bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of Knee Joints after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: He Chuan , He Wu , Wang Fuke , Tong Lu , Zhang Zhengguang , Jia Di , Wang Guoliang , Zheng Jiali , Chen Guangchao , Li Yanlin
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical properties of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); tibial, femoral articular cartilage; and meniscus in knee joints receiving computer-aided or conventional ACL reconstruction. Three-dimensional (3D) knee joint finite element models were established for healthy volunteers (normal group) and patients receiving computer-aided surgery (CAS) or conventional (traditional surgery [TS]) ACL reconstruction. The stress and stress distribution on the ACL, tibial, femoral articular cartilage, and meniscus were examined after force was applied on the 3D knee joint finite element models. No significant differences were observed in the stress on ACL among normal group, CAS group, and TS group when a femoral backward force was loaded. However, when a vertical force of 350 N was loaded on the knee joints, TS group had significant higher stress on the articular cartilage and meniscus than the other two groups at any flexion angle of 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees. However, no significant differences were observed between CAS group and normal group. In conclusion, computer-aided ACL reconstruction has advantages over conventional surgery approach in restoring the biomechanical properties of knee joints, thus reducing the risk of damage to the knee joint cartilage and meniscus after ACL reconstruction.
Süßstoff – ein Stück Lebensqualität (nicht nur) für Diabetiker
Authors: Krumbe Anja
Published: June 2017

Bei Diabetes, aber auch bei Vorliegen einer Glukosetoleranzstörung sind Ernährung und
Bewegung von zentraler Bedeutung, wobei Genuss und Lebensfreude nicht zu kurz kommen
sollen. Süßstoffe bieten den Vorteil, dass sie süßen Geschmack bieten, sich im Gegensatz
zu Zucker aber nicht auf den Blutzuckerspiegel auswirken und daher ohne Anrechnung auf
Kohlenhydrat- bzw. Broteinheiten in die tägliche Ernährung eingebaut werden können.
Erregerscreening als sinnvolle Grundlage der Infektionsprophylaxe
Authors: Singer Dominique
Published: June 2017

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

bakterielle Infektionen stellen so etwas wie eine immerwährende Herausforderung für Geburtshelfer und Neonatologen dar: Nicht genug damit, dass sie zu den Hauptursachen der Frühgeburtlichkeit zählen und in Form der sogenannten Early- oder Late-onset-Sepsis nicht selten über das Outcome der Früh- und Neugeborenen mitbestimmen; noch dazu ist seit einigen Jahren das Phänomen multiresistenter Keime aufgetreten, die nicht mehr nur – unter dem Selektionsdruck von Breitbandantibiotika – auf den Intensivstationen herangezüchtet, sondern auch – infolge ihrer zunehmenden Verbreitung in der Bevölkerung – von außen in die Intensivstationen hineingetragen werden.
Venöse Paravasate nach Augmentation von Pedikelschrauben – ein unterschätztes Risiko
Authors: Prokop Axel , Sagerer Manuela , Rupp Wolfgang , Chmielnicki Marc
Published: June 2017

Mit zementaugmentierten Pedikelschrauben kann die Festigkeit von Fixateuren bei instabilen Wirbelfrakturen im Alter erhöht werden. Die Fixateure können minimalinvasiv und schnell eingebracht werden und verringern das Operationsrisiko. Wir haben von März 2012 bis Juli 2014 40 Patienten mit instabilen Wirbelfrakturen mit einem perkutanen augmentierten Fixateur versorgt. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 77,5 Jahre. Kein Patient verstarb im Beobachtungszeitraum von 6 Monaten. Neurologische Ausfälle traten nicht auf. Die Schmerzen konnten von im Mittel 8,5 Punkten auf der VAS auf 4,1 Punkte postoperativ gesenkt werden. Durch die Operation konnte der Cobb-Winkel im Mittel um 4,1° verbessert werden. Nach 6 Monaten kam es nur zu einer Sinterung von 1° bis max. 4°, im Mittel 2,6°. Häufig kam es aber zu venösen Paravasaten durch Zementabflüsse aus den augmentierten Wirbeln bis hin zur Lungenembolie. Meist bleiben diese Embolien asymptomatisch. Wir berichten über einen Patienten, der unmittelbar nach der Zementapplikation aufgrund von Lungenembolien reanimationspflichtig wurde. Der Patient überlebte aufgrund der sofort durchgeführten intensivmedizinischen Maßnahmen. Das Risiko ist in der Literatur wenig bekannt und bislang unterschätzt trotz steigender Operationszahlen mit augmentierten Fixateuren. Eine Reduzierung des Risikos ist durch langsame Zementinjektion, kleinere Zementapplikatoren und kurzfristiger Überdruckbeatmung mit PEEP (positive expiratory pressure) möglich.
Application of matrix-valued integral continued fractions to spectral problems on periodic graphs with defects
Authors: Kutsenko Anton A.
Published: June 2017

