bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Weyl’s Embedding Problem in Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Lu Siyuan
Published: May 2018

We consider a priori estimates of Weyl’s embedding problem of $(\mathbb{S}^2, g)$ in general three-dimensional Riemannian manifold $(N^3, \bar g)$. We establish interior $C^2$ estimate under natural geometric assumption. Together with a recent work by Li and Wang [18], we obtain an isometric embedding of $(\mathbb{S}^2,g)$ in Riemannian manifold. In addition, we reprove Weyl’s embedding theorem in space form under the condition that $g\in C^2$ with $D^2g$ Dini continuous.
Why is interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua) rocky, tumbling and possibly very prolate?
Authors: Katz J I
Published: May 2018

The recently discovered first interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua) has brightness that varies by a factor of 10, a range greater than that of any Solar system asteroid, a spectrum characteristic of type D asteroids, and no evidence of evaporating volatiles, contrary to expectation for exo-Oort clouds. ‘Oumuamua is possibly the first example of the proposed ‘Jurads’, objects depleted in volatiles and ejected from planetary systems during the post-main sequence evolution of their parent stars. I suggest that heating by the star’s giant stage fluidized a precursor object as well as driving off any volatiles, causing it to assume the Jacobi ellipsoidal shape of a self-gravitating incompressible liquid. The collision that produced the inferred tumbling motion may have occurred thousands of years after the formation of 1I/2017 U1 ‘Oumuamua. Jacobi ellipsoids have a unique relation among rotation rate, density and axial ratio. The inferred axial ratio ⪆5 suggests a lower bound on the density of 1.6 g cm−3, apparently excluding an icy interior unless it is almost entirely frozen CO2. ‘Oumuamua may be related to accreting objects that pollute white dwarf atmospheres and that may make Soft Gamma Repeaters.
An Analysis of Publication Productivity During Residency for 1506 Neurosurgical Residents and 117 Residency Departments in North America
Authors: Khan Nickalus R , Saad Hassan , Oravec Chesney S , Norrdahl Sebastian P , Fraser Brittany , Wallace David , Lillard Jock C , Motiwala Mustafa , Nguyen Vincent N , Lee Siang Liao , Jones Anna V , Ajmera Sonia , Kalakoti Piyush , Dave Pooja , Moore Kenneth A , Akinduro Olutomi , Nyenwe Emmanuel , Vaughn Brandy , Michael L Madison , Klimo Paul
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Bibliometrics is defined as the study of statistical and mathematical methods used to quantitatively analyze scientific literature. The application of bibliometrics in neurosurgery continues to evolve.

OBJECTIVE

To calculate a number of publication productivity measures for almost all neurosurgical residents and departments within North America. These measures were correlated with survey results on the educational environment within residency programs.

METHODS

During May to June 2017, data were collected from departmental websites and Scopus to compose a bibliometric database of neurosurgical residents and residency programs. Data related to authorship value and study content were collected on all articles published by residents. A survey of residency program research and educational environment was administered to program directors and coordinators; results were compared with resident academic productivity.

RESULTS

The median number of publications in residency was 3; median h-index and Resident index were 1 and 0.17 during residency, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in academic productivity among male neurosurgical residents compared with females. The majority of articles published were tier 1 clinical articles. Residency program research support was significantly associated with increased resident productivity (P < .001). Scholarly activity requirements were not associated with increased resident academic productivity.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the most comprehensive bibliometric assessment of neurosurgical resident academic productivity during training to date. New benchmarks for individual and department academic productivity are provided. A supportive research environment for neurosurgical residents is associated with increased academic productivity, but a scholarly activity requirement was, surprisingly, not shown to have a positive effect.
Structure of the Milky Way stellar halo out to its outer boundary with blue horizontal-branch stars
Authors: Fukushima Tetsuya , Chiba Masashi , Homma Daisuke , Okamoto Sakurako , Komiyama Yutaka , Tanaka Masayuki , Tanaka Mikito , Arimoto Nobuo , Matsuno Tadafumi
Published: May 2018

We present the structure of the Milky Way stellar halo beyond Galactocentric distances of r = 50 kpc traced by blue horizontal-branch (BHB) stars, which are extracted from the survey data in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP). We select BHB candidates based on (g, r, i, z) photometry, where the z-band is on the Paschen series and the colors that involve the z-band are sensitive to surface gravity. About 450 BHB candidates are identified between r = 50 kpc and 300 kpc, most of which are beyond the reach of previous large surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We find that the global structure of the stellar halo in this range has substructures, which are especially remarkable in the GAMA15H and XMM-LSS fields in the HSC-SSP. We find that the stellar halo can be fitted to a single power-law density profile with an index of α ≃ 3.3 (3.5) with (without) these fields and its global axial ratio is q ≃ 2.2 (1.3). Thus, the stellar halo may be significantly disturbed and be made in a prolate form by halo substructures, perhaps associated with the Sagittarius stream in its extension beyond r ∼ 100 kpc. For a broken power-law model allowing different power-law indices inside/outside a break radius, we obtain a steep power-law slope of α ≃ 5 outside a break radius of ∼100 kpc (200 kpc) for the case with (without) GAMA15H and XMM-LSS. This radius of 200 kpc might be as close as a halo boundary if there is any, although a larger BHB sample is required from further HSC-SSP surveys to increase its statistical significance.
Integrating Spectroscopy with Potato Disease Management
Authors: Couture J. J. , Singh A. , Charkowski A. O. , Groves R. L. , Gray S. M. , Bethke P. C. , Townsend P. A.
Published: May 2018

