bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective measures of physical performance associated with depression and/or anxiety in midlife Singaporean women
Authors: Ganasarajah Shamini , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Thu Win Pa Pa , Kramer Michael S. , Logan Susan , Cauley Jane A. , Yong Eu-Leong
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to identify correlates of depression and anxiety in midlife Asian women, with a special focus on the potential role of objectively measured physical performance.

Methods:

Sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, menopause status, medical history, lifestyle choices, physical activity, and physical performance of healthy women aged 45 to 69 attending routine gynecologic care were collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed utilizing the Center for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression Scale (CES-D) and anxiety symptoms by the General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Upper body physical performance was assessed by handgrip strength, and lower body physical performance was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery. Chi-square tests and multivariable models were used to assess the crude and adjusted associations, respectively, between the studied risk factors and depression and/or anxiety. The main outcome measures were elevated depressive symptoms ≥16 on the CES-D, and/or elevated anxiety symptoms >10 on the GAD-7 score.

Results:

Of 1,159 women (mean age 56.3 ± 6.2), 181 (15.9%) were identified as having depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Weak upper body (handgrip strength) and poor lower body strength (longer duration to complete the repeated chair stand test) were associated with elevated depressive and/or anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.18-2.40) and (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.09-1.63), respectively.

Conclusions:

Weak upper and lower body physical performances were associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in midlife Singaporean women. Future trials are required to determine whether strengthening exercises that improve physical performance could help reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in midlife women.

Video Summary:
Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/MENO/A419.
An arts-based educational exhibit on menopausal hot flashes
Authors: Carpenter Janet S. , Kesling Mark , Schmidt Karen K.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe the development process, science, and symbolism of an arts-based educational exhibit designed to address myths, misinformation, negative imagery, and use of unproven treatments related to menopausal hot flashes.

Methods:

The development process included iterative and informal feedback from a variety of individuals, a partnership with an experienced exhibit designer, and collaborations between artists and scientists.

Results:

The resulting exhibit creates an environment where the public is immersed in accurate information about hot flashes. Although based on an iterative process, the resulting exhibit content reflects an estimated 500+ scientific studies, including those referenced in The North American Menopause Society position statements on hormone and nonhormone management of hot flashes. The seven main exhibit pieces convey scientific information and symbolize various aspects of women's experiences.

Conclusions:

This innovative exhibit has high potential to be a disruptive innovation to address the preponderance of myths, misinformation, and negative imagery surrounding menopausal hot flashes and potentially decrease the use of unproven therapies.
The 6-Minute Walk Test
Authors: Kamiya Kuniyasu , Adachi Takuji , Kono Yuji , Shibata Kenichi , Kitamura Hideki , Izawa Hideo , Yamada Sumio
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To examine the use of 10-m usual walking speed as an explanatory variable of the 6-min walk test distance (6MWD) in cardiac patients and community-dwelling older adults.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis correlational study. Participants of the present study were 119 patients hospitalized for cardiac disease and 109 community-dwelling older adults. Data including 6MWD, 10-m usual walking speed, age, sex, grip strength, height, weight, and cognitive function were obtained from the medical records of patients in 2 acute care hospitals and a cohort of community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Multiple linear regression models for the 6MWD were examined in each group.

Results:

The mean ± standard deviation for 6MWDs were 276 ± 106 m in hospitalized patients and 466 ± 81 m in community-dwelling older adults. In both groups, 10-m usual walking speed was the strongest factor correlated with 6MWD. On univariate analysis, the correlation between walking tests was stronger in the hospitalized group (β = .855) than in the community-dwelling elderly (β = .627). When age and sex were added into the models, the determination coefficients improved (adjusted R
2 = 0.745 and 0.463 in the hospitalized patients and the community-dwelling elderly, respectively).

Conclusions:

The present findings indicated that the 6MWD was more strongly associated with 10-m usual walking speed in patients hospitalized for cardiac disease than in community-dwelling older adults. The predictive validity of 10-m walking speed for future adverse outcomes among cardiac patients is an issue for future research.
IMPACT OF RETINAL ISCHEMIA ON FUNCTIONAL AND ANATOMICAL OUTCOMES AFTER ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Khayat Meiaad , Wright David M. , Yeong Jianlee , Xu Daniel , Donley Christopher , Lakshmipathy Gokul R. , Low Mei Ken , White Natasha , Williams Michael , Lois Noemi
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To compare the impact of the classification of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) into ischemic or nonischemic forms on outcomes after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Methods:

Retrospective review of consecutive patients with RVO evaluated at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust between July 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. Outcomes, including gain of ≥10 and ≥15 letters at 12 months, mean change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to 12 months, resolution of macular edema at 12 months, and development of neovascular complications and epiretinal membrane after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, were compared between ischemic and nonischemic eyes using regression models.

