bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRES in Pediatric HSCT: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Kapoor Rajan , Simalti Ashish , Kumar Rajiv , Yanamandra Uday , Das Satyaranjan , Singh Jasjit , Nair Velu
Published: April 2018

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has diverse etiologies and is closely linked to hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Headache and seizures are the most common clinical presentations. Although near total recovery is seen in the majority of patients with appropriate management, the implications of its occurrence in the setting of an HSCT is much more than the residual neurological deficits. Graft rejection and occurrence of graft versus host disease has been reported. We analyzed retrospectively our data of 35 pediatric HSCT recipients over the last 2 years at our center. In total, 17% (n=6) patients developed PRES. Headache and seizures were the most common clinical presentations. All patients were on calcineurin inhibitors at the onset of symptoms. The median time after HSCT to the onset of PRES was 21 days. In total, 34% (n=2) patients developed residual neurological deficit. One patient died of acute graft versus host disease at a later date, and 50% (n=3) patients had graft rejection and return to transfusion dependence. The implications of PRES on HSCT outcomes are grave, and better immunosuppression transition protocols need to be developed.
Hepatitis-associated Aplastic Anemia: A Report of 3 Cases Associated With HAV
Authors: Alsakkal Mohammad , Al-khateeb Mohammad , Alhalaby Mohammad , Khouri Lina
Published: April 2018

Aplastic anemia is a rare complication of viral hepatitis. We present 3 cases of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia after hepatitis A virus infection. One of our cases is the first reported case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia after fulminant hepatitis A infection. Patient characteristics were consistent with older reports with regard to age and sex. All 3 patients were male individuals under the age of 20. In addition, all 3 patients had A+ blood group. Outcomes in our series were poor because of the unavailability of antithymocyte globulin and bone marrow transplantation.
Socioeconomic Vulnerability and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Pregnant Haitian Women
Authors: Scheidell Joy D. , Beau De Rochars Valery Madsen , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Hobbs Marcia M. , Morris John Glenn , Célestin Joseph Pierre , Cottler Linda B. , Khan Maria R.
Published: April 2018

Background

Despite evidence that education and poverty act through distinct pathways to influence sexually transmitted infection (STI), few studies have examined the unique, independent associations of these socioeconomic vulnerabilities with sexual risk behaviors and STI among women.

Methods

From August to October 2013, women at an antenatal clinic in Gressier, Haiti, were interviewed and tested for chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis (N = 200). We measured low educational attainment as less than 9 years of schooling and currently living in poverty based on crowding, defined as more than 2 people sleeping in one room. We used logistic regression to estimate independent associations between each socioeconomic indicator and outcomes of sexual behaviors and STI.

Results

Approximately 29% of the sample had a current STI (chlamydia, 8.0%; gonorrhea, 3.0%; trichomoniasis, 20.5%), with 2.5% testing positive for more than 1 STI. Forty percent of the sample reported low educational attainment and 40% reported current poverty. Low educational attainment was associated with early risk behaviors, including twice the odds of earlier sexual debut (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI],: 1.14–3.84). Poverty was associated with reporting the current main sexual partner to be nonmonogamous (AOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.00–4.01) and current STI (AOR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.26–4.98).

Conclusions

Education and poverty seem to independently influence STI behaviors and infection, with low education associated with early sexual risk and poverty associated with current risk and infection. Improving women's educational attainment may be important in improving risk awareness, thereby reducing risky sexual behaviors and preventing a trajectory of STI risk.
A Relationship Between Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in Children With Severe Scorpion Envenomation in Çukurova, Turkey
Authors: S. Gökay Sinem , Yılmaz Hayri L. , Yıldızdaş Rıza D. , Çelik Tuğçe , Ekinci Faruk , T. Kendir Özlem , Horoz Özden Ö.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Scorpion stings are an important health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine cases of scorpion stings to evaluate their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features and to determine strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality in these cases.

Methods

Scorpion stings experienced by children between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorized into groups based on severities of toxicities, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the 189 patients with scorpion stings was 83.43 ± 59.62 months. There was a significant difference between the clinical stages and the age distribution of the cases (P < 0.05). White blood cell counts differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05). There was not a significant difference in mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width between the groups, but plateletcrit and low platelet count were significantly different between stage 1 and stage 3 cases (P < 0.05). Glucose, creatinine kinase-myoglobin binding, and troponin I were also significantly different (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was 0%.

Conclusions

People living in regions where scorpion stings are frequent should be informed about preventive measures against these stings, cases of scorpion stings should be monitored in appropriate centers, and staff offering care to these cases should be educated about treatment methods. In addition, treatment protocols should be determined in accordance with regions where the stings occur and studies should be performed to describe prognostic indicators.
The Effect of an Observation Unit on Pediatric Minor Head Injury
Authors: Hagiwara Yusuke , Inoue Nobuaki
Published: April 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an observation unit (OU) in an emergency department on reducing unnecessary use of computed tomography (CT) for minor blunt head trauma.

