bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially dispersed synapses yield sharply-tuned place cell responses through dendritic spike initiation
Authors: Basak Reshma , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: June 2017

The literature offers evidence for a critical role of spatially-clustered iso-feature synapses in eliciting dendritic spikes essential for sharp feature selectivity, with apparently contradictory evidence demonstrating spatial dispersion of iso-feature synapses. Here, we reconcile this apparent contradiction by demonstrating that the generation of dendritic spikes, the emergence of an excitatory ramp in somatic voltage responses and sharp tuning of place-cell responses are all attainable even when iso-feature synapses are randomly dispersed across the dendritic arbor. We found this tuning sharpness to be critically reliant on dendritic sodium and transient potassium channels and on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Importantly, we demonstrate that synaptic potentiation targeted to afferents from one specific place field is sufficient to effectuate place-field selectivity even when intrinsically disparate neurons received randomly dispersed afferents from multiple place-field locations. These conclusions proffer dispersed localization of iso-feature synapses as a strong candidate for achieving sharp feature selectivity in neurons across sensory-perceptual systems.
Statistics and simulation of growth of single bacterial cells: illustrations withB. subtilisandE. coli
Authors: van Heerden Johan H. , Kempe Hermannus , Doerr Anne , Maarleveld Timo , Nordholt Niclas , Bruggeman Frank J.
Published: June 2017

The inherent stochasticity of molecular reactions prevents us from predicting the exact state of single-cells in a population. However, when a population grows at steady-state, the probability to observe a cell with particular combinations of properties is fixed. Here we validate and exploit existing theory on the statistics of single-cell growth in order to predict the probability of phenotypic characteristics such as cell-cycle times, volumes, accuracy of division and cell-age distributions, using real-time imaging data forEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis. Our results show that single-cell growth-statistics can accurately be predicted from a few basic measurements. These equations relate different phenotypic characteristics, and can therefore be used in consistency tests of experimental single-cell growth data and prediction of single-cell statistics. We also exploit these statistical relations in the development of a fast stochastic-simulation algorithm of single-cell growth and protein expression. This algorithm greatly reduces computational burden, by recovering the statistics of growing cell-populations from the simulation of only one of its lineages. Our approach is validated by comparison of simulations and experimental data. This work illustrates a methodology for the prediction, analysis and tests of consistency of single-cell growth and protein expression data from a few basic statistical principles.
Identification of Rab18 as an Essential Host Factor for BKPyV Infection Using a Whole Genome RNA Interference Screen
Authors: Zhao Linbo , Imperiale Michael J.
Published: June 2017

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a human pathogen first isolated in 1971. BKPyV infection is ubiquitous in the human population, with over 80% of adults worldwide being seropositive for BKPyV. BKPyV infection is usually asymptomatic; however, BKPyV reactivation in immunosuppressed transplant patients causes two diseases, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis. To establish a successful infection in its host cells, BKPyV must travel in retrograde transport vesicles to reach the nuclei. To make this happen, BKPyV requires the cooperation of host cell proteins. To further identify host factors associated with BKPyV entry and intracellular trafficking, we performed a whole-genome siRNA screen on BKPyV infection of primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. The results revealed the importance of the Ras-related protein Rab18 and syntaxin 18 for BKPyV infection. Our subsequent experiments implicated additional factors that interact with this pathway, and suggest a more detailed model of the intracellular trafficking process, indicating that BKPyV reaches the ER lumen through a retrograde transport pathway between the late endosome and the ER.
Tracking Subclonal Mutation Frequencies Throughout Lymphomagenesis Identifies Cancer Drivers in Mouse Models of Lymphoma
Authors: Webster Philip , Dawes Joanna C. , Dewchand Hamlata , Takacs Katalin , Iadarola Barbara , Bolt Bruce J. , Caceres Juan J. , Kaczor Jakub , Game Laurence , Adejumo Thomas , Elliott James , Naresh Kikkeri , Tan Ge , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Paccanaro Alberto , Uren Anthony G.
Published: June 2017