Spectral phenotyping is an efficient method for the nondestructive characterization of plant biochemical and physiological status. We examined the ability of a full range (350 to 2,500 nm) of foliar spectral data to (i) detect Potato virus Y (PVY) and physiological effects of the disease in visually asymptomatic leaves, (ii) classify different strains of PVY, and (iii) identify specific potato cultivars. Across cultivars, foliar spectral profiles of PVY-infected leaves were statistically different (F = 96.1, P ≤ 0.001) from noninfected leaves. Partial least-squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) accurately classified leaves as PVY infected (validation κ = 0.73) and the shortwave infrared spectral regions displayed the strongest correlations with infection status. Although spectral profiles of different PVY strains were statistically different (F = 6.4, P ≤ 0.001), PLS-DA did not classify different strains well (validation κ = 0.12). Spectroscopic retrievals revealed that PVY infection decreased photosynthetic capacity and increased leaf lignin content. Spectral profiles of potato cultivars also differed (F = 9.2, P ≤ 0.001); whereas average spectral classification was high (validation κ = 0.76), the accuracy of classification varied among cultivars. Our study expands the current knowledge base by (i) identifying disease presence before the onset of visual symptoms, (ii) providing specific biochemical and physiological responses to disease infection, and (iii) discriminating between multiple cultivars within a single plant species.
Cotton Leaf Curl Disease: Which Whitefly Is the Vector?
Authors: Pan Li-Long , Cui Xi-Yun , Chen Qun-Fang , Wang Xiao-Wei , Liu Shu-Sheng
Published: May 2018

Cotton leaf curl disease is one of the most significant constraints to the production of cotton. In the past decades our understanding of the begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) causing the disease has improved, but little is known regarding transmission of these viruses by the different species of whiteflies in the Bemisia tabaci complex. We compared transmission efficiency of cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV), one of the major begomoviruses associated with cotton leaf curl disease, by four whitefly species, of which two are indigenous to Asia and two are invasive worldwide. Only the indigenous Asia II 1 species was able to transmit this virus with high efficiency. By quantifying the virus and using immunoflorescence assays, we found that the differential transmission was associated with the varying efficiency of CLCuMuV to cross the midgut of various whitefly species. Further, we verified the role of coat protein in the whitefly transmission of CLCuMuV. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the virus coat proteins, we found that most begomoviruses associated with cotton leaf curl disease might share similar whitefly transmission characteristics. These findings advance our understanding of the nature of cotton leaf curl disease and provide information for the development of control and preventive strategies against this disease.
A Transparent Tracking System for Competency-Based Orientation
Authors: Hickerson Kirsten A. , Agosto Paula M. , Cieplinski Jean Anne , Hutchins Larissa , Squires Lisa , Tsarouhas Nicholas
Published: May 2018

When nurses are hired for positions that require lengthy, highly specialized in-house orientation, their failure to complete orientation on time can lead to staffing shortages. In this article, we report the use of a transparent tracking system to monitor nurses’ progress through a competency-based orientation program. By monitoring progress and detecting lapses, immediate remediation can be offered to those who need it, and staffing shortages thereby are avoided.
Current Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Shoulder Dislocation in Children
Authors: Gottlieb Michael
Published: May 2018

Shoulder dislocations are a common presentation to the emergency department. Although many cases may be diagnosed by history and clinical examination alone, imaging may help diagnose more challenging cases. Three-view radiographs are important for identifying subtle posterior dislocations, and ultrasonography has been gaining evidence as an alternate diagnostic modality. Intra-articular lidocaine and nerve blocks may improve pain control and reduce the need for procedural sedation. Multiple, evidence-based reduction techniques are described including tips for improving success. Immobilization strategies and follow-up are also discussed.
An Emergency Medicine Residency for Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Gaudio Flavio G. , Borensztein Rosa
Published: May 2018

Growing numbers of nurse practitioners (NPs) are entering emergency medicine at a time when emergency departments are experiencing an increasing practice intensity and acuity. In this context, to further prepare NPs for a career in emergency medicine, postgraduate educational programs have emerged in the United States: from post-master's programs with 300–400 clinical hours in emergency medicine to intense residency or fellowship tracks with 2,000–3,000 clinical hours of training. This article describes the development and general organization of one such residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center, while also noting several broader trends in emergency medicine and emergency NPs in the workforce.
Comparison of Sepsis-3 Criteria Versus SIRS Criteria in Screening Patients for Sepsis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Gilbert Brian W. , Faires Lanae , Meister Amber , Huffman Joel , Faber Rebecca K.
Published: May 2018