Methods

This study was a retrospective before-and-after study of pediatric patients 18 years or younger with minor blunt head trauma. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or 15 who presented to the emergency department were included in the analysis. The rates of head CT use in the period before and after the institution of the OU were compared.

Results

In total, 4706 patients were analyzed (2344 from the period before and 2362 from period after OU institution). The median age of the patients was 3 years, and 64% were male in each period. The rates of CT use were 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8%–6.7%) in the period before and 4.0% (95% CI, 3.3%–4.9%) in the period after OU institution (P = 0.01). The relative risk reduction was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.54–0.91).

Conclusions

The rate of CT use decreased by 30% as a result of OU institution. The OU was an effective means of avoiding an unnecessary head CT for pediatric minor head injuries.
68Ga-Labeled PSMA Uptake in Nonprostatic Malignancies
Authors: Malik Dharmender , Kumar Rajender , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Singh Harmandeep , Bhattacharya Anish , Singh Shrawan Kumar
Published: April 2018

PET/CT with 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is increasingly recognized as the best imaging modality for disease staging and detection of recurrent prostate cancer. Despite its name, PSMA expression has been reported in a number of nonprostatic benign and malignant pathologies. Apparently, angioneogenesis is the mechanism attributed to increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake at these sites. Here we illustrate the utility of 68Ga-PSMA in 5 nonprostatic malignancies that could open up new possibilities for diagnostics and theranostic concepts with PSMA labeled radioligands in nonprostate tumor entities.
Quality Versus Quantity
Authors: Chiu Alexander S. , Arnold Brian N. , Hoag Jessica R. , Herrin Jeph , Kim Clara H. , Salazar Michelle C. , Monsalve Andres F. , Jean Raymond A. , Blasberg Justin D. , Detterbeck Frank C. , Gross Cary P. , Boffa Daniel J.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To estimate the potential mortality reduction if patients chose the safest hospitals for complex cancer surgery.

Background:

Mortality after complex oncologic surgery is highly variable across hospitals, and directing patients away from unsafe hospitals could potentially improve survivorship. Hospital quality measures are becoming increasingly accessible at a time when patients are more engaged in choosing providers. It is currently unclear what information to share with patients to maximally capitalize on patient-centered realignment.

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was queried for adults undergoing 5 complex cancer surgeries (pulmonary lobectomy, pneumonectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, and colectomy) for a primary cancer between 2008 and 2012. Risk-standardized mortality rate (RSMR) methodology, currently used by Medicare-based hospital rating systems, was used to classify hospitals as “safest” and “least safe” by procedure. Patients were modeled moving from “least safe” to “safest” hospitals and the potential number of lives saved through patient realignment determined. As surgical volume has historically been used to distinguish safe hospitals, comparisons were made to models moving patients from low-volume to high-volume hospitals.

Results:

A total of 292,040 patients were analyzed. In an optimally modeled scenario, realignment using RSMR would result in a greater number of lives saved (3592 vs 2161, P < 0.01) and require only 15 patients to change hospitals to save a life, compared to 78 patients using volume models (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Public reporting of hospital safety, specifically based on RSMR instead of volume, has the potential to lead to meaningful reductions in surgical mortality after complex cancer surgery, even in the setting of a modest patient realignment.
A Statistical Model-driven Surgical Case Scheduling System Improves Multiple Measures of Operative Suite Efficiency
Authors: Kougias Panos , Tiwari Vikram , Sharath Sherene E. , Garcia Andrea , Pathak Amita , Chen Millie , Ramsey David , Barshes Neal R. , Berger David H.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

We sought to determine whether a data-driven scheduling approach improves Operative Suite (OS) efficiency.

Background:

Although efficient use of the OS is a critical determinant of access to health care services, OS scheduling methodologies are simplistic and do not account for all the available characteristics of individual surgical cases.

Methods:

We randomly scheduled cases in a single OS by predicting their length using either the historical mean (HM) duration of the most recent 4 years; or a regression modeling (RM) system that accounted for operative and patient characteristics. The primary endpoint was the imprecision in prediction of the end of the operative day. Secondary endpoints included measures of OS efficiency; personnel burnout captured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory; and a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, wound infection, bleeding, amputation, or reoperation.

Results:

Two hundred and seven operative days were allocated to scheduling with either the RM or the HM methodology. Mean imprecision in predicting the end of the operative day was higher with the HM approach (30.8 vs 7.2 minutes, P = 0.024). RM was associated with higher throughput (379 vs 356 cases scheduled over the course of the study, P = 0.04). The composite rate of adverse 30-day events was similar (2.2% vs 3.2%, P = 0.44). The mean depersonalization score was higher (3.2 vs 2.0, P = 0.044), and mean personal accomplishment score was lower during HM weeks (37.5 vs 40.5, P = 0.028).

