bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of demographic and clinical parameters on video capsule transit time
Authors: Niv Eva , Pinchasovich Hadassa , Yanai Henit
Published: June 2016

Background

Small bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) studies provide data on both gastric and SB transit times (GTT and SBTT, respectively).

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of demographic and clinical parameters on the GTT and SBTT. Transit times for two generations of capsules (Pillcam SB2 and SB3) were also compared.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients undergoing CE were included. GTT, SBTT, and cecum arrival rates were calculated and correlated to demographics and clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 332 CE studies were analyzed. Neither GTT nor SBTT were impacted by age or sex. SBTT was prolonged in newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease (CD) patients compared with all other patients (303.1±90.3 vs. 243.6±83.6 min, P=0.02 for SB2, 267.8±63 vs. 228.6±72.3, P=0.01 for SB3, respectively). Moreover, CD patients had higher incomplete study rates compared with patients with all other diagnoses (29.4 vs. 7.3%, respectively, P=0.0116) in the SB2 subgroup. Higher cecum arrival rates were achieved by the SB3 capsule compared with SB2 (97 vs. 91%, P=0.04). Patients with prolonged gastric time or patients with incomplete studies had similar demographic and clinical characteristics as others.

Conclusion

Age and sex apparently do not influence intestinal kinetics. Newly diagnosed CD patients have relatively prolonged SBTTs. Demographic and clinical parameters cannot predict prolonged GTT or cecum nonarrival.
Congenital melanocytic nevi: update in genetics and management
Authors: Price Harper N.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

The article intends to review recent updates in the management of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and the evolving genomic landscape that has begun to shed light on the nature of nevogenesis, malignant potential, and possible therapeutic targets for those with melanoma and neurologic involvement.

Recent findings

CMN are the result of postzygotic somatic mutations involving key proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, primarily NRAS and BRAF. Complications include a spectrum of neurologic findings and development of melanoma. Patients with extracutaneous involvement may be better termed as having ‘CMN syndrome’. MRI findings in high risk patients with multiple CMN may best predict clinical outcome.

The management of patients with CMN is complex. Neurologic involvement and melanoma remain the two most devastating complications. New, genetically targeted therapies for patients with complications may be of value, and research for potential therapies is ongoing.
Increasing the Registered Nursing Workforce Through a Second-Degree BSN Program Coaching Model
Authors: Wise Tiffani , Gautam Bibha , Harris Rebbecca , Casida Deborah , Chapman Rachel , Hammond Lori
Published: June 2016

The coach model is an innovative approach to clinical education in which registered nurses facilitate clinical instruction. The nursing students are assigned with a specific coach throughout the 12-month accelerated baccalaureate nursing curriculum. The purpose of this article is to share our experience using the coach model for students’ clinical education including the benefits, challenges, and outcomes.
Terson’s Syndrome in a Patient with von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Authors: Acaba Luis A. , Chenworth Megan L. , Gold Aaron S. , Wildner Andrea C. , Ehlies Fiona J. , Berrocal Audina M. , Murray Timothy G.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Terson’s syndrome is a condition where a preretinal hemorrhage forms as a result of increased intracranial pressure. The elevated intracranial pressure is thought to be transmitted through the veins and the optic nerve sheath to the optic disc and retina, causing the thin capillary walls to rupture. The authors present a unique case of Terson’s syndrome in a patient who underwent recent surgical management for cerebellar hemangioblastomas related to von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Case Report

A 17-year-old African American female patient with a history of von Hippel-Lindau disease presented with pain in her right eye. She had recently undergone surgery to remove cerebellar hemangioblastomas. Preliminary fundus imaging was performed, but before formal ophthalmic testing could be conducted, the patient seized and was taken directly to the emergency room. When the patient returned for a formal evaluation 3 weeks later, a new preretinal “boat-shaped” hemorrhage was now present. Additionally, reports from the emergency room suggested that she had bled into the cavity where the previous cerebellar resection had taken place. This hemorrhage likely led to an increase in intracranial pressure, causing a Terson’s-like event.

Conclusions

A Terson’s event may be caused by high intracranial pressure secondary to the surgical removal of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome–associated cerebellar tumors and should be included as a possible complication of surgical management.
Gyrate Atrophy–Like Phenotype: Normal Plasma Ornithine and Retinal Crystals
Authors: Bhakhri Raman , Ridder William H.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To report an unusual case of a gyrate atrophy–like presentation with retinal crystal deposition in a patient with normal plasma ornithine levels.

