bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamma probe-guided confirmation of balloon placement in endovascular procedures
Authors: Park Yunchul , Jo Young Goun , Choi Kang-Ho , Kim Munki , Kim Jahae
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Gamma probes can provide real-time information on lesion location and allow radioguided surgery in many diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a gamma probe could be used to confirm balloon location in resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and to determine the ease-of-use of the gamma probe localization method using human vasculature phantom and large animal.

METHODS

This investigation comprised a proof-of-concept study using human vasculature phantom and feasibility study using large animal. An assistant and two general surgeons with no prior experience in handling a gamma probe participated in both studies. A gamma probe was used by each surgeon to explore the location of a catheter balloon filled with 8 mL of normal saline containing 37 MBq of 99mTechnetium. The differences between predicted and actual balloon locations and the times taken to perform the trials were recorded. Balloon locations were confirmed by planar gamma camera images. The results were analyzed and compared according to the operators and experiments.

RESULTS

Overall sensitivity and specificity for the localization of the catheter balloon were 100% and 91% in phantom study, respectively, and 100% and 100% in animal study, respectively. The performance of the two operators for exploring the balloon location was similar in both the phantom and the animal studies. The mean time taken to explore the balloon locations with the aid of the gamma probe was only 2.36 minutes in phantom study and 2.65 minutes in the animal study.

CONCLUSION

The gamma probe method was accurate and rapid for confirming balloon location. We suggest that the gamma probe has potential for confirming balloon placement in endovascular procedures without the need for fluoroscopy.
Red blood cell storage and adhesion to vascular endothelium under normal or stress conditions: An in vitro microfluidic study
Authors: Diebel Lawrence N. , Liberati David M.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have identified an association between duration of red blood cell (RBC) storage and adverse outcomes in trauma. Hemorrhagic shock (HS) leads to impaired tissue perfusion which is associated with endothelial cell glycocalyx (eGC) shedding. Adhesion of stored RBC to the vascular endothelium has been shown to lead to impaired perfusion in the microcirculation and contribute to organ failure and poor outcome. The role of either or both of the EC and RBC glycocalyx in this process is unknown and was studied in anin vitromodel.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were perfused in a microfluidic device with RBC solutions from fresh, less than 14-day or longer than 21-day storage. In some experiments, the HS microenvironment was simulated by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) and epinephrine (Epi) in the perfusion experiments. Measurements obtained included endothelial cell (EC) and RBC glycocalyx and RBC adherence to human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers at variable shear rates.

RESULTS

Endothelial cell glycocalyx and RBC glycocalyx dimensions were reduced by H/R and Epi and storage duration respectively. Red blood cell adherence to the endothelium was increased by H/R + Epi treatment and duration of RBC storage.

CONCLUSION

Our data may help explain some of the remaining discrepancies regarding the impact of RBC storage duration on outcomes in the trauma population. Consideration of the integrity of the EC and RBC glycocalyx may guide future transfusion strategies in the trauma population. The microfluidic device system platform may offer a high throughput modality to study emerging therapies to mitigate adverse consequence of RBC storage duration on the perfused endothelium in the trauma setting.
ThoraSite: A device to improve accuracy of lateral decompression needle and chest tube placement
Authors: Shah Amit Navin , Kothera Curt Steven , Dheer Sachin
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Multiple reports have detailed an unacceptably high error rate in the siting of decompression needles and tubes and describe associated iatrogenic injuries. The objective of the current study was to measure the accuracy of the novel ThoraSite template for identifying an acceptable intercostal space (ICS) for lateral needle or tube thoracostomy.

METHODS

Two trained operators used the ThoraSite to place radiopaque needles in the left and right lateral chests of 12 cadavers. An independent radiologist reviewed fluoroscopy images to determine the primary outcome: the ICS in which each needle was placed. Secondary outcomes were ICS's palpable through ThoraSite's Safe Zone; needle placement relative to the anterior axillary line (AAL) and midaxillary line (MAL); and percent correct placement (defined as the third, fourth, or fifth ICS from 1 cm anterior to the AAL to 1 cm posterior to the MAL).

RESULTS

The six female and six male cadavers spanned 4 ft and 11 inches (150 cm) to 6 ft and 7 inches (201 cm), 80 lb (36 kg) to 350 lb (159 kg), and 16 kg/m2 to 42 kg/m2 body mass index. All 24 needles were placed in either the third (4 [17%] of 24 needles), fourth (10 [42%] of 24 needles), or fifth ICS (10 [42%] of 24 needles). In 10 (42%) of 24 assessments, two ICSs were palpable in ThoraSite's Safe Zone. All palpable ICSs were either the third (8 [24%] of 34), fourth (15 [44%] of 34); or fifth ICS (11 [32%] of 34). Twenty-three (96%) of 24 needles were inserted from 1 cm anterior to the AAL to 1 cm posterior to the MAL. Twenty-three (96%) of 24 needle placements were correct.