Conclusions:

Compared to the HM scheduling approach, the proposed data-driven RM scheduling methodology improves multiple measures of OS efficiency and OS personnel satisfaction without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.
Long-term Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Fabry Disease
Authors: Ersözlü Sara , Desnick Robert J. , Huynh-Do Uyen , Canaan-Kühl Sima , Barbey Frédéric , Genitsch Vera , Mueller Thomas F. , Cheetham Marcus , Flammer Andreas J. , Schaub Stefan , Nowak Albina
Published: April 2018

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene that obliterate or markedly reduce α-galactosidase A activity. This results in the systemic accumulation of its glycosphingolipid substrates in body fluids and organs, including the kidney. Fabry nephropathy can lead to end-stage renal disease requiring kidney transplantation. Little is known about its long-term outcomes and the overall patient survival after kidney transplantation.

Methods

Here, we report 17 Fabry patients (15 male and 2 female subjects) who received kidney transplants and their long-term treatment and follow-up at 4 specialized Fabry centers.

Results

The posttransplant follow-up ranged to 25 years, with a median of 11.5 (range, 0.8-25.5] years. Graft survival was similar, and death-censored graft survival was superior to matched controls. Fabry patients died with functioning kidneys, mostly from cardiac causes. In 2 male subjects 14 and 23 years posttransplant, the grafts had a few typical FD lamellar inclusions, presumably originating from invading host macrophages and vascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions

We conclude that kidney transplantation has an excellent long-term outcome in FD.
Emergence of evolutionary driving forces in pattern-forming microbial populations
Authors: Kayser Jona , Schreck Carl F. , Yu QinQin , Gralka Matti , Hallatschek Oskar
Published: April 2018

Evolutionary dynamics are controlled by a number of driving forces, such as natural selection, random genetic drift and dispersal. In this perspective article, we aim to emphasize that these forces act at the population level, and that it is a challenge to understand how they emerge from the stochastic and deterministic behaviour of individual cells. Even the most basic steric interactions between neighbouring cells can couple evolutionary outcomes of otherwise unrelated individuals, thereby weakening natural selection and enhancing random genetic drift. Using microbial examples of varying degrees of complexity, we demonstrate how strongly cell–cell interactions influence evolutionary dynamics, especially in pattern-forming systems. As pattern formation itself is subject to evolution, we propose to study the feedback between pattern formation and evolutionary dynamics, which could be key to predicting and potentially steering evolutionary processes. Such an effort requires extending the systems biology approach from the cellular to the population scale.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
Discovery of functional interactions among actin regulators by analysis of image fluctuations in an unperturbed motile cell system
Authors: Isogai Tadamoto , Danuser Gaudenz
Published: April 2018

Cell migration is driven by propulsive forces derived from polymerizing actin that pushes and extends the plasma membrane. The underlying actin network is constantly undergoing adaptation to new mechano-chemical environments and intracellular conditions. As such, mechanisms that regulate actin dynamics inherently contain multiple feedback loops and redundant pathways. Given the highly adaptable nature of such a system, studies that use only perturbation experiments (e.g. knockdowns, overexpression, pharmacological activation/inhibition, etc.) are challenged by the nonlinearity and redundancy of the pathway. In these pathway configurations, perturbation experiments at best describe the function(s) of a molecular component in an adapting (e.g. acutely drug-treated) or fully adapted (e.g. permanent gene silenced) cell system, where the targeted component now resides in a non-native equilibrium. Here, we propose how quantitative live-cell imaging and analysis of constitutive fluctuations of molecular activities can overcome these limitations. We highlight emerging actin filament barbed-end biology as a prime example of a complex, nonlinear molecular process that requires a fluctuation analytic approach, especially in an unperturbed cellular system, to decipher functional interactions of barbed-end regulators, actin polymerization and membrane protrusion.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
Rhythmicity and waves in the cortex of single cells
Authors: Yang Yang , Wu Min
Published: April 2018

Emergence of dynamic patterns in the form of oscillations and waves on the cortex of single cells is a fascinating and enigmatic phenomenon. Here we outline various theoretical frameworks used to model pattern formation with the goal of reducing complex, heterogeneous patterns into key parameters that are biologically tractable. We also review progress made in recent years on the quantitative and molecular definitions of these terms, which we believe have begun to transform single-cell dynamic patterns from a purely observational and descriptive subject to more mechanistic studies. Specifically, we focus on the nature of local excitable and oscillation events, their spatial couplings leading to propagating waves and the role of active membrane. Instead of arguing for their functional importance, we prefer to consider such patterns as basic properties of dynamic systems. We discuss how knowledge of these patterns could be used to dissect the structure of cellular organization and how the network-centric view could help define cellular functions as transitions between different dynamical states. Last, we speculate on how these patterns could encode temporal and spatial information.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
Joining forces: crosstalk between biochemical signalling and physical forces orchestrates cellular polarity and dynamics
Authors: Saha Suvrajit , Nagy Tamas L. , Weiner Orion D.
Published: April 2018

Dynamic processes like cell migration and morphogenesis emerge from the self-organized interaction between signalling and cytoskeletal rearrangements. How are these molecular to sub-cellular scale processes integrated to enable cell-wide responses? A growing body of recent studies suggest that forces generated by cytoskeletal dynamics and motor activity at the cellular or tissue scale can organize processes ranging from cell movement, polarity and division to the coordination of responses across fields of cells. To do so, forces not only act mechanically but also engage with biochemical signalling. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of this dynamic crosstalk between biochemical signalling, self-organized cortical actomyosin dynamics and physical forces with a special focus on the role of membrane tension in integrating cellular motility.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
Single cell RNAseq uncovers a robust transcriptional response to morphine by oligodendrocytes
Authors: Avey Denis , Sankararaman Sumithra , Yim Aldrin K. Y. , Barve Ruteja , Mitra Robi D. , Milbrandt Jeffrey
Published: April 2018

Molecular and behavioral responses to opioids are thought to be primarily mediated by neurons, although there is accumulating evidence that other cell types also play a role in drug addiction. To investigate cell-type-specific opioid responses, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of the nucleus accumbens of mice following acute morphine treatment. Differential expression analysis uncovered robust morphine-dependent changes in gene expression in oligodendrocytes. We examined the expression of selected genes, includingCdkn1aandSgk1, by FISH, confirming their induction by morphine in oligodendrocytes. Further analysis using RNAseq of FACS-purified oligodendrocytes revealed a large cohort of morphine-regulated genes. Importantly, the affected genes are enriched for roles in cellular pathways intimately linked to oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination, including the unfolded protein response. Altogether, our data shed light on a novel, morphine-dependent transcriptional response by oligodendrocytes that may contribute to the myelination defects observed in human opioid addicts.
Acetyl-CoA-directed gene transcription in cancer cells
Authors: Martínez-Reyes Inmaculada , Chandel Navdeep S.
Published: April 2018

Fluctuations in acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) levels have been previously associated with changes in global histone acetylation and gene expression. The study by Lee and colleagues (pp. 497–511) in this issue of Genes & Development demonstrates that acetyl-CoA can promote the up-regulation of cell migration- and adhesion-related genes in glioblastoma by controlling Ca2+–NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling.
SLS-2 – the upgrade of the Swiss Light Source
Authors: Streun Andreas , Garvey Terence , Rivkin Lenny , Schlott Volker , Schmidt Thomas , Willmott Philip , Wrulich Albin
Published: April 2018

An upgrade of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) is planned for 2021–2024 and includes the exchange of the existing storage ring by a new one providing about 40–50 times lower emittance in user operation mode. This will extend the performance of SLS in particular in the fields of coherent imaging, full-field tomography, soft X-ray angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. A science case and a conceptual design for the machine have been established. As a summary of these reports, the novel lattice design, undulator developments and scientific highlights are presented.
Sample cell for studying liquid interfaces with anin situelectric field using X-ray reflectivity and application to clay particles at oil–oil interfaces
Authors: Larsen Simon R. , Hansteen Marie , Pacakova Barbara , Theodor Keld , Arnold Thomas , Rennie Adrian R. , Helgesen Geir , Knudsen Kenneth D. , Bordallo Heloisa N. , Fossum Jon Otto , Cavalcanti Leide P.
Published: April 2018

Commissioning results of a liquid sample cell for X-ray reflectivity studies with anin situapplied electrical field are presented. The cell consists of a Plexiglas container with lateral Kapton windows for air–liquid and liquid–liquid interface studies, and was constructed with grooves to accept plate electrodes on the walls parallel to the direction of the beam. Both copper and ITO plate electrodes have been used, the latter being useful for simultaneous optical studies. Commissioning tests were made at the I07 beamline of the Diamond Light Source.
Simulations of X-ray diffraction of shock-compressed single-crystal tantalum with synchrotron undulator sources
Authors: Tang M. X. , Zhang Y. Y. , E J. C. , Luo S. N.
Published: April 2018

Polychromatic synchrotron undulator X-ray sources are useful for ultrafast single-crystal diffraction under shock compression. Here, simulations of X-ray diffraction of shock-compressed single-crystal tantalum with realistic undulator sources are reported, based on large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Purely elastic deformation, elastic–plastic two-wave structure, and severe plastic deformation under different impact velocities are explored, as well as an edge release case. Transmission-mode diffraction simulations consider crystallographic orientation, loading direction, incident beam direction, X-ray spectrum bandwidth and realistic detector size. Diffraction patterns and reciprocal space nodes are obtained from atomic configurations for different loading (elastic and plastic) and detection conditions, and interpretation of the diffraction patterns is discussed.
Canted antiferromagnet superimposed on a buckled kagomé network in RbMn4(PO4)3
Authors: Yakubovich Olga , Kiriukhina Galina , Shvanskaya Larisa , Maximova Olga , Volkov Anatoliy , Dimitrova Olga , Ovchenkov Evgeniy , Yumashev Oleg , Iqbal Asif , Rahaman Badiur , Saha-Dasgupta Tanusri , Vasiliev Alexander
Published: April 2018