Case Report

A 50-year-old Hispanic female patient presented with complaints of blurred vision and nyctalopia. Examination revealed bilateral multiple round islands of peripheral chorioretinal degeneration in addition to small crystal-like deposits in the posterior pole. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography confirmed the crystalline deposits to be above the retinal pigment epithelium. Electrophysiology revealed reduced photopic responses with no recordable scotopic response. Testing for elevated plasma ornithine, which is typical in gyrate atrophy patients, was performed; however, the patient’s levels were normal.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of conditions that cause nyctalopia can be challenging because they are rare and often similar in appearance and presenting symptoms. Retinal crystal deposition and normal plasma ornithine illustrate the phenotypical variation that can be seen in a gyrate atrophy–like phenotype.
Accidental Strangulation Due to Entrapment of Saree in Crop Thrasher Machine in an Elderly Women Working at Agricultural Field
Authors: Parchake Manoj Bhausaheb , Kumre Vikas , Kachare Rajesh V.
Published: June 2016

Strangulation is generally considered as homicidal death and in accidental strangulation circumstantial evidence alone can point toward the accidental nature of incidence. In present case, a 71-year-old woman, wearing a saree (garment worn by traditional women in India) working in agricultural field, got entangled in the crop thrasher machine and got strangled. Immediately, she was taken to the nearest hospital, where she survived for 6 to 8 hours and then died. The autopsy reveals cross ribbon-shaped ligature mark on neck and anterior chest along with 1 puncture wound at the right lateral aspect of the neck. A lack of proper precaution and safety measures at agricultural field are other contributing factors. Accidental strangulation by saree is extremely rare, hence, this case is presented for its rarity and pattern of injury.
Tics and Tourette's: update on pathophysiology and tic control
Authors: Ganos Christos
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

To describe recent advances in the pathophysiology of tics and Tourette syndrome, and novel insights on tic control.

Recent findings

The cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loops are implicated in generation of tics. Disruption of GABAergic inhibition lies at the core of tic pathophysiology, but novel animal models also implicate cholinergic and histaminergic neurotransmission. Tourette syndrome patients have altered awareness of volition and enhanced formation of habits. Premonitory urges are not the driving force behind all tics. The intensity of premonitory urges depends on patients’ capacity to perceive interoceptive signals. The insular cortex is a key structure in this process. The trait intensity of premonitory urges is not a prerequisite of voluntary tic inhibition, a distinct form of motor control. Voluntary tic inhibition is most efficient in the body parts that tic the least. The prefrontal cortex is associated with the capacity to inhibit tics. The management of tics includes behavioral, pharmacological and surgical interventions. Treatment recommendations differ based on patients’ age.

The study of Tourette syndrome pathophysiology involves different neural disciplines and provides novel, exciting insights of brain function in health and disease. These in turn provide the basis for innovative treatment approaches of tics and their associations.
Copy-when-uncertain: bumblebees rely on social information when rewards are highly variable
Authors: Smolla Marco , Alem Sylvain , Chittka Lars , Shultz Susanne
Published: June 2016

To understand the relative benefits of social and personal information use in foraging decisions, we developed an agent-based model of social learning that predicts social information should be more adaptive where resources are highly variable and personal information where resources vary little. We tested our predictions with bumblebees and found that foragers relied more on social information when resources were variable than when they were not. We then investigated whether socially salient cues are used preferentially over non-social ones in variable environments. Although bees clearly used social cues in highly variable environments, under the same conditions they did not use non-social cues. These results suggest that bumblebees use a ‘copy-when-uncertain’ strategy.
Can hunting data be used to estimate unbiased population parameters? A case study on brown bears
Authors: Leclerc Martin , Van de Walle Joanie , Zedrosser Andreas , Swenson Jon E. , Pelletier Fanie
Published: June 2016

Quantifying temporal changes in harvested populations is critical for applied and fundamental research. Unbiased data are required to detect true changes in phenotypic distribution or population size. Because of the difficulty of collecting detailed individual data from wild populations, data from hunting records are often used. Hunting records, however, may not represent a random sample of a population. We aimed to detect and quantify potential bias in hunting records. We compared data from a long-term monitoring project with hunting records of brown bears (
Ursus arctos
) in Sweden and investigated temporal trends (1996–2013) in the ratio of yearlings to adult females, yearling mass and adult female mass. Data from hunting records underestimated the decline in yearling and adult female mass over time, most likely owing to the legal protection of family groups from hunting, but reflected changes in the ratio of yearlings to adult females more reliably. Although hunting data can be reliable to approximate population abundance in some circumstances, hunting data can represent a biased sample of a population and should be used with caution in management and conservation decisions.
Wing wear reduces bumblebee flight performance in a dynamic obstacle course
Authors: Mountcastle Andrew M. , Alexander Teressa M. , Switzer Callin M. , Combes Stacey A.
Published: June 2016

