses less on the content of Jung's ideas than on ways in which they act as both invitation and challenge to engage with psyche. It explores the mythic framework of Jung's approach and how this can enable individuals to live in psychological and mundane worlds in which there can be no final certainties. It elaborates three particular aspects of Jung's thinking that I have found personally valuable: his generosity of vision, his insistence that individuals engage for and with themselves rather than relying on someone else's ideas, and his ponderings on the relationship between the individual and the collective. All three aspects seem to be important elements of the work of individuation.
Outside‐In: Jung's myth of interiority ambiguated. Or ‐ Knowing me, Knowing Jung – ahah!
Authors: Saban Mark
Published: May 2018

Given his lifelong battle against one‐sidedness Jung's persistent prioritising of the ‘inner life’ over the ‘outer’ can seem problematic. The question is raised as to whether an approach that seems to verge uncomfortably close to solipsism can sometimes render Jung blind to the intuition that psychic life is constituted by an on‐going interplay between inner and outer, self and other (an intuition that he himself sometimes articulated so brilliantly). The ‘ambiguation’ of Jung's work offers an opportunity to confront this problem by utilising a critical dynamic that is consistent with Jung's psychological insights.
Coinfection of the secondary symbionts,Hamiltonella defensaandArsenophonussp. contribute to the performance of the major aphid pest,Aphis gossypii(Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Ayoubi Aida , Talebi Ali Asghar , Fathipour Yaghoub , Mehrabadi Mohammad
Published: May 2018

Bacterial endosymbionts play important roles in ecological traits of aphids. In this study, we characterize the bacterial endosymbionts ofA. gossypiicollected in Karaj, Iran and their role in the performance of the aphid. Our results indicated that besideBuchnera aphidicola,A. gossypii, also harbors bothHamiltonella defensaandArsenophonussp. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that the populations of the endosymbionts increased throughout nymphal development up to adult emergence; thereafter, populations ofBuchneraandArsenophonuswere diminished while the density ofH. defensaconstantly increased.Buchnerareduction caused prolonged development and no progeny production. Furthermore, secondary symbiont reduction led to reduction of the total life span and intrinsic rate of natural increase as well as appearance of the deformed dead offspring in comparison with the control insects. Reduction of the secondary symbionts did not affect parasitism rate of the aphid by the parasitic waspAphidius matricariae. Together these findings showed thatH. defensaandArsenophonuscontributed to the fitness ofA. gossypiiby enhancing its performance, but not through parasitoid resistance.