CONCLUSION

ThoraSite use was associated with needle placement in the third, fourth, or fifth ICS in an area roughly spanning the AAL to MAL in anatomically diverse cadavers. By facilitating appropriate needle/tube placement, ThoraSite use may decrease iatrogenic injuries. Future study involving representative users may be useful to further evaluate ThoraSite accuracy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic and care management, level IV.
Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation–Induced Motor Evoked Potentials Correlate With the Subject-Specific Serum Metabolic Profile of Creatine
Authors: Kallioniemi Elisa , Kärkkäinen Olli , Määttä Sara , Könönen Mervi , Kivimäki Petri , Kaarre Outi , Velagapudi Vidya , Kekkonen Virve , Lehto Soili M. , Laukkanen Eila , Tolmunen Tommi
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation–induced motor responses have been considered to mainly reflect the electrophysiological characteristics of the central motor system. However, certain motor phenomena, such as the magnitude of repetition suppression measured with motor evoked potentials (MEPs), could also in part be influenced by metabolic processes in the peripheral muscles and in both the peripheral and central nervous system. Repetition suppression is an inhibitory phenomenon in which the amplitude of MEP decreases in comparison to that of the first MEP in a train of transcranial magnetic stimulation pulses. This study aimed to identify possible metabolic processes influencing repetition suppression.

Methods:

The metabolic profiles from serum samples and repetition suppression from the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle were measured in 73 subjects (37 female subjects). Repetition suppression was measured using trains of transcranial magnetic stimulation stimuli consisting of 4 identical single pulses at 1-second intervals. The trains were repeated every 20 seconds, and 30 trains were given with a stimulation intensity of 120% of the resting motor threshold of the abductor pollicis brevis. Thus, a total of 120 stimuli were administered.

Results:

The main finding was a significant negative relationship between serum creatine levels and the magnitude of repetition suppression (standardized β coefficient (β) = −0.43; P < 0.001). In other words, higher creatine levels corresponded to a smaller decrement in the MEP amplitude in response to repetition. When MEPs were not repeated, no relationship was observed (β = 0.09; P = 0.454). Creatine is used to form phosphocreatine, which in turn is needed to resynthesize adenosine triphosphate from adenosine diphosphate in situations requiring high amounts of energy in muscles and neural cells.

Conclusions:

For the first time, this study demonstrated a connection between repeated MEPs and peripheral serum metabolites linked to muscle function. These findings could explain some of the intersubject variability commonly observed in MEPs when the pulses are repeated.
Risk of multiple primary cancer diagnosis over age in families of Li-Fraumeni syndrome: a single institution perspective
Authors: Shin Seung Jun , Dodd Elissa B. , Gao Fan , Bojadzieva Jasmina , Chen Jingxiao , Kong Xianhua , Amos Chris , Ning Jing , Strong Louise C. , Wang Wenyi
Published: March 2019

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with TP53 germline mutations and an increased lifetime risk of multiple primary cancers (MPC). Penetrance estimation of time to first and second primary cancer within LFS remains challenging due to limited data availability and the difficulty of accounting for the characteristic effects of a primary cancer on the penetrance of a second primary cancer. Using a recurrent events survival modeling approach, we estimated penetrance for both first and second primary cancer diagnosis from a pediatric sarcoma cohort (number families=189; Single primary cancer, or SPC=771; MPC=87). We then validated the risk prediction performance using an independent clinical cohort of TP53 tested individuals from MD Anderson (SPC=102; MPC=58). Our penetrance estimates are dependent on TP53 genotype, sex, and, importantly, age of diagnosis (AoD) for the first PC. We observed the later the AoD is, the shorter the gap time is for this person to be diagnosed with a second PC. We achieved an Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.77 for predicting individual outcomes of MPC vs. SPC. In summary, we have provided the first set of penetrance estimates for SPC and MPC for TP53 mutation carriers, and demonstrated its accuracy for cancer risk assessment. Our open-source R package, LFSPRO, provides future risk estimates for SPC and MPC among TP53 germline mutation carriers.

Significance

Our tool can be used to support clinical counseling of LFS cancer survivors for better health management.
Pacbio sequencing reveals identical organelle genomes between American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarponAit.) and a wild relative
Authors: Diaz-Garcia Luis , Rodriguez-Bonilla Lorraine , Smith Tyler , Zalapa Juan
Published: March 2019