Previous work has shown that wing wear increases mortality in bumblebees. Although a proximate mechanism for this phenomenon has remained elusive, a leading hypothesis is that wing wear increases predation risk by reducing flight manoeuvrability. We tested the effects of simulated wing wear on flight manoeuvrability in
Bombus impatiens
bumblebees using a dynamic obstacle course designed to push bees towards their performance limits. We found that removing 22% wing area from the tips of both forewings (symmetric wear) caused a 9% reduction in peak acceleration during manoeuvring flight, while performing the same manipulation on only one wing (asymmetric wear) did not significantly reduce maximum acceleration. The rate at which bees collided with obstacles was correlated with body length across all treatments, but wing wear did not increase collision rate, possibly because shorter wingspans allow more room for bees to manoeuvre. This study presents a novel method for exploring extreme flight manoeuvres in flying insects, eliciting peak accelerations that exceed those measured during flight through a stationary obstacle course. If escape from aerial predation is constrained by acceleration capacity, then our results offer a potential explanation for the observed increase in bumblebee mortality with wing wear.
The cellular Ising model: a framework for phase transitions in multicellular environments
Authors: Weber Marc , Buceta Javier
Published: June 2016

Inspired by the Ising model, we introduce a gene regulatory network that induces a phase transition that coordinates robustly the behaviour of cell ensembles. The building blocks of the design are the so-called toggle switch interfaced with two quorum sensing modules, Las and Lux. We show that as a function of the transport rate of signalling molecules across the cell membrane the population undergoes a spontaneous symmetry breaking from cells individually switching their phenotypes to a global collective phenotypic organization. By characterizing the critical behaviour, we reveal some properties, such as phenotypic memory and hypersensitivity, with relevance in the field of synthetic biology. We argue that our results can be extrapolated to other multicellular systems and be a generic framework for collective decision-making processes.
Shoes alter the spring-like function of the human foot during running
Authors: Kelly Luke A. , Lichtwark Glen A. , Farris Dominic J. , Cresswell Andrew
Published: June 2016

The capacity to store and return energy in legs and feet that behave like springs is crucial to human running economy. Recent comparisons of shod and barefoot running have led to suggestions that modern running shoes may actually impede leg and foot-spring function by reducing the contributions from the leg and foot musculature. Here we examined the effect of running shoes on foot longitudinal arch (LA) motion and activation of the intrinsic foot muscles. Participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill with and without running shoes. We recorded foot kinematics and muscle activation of the intrinsic foot muscles using intramuscular electromyography. In contrast to previous assertions, we observed an increase in both the peak (flexor digitorum brevis +60%) and total stance muscle activation (flexor digitorum brevis +70% and abductor hallucis +53%) of the intrinsic foot muscles when running with shoes. Increased intrinsic muscle activation corresponded with a reduction in LA compression (−25%). We confirm that running shoes do indeed influence the mechanical function of the foot. However, our findings suggest that these mechanical adjustments are likely to have occurred as a result of increased neuromuscular output, rather than impaired control as previously speculated. We propose a theoretical model for foot–shoe interaction to explain these novel findings.
Isoform-specific modulation of the chemical sensitivity of conserved TRPA1 channel in the major honeybee ectoparasitic mite,
Tropilaelaps mercedesae
Authors: Dong Xiaofeng , Kashio Makiko , Peng Guangda , Wang Xinyue , Tominaga Makoto , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko
Published: June 2016

We identified and characterized the TRPA1 channel of
Tropilaelaps mercedesae
(TmTRPA1), one of two major species of honeybee ectoparasitic mite. Three TmTRPA1 isoforms with unique N-terminal sequences were activated by heat, and the isoform highly expressed in the mite's front legs, TmTRPA1b, was also activated by 27 plant-derived compounds including electrophiles. This suggests that the heat- and electrophile-dependent gating mechanisms as nocisensitive TRPA1 channel are well conserved between arthropod species. Intriguingly, one TmTRPA1 isoform, TmTRPA1a, was activated by only six compounds compared with two other isoforms, demonstrating that the N-terminal sequences are critical determinants for the chemical sensitivity. This is the first example of isoform-specific modulation of chemical sensitivity of TRPA1 channel in one species. α-terpineol showed repellent activity towards
T. mercedesae
in a laboratory assay and repressed
T. mercedesae
entry for reproduction into the brood cells with fifth instar larvae in hives. Thus, α-terpineol could be used as the potential compound to control two major honeybee ectoparasitic mites,
T. mercedesae
and
Varroa destructor
, in the apiculture industry.
Acquisition of the dorsal structures in chordate amphioxus
Authors: Morov Arseniy R. , Ukizintambara Tharcisse , Sabirov Rushan M. , Yasui Kinya
Published: June 2016