We show that spectral problems for periodic operators on lattices with embedded defects of lower dimensions can be solved with the help of matrix-valued integral continued fractions. While these continued fractions are usual in the approximation theory, they are less known in the context of spectral problems. We show that the spectral points can be expressed as zeros of determinants of the continued fractions. They are also useful in the analysis of inverse problems (one-to-one correspondence between spectral data and defects). Finally, the explicit formula for the resolvent in terms of the continued fractions is provided. We apply some of the results to the Schrödinger operator acting on graphene with line and point defects.
Note: Development of a wideband amplifier for cryogenic scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jeon Hoyeon , Oh Myungchul , Lee Minjun , Kim Sungmin , Yi Sunwouk , Lee Hanho , Zoh Inhae , Yoo Yongchan , Kuk Young
Published: June 2017

A wideband cryogenic amplifier has been developed for low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The amplifier consisting of a wideband complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors operational amplifier together with a feedback resistor of 100 kΩ and a capacitor is mounted within a 4 K Dewar. This amplifier has a wide bandwidth and is successfully applied to scanning tunneling microscopy applications at low temperatures down to ∼7 K. The quality of the designed amplifier is validated by high resolution imaging. More importantly, the amplifier has also proved to be capable of performing scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements, showing the detection of the Shockley surface state of the Au(111) surface and the superconducting gap of Nb(110).
Thermal conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia thin films with a zigzag microstructure
Authors: Amaya C. , Prías-Barragán J. J. , Aperador W. , Hernández-Landaverde M. A. , Ramírez-Cardona M. , Caicedo J. C. , Rodríguez L. A. , Snoeck E. , Gómez M. E. , Zambrano G.
Published: June 2017

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most common material used as a thermal barrier in several engineering applications. In order to improve the insulator potential of these thin films, an oblique-angle deposition approach was used to grow YSZ with tilted columnar structures. Initially, the period (n) was defined as the repetition unit composed of two layers each with different columnar growth directions, and then, n was increased (n = 1, 2, 10, 30, and 50), keeping constant the total thickness (∼3.50 μm). The influence of (n) on the structure, roughness, grain size, microstructure, and thermal conductivity (κ) of thin films deposited was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, and hot-plate technique, respectively. For all the samples, XRD patterns indicate the presence of the characteristic 8YSZ tetragonal phase peaks. Through AFM analysis, it was established that the roughness of the films deposited decreases from (4.0 ± 0.6) to (2.0 ± 0.6) nm when n is increased. Cross-sectional images recorded by SEM corroborate the formation of marked interfaces when growth direction changes occur, allowing to identify a multilayer system with a “zigzag” microstructure and an evolution towards more refined and isolated columns. Moreover, the SEM images reveal that for n = 10, 30, 50, and 70, the growth direction of the column is perpendicular to the substrate plane, losing its tilted form and the “zigzag” behavior becomes intra-columnar, reaching nanometer scale. Finally, analyses by hot-plate technique for different n repetition units showed that the thermal conductivity of YSZ films decreases from 0.151 W/m K to 0.064 W/m K, establishing the direct influence of the “zigzag” microstructure on the κ value. This study shows the potential of growing YSZ thin films by oblique-angle deposition as an effective method to improving the thermal insulator potential of this material.
Analysis of shear viscosity and viscoelastic relaxation of liquid methanol based on molecular dynamics simulation and mode-coupling theory
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Faraone Antonio
Published: June 2017

The role of the prepeak structure of liquid methanol in determining its shear viscosity was studied by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and mode-coupling theory (MCT). The autocorrelation function of the shear stress and the intermediate scattering functions at both the prepeak and the main peak were calculated from the MD trajectories. Their comparison based on MCT suggests that the viscoelastic relaxation in the ps regime is affected by the slow structural dynamics at the prepeak. On the other hand, the MCT for molecular liquids based on the interaction-site model (site-site MCT) fails to describe the coupling between the prepeak dynamics and shear stress. The direct evaluation of the coupling between the two-body density and the shear stress reveals that the viscoelastic relaxation is actually affected by the prepeak dynamics, although the coupling is not captured by the site-site MCT. The site-site MCT works well for a model methanol without partial charges, suggesting that the failure of the site-site MCT originates from the existence of a hydrogen-bonding network structure.
DNS study of dependence of bulk consumption velocity in a constant-density reacting flow on turbulence and mixture characteristics
Authors: Yu Rixin , Lipatnikov Andrei N.
Published: June 2017