Breeding efforts in the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), a North American perennial fruit crop of great importance, have been hampered by the limited genetic and phenotypic variability observed among cultivars and experimental materials. Most of the cultivars commercially used by cranberry growers today were derived from a few wild accessions bred in the 1950s. In different crops, wild germplasm has been used as an important genetic resource to incorporate novel traits and increase the phenotypic diversity of breeding materials.Vaccinium microcarpum(Turcz. ex Rupr.) Schmalh. andV. oxycoccosL., two closely related species, may be cross-compatible with the American cranberry and could be useful to improve fruit quality such as phytochemical content, and given their northern distribution, could also help develop cold hardy cultivars. Although these species have previously been analyzed in diversity studies, genomic characterization and comparative studies are still lacking. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the organelle genomes of the cultivated American cranberry and its wild relative,V. microcarpum. PacBio sequencing technology allowed us to assemble both mitochondrial and plastid genomes at very high coverage and in a single circular scaffold. A comparative analysis revealed that the mitochondrial genome sequences were identical between both species and that the plastids presented only two synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Moreover, Illumina resequencing of additional accessions ofV. microcarpumandV. oxycoccosrevealed high genetic variation in both species. Based on these results, we provided a hypothesis involving the extension and dynamics of the last glaciation period in North America, and how this could have shaped the distribution and dispersal ofV. microcarpum. Finally, we provided important data regarding the polyploid origin ofV. oxycoccos.
TheTrichoplaxmicrobiome: the simplest animal lives in an intimate symbiosis with two intracellular bacteria
Authors: Gruber-Vodicka Harald R. , Leisch Nikolaus , Kleiner Manuel , Hinzke Tjorven , Liebeke Manuel , McFall-Ngai Margaret , Hadfield Michael G. , Dubilier Nicole
Published: March 2019

Summary paragraph

Placozoa is an enigmatic phylum of simple, microscopic, marine metazoans. Although intracellular bacteria have been found in all members of this phylum, almost nothing is known about their identity, location and interactions with their host. We used metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing of single host individuals, plus metaproteomic and imaging analyses, to show that the placozoanTrichoplaxH2 lives in symbiosis with two intracellular bacteria. One symbiont forms a new genus in the Midichloriaceae (Rickettsiales) and has a genomic repertoire similar to that of rickettsial parasites, but does not appear to express key genes for energy parasitism. Correlative microscopy and 3-D electron tomography revealed that this symbiont resides in an unusual location, the rough endoplasmic reticulum of its host’s internal fiber cells. The second symbiont belongs to the Margulisbacteria, a phylum without cultured representatives and not known to form intracellular associations. This symbiont lives in the ventral epithelial cells ofTrichoplax, likely metabolizes algal lipids digested by its host, and has the capacity to supplement the placozoan’s nutrition. Our study shows that even the simplest animals known have evolved highly specific and intimate associations with symbiotic, intracellular bacteria, and highlights that symbioses with microorganisms are a basal trait of animal life.
Dynamics of dual specificity phosphatases and their interplay with protein kinases in immune signaling
Authors: Subbannayya Yashwanth , Pinto Sneha M. , Bösl Korbinian , Prasad T. S. Keshava , Kandasamy Richard K.
Published: March 2019

Dual specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) have a well-known role as regulators of the immune response through the modulation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Yet the precise interplay between the various members of the DUSP family with protein kinases is not well understood. Recent multi-omics studies characterizing the transcriptomes and proteomes of immune cells have provided snapshots of molecular mechanisms underlying innate immune response in unprecedented detail. In this study, we focused on deciphering the interplay between members of the DUSP family with protein kinases in immune cells using publicly available omics datasets. Our analysis resulted in the identification of potential DUSP-mediated hub proteins including MAPK7, MAPK8, AURKA, and IGF1R. Furthermore, we analyzed the association of DUSP expression with TLR4 signaling and identified VEGF, FGFR and SCF-KIT pathway modules to be regulated by the activation of TLR4 signaling. Finally, we identified several important kinases including LRRK2, MAPK8, and cyclin-dependent kinases as potential DUSP-mediated hubs in TLR4 signaling. The findings from this study has the potential to aid in the understanding of DUSP signaling in the context of innate immunity. Further, this will promote the development of therapeutic modalities for disorders with aberrant DUSP signaling.
Low Mutational Load Allows for High Mutation Rate Variation in Gut Commensal Bacteria
Authors: Ramiro Ricardo S. , Durão Paulo , Bank Claudia , Gordo Isabel
Published: March 2019