Determining whether recurrent but rare cancer mutations are bona fide driver mutations remains a bottleneck in cancer research. Here we present the most comprehensive analysis of retrovirus driven lymphomagenesis produced to date, sequencing 700,000 mutations from >500 malignancies collected at time points throughout tumor development. This enabled identification of positively selected events, and the first demonstration of negative selection of mutations that may be deleterious to tumor development indicating novel avenues for therapy. Customized sequencing and bioinformatics methodologies were developed to quantify subclonal mutations in both premalignant and malignant tissue, greatly expanding the statistical power for identifying driver mutations and yielding a high-resolution, genome wide map of the selective forces surrounding cancer gene loci. Screening two BCL2 transgenic models confirms known drivers of human B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and implicates novel candidates including modifiers of immunosurveillance such as co-stimulatory molecules and MHC loci. Correlating mutations with genotypic and phenotypic features also gives robust identification of known cancer genes independently of local variance in mutation density. An online resourcehttp://mulv.lms.mrc.ac.ukallows customized queries of the entire dataset.
The nucleation of protein crystals as a race against time with on- and off-pathways
Authors: Ferreira Cecilia , Barbosa Silvia , Taboada Pablo , Rocha Fernando A. , Damas Ana M. , Martins Pedro M.
Published: June 2017

High supersaturation levels are a necessary but insufficient condition for the crystallization of purified proteins. Unlike most small molecules, proteins can take diverse aggregation pathways that make the outcome of crystallization assays quite unpredictable. Here, dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy were used to show that the nucleation of lysozyme crystals is preceded by an initial step of protein oligomerization and by the progressive formation of metastable clusters. Because these steps deplete the concentration of soluble monomers, the probability of obtaining protein crystals decreases as time progresses. Stochastic variations of the induction time are thus amplified to a point where fast crystallization can coexist with unyielding regimes in the same conditions. With an initial hydrodynamic radius of ∼100 nm, the metastable clusters also promote the formation of protein crystals through a mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation. Crystal growth (on-pathway) takes place in parallel with cluster growth (off-pathway). The Janus-faced influence of the mesoscopic clusters is beneficial when it accelerates the formation of the first precrystalline nuclei and is detrimental as it depletes the solution of protein ready to crystallize. Choosing the right balance between the two effects is critical for determining the success of protein crystallization trials. The results presented here suggest that a mild oligomerization degree promotes the formation of a small number of metastable clusters which then catalyze the nucleation of well differentiated crystals.
Crystal structure of taxodione isolated fromTaxodium ascendens(B.)
Authors: Ke Rui-Fang , Xu Shi-Cheng , Song Ping , Deng Shi-Hao , Ma Xin-Hua , Yang Xin-Zhou
Published: June 2017

The title compound [systematic name: (4bS)-4-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4b,8,8-trimethyl-4b,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydrophenanthrene-3,9-dione], C20H26O3, is an abietane-type diterpene, which was isolated fromTaxodium ascendens(B.). In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming supramolecular chains propagating along the [001] direction.
An exploratory study on supply chain analytics applied to spare parts supply chain
Authors: Arya Vedpal , Sharma Pankaj , Singh Ashwani , De Silva P.T.M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) has created a buzz around the world. It has been hailed as the new paradigm which has the potential to unlock value from otherwise non-productive aspects of the business. BDA has found application in the field of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) too. Army has a large supply chain of various commodities which can benefit from BDA. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of BDA in spare parts supply chain of the army.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts a literature review to explain the application of supply chain analytics (SCA) to army spare parts supply chain. The paper presents a proposed architecture to apply SCA in the context of army supply chain.

Findings

The paper identifies various data points applicable to the field of LSCM in army. It also presents the impact areas of SCA on this supply chain. The architecture is presented which can serve as a roadmap for implementing SCA.

Originality/value

The paper is novel in its attempt to explain the supply chain of army and then apply SCA to it. The paper brings out a proposed architecture which can be further investigated to work on a roadmap to apply SCA to army supply chain.
Understanding the mobile payment technology acceptance based on valence theory
Authors: Ozturk Ahmet Bulent , Bilgihan Anil , Salehi-Esfahani Saba , Hua Nan
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors affecting restaurant customers’ intention to use near field communication (NFC)-based mobile payment (MP) technology. More specifically, based on the valence theory, this paper examined the impacts of users’ negative valence (perceived risk and privacy concern) and positive valence (utilitarian value and convenience) perceptions toward their NFC-MP technology acceptance. Furthermore, the impacts of individual difference variables (smartphone affinity and compatibility) on users’ negative and positive valences and on their behavioral intentions were analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the data of the study from 412 restaurant customers. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the measurement model. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used.

Findings

The study findings demonstrated that privacy concern, utilitarian value and convenience significantly affected individuals’ NFC-MP technology acceptance. In addition, compatibility significantly influenced negative and positive valance constructs and smartphone affinity had a positive impact on positive valance constructs only.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable practical implications for restaurant operators and hospitality technology vendors in the context of mobile payment systems.