The objective of our study was to assess the percentage of patients who met qSOFA criteria, SIRS criteria, both, or none of either criterion and received an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for sepsis after admission from the emergency department (ED). This was a single-center retrospective chart review of medical patients admitted through the ED. Patients were included if they were older than 18 years, were admitted to an inpatient unit through the ED, and received antibiotics within 48 hr of admission. All patients included were evaluated for the presence of SIRS and qSOFA criteria and then stratified into 1 of 4 groups. Group 1 consisted of patients who exhibited neither SIRS criteria nor qSOFA criteria (fewer than 2 of both SIRS and qSOFA criteria). Group 2 consisted of patients with only SIRS criteria (more than 2 SIRS criteria but fewer than 2 qSOFA criteria). Group 3 consisted of patients with only qSOFA criteria (more than 2 qSOFA criteria but fewer than 2 SIRS criteria), and Group 4 consisted of patients with both qSOFA and SIRS criteria (more than 2 qSOFA and SIRS criteria). A of total 100 patients were included, with 49 patients stratified into Group 1, 37 into Group 2, 2 into Group 3, and 12 into Group 4. With respect to the primary endpoint, Group 1 had a total of 7 patients (14.3%) who received an ICD-10 code for sepsis or septic shock, Group 2 had 15 patients (40.5%), Group 3 had 1 patient (50%), and Group 4 had 9 patients (75%). The utilization of both qSOFA and SIRS criteria resulted in a higher percentage of patients who were designated an ICD-10 code for sepsis whereas patients who did not exhibit either criterion still had roughly 15% of patients designated an ICD-10 code for sepsis.
Circadian control of the secretory pathway is a central mechanism in tissue homeostasis
Authors: Chang Joan , Garva Richa , Pickard Adam , Chloé Yeung Ching-Yan , Mallikarjun Venkatesh , Swift Joe , Holmes David F. , Calverley Ben , Lu Yinhui , Adamson Antony , Raymond-Hayling Helena , Jensen Oliver , Shearer Tom , Meng Qing Jun , Kadler Karl E.
Published: May 2018

Collagen is the most abundant secreted protein in vertebrates that persists throughout life without renewal. The unchanging nature of collagen contrasts with observed continued collagen synthesis throughout adulthood and with conventional transcriptional and translational homeostatic mechanisms that replace damaged proteins with new copies. Here we show circadian clock regulation of procollagen transport from ER-to-Golgi and Golgi-to-plasma membrane by sequential rhythmic expression of SEC61, TANGO1, PDE4D and VPS33B. The result is nocturnal procollagen synthesis and daytime collagen fibril assembly in mice. Rhythmic collagen degradation by CTSK maintains collagen homeostasis. This circadian cycle of collagen synthesis, assembly and degradation affects only a pool of newly-synthesized collagen whilst maintaining the persistent collagen network. Disabling the circadian clock causes collagen accumulation and abnormal fibrilsin vivo. In conclusion, our study has identified a circadian clock mechanism of protein homeostasis in which a sacrificial pool of collagen is synthesized and removed to maintain tissue function.
Implantation-Competent Blastocyst-Like Structures from Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kime Cody , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Satoshi , Kohbayashi Eiko , Asahi Michio , Yamanaka Shinya , Takahashi Masayo , Tomoda Kiichiro
Published: May 2018

Soon after fertilization, the few totipotent cells of mammalian embryos diverge to form a structure called the blastocyst (BC). Although numerous types of cells, including germ cells and extended pluripotency stem cells, have been generated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs)in-vitro, generating functional BCs only from PSCs has not yet been reported. Here we describe induced self-organizing 3D BC-like structures (iBCs) generated from mouse PSC culturein-vitro. Resembling natural BCs, iBCs have a blastocoel-like cavity and were formed with outer cells that are positive for trophectoderm lineage markers and with inner cells that are positive for pluripotency markers. iBCs transplanted to pseudopregnant mice uteruses implanted, induced decidualization, and exhibited growth and development before resorption, demonstrating that iBCs are implantation-competent. iBC production required the transcription factor Prdm14 and iBC precursor intermediates concomitantly activate the MERVL totipotency related cleavage stage reporter. Thus, our system may contribute to understanding molecular mechanisms underpinning totipotency, embryogenesis, and implantation.

HIGHLIGHTS

-Pluripotent cells self-organize blastocyst-like structures in defined conditions.

-Structures have several extraembryonic and embryonic characteristics of blastocysts.

-Structures can implant in the uterus and grow before resorption.

