bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the Hof1–Cyk3 interaction in cleavage-furrow ingression and primary-septum formation during yeast cytokinesis
Authors: Wang Meng , Nishihama Ryuichi , Onishi Masayuki , Pringle John R.
Published: January 2018

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it is well established that Hof1, Cyk3, and Inn1 contribute to septum formation and cytokinesis. Because hof1∆ and cyk3∆ single mutants have relatively mild defects but hof1∆ cyk3∆ double mutants are nearly dead, it has been hypothesized that these proteins contribute to parallel pathways. However, there is also evidence that they interact physically. In this study, we examined this interaction and its functional significance in detail. Our data indicate that the interaction 1) is mediated by a direct binding of the Hof1 SH3 domain to a proline-rich motif in Cyk3; 2) occurs specifically at the time of cytokinesis but is independent of the (hyper)phosphorylation of both proteins that occurs at about the same time; 3) is dispensable for the normal localization of both proteins; 4) is essential for normal primary-septum formation and a normal rate of cleavage-furrow ingression; and 5) becomes critical for growth when either Inn1 or the type II myosin Myo1 (a key component of the contractile actomyosin ring) is absent. The similarity in phenotype between cyk3∆ mutants and mutants specifically lacking the Hof1–Cyk3 interaction suggests that the interaction is particularly important for Cyk3 function, but it may be important for Hof1 function as well.
A Systematic Review of Labor Pain Used as an Outcome Criterion in Clinical Research
Authors: Dualé Christian , Breysse Gaétan , Pereira Bruno
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Research on labor pain currently uses standard scores such as numerical scales as clinical outcomes, but no clear guidelines for such an assessment have appeared since a review published in 1998. We aimed to describe and estimate the quality of the methods used to assess and analyze such outcomes in a systematic review of 215 comparative studies published since then in 27 influential journals.

Methods:

In addition to a complete description, we created for each study a composite “analysis quality score” (AQS) on the basis of the methods of both measurement of pain/analgesia, and statistical analysis. AQS was tested against various factors, including a “design quality score” (DQS), created to estimate methodological quality (regardless of the analysis of pain intensity).

Results:

Both the AQS and its “measurement” component increased with the year of publication, as well as the DQS. The impact factor correlated only with the statistical component of the AQS, and with the DQS. However, the mean AQS and DQS were, respectively, at 43% and 75% of their maximal possible value, and these 2 scores were not correlated. The intensity of labor pain (or pain relief) was the primary outcome in 19% of the studies. Although most of the studies actually used numerical scales, the methods of analysis were heterogeneous. When a cutoff point was determined to define analgesia, this was most often 30% of the maximal value.

Discussion:

This review points out the need for a better standardization of the methods in this field of research.
Primary Prenatal Care: Screening, Prevention, and Treatment of Viral Infections
Authors: SPADOLA ALEXANDRA
Published: January 2018

Prenatal care providers are responsible for a basic understanding of the viral contagions that place women and fetal well-being at risk during pregnancy. This article reviews the evidence-based routine prenatal screening guidelines for previously unrecognized maternal infection, counseling toward risk reduction, recommended maternal immunizations, and the management of maternal and fetal complications of some viral exposures and infections.
RECURRENT OPENING AND CLOSURE OF MACULAR HOLE AFTER PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Ozdemir Ece , Ozdek Sengul
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To report a case of full-thickness macular hole formation and closure twice after pars plana vitrectomy for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 45-year-old woman with a macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment underwent uncomplicated pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, which was removed 3 months postoperatively. A full-thickness macular hole developed spontaneously 18 months after silicone oil removal, concurrently with the formation of epiretinal membrane and perifoveal cystoid changes. The hole was noted to close spontaneously within 2 months with normal foveal contour formation and improved vision, but then reopened for the second time after 10 months. A second spontaneous closure was observed within 2 months.

Conclusion:

Dynamic course of macular hole formation and resolution in a previously vitrectomized eye may justify a more conservative approach with observation for some time before surgical intervention is favored.
SIX2 gene haploinsufficiency leads to a recognizable phenotype with ptosis, frontonasal dysplasia, and conductive hearing loss
Authors: Henn Alina , Weng Harald , Novak Simon , Rettenberger Günther , Gerhardinger Andreas , Rossier Eva , Zirn Birgit
Published: January 2018