Bacteria generally live in species-rich communities, such as the gut microbiota. Yet, little is known about bacterial evolution in natural ecosystems. Here, we followed the long-term evolution of commensalEscherichia coliin the mouse gut. We observe the emergence of polymorphism for mutation rate, ranging from wild-type levels to 1000-fold higher. By combining experiments, whole-genome sequencing andin silicosimulations, we identify the molecular causes and evolutionary conditions that allow these hypermutators to emerge and coexist within a complex microbiota. The hypermutator phenotype is caused by mutations in DNA polymerase III, which increase mutation rate by ~1000-fold (a mutation in the proofreading subunit) and stabilize hypermutator fitness (mutations in the catalytic subunit). The strong mutation rate variation persists for >1000 generations, with coexistence between lineages carrying 4 to >600 mutations. Thisin vivomolecular evolution pattern is consistent with deleterious mutations of ~0.01-0.001% fitness effects, 100 to 1000-fold lower than currentin vitroestimates. Despite large numbers of deleterious mutations, we identify multiple beneficial mutations that do not reach fixation over long periods of time. This indicates that the dynamics of beneficial mutations are not shaped by constant positive Darwinian selection but by processes leading to negative frequency-dependent or temporally fluctuating selection. Thus, microbial evolution in the gut is likely characterized by partial sweeps of beneficial mutations combined with hitchhiking of very slightly deleterious mutations, which take a long time to be purged but impose a very weak mutational load. These results are consistent with the pattern of genetic polymorphism that is emerging from metagenomics studies of the human gut microbiota, suggesting that we identified key evolutionary processes shaping the genetic composition of this community.
Absence of entourage: Terpenoids commonly found in Cannabis sativa do not modulate the functional activity of Δ9-THC at human CB1and CB2 receptors
Authors: Santiago Marina , Sachdev Shivani , Arnold Jonathon C , McGregor Iain S , Connor Mark
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Compounds present in Cannabis sativa such as phytocannabinoids and terpenoids, may act in concert to elicit therapeutic effects. Cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) directly activate cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), however, it is not known if terpenoids present in Cannabis also affect cannabinoid receptor signalling. Therefore, we examined 6 common terpenoids alone, and in combination with cannabinoid receptor agonists, on CB1 and CB2 signalling in vitro.

Materials and Methods

Potassium channel activity in AtT20 FlpIn cells transfected with human CB1 or CB2 receptors was measured in real-time using FLIPR® membrane potential dye in a FlexStation 3 plate reader. Terpenoids were tested individually and in combination for periods up to 30 minutes. Endogenous somatostatin receptors served as a control for direct effects of drugs on potassium channels.

Results

α-Pinene, β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, linalool, limonene and β-myrcene (up to 30-100 µM) did not change membrane potential in AtT20 cells expressing CB1 or CB2, or affect the response to a maximally effective concentration of the synthetic cannabinoid CP55,940. The presence of individual or a combination of terpenoids did not affect the hyperpolarization produced by Δ9-THC (10µM): (CB1: control, 59±7%; with terpenoids (10 µM each) 55±4%; CB2: Δ9-THC 16±5%, with terpenoids (10 µM each) 17±4%). To investigate possible effect on desensitization of CB1 responses, all six terpenoids were added together with Δ9-THC and signalling measured continuously over 30 min. Terpenoids did not affect desensitization, after 30 minutes the control hyperpolarization recovered by 63±6%, in the presence of the terpenoids recovery was 61±5%.

Discussion

None of the six of the most common terpenoids in Cannabis directly activated CB1 or CB2, or modulated the signalling of the phytocannabinoid agonist Δ9-THC. These results suggest that if a phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effect exists, it is not at the CB1 or CB2 receptor level. It remains possible that terpenoids activate CB1 and CB2 signalling pathways that do not involve potassium channels, however, it seems more likely that they may act at different molecular target(s) in the neuronal circuits important for the behavioural effect of Cannabis.
AgarFix: simple and accessible stabilization of challenging single-particle cryo-EM specimens through cross-linking in a matrix of agar
Authors: Adamus Klaudia , Le Sarah N. , Elmlund Hans , Boudes Marion , Elmlund Dominika
Published: March 2019

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allows structure determination of macromolecular assemblies that have resisted other structural biology approaches because of their size and heterogeneity. These challenging multi-protein targets are typically susceptible to dissociation and/or denaturation upon cryo-EM grid preparation, and often require cross-linking prior to freezing. Several approaches for gentle on-column or in-tube crosslinking have been developed. On-column cross-linking is not widely applicable because of the poor separation properties of gel filtration techniques. In-tube crosslinking frequently causes sample aggregation and/or precipitation. Gradient-based cross-linking through the GraFix method is more robust, but very time-consuming and necessitates specialised expensive equipment. Furthermore, removal of the glycerol typically involves significant sample loss and may cause destabilization detrimental to the sample quality. Here, we introduce an alternative procedure: AgarFix (Agarose Fixation). The sample is embedded in an agarose matrix that keeps the molecules separated, thus preventing formation of aggregates upon cross-linking. Gentle cross-linking is accomplished by diffusion of the cross-linker into the agarose drop. The sample is recovered by diffusion or electroelution and can readily be used for cryo-EM specimen preparation. AgarFix requires minimal equipment and basic lab experience, making it widely accessible to the cryo-EM community.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

Fragile protein complexes can be cross-linked while embedded in agarose

The agarose matrix prevents formation of aggregates upon cross-linking

Cross-linking in agarose is easy, fast, and requires no expensive equipment

The sample can directly be used for negative stain or cryo-EM grid preparation
Improved CUT&RUN chromatin profiling and analysis tools
Authors: Meers Michael P. , Bryson Terri , Henikoff Steven
Published: March 2019