3D Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) study of propagation of a single-reaction wave in forced, statistically stationary, homogeneous, isotropic, and constant-density turbulence was performed in order to evaluate both developing UTt and fully developed UTs bulk turbulent consumption velocities by independently varying a ratio of 0.5 ≤u′∕SL≤ 90 of the r.m.s. turbulent velocity to the laminar wave speed and a ratio of 0.39 ≤L11∕δF≤ 12.5 of the longitudinal integral length scale of the turbulence to the laminar wave thickness. Accordingly, the Damköhler Da=(L11SL)∕(u′δF) and Karlovitz Ka=δF∕(SLτη) numbers were varied from 0.01 to 24.7 and from 0.36 to 587, respectively. Here, τη is the Kolmogorov time scale. The obtained DNS data show that, at sufficiently low Da, the fully developed ratio of UTs∕u′ is mainly controlled by Da and scales as Da. However, such a scaling should not be extrapolated to high Da. The higher Da (or the lower Ka), the less pronounced dependence of UTs∕u′ on a ratio of L11∕δF. Moreover, scaling laws UT∝u′αSL1−α(L11∕δF)β are substantially different for developing UTt and fully developed UTs, i.e., the scaling exponents α and, especially, β depend on the wave-development time. Furthermore, α and, especially, β depend on a method used to evaluate the developing UTt. Such effects can contribute to significant scatter of expressions for UT or ST as a function of {u′, SL, L11, δF}, obtained by parameterizing various experimental databases.
Electrical characterization of MoS2 field-effect transistors with different dielectric polymer gate
Authors: Liu Lan , Wang Xudong , Han Li , Tian Bobo , Chen Yan , Wu Guangjian , Li Dan , Yan Mengge , Wang Tao , Sun Shuo , Shen Hong , Lin Tie , Sun Jinglan , Duan Chungang , Wang Jianlu , Meng Xiangjian , Chu Junhao
Published: June 2017

The characteristics of MoS2-nanoflake field-effect transistors (FETs) were studied by analyzing the transfer curves in MoS2-FETs with ferroelectric and general polymers as the gate dielectric. A clear hysteresis, opposite to the electron trapping–detrapping effect in traditional MoS2-FETs, was observed in the MoS2-FETs with ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] films. The effect carrier mobility of MoS2 nanoflakes reached approximately 95.6 cm2/Vs under the control of the polarization field of P(VDF-TrFE), whereas the effect carrier mobility was only approximately 15.3 cm2/Vs in MoS2-FETs with traditional dielectric poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films. Furthermore, the ferroelectric MoS2-FETs possess a higher ON/OFF resistance ratio (approximately 107) than do the PMMA MoS2-FETs (approximately 105).
Balancing uncertainty and complexity to incorporate fire spread in an eco-hydrological model
Authors: Kennedy Maureen C. , McKenzie Donald , Tague Christina , Dugger Aubrey L.
Published: June 2017

Wildfire affects the ecosystem services of watersheds, and climate change will modify fire regimes and watershed dynamics. In many eco-hydrological simulations, fire is included as an exogenous force. Rarely are the bidirectional feedbacks between watersheds and fire regimes integrated in a simulation system because the eco-hydrological model predicts variables that are incompatible with the requirements of fire models. WMFire is a fire-spread model of intermediate complexity designed to be integrated with the Regional Hydro-ecological Simulation System (RHESSys). Spread in WMFire is based on four variables that (i) represent known influences on fire spread: litter load, relative moisture deficit, wind direction and topographic slope, and (ii) are derived directly from RHESSys outputs. The probability that a fire spreads from pixel to pixel depends on these variables as predicted by RHESSys. We tested a partial integration between WMFire and RHESSys on the Santa Fe (New Mexico) and the HJ Andrews (Oregon State) watersheds. Model assessment showed correspondence between expected spatial patterns of spread and seasonality in both watersheds. These results demonstrate the efficacy of an approach to link eco-hydrologic model outputs with a fire spread model. Future work will develop a fire effects module in RHESSys for a fully coupled, bidirectional model.
Effect of game motivation on flow experience and companionship
Authors: Li Elena Carolina , Luh Ding-Bang
Published: June 2017

Motivation crucially influences the willingness to play online games. Game motivation can affect players’ flow experience and player’s companionship with their game roles or avatars. However, the relationship among game motivation, flow experience, and companionship is unclear; therefore, designing online games that improving the playing experience is difficult. This study chose online pet games as study samples, and this study used a game motivation scale, flow experience scale, and the Companionship Scale of Artificial Pets to identify the relationship among game motivation, flow experience, and companionship. According to 216 valid questionnaire responses, this study demonstrated that (a) game motivation for online pet game players was primarily immersion and achievement, (b) compared with achievement motivation, immersion motivation had a greater influence on flow experience and the development of player companionship with online pets, and (c) players with immersion and achievement motivation had a substantially enhanced flow experience and companionship with their online pets.
Behavioral tracing demonstrates dietary nutrient discrimination in two-spotted crickets Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Fukumura Keisuke , Nagata Shinji
Published: June 2017