-Totipotency is implicated concomitantly at loci that originate induced blastocysts.
A genetically-encoded fluorescent acetylcholine indicator
Authors: Jing Miao , Zhang Peng , Wang Guangfu , Jiang Huoqing , Mesik Lukas , Feng Jiesi , Zeng Jianzhi , Wang Shaohua , Looby Jess , Guagliardo Nick A. , Langma Linda W. , Lu Ju , Zuo Yi , Talmage David A. , Role Lorna W. , Barrett Paula Q. , Zhang Li I. , Luo Minmin , Song Yan , Zhu J. Julius , Li Yulong
Published: May 2018

Acetylcholine (ACh) regulates a diverse array of physiological processes throughout the body, yet cholinergic transmission in the majority of tissues/organs remains poorly understood due primarily to the limitations of available ACh-monitoring techniques. We developed a family ofG-protein-coupled receptor activation-basedAChsensors (GACh) with sensitivity, specificity, signal-to-noise ratio, kinetics and photostability suitable for monitoring ACh signalsin vitroandin vivo. GACh sensors were validated with transfection, viral and/or transgenic expression in a dozen types of neuronal and non-neuronal cells prepared from several animal species. In all preparations, GACh sensors selectively responded to exogenous and/or endogenous ACh with robust fluorescence signals that were captured by epifluorescent, confocal and/or two-photon microscopy. Moreover, analysis of endogenous ACh release revealed firing pattern-dependent release and restricted volume transmission, resolving two long-standing questions about central cholinergic transmission. Thus, GACh sensors provide a user-friendly, broadly applicable toolbox for monitoring cholinergic transmission underlying diverse biological processes.
Antioxidant activity and phycoremediation ability of four cyanobacterial isolates obtained from stressed aquatic system
Authors: Badr Omnia A. M. , EL-Shawaf Ibrahim I.S. , El-Garhy Hoda A. S. , Moustafa Mahmoud M. A. , Ahmed-Farid Omar A.
Published: May 2018

Cyanobacteria are natural enormous sources of various biologically active compounds with great contributions in different industries. This study aimed to introduce molecular and biochemical characterization for four novel cyanobacterial isolates obtained from Egyptian wastewater canals. Besides, In vitro biological activity of these isolates and their potential ability to take up nutrients and heavy metals from wastewater were examined. The obtained accession numbers were KY250420.1, KY321359.1, KY296359.1 and KU373076.1 for Nostoc calcicola, Leptolyngbya sp, Nostoc sp, and Nostoc sp, respectively. The isolate Leptolyngbya sp (KY321359.1) showed the lowest identity (90%) with other deposited sequences in database. While the isolate Nostoc sp (KU373076.1) showed the highest total phenolic content as well as the highest levels of caffeic, ferulic and gallic acids. Consequently, it appeared the highest antioxidant scavenging activity. All cyanobacterial isolates revealed potent ability to take up nutrients and heavy metals from wastewater. Generally, this study provides a taxonomic and molecular evidence for four novel cyanobacterial isolates with antioxidant activity and potent phycoremediation ability.
Sex Determination in the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor: Is Environment a Factor?
Authors:   Priyanka, Raman Rajiva
Published: May 2018

The Indian garden lizard, C. versicolor, is known to lack sex chromosomes (Singh, 1974, Ganesh et al 1997). A report from the tropical southern India (Inamdar et al., 2012), claims a TSD (FMFM) mechanism in this species in which the male/female ratio in embryos oscillates within a range of 3-4°C. The present study presents results of experiments done in 4 consecutive breeding seasons of C. versicolor belonging to the subtropical/temperate climate of northern region of India. Eggs were grown at different temperatures (at 24.5/28/31.5°C) or under seminatural conditions. Another set of eggs was exposed to fadrozol, an aromatase inhibitor (AI), or Lithium Chloride (inhibitor of GSK3 enzyme inducing Wnt4-dependent Beta-Catenin). Results confirm our earlier finding that in this subtropical population of C. versicolor, temperature does not regulate gonadal differentiation but AI-induces sex reversal to the male sex (Ganesh and Raman, 1995, Ganesh et al 1999). We also report lack of any effect of Sox9 inhibitor on sexual differentiation which may be due to inadequate quantity or mode of application. Importantly, we report the serendipitous observation that in each year almost all the embryos/hatchlings were of the same sex ( females in 2013, ’15, ’16 and males in 2014) regardless of the rearing condition and duration of incubation. Obviously, parthenogenesis is not the cause of it. In the absence of an obvious reason to explain this pattern, we surmise that in this north Indian population of C. versicolor, female is the default sex, and certain epigenetic regulators could modulate the sexual differentiation of the individual.
INDEX-db: The Indian Exome Reference database (Phase-I)
Authors: Husayn Ahmed P , Vidhya V , More Ravi P , Rao Mahendra S , Viswanath Biju , Jain Sanjeev , Mukherjee Odity ,   ADBS Consortium
Published: May 2018

Deep sequencing based genetic mapping has greatly enhanced the ability to catalog variants with plausible disease association. The bigger challenge now is to ascertain pathological significance to the array of identified variants to specific disease conditions. Differential selection pressure may impact frequency of genetic variations, and thus the detection of association with disease conditions, across populations. To understand the genotype to phenotype correlations, it thus becomes important to first understand the genetic variation spectrum of a population by creating a reference map. In this study, we report the development of phase I of a new database of coding variations, from the Indian population, with an aim to establish a centralized database of integrated information. This could be useful for researchers involved in studying disease mechanism at the clinical, genetic and cellular level.