We previously described a novel alternative to Chromatin Immunoprecipitation, Cleavage Under Targets & Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN), in which unfixed permeabilized cells are incubated with antibody, followed by binding of a Protein A-Micrococcal Nuclease (pA/MNase) fusion protein (1). Upon activation of tethered MNase, the bound complex is excised and released into the supernatant for DNA extraction and sequencing. Here we introduce four enhancements to CUT&RUN: 1) a hybrid Protein A-Protein G-MNase construct that expands antibody compatibility and simplifies purification; 2) a modified digestion protocol that inhibits premature release of the nuclease-bound complex; 3) a calibration strategy based on carry-over ofE. coliDNA introduced with the fusion protein; and 4) a novel peak-calling strategy customized for the low-background profiles obtained using CUT&RUN. These new features, coupled with the previously described low-cost, high efficiency, high reproducibility and high-throughput capability of CUT&RUN make it the method of choice for routine epigenomic profiling.
Visual and auditory information shed light on savings mechanisms
Authors: White Olivier , Barbiero Marie , Maréchal Quentin , de Xivry Jean-Jacques Orban
Published: March 2019

Successful completion of natural motor actions relies on feedback information delivered through different modalities, including vision and audition. The nervous system weights these sensory inflows according to the context and they contribute to the calibration and maintenance of internal models. Surprisingly, the influence of auditory feedback on the control of fine motor actions has only been scarcely investigated alone or together with visual feedback. Here, we tested how 46 participants learned a reaching task when they were provided with either visual, auditory or both feedback about terminal error. In the VA condition, participant received visual (V) feedback during learning and auditory (A) feedback during relearning. The AV group received the opposite treatment. A third group received visual and auditory feedback in both learning periods. Our experimental design allowed us to assess how learning with one modality transferred to relearning in another modality. We found that adaptation was high in the visual modality both during learning and relearning. It was absent in the learning period under the auditory modality but present in the relearning period (learning period was with visual feedback). An additional experiment suggests that transfer of adaptation between visual and auditory modalities occurs through a memory of the learned reaching direction that acts as an attractor for the reaching direction, and not via error-based mechanisms or an explicit strategy. This memory of the learned reaching direction allowed the participants to learn a task that they could not learn otherwise independently of any memory of errors or explicit strategy.
Emergence of Functional Cortical Patterns of neurons characterize the self-organizing way to cognition in brain
Authors: Gund Jasleen , Singh R.K. Brojen
Published: March 2019

Synaptic plasticity and neuron cross-talk are some of the important key mechanisms underlying formation of dynamic clusters of active neurons. In our proposed neuron activity pattern model assorted range of coupled interactions generated the ordered pattern dynamics, mimicking the functional clusters of neuronal activity. The temporal correlates of neurons at near critical synaptic strength features emergence of functional cortical patterns (FCPs) symbolizing task-specific neuronal activation. We investigated the near critical dynamics of long, critical and short-ranged interactions and lead to interpretation that criticality is a range and not just a point. Our model has deciphered the mechanism of emergence of a complex functional brain network. The range of interaction among neurons play an important role in defining the functional severity of the neuronal circuitry. We have found that the coupling range as a function of synaptic strength could make connections in an augmenting fashion from short to long range, as the synaptic strength increases in the population of neurons. Thus, could give insight towards the intensity of cognitive behaviour, as a symbol of multiple stimulus attempts.
Keeping salamanders off the streets: Evaluating one of the first US amphibian road tunnels 30 years later
Authors: Hedrick Brandon P. , Vander Linden Abby , Cordero Samantha A. , Watt Edward , O’Roark Patrick M. , Cox Samantha L. , Sutherland Christopher
Published: March 2019

Culverts are often installed under busy roads to help a variety of animals, from small frogs to bears, safely cross roads that bisect their habitats. One of the first roadway culvert systems designed specifically for amphibian use in the United States was installed along Henry Street in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1987 to protect spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). These salamanders cross Henry Street during their annual migration to their breeding pools. In recent years, anecdotal evidence from volunteers monitoring the site suggested that salamanders were no longer using the tunnels. To evaluate this concern we conducted salamander counts in 2016, 2017, and 2018 to quantify tunnel use. In 2016, only 11% of observed salamanders used the tunnels– a substantial decrease from 68% in 1988, one year after their installation, when the tunnels were last evaluated. Subsequently, we implemented two tunnel modifications in an effort to increase tunnel usage above the established 2016 baseline. Unfortunately, neither retrofit was successful. Previous studies have demonstrated that salamanders prefer minimum tunnel apertures of >0.4 m, so it is likely that the 0.2 m apertures here are inadequate. This may create differential light and humidity inside and outside the tunnels that is recognized by the salamanders. While many studies have evaluated amphibian tunnel use in lab and field settings, ours is one of the first studies to have examined tunnel usage data long after initial installation. These long-term data are critical for evaluating what factors are necessary for maintaining tunnels over decades-long time scales.
Visitors’ use of corridors in internal medicine wards
Authors: Morhayim Lusi
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze visitors’ waiting behavior in corridors of an internal medicine ward in relation to concepts of territoriality and privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Waiting activities, visitors’ room numbers and duration of activities were recorded on a floor plan. Results were tallied according to behavioral and architectural zones in which the activity took place.