Originality/value

This study successfully extended the valence framework by adding individual difference constructs to it.
Unveiling the role of information levels in consumers’ evaluative process on opaque-selling hotel websites
Authors: Chen Hsiangting Shatina , Jai Tun-Min (Catherine) , Yuan Jingxue
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the levels of perceived information influence consumers’ purchase evaluations and intentions when making hotel reservations on an opaque-selling travel website. Because of the uniqueness of the opaque-selling model, consumers must book a hotel room without knowing the hotel’s identity. Thus, consumers’ decision-making process is intricate and substantially influenced by the limited information provided by the websites.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an experimental design approach that used promotional and preventative messages to manipulate the information levels. In total, 402 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed by using quantitative research method.

Findings

The results indicated that perceived risks and perceived benefits lead toward different paths in regard to purchase intentions and information inquiries. To make a final booking decision, consumers have to go through a “debating” process, which involves assessing the overall value of the hotel deal claimed on the website.

Practical implications

To reduce consumers’ perceived risks and increase the likelihood of purchasing, opaque-selling websites should cautiously choose what information is displayed on their websites and also improve communications and interactions with the consumers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature on information levels and its role in consumer’s evaluative process in the context of opaque-selling travel websites. In addition, this study has presented insights into opaque-buying behavior so that hotel manager may develop more appropriate pricing strategies for their target customer group.
Social inclusion and audience development at the Royal Opera House: a tourist perspective
Authors: Guachalla Adrian
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The Royal Opera House, located at the epicentre of Covent Garden, stands as the UK’s leading provider of opera and ballet performances. Having been extensively redeveloped, its front facade is not visible from the area’s central market place and the perceived exclusivity and elitism commonly associated with its art forms also impose a challenge. This study aims to analyze the influence that the Opera House exerts on the tourist’s perception and experience of the world-renowned London’s “Theatreland”.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, three hundred and six semi-structured interviews with domestic, international, first-time and repeat tourists were conducted in six different locations throughout the area and inside the flagship building using a convenience sampling approach. These were then analyzed with the assistance of qualitative data analysis software (QSR N*Vivo) in two stages leading to an initial set of categorical topics that derived in a number of findings related to the factors that influence the tourist’s perception and experience of place.

Findings

The Opera House’s perceived urban concealment proved to have an impact on its influence on Covent Garden’s sense of place. But its social inclusion and audience development initiatives that foster a new generation of opera and ballet theatre-goers emerged as important findings as the House’s open door policy for daytime visitors along with live relays of current opera and ballet productions in other locations spark an interest in experiencing the building from the inside.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses exclusively on findings related to audience development and social inclusion initiatives currently used at the Royal Opera House and their impact on the tourist’s perception and experience of place. However, many other factors influence these processes and scope for further research is highlighted.

Practical implications

The Royal Opera House’s perceived urban concealment imposes a challenge to the task of developing new audiences for its current and future productions. Its learning and participation unit must endeavor to engage younger and international markets by focusing on the quality of the House’s performances, its heritage and added facilities of the venue such as exhibitions and shop.

Social implications

The Royal Opera House’s creed of “excellence, access and artistic development” is implemented by extending opportunities to younger target markets to engage with its cultural produce.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the gap in knowledge related to the development of the niche Opera House tourist segment of the cultural tourism market.
Comparing the gender gap in gross and base wages
Authors: Perez-Villadoniga Maria J. , Rodriguez-Alvarez Ana
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the gender wage gap not only in gross wages, but also focussing on a specific salary component, the base wage, which is determined by collective bargaining for each occupational category.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate a wage frontier to analyze the difference between workers’ observed wages and their potential wage, given human capital endowments, as well as firm characteristics. Next, the authors examine the distance to the frontier as a function of workers’ gender, in order to test whether women fail to achieve potential wages to any great extent. To do so, the authors use data from the 2010 Spanish Structure of Earnings Survey.