Database URL: http://indexdb.ncbs.res.in
ChIP–Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (ChIP-qPCR)
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: May 2018

It is critical to determine if the ChIP actually enriched the DNA sequences that are associated with the target protein. If there are known genomic binding sites, primers can be designed for quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine if the known sites are specifically enriched by immunoprecipitation. If there are no known sites but candidate target genes are available, one can consider designing qPCR primers along the length of potential regulatory regions such as promoters and conserved noncoding sequences within intergenic and genic regions. If candidate target genes or potential sites are not available, ChIP-chip or ChIP-seq should be considered instead. Because real-time PCR can be performed in either a 96- or 384-well format in a minimal reaction volume and primers can be synthesized with minimal cost, ChIP-qPCR is an attractive strategy to interrogate target genes and potential regulatory regions across a large number of experimental conditions and different cell types.
Mouse Embryo Cryopreservation by Slow Freezing
Authors: Taft Robert
Published: May 2018

This embryo cryopreservation protocol is used by The Jackson Laboratory and several other repositories around the world. This protocol has clearly withstood the test of time; >2 million embryos from thousands of strains have been cryopreserved using this method. It requires a controlled-rate freezer, but is simple, effective, and can be applied to cryopreserve embryos from the two-cell to the blastocyst stage. Thawing requires neither special media nor equipment because the insemination straw contains all of the needed elements, making this very useful for distributing cryopreserved embryos. Embryo survival rates of greater than 90% can be expected when this method is used, making it reliable and enabling staff with prior embryo-handling experience to become proficient quickly.
Mouse Embryo Cryopreservation by High-Osmolality Vitrification
Authors: Mochida Keiji
Published: May 2018

In conventional vitrification methods, the embryos are vitrified under considerable supercooling (i.e., under nonequilibrium conditions). This protocol is a refinement of newer equilibrium vitrification methods. The equilibrium vitrification solution contains a high concentration of cryoprotectants that increase its osmolality and allows vitrified embryos to survive not only during storage in liquid nitrogen (LN2) at −196°C but also during temporary holding at −80°C (for at least 5 mo). This high-osmolality vitrification (HOV) method is as simple as conventional vitrification and provides essentially the same high postwarming survival rate. It has several advantages over conventional vitrification: (1) Cryopreserved embryos are less likely to be damaged during handling for warming; (2) samples can be temporarily evacuated to a −80°C freezer and can be successfully recovered after 5 mo at −80°C; (3) samples can be arranged and sorted at −80°C; and (4) vitrified embryos can be transported using dry ice. Also included here is an alternative protocol that describes the use of straws instead of cryotubes.
The Basic Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: May 2018

This protocol describes the reagents and procedures required to amplify a segment of double-stranded DNA in a chain reaction catalyzed by a thermostable DNA polymerase. It is the foundation for all subsequent variations of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization of Cryosectioned Xenopus Oocytes
Authors: Neil Christopher R. , Mowry Kimberly
Published: May 2018

Xenopus laevis oocytes are widely used to study mechanisms of RNA function and biogenesis. While the large size of Xenopus oocytes is amenable to both biochemical and imaging approaches, the relative opacity of the yolk-rich cytoplasm has limited high-resolution imaging of endogenous RNAs. Here, we present a protocol that combines multi-probe fluorescence in situ hybridization with cryosectioning to provide a highly sensitive means of imaging endogenous oocyte RNAs.
Introduction to Fission Yeast as a Model System
Authors: Hayles Jacqueline , Nurse Paul
Published: May 2018

Here, we briefly outline the history of fission yeast, its life cycle, and aspects of its biology that make it a useful model organism for studying problems of eukaryotic molecular and cell biology.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Analysis of Protein–DNA Interactions
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: May 2018

Here we describe chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), a molecular approach that uses formaldehyde cross-linking to investigate genome structure and function. This approach allows us to determine the distribution of histone modifications (e.g., acetylation, methylation), the deposition of histone variants (H2AZ, H3.3, etc.), and the location of sequence-specific and general transcription factors. We introduce well-established ChIP-based methods that allow analysis of protein–DNA interactions in living cells.
Crystal structure of bis(1-ethyl-1H-imidazole-κN
3)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato-κ4
N)iron(II) tetrahydrofuran monosolvate
Authors: Ding Wei , Li Jianfeng
Published: May 2018