Results:

One hundred and seventeen eyes (115 patients), 58 with central RVO and 59 with branch RVO, were included. A greater proportion of eyes with ischemic branch RVO gained ≥10 and ≥15 letters at 12 months than those with nonischemic branch RVO (P = 0.005 and P = 0.016, respectively). No statistically significant differences in visual outcomes were observed between ischemic and nonischemic central RVO. Retinal vein occlusion classification was not associated with anatomical outcomes after treatment.

Conclusion:

Findings support the use of anti–vascular endothelial growth factors in ischemic and nonischemic forms of RVO.
Competency in obesity management: An educational intervention study with nurse practitioner students
Authors: Fruh Sharon M. , Golden Angela , Graves Rebecca J. , Minchew Leigh A. , Platt Terrie H. , Hall Heather R. , Williams Susan G. , Mehari Krista , Sims Brook M. , Hauff Caitlyn , Cheese Callie
Published: June 2019

Background:

The National Center for Health Statistics reported that obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States, with an estimated 70.7% of adults affected by overweight and obesity. The disease state of obesity affects all generations and is pervasive among all socioeconomic groups.

Purpose:

This study was designed to examine the impact of implementing educational modules to determine if the intervention improved knowledge and comfort levels for Nurse Practitioner students when managing patients with obesity.

Methods:

Nurse Practitioner students completed a survey regarding knowledge and comfort level in managing patients with obesity. Students then completed modules designed to train health care providers on the management of obesity. A postmodule assessment was administered to determine if the obesity management modules improved competency and perceived skills when treating patients with overweight and obesity.

Results:

Participants' mean score on the knowledge test represented a significant improvement following training. Their comfort level in managing patients with obesity increased.

Implications for practice:

Implementing these modules in graduate education may be a helpful avenue to improve competency in obesity management. Acknowledging that obesity is a disease and requires a multifaceted approach when helping patients improve their health. This change in perception may lead to better goal-setting with the patient, empathetic understanding, and broader patient involvement in the treatment.
Treating hypertension in older adults: Beyond the guidelines
Authors: Benenson Irina , Waldron Frederick A. , Bradshaw Molly J.
Published: June 2019

Hypertension in older adults is extremely common. It constitutes the major modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease, premature disability, and death. Despite proven benefits of blood pressure (BP) reduction in older individuals, there is a considerable disagreement between major guidelines surrounding the optimal levels of BP treatment and control to be achieved. Given the high prevalence of older adults with hypertension, nurse practitioners should critically examine the overall benefit of treatment, use of antihypertensive therapies, and BP targets to provide high-quality care to this patient population. The purpose of this article is to outline the evidence surrounding the management of BP in older adults and to offer strategies to reconcile conflicting guideline recommendations.
Treating chronic pain and opioid misuse disorder among underserved populations in Colorado
Authors: Medina Rosario , Sorrell Tanya , Techau Aimee , Weiss Jason
Published: June 2019

The increased use of prescription opioids has resulted in widespread misuse. As a result, more than 40,000 Americans lost their lives to opiate overdose in 2016 alone. These data have led to a national movement focused on appropriate opioid prescribing practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed its Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain (2017), a template for pain management and substance assessment in primary care. These CDC guidelines aim to prevent misuse/deaths and early identification of substance use disorders. Although the guidelines are appropriate for initiation of opioid therapy, they are not sufficient to manage patients who have already developed misuse disorders. Other modalities such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have been described as beneficial for patients with high risk for or who have an opioid misuse disorder. This article builds on the CDC's 2017 advisory document by applying it in praxis: first, non-opioid medication therapy options and nonmedication therapy options are explored; next, a case study is presented of an integrated primary care–managed patient who presented with both chronic pain and established opioid use disorder. Although the CDC guidelines were not followed in the patient's initial prescription opioid treatment regimen, those guidelines were used as a starting point for follow-up treatment, helping both to assess the patient's risk for opioid misuse disorder and to determine that MAT was an appropriate method of treatment.
Hybrid insulin peptides are neo-epitopes for CD4 T cells in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Baker Rocky L. , Jamison Braxton L. , Haskins Kathryn
Published: June 2019

Purpose of review

The current review covers recent advances in our knowledge of the newest autoantigen neo-epitopes in type 1 diabetes (T1D): hybrid insulin peptides or HIPs. These ligands for autoreactive T cells are formed by peptide fusion, a novel posttranslational modification process that we first reported in 2016.