Findings

While men nearly achieve their potential base wage, females are systematically and significantly below the wage frontier (93 per cent on average). In other words, even when the authors limit the analysis to the base wage, the authors still find a significant wage differential between men and women. A detailed analysis of this result points to the existence of occupational segregation in the labour market. Within each occupational category, females tend to be concentrated in the lower ranking jobs, which entail lower wages. This result is consistent with the existence of a sticky floors phenomenon.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature on gender discrimination that focusses on specific wage components. As far as the authors know, to date this is the first analysis to focus on a component that responds more to the characteristics of the job rather than to those of the worker.
Exploring nurtured company resilience through human capital and human resource development
Authors: Menéndez Blanco Juan Manuel , Montes-Botella José-Luis
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the importance and contribution of human capital, combined with human resources and research and development (R&D) measures, to nurturing company resilience as new knowledge and human capital artifices to face challenges derived from globalization, competitiveness, and the knowledge-based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of structural equation modeling with latent variables, a new type of synthetic index is developed, with which the evolution and incidence of human capital structure, human resources development, and R&D in the company’s accumulated resiliency can be tested.

Findings

The results indicate a remarkable contribution of human capital to company resilience (standardized path coefficient 0.8365;p<0.0001 andR2=0.7486). Differences in company-nurtured resilience are related to categories such as productivity, products diversification, human capital structure, human resources management, innovation results, technology, and a productive environment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the applied literature on this topic is scarce in economics and focused on company survival.

Practical implications

Management for resilience requires the development of the ability to balance efficiency in the short term with adaptability in the medium and long term. Recruitment and training and development policies should consider the role of emotions and motivation in creative thinking and innovation.

Originality/value

Most research on the topic has been conducted within the ecological resilience approach. The adaptive resilience approach is considered an integrated framework based on the internal perspective of company capabilities, the theory of complex adaptive systems, and the Schultz-Nelson/Phelps view on human capital.
The mediating role of organizational embeddedness on the relationship between quality of work life and turnover
Authors: Dechawatanapaisal Decha
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of organizational embeddedness in the relationship between quality of work life (QWL) and turnover under a foundation of conservation of resources theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 422 healthcare professionals through a questionnaire survey, and analyzed by means of a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that organizational embeddedness has a negative impact on employees’ intention to leave, and on actual turnover. For QWL perception, career opportunities, work life balance, and job characteristics are positive and significant predictors of organizational embeddedness. In addition, organizational embeddedness plays an intermediary role that mediates the relationship between the three components of QWL mentioned earlier and turnover intention, and also between the factor of career opportunities and actual turnover.

Research limitations/implications

The current research took place within two healthcare organizations. Replicating the study in a variety of business sectors or professions with a larger sample of subjects would be useful for the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Organizations may improve their retention of employees by offering intrinsic resources that can be obtained from the social contexts of the individual through human resource management system, e.g., growth opportunities, a healthy and caring work life quality. Such motivational resources then develop a sense of obligation toward their places of employment, which influences their intention to stay or leave.

Originality/value

This study examines the mediating role of organizational embeddedness between employees’ perception of their work life quality and their desire and behavior to withdraw, which is an area of inquiry that has not been fully investigated in the literature.
Lean Six Sigma: yesterday, today and tomorrow
Authors: Antony Jiju , Snee Ronald , Hoerl Roger
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and perspectives of three practitioners from two continents on the subject of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) from both academic and industrial viewpoints. The authors of the paper have each been working on the topic of LSS over the past 15 years and have contributed over 150 journal and conference papers to the topics of lean and Six Sigma.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to synthesize the practical experiences and research conducted by three authorities on the topic of LSS. In addition, relevant secondary data have also been used in the sections where and when appropriate.

Findings

The authors initially present the history of LSS emphasizing the importance of integration of the two most effective process excellence methodologies over the past 30 years. The authors also report the current trends of LSS in organizations as well as the emerging future trends. They argue that LSS will continue to grow and evolve across the globe for several years.

Practical implications

The paper is intended to be equally useful to both academics and practitioners who are interested on the topic of LSS. From a pure practical standpoint, the paper provides an overview of the past, present and future trends of LSS as a powerful business strategy and problem-solving methodology for all industrial sectors, irrespective of their size and nature. The documentation of the history and recent developments in LSS should be useful to researchers in academia.

Originality/value

In authors’ best knowledge, there are no recent journal articles which cover all the three of these aspects; the past, the present and the future of LSS. This paper presents the above three aspects in a unique manner and addresses the gap between the current state and future directions of LSS.
Resiliency between Islamic and conventional banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Ajim , Chowdhury Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the resiliency between conventional banks (CBs) and Islamic banks (IBs) in Bangladesh at the financial crisis, pre-crisis and post-crisis period.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 25 banks, 18 CBs and 7 IBs, operating in Bangladesh during the period 2005-2014 have been collected and divided into three stages: the pre-crisis period (2005-2006), the crisis period (2007-2008) and the post-crisis period (2009-2014). Dynamic generalized method of moments and quantile regression analysis have been used for this study.