Animals select appropriate diets to meet their nutritional requirements. Here, we demonstrate the availability for analysis of feeding preference using an orthopteran, the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. A time-course study of these insects, involving continuous recording and tracing behavior for 9 h, allowed us to monitor discrimination of diet that contained various nutrients.
Revisiting diffusion: Self-similar solutions and the 𝑡^{-1/2} decay in initial and initial-boundary value problems
Authors: Kevrekidis P. , Williams M. , Mantzavinos D. , Charalampidis E. , Choi M. , Kevrekidis I.
Published: June 2017

The diffusion equation is a universal and standard textbook model for partial differential equations (PDEs). In this work, we revisit its solutions, seeking, in particular, self-similar profiles. This problem connects to the classical theory of special functions and, more specifically, to the Hermite as well as the Kummer hypergeometric functions. Reconstructing the solution of the original diffusion model from self-similar solutions of the associated self-similar PDE, we infer that thet−1/2t^{-1/2}decay law of the diffusion amplitude isnot necessary. In particular, it is possible to engineer setups ofboththe Cauchy problem and the initial-boundary value problem in which the solution decays at adifferent rate. Nevertheless, we observe that thet−1/2t^{-1/2}rate corresponds to the dominant decay mode among integrable initial data, i.e., ones corresponding to finite mass. Hence, unless the projection to such a mode is eliminated, generically this decay will be the slowest one observed. In initial-boundary value problems, an additional issue that arises is whether the boundary data areconsonantwith the initial data; namely, whether the boundary data agree at all times with the solution of the Cauchy problem associated with the same initial data, when this solution is evaluated at the boundary of the domain. In that case, the power law dictated by the solution of the Cauchy problem will be selected. On the other hand, in the non-consonant cases a decomposition of the problem into a self-similar and a non-self-similar one is seen to be beneficial in obtaining a systematic understanding of the resulting solution.
Linking metabolic network features to phenotypes using sparse group lasso
Authors: Samal Satya Swarup , Radulescu Ovidiu , Weber Andreas , Fröhlich Holger
Published: June 2017

Motivation

Integration of metabolic networks with ‘-omics’ data has been a subject of recent research in order to better understand the behaviour of such networks with respect to differences between biological and clinical phenotypes. Under the conditions of steady state of the reaction network and the non-negativity of fluxes, metabolic networks can be algebraically decomposed into a set of sub-pathways often referred to as extreme currents (ECs). Our objective is to find the statistical association of such sub-pathways with given clinical outcomes, resulting in a particular instance of a self-contained gene set analysis method. In this direction, we propose a method based on sparse group lasso (SGL) to identify phenotype associated ECs based on gene expression data. SGL selects a sparse set of feature groups and also introduces sparsity within each group. Features in our model are clusters of ECs, and feature groups are defined based on correlations among these features.

Results

We apply our method to metabolic networks from KEGG database and study the association of network features to prostate cancer (where the outcome is tumor and normal, respectively) as well as glioblastoma multiforme (where the outcome is survival time). In addition, simulations show the superior performance of our method compared to global test, which is an existing self-contained gene set analysis method.

Availability and implementation

R code (compatible with version 3.2.5) is available from http://www.abi.bit.uni-bonn.de/index.php?id=17.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Blockchain distributed ledger technologies for biomedical and health care applications
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Ting , Kim Hyeon-Eui , Ohno-Machado Lucila
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To introduce blockchain technologies, including their benefits, pitfalls, and the latest applications, to the biomedical and health care domains.

Target Audience

Biomedical and health care informatics researchers who would like to learn about blockchain technologies and their applications in the biomedical/health care domains.

Scope

The covered topics include: (1) introduction to the famous Bitcoin crypto-currency and the underlying blockchain technology; (2) features of blockchain; (3) review of alternative blockchain technologies; (4) emerging nonfinancial distributed ledger technologies and applications; (5) benefits of blockchain for biomedical/health care applications when compared to traditional distributed databases; (6) overview of the latest biomedical/health care applications of blockchain technologies; and (7) discussion of the potential challenges and proposed solutions of adopting blockchain technologies in biomedical/health care domains.
Simulation-based Assessment of the Management of Critical Events by Board-certified Anesthesiologists
Authors: Weinger Matthew B. , Banerjee Arna , Burden Amanda R. , McIvor William R. , Boulet John , Cooper Jeffrey B. , Steadman Randolph , Shotwell Matthew S. , Slagle Jason M. , DeMaria Samuel , Torsher Laurence , Sinz Elizabeth , Levine Adam I. , Rask John , Davis Fred , Park Christine , Gaba David M.
Published: June 2017

Background

We sought to determine whether mannequin-based simulation can reliably characterize how board-certified anesthesiologists manage simulated medical emergencies. Our primary focus was to identify gaps in performance and to establish psychometric properties of the assessment methods.