Recent findings

Two major HIPs in the nonobese diabetic mouse model, ligands for diabetogenic CD4 T-cell clones, have been incorporated into tetramers and used to track HIP-reactive T cells during progression of disease. HIPs have also been used in strategies for induction of antigen-specific tolerance and show promise for delaying or reversing disease in the nonobese diabetic mouse. Importantly, CD4 T cells reactive to various HIPs have been detected in the islets and peripheral blood mononuclear cell of T1D patients and newly developed human T-cell clones are being employed to gather more data on the phenotype and function of HIP-reactive T cells in patients.

These new hybrid insulin peptide epitopes may provide the basis for establishing autoreactive T cells as biomarkers of disease and as potential tolerogens for treatment of T1D.
Complication After PDO Threads Lift
Authors: Ahn Seung Ki , Choi Hwan Jun
Published: June 2019

Thread-lifting is as a minimally invasive procedure with limited scarring, rapid recovery, and fewer complications compared with the standard incisional surgery for facial rejuvenation. Using absorbable thread-like polydioxanone is a relatively simple procedure that is also performed by nonmedical professionals in Korea. Although several acute or delayed complications after using nonabsorbable thread types were also reported, it is uncommon to find cellulitis caused by a delayed complication after thread-lifting. A 41-year-old woman presented to our clinic with inflamed multiple palpable masses. She underwent 3 courses of acupoint embedding therapy at a Korean oriental medical clinic. She was treated with combination antibiotic therapy; however, the inflammation did not subside. Consequently, excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, threads were detected and removed. Dimpling, thread exposure, alopecia, under-correction, asymmetry, and parotid gland injury also can occur as early complications of the procedure. Fortunately, these reactions are predominantly mild to moderate in intensity, and can be corrected by a relatively simple procedure. Chronic inflammatory reactions in the thread-lifting area, as identified in the authors’ case, are an infrequent complication. It is recommended to consult with experts in the field for the implementation of this procedure. In addition, experts also need to notify the above side effects and solutions in advance to ensure safe and satisfactory procedures for their patients.
An Extremely Rare Cause of Headache; Osteoma of the Middle Concha Bullosa
Authors: Gulsen Secaattin
Published: June 2019

Osteomas are benign, slow-growing tumors originating from bone tissue. Osteomas of the paranasal region, which are usually asymptomatic, are detected incidentally on tomographies taken for other medical needs. Paranasal sinus osteomas frequently localized in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses are among the infrequent reasons for headaches. In this case report, the authors submit the first case of an osteoma that was localized inside the middle concha bullosa and causing headache. It was successfully excised via an endoscopic endonasal approach without any complications.
Strategy of Mandibular Central Arch Reconstruction After Firearm Injury
Authors: Fernandes Breno dos Reis , Mendes Bruno Coelho , Mulinari-Santos Gabriel , Okamoto Roberta , Homsi Nicolas , Rocha-Jr Hernando Valentim da , Magacho Luiz Fernando , Pereira Rodrigo dos Santos
Published: June 2019

Gunshot wounds can cause extensive destruction of soft tissue and bone, and the maxillofacial region is often affected. The reconstructive treatment is complex due to the difficulty to reestablish the central arch mandibular contour and volume. Moreover, the goal is to avoid postoperative infections and obtain bone graft neovascularization. Therefore, this report shows a clinical case of a patient presenting mandibular deformity with a mandibular central arch discontinuity caused by a firearm injury. The strategy to the reconstructive treatment as performed with a condensed and stabilized particulate autogenous bone graft was essential and effectiveness. After 1 year, it was obtained a satisfactory result to the patient.
The Natural History of Treated and Untreated Zygomatic Arch Fractures
Authors: Homer Alexander , Homer Benjamin , Sullivan Stephen R. , Taylor Helena O.
Published: June 2019

