bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial Mediterranean fever mutations lift the obligatory requirement for microtubules in Pyrin inflammasome activation
Authors: Van Gorp Hanne , Saavedra Pedro H. V. , de Vasconcelos Nathalia M. , Van Opdenbosch Nina , Vande Walle Lieselotte , Matusiak Magdalena , Prencipe Giusi , Insalaco Antonella , Van Hauwermeiren Filip , Demon Dieter , Bogaert Delfien J. , Dullaers Melissa , De Baere Elfride , Hochepied Tino , Dehoorne Joke , Vermaelen Karim Y. , Haerynck Filomeen , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Lamkanfi Mohamed
Published: November 2016

Significance

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease caused by more than 310 mutations in the gene
MEFV
, which encodes Pyrin. Pyrin recently was shown to trigger inflammasome activation in response to Rho GTPase-modifying bacterial toxins. Here we report that
Clostridium difficile
infection and intoxication with its enterotoxin TcdA engage the Pyrin inflammasome. Moreover, activation of the Pyrin inflammasome, but not other inflammasomes, was hampered by microtubule-depolymerizing drugs in mouse and humans. Unexpectedly, we found that FMF mutations render Pyrin activation independent of microtubules. Thus, our findings provide a conceptual framework for understanding Pyrin signaling and enable functional diagnosis of FMF.
MAP4-regulated dynein-dependent trafficking of BTN3A1 controls the TBK1–IRF3 signaling axis
Authors: Seo Minji , Lee Seong-Ok , Kim Ji-Hoon , Hong Yujin , Kim Seongchan , Kim Yeumin , Min Dal-Hee , Kong Young-Yun , Shin Jinwook , Ahn Kwangseog
Published: November 2016

Significance

Type I IFN signaling is the most important innate immune response induced by viral infection. However, it is not completely known how the components of type I IFN signaling are spatiotemporally coordinated to elicit effective immune responses upon stimulation. We identified microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) and butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1) as novel regulators of the type I IFN signaling pathway triggered by cytosolic nucleic acids. In response to nucleic acid stimulation, BTN3A1-mediated transport of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) along microtubules facilitated the localization of TBK1 to IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) on punctate perinuclear structures, promoting IRF3 phosphorylation and IFN-β secretion. BTN3A1 activity was controlled by an upstream regulator, MAP4. Our findings could be translated into a novel therapeutic approach to a broad spectrum of nucleic acid-mediated inflammatory and viral diseases.
Using Organizational Philosophy to Create a Self-Sustaining Compensation Plan Without Harming Academic Missions
Authors: Leverence Robert , Nuttall Richard , Palmer Rachel , Segal Mark , Wood Alicia , Yancey Fay , Shuster Jonathon , Brantly Mark , Hromas Robert
Published: November 2016

Problem

Academic physician reimbursement has moved to productivity-based compensation plans. To be sustainable, such plans must be self-funding. Additionally, unless research and education are appropriately valued, faculty involved in these efforts will become disillusioned, yet revenue generation in these activities is less robust than for clinical care activities.

Approach

Faculty at the Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health, elected a committee of junior and senior faculty and division chiefs to restructure the compensation plan in fiscal year (FY) 2011. This committee was charged with designing a new compensation plan based on seven principles of organizational philosophy: equity, compensation coupled to productivity, authority aligned with responsibility, respect for all academic missions, transparency, professionalism, and self-funding in each academic mission.

Outcomes

The new compensation plan was implemented in FY2013. A survey administered at the end of FY2015 showed that 61% (76/125) of faculty were more satisfied with this plan than the previous plan. Since the year before implementation, clinical relative value units per faculty increased 7% (from 3,458 in FY2012 to 3,704 in FY2015, P < .002), incentives paid per faculty increased 250% (from $3,191 in FY2012 to $11,153 in FY2015, P ≤ .001), and publications per faculty increased 15% (from 2.6 in FY2012 to 3.0 in FY2015, P < .001). Grant submissions, external funding, and teaching hours also increased per faculty but did not reach statistical significance.

Next Steps

An important next step will be to incorporate quality metrics into the compensation plan, without affecting costs or throughput.
CD30 Expression Is Rare in Myeloid Leukemia Cutis: A Study of 55 Cases and Implications for Routine Diagnostic Algorithms
Authors: Ogunrinade Olakunle , Terrano David , Chiu April , Pulitzer Melissa
Published: November 2016