Acquisition of dorsal structures, such as notochord and hollow nerve cord, is likely to have had a profound influence upon vertebrate evolution. Dorsal formation in chordate development thus has been intensively studied in vertebrates and ascidians. However, the present understanding does not explain how chordates acquired dorsal structures. Here we show that amphioxus retains a key clue to answer this question. In amphioxus embryos, maternalnodalmRNA distributes asymmetrically in accordance with the remodelling of the cortical cytoskeleton in the fertilized egg, and subsequentlyleftyis first expressed in a patch of blastomeres across the equator wherewnt8is expressed circularly and which will become the margin of the blastopore. Theleftydomain co-expresses zygoticnodalby the initial gastrula stage on the one side of the blastopore margin and induces the expression ofgoosecoid,not-like, chordinandbrachyury1genes in this region, as in the oral ectoderm of sea urchin embryos, which provides a basis for the formation of the dorsal structures. The striking similarity in the gene regulations and their respective expression domains when comparing dorsal formation in amphioxus and the determination of the oral ectoderm in sea urchin embryos suggests that chordates derived from an ambulacrarian-type blastula with dorsoventral inversion.
Balancing macronutrient intake in a mammalian carnivore: disentangling the influences of flavour and nutrition
Authors: Hewson-Hughes Adrian K. , Colyer Alison , Simpson Stephen J. , Raubenheimer David
Published: June 2016

There is a large body of research demonstrating that macronutrient balancing is a primary driver of foraging in herbivores and omnivores, and more recently, it has been shown to occur in carnivores. However, the extent to which macronutrient selection in carnivores may be influenced by organoleptic properties (e.g. flavour/aroma) remains unknown. Here, we explore the roles of nutritional and hedonic factors in food choice and macronutrient balancing in a mammalian carnivore, the domestic cat. Using the geometric framework, we determined the amounts and ratio of protein and fat intake in cats allowed to select from combinations of three foods that varied in protein : fat (P : F) composition (approx. 10 : 90, 40 : 60 and 70 : 30 on a per cent energy basis) to which flavours of different ‘attractiveness’ (fish, rabbit and orange) were added. In two studies, in which animal and plant protein sources were used, respectively, the ratio and amounts of protein and fat intake were very consistent across all groups regardless of flavour combination, indicating regulation of both protein and fat intake. Our results suggest that macronutrient balancing rather than hedonistic rewards based on organoleptic properties of food is a primary driver of longer-term food selection and intake in domestic cats.
In the mood: the dynamics of collective sentiments on Twitter
Authors: Charlton Nathaniel , Singleton Colin , Greetham Danica Vukadinović
Published: June 2016

We study the relationship between the sentiment levels of Twitter users and the evolving network structure that the users created by @-mentioning each other. We use a large dataset of tweets to which we apply three sentiment scoring algorithms, including the open source S
enti
S
trength
program. Specifically we make three contributions. Firstly, we find that people who have potentially the largest communication reach (according to a dynamic centrality measure) use sentiment differently than the average user: for example, they use positive sentiment more often and negative sentiment less often. Secondly, we find that when we follow structurally stable Twitter communities over a period of months, their sentiment levels are also stable, and sudden changes in community sentiment from one day to the next can in most cases be traced to external events affecting the community. Thirdly, based on our findings, we create and calibrate a simple agent-based model that is capable of reproducing measures of emotive response comparable with those obtained from our empirical dataset.
Historical baselines and the future of shell calcification for a foundation species in a changing ocean
Authors: Pfister Catherine A. , Roy Kaustuv , Wootton J. Timothy , McCoy Sophie J. , Paine Robert T. , Suchanek Thomas H. , Sanford Eric
Published: June 2016

Seawater pH and the availability of carbonate ions are decreasing due to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, posing challenges for calcifying marine species. Marine mussels are of particular concern given their role as foundation species worldwide. Here, we document shell growth and calcification patterns in
Mytilus californianus
, the California mussel, over millennial and decadal scales. By comparing shell thickness across the largest modern shells, the largest mussels collected in the 1960s–1970s and shells from two Native American midden sites (∼1000–2420 years BP), we found that modern shells are thinner overall, thinner per age category and thinner per unit length. Thus, the largest individuals of this species are calcifying less now than in the past. Comparisons of shell thickness in smaller individuals over the past 10–40 years, however, do not show significant shell thinning. Given our sampling strategy, these results are unlikely to simply reflect within-site variability or preservation effects. Review of environmental and biotic drivers known to affect shell calcification suggests declining ocean pH as a likely explanation for the observed shell thinning. Further future decreases in shell thickness could have significant negative impacts on
M. californianus
survival and, in turn, negatively impact the species-rich complex that occupies mussel beds.
Coevolution between positive reciprocity, punishment, and partner switching in repeated interactions
Authors: Wubs Matthias , Bshary Redouan , Lehmann Laurent
Published: June 2016