The authors present the case of a 32-year-old patient treated for a left, isolated zygomatic fracture following assault. The injury was reduced without fixation via the Keene approach. The same patient presented to the emergency room 16 months later with a right-sided fracture similar to the previous contralateral injury. This fracture was left untreated. Repeated assaults over a 4-year period provide us with a natural history of both injuries, allowing for comparison between the 2 approaches. The authors found that reduction of the arch without fixation led to an outcome without palpable or visible deformity and no impaired mastication. Additionally, considering etiology of injury, such as alcohol or drug use, treatment may provide an important point of intervention to prevent recurrence.
On the stability of carbon sequestration in an anisotropic horizontal porous layer with a first-order chemical reaction
Authors: Gautam K. , Narayana P. A. L.
Published: June 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO
2
) sequestration in deep saline aquifers is considered to be one of the most promising solutions to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As the concentration of dissolved CO
2
increases in unsaturated brine, the density increases and the system may ultimately become unstable, and it may initiate convection. In this article, we study the stability of convection in an anisotropic horizontal porous layer, where the solute is assumed to decay via a first-order chemical reaction. We perform linear and nonlinear stability analyses based on the steady-state concentration field to assess neutral stability curves as a function of the anisotropy ratio, Damköhler number and Rayleigh number. We show that anisotropy in permeability and solutal diffusivity play an important role in convective instability. It is shown that when solutal horizontal diffusivity is larger than the vertical diffusivity, varying the ratio of vertical to horizontal permeabilities does not significantly affect the behaviour of instability. It is also noted that, when horizontal permeability is higher than the vertical permeability, varying the ratio of vertical to horizontal solutal diffusivity does have a substantial effect on the instability of the system when the reaction rate is dominated by the diffusion rate. We used the Chebyshev-tau method coupled with the QZ algorithm to solve the eigenvalue problem obtained from both the linear and nonlinear stability theories.
A systematic path to non-Markovian dynamics: new response probability density function evolution equations under Gaussian coloured noise excitation
Authors: Mamis K. I. , Athanassoulis G. A. , Kapelonis Z. G.
Published: June 2019

Determining evolution equations governing the probability density function (pdf) of non-Markovian responses to random differential equations (RDEs) excited by coloured noise, is an important issue arising in various problems of stochastic dynamics, advanced statistical physics and uncertainty quantification of macroscopic systems. In the present work, such equations are derived for a scalar, nonlinear RDE under additive coloured Gaussian noise excitation, through the stochastic Liouville equation. The latter is an exact, yet non-closed equation, involving averages over the time history of the non-Markovian response. This non-locality is treated by applying an extension of the Novikov–Furutsu theorem and a novel approximation, employing a stochastic Volterra–Taylor functional expansion around instantaneous response moments, leading to efficient, closed, approximate equations for the response pdf. These equations retain a tractable amount of non-locality and nonlinearity, and they are valid in both the transient and long-time regimes for any correlation function of the excitation. Also, they include as special cases various existing relevant models, and generalize Hänggi's ansatz in a rational way. Numerical results for a bistable nonlinear RDE confirm the accuracy and the efficiency of the new equations. Extension to the multidimensional case (systems of RDEs) is feasible, yet laborious.
Seizures cause sustained microvascular constriction associated with astrocytic and vascular smooth muscle Ca2+ recruitment
Authors: Tran Cam Ha T. , George Antis G. , Teskey G. Campbell , Gordon Grant R.
Published: June 2019

Previously we showed that seizures result in a severe hypoperfusion/hypoxic attack that results in postictal memory and behavioral impairments (Farrell et al., 2016). However, neither postictal changes in microvasculature nor Ca2+ changes in key cell-types controlling blood perfusion have been visualized in vivo, leaving essential components of the underlying cellular mechanisms unclear. Here we use two-photon microvascular and Ca2+ imaging in awake mice to show that seizures result in a robust vasoconstriction of cortical penetrating arterioles, which temporally mirrors the prolonged postictal hypoxia. The vascular effect was dependent on cyclooxygenase-2, as pre-treatment with ibuprofen prevented postictal vasoconstriction. Seizures caused a rapid elevation in astrocyte endfoot Ca2+ that was confined to the seizure period. Vascular smooth muscle cells displayed a significant increase in Ca2+ both during and following seizures, lasting up to 75 minutes. The temporal activities of two cell-types within the neurovascular unit lead to seizure-induced hypoxia.

Highlights

Seizures lead to equivalent levels of postictal hypoxia in both male and female mice

Calcium elevation in astrocyte endfeet is confined to the seizure

Postictal vasoconstriction in awake mice is mediated by cyclooxygenase-2

Calcium elevation in vascular smooth muscle cells is enduring and correlates with vasoconstriction.
Ultrafast immunostaining of organ-scale tissues for scalable proteomic phenotyping
Authors: Yun Dae Hee , Park Young-Gyun , Cho Jae Hun , Kamentsky Lee , Evans Nicholas B. , Albanese Alex , Xie Katherine , Swaney Justin , Sohn Chang Ho , Tian Yuxuan , Zhang Qiangge , Drummond Gabi , Guan Webster , DiNapoli Nicholas , Choi Heejin , Jung Hae-Yoon , Ruelas Luzdary , Feng Guoping , Chung Kwanghun
Published: June 2019