Expression of CD30 in blastoid cutaneous infiltrates typically signifies a CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder, often requiring minimal immunohistochemical workup, if clinically consonant. However, myeloid and other hematologic malignancies often express CD30. We retrospectively examined the prevalence of CD30 expression in 41 patients (median age 59) and 55 biopsies with the diagnosis of leukemia cutis (LC) to determine whether an extensive immunohistochemical workup is warranted in all large, round cell CD30+ cutaneous infiltrates. Each patient had refractory or recurrent disease, the histologic presence of a large mononuclear cell infiltrate, and varied cytogenetics. CD30+ mononuclear cells within the infiltrate ranged from rare to many in 22 biopsies (22/55). In 18 biopsies, CD30+ cells were interpreted as lymphocytic based on morphology, strong cytoplasmic and Golgi staining for CD30, and negative CD34 and CD117 staining. One case showing 3+ staining of lymphocytes was identified as a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The second 3+ case was favored to represent a subset of CD30-positive acute myeloid leukemia. Three other cases with 1+ membranous and cytoplasmic staining were interpreted as myeloid leukemia. In conclusion, CD30 positivity in myeloid leukemia in the skin is rare and does not often exhibit the strong membranous (2+ or 3+) and/or Golgi staining seen in reactive lymphocytes. Acute myeloid leukemia or myeloid LC may occasionally show 1+ (and rarely 2–3+) cytoplasmic/membranous or nonspecific blush nuclear CD30 labeling. Strong diffuse staining for CD30 should prompt consideration of a reactive lymphoid/lymphoproliferative process, and, when the clinical likelihood of CD30+ LC is low, may obviate the need for further immunohistochemistry.
Effects of Hospital Systems on Medical Home Transformation in Primary Care Residency Training Practices
Authors: Knierim Kyle , Hall Tristen , Fernald Douglas , Staff Thomas J. , Buscaj Emilie , Allen Jessica Cornett , Onysko Mary , Dickinson W. Perry
Published: November 2016

Most primary care residency training practices have close financial and administrative relationships with teaching hospitals and health systems. Many residency practices have begun integrating the core principles of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) into clinical workflows and educational experiences. Little is known about how the relationships with hospitals and health systems affect these transformation efforts. Data from the Colorado Residency PCMH Project were analyzed. Results show that teaching hospitals and health systems have significant opportunities to influence residency practices' transformation, particularly in the areas of supporting team-based care, value-based payment reforms, and health information technology.
Impact of a Patient-Centered Medical Home Pilot on Utilization, Quality, and Costs and Variation in Medical Homeness
Authors: Flieger Signe Peterson
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the impact of a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) pilot on utilization, costs, and quality and assessed variation in PCMH components. Data included the New Hampshire Comprehensive Healthcare Information System and Medical Home Index (MHI) scores for 9 pilot sites. A quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference model with propensity score-matched comparison group was employed. MHI scores were collected in late 2011. There were no statistically significant findings for utilization, cost, or quality in the expected direction. MHI scores suggest variation in type and level of implemented features. Understanding site-specific PCMH components and targeted change enacted by PCMHs is critical for future evaluation.
Patients’ views on fecal microbiota transplantation: an acceptable therapeutic option in inflammatory bowel disease?
Authors: Zeitz Jonas , Bissig Marina , Barthel Christiane , Biedermann Luc , Scharl Sylvie , Pohl Daniel , Frei Pascal , Vavricka Stephan R. , Fried Michael , Rogler Gerhard , Scharl Michael
Published: November 2016

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a new therapeutic option that has been studied in two randomized-controlled trials in ulcerative colitis patients. Our study aimed to identify patients’ views on the use of this novel therapeutic approach.

Methods

Using an anonymous questionnaire, we obtained data from 574 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients on their knowledge and willingness to undergo FMT.

Results

A large proportion of IBD patients (53.5%) are unaware that FMT is a therapeutic option in Clostridium difficile infection and potentially IBD. More responders preferred FMT (31.5%) to a study with a new medication (28.9%), although the difference was not significant (P=0.37), and the preferred way of transplantation was colonoscopy (49.7%). In all, 38.3% preferred a family member as a donor, but there was fear about the procedure (41.5% mentioned fear of infectious diseases, 26.5% expressed disgust). The knowledge of successful FMT treatment in other patients was important for 82.2% of responders and for 50.7%, a discussion with a specialist would likely change their opinion about FMT.

Conclusion

FMT represents a therapeutic procedure that is of interest for IBD patients. As FMT has been receiving increasing interest as an alternative treatment in IBD and more studies on FMT in IBD are being carried out, it is important to learn about the knowledge, attitude, and preferences of patients to provide better education to patients on this topic. However, there are reservations because of the fact that data on the benefits of FMT in IBD are controversial and several limitations exist on the use of FMT in IBD.
Physician-provided prehospital critical care, effect on patient physiology dynamics and on-scene time
Authors: Reid Bjørn O. , Rehn Marius , Uleberg Oddvar , Krüger Andreas J.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Improved physiologic status can be seen as a surrogate measure of improved outcome and a field-friendly prognostic model such as the Mainz Emergency Evaluation Score (MEES) could quantify the effect on physiological response. We aim to examine the dynamic physiological profile as measured by this score on patients managed by physician-manned helicopter emergency medical services and how this profile was related to on-scene time expenditure and critical care interventions.

Materials and methods

Data including patient characteristics, physiological data, and description of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions were prospectively collected over two 14-day periods, summer and winter, at six participating Norwegian bases. The MEES score was utilized to examine the difference between a score measured at first patient contact (MEES 1) and end-of-care (MEES 2), (MEES 2–MEES 1=∆MEES).