Cooperation based on mutual investments can occur between unrelated individuals when they are engaged in repeated interactions. Individuals then need to use a conditional strategy to deter their interaction partners from defecting. Responding to defection such that the future payoff of a defector is reduced relative to cooperating with it is called a partner control mechanism. Three main partner control mechanisms are (i) to switch from cooperation to defection when being defected (‘positive reciprocity’), (ii) to actively reduce the payoff of a defecting partner (‘punishment’), or (iii) to stop interacting and switch partner (‘partner switching’). However, such mechanisms to stabilize cooperation are often studied in isolation from each other. In order to better understand the conditions under which each partner control mechanism tends to be favoured by selection, we here analyse by way of individual-based simulations the coevolution between positive reciprocity, punishment, and partner switching. We show that random interactions in an unstructured population and a high number of rounds increase the likelihood that selection favours partner switching. In contrast, interactions localized in small groups (without genetic structure) increase the likelihood that selection favours punishment and/or positive reciprocity. This study thus highlights the importance of comparing different control mechanisms for cooperation under different conditions.
Cryptic species diversity reveals biogeographic support for the ‘mountain passes are higher in the tropics’ hypothesis
Authors: Gill B. A. , Kondratieff B. C. , Casner K. L. , Encalada A. C. , Flecker A. S. , Gannon D. G. , Ghalambor C. K. , Guayasamin J. M. , Poff N. L. , Simmons M. P. , Thomas S. A. , Zamudio K. R. , Funk W. C.
Published: June 2016

The ‘mountain passes are higher in the tropics’ (MPHT) hypothesis posits that reduced climate variability at low latitudes should select for narrower thermal tolerances, lower dispersal and smaller elevational ranges compared with higher latitudes. These latitudinal differences could increase species richness at low latitudes, but that increase may be largely cryptic, because physiological and dispersal traits isolating populations might not correspond to morphological differences. Yet previous tests of the MPHT hypothesis have not addressed cryptic diversity. We use integrative taxonomy, combining morphology (6136 specimens) and DNA barcoding (1832 specimens) to compare the species richness, cryptic diversity and elevational ranges of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in the Rocky Mountains (Colorado; approx. 40°N) and the Andes (Ecuador; approx. 0°). We find higher species richness and smaller elevational ranges in Ecuador than Colorado, but only after quantifying and accounting for cryptic diversity. The opposite pattern is found when comparing diversity based on morphology alone, underscoring the importance of uncovering cryptic species to understand global biodiversity patterns.
Peptide sequences from the first
Castoroides ohioensis
skull and the utility of old museum collections for palaeoproteomics
Authors: Cleland Timothy P. , Schroeter Elena R. , Feranec Robert S. , Vashishth Deepak
Published: June 2016

Vertebrate fossils have been collected for hundreds of years and are stored in museum collections around the world. These remains provide a readily available resource to search for preserved proteins; however, the vast majority of palaeoproteomic studies have focused on relatively recently collected bones with a well-known handling history. Here, we characterize proteins from the nasal turbinates of the first
Castoroides ohioensis
skull ever discovered. Collected in 1845, this is the oldest museum-curated specimen characterized using palaeoproteomic tools. Our mass spectrometry analysis detected many collagen I peptides, a peptide from haemoglobin beta, and
in vivo
and diagenetic post-translational modifications. Additionally, the identified collagen I sequences provide enough resolution to place
C. ohioensis
within Rodentia. This study illustrates the utility of archived museum specimens for both the recovery of preserved proteins and phylogenetic analyses.
Corruption, development and governance indicators predict invasive species risk from trade
Authors: Brenton-Rule Evan C. , Barbieri Rafael F. , Lester Philip J.
Published: June 2016

Invasive species have an enormous global impact, with international trade being the leading pathway for their introduction. Current multinational trade deals under negotiation will dramatically change trading partnerships and pathways. These changes have considerable potential to influence biological invasions and global biodiversity. Using a database of 47 328 interceptions spanning 10 years, we demonstrate how development and governance socio-economic indicators of trading partners can predict exotic species interceptions. For import pathways associated with vegetable material, a significantly higher risk of exotic species interceptions was associated with countries that are poorly regulated, have more forest cover and have surprisingly low corruption. Corruption and indicators such as political stability or adherence to rule of law were important in vehicle or timber import pathways. These results will be of considerable value to policy makers, primarily by shifting quarantine procedures to focus on countries of high risk based on their socio-economic status. Further, using New Zealand as an example, we demonstrate how a ninefold reduction in incursions could be achieved if socio-economic indicators were used to select trade partners. International trade deals that ignore governance and development indicators may facilitate introductions and biodiversity loss. Development and governance within countries clearly have biodiversity implications beyond borders.
FPD: A comprehensive phosphorylation database in fungi
Authors: Bai Youhuang , Chen Bin , Zhou Yincong , Ren Silin , Xu Qin , Chen Ming , Wang Shihua
Published: June 2016

Protein phosphorylation, one of the most classic post-translational modification, plays a critical role in the diverse cellular processes including cell cycle, growth and signal transduction pathways. However, the available information of phosphorylation in fungi is limited. Here we provided a Fungi Phosphorylation Database (FPD) that comprises high-confidence in vivo phosphosites identified by MS-based proteomics in various fungal species. This comprehensive phosphorylation database contains 62,272 non-redundant phosphorylation sites in 11,222 proteins across eight organisms, includingAspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium graminearum, Magnaporthe oryzae, Neurospora crassa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombeandCryptococcus neoformans. A fungi-specific phosphothreonine motif and several conserved phosphorylation motif were discovered by comparatively analyzing the pattern of phosphorylation sites in fungi, plants and animals.