Studying the function and dysfunction of complex biological systems necessitates comprehensive understanding of individual cells. Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) tissue processing and imaging modalities have enabled rapid visualization and phenotyping of cells in their spatial context. However, system-wide interrogation of individual cells within large intact tissue remains challenging, low throughput, and error-prone owing to the lack of robust labeling technologies. Here we introduce a rapid, versatile, and scalable method, eFLASH, that enables complete and uniform labeling of organ-scale tissue within one day. eFLASH dynamically modulates chemical transport and reaction kinetics to establish system-wide uniform labeling conditions throughout the day-long labeling period. This unique approach enables the same protocol to be compatible with a wide range of tissue types and probes, enabling combinatorial molecular phenotyping across different organs and species. We applied eFLASH to generate quantitative maps of various cell types in mouse brains. We also demonstrated multidimensional cell profiling in a marmoset brain block. We envision that eFLASH will spur holistic phenotyping of emerging animal models and disease models to help assess their functions and dysfunctions.
CEP290 myosin-tail homology domain is essential for protein confinement between inner and outer segments in photoreceptors
Authors: Datta Poppy , Hendrickson Brandon , Brendalen Sarah , Ruffcorn Avri , Seo Seongjin
Published: June 2019

Mutations inCEP290cause various ciliopathies involving retinal degeneration. CEP290 proteins localize to the ciliary transition zone and are thought to act as a gatekeeper that controls ciliary protein trafficking. However, precise roles of CEP290 in photoreceptors and pathomechanisms of retinal degeneration inCEP290-associated ciliopathies are not sufficiently understood. UsingCep290conditional mutant mice, in which the C-terminal myosin-tail homology domain is disrupted after the connecting cilium is assembled, we show that CEP290, more specifically the myosin-tail homology domain of CEP290, is essential for protein confinement between the inner and the outer segments. Inner segment plasma membrane proteins including STX3, SNAP25, and IMPG2 rapidly accumulate in the outer segment upon disruption of the myosin-tail homology domain. In contrast, localization of endomembrane proteins is not altered. Trafficking and confinement of most outer segment-resident proteins appear to be unaffected or only minimally affected in this mouse model. One notable exception is RHO, which exhibits severe mislocalization to inner segments from the initial stage of degeneration. Similar mislocalization phenotypes were observed inrd16mice. These results suggest that failure of protein confinement at the connecting cilium and consequent accumulation of inner segment membrane proteins in the outer segment combined with insufficient RHO delivery is part of the disease mechanisms that cause retinal degeneration inCEP290-associated ciliopathies. Our study provides insights into the pathomechanisms of retinal degenerations associated with compromised ciliary gates.
The genetic architecture of fitness drives population viability during rapid environmental change
Authors: Kardos Marty ,   Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Luikart Gordon
Published: June 2019

Abstract

The rapid global loss of biodiversity calls for improved predictions of how populations will evolve and respond demographically to ongoing environmental change. The heritability (h2) of selected traits has long been known to affect evolutionary and demographic responses to environmental change. However, effects of the genetic architecture underlying theh2of a selected trait on population responses to selection are less well understood. We use deterministic models and stochastic simulations to show that the genetic architecture underlyingh2can dramatically affect population viability during environmental change. Polygenic trait architectures (many loci, each with a small phenotypic effect) conferred higher population viability than genetic architectures with the same initialh2and large-effect loci under a wide range of scenarios. Population viability also depended strongly on the initial frequency of large-effect beneficial alleles, with moderately low initial allele frequencies conferring higher viability than rare or already-frequent large-effect alleles. Greater population viability associated with polygenic architectures appears to be due to higher short term evolutionary potential compared to architectures with large-effect loci. These results suggest that integrating information on the trait genetic architecture into quantitiative genetic and population viability analysis will substantially improve our understanding and prediction of evolutionary and demographic responses following environmental change.
Smoking and blood DNA methylation: novel associations, replication of previous findings and assessment of reversibility
Authors: Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Jung Chol-Hee , Joo JiHoon E , Wang Xiaochuan , Wong Ee Ming , Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F , Baglietto Laura , Severi Gianluca , Southey Melissa C , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , Milne Roger L
Published: June 2019

We conducted a genome-wide association study of blood DNA methylation and smoking, attempted replication of previously discovered associations, and assessed the reversibility of smoking-associated methylation changes. DNA methylation was measured in baseline peripheral blood samples for 5,044 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. For 1,032 participants, these measures were repeated using blood samples collected at follow-up, a median of 11 years later. A cross-sectional analysis of the association between smoking and DNA methylation and a longitudinal analysis of changes in smoking status and changes in DNA methylation were conducted. We used our cross-sectional analysis to replicate previously reported associations for current (N=3,327) and former (N=172) smoking. A comprehensive smoking index accounting for the bioactivity of smoking and several aspects of smoking history was constructed to assess the reversibility of smoking-induced methylation changes. We identified 4,496 cross-sectional associations at P<10−7, including 3,296 that were novel. We replicated the majority (90%) of previously reported associations for current and former smokers. In our data, we observed for former smokers a substantial degree of return to the methylation levels of never smokers, compared with current smokers (median: 74%, IQR=63-86%). Consistent with this, we found wide-ranging estimates for the half-life parameter of the comprehensive smoking index. Longitudinal analyses identified 368 sites at which methylation changed upon smoking cessation. Our study provides evidence of many novel associations between smoking and DNA methylation at CpGs across the genome, replicates the vast majority of previously reported associations, and indicates wide-ranging reversibility rates for smoking-induced methylation changes.
Disorder mediated oligomerization of DISC1 proteins revealed by coarse-grained computer simulations
Authors: Roche Julien , Potoyan Davit A
Published: June 2019

Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a scaffold protein of significant importance for neurodevelopment and a prominent candidate protein in the etiology of mental disorders. In this work, we investigate the role of conformational heterogeneity and local structural disorder in the oligomerization pathway of the full-length DISC1 and of two truncation variants. Through extensive coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with a predictive energy landscape based model, we reveal the general mechanistic principles of DISC1 oligomerization. We found that both conformational heterogeneity and structural disorder play an important role in the dimerization pathway of DISC1. This study sheds light on the differences in oligomerization pathways of the full-length protein compared to the truncated variants produced by a chromosomal translocation associated with schizophrenia.
Polyamine biosynthesis inXenopus laevis:the gene xlAZIN2/xlODC2 encodes a lysine decarboxylase
Authors: Lambertos Ana , Peñafiel Rafael
Published: June 2019

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, organic cations that are implicated in many cellular processes. The enzyme is regulated at the post-translational level by an unusual system that includes antizymes (AZs) and antizyme inhibitors (AZINs). Most studies on this complex regulatory mechanism have been focused on human and rodent cells, showing that AZINs (AZIN1 and AZIN2) are homologues of ODC but devoid of enzymatic activity. Little is known aboutXenopusODC and its paralogues, in spite of the relevance ofXenopusas a model organism for biomedical research. We have used the information existing in different genomic databases to compare the functional properties of the amphibian ODC1, AZIN1 and AZIN2/ODC2, by means of transient transfection experiments of HEK293T cells. Whereas the properties of xlODC1 and xlAZIN1 were similar to those reported for their mammalian orthologues, xlAZIN2/xlODC2 showed important differences with respect to human and mouse AZIN2. xlAZIN2 did not behave as an antizyme inhibitor, but it rather acts as an authentic decarboxylase forming cadaverine, due to its affinity for L-lysine as substrate; so, in accordance with this, it should be named as lysine decarboxylase (LDC). In addition, AZ1 stimulated the degradation of xlAZIN2 by the proteasome, but the removal of the 21 amino acid C-terminal tail, with a sequence quite different to that of mouse or human ODC, made the protein resistant to degradation. Collectively, our results indicate that inXenopusthere is only one antizyme inhibitor (xlAZIN1) and two decarboxylases, xlODC1 and xlLDC, with clear preferences for L-ornithine and L-lysine, respectively.
CurviPicker: a continuum robot for pick-and-place tasks
Authors: Yang Zhixiong , Zhao Bin , Bo Liang , Zhu Xiangyang , Xu Kai
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Pick-and-place tasks are common across many industrial sectors, and many rigid-linked robots have been proposed for this application. This paper aims to alternatively present the development of a continuum robot for low-load medium-speed pick-and-place tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

An inversion of a previously proposed dual continuum mechanism, as a key design element, was used to realize the horizontal movements of the CurviPicker’s end effector. A flexible shaft was inserted to realize rotation and translation about a vertical axis. The design concept, kinematics, system descriptions and proof-of-concept experimental characterizations are elaborated.

Findings

Experimental characterizations show that the CurviPicker can achieve satisfactory accuracy after motion calibration. The CurviPicker is easy to control due to its simple kinematics, while its structural compliance makes it safe to work with, as well as less sensitive to possible target picking position errors to avoid damaging itself or the to-be-picked objects.

Research limitations/implications

The vertical translation of the CurviPicker is currently realized by moving the flexible shaft. Insertion of the flexible shaft introduces possible disturbances. It is desired to explore other form of variations to use structural deformation to realize the vertical translation.