The title complex, [Fe(C44H28N4)(C5H8N2)2]·C4H8O, possesses inversion symmetry with the iron(II) atom located on a center of symmetry. The metal atom is coordinated in a symmetric octahedral geometry by four pyrrole N atoms of the porphyrin ligand in the equatorial plane and two N atoms of 1-ethylimidazole ligands in the axial sites; the complex crystallizes with a tetrahydrofuran solvent molecule. The average Fe—Np (Np is a porphyrin N atom) bond length is 1.995 (3) Å and the axial Fe—NIm (NIm is an imidazole N atom) bond length is 1.994 (2) Å. The two 1-ethylimidazole ligands are mutually parallel. The dihedral angle between the 1-ethylimidazole plane and the plane of the closest Fe—Np vector is 24.5°. In the crystal, the only significant intermolecular interactions present are C—H...π interactions.
Bis(4-methylbenzylammonium) tetrabromidozincate
Authors: Aarthi Ramkumar , Thiruvalluvar Aravazhi Amalan , Ramachandra Raja Chidambaram
Published: May 2018

The structure of the non-centrosymmetric organic–inorganic hybrid material, (C8H12N)2[ZnBr4], consists of two 4-methylbenzylammonium cations and one [ZnBr4]2− anion connected by N—H...Br and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds. The ZnII cation has a slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination environment. No π–π stacking interactions between the phenylene rings but C—H...π interactions towards them are observed. The structure was refined as a two-component inversion twin.
Capitalism goes care
Authors: Aulenbacher Brigitte , Décieux Fabienne , Riegraf Birgit
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The starting point of the paper is the meteoric rise of care and care work upon the societal and sociological agenda. Referring to Polanyi, the authors argue that this is the manifestation of a new phase of capitalist societalisation (Vergesellschaftung) of social reproduction in the form of an economic shift. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the societal organisation of care and care work and questions of inequality and justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper illustrates some facets of the economic shift in the field of care and care work. The second part reconstructs the societal organisation of care and care work in the private sector, state, third sector and private households from the mid-twentieth century in the context of questions of inequality and justice. The third part draws on the institutional logics perspective and French pragmatic sociology and the own case studies on home care agencies (HCA), residential care communities (RCC) and early child care (ECC) in Austria and Germany and shows how conflicting demands give rise to new questions of justice. The paper ends with a short conclusion.

Findings

The paper shows how the commodification and de-commodification of care and care work have changed over time and how the economic shift – illustrated in the case of HCA, RCC and ECC – is accompanied by conflicting demands and questions of justice.

Originality/value

A Polanyian perspective on the relation between market and society is combined with the neo-institutionalist and pragmatic idea that orientations rooted in the “logics” of the market, the state, the family and the profession influence how conflicting demands in elder and child care are dealt with and how questions of inequality and justice arise.
Factors affecting strategic plan implementation using interpretive structural modeling (ISM)
Authors: Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Teymourzadeh Ehsan , Tajik Hamidreza , Ravangard Ramin , Raadabadi Mehdi , Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Strategic planning is the best tool for managers seeking an informed presence and participation in the market without surrendering to changes. Strategic planning enables managers to achieve their organizational goals and objectives. Hospital goals, such as improving service quality and increasing patient satisfaction cannot be achieved if agreed strategies are not implemented. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting strategic plan implementation in one teaching hospital using interpretive structural modeling (ISM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a descriptive study involving experts and senior managers; 16 were selected as the study sample using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed and prepared based on previous studies. Data were analyzed using ISM.

Findings

Five main factors affected strategic plan implementation. Although all five variables and factors are top level, “senior manager awareness and participation in the strategic planning process” and “creating and maintaining team participation in the strategic planning process” had maximum drive power. “Organizational structure effects on the strategic planning process” and “Organizational culture effects on the strategic planning process” had maximum dependence power.

Practical implications

Identifying factors affecting strategic plan implementation is a basis for healthcare quality improvement by analyzing the relationship among factors and overcoming the barriers.

Originality/value

The authors used ISM to analyze the relationship between factors affecting strategic plan implementation.
Preventing and managing constipation in older inpatients
Authors: Osuafor Christopher Nnaemeka , Enduluri Sree Lakshmi , Travers Emma , Bennett Anne Marie , Deveney Elena , Ali Shabahat , McCarthy Frances , Fan Chie Wei
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Constipation in hospitalised older adults leads to adverse events and prolonged stay. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to effectively prevent and manage constipation in older adults undergoing inpatient rehabilitation using a multidisciplinary war on constipation (WOC) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A quality improvement project in older adults undergoing rehabilitation for prevention and constipation management was conducted. Quality improvement “plan-do-study-act” cycles included an initial constipation audit in the wards and meetings with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to develop an algorithm for the preventing, detecting and effectively treating constipation.

Findings

The project resulted in a 14 per cent reduction in constipation incidence after the newly developed WOC algorithm was introduced. The project also improved communication between patients and the MDT around patients’ bowel habits.

Practical implications

The project shows that using quality improvement methods in rehabilitation settings, earlier detection, earlier intervention and overall reduction in constipation in older adults can be achieved.