Heterozygous microdeletions of chromosome 2p21 encompassing only the SIX2 gene have been described in two families to date. The clinical phenotype comprised autosomal-dominant inherited frontonasal dysplasia with ptosis in one family. In the second family, conductive hearing loss was the major clinical feature described; however, the affected persons also had ptosis. Here, we present a large family combining all three predescribed features of SIX2 gene deletion. The phenotype in four affected family members in three generations consisted of bilateral congenital ptosis, epicanthus inversus, frontonasal dysplasia with broad nasal bridge and hypertelorism, frontal bossing and large anterior fontanel in childhood, narrow ear canals, and mild conductive hearing loss with onset in childhood. Thus, the phenotypic spectrum of SIX2 haploinsufficiency is widened. Moreover, 2p21 microdeletions with SIX2 haploinsufficiency appear to lead to a recognizable phenotype with facial features resembling blepharophimosis–ptosis–epicanthus inversus syndrome.
Reducing Ischemic Injury From Indwelling Peripheral Arterial Catheters in a Pediatric Cardiac ICU: A Quality Improvement Initiative*
Authors: Adler Adam C. , Helman Stephanie , Field Cynthia , Stellar Judith J. , Brown Lauren A. , Omensetter Nicole , Costarino Andrew T. , Yuerek Mahsun , Bender Karen S.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To reduce the number of ischemic arterial catheter injuries in children with congenital or acquired heart disease.

Design:

This is a quality improvement study with pre- and postintervention groups.

Setting:

University-affiliated pediatric cardiac center in a quaternary care freestanding children’s hospital.

Patients:

All patients with an indwelling peripheral arterial catheter placed in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Center associated with an admission to the Cardiac Intensive Cardiac Unit from January 2015 to July 2017 are included. Patients with umbilical arterial catheters were excluded from the cohort. The rate of arterial catheter injury is reported per 1,000 catheter days. The rate of “concerning” arterial catheter assessments is reported as a percentage of catheters per month.

Intervention:

Initial intervention replaced intermittent manual arterial catheter flushing with a continuous arterial catheter infusion system during the delivery of anesthesia. The second intervention implemented a daily arterial catheter safety assessment during cardiac ICU rounds with documentation of the assessment in the cardiac ICU daily attending progress note.

Measurements and Main Results:

Our project included 1,945 arterial catheters encompassing 7,197 catheter days. During the preintervention period, on average, 3.1 patients per month experienced an arterial catheter–related injury compared with 1.9 patients per month following intervention, a reduction of 38.7% (3.1 vs 1.9; p = 0.01). The rate of injury per 1,000 arterial catheter days was reduced from 16.7 pre intervention to 7.52 post intervention, a 55% overall reduction (16.7 vs 7.52; p = 0.0001). The rate of concerning arterial catheter nursing assessment based on our definition was reduced by 18.0% following our intervention cycles (25.5% vs 20.9%; p = 0.001)

Conclusions:

Implementation of a quality improvement initiative and changing local practices reduced arterial catheter–associated harm in children with congenital and acquired heart disease requiring care in a cardiac ICU.
Risk Factors for Healthcare-Associated Infections After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery*
Authors: Hatachi Takeshi , Tachibana Kazuya , Inata Yu , Tominaga Yuji , Hirano Aiko , Kyogoku Miyako , Moon Kazue , Shimizu Yoshiyuki , Isaka Kanako , Takeuchi Muneyuki
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Healthcare-associated infections after pediatric cardiac surgery are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Design:

Retrospective, single-center observational study.

Setting:

PICU at a tertiary children’s hospital.

Patients:

Consecutive pediatric patients less than or equal to 18 years old admitted to the PICU after cardiac surgery, between January 2013 and December 2015.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

All the data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of patients. We assessed the first surgery during a single PICU stay and identified four common healthcare-associated infections, including bloodstream infection, surgical site infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection, according to the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Healthcare Safety Network. We assessed the pre-, intra-, and early postoperative potential risk factors for these healthcare-associated infections via multivariable analysis. In total, 526 cardiac surgeries (394 patients) were included. We identified 81 cases of healthcare-associated infections, including, bloodstream infections (n = 30), surgical site infections (n = 30), urinary tract infections (n = 13), and pneumonia (n = 8). In the case of 71 of the surgeries (13.5%), at least one healthcare-associated infection was reported. Multivariable analysis indicated the following risk factors for postoperative healthcare-associated infections: mechanical ventilation greater than or equal to 3 days (odds ratio, 4.81; 95% CI, 1.89–12.8), dopamine use (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.53–10.3), genetic abnormality (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.17–5.45), and delayed sternal closure (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.16–12.8).