Rubidium tetramanganese tris(phosphate), RbMn4(PO4)3, has been synthesized as single crystals under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure was refined in the space group Pnnm (D
2h

12). It is argued that the size factor R

M
/R

A
, i.e. the ratio of the A
+ ionic radius to the M
2+ ionic radius, within the morphotropic series AM
4(TO4)3 corresponds to a specific type of crystal structure. At low temperatures, the antiferromagnet superimposed on a buckled kagomé network in RbMn4(PO4)3 experiences a transition into a long-range ordered state with finite spontaneous magnetization. First principles calculations provide the dominant magnetic exchange interactions both within and between the kagomé layers. The analysis of these interactions allows us to suggest a model of alternating ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic arrangements within chains of Mn3 atoms.
6,6′-[(1E,1′E)-Oxybis(4,1-phenylene)bis(azanylylidene)bis(methanylylidene)]bis(2-methylphenol): supramolecular assemblies in two dimensions mediated by weak C—H...N, C—H...O and C—H...π interactions
Authors: Arafath Md. Azharul , Kwong Huey Chong , Adam Farook , Razali Mohd. R.
Published: April 2018

The title compound, C28H24N2O3, is a flexible Schiff base, having a dihedral angle of 59.53 (5)° between the mean planes of two phenyl rings bounded in the centre by a single O atom. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the phenyl rings bonded to the central O atom and the mean planes of the terminal methylphenol rings are 31.47 (6) and 36.03 (5)°, respectively. The sp
2-hybridized character of the azanylylidene groups is confirmed by their bond lengths and bond angles. In the crystal, molecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by weak C—H...N interactions and connected into dimeric chains through weak C—H...O interactions. These chains are interconnected into a two-dimensional network parallel to (1\overline{2}1) via weak C—H...π interactions.
Crystal structure of pyrrolizidine alkaloidN-oxygenase from the grasshopperZonocerus variegatus
Authors: Kubitza Christian , Faust Annette , Gutt Miriam , Gäth Luzia , Ober Dietrich , Scheidig Axel J.
Published: April 2018

The high-resolution crystal structure of the flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO) from the African locustZonocerus variegatusis presented and the kinetics of structure-based protein variants are discussed.Z. variegatusexpresses three flavin-dependent monooxygenase (ZvFMO) isoforms which contribute to a counterstrategy against pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are protoxic compounds produced by some angiosperm lineages as a chemical defence against herbivores.N-Oxygenation of PAs and the accumulation of PAN-oxides within their haemolymph result in two evolutionary advantages for these insects: (i) they circumvent the defence mechanism of their food plants and (ii) they can use PAN-oxides to protect themselves against predators, which cannot cope with the toxic PAs. Despite a high degree of sequence identity and a similar substrate spectrum, the threeZvFMO isoforms differ greatly in enzyme activity. Here, the crystal structure of theZ. variegatusPAN-oxygenase (ZvPNO), the most activeZvFMO isoform, is reported at 1.6 Å resolution together with kinetic studies of a second isoform,ZvFMOa. This is the first available crystal structure of an FMO from class B (of six different FMO subclasses, A–F) within the family of flavin-dependent monooxygenases that originates from a more highly developed organism than yeast. Despite the differences in sequence between family members, their overall structure is very similar. This indicates the need for high conservation of the three-dimensional structure for this type of reaction throughout all kingdoms of life. Nevertheless, this structure provides the closest relative to the human enzyme that is currently available for modelling studies. Of note, the crystal structure ofZvPNO reveals a unique dimeric arrangement as well as small conformational changes within the active site that have not been observed before. A newly observed kink within helix α8 close to the substrate-binding path might indicate a potential mechanism for product release. The data show that even single amino-acid exchanges in the substrate-entry path, rather than the binding site, have a significant impact on the specific enzyme activity of the isoforms.
Multi-position data collection and dynamic beam sizing: recent improvements to the automatic data-collection algorithms on MASSIF-1
Authors: Svensson Olof , Gilski Maciej , Nurizzo Didier , Bowler Matthew W.
Published: April 2018