Originality/value

The WOC algorithm has been developed and institutionalised in the current setting. This algorithm may also be applicable in other inpatient settings.
Participatory place-making in the renewal of post-Communist large prefabricated housing estate
Authors: Benkő Melinda , Balla Regina , Hory Gergely
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a Central-European perspective into the international discussion of the participatory place-making. The research focuses on the renewal of the large prefabricated housing estates, dominant type of urban housing in the area where after the privatisation process resident-owners own only a so-called floating plot under their block. In total, 80 per cent of the land of the whole neighbourhood remains public. The question is how participatory place-making works in this specific urban, social and cultural situation?

Design/methodology/approach

By introducing the topic from a theoretical point of view, the study is based on research conducted in Budapest’s Újpalota Housing Estate. Fieldwork, project analysis and interviews uncover the complexity of this Hungarian case where appropriation of residents, municipality and European social regeneration projects are simultaneously present with different types of participatory methods.

Findings

The majority of real changes in Újpalota – as well as in housing estates of post-Communist countries in general – are led by individual or common appropriation that sometimes becomes convincing participation. This informal transformation of the built or natural environment can create a small sense of place everywhere. At the same time, it can work against the architectural and urban character of a neighbourhood or a building, rendering a feeling of disorder.

Originality/value

The paper based on this Hungarian case shows that the real culture of participatory place-making is still missing in post-Communist context, and despite some good examples, the majority of people are inactive, waiting for changes to be made by leaders.
Exploring theoretical trends in placemaking: towards new perspectives in spatial planning
Authors: Strydom Wessel , Puren Karen , Drewes Ernst
Published: May 2018

Purpose

While placemaking is a multi-disciplinary concern, it is a key focus within the discipline of spatial planning. This paper aims to explore the development of theoretical trends with regard to placemaking in spatial planning since 1975 to identify current emerging theoretical perspectives. Special attention is given to differences in perspectives between the Global North and the Global South.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an integrative literature review (ILR) to analyse placemaking literature over a period of 41 years and five months. The ILR followed the basic review stages: scoping; planning and review protocol; identification/availability; searching; and screening. ILR differs from other reviews as quality appraisal, data gathering, analysis and synthesis rely on coding, thematic content analysis and synthesis.

Findings

Initially, the planning/review protocol resulted in 59 contributions on placemaking in various disciplines (excluding publications in other languages that English). Contributions included spatial and design disciplines (29 contributions), social sciences (14 contributions) and other disciplines (16 contributions). The literature review proceeded with a selection of 23 spatial planning contributions (20 from the Global North and three from the Global South). Theoretical trends include placemaking theorised as a physical construct, a social construct, an economic construct (absent in literature from the Global South), a tool for empowerment, a psychological dimension and an environmental management tool.

Practical implications

The most recent theoretical perspectives in literature suggest placemaking as an enabling tool in which people share knowledge and learn new skills to transform their own environment. This empowering process creates a linkage between planning theory and practice.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current theories of placemaking in spatial planning. It provides a simplified view of an exhaustive list of existing literature. This paper reports on the current trends and the development of placemaking theory.
The impact of internal audit function characteristics on internal control quality
Authors: Oussii Ahmed Atef , Boulila Taktak Neila
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the association between internal audit function (IAF) characteristics and internal control quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data gathered from 59 chief audit executives from Tunisian listed companies, this paper uses a regression model to examine research hypothesis related to the association between IAF characteristics and internal control quality.

Findings

The findings of the current study reveal that internal control quality is significantly and positively associated with IAF competence, internal audit quality control assurance level, follow-up process and audit committee’s involvement in reviewing the internal audit program and results.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for IAF wishing to enhance their effectiveness, by recognizing the impact of the IAF’s characteristics on internal control quality. The findings of this study also have significant implications for regulatory bodies who are concerned with the internal control quality, managers and audit committees who determine IAF investment, oversight IAF activities and assess internal auditors’ performance.

Originality/value

This study helps fill a gap in the extant literature where existing empirical evidence of how the IAF characteristics influences the quality of the financial reporting process in emerging markets is scant.
Risk-sharing finance governance: Islamic vs conventional indexes option pricing
Authors: Hamdi Haykel , Majdoub Jihed
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Risk governance has an important influence on the hedging performances in option pricing and portfolio hedging in both discrete and dynamic case for both conventional and Islamic indexes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores option pricing and portfolio hedging in a discrete and dynamic case with transaction costs. Monte Carlo simulations are applied to both conventional and Islamic indexes in US and UK markets. Simulations show that conventional and Islamic assets do not exhibit the same price and portfolio hedging strategy governance.

Findings

The authors conclude that Islamic assets show different option price and hedging strategy compared to their conventional counterpart.

Originality/value

The research question of this paper aims at filling the gap in the empirical literature by exploring option price and hedging structure for both conventional and Islamic indexes in US and UK stock markets.
The role of technology in an omnichannel physical store
Authors: Mosquera Ana , Olarte-Pascual Cristina , Juaneda Ayensa Emma , Sierra Murillo Yolanda
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The new omnichannel strategy aims to offer a holistic shopping experience through the integration of online and offline channels. The introduction of technology in the physical store is an essential factor to this end. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to analyze how the intention to use different interactive technologies in a clothing store affects purchase intention and second, to test the moderating effect of gender on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An original model is developed and tested with 628 omnichannel customers. A multi-group analysis is performed to compare the results between two groups: men and women.