Results

A total of 240 primary missions with patient-on-scene form the basis of the study. In total, 43% were considered severely ill or injured, of whom 59% were medical patients. Twenty-nine percent were severely deranged physiologically. The most common advanced procedure performed was advanced airway management (15%), followed by defibrillation (8.8%). Using ∆MEES as an indicator, 1% deteriorated under care, whereas 66% remained unchanged and 33% showed an improvement in their physiological status. With increasing on-scene time, fewer patients deteriorated and a greater proportion of patients improved.

Conclusion

Restoring deranged physiology remains a mantra for all critical care practitioners. We have shown that this is also possible in the prehospital context, even when prolonging on-scene time, and after initiating advanced procedures.
Ethical Barriers in Adolescent Oncofertility Counseling
Authors: Runco Daniel V. , Taylor Julia F. , Helft Paul R.
Published: November 2016

Adult survivors of pediatric cancers are at substantial risk for infertility. Oncofertility is an emerging field in medicine that has focused on the fertility preservation of these patients. As the field continues to develop, there are several areas in which our practice has improved. However, several ethical concerns still exist involving beneficence, nonmaleficence, informed consent, adolescent assent, and posthumous use of reproductive tissues. Because the field is still developing, great disparities exist in available options depending on age, ability to pay, and geographic location. Such discrepancies in access may lead to health disparities in the adolescent patient population. As the science continues to make future fertility more feasible, the ethical questions will continue to be more complex. The purpose of this article is to review some of the developments regarding oncoferility and address future directions for research and inquiry in specific areas.
Impact of Spherical Aberration Terms on Multifocal Contact Lens Performance
Authors: Fedtke Cathleen , Sha Jennifer , Thomas Varghese , Ehrmann Klaus , Bakaraju Ravi C.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To investigate the impact of the primary (PSA) and secondary (SSA) spherical aberration terms on visual performance (VP) in presbyopes, as measured using multifocal (MFCL) soft contact lenses on eye.

Methods

Seventeen presbyopes (age: 55.1 ± 6.9 years) wore seven commercial lenses (four center-near (MFCL N), one center-distance (MFCL D), one bifocal, and one single vision control). Unaided and with each lens on eye, the PSA and SSA terms were obtained with an aberrometer, the BHVI-EyeMapper (low illumination, natural and 4 mm pupil diameter). High- and low-contrast distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, high-contrast visual acuities at near, and range of clear vision were measured. In addition, subjective VP variables included clarity of vision at distance and near, ghosting, and overall vision satisfaction. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the association between the PSA and SSA terms and the VP variables.

Results

PSA (natural pupil) was more negative (P < .05) with the MFCL N (mean PSA = −0.053 ± 0.080 μm) and bifocal (PSA = +0.005 ± 0.067 μm) lenses and more positive with the MFCL D lens (PSA = +0.208 ± 0.160 μm) than the control (+0.067 ± 0.072 μm). SSA (natural pupil) was significantly more positive for the MFCL N lenses (mean SSA = +0.025 ± 0.029 μm) compared to the control (SSA = −0.001 ± 0.017 μm). PSA and SSA terms were significantly (P < .05) correlated with 78% and 56% of VP variables, respectively, but the correlation coefficients were weak, ranging between |0.210| and |0.334|. Although distance variables showed improved VP with more positive PSA or negative SSA, most near variables showed improved VP with more negative PSA. Range of clear focus was greater for more negative PSA terms.

Conclusions

The amount and direction of PSA and SSA terms, as measured with different MFCLs on eye, can affect VP at different distances. Results of this study may provide useful information when designing new or optimize existing MFCLs for improved VP at specific distances.
Performance of a Commercially Available MAL Antibody in the Diagnosis of Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Gentry Michael , Bodo Juraj , Durkin Lisa , Hsi Eric D.
Published: November 2016

Myelin and lymphocyte (MAL) protein has been previously reported as a highly specific marker for distinguishing primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS). However, there has not been a commercially available MAL antibody for immunohistochemistry. We identified a commercially available MAL monoclonal antibody and evaluated it by immunohistochemistry on 43 cases of PMBL and 63 cases of DLBCL, NOS. We also compared this with a CD200 antibody that was previously reported useful in distinguishing PMBL and DLBCL, NOS. A threshold of 10% positive tumor cells was used to determine positive protein expression. MAL was expressed in 72% cases of PMBL and 0% of cases of DLBCL, NOS (sensitivity=72%, specificity=100%). CD200 was expressed in 81% of PMBL cases and 13% of DLBCL, NOS cases (sensitivity=81%, specificity=87%). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the utility of a commercially available MAL monoclonal antibody in the diagnosis of PMBL. There is a high specificity with good sensitivity in distinguishing PMBL from DLBCL, NOS, similar to previous studies with a noncommercial source. This antibody will likely prove useful in identifying cases of PMBL in routine practice.
Low–Tube Voltage Computed Tomography During Hepatic Arterial Phase: The Effect of Body Habitus on Image Quality
Authors: Park Yang Shin , Lee Chang Hee , Lee Jongmee , Choi Jae Woong , Kim Kyeong Ah , Park Cheol Min
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body habitus factors on image quality of low–tube voltage computed tomography (CT) during the hepatic arterial phase.