Findings

Locations that are near patient rooms that provide visual and auditory access are largely used as territorial areas for non-privacy-required activities. Ends of corridors, secondary corridors and staircases were mainly used for activities that required some level of privacy such as grieving.

Research limitations/implications

As is true with post-occupancy evaluations in other single buildings, this research may not be generalizable to all internal medicine wards. Future research could measure whether responding to visitors’ spatial needs could result in lower density and sense of crowding in the corridors, as well as reduce stress and task interruptions and increase efficiency of patient-check rounds.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that internal medicine wards should include waiting areas near the patient rooms for visitors to be able to keep visual and auditory connection with their patients, as well as areas that provide privacy. This may help lower density, sense of crowding, distraction of medical staff, stress and burn-out and errors, as well as increase the efficiency of patient checks.

Originality/value

The ways in which architectural design of internal medicine corridors can support visitors’ activities and environmental needs such as territoriality and privacy is an issue that is rarely examined. This paper also adds an example from a non-Western culture, to a literature that is dominated by examples from Western cultures.
Perception of stakeholders on governance dimensions of the Islamic banking sector
Authors: Oladapo Ibrahim Abiodun , Arshad Roshayani , Muda Ruhaini , Hamoudah Manal Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The perception of different stakeholder groups on governance dimensions, such as transparency, accountability and ethics, in the Islamic banking sector is examined, given the global growth of Islamic banking and its purpose of enhancing economic growth and development throughShari’ah-compliant instruments. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the stakeholders in Nigeria perceive each dimension differently.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were collected using a survey questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. The respondents are customers, employees and shareholders of the Islamic banking sector in Nigeria.

Findings

Findings show that ethics is highly perceived as the key dimension in governance for the Islamic banking sector, whilst a positive and significant relationship is observed between the variables. Based on the variance analysis, there were statistically significant differences in perception between the stakeholders groups in the Islamic banking system. However, similar positive perceptions are accorded towards the overall governance dimensions across stakeholder groups namely, customers, employees and shareholders.

Originality/value

This study will extend the current body of knowledge in the field of Islamic finance by providing insights into policy makers, operators and regulators of the Islamic banking sector in Nigeria on the prospective stakeholders’ level of perception of the governance dimension, which could form part of the solutions to many contemporary issues in the banking system. This contribution is important, considering the clear relationship among governance dimensions which should be viewed in light of Islamic ideals.
Why do all good things come to an end? An inquiry into the discontinuation of sport sponsor–sponsee relationships
Authors: van Rijn Mark , Kristal Samuel , Henseler Jörg
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons for the discontinuation of sports sponsor–sponsee relationships and categorize them. Despite the negative outcomes of a sponsorship dissolution, research on this topic is rather scarce.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on an analysis of 24 historical cases and 19 in-depth interviews focusing on the Dutch soccer league. Several sponsorship disruptors are identified and clustered into four categories.

Findings

The four categories for sponsorship dissolution are the following: sponsor-related factors, sponsee-related factors, inter-relational factors and external factors. In total, ten sponsorship disruptors are identified: insufficient value creation, objectives achieved, sports results, signal to society, exclusivity, negativity, personal relationship, changed marketing strategy, financial situation and legislation and regulation.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily investigates soccer sponsorship cases. Future research could investigate other sponsorship areas, which could yield different reasons for sponsorship termination.

Practical implications

Practitioners are advised to view the sponsorship relationship as a strategic alliance, rather than a resource, from the beginning of the sponsorship. A solid relational framework is needed, which is built around the elements of trust, commitment and collaborative communication. If such a foundation does not exist or has eroded, the sponsorship relationship is fragile and can be endangered by various factors.

Originality/value

This study uses inductive reasoning to devise a framework that enables sponsees to anticipate when sponsors are likely to discontinue their sponsorship such that the sponsees can take actions accordingly. Apart from validating existing reasons for sponsorship dissolution, this research also presents novel and previously undiscovered sponsorship disruptors.
The essential mix: six tools for strategy-making in the next decade
Authors: Wurthmann Kurt
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solution that helps reduce confusion about choice and usage of tools for strategy-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to present a classroom-tested system that integrates new methods for applying a parsimonious set of six widely used tools, within one, comprehensive, yet succinct, procedure for strategy-making.

Findings

Findings, based on years of development and use of the procedure as the basis for teaching MBA capstone courses in strategy, reveal that it facilitates rapid mastery of the underlying theory and practical application of the essential tools of strategy-making.

Practical implications

Practical implications include decreased tendencies for ad hoc or disjointed use of random sets of tools for strategy-making and increased capabilities to connect strategy-making and strategy-executing in an iterative process, as previous iterations of strategies that were executed by organizations are used to determine new strategies.