Database URL:http://bis.zju.edu.cn/FPD/index.php
Mechanical flexibility reduces the foreign body response to long-term implanted microelectrodes in rabbit cortex
Authors: Sohal H S , Clowry G J , Jackson A , O’Neill A , Baker S N
Published: June 2016

Micromotion between the brain and implanted electrodes is a major contributor to the failure of invasive microelectrodes. Movements of the electrode tip cause recording instabilities while spike amplitudes decline over the weeks/months post-implantation due to glial cell activation caused by sustained mechanical trauma. We compared the glial response over a 26-96 week period following implantation in the rabbit cortex of microwires and a novel flexible electrode. Horizontal sections were used to obtain a depth profile of the radial distribution of microglia, astrocytes and neurofilament. We found that the flexible electrode was associated with decreased gliosis compared to the microwires over these long indwelling periods. This was in part due to a decrease in overall microgliosis and enhanced neuronal density around the flexible probe, especially at longer periods of implantation.
Synchrotron X-ray microfluorescence measurement of metal distributions inPhragmites australisroot system in the Yangtze River intertidal zone
Authors: Feng Huan , Zhang Weiguo , Qian Yu , Liu Wenliang , Yu Lizhong , Yoo Shinjae , Wang Jun , Wang Jia-Jun , Eng Christopher , Liu Chang-Jun , Tappero Ryan
Published: June 2016

This study investigates the distributions of Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Cu, K, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ti, V and Zn inPhragmites australisroot system and the function of Fe nanoparticles in scavenging metals in the root epidermis using synchrotron X-ray microfluorescence, synchrotron transmission X-ray microscope measurement and synchrotron X-ray absorption near-edge structure techniques. The purpose of this study is to understand the mobility of metals in wetland plant root systems after their uptake from rhizosphere soils.Phragmites australissamples were collected in the Yangtze River intertidal zone in July 2013. The results indicate that Fe nanoparticles are present in the root epidermis and that other metals correlate significantly with Fe, suggesting that Fe nanoparticles play an important role in metal scavenging in the epidermis.
Intermolecular Pb...N interactions in lead(II) dimers producing a supramolecular two-dimensional metal–organic compound: bis[μ2-N′-(2-oxidobenzylidene)benzohydrazidato-κ4O:O,N′,O′]dilead(II)
Authors: Schwade Vânia Denise , Faoro Eliandro , Schulz Lang Ernesto
Published: June 2016

Aroylhydrazones ofortho-hydroxy aldehydes are Schiff base ligands that typically coordinate as a chelate in anO,N,O′-manner. Dinuclear complexes are normally observed, with the phenolate O atom acting as the bridging atom. The switchable protonation state of the tridentateN′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (H2sabhz) ligand can lead to variations in the resulting supramolecular structure. The title compound, [Pb2(C14H10N2O2)2], was prepared by the reaction of [Pb(OAc)2]·3H2O (OAc is acetate) with the benzoylhydrazone derivative of salicylaldehyde,i.e.H2sabhz, in the presence of triethylamine in methanol. In the crystal structure, each PbIIatom of the dimer has an NO3coordination environment, with one sabhz ligand coordinating in anO,N,O′-manner and with the second sabhz ligand coordinatingviathe bridging phenolate O atom, since the dimers are located on a centre of inversion. It has been found that the dimers are connected by Pb...N interactions, resulting in a two-dimensional supramolecular network which shows the [32.52,3.53] net topology. Thes2electron pair of the PbIIion clearly influences the observed intermolecular interactions.
A new three-dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer involving 2-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate ligands
Authors: Jian Shou-Jun , Han Qian-Qian , Yang Huai-Xia , Meng Xiang-Ru
Published: June 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on multidentate N-heterocyclic ligands involving imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole or pyridine present intriguing molecular topologies and have potential applications in ion exchange, magnetism, gas sorption and storage, catalysis, optics and biomedicine. The 2-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole (tmb) ligand has four potential N-atom donors and can act in monodentate, chelating, bridging and tridentate coordination modes in the construction of complexes, and can also act as both a hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor. In addition, the tmb ligand can adopt different coordination conformations, resulting in complexes with helical structures due to the presence of the flexible methylene spacer. A new three-dimensional coordination polymer, poly[[bis(μ2-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato)-κ4O1,O1′:O4,O4′;κ2O1:O4-bis{μ2-2-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl-κN4]-1H-benzimidazole-κN3}dizinc(II)] trihydrate], {[Zn(C8H4O4)(C10H9N5)]·1.5H2O}n, has been synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl2with tmb and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2bdic) under solvothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct bdic2−ligands [bdic2−(A) and bdic2−(B)] in the structure which adopt different coordination modes. The ZnIIions are bridged by tmb ligands, leading to one-dimensional helical chains with different handedness, and adjacent helices are linked by bdic2−(A) ligands, forming a two-dimensional network structure. The two-dimensional layers are further connected by bdic2−(B) ligands, resulting in a three-dimensional framework with the topological notation 66. The IR spectra and thermogravimetric curves are consistent with the results of the X-ray crystal structure analysis and the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.
A phase transition from monoclinicC2 withZ′ = 1 to triclinicP1 withZ′ = 4 for the quasiracemateL-2-aminobutyric acid–D-methionine (1/1)
Authors: Görbitz Carl Henrik , Wragg David S. , Bakke Ingrid Marie Bergh , Fleischer Christian , Grønnevik Gaute , Mykland Maria , Park Yoomin , Trovik Kristian Wiedicke , Serigstad Halvard , Sundsli Bård Edgar Vestheim
Published: June 2016