Materials and Methods

Ninety-seven patients (66 men, 31 women; age range, 26–78 years) who underwent clinically indicated liver dynamic CT examination were enrolled in the study. Analysis with 80-kVp CT and intermediate tube current (277–337 mA) was performed in the late hepatic arterial phase using a 320–detector row scanner with adaptive iterative dose reduction 3-dimensional reconstruction. Patient body habitus was measured using body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), lateral width (LW) of the abdomen, and muscle volume (MV) of the abdominal wall. On hepatic arterial phase, the mean image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the aorta and liver were assessed. The correlations between body habitus factors and image quality parameters were evaluated.

Results

In all patients, MV showed the strongest correlation with image noise, followed by BW and LW (r = 0.684, 0.570, and 0.555, respectively). The BMI showed the fourth strongest correlation with image noise among all body habitus factors (r = 0.377). With respect to CNR of the aorta, MV and BW showed the strongest inverse correlation (r = −0.590 and −0.600, respectively), followed by LW and BMI (r = −0.557 and −0.423, respectively). Regarding the CNR of the liver, MV showed the strongest inverse correlation (r = −0.279), although the correlation efficiency was weak compared with other correlations.

Conclusions

Among various body habitus factors, MV showed the strongest association with image noise and CNR in the hepatic arterial phase using 80-kVp CT.
Morphometric Study of the Vestibular Aqueduct in Patients With Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct
Authors: Lyu Huiying , Chen Keguang , Xie Youzhou , Yang Lin , Zhang Tianyu , Dai Peidong
Published: November 2016

Objective

To test whether there are significant differences in the morphologic features of the enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and its anatomic relationships with adjacent structures between EVA patients with and without other inner ear malformations.

Methods

The morphology of vestibular aqueduct, volume of vestibule, and anatomic location of facial nerve (FN) were compared among 3 groups. Group A, 18 control subjects; group B, 32 EVA patients without other inner ear malformations; group C, 14 EVA patients with other inner ear malformations.

Results

The isthmus of the aqueduct and vestibular volume in group C were larger than those in group B (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were identified between the length of the aqueduct and the vestibular volume in groups B and C. The vertical FN segment in group C located more anteriorly than that in groups A and B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with EVA patients without other inner ear malformations, the aqueduct, and vestibule in EVA patients with other inner ear malformations are larger, the vertical FN segment locates more anteriorly.
Diagnostic Computed Tomography Coregistration With In-111-DTPA-Octreotide Single Photon Emission Tomography/Low-Dose Computed Tomography
Authors: Tshori Sagi , Bocher Moshe , Yuzefovich Bella , Rubinstein Rina , Gross David J. , Fraenkel Merav , Krausz Yodphat
Published: November 2016

Objectives

In-111-DTPA-octreotide (OctreoScan) is still pivotal for neuroendocrine tumor imaging, despite the introduction of Ga-68-octreotide tracers. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) assists in the localization of SPECT findings but often results in uncertain interpretation. This retrospective study evaluates the impact of coregistration of In-111-DTPA-octreotide SPECT/LDCT with diagnostic CT on interpretation.

Methods

Thirty-five consecutive studies, in which coregistration was performed because of uncertain interpretation, were evaluated. Presence of somatostatin receptors was categorized retrospectively as definitely positive, probably positive, probably negative, or definitely negative with and without rigid registration with diagnostic CT, and possible added value of coregistration was evaluated.

Results

Coregistration was performed in 35 studies. However, on subsequent reading, 4 SPECT/CTs yielded definite results and were omitted. Coregistration was helpful in 30 of the remaining 31 cases, changing reading to definitely positive (7) or to definitely negative (23). In 13 of the 23 cases, diagnosis changed from probably positive to definitely negative. Coregistration contributed in 42 of 48 sites, with greatest benefit in the liver (13/14), pancreas (10/10), and lymph nodes (6/6).

Conclusions

Coregistration is becoming increasingly easier and may be utilized when SPECT/LDCT is inconclusive.
No Superiority of Treatment With Osmotic Controlled-Release Oral Delivery System–Methylphenidate Over Short/Medium-Acting Methylphenidate Preparations in the Rate and Timing of Injuries in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Golubchik Pavel , Kodesh Arad , Weizman Abraham
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reported to reduce the risk for injuries. In the present study, the rate and timing of injuries were compared among the various MPH preparations (4 and 6–8 vs 12 hour-acting) in children with ADHD.