Macromolecular crystallography is now a mature and widely used technique that is essential in the understanding of biology and medicine. Increases in computing power combined with robotics have not only enabled large numbers of samples to be screened and characterized but have also enabled better decisions to be taken on data collection itself. This led to the development of MASSIF-1 at the ESRF, the first beamline in the world to run fully automatically while making intelligent decisions taking user requirements into account. Since opening in late 2014, the beamline has processed over 42 000 samples. Improvements have been made to the speed of the sample-handling robotics and error management within the software routines. The workflows initially put into place, while highly innovative at the time, have been expanded to include increased complexity and additional intelligence using the information gathered during characterization; this includes adapting the beam diameter dynamically to match the diffraction volume within the crystal. Complex multi-position and multi-crystal data collections have now also been integrated into the selection of experiments available. This has led to increased data quality and throughput, allowing even the most challenging samples to be treated automatically.
2-[(4,6-Diaminopyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamide
Authors: Choudhury Manisha , Viswanathan Vijayan , Timiri Ajay Kumar , Sinha Barij Nayan , Jayaprakash Venkatesan , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: April 2018

In the title compound, C13H15N5O2S, the acetamide N—C(=O)—C plane makes dihedral angles of 30.51 (11) and 51.93 (11)°, respectively, with the benzene ring and the pyrimidine ring. The dihedral angle between the benzene and pyrimidine rings is 43.40 (6)°. There is an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond with an S(7) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of intermolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) ring motif. The molecules are further linked by intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a C(9) chain along [100]. Intermolecular C—H...π and N—H...π interactions are also observed.
Prosocial behavior in the professoriate
Authors: Victorino Christine , Nylund-Gibson Karen , Conley Sharon
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the relationship between college and university faculty collegiality, conceptualized as a set of prosocial behaviors, and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-level structural equation model was developed to examine the relationship between faculty collegiality and job satisfaction at the individual and institutional levels, the effects of gender and race/ethnicity, the effect of institutional type (i.e. research universities vs non-research universities), and whether institutional-level perceptions of faculty collegiality and job satisfaction influence perceptions of faculty collegiality and job satisfaction at the individual level.

Findings

Faculty collegiality was highly and significantly related to job satisfaction at the individual level (0.86) and at the institutional level (0.93). At the individual level, pretenured women faculty and faculty of color indicated significantly lower levels of collegiality. At the institutional level, pretenured faculty interactions with tenured faculty colleagues were positively and significantly related to individual-level perceptions of faculty collegiality.

Research limitations/implications

Study limitations include self-report data that were dependent upon accurate responses from faculty participants, and cross-sectional data. Future analyses could extend study findings by examining the influence of faculty collegiality upon such outcomes as faculty productivity and retention in future multi-level analyses.

Practical implications

It is recommended that interventions be undertaken to embed prosocial behaviors into faculty research, teaching, and service activities, and to foster relationships between pretenured and tenured faculty members.

Originality/value

This paper underscores the importance of collecting nationally representative faculty data and conducting rigorous multi-level analyses to inform higher education policy and practice.
Using project demand profiling to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure projects
Authors: Godsell Janet , Masi Donato , Karatzas Antonios , Brady Timothy Mark
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability and utility of supply chain (SC) segmentation through demand profiling to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure projects by identifying different types of project demand profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage abductive research design was adopted. Stage 1 explored the applicability of SC segmentation, through demand profiling, to the portfolio of infrastructure projects in a utility company. Stage 2 was an iterative process of “theory matching”, to the portfolio, programme and project management literature. In stage 3, theoretical saturation was reached and “theory suggestions” were made through four propositions.

Findings

Four propositions outline how SC segmentation through project demand profiling could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure projects. P1: the ability to recognise the different demand profiles of individual projects, and groups thereof, is a portfolio management necessity. P2: projects that contribute to the strategic upgrade of a capital asset should be considered a potential programme of inter-related repeatable projects whose delivery would benefit from economies of repetition. P3: the greater the ability to identify different demand profiles of individual/groups of projects, the greater the delivery efficiency. P4: economies of repetition developed through efficient delivery of programmes of repeatable projects can foster greater efficiency in the delivery of innovative projects through economies of recombination.

Originality/value

This work fills a gap in the portfolio management literature, suggesting that the initial screening, selection and prioritisation of project proposals should be expanded to recognise not only the project type, but also each project’s demand profile.
Is top management team-supply chain manager interaction the missing link? An analysis of risk-bearing antecedents for supply chain managers
Authors: Villena Veronica H. , Lu Guanyi , Gomez-Mejia Luis R. , Revilla Elena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Supply chain managers (SC managers) may make less than optimal decisions for the firm when facing compensation and employment risks. The purpose of this paper is to study two relevant factors (target setting and strategic importance of the supply chain function) that may drive SC managers to perceive more or less risk to their welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines survey data from 133 firms with secondary data in order to reduce source bias and enhance the validity of results. The authors also conducted interviews with supply chain and human resources managers.

Findings

The results show that top managers can alter SC managers’ perceived risks. Ambitious targets drive compensation risk but not employment risk. The supply chain function’s strategic importance, on the other hand, decreases employment risk but increases compensation risk.