Originality/value

Characteristics of the procedure which are original include: merging outside-in and inside-out perspectives on strategy-making in one, succinct procedure; providing an approach with general applicability to diverse types of organizations; providing a systematic process for identifying and rating environmental characteristics, using shared, theory-based scales, applied to fully-cited, real-world data, thereby reducing reliance on unsubstantiated opinion, providing full traceability, and facilitating knowledge transfer across users and time; and linking strategy analysis to formulation. The procedure described in this article has value for professors, students, managers, consultants, and the broad spectrum of people throughout organizations who are engaged in strategy-making.
The narrative cleansing of Andrew Carnegie: entrepreneurial generativity as identity capital
Authors: Humphreys John H. , Hayek Mario Joseph , Novicevic Milorad M. , Haden Stephanie , Pickens Jared
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to proffer a reconstructed theoretic model of entrepreneurial generatively that accounts for personal and social identities in the narrative construction of entrepreneurial identity..

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed general analytically structured history processes using the life of Andrew Carnegie to understand how generativity scripts aid in aligning personal and social identities in the formation of entrepreneurial identity.

Findings

The authors argue that Carnegie used entrepreneurial generativity as a form of redemptive identity capital during the narrative reconstruction of his entrepreneurial identity.

Originality/value

This paper extends Harvey et al.’s (2011) model of entrepreneurial philanthropy motivation by including forms of self-capital (psychological capital and self-identity capital) as part of the co-construction of entrepreneurial identity and proposing a reconstructed capital theoretic model of entrepreneurial generativity.
A typology of the perceived risks in the context of consumer brand resistance
Authors: Cambefort Marine , Roux Elyette
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a typology of perceived risk in the context of consumer brand resistance and thus answers the following question: how do consumers perceive the risk they take when resisting brands?

Design/methodology/approach

Two qualitative methods were used. In-depth interviews were carried out with 15 consumers who resist brands. An ethnography was carried out for ten months in an international pro-environmental NGO.

Findings

This multiple qualitative method design led to the identification of four types of risks taken by consumers. The four categories of perceived risks identified are performance (lack of suitable alternatives for the brand), social issues (stigma and exclusion), legal reasons (legal proceedings) or physical considerations (violation of physical integrity). These risks are located along a continuum of resistance intensity. Resistance intensity levels are avoidance, offline word-of-mouth, online word-of-mouth, boycott, activism and finally extreme acts.

Originality/value

This study provides a framework that integrates perceived risks within the context of brand resistance. The paper highlights extreme acts of resistance and questions the limits of such behaviors.
Wellness branding: insights into how American and Finnish consumers use wellness as a means of self-branding
Authors: Grénman Miia , Hakala Ulla , Mueller Barbara
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine wellness as a means of self-branding. The phenomenon is addressed through the introduction of a new concept – wellness branding – and by identifying those wellness practices that are currently most valued.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of focus group interviews were conducted in the USA and Finland. Altogether, 12 discussion sessions (N = 57) were carried out, 6 in each country.

Findings

Both wellness and self-branding represent current forms of identity and lifestyle construction and self-promotion. Moreover, they represent an entrepreneurial view of the self, which emphasizes self-governance. The findings indicate that wellness has moved beyond the merely physical dimension, to significantly involve emotional/mental, spiritual, social and intellectual aspects. This further strengthens the transformational nature of wellness and the increasing need for balancing one’s life in order to reach one’s optimal self. The logic of wellness branding involves the creation of one’s optimal, balanced self while communicating it to others.

Research limitations/implications

This paper makes insightful contributions to the branding literature by broadening the scope of self-branding to a new and timely context. The paper further adds to the consumer research literature by addressing wellness as a form of transformative consumption and an essential part of the current self-care culture.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to discuss self-branding in the context of wellness, introducing a new concept of wellness branding, thus offering a novel area for research.
A dual portfolio approach to a student managed fund
Authors: Huerta Daniel , Pyles Mark
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an investment program that offers students with the opportunity to simultaneously manage a private asset fund and a public asset fund. The program has been in operation since 2013 and has made significant progress in student placement and connectivity with local, regional and national financial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe the structure, methods used and challenges encountered in this dual portfolio environment and add relevant thoughts for discussion. The authors discuss potential conflicts of interests that may arise in managing a private equity portfolio, the concern of proper deal flow, the issue of the investment timeline when investing in private equity and the problems encountered when measuring private equity performance.

Findings

While public asset funds have been around for decades and are relatively well accepted throughout all levels and types of higher education institutions. The uses of private equity funds, though not unheard of, are much less prevalent. Allowing the same group of students to manage both type of portfolios is relatively unique and provides with a more comprehensive learning experience.