Methods

This real-world retrospective study covered the years 2011 to 2013. Participants included 2042 youngsters (aged 4–18 years, 13.01 ± 3.2 years; 71.8% males and 28.2% females) diagnosed with ADHD according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision criteria and treated with various MPH preparations. They were divided into 2 groups by their treatment preparation as follows: MPH-immediate release (MPH-IR)—4 hour-acting pooled with MPH-slow release/long-acting (MPH-SR/LA)— 6 to 8 hour-acting versus osmotic controlled-release oral delivery system-MPH (OROS-MPH; Concerta)—12 hour-acting that consisted of pooling of OROS-MPH only and OROS-MPH combined with the other MPH preparations. The monthly rates of injury, specifically, late injury (occurrence between 4:00 p.m. to midnight) and for multiple injuries, the time interval between injuries, were assessed.

Results

No significant differences in monthly rate of nonfatal injuries were found between OROS-MPH with or without 4/6 to 8 hour-acting MPH-formulations versus only 4/6 to 8 hour-acting MPH-preparations (P = 0.53). Neither were differences found in the between-injury time interval (P = 0.83) or in late-injury-rates (P = 0.37) between those groups.

Conclusions

This real-world-naturalistic study in the community demonstrates that, in ADHD pediatric populations, OROS-MPH preparation is not superior to short/medium-acting (4/6–8 hours) MPH preparations regarding the rate and timing of injuries.
Reactive oxygen species drive evolution of pro-biofilm variants in pathogens by modulating cyclic-di-GMP levels
Authors: Chua Song Lin , Ding Yichen , Liu Yang , Cai Zhao , Zhou Jianuan , Swarup Sanjay , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Schuster Stephan Christoph , Kjelleberg Staffan , Givskov Michael , Yang Liang
Published: November 2016

The host immune system offers a hostile environment with antimicrobials and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are detrimental to bacterial pathogens, forcing them to adapt and evolve for survival. However, the contribution of oxidative stress to pathogen evolution remains elusive. Using an experimental evolution strategy, we show that exposure of the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosato sub-lethal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels over 120 generations led to the emergence of pro-biofilm rough small colony variants (RSCVs), which could be abrogated byl-glutathione antioxidants. Comparative genomic analysis of the RSCVs revealed that mutations in thewspFgene, which encodes for a repressor of WspR diguanylate cyclase (DGC), were responsible for increased intracellular cyclic-di-GMP content and production of Psl exopolysaccharide. Psl provides the first line of defence against ROS and macrophages, ensuring the survival fitness of RSCVs over wild-typeP. aeruginosa. Our study demonstrated that ROS is an essential driving force for the selection of pro-biofilm forming pathogenic variants. Understanding the fundamental mechanism of these genotypic and phenotypic adaptations will improve treatment strategies for combating chronic infections.
RANKL/RANK: from bone loss to the prevention of breast cancer
Authors: Sigl Verena , Jones Laundette P. , Penninger Josef M.
Published: November 2016

RANK and RANKL, a receptor ligand pair belonging to the tumour necrosis factor family, are the critical regulators of osteoclast development and bone metabolism. Besides their essential function in bone, RANK and RANKL have also been identified as the key factors for the formation of a lactating mammary gland in pregnancy. Mechanistically, RANK and RANKL link the sex hormone progesterone with stem cell expansion and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Based on their normal physiology, RANKL/RANK control the onset of hormone-induced breast cancer through the expansion of mammary progenitor cells. Recently, we and others were able to show that RANK and RANKL are also critical regulators of
BRCA1
-mutation-driven breast cancer. Currently, the preventive strategy for
BRCA1
-mutation carriers includes preventive mastectomy, associated with wide-ranging risks and psychosocial effects. The search for an alternative non-invasive prevention strategy is therefore of paramount importance. As our work strongly implicates RANK and RANKL as key molecules involved in the initiation of BRCA1-associated breast cancer, we propose that anti-RANKL therapy could be a feasible preventive strategy for women carrying
BRCA1
mutations, and by extension to other women with high risk of breast cancer.
Deciphering a survival strategy during the interspecific competition betweenBacillus cereusMSM-S1 andPseudomonassp. MSM-M1
Authors: Chakraborty Brinta , Mallick Anish , Annagiri Sumana , Sengupta Supratim , Sengupta Tapas K.
Published: November 2016

Interspecific competition in bacteria governs colony growth dynamics and pattern formation. Here, we demonstrate an interesting phenomenon of interspecific competition betweenBacillus cereusMSM-S1 andPseudomonassp.MSM-M1, where secretion of an inhibitor byPseudomonassp.is used as a strategy for survival. AlthoughB. cereusgrows faster thanPseudomonassp., in the presence ofPseudomonassp. the population ofB. cereusreduces significantly, whereasPseudomonassp. do not show any marked alteration in their population growth. Appearance of a zone of inhibition between growing colonies of two species on nutrient agar prevents the expanding front of the MSM-S1 colony from accessing and depleting nutrients in the region occupied by MSM-M1, thereby aiding the survival of the slower growing MSM-M1 colonies. To support our experimental results, we present simulations, based on a chemotactic model of colony growth dynamics. We demonstrate that the chemical(s) secreted byPseudomonassp. is responsible for the observed inhibition of growth and spatial pattern of theB. cereusMSM-S1 colony. Our experimental results are in excellent agreement with the numerical results and confirm that secreted inhibitors enablePseudomonassp. to survive and coexist in the presence of faster growingB. cereus, in a common niche.
A random walk description of individual animal movement accounting for periods of rest
Authors: Tilles Paulo F. C. , Petrovskii Sergei V. , Natti Paulo L.
Published: November 2016

Animals do not move all the time but alternate the period of actual movement (foraging) with periods of rest (e.g. eating or sleeping). Although the existence of rest times is widely acknowledged in the literature and has even become a focus of increased attention recently, the theoretical approaches to describe animal movement by calculating the dispersal kernel and/or the mean squared displacement (MSD) rarely take rests into account. In this study, we aim to bridge this gap. We consider a composite stochastic process where the periods of active dispersal or ‘bouts’ (described by a certain baseline probability density function (pdf) of animal dispersal) alternate with periods of immobility. For this process, we derive a general equation that determines the pdf of this composite movement. The equation is analysed in detail in two special but important cases such as the standard Brownian motion described by a Gaussian kernel and the Levy flight described by a Cauchy distribution. For the Brownian motion, we show that in the large-time asymptotics the effect of rests results in a rescaling of the diffusion coefficient. The movement occurs as a subdiffusive transition between the two diffusive asymptotics. Interestingly, the Levy flight case shows similar properties, which indicates a certain universality of our findings.
Latitudinal diversity gradients in Mesozoic non-marine turtles
Authors: Nicholson David B. , Holroyd Patricia A. , Valdes Paul , Barrett Paul M.
Published: November 2016

The latitudinal biodiversity gradient (LBG)—the pattern of increasing taxonomic richness with decreasing latitude—is prevalent in the structure of the modern biota. However, some freshwater taxa show peak richness at mid-latitudes; for example, extant Testudines (turtles, terrapins and tortoises) exhibit their greatest diversity at 25° N, a pattern sometimes attributed to recent bursts of climatically mediated species diversification. Here, we test whether this pattern also characterizes the Mesozoic distribution of turtles, to determine whether it was established during either their initial diversification or as a more modern phenomenon. Using global occurrence data for non-marine testudinate genera, we find that subsampled richness peaks at palaeolatitudes of 15–30° N in the Jurassic, 30–45° N through the Cretaceous to the Campanian, and from 30° to 60° N in the Maastrichtian. The absence of a significant diversity peak in southern latitudes is consistent with results from climatic models and turtle niche modelling that demonstrate a dearth of suitable turtle habitat in Gondwana during the Jurassic and Late Cretaceous. Our analyses confirm that the modern testudinate LBG has a deep-time origin and further demonstrate that LBGs are not always expressed as a smooth, equator-to-pole distribution.
Gravity–capillary waves in finite depth on flows of constant vorticity
Authors: Hsu Hung-Chu , Francius Marc , Montalvo Pablo , Kharif Christian
Published: November 2016

This paper considers two-dimensional periodic gravity–capillary waves propagating steadily in finite depth on a linear shear current (constant vorticity). A perturbation series solution for steady periodic waves, accurate up to the third order, is derived using a classical Stokes expansion procedure, which allows us to include surface tension effects in the analysis of wave–current interactions in the presence of constant vorticity. The analytical results are then compared with numerical computations with the full equations. The main results are (i) the phase velocity is strongly dependent on the value of the vorticity; (ii) the singularities (Wilton singularities) in the Stokes expansion in powers of wave amplitude that correspond to a Bond number of 1/2 and 1/3, which are the consequences of the non-uniformity in the ordering of the Fourier coefficients, are found to be influenced by vorticity; (iii) different surface profiles of capillary–gravity waves are computed and the effect of vorticity on those profiles is shown to be important, in particular that the solutions exhibit type-2-like wave features, characterized by a secondary maximum on the surface profile with a trough between the two maxima.
Hydroelectromechanical modelling of a piezoelectric wave energy converter
Authors: Renzi E.
Published: November 2016

We investigate the hydroelectromechanical-coupled dynamics of a piezoelectric wave energy converter. The converter is made of a flexible bimorph plate, clamped at its ends and forced to motion by incident ocean surface waves. The piezoceramic layers are connected in series and transform the elastic motion of the plate into useful electricity by means of the piezoelectric effect. By using a distributed-parameter analytical approach, we couple the linear piezoelectric constitutive equations for the plate with the potential-flow equations for the surface water waves. The resulting system of governing partial differential equations yields a new hydroelectromechanical dispersion relation, whose complex roots are determined with a numerical approach. The effect of the piezoelectric coupling in the hydroelastic domain generates a system of short- and long-crested weakly damped progressive waves travelling along the plate. We show that the short-crested flexural wave component gives a dominant contribution to the generated power. We determine the hydroelectromechanical resonant periods of the device, at which the power output is significant.
Intralocus sexual conflict and insecticide resistance
Authors: Hawkes M. F. , Gamble C. E. , Turner E. C. R. , Carey M. R. , Wedell N. , Hosken D. J.
Published: November 2016

TheBAallele of theDrosophilacytochrome P450 geneCyp6g1confers resistance to a range of insecticides. It is also subject to intralocus sexual conflict when introgressed into theCanton-Sbackground, whose collection predates the widespread use of insecticides. In this genetic background, the allele confers a pleiotropic fitness benefit to females but a cost to males, and exhibits little sexual dimorphism in conferred insecticide resistance. It is unclear whether these sexually antagonistic effects also exist in current populations that have naturally evolved with insecticides, where genetic modifiers that offset male costs might be expected to evolve. Here, we explore these issues usingDrosophila melanogastercaught recently from an Australian population in which theBAallele naturally segregates. While we find increased fecundity in insecticide-resistantBAfemales and no consistent evidence of fitness costs in males, experimental evolution indicates balancing selection at the locus. We suggest that this apparent discrepancy may be due to reduced investment in reproduction in resistant males. Our results at the population level are consistent with previous work, and suggest that individual-level fitness assays do not always capture sexually antagonistic fitness effects that emerge in a population context.
Artificial selection on male genitalia length alters female brain size
Authors: Buechel Séverine D. , Booksmythe Isobel , Kotrschal Alexander , Jennions Michael D. , Kolm Niclas
Published: November 2016

Male harassment is a classic example of how sexual conflict over mating leads to sex-specific behavioural adaptations. Females often suffer significant costs from males attempting forced copulations, and the sexes can be in an arms race over male coercion. Yet, despite recent recognition that divergent sex-specific interests in reproduction can affect brain evolution, sexual conflict has not been addressed in this context. Here, we investigate whether artificial selection on a correlate of male success at coercion, genital length, affects brain anatomy in males and females. We analysed the brains of eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), which had been artificially selected for long or short gonopodium, thereby mimicking selection arising from differing levels of male harassment. By analogy to how prey species often have relatively larger brains than their predators, we found that female, but not male, brain size was greater following selection for a longer gonopodium. Brain subregion volumes remained unchanged. These results suggest that there is a positive genetic correlation between male gonopodium length and female brain size, which is possibly linked to increased female cognitive ability to avoid male coercion. We propose that sexual conflict is an important factor in the evolution of brain anatomy and cognitive ability.
How can we estimate natural selection on endocrine traits? Lessons from evolutionary biology
Authors: Bonier Frances , Martin Paul R.
Published: November 2016

An evolutionary perspective can enrich almost any endeavour in biology, providing a deeper understanding of the variation we see in nature. To this end, evolutionary endocrinologists seek to describe the fitness consequences of variation in endocrine traits. Much of the recent work in our field, however, follows a flawed approach to the study of how selection shapes endocrine traits. Briefly, this approach relies on among-individual correlations between endocrine phenotypes (often circulating hormone levels) and fitness metrics to estimate selection on those endocrine traits. Adaptive plasticity in both endocrine and fitness-related traits can drive these correlations, generating patterns that do not accurately reflect natural selection. We illustrate why this approach to studying selection on endocrine traits is problematic, referring to work from evolutionary biologists who, decades ago, described this problem as it relates to a variety of other plastic traits. We extend these arguments to evolutionary endocrinology, where the likelihood that this flaw generates bias in estimates of selection is unusually high due to the exceptional responsiveness of hormones to environmental conditions, and their function to induce adaptive life-history responses to environmental variation. We end with a review of productive approaches for investigating the fitness consequences of variation in endocrine traits that we expect will generate exciting advances in our understanding of endocrine system evolution.
Multiple Confounders Correction with Regularized Linear Mixed Effect Models, with Application in Biological Processes
Authors: Wang Haohan , Yang Jingkang
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we inspect the performance of regularized linear mixed effect models, as an extension of linear mixed effect model, when multiple confounding factors coexist. We first review its parameter estimation algorithms before we introduce three different methods for multiple confounding factors correction, namely concatenation, sequence, and interpolation. Then we investigate the performance on variable selection task and predictive task on three different data sets, synthetic data set, semi-empirical synthetic data set based on genome sequences and brain wave data set connecting to confused mental states. Our results suggest that sequence multiple confounding factors corrections behave the best when different confounders contribute equally to response variables. On the other hand, when various confounders affect the response variable unevenly, results mainly rely on the degree of how the major confounder is corrected.
Constructing high-density linkage maps with MapDisto 2.0
Authors: Heffelfinger Christopher , Fragoso Christopher A. , Lorieux Mathias
Published: November 2016

We present the second major release of MapDisto, a multi-platform, user-friendly computer program for constructing genetic linkage maps of experimental populations. This version includes several new major features: (i) handling of very large genotyping datasets like the ones generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS); (ii) direct importation and conversion of Variant Call Format (VCF) files; (iii) detection of linkage,i.e.construction of linkage groups in case of segregation distortion; (iv) data imputation on VCF files using a new approach, called LB-Impute. These features operate through inclusion of new Java modules that are installed and used transparently by MapDisto; (v) QTL detectionviaa new R/qtl graphical interface.