Conclusions:

Mechanical ventilation greater than or equal to 3 days, dopamine use, genetic abnormality, and delayed sternal closure were associated with healthcare-associated infections after pediatric cardiac surgery. Since the use of dopamine is an easily modifiable risk factor, and may serve as a potential target to reduce healthcare-associated infections, further studies are needed to establish whether dopamine negatively impacts the development of healthcare-associated infections.
Population Neuroscience
Authors: Ganguli Mary , Albanese Emiliano , Seshadri Sudha , Bennett David A. , Lyketsos Constantine , Kukull Walter A. , Skoog Ingmar , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: January 2018

Over recent decades, epidemiology has made significant contributions to our understanding of dementia, translating scientific discoveries into population health. Here, we propose reframing dementia epidemiology as “population neuroscience,” blending techniques and models from contemporary neuroscience with those of epidemiology and biostatistics. On the basis of emerging evidence and newer paradigms and methods, population neuroscience will minimize the bias typical of traditional clinical research, identify the relatively homogenous subgroups that comprise the general population, and investigate broader and denser phenotypes of dementia and cognitive impairment. Long-term follow-up of sufficiently large study cohorts will allow the identification of cohort effects and critical windows of exposure. Molecular epidemiology and omics will allow us to unravel the key distinctions within and among subgroups and better understand individuals’ risk profiles. Interventional epidemiology will allow us to identify the different subgroups that respond to different treatment/prevention strategies. These strategies will inform precision medicine. In addition, insights into interactions between disease biology, personal and environmental factors, and social determinants of health will allow us to measure and track disease in communities and improve population health. By placing neuroscience within a real-world context, population neuroscience can fulfill its potential to serve both precision medicine and population health.
High Amplitude Background Slow Waves in Normal Children Aged 3 to 18 Months: Implications for the Consideration of Hypsarhythmia
Authors: Mytinger John R. , Weber Amanda , Vidaurre Jorge
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To assess for the presence of high amplitude EEG background slow waves in normal young children.

Methods:

One hundred children with normal development ages 3 to 18 months had normal EEGs for spells and did not have seizures or epilepsy. Three electroencephalographers retrospectively reviewed 5 minutes of stable stage II sleep to measure background slow waves for peak-to-peak amplitudes. A standard 10-20 longitudinal bipolar montage was used. Interrater agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results:

Interrater agreement between reviewers in the assessment of recurrent slow wave amplitudes was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97). Slow wave amplitudes were the highest in the posterior head regions for all patients. We found recurring slow waves of <200 µV, 200 to 299 µV, 300 to 399 µV, 400 to 499 µV, and >500 µV in 17%, 49%, 30%, 3% and 1%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Although hypsarhythmia typically includes high amplitude background slow waves of >200 or >300 µV, we found that 83% and 34% of normal children had recurring posterior background slow waves of >200 or >300 µV, respectively. These data may be useful in the EEG background assessment of young children, for determining the presence or absence of hypsarhythmia, and determining treatment response in children with epileptic spasms.
Fine-scale movement responses of free-ranging harbour porpoises to capture, tagging and short-term noise pulses from a single airgun
Authors: van Beest Floris M. , Teilmann Jonas , Hermannsen Line , Galatius Anders , Mikkelsen Lonnie , Sveegaard Signe , Balle Jeppe Dalgaard , Dietz Rune , Nabe-Nielsen Jacob
Published: January 2018

Knowledge about the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the behavioural responses of cetaceans is constrained by lack of data on fine-scale movements of individuals. We equipped five free-ranging harbour porpoises (
Phocoena phocoena
) with high-resolution location and dive loggers and exposed them to a single 10 inch
3
underwater airgun producing high-intensity noise pulses (2–3 s intervals) for 1 min. All five porpoises responded to capture and tagging with longer, faster and more directed movements as well as with shorter, shallower, less wiggly dives immediately after release, with natural behaviour resumed in less than or equal to 24 h. When we exposed porpoises to airgun pulses at ranges of 420–690 m with noise level estimates of 135–147 dB re 1 µPa
2
s (sound exposure level), one individual displayed rapid and directed movements away from the exposure site and two individuals used shorter and shallower dives compared to natural behaviour immediately after exposure. Noise-induced movement typically lasted for less than or equal to 8 h with an additional 24 h recovery period until natural behaviour was resumed. The remaining individuals did not show any quantifiable responses to the noise exposure. Changes in natural behaviour following anthropogenic disturbances may reduce feeding opportunities, and evaluating potential population-level consequences should be a priority research area.
Frequency doubling by activein vivomotility of mechanosensory neurons in the mosquito ear
Authors: Windmill James F. C. , Jackson Joseph C. , Pook Victoria G. , Robert Daniel
Published: January 2018