Research limitations/implications

The authors emphasize two ways that the top management team (TMT) influences SC managers’ perceived personal welfare but acknowledge that there may be others factors. Due to the topic sensitivity, the authors could not collect data on all variables (e.g. individual characteristics) that may affect risk perception. The findings are based on Spanish firms and may not be generalized to other contexts.

Practical implications

This research proposes three suggestions. First, compensation and employment risks should be considered separately when designing compensation and evaluation systems. Second, appropriate performance targets may put compensation risk in a reasonable range that is neither too high to prevent risky-yet-beneficial decisions nor too low to allow nonfeasance. Third, escalating the supply chain’s strategic importance effectively offsets employment risk.

Originality/value

Scholars have repeatedly shown the negative outcomes of SC managers’ perceived compensation and employment risks. Yet, little attention has been given to their antecedents. The study explores two relevant antecedents and provides integrative empirical evidence regarding actions top leaders can take to manage SC managers’ perceived risk and subsequently enhance firm performance.
Georgia rural hospital authorities as “shadow governments”
Authors: Wickersham Mary Eleanor Rawlings , Yehl Robert
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The tenuous financial viability of many of Georgia’s rural hospitals has driven increased scrutiny of the hospital authorities (HAs) that own and govern them. HAs are a type of “special district” established in state law to allow for specialization of function, while evading statutes that can limit local government borrowing and multi-year contracts. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case example to introduce transparency and accountability in one local Georgia hospital and expands to include a descriptive analysis of transparency measures in 29 rural Georgia HAs.

Findings

Findings indicate that, like many other special districts in Georgia and the USA, Georgia’s rural HAs often act more like private entities than the public organizations they are. The lack of transparency demonstrated in this sector limits access to public information and reduces opportunities for citizen engagement, a necessary component of representative institutions.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is limited to Georgia HAs; however, the data support the lack of accountability and transparency found in many special district governments.

Originality/value

The lack of transparency in all of the organizations reviewed in this study demonstrates blurred lines between between public matters and private interests and raises questions of transparency, a key value in democracies.
Regulating Ontario’s circular economy through food waste legislation
Authors: DeLorenzo Amy , Parizeau Kate , von Massow Mike
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change seeks to legislate diverse waste streams (including food waste) by implementing Bill 151, known colloquially as the Waste Free Ontario Act. The purpose of this study is to investigate how stakeholders in Ontario’s food and waste systems perceive the prospective legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on interviews with stakeholders across the food value chain in Ontario, as well as an analysis of legislation and related documents.

Findings

The paper argues that Bill 151 represents the Province’s commitment to an ecological modernization paradigm. This research uncovers the lines of tension that may exist in the implementation of food waste policy. These lines of tension represent stakeholders’ ideological perspectives on food waste, including whether it signals an efficient or inefficient economy, whether legislation should prioritize economic or environmental goals and whether it is more appropriate for legislation to incentivize desired food waste treatments or penalize/prohibit undesired activities.

Originality/value

The analysis reveals potential allies in the regulatory process, likely points of contention and areas where greater consensus may be forged, depending on government efforts to reframe the issues at stake.
Plant competition alters the temporal dynamics of plant‐soil feedbacks
Authors: Bezemer T. Martijn , Jing Jingying , Bakx‐Schotman J. M. Tanja , Bijleveld Erik‐Jan
Published: April 2018

Most studies on plant‐soil feedback (PSF) and plant competition measure the feedback response at one moment only. However, PSFs and competition may both change over time, and how PSF and competition interact over time is unclear.

We tested the temporal dynamics of PSF and interspecific competition for the forb Jacobaea vulgaris and the grass Holcus lanatus. We grew both species individually and in interspecific competition in soil that was first conditioned in the greenhouse by J. vulgaris, by H. lanatus or without plant growth. For a period of 11 weeks, we harvested plants twice a week and analysed the fungal and chemical composition of the different soils at the end of the first and second growth phase.

During the second growth phase, when grown in isolation, both species produced more biomass in heterospecific conditioned soil than in conspecific conditioned soil. Young J. vulgaris exhibited a strong negative conspecific feedback, but this effect diminished over time and became neutral in older plants. In contrast, when grown in competition, the negative conspecific feedback of J. vulgaris exacerbated over time. Older H. lanatus plants benefited more from heterospecific conditioning when competing with J. vulgaris, then when grown isolated.

Fungal community composition and soil chemistry differed significantly between soils but this was mainly driven by differences between plant‐conditioned and unconditioned soils. Remarkably, at the end of the second growth phase, fungal community composition was not explained by the legacy of the species that had been grown in the soil most recently, but still reflected the legacy of the first growth phase. We reexamined plant growth during a third growth phase. Biomass of J. vulgaris was still influenced by the treatments imposed during the first phase, while H. lanatus responded only to the plant growth treatments imposed during the second phase.