Racemates of hydrophobic amino acids with linear side chains are known to undergo a unique series of solid-state phase transitions that involve sliding of molecular bilayers upon heating or cooling. Recently, this behaviour was shown to extend also to quasiracemates of two different amino acids with opposite handedness [Görbitz & Karen (2015).J. Phys. Chem. B,119, 4975–4984]. Previous investigations are here extended to an L-2-aminobutyric acid–D-methionine (1/1) co-crystal, C4H9NO2·C5H11NO2S. The significant difference in size between the –CH2CH3and –CH2CH2SCH3side chains leads to extensive disorder at room temperature, which is essentially resolved after a phase transition at 229 K to an unprecedented triclinic form where all four D-methionine molecules in the asymmetric unit have different side-chain conformations and all three side-chain rotamers are used for the four partner L-2-aminobutyric acid molecules.
A novel binuclear copper complex incorporating a nalidixic acid derivative displaying a one-dimensional coordination polymeric structure
Authors: Bergamini F. R. G. , Ribeiro M. A. , Miranda P. C. M. L. , Formiga A. L. B. , Corbi P. P.
Published: June 2016

The identification of the antibacterial action of nalidixic acid (nx) was central to the development of the quinolone antibacterial compounds. The ability of the nx naphthyridyl ring to interact with and inhibit some proteins has encouraged the investigation of similar structures in the search for more active compounds with less adverse effects. The possibility of structural modification by attachment of other biologically active moieties to the naphthyridyl ring of nx allowed the development of new active antimicrobial molecules. Hydrazone derivatives of nx can be synthesized easily based on the condensation of the hydrazide derivative of nx with the desired aldehyde or ketone. Only a few complexes with nx hydrazone derivatives have been described but for none were the crystal structures elucidated. The synthesis of a new one-dimensional CuIIcoordination polymer, namelycatena-poly[[copper(II)-di-μ-chlorido-copper(II)-{μ-1-ethyl-N′-[(1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylidene]-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazidato}-[dimethanolcopper(II)]-{μ-1-ethyl-N′-[(1H-imidazol-3-yl)methylidene]-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazidato}] dichloride methanol tetrasolvate], {[Cu3(C16H15N6O2)2Cl2(CH3OH)2]Cl2·4CH3OH}n, with the (1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylidene carbohydrazide derivative of nalidixic acid (denoted h4imi), is presented and its structure is compared to the density functional theory (DFT) optimized structure of free h4imi. The title structure presents an octahedral CuIIion on an inversion centre alternating along a polymer chain with a square-pyramidal CuIIion, with the two CuIIcentres bridged by two chloride ligands. Hydrogen bonds involving chloride counter-ions and methanol solvent molecules mediate the three-dimensional packing of the polymer. Comparison of the geometrical results from the structure analysis with those derived from a DFT study of the free ligand reveal the differences that arise upon coordination.
IFA’s expansion in Asia – destination India
Authors: Ghosh Sharma Tripti , Ghosh Tapabrata
Published: June 2016

Subject area

Strategy/entrepreneurship/international marketing.

Study level/applicability

This case is recommended for use in courses on strategy, entrepreneurship, international marketing and joint venture for PGDM and Executive programmes.