Findings

The results show that the incorporation of new technologies in the physical store positively affects purchase intention, but no significant differences were found between the two groups.

Originality/value

This study furthers the understanding of the importance of the new connected retail system and offers new insights for both the theoretical framework and businesses.
Science Diplomacy, Epistemic Communities, and Practice in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Hornsby David J. , Parshotam Asmita
Published: May 2018

For many states in Sub‐Saharan Africa, the capacity to participate in the international food standard setting process continues to be a challenge. The scientific and technical capacity for many states in this region remains low. This has consequences for African states beyond international food standard setting but for trade and economic development as well. The present paper considers how science diplomacy is mobilised to improve African scientific capacity and participation in international standard setting and thus the multilateral trading system. Through the conceptual frame of epistemic communities, we argue that science diplomacy is exemplified through how scientific expertise embedded within a set of international institutions seeks to build capacity and participation of African states in this important, yet often little considered aspect of international governance.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model of vaginally administered dapivirine ring and film formulations
Authors: Kay Katherine , Shah Dhaval K. , Rohan Lisa , Bies Robert
Published: May 2018

Aims

A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of the vaginal space was developed with the aim of predicting concentrations in the vaginal and cervical space. These predictions can be used to optimize the probability of success of vaginally administered dapivirine (DPV) for HIV prevention. We focus on vaginal delivery using either a ring or film.

Methods

A PBPK model describing the physiological structure of the vaginal tissue and fluid was defined mathematically and implemented in MATLAB. Literature reviews provided estimates for relevant physiological and physiochemical parameters. Drug concentration–time profiles were simulated in luminal fluids, vaginal tissue and plasma after administration of ring or film. Patient data were extracted from published clinical trials and used to test model predictions.

Results

The DPV ring simulations tested the two dosing regimens and predicted PK profiles and area under the curve of luminal fluids (29 079 and 33 067 mg h l–1in groups A and B, respectively) and plasma (0.177 and 0.211 mg h l–1) closely matched those reported (within one standard deviation). While the DPV film study reported drug concentration at only one time point per patient, our simulated profiles pass through reported concentration range.

Conclusions

HIV is a major public health issue and vaginal microbicides have the potential to provide a crucial, female‐controlled option for protection. The PBPK model successfully simulated realistic representations of drug PK. It provides a reliable, inexpensive and accessible platform where potential effectiveness of new compounds and the robustness of treatment modalities for pre‐exposure prophylaxis can be evaluated.
Divergent effects of strontium and calcium‐sensing receptor positive allosteric modulators (calcimimetics) on human osteoclast activity
Authors: Diepenhorst Natalie A , Leach Katie , Keller Andrew N , Rueda Patricia , Cook Anna E , Pierce Tracie L , Nowell Cameron , Pastoureau Philippe , Sabatini Massimo , Summers Roger J , Charman William N , Sexton Patrick M , Christopoulos Arthur , Langmead Christopher J
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose

Strontium ranelate, a drug approved and until recently used for the treatment of osteoporosis, mediates its effects on bone at least in part via the calcium‐sensing (CaS) receptor. However, it is not known whether bone‐targeted CaS receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs; calcimimetics) represent an alternative (or adjunctive) therapy to strontium (Sr2+o).

Experimental Approach

We assessed three structurally distinct calcimimetics [cinacalcet, AC‐265347 and a benzothiazole tri‐substituted urea (BTU‐compound 13)], alone and in combination with extracellular calcium (Ca2+o) or Sr2+o, in G protein‐dependent signalling assays and trafficking experiments in HEK293 cells and their effects on cell differentiation, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and hydroxyapatite resorption assays in human blood‐derived osteoclasts.

Key Results

Sr2+o activated CaS receptor‐dependent signalling in HEK293 cells in a similar manner to Ca2+o, and inhibited the maturation, TRAP expression and hydroxyapatite resorption capacity of human osteoclasts. Calcimimetics potentiated Ca2+o‐ and Sr2+o‐mediated CaS receptor signalling in HEK293 cells with distinct biased profiles, and only cinacalcet chaperoned an endoplasmic reticulum‐retained CaS mutant receptor to the cell surface in HEK293 cells, indicative of a conformational state different from that engendered by AC‐265347 and BTU‐compound 13. Intriguingly, only cinacalcet modulated human osteoclast function, reducing TRAP activity and profoundly inhibiting resorption.

Conclusion and Implications

Although AC‐265347 and BTU‐compound 13 potentiated Ca2+o‐ and Sr2+o‐induced CaS receptor activation, they neither replicated nor potentiated the ability of Sr2+o to inhibit human osteoclast function. In contrast, the FDA‐approved calcimimetic, cinacalcet, inhibited osteoclast TRAP activity and hydroxyapatite resorption, which may contribute to its clinical effects on bone mineral density

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc