bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Intratumoral and Intertumoral Heterogeneity of MET Protein Expression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Choi Jiwoon , Lee Hee Eun , Lee Hye Seung , Han Nayoung , Kim Min A , Kim Woo Ho
Published: September 2017

Tumor heterogeneity of a target molecule could contribute to failure of the targeted therapy. We investigated the heterogeneity of MET expression within same primary gastric cancer (GC) and between primary and corresponding secondary GC lesions using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intratumoral heterogeneity was defined as discordant MET status among 3 tissue microarray cores (3 different areas of same tumor). IHC 3+ was considered positive for MET overexpression. MET overexpression was observed in 2.7% (50/1869) of all examined cores and 5.3% (33/623) of primary GCs. When we compared MET IHC results between 3 cores from each tumor, intratumoral heterogeneity was identified (65.0% in total 623 cases; 84.4% in 480 cases with any staining intensity; 84.9% in 251 cases with moderate to strong intensity; 90.9% in 33 cases with strong intensity). Of 33 MET-overexpressed GCs, the average proportion of strongly stained area was 19.6% in the whole sections. Of 269 cases with primary GC and regional lymph node metastasis, 17 (6.3%) showed MET positivity in which 9 (52.9%) were discordant (negative conversion). In 123 cases with primary and corresponding local recurrent/distant metastatic GC, 3 (2.4%) showed MET positivity in which 2 (66.7%) were discordant (positive conversion). In the survival analysis, MET IHC 3+ in lymph node metastases was an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival. We found that MET overexpression is uncommon and highly heterogeneous in GC. This severe heterogeneity of MET status should be considered in tissue sampling and development of biomarkers for anti-MET therapy.
Focal Anomalous Expression of Cytokeratin and p63 in Malignant Phyllodes Tumor: A Comparison With Spindle Cell Metaplastic Carcinoma
Authors: Bansal Meenakshi , Chen Jianzhi , Wang Xi
Published: September 2017

Differentiating between malignant phyllodes tumors and metaplastic spindle cell carcinomas could be problematic, especially on core biopsies. Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin cocktail and p63 has been utilized to differentiate between these tumor types. Forty-three phyllodes tumors (27 benign, 6 borderline, and 10 malignant) and 22 metaplastic carcinomas, consisting at least 80% of spindle cells, were identified. At least 4 tissue blocks from each phyllodes tumor were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin cocktail and p63. The immunohistochemical profiles for the spindle cells in metaplastic carcinoma were reviewed. Phyllodes tumor was diagnosed in the younger age group (mean age 41 y) with a larger tumor size (mean size 6.6 cm), compared with metaplastic spindle cell carcinoma (mean age 62.7 y, mean size 3.4 cm). Focal expression (5% of the tumor cells) of cytokeratin cocktail and p63 was identified in the stroma of 2 of 10 malignant phyllodes tumors in a scattered/patchy pattern. The stroma of benign and borderline phyllodes tumors was negative for these markers. In metaplastic spindle cell carcinomas, cytokeratin cocktail was negative in 2 of 15 cases and very focally positive in another 3 cases, whereas p63 was negative in one case and focally positive in another case. There can be anomalous, focal expression of cytokeratin and p63 in the stroma of malignant phyllodes tumors, whereas metaplastic spindle cell carcinoma can occasionally have cytokeratin and/or p63-negative staining or have very focal positivity. Caution should be exercised when relying on these markers for confirming a diagnosis, especially on core biopsies.
Cellular Targets and Receptor of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
Authors: Bagasra Omar , Addanki Krishna C. , Goodwin Gregory R. , Hughes Brandon W. , Pandey Pratima , McLean Ewen
Published: September 2017

Study Question:

What is the mechanism of sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV)?

Summary Answer:

By utilizing exquisite reverse transcriptase–initiated in situ polymerase chain reaction (RT-in situ PCR), which enables an improved visualization of spermatozoa’s subcellular compartment, we precisely localized the mid-piece of sperm that carry receptors for ZIKV.

What is Already Known:

ZIKV is transmitted sexually and recent studies have verified ZIKV presence in semen of previously Zika-infected patients for >6-month postinfection when ZIKV had disappeared from blood, saliva, and urine. Strong serial analyses of various body fluids suggest that ZIKV can be transmitted between sexual partners. Currently, there is limited information on the association of the virus with human semen cell types that may carry the virus.

Study Design, Size, Duration:

Analyses were carried out to localize ZIKV for subcellular localization of ZIKV on cell types. The Tyro3 receptor for ZIKV was colocalized by dual immunocytochemistry with specific monoclonal antibodies.

Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods:

Three semen specimens were purchased from a commercial sperm bank. Motile sperm was separated from nonmotile cells by the “swim-up” technique. Each of the semen fractions was infected with ZIKV at the multiplicity of infection of 0.1.0 and 1.0 and evaluated for the primary targets of ZIKV in the semen cells by RT-in situ PCR and confirmed by real-time RT-PCR.

Main Results and the Role of Chance:

ZIKV was present primarily at the mid-piece of mature spermatozoa in about 30% of the sperm. In addition, we determined that Tyro3 receptors, primarily expressed on mid-piece of human spermatozoa, play a role in ZIKV-binding and entry into spermatozoa. Our data strongly suggest a potential sexual/horizontal route of transmission for ZIKV primarily via infected sperms; most likely ZIKV enters the sperm via the Tyro3 receptor found at the mid-piece of the mature spermatozoa.

Limitations, Reasons for Caution:

We are uncertain as to what phase of spermatogenesis, that in human takes about 120 days, sperms are permissive to ZIKV. If permissiveness was very early during spermatogenesis males could be infectious for ∼120 days after the disappearance of viremia in an infected man.

Wider Implications of the Findings:

Our findings bring a new focus on the current affords to develop ZIKV vaccine. Why in the presence of anti-ZIKV antibodies infected men are still able to transmit the virus sexually? We suggest that only certain subclass of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (ie, IgG4) can cross the blood-Sertoli barrier therefore, a successful vaccine must provoke a subclass of IgG can quell ZIKV inside the seminiferous tubules.
Utility of ERG Immunohistochemistry for Evaluation of Lymphovascular Invasion in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Udager Aaron M. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Morgan Todd M. , Spratt Daniel E. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Mehra Rohit
Published: September 2017

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) of testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) is an important stage-determining variable in the evaluation of radical orchiectomy specimens. ERG endothelial cell expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), robustly highlights lymphovascular spaces, and thus, we sought to assess the utility of ERG IHC for evaluation of GCT LVI. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides from a retrospective cohort of 25 GCT radical orchiectomy specimens (emanating from a parent cohort of 159 radical orchiectomy GCT cases identified between 2003 and 2013) were reviewed, and sections with foci of positive or equivocal LVI were identified. ERG IHC was performed on sections off the surface of corresponding paraffin tissue blocks. All foci were then rescored as positive, equivocal, or negative for LVI based on ERG endothelial cell expression. Twenty-three and 13 foci were positive or equivocal for LVI by H&E staining, respectively. Among the H&E positive LVI foci, 20 (87%) were ERG IHC positive, whereas of the H&E equivocal LVI foci, 5 (38%) were ERG IHC positive, 3 (23%) were ERG IHC negative, and 2 (15%) were ERG IHC equivocal; all other foci were lost for evaluation. Overall, ERG IHC helped resolve the LVI status of 61% of foci deemed equivocal for LVI by H&E staining only. Although ERG IHC is useful in confirming definitive LVI status in a subset of GCT cases, the overall clinical impact of ERG IHC is limited for H&E equivocal LVI foci in this specific retrospective patient cohort. Overall, in carefully selected clinical scenarios, these data suggest a supportive role for ERG IHC in evaluation of GCT LVI in radical orchiectomy specimens.
Whole Slide Imaging Versus Microscopy for Primary Diagnosis in Surgical Pathology
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Feldman Michael D. , Abels Esther , Ashfaq Raheela , Beltaifa Senda , Cacciabeve Nicolas G. , Cathro Helen P. , Cheng Liang , Cooper Kumarasen , Dickey Glenn E. , Gill Ryan M. , Heaton Robert P. , Kerstens René , Lindberg Guy M. , Malhotra Reenu K. , Mandell James W. , Manlucu Ellen D. , Mills Anne M. , Mills Stacey E. , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Nelis Mischa , Patil Deepa T. , Przybycin Christopher G. , Reynolds Jordan P. , Rubin Brian P. , Saboorian Mohammad H. , Salicru Mauricio , Samols Mark A. , Sturgis Charles D. , Turner Kevin O. , Wick Mark R. , Yoon Ji Y. , Zhao Po , Taylor Clive R.
Published: September 2017

Most prior studies of primary diagnosis in surgical pathology using whole slide imaging (WSI) versus microscopy have focused on specific organ systems or included relatively few cases. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that WSI is noninferior to microscopy for primary diagnosis in surgical pathology. A blinded randomized noninferiority study was conducted across the entire range of surgical pathology cases (biopsies and resections, including hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry, and special stains) from 4 institutions using the original sign-out diagnosis (baseline diagnosis) as the reference standard. Cases were scanned, converted to WSI and randomized. Sixteen pathologists interpreted cases by microscopy or WSI, followed by a wash-out period of ≥4 weeks, after which cases were read by the same observers using the other modality. Major discordances were identified by an adjudication panel, and the differences between major discordance rates for both microscopy (against the reference standard) and WSI (against the reference standard) were calculated. A total of 1992 cases were included, resulting in 15,925 reads. The major discordance rate with the reference standard diagnosis was 4.9% for WSI and 4.6% for microscopy. The difference between major discordance rates for microscopy and WSI was 0.4% (95% confidence interval, −0.30% to 1.01%). The difference in major discordance rates for WSI and microscopy was highest in endocrine pathology (1.8%), neoplastic kidney pathology (1.5%), urinary bladder pathology (1.3%), and gynecologic pathology (1.2%). Detailed analysis of these cases revealed no instances where interpretation by WSI was consistently inaccurate compared with microscopy for multiple observers. We conclude that WSI is noninferior to microscopy for primary diagnosis in surgical pathology, including biopsies and resections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry and special stains. This conclusion is valid across a wide variety of organ systems and specimen types.
Sentinel Lymph Node Ultra-staging as a Supplement for Endometrial Cancer Intraoperative Frozen Section Deficiencies
Authors: Blakely Morgan , Liu Yuxin , Rahaman Jamal , Prasad-Hayes Monica , Tismenetsky Mikhail , Wang Xiaofei , Nair Navya , Dresser Karen A. , Nagarsheth Nimesh , Kalir Tamara
Published: September 2017

For endometrial cancer (EC), most surgeons rely on intraoperative frozen section (IFS) to determine the risk of nodal metastasis and necessity of lymphadenectomy. IFS remains a weak link in this practice due to its susceptibility to diagnostic errors. As a less invasive alternative, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and ultra-staging have gradually gained acceptance for EC. We aimed to establish the SLN success rate, negative predictive value, and whether SLNs provide useful information for cases misdiagnosed on IFS. From 2013 to 2017, 100 patients (63 low-risk and 37 high-risk EC) underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and SLN. Among them, 56 had additional pelvic lymphadenectomy. A total of 337 SLNs were obtained in 86 cases: 55 bilaterally and 31 unilaterally. The remaining 14 cases failed because of patient obesity or leiomyoma. Pathology ultra-staging detected 2 positive SLNs from 2 patients (1 with isolated tumor cells, 1 with micrometastases). One of 773 nonsentinel pelvic nodes was positive on the contralateral hemi-pelvis in a patient who was mapped unilaterally, resulting in negative predictive value of 100%. During IFS, tumor grade and/or depth of myometrial invasion was misdiagnosed in 22 cases (22%). These errors would have resulted in under-staging in 10 high-risk patients or over-staging in 4 low-risk patients. SLNs were mapped in these misestimated patients, with one revealing metastases. SLN provides invaluable information on nodal status while detecting occult metastases in cases misdiagnosed on IFS. Our findings justify the incorporation of SLN in initial surgery for EC as an offset to IFS diagnostic errors, minimizing their negative impact on patient care.
The Prevalence and Mental and Physical Health Correlates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Vulnerable and Underresourced Primary Care Patients Referred to a Behavioral Health Provider
Authors: Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Selwyn Candice N. , Jackson Selena , Johns Keri , Wornell Cory , Finnegan Heather , Smith-West Mary B.
Published: September 2017

Context:

The prevalence of trauma exposure among vulnerable, impoverished patients seeking primary care services is considerable. However, assessment of trauma-related symptoms is rare, even among behavioral health patients receiving primary care services within integrated health care centers.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of clinically noteworthy trauma-related symptoms and their associations with other co-occurring mental and physical symptoms as well as self-reported resiliency.

Participants:

Primary care patients (n = 120) referred to behavioral health services (76.7% black/African American; 70.8% female).

Setting:

Federally qualified health center.

Main Outcome Measures:

Abbreviated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian, 2-item version; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-15: physical health symptoms; PHQ-9: depression symptoms; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, 7-item; Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, 2-items.

Results:

Seventy-three percent (n = 88) of provider-referred behavioral health patients screened positive for potential posttraumatic stress disorder. Patients most likely to meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder reported significantly higher levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation as well as more severe headaches, chest pains, dizziness, and poorer health care.

Conclusions:

Results support the need for a trauma-informed integrated approach to health care within primary care settings, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. Integrated health care services foster an environment in which patient access to and satisfaction with services is maximized while overall well-being is enhanced. Adding resiliency-enhancing strategies to patients' integrated health care treatment plans might also be health-promoting. PTSD symptoms can be assessed as part of routine integrated practice via a 2-item screener. Information obtained from trauma screening provides the health care team with useful contextual information about patients' physical and behavioral health symptoms.
Behind the Black Box: The Evidence for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Warning about the Risk of General Anesthesia in Children Younger than 3 Years
Authors: Derderian Christopher A. , Szmuk Peter , Derderian Courtney K.
Published: September 2017

On December 14, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Drug Safety Communication warning “that repeated or lengthy use of general anesthetic and sedation drugs during surgeries or procedures in children younger than 3 years or in pregnant women during their third trimester may affect the development of children’s brains.” Health care professionals were urged to “balance the benefits of appropriate anesthesia in young children and pregnant women against the potential risks, especially for procedures that may last more than 3 hours or if multiple procedures are required in children under 3 years.” Surgeons must have an understanding of the evidence that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning and recommendations to appropriately weigh these risks and counsel their patients. In this article, the authors summarize the preclinical and clinical data that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning, discuss ongoing clinical studies, and provide strategies to reduce the risk of general anesthesia in patients younger than 3 years.
Phalloplasty with Urethral Lengthening: Addition of a Vascularized Bulbospongiosus Flap from Vaginectomy Reduces Postoperative Urethral Complications
Authors: Massie Jonathan P. , Morrison Shane D. , Wilson Stelios C. , Crane Curtis N. , Chen Mang L.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Phalloplasty with urethral lengthening is the procedure of choice for female-to-male transgender patients who desire an aesthetic phallus and standing micturition, but is associated with complications, including urethral stricture and fistula formation. Horizontal urethra construction can be accomplished with labia minora flaps covered with additional vascularized layers of vestibular tissue when vaginectomy is performed concomitantly with phalloplasty. However, vaginectomy is not a requisite step in phalloplasty, and some individuals may choose to retain their vagina. In these cases, extra layers of vascularized vestibular tissue are not used for horizontal urethra coverage. This study examined the effects of vaginectomy and the addition of extra layers of vascularized vestibular tissue on phalloplasty complication rates.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective study of 224 patients who underwent phalloplasty with urethral lengthening was performed. Patients were sorted into vaginectomy and vaginal preservation cohorts and complication rates were assessed.

Results:

Of 224 total phalloplasty patients, 215 underwent vaginectomy and nine underwent vaginal preservation. Urethral complications occurred in 27 percent of patients with vaginectomy and in 67 percent of patients with vaginal preservation (OR, 0.18; p = 0.02). Vaginectomy was associated with decreased urethral stricture (OR, 0.25; p = 0.047) and urethral fistula formation (OR, 0.13; p = 0.004). Non–urethra-related complications occurred in 15 percent of vaginectomy patients but were not statistically significant (OR, 3.37; p = 0.41).

Conclusion:

Vaginectomy is associated with a significant decrease in urethral stricture and fistula formation, most likely because vaginectomy affords additional horizontal urethroplasty suture line coverage of labia minora flaps with vascularized vestibular tissue.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Managing Opioid Addiction Risk in Plastic Surgery during the Perioperative Period
Authors: Demsey Daniel , Carr Nicholas J. , Clarke Hance , Vipler Sharon
Published: September 2017

Opioid addiction is a public health crisis that affects all areas of medicine. Large numbers of the population across all racial and economic demographics misuse prescription opioids and use illicit opioids. The current understanding is that opioid misuse is a disease that requires treatment, and is not an issue of choice or character. Use of opioid medication is a necessary part of postoperative analgesia, but many physicians are unsure of how to do this safely given the risk of patients developing an opioid misuse disorder. This review gives an update of the current state of the opioid crisis, explains how current surgeons’ prescribing practices are contributing to it, and gives recommendations on how to use opioid medication safely in the perioperative period.
Impact of a Cleft and Craniofacial Center on an Academic Health System
Authors: Pourtaheri Navid , Kearney Aaron , Wan Derrick C. , Lakin Gregory
Published: September 2017

Background:

The contributions of all physician specialties and ancillary services involved in cleft and craniofacial center care must be evaluated to fairly assess the financial impact of a cleft and craniofacial center. The authors hypothesized that the cleft and craniofacial center generates profitable downstream productivity for the academic health system.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who presented to a cleft and craniofacial center in the first quarter of 2011. Analysis included all health system encounters for each patient over a 2-year period using the electronic medical record and health system financial database.

Results:

Sixty-two patients were seen (mean age, 11.4 years; 38 boys and 24 girls; 18 new and 44 established patients). Over 2 years, there were 618 health system encounters (599 outpatient and 19 inpatient encounters), 68 hospital days, and 110 procedures. The most common physician specialty was plastic surgery [312 encounters (50.5 percent)] and the most common ancillary service was speech therapy [256 encounters (41.4 percent)]. The overall reimbursement rate was 39.9 percent, with a majority payor-mix of government payors (62.1 percent). The total profit margin percentage from all encounters was 13.7 percent, which was greater for managed care compared with government payor (38.9 percent versus −10.8 percent; p = 0.022), inpatient compared to outpatient (24.5 percent versus −2.8 percent; p < 0.001), and plastic surgery compared to other specialty encounters (19.7 percent versus 8.7 percent; p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

The cleft and craniofacial center generated profitable downstream productivity for the academic health system with referrals to 39 different physician and nonphysician specialties. Health system providers and the business team should align to analyze the center, enhance patient outcomes, and improve specialty care access for patients.
Patient Safety Climate in General Public Hospitals in China: A Multiregion Study
Authors: Zhou Ping , Li Minqi , Wei Xuefeng , Zhu Hongbo , Xue Di
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the potential difference in patient safety climate by region (Shanghai vs Hubei Province vs Gansu Province) and general public hospital level (tertiary vs secondary) in China.

Methods

Using a stratified sampling method, employees from 54 public general hospitals in Shanghai, Hubei Province, and Gansu Province in China were surveyed in 2015. The Patient Safety Climate in Health Care Organizations tool and the percentage of “problematic responses” (PPRs) were used to measure and analyze the patient safety climate. A χ2 test and hierarchical linear modeling were applied for the analysis.

Results

In the study, 4121 valid questionnaires were collected. The psychometric analysis supported the validity and reliability of our Chinese version of the Patient Safety Climate in Health Care Organizations. The overall patient safety climate was relatively good and exhibited no significant differences among the surveyed hospitals by various regions (Shanghai vs Hubei Province vs Gansu Province) and diverse hospital levels (tertiary vs secondary) using hierarchical linear models. “Fear of blame and punishment” and “fear of shame” had the highest PPRs and were prevalent in various types of hospitals. “Provision of safe care” and “organizational resources for safety” also had notably high PPRs. There were 4 dimensions varied by region and hospital level in this survey.

Conclusions

Fear of shame and fear of blame are the most important barriers to the improvement of patient safety in the hospitals of China. Facility characteristics contributed somewhat to hospital patient safety climate in some dimensions. The initiatives to improve hospital patient safety climate are necessary and its implementation strategies needs to be shared.
Clinical Application of Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Treatment of Aplasia Cutis Congenita on Scalp
Authors: Park Eun Soo , Park Jun Ho , Shin Ho Seong , Nam Seung Min
Published: September 2017

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC), also called cutis aplasia, is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by focal defect of the skin at birth, frequently involving the scalp, but may affect any region of the body. Approximately 80% of patients have the defect confined to the skin and generally less than 2 cm diameter, which can be managed conservatively with dressing alone. However, some patients present large cutaneous defects and aplasia of the underlying skull may also be present. The main complications of large defects include meningeal infection, bleeding, and thrombosis, which may be deadly. Some controversy remains in the literature regarding ACC treatment, with surgical and conservative treatment modalities having proponents and opponents.

This article presents the first case of a newborn with full-thickness ACC lesion of the vertex healed by conservative treatment with application of acellular dermal matrix.
Hemoglobin-based Oxygen Carriers: Current State-of-the-art and Novel Molecules
Authors: Sen Gupta Anirban
Published: September 2017

In blood, the primary role of red blood cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen via highly regulated mechanisms involving hemoglobin (Hb). Hb is a tetrameric porphyrin protein comprising of two α- and two β-polypeptide chains, each containing an iron-containing heme group capable of binding one oxygen molecule. In military as well as civilian traumatic exsanguinating hemorrhage, rapid loss of RBCs can lead to suboptimal tissue oxygenation and subsequent morbidity and mortality. In such cases, transfusion of whole blood or RBCs can significantly improve survival. However, blood products including RBCs present issues of limited availability and portability, need for type matching, pathogenic contamination risks, and short shelf-life, causing substantial logistical barriers to their prehospital use in austere battlefield and remote civilian conditions. While robust research is being directed to resolve these issues, parallel research efforts have emerged toward bioengineering of semisynthetic and synthetic surrogates of RBCs, using various cross-linked, polymeric, and encapsulated forms of Hb. These Hb-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) can potentially provide therapeutic oxygenation when blood or RBCs are not available. Several of these HBOCs have undergone rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluation, but have not yet received clinical approval in the USA for human use. While these designs are being optimized for clinical translations, several new HBOC designs and molecules have been reported in recent years, with unique properties. The current article will provide a comprehensive review of such HBOC designs, including current state-of-the-art and novel molecules in development, along with a critical discussion of successes and challenges in this field.
Behavioral diversity assisting obstacle navigation during group transportation in ant
Authors: Utsunomiya Shohei , Takamatsu Atsuko
Published: September 2017

Cooperative transportation behavior in ants has attracted attention from a wide range of researchers, from behavioral biologists to roboticists. Ants can accomplish complex tasks as a group whereas individual ants are not intelligent (in the context of thisstudy’s tasks). In this study, group transportation and obstacle navigation inFormica japonica, an ant species exhibiting ‘uncoordinated transportation’ (primitive group transportation), are observed using two differently conditioned colonies. Analysesfocus on the effect of group size on two key quantities: transportation speed and obstacle navigation period. Additionally, this study examines how these relationships differ between colonies. The tendencies in transportation speed differ between colonies whereas the obstacle navigation period is consistently reduced irrespective of the colony. To explain this seemingly inconsistent result in transportation speed, we focus on behavioral diversity in ‘directivity’, defined as the tendency of individual ants totransport a food item toward their own preferential direction. Directivity is not always toward the nest, but rather is distributed around it. The diversity of the first colony is less than that of the second colony. Based on the above results, a mechanical model is constructed. Using the translational and rotational motion equations of a rigid rod, the model mimics a food item being pulled by single or multiple ants. The directions of pulling forces exerted by individual ants are assumed to be distributed around the direction pointing toward the nest. The simulation results suggest that, as diversity in directivity increases, so does the success rate in more complicated obstacle navigation. In contrast, depending on group size, the speed of group transportation increases in the case of lower diversity while it is almost constant in the case of higher diversity. Transportation speed and obstacle navigation success rate are in a trade-off relationship.
ATRX, DAXX or MEN1mutant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a distinct alpha-cell signature subgroup
Authors: Chan Chang S , Laddha Saurabh V , Lewis Peter , Koletsky Matthew , Robzyk Kenneth , Da Silva Edaise , Torres Paula J. , Untch Brian , Bose Promita , Chan Timothy A. , Klimstra David S. , Allis C. David , Tang Laura H.
Published: September 2017