Methods

A total of 263 consenting board-certified anesthesiologists participating in existing simulation-based maintenance of certification courses at one of eight simulation centers were video recorded performing simulated emergency scenarios. Each participated in two 20-min, standardized, high-fidelity simulated medical crisis scenarios, once each as primary anesthesiologist and first responder. Via a Delphi technique, an independent panel of expert anesthesiologists identified critical performance elements for each scenario. Trained, blinded anesthesiologists rated video recordings using standardized rating tools. Measures included the percentage of critical performance elements observed and holistic (one to nine ordinal scale) ratings of participant’s technical and nontechnical performance. Raters also judged whether the performance was at a level expected of a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Results

Rater reliability for most measures was good. In 284 simulated emergencies, participants were rated as successfully completing 81% (interquartile range, 75 to 90%) of the critical performance elements. The median rating of both technical and nontechnical holistic performance was five, distributed across the nine-point scale. Approximately one-quarter of participants received low holistic ratings (i.e., three or less). Higher-rated performances were associated with younger age but not with previous simulation experience or other individual characteristics. Calling for help was associated with better individual and team performance.

Conclusions

Standardized simulation-based assessment identified performance gaps informing opportunities for improvement. If a substantial proportion of experienced anesthesiologists struggle with managing medical emergencies, continuing medical education activities should be reevaluated.
Clinicians’ Perception and Experience of Organ Donation From Brain-Dead Patients
Authors: Kentish-Barnes Nancy , Duranteau Jacques , Montlahuc Claire , Charpentier Julien , Martin-Lefevre Laurent , Joseph Liliane , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Fieux Fabienne , Renault Anne , Thuong Marie , Chevret Sylvie , Azoulay Elie
Published: June 2017

Objective:

ICU clinicians are primarily involved in organ donation after brain death of ICU patients. Their perceptions of organ donation may affect outcomes. Our objective was to describe ICU clinician’s perceptions and experience of organ donation.

Design and Setting:

Cross-sectional study among physicians and nurses (90 ICUs in France). We used factorial correspondence analysis to describe categories of clinicians regarding their perceptions and experience of organ donation. Factors associated with a positive (motivating) or negative (stressful) experiences were studied using multivariate logistic regression.

Participants:

Physicians and nurses.

Measurements and Main Results:

Three thousand three hundred twenty-five clinicians working in 77 ICUs returned questionnaires. Professionals who experienced organ donation as motivating were younger (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32–0.53; p < 0.001), more often potential organ donors (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.56–2.35; p < 0.001), less likely to describe inconsistency (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.8) or complexity (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45–0.67) of their feelings versus their professional activity, less likely to report that organ donation was not a priority in their ICU (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55–0.84), and more likely to have participated in meetings of transplant coordinators with relatives (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.37–2.14; p < 0.001). Professionals who felt organ donation was stressful were older (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.34–2.54; p < 0.001), less often physicians (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44–0.77; p < 0.001), more likely to describe shift from curative care to organ donation as emotionally complex (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.52–2.21; p < 0.001), care of relatives of brain-dead patients as complex (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.32–1.93; p < 0.001), and inconsistency and complexity of personal feelings about organ donation versus professional activity (odds ratio, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.92–5.53; p < 0.001), and more likely to have little experience with caring for potential organ donors (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09–2.04).

Conclusions:

Significant differences exist among ICU clinician’s perceptions of organ donation. Whether these differences affect family experience and consent rates deserves investigation.
The role of traction in membrane curvature generation
Authors: Alimohamadi H. , Vasan R. , Hassinger J.E. , Stachowiak J.C. , Rangamani P.
Published: June 2017

Curvature of biological membranes can be generated by a variety of molecular mechanisms including protein scaffolding, compositional heterogeneity, and cytoskeletal forces. These mechanisms have the net effect of generating tractions (force per unit length) on the bilayer that are translated into distinct shapes of the membrane. Here, we demonstrate how the local shape of the membrane can be used to infer the traction acting locally on the membrane. We show that buds and tubes, two common membrane deformations studied in trafficking processes, have different traction distributions along the membrane and that these tractions are specific to the molecular mechanism used to generate these shapes. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of an axial force applied to the membrane as well as that of an effective line tension can be calculated from these tractions. Finally, we consider the sensitivity of these quantities with respect to uncertainties in material properties and follow with a discussion on sources of uncertainty in membrane shape.
Differential activation of Fyn kinase distinguishes saturated and unsaturated fats in mouse macrophages
Authors: Tarabra Elena , Lee Ting-Wen An , Zammit Victor A , Vatish Manu , Yamada Eijiro , Pessin Jeffrey E , Bastie Claire C
Published: June 2017