Across vertebrate and invertebrate species, nonlinear active mechanisms are employed to increase the sensitivity and acuity of hearing. In mosquitoes, the antennal hearing organs are known to use active force feedback to enhance auditory acuity to female generated sounds. This sophisticated form of signal processing involves active nonlinear events that are proposed to rely on the motile properties of mechanoreceptor neurons. The fundamental physical mechanism for active auditory mechanics is theorized to rely on a synchronization of motile neurons, with a characteristic frequency doubling of the force generated by an ensemble of motile mechanoreceptors. There is however no direct biomechanical evidence at the mechanoreceptor level, hindering further understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of sensitive hearing. Here, usingin situandin vivoatomic force microscopy, we measure and characterize the mechanical response of mechanosensory neuron units during forced oscillations of the hearing organ. Mechanoreceptor responses exhibit the hallmark of nonlinear feedback for force generation, with movements at twice the stimulus frequency, associated with auditory amplification. Simultaneous electrophysiological recordings exhibit similar response features, notably a frequency doubling of the firing rate. This evidence points to the nature of the mechanism, whereby active hearing in mosquitoes emerges from the double-frequency response of the auditory neurons. These results open up the opportunity to directly investigate active cellular mechanics in auditory systems, and they also reveal a pathway to study the nanoscale biomechanics and its dynamics of cells beyond the sense of hearing.
Achilles tendon moment arm in humans is not affected by inversion/eversion of the foot: a short report
Authors: Wolfram Susann , Morse Christopher I. , Winwood Keith L. , Hodson-Tole Emma , McEwan Islay M.
Published: January 2018

The triceps surae primarily acts as plantarflexor of the ankle joint. However, the group also causes inversion and eversion at the subtalar joint. Despite this, the Achilles tendon moment arm is generally measured without considering the potential influence of inversion/eversion of the foot during plantarflexion. This study investigated the effect of foot inversion and eversion on the plantarflexion Achilles tendon moment arm. Achilles tendon moment arms were determined using the centre-of-rotation method in magnetic resonance images of the left ankle of 11 participants. The foot was positioned at 15° dorsiflexion, 0° or 15° plantarflexion using a Styrofoam wedge. In each of these positions, the foot was either 10° inverted, neutral or 10° everted using an additional Styrofoam wedge. Achilles tendon moment arm in neutral foot position was 47.93 ± 4.54 mm and did not differ significantly when the foot was positioned in 10° inversion and 10° eversion. Hence, inversion/eversion position of the foot may not considerably affect the length of the Achilles tendon moment arm. This information could be useful in musculoskeletal models of the human lower leg and foot and when estimating Achilles tendon forces during plantarflexion with the foot positioned in inversion or eversion.
Rapid seasonal evolution in innate immunity of wildDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Behrman Emily L. , Howick Virginia M. , Kapun Martin , Staubach Fabian , Bergland Alan O. , Petrov Dmitri A. , Lazzaro Brian P. , Schmidt Paul S.
Published: January 2018

Understanding the rate of evolutionary change and the genetic architecture that facilitates rapid adaptation is a current challenge in evolutionary biology. Comparative studies show that genes with immune function are among the most rapidly evolving genes across a range of taxa. Here, we use immune defence in natural populations ofDrosophila melanogasterto understand the rate of evolution in natural populations and the genetics underlying rapid change. We probed the immune system using the natural pathogensEnterococcus faecalisandProvidencia rettgerito measure post-infection survival and bacterial load of wildD. melanogasterpopulations collected across seasonal time along a latitudinal transect along eastern North America (Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia). There are pronounced and repeatable changes in the immune response over the approximately 10 generations between spring and autumn collections, with a significant but less distinct difference observed among geographical locations. Genes with known immune function are not enriched among alleles that cycle with seasonal time, but the immune function of a subset of seasonally cycling alleles in immune genes was tested using reconstructed outbred populations. We find that flies containing seasonal alleles inThioester-containing protein 3(Tep3) have different functional responses to infection and that epistatic interactions among seasonalTep3andDrosomycin-like 6(Dro6) alleles underlie the immune phenotypes observed in natural populations. This rapid, cyclic response to seasonal environmental pressure broadens our understanding of the complex ecological and genetic interactions determining the evolution of immune defence in natural populations.
Raineya orbicola gen. nov., sp. nov. a slightly thermophilic bacterium of the phylum Bacteroidetes and the description of Raineyaceae fam. nov.
Authors: Albuquerque Luciana , Polónia Ana Rita M. , Barroso Cristina , Froufe Hugo J. C. , Lage Olga , Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Egas Conceição , da Costa Milton S.
Published: January 2018