The most commonly mutated genes in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) areATRX,DAXX, andMEN1. Little is known about the cells-of-origin for non-functional neuroendocrine tumors. Here, we genotyped 64 PanNETs for mutations inATRX,DAXX, andMEN1and found 37 tumors (58%) carry mutations in these three genes (A-D-M mutant PanNETs) and this correlates with a worse clinical outcome than tumors carrying the wild-type alleles of all three genes (A-D-M WT PanNETs). We performed RNA sequencing and DNA-methylation analysis on 33 randomly selected cases to reveal two distinct subgroups with one group consisting entirely of A-D-M mutant PanNETs. Two biomarkers differentiating A-D-M mutant from A-D-M WT PanNETs were highARXgene expression and lowPDX1gene expression withPDX1promoter hyper-methylation in the A-D-M mutant PanNETs. Moreover, A-D-M mutant PanNETs had a gene expression signature related to that of alpha cells (pval < 0.009) of pancreatic islets including increased expression of HNF1A and its transcriptional target genes. This gene expression profile suggests that A-D-M mutant PanNETs originate from or transdifferentiate into a distinct cell type similar to alpha cells.
LFASS: Label-Free Automated Survival Scoring for High-Throughput Nematode Assays
Authors: Benedetto Alexandre , Bambade Timothee , Au Catherine , Tullet Jennifer M , Dang Hairuo , Cetnar Kalina , Cabreiro Filipe , Gems David
Published: September 2017

Caenorhabditis elegansis an excellent model for high-throughput experimental approaches, but lacks a robust, versatile and automated means to pinpoint time of death. Here we describe an automated, label-free, high-throughput method using death-associated fluorescence to monitor nematode survival, which we apply to stress and infection resistance assays. We demonstrate its use to define correlations between age, longevity and stress-resistance, and reveal an autophagy-dependent increase in acute stress resistance in early adulthood.
Interferon-inducible miR-128 modulates HIV-1 replication by targeting TNPO3 mRNA
Authors: Bochnakian Aurore , Zisoulis Dimitrios G , Idica Adam , Zhen Anjie , KewalRamani Vineet N , Daugaard Iben , Hamdorf Matthias , Kitchen Scott , Lee KyeongEun , Pedersen Irene Munk
Published: September 2017

The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains an important threat to human health. We have recently demonstrated that a novel microRNA (miR-128) represses retrotransposon (LINE-1 or L1) by a dual mechanism, by directly targeting the coding region of the L1 RNA and by repressing a required nuclear import factor (TNPO1). We have further determined that miR-128 represses the expression of all three isoforms of TNPO proteins (transportins, TNPO1,-2 and TNPO3). Here, we establish that miR-128 also controls HIV-1 replication by repressing TNPO3. TNPO3 is well established to regulate HIV-1 nuclear import and viral replication. Here, we report that the type I interferon inducible miR-128 directly targets two sites in the TNPO3 mRNA, significantly down-regulating TNPO3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Manipulation of miR-128 levels in HIV target cell lines and in primary human CD4 T-cells by over-expression or knockdown showed that modulation of TNPO3 by miR-128 affects HIV-1 replication but not MLV infection. In addition, we found that miR-128 modulation of HIV-1 replication is reduced with TNPO3-independent HIV-1 virus and in cells depleted of CPSF6, suggesting that miR-128-indued TNPO3 repression is partly required for miR-128-induced inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Finally, challenging miR-modulated Jurkat cells or primary CD4 T-cells with wildtype, replication-competent HIV-1 shows that miR-128 significantly delays spreading infection. Thus, we have established a novel role of miR-128 in anti-viral defense in human cells, inhibiting HIV-1 replication partly by targeting TNPO3.
The structure-directing amine changes everything: structures and optical properties of two-dimensional thiostannates
Authors: Filsø Mette Ø. , Chaaban Iman , Al Shehabi Amer , Skibsted Jørgen , Lock Nina
Published: September 2017