Findings

This paper uses Z-score as an indicator of bank stability and found a significant difference in stability between IBs and CBs during the financial crisis. In addition, this paper also tries to identify the type of banks that performed better during pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis periods but found no significant differences between IBs and CBs in this regards. For robustness, quantile regression found that the statistical significance level of credit risk, capital adequacy ratio and efficiency ratio of CBs and IBs differ at different percentile.

Originality/value

Most of the previous studies were conceptual or narrative and conducted on a global basis, not country-specific. To filling the country-level research gap, this study provides a meaningful insight about how these two types of banks performed in different periods.
Adult safeguarding and the Care Act (2014) – the impacts on partnerships and practice
Authors: Cooper Adi , Bruin Claire
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the impacts on adult safeguarding partnerships and practice over 18 months following the implementation of the Care Act (2014) from the perspectives of an independent Chair of two Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) and a senior manager in adult social care in a local authority. They look at the areas of: wellbeing and safety, safeguarding activity and process, changing criteria and definitions, Making Safeguarding Personal, SABs, safeguarding adult reviews and advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw together information from published sources, experience and networks.

Findings

The paper argues that the impact on adult safeguarding and SABs has been greater than originally envisaged in a range of areas. This appears to be as a result of adult safeguarding having been made statutory, a new framework having been put in place, and added impetus given to a cultural change in adult safeguarding practice.

Originality/value

The authors have been engaged in delivering the adult safeguarding elements of the Care Act (2014) and so provide unique insight into the experience of making the changes required to meet the new statutory requirements and achieve the objective of protecting peoples’ rights to live in safety, free from abuse or neglect.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on brand equity: consumer responses to two types of fit
Authors: Guzmán Francisco , Davis Donna
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A significant stream of research investigates the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on firm performance and consumer response to CSR programs. However, how CSR initiatives help build brand equity remains relatively unexamined. This study aims to demonstrate how CSR influences brand equity in response to perceptions of two types of brand–cause fit.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze two types of fit between a brand and a social cause (disaster relief): brand value–cause fit and brand function–cause fit. Structural equation modeling is used to estimate the fit of the data with the proposed model.

Findings

Survey evidence from 370 millennial undergraduate students in the USA suggests that the two types of brand–cause fit have differential effects on attitude toward the brand and ad, which in turn influence brand equity.

Research implications/limitations

The research operationalizes brand–cause fit as a construct with two components: brand value–cause fit and brand function–cause fit. It tests these two types of fit and finds evidence for differential effects on consumer attitudes.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical considerations for managers about the importance of considering two types of brand–cause fit in selecting social causes and crafting effective corporate communications about the firm’s CSR initiatives.

Originality/value

Results suggest that it is possible for firms to craft desirable win–win–win strategies that build brand equity by investing in a strategic approach to CSR initiatives.
Brand awareness: revisiting an old metric for a new world
Authors: Romaniuk Jenni , Wight Samuel , Faulkner Margaret
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Brand awareness is a pivotal, but often neglected, aspect of consumer-based brand equity. This paper revisits brand awareness measures in the context of global brand management.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the method of Laurentet al.(1995), this cross-sectional longitudinal study examines changes in brand awareness over time, with sample sizes of approximately 300 whisky consumers per wave in three countries: United Kingdom, Taiwan and Greece.

Findings

There is consistency in the underlying structure of awareness scores across countries, and over time, extending the work of Laurentet al.(1995). Results show that a relevant operationalisation of brand awareness needs to account for the history of the brand. Furthermore, the nature of the variation of brand awareness over time interacts with a brand’s market share.

Research limitations/implications

When modelling the impact of brand awareness researchers need to consider two factors – the brand’s market share and whether a more stable or volatile measure is sought. This avoids mis-specifying the country-level contribution of brand awareness.

Practical implications

Global brand managers should be wary of adopting a “one size fits all” approach. The choice of brand awareness measure depends on the brand’s market share, and the desire for higher sensitivity or stability.