An isolate, designated SPSPC-11T, with an optimum growth temperature of about 50 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 7.5 and 8.0, was recovered from a hot spring in central Portugal. Based on phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA sequence, the new organism is most closely related to the species of the genus

Thermonema

but with a pairwise sequence similarity of <85 %. The isolate was orange-pigmented, formed non-motile long filaments and rod-shaped cells that stain Gram-negative. The organism was strictly aerobic, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were one aminophospholipid, two aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. Menaquinone 7 was the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain SPSPC-11T was 37.6 mol% (draft genome sequence). The high quality draft genome sequence corroborated many of the phenotypic characteristics of strain SPSPC-11T. Based on genotypic, phylogenetic, physiological and biochemical characterization we describe a new species of a novel genus represented by strain SPSPC-11T (=CECT 9012T=LMG 29233T) for which we propose the name Raineya orbicola gen. nov., sp. nov. We also describe the family Raineyaceae to accommodate this new genus and species.
Protein crystal lattices are dynamic assemblies: the role of conformational entropy in the protein condensed phase
Authors: Dimova Margarita , Devedjiev Yancho D.
Published: January 2018

Until recently, the occurrence of conformational entropy in protein crystal contacts was considered to be a very unlikely event. A study based on the most accurately refined protein structures demonstrated that side-chain conformational entropy and static disorder might be common in protein crystal lattices. The present investigation uses structures refined using ensemble refinement to show that although paradoxical, conformational entropy is likely to be the major factor in the emergence and integrity of the protein condensed phase. This study reveals that the role of shape entropy and local entropic forces expands beyond the onset of crystallization. For the first time, the complete pattern of intermolecular interactions by protein atoms in crystal lattices is presented, which shows that van der Waals interactions dominate in crystal formation.
Triethanolaminate iron perchlorate revisited: change of space group, chemical composition and oxidation states in [Fe7(tea)3(tea-H)3](ClO4)2 (tea-H3 is triethanolamine)
Authors: Horn Jitschaq A. van der , Lutz Martin
Published: January 2018

The X-ray crystal structure of tris[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2′-iminodiethanolato]tris(2,2′,2′′-nitrilotriethanolato)tetrairon(II)triiron(III) bis(perchlorate), [Fe7(C6H12NO3)3(C6H13NO3)3](ClO4)2 or [Fe7(tea)3(tea-H)3](ClO4)2 (tea-H3 is triethanolamine), is known from the literature [Liu et al. (2008). Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem.
634, 778–783] as a heptanuclear coordination cluster. The space group was given as I213 and is reinvestigated in the present study. We find a new space-group symmetry of Pa\overline{3} and could detect O—H hydrogens, which were missing in the original publication. Consequences on the Fe oxidation states are investigated with the bond-valence method, resulting in a mixed-valence core of four FeII and three FeIII centres. Symmetry relationships between the two space groups and the average supergroup Ia\overline{3} are discussed in detail.
Governance for maternal and neonatal health
Authors: Crabtree Susan , Tolley Hilary Clare
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a postdoctoral research study examining the importance of multi-level leadership and health governance for ensuring the implementation of national and provincial health sector strategies that aim to improve maternal and neonatal health (MNH) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive-interpretive qualitative, institutional approach was undertaken to explore the impact of provincial and district governance mechanisms on the delivery of MNH services in two districts in East New Britain Province (ENBP), Papua New Guinea (PNG). Data were collected from 12 key informants. Informants were selected on the basis of their direct involvement in health system management and deployment of health at provincial and district health governance levels.

Findings

The analysis revealed alignment between global strategies and national and provincial policy, suboptimal provincial government support related to implementation of policy, divergent data between districts and a disconnect between the local governance mechanisms and a donor-funded initiative for raising midwifery education.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study was limited by the small sample size and does not claim to be representative of ENBP or other provinces in PNG.

Originality/value

This paper contributes empirical evidence to the literature on health policy, leadership and governance for MNH, by recognising and exploring the formal and informal rules at play in a given context, and examining how they are made, changed, monitored and enforced. These insights are critical to understanding how the system actually functions (or not) to implement MNH strategies in LMICs.
Hospital-supplier integration and hospital performance: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshahrani Saad , Rahman Shams , Chan Caroline
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive conceptual model for the impact of hospital-supplier integration on the overall performance of healthcare organisations. It also investigates the moderating role of lean practices between hospital-supplier integration and hospital performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 498 public and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia using a survey. Structural equation modelling was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that hospital-supplier integration has a positive impact on the hospital performance. These effects are even more notable when adopting lean practices in the hospitals.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from one developing country, namely Saudi Arabia. Thus, the findings may be relevant to the Saudi context but not those of other developing countries. Second, the data were collected from the hospitals’ end but not from the suppliers, so the latter’s perspectives on the themes covered here are not known. Future research may investigate the validity of the model in various developing countries whose healthcare systems have different characteristics, and the relationships between hospitals and their suppliers may follow different governance models.