Practical implications

The proposed CurviPicker realizes the Schöenflies motions via a simple structure. Such a robot can be used to increase robot presence and automation in small businesses for low-load medium-speed pick-and-place tasks.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the CurviPicker is the first continuum robot designed and constructed for pick-and-place tasks. The originality stems from the concept, kinematics, development and proof-of-concept experimental characterizations of the CurviPicker.
Multidisciplinary wing design of a light long endurance UAV
Authors: Grendysa Wojciech
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is finding the optimal geometric parameters and developing of a method for optimizing a light unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wing, maximizing, at the same time, its endurance with the assumed parameters of aircraft mission.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the experience gained by the author’s contribution to the project of building medium-altitude, long-endurance class, light UAV called “Samonit”. The author was responsible for the structure design, wind tunnel tests and flight tests of the “Samonit” aircraft. Based on the experience, the author was able to develop an optimization process considering various disciplines involved in the whole aircraft design topics such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics, structural stiffness and weight, aircraft stability and maneuverability. The presented methodology has a multidisciplinary nature, as in the process of optimization both aerodynamic aspects and the influence of wing geometric parameters on the wing structure and weight and the aircraft payload were taken into account. The optimal wing configuration was obtained using the genetic algorithms.

Findings

As a result, a set of wing geometrical parameters has been obtained that allowed for achieving twice as long endurance as compared with the initial one.

Practical implications

Using the methodology presented in the paper, an aircraft designer can easily find the optimum wing configuration of a designed aircraft, satisfying the mission requirements in a best way.

Originality/value

An original procedure has been developed, based on the actual design, wind tunnel tests and numerical calculations of “Samonit” aircraft, enabling the determination of optimum wing configuration for a small unmanned aircraft.
Development of an equivalent static method for the approximation of the dynamic response of offshore structures
Authors: Koukouselis Apostolos , Chatziioannou Konstantinos , Mistakidis Euripidis , Katsardi Vanessa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The design of compliant towers in deep waters is greatly affected by their dynamic response to wave loads as well as by the geometrical and material nonlinearities that appear. In general, a nonlinear time history dynamic analysis is the most appropriate one to be applied to capture the exact response of the structure under wave loading. However, this type of analysis is complex and time-consuming. This paper aims to develop a simplified methodology, which can adequately approximate the maximum response yielded by a dynamic analysis by means of a static analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Various types of time history dynamic analysis are first applied on a detailed structural model, ranging from linear to fully nonlinear, that are used as reference solutions. In the sequel, a simplified analysis model is formulated, capable of reproducing the response of the entire structure with significantly reduced computational cost. In the next stage, this model is used to obtain the linear and nonlinear response spectra of the structure. Finally, these spectra are used to formulate a simplified design approach, based on equivalent static loads.

Findings

This simplified design approach produces good results in cases that the response is mainly governed by the first eigenmode, which is the case when compliant towers are considered.

Originality/value

The present paper borrows ideas from the area of earthquake engineering, where simplified methodologies can be used for the design of a certain class of structures. However, the development of a simplified methodology for the approximation of the dynamic behavior of offshore structures under wave loading is a much more complex problem, which, to the authors’ knowledge, has not been addressed till now.
The double-edged effect of knowledge search on innovation generations
Authors: Wang Chunhsien , Chen Min-Nan , Chang Ching-Hsing
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate alliance partner diversity (APD) as a driving force that potentially enhances firms’ innovation generation (IG) in interfirm open alliance contexts. The authors propose that APD enhances IG but that the effects depend on both alliance network position and the double-edged external knowledge search strategy. Building on the knowledge-based view and social capital theory, the authors formally model how external knowledge search strategies can lead to productive or destructive acquisitions of external knowledge in interfirm open alliance networks. The authors theorize that when an individual firm adopts a central position in a complex interfirm open alliance network, its propensity toward beneficial IG depends on its knowledge search strategy (i.e. its breadth and depth) due to the joint influence of network position and knowledge search strategy on innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an original large-scale survey of high-tech firms, this study shows that the relationship between partner diversity and IG is contingent on a firm’s network position and knowledge search strategy. The authors also offer an original analysis of how knowledge search strategy (i.e. its breadth and depth) in network centrality (NC) affects the efficacy of knowledge acquisition in interfirm open alliance networks. Empirically, the authors provide an original contribution to the open innovation literature by integrating social capital and knowledge-based theory to rigorously measure firm IG.

Findings

Overall, our findings suggest that the knowledge search strategy imparts a double-edged effect that may promote or interfere with external knowledge in IG in the context of the diversity of alliance partners.

Research limitations/implications

The work has important limitations, such as its analysis of a single industry in the empirical models. Therefore, further studies should consider multiple industries that may provide useful insights into innovation decisions.