Originality/value

The paper provides one of the few multi-country investigations into brand awareness that can help inform global brand management.
The future of student life: working
Authors: Swanson Jason
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A research project exploring the emerging student needs explored six aspects of a student’s life: living, learning, working, playing, connecting and participating. The aspect of “working” is explored in this paper, considering how the spread of and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation might reconfigure work, and asking what the implications of shifts in how we engage in and complete work mean for student needs. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the two scenarios about the working domain from the Student Needs 2025+ project and highlight implications for the future of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to explore the future of six aspects of future student life.

Findings

Among the various findings of the research, the most important was the critical uncertainty as to what extent will AI, automation and general advancements in technology reshape work. These technologies are actively transforming how work is accomplished and how it is organized. Given the importance of work as a central organizing principle for many, this transition adds great uncertainty to the critical skills that students will need in the future, as well as calling into question how the other five research domains (learning, playing, connecting, participating and living) are organized. The research also found that students and those entering the workforce can expect increased levels of competition for steady work within a company. Based on the current trajectory of trends and changes, it will be increasingly challenging to climb a “career ladder”, and credentials will be even more important in terms of gaining entry into the employment market.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of research limitations, the paper is focused on the needs of students and does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis of all the issues influencing higher education. It views the future of higher education through the lens of students and their emerging needs.

Practical implications

The paper is intended for educators, researchers and administrators to provide insight on how the needs of students, their key customers, are evolving.

Originality/value

This research explores student life in its totality as way to more accurately identify student needs in the future.
Still armed after domestication? Impacts of domestication and agronomic selection on silicon defences in cereals
Authors: Simpson Kimberley J. , Wade Ruth N. , Rees Mark , Osborne Colin P. , Hartley Sue E.
Published: June 2017

Plant phenotypes reflect trade‐offs between competing resource‐intensive physiological processes. A shift in resource allocation, away from anti‐herbivore defences and towards growth and reproduction, is predicted through plant domestication, such that crops are faster growing and higher yielding than their wild ancestors. These changes are hypothesized to have come at the cost of defence investment, leaving crops “disarmed by domestication”. Silicon is the principal anti‐herbivore defence in grasses, including many of our most important staple cereal crops, but the impact of domestication on silicon‐based defences is unknown.

We measured the effects of both domestication and modern agronomic selection on growth rate and a suite of anti‐herbivore defences, specifically leaf toughness, silicon and phenolic concentrations. Our comparison of wild, landrace and modern cultivated cereals spanned multiple cereal species, including wheat, barley and maize, sampling eight independent domestication events and five examples of modern agronomic selection.

Leaf silicon concentration showed a small, but significant, 10% reduction through domestication, but there was no effect of modern agronomic selection, and phenolic concentration was not affected by either factor. Silicon concentration correlated positively with leaf tensile strength, but negatively with foliar phenolic concentrations, suggesting a trade‐off between chemical and physical defences. Size‐standardized growth rate was independent of domestication status, and did not trade‐off with silicon or phenolic defences. However, modelling showed that relative growth rate slowed more with increasing size in plants with higher silicon levels, so that they reached a smaller final size, implying a cost of silicon‐based defence. We found the opposite pattern for phenolic‐based defence, with increasing phenolic concentrations associated with a greater plant size at maturity, and faster maximum relative growth rates.

Silicon‐based defences have been reduced in cereals through domestication, consistent with our predicted costs of these defences to growth. However, modern agronomic selection has not influenced silicon defences in cereal crops and the small decrease in silicon concentration associated with domestication is unlikely to have a major effect on the ability of cereals to withstand a range of abiotic and biotic stresses. These findings have broad implications for crop protection and our understanding of plant trade‐offs.

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Medicaid Expansions and Cervical Cancer Screening for Low‐Income Women
Authors: Sabik Lindsay M. , Tarazi Wafa W. , Hochhalter Stephanie , Dahman Bassam , Bradley Cathy J.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Medicaid coverage for low‐income women may play an important role in ensuring access to preventive care. This study examines how Medicaid eligibility expansions to nonelderly adults impact cervical cancer screening among low‐income women.

Data Sources

We use data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2000 to 2010. The primary outcome of interest is whether women in the relevant guideline consistent age range reported having a Pap test in the previous year.

Study Design

We use a difference‐in‐differences approach with matched treatment and comparison states and a simulated eligibility approach based on a continuous measure of Medicaid generosity.

Principal Findings

Our results indicate that cervical cancer screening increased among low‐income women in expansion states relative to comparison states. Increases in screening rates are largest among low‐income Hispanic women.

Conclusions

Medicaid expansions during the period from 2000 to 2010 were associated with improved cervical cancer screening rates, which is critical for early cervical cancer detection and prevention of cancer morbidity and mortality in women. The results suggest that more widespread Medicaid expansions may have positive effects on preventive health care for women.
Potential role of microbial pathogens in control of red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) ‐ A Review
Authors: Yasin Muhammad , Wakil Waqas , El‐Shafie Hamadttu A.F. , Bedford Geoffrey O. , Miller Thomas A.
Published: June 2017

The invasive Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of ornamental and economically important palms globally. It has been found in 50 % of date‐growing and 15 % of coconut‐producing countries in the world. Synthetic organic insecticides have been the default method to combat this pest, but they are clearly inefficient due to the secretive nature of the insect and there is concern about non‐target effects from blanket spraying. For this reason, there is increasing interest in biological control methods such as the possible use of microbial entomopathogens, which might be incorporated into IPM approaches. In this review we summarize research work on microbial control agents, their effectiveness against RPW and their integration with other control measures.
Recent advances and prospects in Prunus virology
Authors: Rubio M. , Martínez‐Gómez P. , Marais A. , Sánchez‐Navarro J.A. , Pallás V. , Candresse T.
Published: June 2017

The stone fruit genus Prunus, within the family Rosaceae, comprises more than 230 species, some of which have great importance or value as ornamental or fruit crops. Prunus are affected by numerous viruses and viroids linked to the vegetative propagation practices in many of the cultivated species. To date, 44 viruses and three viroids have been described in the 9 main cultivated Prunus species. Seven of these viruses and one viroid have been identified in Prunus hosts within the last 5 years. This work addresses recent advances and prospects in the study of viruses and viroids affecting Prunus species, mostly concerning the detection and characterisation of the agents involved, pathogenesis analysis and the search for new control tools. New sequencing technologies are quickly reshaping the way we can identify and characterise new plant viruses and isolates. Specific efforts aimed at virus identification or data mining of high‐throughput sequencing data generated for plant genomics‐oriented purposes can efficiently reveal the presence of known or novel viruses. These technologies have also been used to gain a deeper knowledge of the pathogenesis mechanisms at the gene and miRNA expression level that underlie the interactions between Prunus spp. and their main viruses and viroids. New biotechnological control tools include the transfer of resistance by grafting, the use of new sources of resistance and the development of gene silencing strategies using genetic transformation. In addition, the application of next generation sequencing and genome editing techniques will contribute to improving our knowledge of virus–host interactions and the mechanisms of resistance. This should be of great interest in the search to obtain new Prunus cultivars capable of dealing both with known viruses and viroids and with those that are yet to be discovered in the uncertain scenario of climate change.
Characterizing levator‐ani muscle stiffness pre‐ and post‐childbirth in European and Polynesian women in New Zealand: a pilot study
Authors: Kruger Jennifer A. , Budgett Stephanie C. , Wong Vivien , Nielsen Poul M.F. , Nash Martyn P. , Smalldridge Jackie , Hayward Lynsey M. , Tian Tania Y. , Taberner Andrew J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The influence of levator‐ani muscles on second‐stage labor is poorly understood. The ability of these muscles to stretch without damage may affect birth outcomes, but little is known about material properties, effects of pregnancy and/or ethnicity on levator‐ani stiffness. There are strong associations between muscle damage and subsequent pelvic floor disorders. This study aimed to quantify levator‐ani muscle stiffness during the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum in European and Polynesian women. Associations between stiffness, obstetric variables, and the risk of intrapartum levator‐ani injury (avulsion) were investigated.

Material and methods

This was a prospective observational pilot study. A total of 167 (106 European and 61 Polynesian) nulliparous women were recruited antenatally; 129 returned postnatally. Participants were assessed between 36 and 38 weeks' gestation and three to five months postpartum. Assessments included pelvic floor ultrasound, elastometry testing, and validated questionnaires on pelvic floor function. Logistic regression, Student t‐, Chi‐square and Mann–Whitney tests were used as appropriate.

Results

There are significant differences between antenatal and postnatal muscle stiffness measurements (p < 0.01). Stiffness was significantly higher in the European cohort (p = 0.03). There were more avulsion injuries in European (20%) than in Polynesian (9%) women. There were no significant differences in antenatal stiffness between women with and without avulsion, but change in stiffness (antenatal to postnatal) was significantly less in the avulsion group. There were no associations between stiffness, and other obstetric variables, epidural anesthesia seemed protective (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Quantification of levator‐ani muscle stiffness is feasible. Muscle stiffness is significantly different before and after birth.
Swedish population‐based study of pupils showed that foster children faced increased risks for ill health, negative lifestyles and school failure
Authors: Engh Lisbet , Janson Staffan , Svensson Birgitta , Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf , Eriksson Ulla‐Britt
Published: June 2017

Aim

This population‐based study explored whether foster children faced a higher risk of health problems than children of the same age who were not in foster care.