Diet-induced obesity is associated with increased adipose tissue activated macrophage numbers. Yet, how macrophages integrate fatty acid (FA) signals remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that Fyn deficiency (FynKO) protects against high fat diet-induced adipose tissue macrophage accumulation. Herein, we show that inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species are not induced in FynKO bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to the saturated FA palmitate, suggesting that Fyn regulates macrophage function in response to FA signals. Saturated palmitate activates Fyn and re-localizes Fyn into the nucleus of RAW264.7, J774 and wild-type bone marrow-derived macrophages. Similarly, Fyn activity is increased in cells of AT stromal vascular fraction of high fat-fed control mice, with Fyn protein being located in the nucleus of these cells. We demonstrate that Fyn modulates palmitate-dependent oxidative stress in macrophages. Moreover, Fyn catalytic activity is necessary for its nuclear re-localization and downstream effects, as Fyn pharmacological inhibition abolishes palmitate-induced Fyn nuclear redistribution and palmitate-dependent increase of oxidative stress markers. Importantly, mono-or polyunsaturated FAs do not activate Fyn, and fail to re-localize Fyn to the nucleus. Together these data demonstrate that macrophages integrate nutritional FA signals via a differential activation of Fyn that distinguishes, at least partly, the effects of saturated versus unsaturated fats.
Pivot-and-bond model explains microtubule bundle formation
Authors: Prelogović Marcel , Winters Lora , Milas Ana , Tolić Iva M. , Pavin Nenad
Published: June 2017

During mitosis, bundles of microtubules form a spindle, but the physical mechanism of bundle formation is still not known. Here we show that random angular movement of microtubules around the spindle pole and forces exerted by passive cross-linking proteins are sufficient for the formation of stable microtubule bundles. We test these predictions by experiments in wild-type andase1Δ fission yeast cells. In conclusion, the angular motion drives the alignment of microtubules, which in turn allows the cross-linking proteins to connect the microtubules into a stable bundle.
Crystal structures of sodium magnesium selenate decahydrate, Na2Mg(SeO4)2·10H2O, a new selenate salt, and sodium magnesium selenate dihydrate, Na2Mg(SeO4)2·2H2O
Authors: Kamburov Stoyan , Schmidt Horst , Voigt Wolfgang , Balarew Christo
Published: June 2017

Metal selenates crystallize in many instances in isomorphic structures of the corresponding sulfates. Sodium magnesium selenate decahydrate, Na2Mg(SeO4)2·10H2O, and sodium magnesium selenate dihydrate, Na2Mg(SeO4)2·2H2O, were synthesized by preparing solutions of Na2SeO4 and MgSeO4·6H2O with different molar ratios. The structures contain different Mg octahedra, i.e. [Mg(H2O)6] octahedra in the decahydrate and [MgO4(H2O)2] octahedra in the dihydrate. The sodium polyhedra are also different, i.e. [NaO2(H2O)4] in the decahydrate and [NaO6(H2O)] in the dihydrate. The selenate tetrahedra are connected with the chains of Na polyhedra in the two structures. O—H...O hydrogen bonding is observed in both structures between the coordinating water molecules and selenate O atoms.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-benzylidene-6-phenyl-1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10-octahydrophenanthridine
Authors: Al-Rubaye Baidaa K. , Brink Alice , Miller Gary J. , Potgieter Herman , Al-Jeboori Mohamad J.
Published: June 2017

The preparation of the title compound, C26H25N, was achieved by the condensation of an ethanolic mixture of benzaldehyde, cyclohexanone and ammonium acetate in a 2:1:1 molar ratio. There are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The two cyclohexyl rings adopt ananti-envelope conformation with the benzyl moiety adopting acisconformation with respect to the nitrogen atom of the phenanthridine segment. In the crystal, molecules are linked through C—H...N interactions into hydrogen-bonded chains that are further arranged into distinct layers by weak offset π–π interactions.
Improving the quality of Sweden’s rail freight rolling stock
Authors: Cullinane Kevin , Bergqvist Rickard , Cullinane Sharon , Zhu Shengda , Wang Linkai
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical conceptualization of how data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be applied to rail freight rolling stock in order to develop a tariff for track access charges which is functionally dependent upon the derived relative benchmark values of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

It is posited that track access charges should be differentiated to reflect differences in the performance of rolling stock and that this can be achieved purely on the basis of technical and other characteristics. The performance benchmarking of rolling stock is proposed as the basis for formulating and justifying a performance-based tariff structure. Using DEA, relative index measures of rolling stock performance can be derived, benchmark performance can be identified and a tariff structure can be developed.

Findings

A workable approach to implementing the concept, utilizing existing in-house databases, is found to be feasible and a template for tariff setting is established.

Research limitations/implications

In the absence of access to in-house technical data on rolling stock, which is commercially sensitive, no empirical application of the concept is possible.