The program is available free of charge atmapdisto.free.fr.
CSR as a strategy in Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited
Authors: Kwatra Pratigya , Singh Nimisha , Pandey Akhil , Sahay Arunaditya
Published: November 2016

Subject area

The subject area is corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Study level/applicability

The study is applicable to undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on CSR.

Case overview

The case discusses the issue of integrating CSR in TPDDL’s (TPDDL – Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited) business model. TPDDL was formed as the result of a joint venture between Delhi Vidyut Board and Tata Power. At the time of the joint venture, a large number of users of electricity in Jhuggi-Jhopdi (JJ) clusters were not paying for electricity usage. A huge number of residents were not even in the system where they could be billed. The ones who were in the system had strong political banking as they were huge vote banks and hence would not pay. Only 40 per cent of electricity that was going to JJ cluster was billed due to this TPDDL was incurring huge commercial losses. As residents had very low income, TPDDL decided to invest in CSR activities to train the residents so that they could secure a job and pay the bills as well. Mr Praveer Sinha, MD and chief executive officer (CEO), urged his team to bring 100 per cent JJ clusters under the billing net without any coercive measures. TPDDL adopted parent company Tata’s CSR code and came up with innovative ways of engaging with these communities.

Expected learning outcomes

The outcomes are: strategic CSR initiatives for business excellence; incorporating CSR in existing business Model 3; role of stakeholders in CSR implementation; and benefits accruing from CSR activities.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
When debt comes knocking
Authors: Sharma Aasha Jayant
Published: November 2016

Subject area

General management/Strategy: Problems with debt recovery industry in India Strategic positioning and core competencies: expansion plans.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used on an MBA program for a course in strategic management. It can be used to understand the concept of strategic positioning. It will give the students an opportunity to critically evaluate a firm’s strategic positioning in the competitive environment, enable them to understand how to create and capture superior value by differentiating as compared with other players in an industry and address expansion and growth strategies.

Case overview

The case represents the success story of “Adhikrut Jabti evam vasuli”, a debt recovery agency that dared to use the unconventional strategy of employing women as recovery agents, against the stereotyped muscle-flexing male agents. Continuous focus on improving the processes and systems backed by an authoritative yet tactful approach of persuasion and patience has brought this recovery agency accolades and growth. But now Parag Shah the Managing Director is planning to expand its horizons and wonders whether he should go ahead opening up more branch offices across the country or whether he should convert his recovery firm into an Asset reconstruction company.

Expected learning outcomes

The case reinforces the importance of “Strategic positioning” of a firm due to well-planned differentiation in services. The case also addresses concepts of leadership, standardization, people skills and relationship management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Developing and managing photovoltaic facilities based on third-party ownership business models in buildings
Authors: Lam Patrick T.I. , YU Jack S.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the growing trend of developing and managing photovoltaic facilities owned by third parties in buildings, as a possible alternative to energy performance contracting.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an established business model template, analysis is carried out on the framework of using third-party finance in the provision of photovoltaic facilities in buildings. Case studies in the USA and China enable comparison of policy tools enabling this approach.

Findings

While barriers exist in the common energy performance contracting approach for renewable installations owned by the building owner, vesting photovoltaic equipment with a third party for a certain period has become a viable business alternative as long as revenue is generated through a power purchase agreement or lease arrangement with the building owner.

Research limitations/implications

The third-party ownership business model works better if sufficient policy incentives exist alongside the revenue brought about by renewable energy. Hence, governments have to create the right environment.

Originality/value

Win-win situations have been identified through case studies in countries with burgeoning renewable energy use in buildings, notably the USA and China, giving new insights on facilities management.
Modelling factors influencing the adoption of smart-home technologies
Authors: Wong Johnny Kwok Wai , Leung Jodith K.L.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Smart-home technology (SHT) has been identified by the World Health Organization as a possible solution for assisting older people to maintain their independence and to live safely at home when performing the activities of daily living. This study aims to identify the factors, as well as their inter-relationships, influencing senior citizens to adopt elderly-friendly SHT that supports ageing-in-place in high-density Hong Kong living settings.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive structural modelling approach has been used to analyse the factors to develop a better understanding of the relationships between factors influencing SHT adoption, and “Matrice d’Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement” analysis has been used to classify the analysed factors.

Findings

The results suggested that strong government support, efficient backup supporting service and the design of user interface devices have been found as the driving factors encouraging the adoption of SHT. Other factors, including the maintenance of devices, levels of usage and penetration of devices, individual needs and financial considerations, were considered as autonomous factors and are less important to the decision to adopt SHT.

Originality/value

This study provides useful information to policymakers and building designers on the human perspective of SHT adoption, such as the needs and requirements of older people to be considered in SHT technical design and appropriate technological solutions.