Practical implications

The developed model and results will help hospitals in the Saudi health system to make better decisions on managing their logistics and supply partners.

Originality/value

This study extends the current research by developing a model that highlights the impact of hospital-supplier integration on the overall performance of healthcare organisations and tests this model to confirm its validity. To the authors’ knowledge, this study would be one of the first that uses both lean thinking and relational view of competitive advantage theory combined to examine the moderating role of lean practices on the inter-organisational relationships in Saudi Arabia.
After a childhood with a parent in prison – relationships and well-being as a child and young adult
Authors: Nylander Per-Åke , Källström Åsa , Hellfeldt Karin
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether young adults who had a parent in prison while growing up in Sweden are disadvantaged in terms of parental support, school well-being and functioning, and socioemotional and/or behavioral problems, compared to young adults whose parents were not in prison when they were a child.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrospective self-report information about parental imprisonment and childhood and adulthood welfare was collected from 2,500 Swedish young adults as part of the RESUME project. Of these, 52 who had had a parent in prison during their childhood were compared to the young adults who had not had a parent in prison, by measuring differences concerning their family relations, school well-being, and well-being as adults, and the risk of some events occurring later in life.

Findings

Having had a parent in prison was significantly related to feeling less loved during childhood, and having less contact and support from both parents during adulthood, in comparison with other young adults. In school they experienced lower well-being and were more often placed in special education than other children. They were at greater risk of not attending higher education, of planning or attempting suicide, and of being hospitalized for mental health problems than the rest of the young adults.

Research limitations/implications

Taking into consideration the complexity of childhood conditions and the limitations of retrospective data, prison, and social-services, professionals should pay special attention to the fact that a child has a parent in prison.

Originality/value

This is a unique study of young adults’ experiences of a childhood with parent in prison.
Changing the perception of police culture: recognising masculinity diversity and difference in a “dirty hands” vocation
Authors: Kennedy Michael , Birch Philip
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to problematise the application of hegemonic masculinity to police practice and culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a viewpoint and is a discussion paper critiquing the application of hegemonic masculinity to police officers, their practice and culture.

Findings

The paper suggests that a broader conceptualisation of masculinity, offered by scholars such as Demetriou (2001), is required when considering policing and its culture, in order to more accurately reflect the activity and those involved in it.

Research limitations/implications

Writings concerning police practice and culture, both in the media and academic discourse, are questionable due to the application of hegemonic masculinity. The application of hegemonic masculinity can create a biased perception of policing and police officers.

Practical implications

The paper helps to engender a more accurate and balanced examination of the police, their culture and practice when writing about policing institutions and encourage social institutions such as academia to address bias in their examination of policing institutions and police officers.

Originality/value

There has been limited consideration in regards to multiple masculinities, police practice and culture.
Board characteristics and firm value for Indian companies
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Kapil Sheeba
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between board characteristics and firm performance for Indian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate governance structures of 391 Indian companies out of CNX 500 companies listed on National Stock Exchange have been studied for their impact on performance of companies. Panel data regression methodology has been used on data for five financial years from 2010 to 2014 for the selected companies. Performance measures considered are market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) and accounting-based measure (return on asset [ROA]).

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) is more impacted by corporate governance than the accounting-based measure (ROA). There is a significant positive association between board size and firm performance. Board independence is found significantly related to firm performance. Number of board meetings is found to be sending positive signal to the market creating firm value. Separation of chief executive officer and chairman of the board is found to be value-creating, and overburdened directors affect firm performance adversely.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are in terms of methodology and possible omission of some variables. It is understood that the qualitative dynamics happening inside board meetings impact corporate performance. The strategic decision-making process adopted by the boards to fight competition or to increase market share is not easily available in public domain. The decision-making processes and monitoring for implementation of those decisions could impact corporate governance performance relationship. These parameters and their impact on corporate performance are not covered under the scope of the present study.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the emerging body of literature on corporate governance performance relationship in the Indian context by using a reasonably wider and newer data set.
Designing gamified transformative and social marketing services
Authors: Mulcahy Rory Francis , Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Zainuddin Nadia , Kuhn Kerri-Ann
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to extend transformative service and social marketing practitioners’ and academics’ understanding of how gamification and serious m-games are designed, and second, to model the effects of game design elements on key transformative service and social marketing outcomes, satisfaction, knowledge, and behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a two-study, mixed-method research design, encompassing focus groups (n=21) and online surveys (n=497), using four current marketplace serious m-games. Study 1 was qualitative and the data were analysed in two cycles using an inductive and deductive approach. Study 2 was quantitative and the data were analysed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The qualitative results of Study 1 discovered a framework of five game design elements for serious m-games. In Study 2, a conceptual model and hypothesised relationships were tested at a full sample level and by each serious m-game. Results show different significant relationships for each serious m-game and moderate to high levels of explanation for satisfaction and knowledge, and low to high levels of explained variance for behavioural intentions. The findings are therefore not only robust across four different serious m-games, but also demonstrate the nuances of the relationships.