Case overview

International Football Academy (IFA), a leading football development firm, is gearing up to expand its operations to a new geographic market, India. The purpose is to further its international growth plans by establishing a lasting presence in developing markets. Their previous stints in China and Indonesia met with huge success. However, there was a stark difference between those geographies and the Indian market, in terms of political system, economic infrastructure, social framework, cultural practices, technological advancements, legal regulations, etc. In a country where 47 per cent of the 1.2 billion population considered themselves football fans (Nielson survey, 2010), it was ironical that the Indian football market remained one of the most untapped and fragmented of its kind. The question for IFA was: “Would India be another feather in our hat?”

Expected learning outcomes

The case highlights the key factors facing firms, when expanding into emerging markets. The students are expected to think through the various dimensions to decision-making, which includes Why (expand), Where (which market), When (right time), What (thrust of strategy) and Who (partners). It also compels the students to appreciate the various challenges involved in exporting a product, which is as unique as “football training”.

Supplementary materials

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

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
Supply management integration model for Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Pradhan Sudeep Kumar , Routroy Srikanta
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and develop the structural relationship among the key drivers to control and enhance the supply management (SM) performance in Indian manufacturing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The drivers (i.e. sourcing alternatives and supplier selection, supplier development (SD), contract management (CM) and risk management (RM)) of SM were identified and SM integration model was proposed through literature review and in consultation with industry experts. The proposed model was validated by capturing experts’ view in Indian manufacturing environment. The strength of relationships between these drivers and on SM performance was also established using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– CM has positive direct effect on SM performance and two drivers (i.e. sourcing alternatives and supplier selection, and SD) have positive indirect effect mediated by CM. Whereas, RM has direct and indirect (mediated by CM) positive effect on SM performance in Indian manufacturing environment.

Research limitations/implications

– This model can be validated for manufacturing industries in other countries.

Practical implications

– This model provides a comprehensive relationship among four drivers of SM and shows the direction for designing and implementing appropriate policies in order to enhance the SM performance in Indian manufacturing environment.

Originality/value

– Although many issues related to SM have been widely researched, but no literature has been reported related to SM integration model consisting of its drivers in general and in Indian manufacturing environment in specific. The key drivers of SM were identified and their relative importance was analyzed in Indian manufacturing environment.
Towards supply chain collaboration in B2B pricing
Authors: Formentini Marco , Romano Pietro
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Research on business-to-business (B2B) pricing has been mainly focussed on the supplier’s pricing process, thus adopting traditionally an internal perspective and perceiving pricing as a profit distribution parameter rather than an opportunity for collaboration with customers. Recently, the opportunity to develop win-win, collaborative relationships in the B2B pricing process by embracing a supply chain perspective has started to attract the attention of scholars across several research streams, who have highlighted the emergence of this topic using different definitions, perspectives and methodologies. The purpose of this paper is to address the need for integrating the fragmented body of knowledge on B2B pricing toward supply chain collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

– This critical literature review adopts an interdisciplinary approach, focussing on industrial marketing and operations and supply chain management areas.

Findings

– The authors provide a critical synthesis and discussion structured in four streams clustered around two dimensions, i.e. the “extension” of the collaboration in the pricing process along the supply chain and the “direction” of collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

– Drawing on the literature gaps, the paper concludes by proposing an agenda for future research for a relevant topic both for academics and practitioners.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a novel comprehensive view of the supply chain collaboration in the B2B pricing process and provides opportunities for intensifying dialogue across different research areas.
Benefits of internal manufacturing network integration
Authors: Szász Levente , Scherrer Maike , Deflorin Patricia
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer deeper insight into the relationship between a subsidiary’s internal integration in its manufacturing network and subsidiary-level operational performance by taking into account the country context of the respective subsidiary.

Design/methodology/approach

– Subsidiary-level information is gathered using the sixth round of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey, thus including 507 subsidiaries from 22 countries. Country context is operationalised using the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum.

Findings

– The findings reveal that internal integration has a positive influence on operational performance improvement. Country context acts as a moderator on this relationship: subsidiaries in less developed countries are only able to improve their effectiveness (quality, flexibility, delivery), while developed country subsidiaries gain both effectiveness and efficiency (cost, time) benefits from internal integration.

Research limitations/implications

– The unit of analysis is the knowledge-receiving subsidiary without taking the characteristics of the sending unit or that of the whole network of subsidiaries into account. Based on the context-dependency of the integration-performance relationship found in this paper, a future research agenda is proposed including further factors (absorptive capacity, knowledge complementarity, organisational practices) that could influence this relationship.

Practical implications

– Subsidiary managers in less developed countries should strive to acquire intra-network knowledge related to effectiveness, while managers in developed countries can expect both efficiency and effectiveness benefits.

Originality/value

– A large-scale survey encompassing subsidiaries from both emerging and developed countries is used to offer deeper insight into the relationship between internal integration and performance. The paper provides a possible explanation for previous mixed findings on this relationship. The differentiation between efficiency and effectiveness performance shows that country context represents an important factor that moderates the integration-performance relationship.