Synthesis. Our study shows that the direction and magnitude of PSF depends on plant age and competition, and also on soil legacy effects of earlier plant growth. These results highlight the need to incorporate dynamic PSFs in research on plant populations and communities.
Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria are the primary N2O producers in an ammonia‐oxidizing archaea dominated alkaline agricultural soil
Authors: Meinhardt Kelley A. , Stopnisek Nejc , Pannu Manmeet W. , Strand Stuart E. , Fransen Steven C. , Casciotti Karen L. , Stahl David A.
Published: April 2018

Most agricultural N2O emissions are a consequence of microbial transformations of nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and mitigating increases in N2O emission will depend on identifying microbial sources and variables influencing their activities. Here, using controlled microcosm and field studies, we found that synthetic N addition in any tested amount stimulated the production of N2O from ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB), but not archaea (AOA), from a bioenergy crop soil. The activities of these two populations were differentiated by N treatments, with abundance and activity of AOB increasing as nitrate and N2O production increased. Moreover, as N2O production increased, the isotopic composition of N2O was consistent with an AOB source. Relative N2O contributions by both populations were quantified using selective inhibitors and varying N availability. Complementary field analyses confirmed a positive correlation between N2O flux and AOB abundance with N application. Collectively, our data indicate that AOB are the major N2O producers, even with low N addition, and that better‐metered N application, complemented by selective inhibitors, could reduce projected N2O emissions from agricultural soils.
Interest Rates, Local Housing Markets and House Price Over‐reactions
Authors: Lim G.C. , Tsiaplias Sarantis
Published: April 2018

Understanding the effects of interest rates on city‐specific house price to household income ratios is important for managing local housing markets. In particular, there is concern that keeping interest rates at sufficiently low levels can distort the relationship between local house prices and fundamentals. We use house price to income ratios across capital cities in Australia to investigate this issue and show that there is a national interest rate ‘transition’ point below which housing dynamics can become unstable. This result lends support to the presence of a duration‐dependent threshold effect (hitherto mainly explored in theoretical models).
Postlaparoscopic hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: Port‐site metastasis
Authors: Abdelwahed Mohamed Sami , Abdulmalik Hana Alhashemy , Seleem Mohamed Ismail
Published: April 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, occurs in 90 per cent of the cases in patients with chronic liver disease. Pure laparoscopic liver resection is a less invasive procedure than conventional liver resection for hepatic lesions. Port‐site metastasis of HCC is rare. We present a case of port‐site metastasis postlaparoscopic resection of HCC. The patient had laparoscopic nonanatomical resection for HCC 3 cm in diameter at segment III. Eleven months postoperative, the patient presented to our Department of Hepato‐Pancreatico‐Biliary with an anterior abdominal wall hard lump where the laparoscopic port had been used for the extraction of HCC and was associated with an elevated α‐fetoprotein level. Triphasic computed tomography scan showed HCC. Local excision was performed, and histopathology confirmed HCC. We recommend that examination of port sites after laparoscopic resection of HCC be included in the follow‐up protocol.
Colonic endoscopic mucosal resection in patients taking anticoagulants: Is heparin bridging therapy necessary?
Authors: Fujita Minoru , Murao Takahisa , Osawa Motoyasu , Hirai Shinsuke , Fukushima Shinya , Yo Syogen , Nakato Rui , Ishii Manabu , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Tamaki Takahiko , Sakakibara Takashi , Shiotani Akiko
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Heparin bridging therapy (HBT) reportedly increases the risk of post‐procedural bleeding, and its safety during endoscopic interventions remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of peri‐procedural HBT in patients taking anticoagulants who underwent colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for polyps.

METHODS

Patients who underwent colonic EMR while taking a single anticoagulant agent were enrolled in this study. Anticoagulants were temporarily ceased in all patients either without (the non‐HBT group, prospectively enrolled) or with HBT (the HBT group, retrospectively enrolled). The incidences of post‐procedural bleeding and anemia exacerbation and their length of hospitalization were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

There were altogether 43 consecutive adult patients (30 men; mean age 72.2 ± 7.4 years) in the non‐HBT group and 41 sex‐ and age‐matched adults (32 men; mean age 72.9 ± 8.3 years) in the HBT group. There were no significant differences in the location, number or size of resected polyps between the two groups. The percentage of patients with post‐procedural bleeding within 2 weeks after colonic EMR in the non‐HBT group was lower than that in the HBT group (2.3% vs 9.8%, P = 0.15), although the frequency of anemia exacerbation was not significantly different between the two groups. The total hospitalization length was shorter in the non‐HBT compared with the HBT group (4.5 days vs 6.0 days, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

No patient in either group developed embolism during hospitalization. Colonic EMR with the temporary cessation of anticoagulants without HBT may be acceptable and beneficial for patients taking anticoagulants.