Originality/value

This research contributes to two service research priorities: leveraging technology to advance services, and improving well-being through transformative services. This research demonstrates that gamification through serious m-games is one form of technology that can be designed to create a satisfying and knowledge-creating service experience, which can also influence intentions to perform health and well-being behaviours.
Different intelligences’ role in overcoming the differences in employee value system
Authors: Veingerl Čič Živa , Mulej Matjaž , Šarotar Žižek Simona
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present the findings of the research about the role of different intelligences in overcoming the differences in employee value system as a source of success.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on their previous research, the authors used desk and informal field research, the Dialectical Systems Theory and its Law of Requisite Holism.

Findings

The integration of one’s personal development with one’s individual intelligence influences human value systems. Knowledge and developing of various types of intelligence matter: it lets individuals develop faster, in the long run. The higher one’s level of intelligence is, the easier one finds it to face problems or experience. Thus, one is becoming a mature personality, who can overcome extreme alternatives to the briefed human values. This process can also receive meaningful support from the exercise of social responsibility, which is one’s responsibility for one’s impacts on society, i.e. people and nature. Success of the process depends on “personal requisite holism”. The top managers need significantly more emotional and social competences than the others.

Research limitations/implications

The topic is researched with qualitative analysis in desk and informal field research. Quantitative methodological approach took place in the authors’ cited previous publications.

Practical implications

Work distribution makes the leaders and subordinates differ in prevailing values, too. Mastering of these differences will support business success, survival of jobs included and well-being of coworkers from both groups. Application of the cognitive, emotional and spiritual intelligences might help the organization meet this need. The fourth – physical intelligence – supports ensuring the psychological well-being at work; from this, other mentioned intelligences have been developed. Mastering of these differences can also receive support from methods of creative cooperation, social responsibility and personal requisite holism; the authors have reported about these elsewhere, and only point to these in this study.

Social implications

The more holistic intelligences system generates a more socially responsible society.

Originality/value

No similar concept is offered in the available literature.
Reconsidering the phosphorus limitation of soil microbial activity in tropical forests
Authors: Mori Taiki , Lu Xiankai , Aoyagi Ryota , Mo Jiangming
Published: January 2018

It has long been believed that soil microbial activity in tropical forest ecosystems is limited by phosphorus (P) rather than nitrogen (N) availability. In this study, we reviewed the methods used to determine the limiting nutrients and evaluated the validity of the widespread P‐limitation hypothesis in tropical forest soils.

The most commonly used analysis method entails testing whether fertilization increased microbial biomass or soil respiration. Fertilization using microbial biomass as an indicator was not a satisfactory method because standing microbial biomass does not always signal microbial activity. An increase in soil respiration after fertilization was also an insufficient indicator because the negative response shown by organic matter decomposition to nutrient addition can also be driven by nutrient shortage (nutrient mining). Nutrient amendment can also shift microbial communities towards more copiotrophic organisms, which may exhibit lower microbial respiration rates.

We suggest that P addition may accelerate soil organic matter decomposition compared with N, which is independent of the nutrient limitation of soil microbial activity. The negative response of organic matter decomposition to N addition through nutrient mining is driven by N shortage, which is less likely to occur with P. N addition inhibits microbial activity via chemical reactions, whereas P addition may stimulate activity through replacement by C bound to sorption sites in the soil, improving C availability. Thus, the P‐limitation hypothesis must be reconsidered because of the contrasting effects of exogenous N and P addition on soil microbial activity, which could lead to misdetection of P limitation on soil microbial activity in tropical forest ecosystems.