Originality/value

A primary distinguishing attribute of this program is that accepted students are given the opportunity to simultaneously manage both public and private equity assets throughout an academic year. The goal is to create a comprehensive portfolio management program that replicates a changing investment management environment where private equity is an increasingly significant asset class.
Exploring changes of governance discourse of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Deng Hui-Wen , Cheung Kwok Wah
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The National People’s Congress (NPC) of People’s Republic of China, the highest organ of state power, is popularly seen as a rubber-stamp entity. However, it has been substantially evolving its roles to accommodate the governance discourses within China’s political system over the decades. This study aims to explore the changes of governance discourse of the NPC within China’s political system through which to offer a thorough understanding of the NPC’s evolving substantial role in current China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study deploys a historical approach to explore the changes of governance discourse of the NPC that has seen a growing importance in China’s political agenda, as argued by this study.

Findings

The authors find that the NPC has been substantially evolving its role within China’s political system in which the Chinese Communist Party has created different governance discourses. Besides, the NPC and its Standing Committee have asserted its authority as a substantial actor within China’s political system. The NPC is no longer functioned as a rubber-stamp institution, though it is still popularized as a rubber stamp by many scholars.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a historical elaboration on the development of NPC under three governance discourses. It might be, to some extent, relatively descriptive in nature.

Originality/value

This study, therefore, sheds some light on a revisit on the governance discourses in current China.
Microbial responses to anthropogenic dissolved organic carbon in the Arctic and Antarctic coastal seawaters
Authors: Cerro‐Gálvez Elena , Casal Paulo , Lundin Daniel , Piña Benjamin , Pinhassi Jarone , Dachs Jordi , Vila‐Costa Maria
Published: March 2019

Thousands of semi‐volatile hydrophobic organic pollutants (OPs) reach open oceans through atmospheric deposition, causing a chronic and ubiquitous pollution by anthropogenic dissolved organic carbon (ADOC). Hydrophobic ADOC accumulates in cellular lipids, inducing harmful effects on marine biota, and can be partially prone to microbial degradation. Unfortunately, their possible effects on microorganisms, key drivers of global biogeochemical cycles, remain unknown. We challenged coastal microbial communities from Ny‐Ålesund (Arctic) and Livingston Island (Antarctica) with ADOC concentrations within the range of oceanic concentrations in 24 h. ADOC addition elicited clear transcriptional responses in multiple microbial heterotrophic metabolisms in ubiquitous groups such as Flavobacteriia, Gammaproteobacteria and SAR11. Importantly, a suite of cellular adaptations and detoxifying mechanisms, including remodelling of membrane lipids and transporters, was detected. ADOC exposure also changed the composition of microbial communities, through stimulation of rare biosphere taxa. Many of these taxa belong to recognized OPs degraders. This work shows that ADOC at environmentally relevant concentrations substantially influences marine microbial communities. Given that emissions of organic pollutants are growing during the Anthropocene, the results shown here suggest an increasing influence of ADOC on the structure of microbial communities and the biogeochemical cycles regulated by marine microbes.
Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 nolR and nodD2 mutants gain capacity for infection thread invasion of Lotus japonicus Gifu and Lotus burttii
Authors: Acosta‐Jurado Sebastián , Rodríguez‐Navarro Dulce‐Nombre , Kawaharada Yasuyuki , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Miguel A. , Gil‐Serrano Antonio , Soria‐Díaz María E. , Pérez‐Montaño Francisco , Fernández‐Perea Juan , Niu Yanbo , Alias‐Villegas Cynthia , Jiménez‐Guerrero Irene , Navarro‐Gómez Pilar , López‐Baena Francisco Javier , Kelly Simon , Sandal Niels , Stougaard Jens , Ruiz‐Sainz José E. , Vinardell José‐María
Published: March 2019

Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 RifR, a broad‐host‐range rhizobial strain, forms ineffective nodules with Lotus japonicus but induces nitrogen‐fixing nodules in Lotus burttii roots that are infected by intercellular entry. Here we show that HH103 RifR nolR or nodD2 mutants gain the ability to induce infection thread formation and to form nitrogen‐fixing nodules in L. japonicus Gifu. Microscopy studies showed that the mode of infection of L. burttii roots by the nodD2 and nolR mutants switched from intercellular entry to infection threads (ITs). In the presence of the isoflavone genistein, both mutants overproduced Nod‐factors. Transcriptomic analyses showed that, in the presence of Lotus japonicus Gifu root exudates, genes related to Nod factors production were overexpressed in both mutants in comparison to HH103 RifR. Complementation of the nodD2 and nolR mutants provoked a decrease in Nod‐factor production, the incapacity to form nitrogen‐fixing nodules with L. japonicus Gifu and restored the intercellular way of infection in L. burttii. Thus, the capacity of S. fredii HH103 RifR nodD2 and nolR mutants to infect L. burttii and L. japonicus Gifu by ITs and fix nitrogen L. japonicus Gifu might be correlated with Nod‐factor overproduction, although other bacterial symbiotic signals could also be involved.