Originality/value

There are many ways to improve the efficiency of a railway system. Many are inherently long term and involve significant investment. Using Sweden as an example, this paper proposes the more immediate, simpler and cheaper approach of incentivising the use of better rolling stock through appropriate track access charging. Such an approach should reduce the number of problems arising on the rail network and the costs imposed on other rail users, the infrastructure providers and society. Ultimately, the implementation of this approach would support the objective of increasing long-term robustness and reducing disruptions to railways.
Evaluating sustainable supply chain indicators using fuzzy AHP
Authors: Kumar Divesh , Garg Chandra Prakash
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Sustainability in supply chain is gaining attention in recent years due to environmental concern, enforced legislation, green issues, social responsibility, etc. Sustainable supply chain (SSC) has revolved around the various dimensions including economy, environment and societal factors since its inception. The purpose of this paper is to identify, prioritize and evaluate the indicators of SSC so that organizations can cultivate strategies to implement them on priority.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a methodology based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to prioritize the indicators of SSC. A numerical analysis of Indian automotive industry is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed method. This proposed method considered fuzzy framework that can handle impreciseness and uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to test the robustness of the proposed model.

Findings

Potential indicators are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts. This research finalizes the SSC indicators under three dimensions so that prioritization of identified indicators can be developed and the insights relationship of factors would be explored. The results of the study found that environmental and social dimensions of sustainability contribute more toward the sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to identify evaluation factors and other factors have not been identified and categorized. Evaluation is done by experts in this area so it is natural that views of decision makers may be subjective and vary with regard to industry type, priorities, resources, etc.

Practical implications

This study will help industry to identify, evaluate and prioritize factors for successful implementation of sustainability in their supply chain. Automotive companies could device these factors by applying the outcome of the study in their operations with higher priority to integrate sustainability in their supply chain.

Originality/value

These factors are identified to implement sustain ability into supply chain practices for automotive industry.
Test of a mediation model of psychological capital among hotel salespeople
Authors: Bouzari Mona , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose and test a research model that examines psychological capital as a mediator of the effect of servant leadership on lateness attitude, intention to remain with the organization, service–sales ambidexterity and service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from hotel salespeople using a three-wave design with a two-week time lag between each wave in Iran. In total, 26 supervisors assessed salespeople’s service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used in the assessment of the direct and mediating effects.

Findings

The findings reveal that psychological capital functions as a full mediator of the influence of servant leadership on the aforementioned outcomes. Specifically, servant leadership fosters salespeople’s psychological capital. Such employees in turn display reduced lateness attitude and express an increased intent to remain with the organization. They also have favorable perceptions of service–sales ambidexterity and exhibit service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors at elevated levels.

Practical implications

Top management of hotels should be committed to the philosophy of servant leadership because salespeople under the umbrella of this leadership style are high on psychological capital. Under these circumstances, such employees can exhibit service–sales ambidexterity by contributing to delivery of exceptional service and enhancing customer satisfaction. They can also contribute to the organization’s competitive advantage via service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the extant hospitality research by testing psychological capital as a mediator between servant leadership and the previously mentioned consequences.
Do high school graduates benefit from intensive vocational training?
Authors: Mo Costabella Luca
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Decades of impact evaluation of vocational training have produced very heterogeneous findings. If heterogeneity can be ascribed to the diversity in contents and target population, it can be reduced analyzing specific subprograms. The purpose of this paper is to focus on Italian “Post Diploma” training, which consists of intensive courses for unemployed holding a high school degree. Evidence on the benefits for different types of workers is provided, distinguishing in particular between common unemployed and those who attend training as a further investment in human capital after finishing their schooling.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation is based on a non-experimental control group design. Exploiting extremely rich administrative data, impact estimates are obtained via propensity score matching. The robustness of results is checked through extensive sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The results suggest a positive impact on the employment probability, also in the long run. Training is particularly effective for people who attend it just after finishing high school. Cost-benefit analysis yields a positive rate return on public investment only after more than five years.

Originality/value

The study focuses on a limited and homogeneous segment of training in order to provide more exploitable evidence for program design purposes. Due to its specific characteristics and aims, Post Diploma training represents an example of intervention which, unlike many programs for unemployed, works better for the youngest. The conclusions stress the general need for evaluations that properly account for the cost of an intervention and its effectiveness in the long run.
Gender inequalities in labour market outcomes
Authors: Georgiadis Thomas , Christopoulos George
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the investigation of gender inequalities in the labour market at the regional level in Greece throughout the years preceding and following the economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising microdata from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) database from 2005 up to the most recent available, the authors construct the Total Earnings Gap Index, a composite index at the individual level which incorporates gender differentials in aspects related to employment, work intensity and earnings. This approach is further complemented by the results of the econometric analysis (a probit model for the probability of being in employment and a Heckman selection model for the determinants of hourly pay and hours worked), which portray the impact of gender on a set of labour-related characteristics.

Findings

The findings of the analysis indicate a widespread reduction of the gender gap; however, this appears to be mainly the result of a sharper fall in employment among men, hence pointing towards a “race to the bottom” process which presents few – if any – signs of an increase of women’s economic independence. The emerging picture points towards a trend of regional convergence in gender gaps, while also highlighting that similar gender equality outcomes are, in certain cases, shaped by radically different dynamics.

Originality/value

This paper uses an innovative composite index which provides a multi-dimensional depiction of gender inequality in the Greek labour market. This index has been introduced by Eurostat and has been applied at the country level, with this paper being the first – to the authors’ knowledge – to apply it at the regional level. Additionally, by examining years before and throughout the crisis, the present analysis adopts a dynamic perspective, offering valuable insight into the seismic shifts that Greece’s labour market structure has undergone during this period.
The impact of TQM practices and KM processes on organisational performance
Authors: Qasrawi Bara’ Tareq , Almahamid Soud Mohammad , Qasrawi Shadi Tareq
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of total quality management (TQM) practices in terms of leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, teamwork, process management, information, and analysis on organizational performance in Jordanian telecommunications companies. In addition, the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) processes is tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was used to gather empirical data, and it was distributed to all managerial and non-managerial employees. A total of 477 questionnaires were valid for analysis, resulting in a response rate of (97 percent). Factor analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Customer focus and process management were found to have an insignificant impact on organizational performance, while teamwork had the strongest impact on KM processes. The results also revealed that only knowledge sharing and application processes had a significant impact on organizational performance. More importantly, KM processes fully mediated the impact of TQM practices on organizational performance, except for teamwork, which had a partial mediating effect.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to a survey of the headquarters of three telecommunication companies: Zain, Orange, and Umniah, in Amman City.

Originality/value

Originality of the paper lies in testing the influence of TQM practices on organizational performance in a novel context, where most TQM initiatives fail for one reason or another.
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: reflections on developing practice and present day challenges
Authors: Mackay Kathryn , Notman Mary
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the duties and powers of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act (ASPSA) 2007 and place them in the wider Scottish adult protection legislative framework. It considers the potential value of a standalone adult safeguarding statute.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon their research and practice expertise to consider the merits of the ASPSA 2007. They take a case study approach to explore its implementation in one particular Scottish local authority, drawing on the qualitative and quantitative data contained in its annual reports.

Findings

Skilled, knowledgeable and well-supported practitioners are key to effective screening, investigations and intervention. Protection orders are being used as intended for a very small number of cases.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of national statistical reports means that there is limited scope for comparison between the local and national data.

Practical implications

Adult support and protection requires ongoing investment of time and leadership in councils and other local agencies to instigate and maintain good practice. Aspects that require further attention are self-neglect; capacity and consent and residents in care homes who pose potential risks to other residents and staff.

Social implications

ASPSA 2007 has helped to raise awareness of adults at risk of harm within the local communities and as social issue more generally.

Originality/value

The authors provide a critical appraisal of the implementation of Scottish adult safeguarding legislation over the last six years. They consider similar developments in England and Wales and argue for comparative research to test these out. Finally, they signpost future directions for bridging separate policy streams.
The implementation of a peer support scheme in an assertive rehabilitation ward in high secure forensic services
Authors: Wolfendale Tori , Musaabi Angella
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the implementation of a peer support volunteer scheme in a high secure setting and to explore the peer support volunteer’s experiences conducting this role, based predominantly on an assertive rehabilitation ward.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has outlined the implementation of the peer support volunteer scheme in a high secure setting and has explored the peer support volunteer’s experiences conducting this role and has explored the views of newly transferred patients who have accessed this scheme. The peer support scheme is based predominantly on an assertive rehabilitation ward. The data have been collected through the completion of detailed questionnaires that have been disseminated to participants through the clinical team.

Findings

This paper has outlined the implementation of a peer support scheme on an assertive rehabilitation ward within a high secure forensic mental health setting. This paper has explored the role and experiences of a peer support volunteer on an assertive rehabilitation ward and has explored the experience from a service recipient’s perspective also through the completion of questionnaires. This paper has explored the overall benefits of peer support within mental health services to both the volunteer, staff members and to a patient newly admitted to the ward, and has identified the skills that the volunteer is able to develop following contribution in to the peer support scheme.

Practical implications

This paper has acknowledged that there have been challenges introducing this particular scheme into mental health service teams. Challenges have included establishing appropriate boundaries and dilution of the role due to power imbalances, both between the peer support volunteer and the service recipient, but also between the clinical team that supervises the overall peer support scheme (Christie, 2016). The clinical team within this particular ward have been mindful with regards to the approach that has been utilised and has therefore, included the service users within the overall development of the scheme to encompass the recovery principles, but have continued to review the progression as a team and have taken into consideration all aspects of relational security.

Originality/value

The paper relating to the implementation of the peer support volunteer scheme in a high secure setting has not been published before and is not under consideration for publication with another journal.