Two different two-dimensional thiostannates (SnS) were synthesized using tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) or 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine (1AEP) as structure-directing agents. Both structures consist of negatively charged thiostannate layers with charge stabilizing cations sandwiched in-between. The fundamental building units are Sn3S4 broken-cube clusters connected by double sulfur bridges to form polymeric (Sn3S7
2−)
n
honeycomb hexagonal layers. The compounds are members of the R-SnS-1 family of structures, where R indicates the type of cation. Despite consisting of identical structural units, the band gaps of the two semiconducting compounds were found to differ substantially at 2.96 eV (violet–blue light) and 3.21 eV (UV light) for tren–SnS-1 and 1AEP–SnS-1, respectively. Aiming to explain the observed differences in optical properties, the structures of the two thiostannates were investigated in detail based on combined X-ray diffraction, solid-state 13C and 119Sn MAS NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies. The compound tren–SnS-1 has a hexagonal structure consisting of planar SnS layers with regular hexagonal pores and disordered cations, whereas 1AEP–SnS-1 has an orthorhombic unit cell with ordered cations, distorted hexagonal pores and non-planar SnS layers. In the formation of 1AEP–SnS-1, an intramolecular reaction of the structure-directing piperidine takes place to form an N-heterobicyclic cation through in situ C—H activation. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate the interaction between the SnS layers and cations in 1AEP–SnS-1 and revealed that the most nucleophilic part of the SnS sheets is one of the two crystallographically distinct double sulfur bridges.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of pulcherrin J
Authors: Ogbeide K. Osahon , Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman  , Owolabi J. Bodunde , Falodun Abiodun , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Yousuf Sammer
Published: September 2017

The title compound, C29H36O4[systematic name (4aR,5R,6aS,7R,11aS,11bR)-4a-hydroxy-4,4,7,11b-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodecahydrophenanthro[3,2-b]furan-5-yl cinnamate], a natural diterpene known as pulcherrin J, was isolated from stem barks of medicinally importantCaesalpinia pulcherrima(L.). The crystal structure of pulcherrin J shows it to be composed of a central core of threetrans-fused cyclohexane rings and a near planar five-membered furan ring, along with an axially oriented cinnamate moiety and an hydroxy substituent attached at positions 4a and 5 of the steroid ring system, respectively. The absolute structure was established with the use of CuKα radiation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds to generate [100]C(8) chains. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most significant contacts in packing are H...H (67.5%), followed by C...H (19.6%) and H...O (12.9%).
Crystal structures of three hydrogen-bonded 1:2 compounds of chloranilic acid with 2-pyridone, 3-hydroxypyridine and 4-hyroxypyridine
Authors: Gotoh Kazuma , Ishida Hiroyuki
Published: September 2017

The crystal structures of the 1:2 compounds of chloranilic acid (systematic name: 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) with 2-pyridone, 3-hydroxypyridine and 4-hyroxypyridine, namely, bis(2-pyridone) chloranilic acid, 2C5H5NO·C6H2Cl2O4, (I), bis(3-hydroxypyridinium) chloranilate, 2C5H6NO+·C6Cl2O42−, (II), and bis(4-hydroxypyridinium) chloranilate, 2C5H6NO+·C6Cl2O42−, (III), have been determined at 120 K. In the crystal of (I), the base molecule is in the lactam form and no acid–base interaction involving H-atom transfer is observed. The acid molecule lies on an inversion centre and the asymmetric unit consists of one half-molecule of chloranilic acid and one 2-pyridone molecule, which are linkedviaa short O—H...O hydrogen bond. 2-Pyridone molecules form a head-to-head dimerviaa pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a tape structure along [201]. In the crystals of (II) and (III), acid–base interactions involving H-atom transfer are observed and the divalent cations lie on an inversion centre. The asymmetric unit of (II) consists of one half of a chloranilate anion and one 3-hydroxypyridinium cation, while that of (III) comprises two independent halves of anions and two 4-hydroxypyridinium cations. The primary intermolecular interaction in (II) is a bifurcated O—H...(O,O) hydrogen bond between the cation and the anion. The hydrogen-bonded units are further linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a layer parallel to thebcplane. In (III), one anion is surrounded by four cationsviaO—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, while the other is surrounded by four cationsviaN—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. These interactions link the cations and the anions into a layer parallel to (301).
MIn(HAsO4)2(M= K, Rb, Cs): three new hydrogenarsenates adopting two different structure types
Authors: Schwendtner Karolina , Kolitsch Uwe
Published: September 2017

Potassium indium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], KIn(HAsO4)2, rubidium indium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], RbIn(HAsO4)2, and caesium indium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsIn(HAsO4)2, were grown under mild hydrothermal conditions (T= 493 K, 7–8 d). KIn(HAsO4)2adopts the KSc(HAsO4)2structure type (space groupC2/c), while RbIn(HAsO4)2and CsIn(HAsO4)2crystallize in the space groupR-3cand are the first arsenate representatives of the RbFe(HPO4)2structure type. All three compounds have tetrahedral–octahedral framework topologies. TheM+cations, located in voids of the respective framework, are slightly disordered in RbIn(HAsO4)2. In KIn(HAsO4)2, there is a second K-atom position with a very low occupancy, which may suggest that the K atom can easily move in the channels extending along [101].
3-(4-Chlorobutyl)-3H-indole-5-carbonitrile. Corrigendum
Authors: Manikandan Devakumar , Gomathi Sundaramoorthy , Nirmalram Jeyaraman Selvaraj , Tagore Sadasivam Sharmila , Sethuraman Velusamy , Agim Joseph , Butcher Ray
Published: September 2017

In the paper by Manikandan et al. [IUCrData (2017). 2, x170376], a proton on the indole N was missed in the structure solution. The proton is now added and the changes are reported here. The title, scheme, Figs. 1 and 2, the hydrogen-bonding table, the crystallographic data table and description of the supramolecular architectures are corrected.
Intellectual capital and competitive advantage in Uganda’s microfinance industry
Authors: Kamukama Nixon , Sulait Tumwine
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The paper examines individual contribution of intellectual capital elements to competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to explore the weight of individual intellectual capital elements in explaining competitive advantage in Uganda’s microfinance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression was used because of its capacity to indicate precisely what happens to the model as different predictor variables are introduced.