We recommend caution in applying the statement that soil microbial activity in tropical forest ecosystems is limited by P until a novel method is established to accurately determine the nutrients limiting soil microbial activity at the ecosystem level. We proposed alternative ways to describe nutrient shortage for soil microbes.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Defaunation increases the spatial clustering of lowland Western Amazonian tree communities
Authors: Bagchi Robert , Swamy Varun , Latorre Farfan Jean‐Paul , Terborgh John , Vela César I. A. , Pitman Nigel C. A. , Sanchez Washington Galiano
Published: January 2018

Declines of large vertebrates in tropical forests may reduce dispersal of tree species that rely on them, and the resulting undispersed seedlings might suffer increased distance‐ and density‐dependent mortality. Consequently, extirpation of large vertebrates may alter the composition and spatial structure of plant communities and impair ecosystem functions like carbon storage.

We analysed spatial patterns of tree recruitment within six forest plots along a defaunation gradient in western Amazonia. We divided recruits into two size cohorts (“saplings”: ≥1 m tall and <1 cm diameter at breast height [dbh], and juveniles, 1–2 cm dbh) and examined the spatial organisation of conspecific recruits within each cohort (within‐cohort) and around conspecific reproductive‐sized trees (between‐cohort). We used replicated spatial point pattern analysis to quantify relationships between recruit clustering and cohort, defaunation intensity, each tree species reliance on hunted dispersers and the interactions among these three covariates.

Within‐cohort clustering of conspecific saplings increased with reliance of tree species on hunted dispersers, and this trend strengthened significantly as defaunation increased, probably because of reduced dispersal.

Within‐cohort clustering of conspecifics declined from saplings to juveniles, suggesting density‐dependent mortality of saplings. However, the positive relationship between sapling clustering and defaunation did not lead to greater reductions in within‐cohort clustering during the sapling–juvenile transition, suggesting that higher conspecific densities did not translate into increased mortality. Instead, the increased spatial clustering associated with defaunation was retained for juvenile recruits.

Between‐cohort clustering was unrelated to defaunation and did not change during the sapling–juvenile transition.

Synthesis. Defaunation increased spatial aggregation of saplings of tree species reliant on hunted dispersers. The increase in sapling clustering did not increase density‐dependent thinning, and persisted into older recruit cohorts, suggesting that hunting may initiate long‐term spatial reorganisation of Amazonian tree communities. The lack of increased density‐dependent thinning indicates that reduced dispersal did not increase mortality of large‐vertebrate dispersed tree species that contribute disproportionately to forest biomass. We, therefore, caution against the fait accompli acceptance of the prediction by recent modelling studies that overhunting will precipitate a collapse in carbon sequestration by tropical forests.
Temporal microbiota and biochemical profiles during production and ripening of Divle Cave cheese
Authors: Ozturkoglu‐Budak Sebnem , Aykas Didem P , Kocak Celalettin , Dönmez Sedat , Gursoy Ayse , De Vries Ronald P , Bron Peter A
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the proteolysis and lipolysis profiles of a raw ewes' milk cheese during production and ripening. The microbial community of this cheese was quantified, and their roles during proteolysis and lipolysis were studied. We observed an accumulation of substantial amounts of peptides during ripening, which might be attributed to the abundant presence of lactic acid bacteria, as well as to secondary microbiota including fungi, yeasts and actinobacteria. Similarly, high lipolysis levels were obtained, which can be explained by the indigenous lipase in milk and microbial lipases. These results should be of great interest to industrial manufacturers of this cheese.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy is safe and feasible for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ma Shaohua , Yan Tiansheng , Liu Dandan , Wang Keyi , Wang Jingdi , Song Jintao , Wang Tong , He Wei , Bai Jie , Jin Liang , Chen Xiaoxin
Published: January 2018

Background

The advantage of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by open esophagectomy for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has been widely recognized. However, the safety and feasibility of NAC for patients receiving minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the clinical outcome of MIE by comparing two groups of patients, MIE alone and NAC plus MIE.

Methods

From May 2013 to July 2017, 124 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent MIE in our department, with 57 cases receiving NAC plus MIE and 67 cases receiving MIE alone. Perioperative parameters and short‐term postoperative survival were compared between these two groups to evaluate the safety and feasibility of NAC given before MIE.

Results

The group with NAC plus MIE had slightly longer operating time, more blood loss, higher morbidity, increased chance of surgical intensive care unit stay, and longer surgical intensive care unit stay time than the group with MIE alone. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these two groups (P > 0.05). The number of lymph nodes harvested was similar in the two groups without significant difference (P > 0.05). The overall survival was not significantly different between these two groups either (P > 0.05), although before surgery the clinical stage of the group with NAC plus MIE was more advanced than the group with MIE alone.

Conclusions

NAC followed by MIE is safe and feasible for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. NAC does not negatively impact the therapeutic outcome of MIE.