Methods

Data for 13 739 pupils aged 10, 13 and 16 years were obtained from the Pupil Health Database in the county of Värmland, Sweden, for the school years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. These included data on school performance, health, lifestyle and social relationships, based on children's interviews with school nurses.

Results

Of all the pupils, 171 (1.2%) were in foster care. Children in foster care were generally unhealthier than other children. Both girls and boys were at higher risk of chronic health problems, daily smoking, use of drugs and school failure. When the girls in foster care were compared to other girls, we found that they faced a higher risk of psychological and psychosomatic symptoms. This difference was not found for boys. Foster children were also more likely to express a more negative view on life.

Conclusion

We confirmed earlier studies that children in foster care tended to have inferior health and well‐being than other children. These findings emphasise that health, risky behaviour and school performance should be considered together when assessing foster children.
ADAM, a hands‐on patient simulator for teaching principles of drug disposition and compartmental pharmacokinetics
Authors: Zuna Ines , Holt Andrew
Published: June 2017

Aims

To design, construct and validate a pharmacokinetics simulator that offers students hands‐on opportunities to participate in the design, administration and analysis of oral and intravenous dosing regimens.

Methods

The Alberta Drug Administration Modeller (ADAM) is a mechanical patient in which peristaltic circulation of water through a network of silicone tubing and glass bottles creates a representation of the outcomes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. Changing peristaltic pump rates and volumes in bottles allows values for pharmacokinetic constants to be varied, thereby simulating differences in drug properties and in patient physiologies and pathologies. Following administration of methylene blue dye by oral or intravenous routes, plasma and/or urine samples are collected and drug concentrations are determined spectrophotometrically. The effectiveness of the simulator in enhancing student competence and confidence was assessed in two undergraduate laboratory classes.

Results

The simulator effectively models one‐ and two‐compartment drug behaviour in a mathematically‐robust and realistic manner. Data allow calculation of numerous pharmacokinetic constants, by traditional graphing methods or with curve‐fitting software. Students' competence in solving pharmacokinetic problems involving calculations and graphing improved significantly, while an increase in confidence and understanding was reported.

Conclusions

The ADAM is relatively inexpensive and straightforward to construct, and offers a realistic, hands‐on pharmacokinetics learning opportunity for students that effectively complements didactic lectures.
A CLOSED‐FORM SOLUTION FOR DETERMINING THE BURDEN OF PUBLIC DEBT IN NEOCLASSICAL GROWTH MODELS
Authors: Dedák István , Dombi Ákos
Published: June 2017

This paper develops a new approach, termed as the stock approach, to calculate the steady‐state output loss caused by public debt in neoclassical growth models. The novelty of our stock approach is that it provides a closed‐form solution to the steady‐state output‐debt relationship. The main conclusion of the paper is that the steady‐state burden of public debt is country‐specific in neoclassical growth models and it decreases with the private saving rate and increases with the population growth rate, with the exception of the special case where Ricardian equivalence holds.
Participation of children on the autism spectrum in home, school, and community
Authors: Simpson K. , Keen D. , Adams D. , Alston‐Knox C. , Roberts J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Children on the autism spectrum participate less frequently, and in a narrower range of activities, than their nonautistic peers, but little is known about exact participation patterns across contexts or how this is perceived by caregivers. This study aimed to document patterns of participation and caregiver views with regard to frequency and intensity of activities.

Method

Caregivers of children on the spectrum aged 5 (n = 90) and 9–10 years (n = 128) completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth for home, school, and community. Caregivers reported on frequency of child's participation, level of involvement, and caregivers' desire for change in participation patterns.

Results

Item‐level analyses revealed similar patterns of participation across home, school, and community for both cohorts with some small age‐appropriate differences. Caregivers generally desired increased diversity, frequency, and involvement in activities but a decreased use of electronics (computers, games, TV, and DVDs).

Conclusion

The possibility of autism‐specific participation patterns could inform future interventions aimed at enhancing social inclusion. This warrants further investigation through multiinformant designs that seek the perspectives of the child and caregivers.