Findings

This study confirms that the three intellectual capital elements are the strong predictors of competitive advantage and they account for 44 percent of variance in competitive advantage. However, the order of importance of these variables in explaining the variance in competitive advantage in the microfinance industry (basing on their standardized β values) is relational capital, structural capital and human capital.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single research methodological approach was employed and future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate the data. Furthermore, the findings from the present study are cross-sectional; future research should be undertaken to examine the longitudinal effects of intellectual capital elements.

Practical implications

The findings can help the management to intensify initiatives to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of the concept of intellectual capital that boosts competitive edge in the industry.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focuses on testing the individual contribution of intellectual capital dimensions to competitive advantage in Uganda’s microfinance institutions.
Financial sector development and income inequality in South Africa
Authors: Kapingura Forget Mingiri
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial sector development and inequality in South Africa for the period from 1990 to 2012. Unlike previous studies, the study examines the role of both the broad measure of financial sector development (Bank credit to the private sector) and a measure of financial inclusion (ATMs).

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising quarterly data, the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing model approach to cointegration test was estimated. The approach was preferred due to its compatibility with data of different orders and flexibility.

Findings

The findings indicate that financial development, especially when it is inclusive reduces the level of inequality in South Africa both in the short- and long-run. The results also highlighted that economic growth, external trade activities and government activities have played a very important role in reducing inequality in South Africa. On the other hand the empirical results also highlight that increasing inflation is regressive on inequality in South Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The results from the study imply that financial development on its own though important may not benefit the disadvantaged groups such as the poor and the rural community until it is inclusive. It is important to note that the study was carried out on the premise that inequality plays a very important role in exacerbating poverty levels in South Africa.

Practical implications

The paper highlights another avenue which authorities can pursue to reduce the level of inequality in the country.

Social implications

The paper documents the importance of financial inclusion in reducing the level of inequality in South Africa rather than advocating for financial sector development only.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution through analysing the effect of financial inclusion on income inequality rather than broad financial sector development which is common to the majority of the available empirical studies.
Employer assessments of business interns
Authors: Rothman Miriam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

A 2012 international survey by McKinsey & Co. reported a schism among higher education providers, employers and youth in regard to their perception about graduates’ adequate preparation for employment. They suggested greater engagement among stakeholders as a way to bridge this gap. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that academic credit-based internship programs can aid in the engagement process through better utilization of employer evaluations of interns.

Design/methodology/approach

Supervisors (n=389) rated their business interns on 12 competencies and responded to three open-ended questions about their strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for professional improvement. Rating scale data were averaged by item and a content analysis methodology was used to analyze the questionnaire responses.

Findings

The average score for each of the 12 rated items was fairly high and reflected competencies associated with the school to work transition, communication skills, decision making and work ethic. Responses to the open-ended questions yielded eight themes that were noted as strengths for some interns but weaknesses for others. About 30 percent of supervisors made recommendations for professional improvement of the intern.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of studies reporting results of actual employer evaluations of interns. Not only does this study address this gap through data collection from 389 supervisors across a variety of business functions, but also clarifies these ratings for individual career development through identifying interns’ strengths, weaknesses and advice for professional improvement. By collecting outcome assessments on interns from supervisors, higher education providers can not only identify the strengths and weaknesses of their curricula, but also their soon-to-be graduates; and provide support and resources for performance improvement. Interns too become aware of competencies identified for successful labor market integration.
Transforming the student-learning experience: the Triple-V model of experiential learning
Authors: Mortimer Sue
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the Triple-V model of experiential learning, when applied to Higher Education (HE), can transform the student-learning experience by integrating the model’s three elements of Vision, Value and Vocation into delivery, assessment and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out how the Triple-V model was introduced in three case studies. Feedback data were gathered through formal and informal surveys with students and other respondents.

Findings

The Triple-V model expounds the virtues of integrating Vision, Value and Vocation into HE to engage students in deep learning and to provide an external employability reference framework, which is particularly vital for students leaving HE with concerns about securing suitable employment to service soaring levels of student debt. The implementation of the model, based on measured outcomes, met with positive feedback from respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The Triple-V model was tested across three scenarios, using different respondents, within a School of Management. A Twitter account has been established (#triple_v_model) to invite wider participation and feedback to hone the model further, in particular its suitability for more esoteric, and less exoteric, subjects.

Originality/value

The Triple-V model is entirely original, devised by the present author, and is intended to enhance the HE student learning experience, contextualising for students their studies within a wider employability framework.