Practical implications

External knowledge search is valuable, particularly in the high-tech industry, as external knowledge acquisition generates innovation output. This study serves to raise managers’ awareness of various approaches to external knowledge searches and highlights the importance of network position in knowledge acquisition from interfirm open alliance collaborations.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate the double-edged effect of knowledge search on interfirm open alliance networks. It also contributes to the theoretical and practical literature on interfirm open alliance networks by reflecting on external knowledge search and underlying network centrality and APD factors.
Support perceptions, flexible work options and career outcomes
Authors: Shanmugam Merlin Mythili , Agarwal Bhawna
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the leaky pipeline issue (attrition of working women due to motherhood) in the Indian information technology (IT) sector. The study analyses the effect of organisational and supervisory support perceptions on the use of flexible work options and its relationship with career outcomes in terms of job satisfaction, work-life conflict and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire to test the hypotheses was returned by 203 working women of the Indian IT sector belonging to three categories, namely, women undergoing treatment for infertility, pregnant women and women who had recently given birth at the time of the survey.

Findings

The findings state that the use of flexible work options significantly reduce work-life conflict, decrease the intention to turnover and increase job satisfaction, with organisational and supervisory perceptions playing a significant moderating role.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on self-reported responses. Nevertheless, the study provides insights into the work-life priorities of Indian women at the time of motherhood and opens up specific research opportunities to address the leaky pipeline due to pregnancy and childbirth.

Practical implications

Organisations should take genuine initiatives to effectively use the flexible work options and provide supervisory training for increased sensitivity to help reduce role conflict and let working women make informed choices in their careers and lives at the time of childbirth.

Originality/value

The paper could be the first known paper to study this special category of working women at the threshold of motherhood in the Indian IT sector.
The effect of different types of education on the likelihood of employment in 29 post-communist countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Auchynnikova Alena , Luo Rong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of a variety of levels of education, namely, high school, vocational and university education, on the probability of being employed in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are from two waves of the Life-in-Transition Survey that covers 29 post-communist transitional countries. The number of binary logistic models is estimated to quantify the effects of different types of education on the likelihood of being employed, while controlling for different sets of covariates.

Findings

The findings reveal that the effect of employment associated with university education is higher than that of vocational education, which in turn is higher than that of high school education. However, the differences between the effects of the various levels of education are not considerable. Any specific level of education is always associated with a higher effect in Eastern Europe as compared to the former Soviet Union. The effect of education is also found to be higher for females than for males. In the former Soviet Union, the positive effect of university and vocational education on employment is found to go down with age.

Originality/value

This is the first study which compares effect of different types of education on probability of being employed on a diverse sample of 29 post-communist countries over the period of five years.
The dissemination of firm information via company register websites
Authors: Kaya Devrimi , Seebeck Andreas
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cross-country determinants of the extent of firm information disseminated via company register (CR) websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop an index model (CR score) designed to capture the extent of regulated firm information disseminated via CR websites. The proposed index is applied to a unique sample of 137 countries. Following prior literature, the proposed index covers three dimensions: data availability, data accessibility and data serviceability. The index composition and the URLs of the CR websites are provided as an exhibit to this paper.

Findings

Across a variety of tests and sample compositions, the authors find consistent evidence that countries with a relatively high level of internet penetration, those that facilitate cross-border trading and those with higher governance quality show higher CR scores. The results are generally in line with theories of regulation.

Practical implications

The results of this paper speak directly to the current regulatory initiatives which aim to foster information acquisition and processing via company registers.

Originality/value

The authors provide early empirical evidence on the cross-country variation of dissemination of firm information via CR websites for a unique sample of 137 countries. Investors, analysts and other users of financial statements should be aware of the underlying factors that influence the extent and accessibility of firm information.
Factors persuade individuals’ behavioral intention to opt for Islamic bank services
Authors: Allah Pitchay Anwar Bin , Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy Bin , Azhar Zubir , Mydin Al Amin , Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin Bin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The sustainable development of Islamic banking services has motivated a significant number of depositors to choose Islamic bank services instead of the conventional bank. There are various factors that can persuade the depositors’ choice to choose an Islamic bank. This paper aims to examine the factors that persuade individuals’ behavioral intention to choose Islamic bank services.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, this study uses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the underlying theory to measure the factors that persuade the depositors’ behavioral intention to choose Islamic bank services. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to the Malaysian Islamic Bank’s depositors in Peninsular Malaysia. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The result showed the three variables that predicted behavioral intentions of the depositors, namely, attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), were found to be significant in persuading depositors’ behavioral intention to choose Islamic bank services. Furthermore, the findings of the study also confirmed the relevance of using TPB to measure the depositors’ behavioral intention. The results could advance knowledge in the area of Islamic finance and also have positive implications for practitioners.

Originality/value

The study offers an insight into the present environment involving Islamic banking services which was established in Malaysia 30 years ago. In the context of the current study, the present environment refers to the depositors’ intention to opt for the service and the factors that influence the depositors to choose Islamic banking services apart from the religious factor which has been well acknowledged by a significant number of previous studies.