bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Component Structure of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI): A Reappraisal
Authors: Van De Wyngaerde Kelly M. , Lee Minji K. , Jacobson Gary P. , Pasupathy Kalyan , Romero-Brufau Santiago , McCaslin Devin L.
Published: August 2019

Objective.:

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a 25-item self-report questionnaire developed to measure the disabling and handicapping impact of dizziness. The present investigation was conducted in an effort to re-assess the factor structure of the DHI.

Study Design.:

Retrospective study.

Setting.:

Tertiary care center.

Patients.:

Subjects were 1,991 patients who were evaluated in the Mayo Clinic-Rochester Vestibular and Balance Laboratory.

Main Outcome Measures.:

Exploratory factor analysis: an exploratory bifactor analysis (EFA) with bifactor rotation was used to analyze a random sample of 999 patients. Analyses were used to determine the dominance of the general factor (i.e., total score) relative to the group factor (i.e., subscales). Confirmatory factor analysis: a confirmatory bifactor graded response model was fit with appropriate item-to-group relationships that was discovered by our exploratory analyses. To validate the bifactor model that was identified with the exploratory analyses, a bifactor model with three grouping factors (i.e., Physical manifestations, Catastrophic impact of dizziness, and the Emotional impact of dizziness) were fit to a different random sample of 992 patients using the new item-to-group factor specifications.

Results.:

In the confirmatory analyses, all items had a positive factor loading on the general factor. There were 14 items that loaded on the general factor only. The rest of the items (n = 11) loaded on both the general factor and one of three group factors.

Conclusions.:

Conclusions of the study revealed several findings: 1) reporting the result as a total score (i.e., a single general factor) is warranted, and, 2) there is statistical support for the existence of three subscales representing: the Physical manifestations, Catastrophic impact, and Emotional impact of dizziness and vertigo.
Matched Cohort Comparison Indicates Superiority of Precurved Electrode Arrays
Authors: Holder Jourdan T. , Yawn Robert J. , Nassiri Ashley M. , Dwyer Robert T. , Rivas Alejandro , Labadie Robert F. , Gifford René H.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Characterize differences in adult cochlear implant outcomes and programming parameters for a straight (CI422/522) and a precurved (CI532) electrode array.

Setting:

Cochlear implant (CI) program at a tertiary otologic center.

Patients:

Fifty-eight adults were included in the study; 29 were implanted with CI422 or CI522 and 29 were implanted with CI532. Each CI532 recipient was matched to a CI422/522 recipient in terms of age and preoperative hearing thresholds for comparison purposes.

Main Outcome Measures:

Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) words, AzBio sentences, residual audiometric thresholds, and Speech Spatial Qualities (SSQ) questionnaire collected 6 months postoperatively were used to characterize outcomes. Pulse duration, maxima, impedances, and overall charge measurements were used to characterize programming parameters.

Results:

Postoperative unaided low frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA) was significantly better for the CI532 group. CNC scores were significantly better for the CI532 group. Impedances and pulse duration were significantly lower for the CI532 group, but there was no difference in overall charge between the groups.

Conclusion:

The CI532 group showed either similar or statistically superior results on all measures when compared with the CI422/522 suggesting that the CI532 electrode may be an advantageous substitute for the CI522.
Triphasic Pulses in Cochlear Implant Patients With Facial Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Braun Katharina , Walker Kevin , Sürth Werner , Löwenheim Hubert , Tropitzsch Anke
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Evaluation of triphasic pulse stimulation in comparison to the traditional biphasic pulse stimulation in cochlear implant (CI) patients with unintended facial nerve costimulation.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Setting:

Cochlear Implant Center of a University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

Patients:

Fifteen CI patients (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) received a triphasic fitting map instead of a biphasic fitting map due to a previous diagnosis of facial nerve stimulation or stimulus induced pain during the years 2014 to 2017.

Intervention(s):

Application of a triphasic stimulation strategy.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Reduction of facial nerve costimulation and speech understanding. Biphasic and triphasic fitting maps were compared to accurately assess the effects of the switch, and hearing tests (monosyllables and sentences in noise tests) were analyzed.

Results:

Triphasic pulse stimulation showed a significant reduction of unintended side effects and resulted in an observed improved quality of life in most cases. Although there was no significant change in the understanding of speech with CI in all test situations, in many cases, improvement was observed.

Conclusions:

Triphasic pulse stimulation had a beneficial effect for CI patients with severe, unintended costimulation and should be considered a valuable tool during CI fitting.
Updates in management of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Craig John R.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a rare and often fatal disease, that remains incompletely understood. Case series and literature reviews constitute most of the literature on AIFRS, and act as the standards by which we treat these extremely complex patients. This review discusses management of AIFRS, with focuses on optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Recent findings

Mortality rates remain high, around 50% overall, though some recent studies have shown higher survival rates with early diagnosis and complete surgical resection. Some recent publications on AIFRS have focused on the utility of frozen section analysis both to diagnose and potentially guide the completeness of endoscopic surgical debridement. It was also recently shown that complete endoscopic resection of disease leads to higher survival than when disease was incompletely resected. Additionally, a new antifungal agent was recently approved by the FDA, which has a more favorable pharmacologic and side effect profile, though more studies are necessary to determine its utility.

Early diagnosis requires identification of sinusitis symptoms in immunocompromised patients, followed by intranasal biopsy and frozen section analysis. Early surgical debridement and antifungal therapy then remain the cornerstones of AIFRS management.

Video abstract

See Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/COOH/A38.
Our Treatment Approach in Pediatric Maxillofacial Traumas
Authors: Bilgen Fatma , Ural Alper , Bekerecioğlu Mehmet
Published: August 2019

Background:

Maxillofacial injuries in children are rarer in proportion in comparison to adult facial injuries, and they constitute 1% to 15% of all facial bone fractures. The causes and incidence of maxillofacial injuries in children differ based on social, cultural, and environmental factors.

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the etiology, epidemiology, and type of injury in pediatric facial injuries, as well as analyzing types of fractures, related injuries, and treatment options.

Materials and Methods:

The study obtained the approval of the local ethics board to include 55 pediatric patients in the age group of 0 to 18 years who received inpatient treatment or surgical interventions owing to maxillofacial trauma at an Esthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic between January 2016 and December 2018. The patients were examined under 5 groups based on their causes of injury: motorized vehicle accidents (MVA); bicycle; falls (from height or ground level); assault; firearm injuries. They were examined under 6 groups based on the location of their fractures: mandibula, maxilla, orbita, frontal bone, zygomatic arch, nasal bone.

Results:

The study included 55 patients of the ages 0 to 18 with the mean age of 11.6 ± 3.2 years. Thirty-seven of the patients (67.2%) were male, whereas 18 (32.7%) were female. Among the causes of injury, the highest number of patients was 25 (45.4%) with MVA. The most frequent location of the fractures was the mandible.

Conclusions:

Consequently, experiences regarding pediatric maxillofacial traumas are limited, and there is no complete consensus on treatment. In difference to the interventions in adults, the dental structure in pediatric patients need to be definitely considered, the least invasive intervention form should be preferred, and observation and follow-up should be practiced in minimally displaced fractures rather than surgical interventions.
Readmission After Lobectomy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Thibault Dylan P. , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Cooke David T. , Onaitis Mark W. , Gaissert Henning A. , Romano Patrick S.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors of hospital readmission for patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer.

Summary Background Data:

Hospital readmission after lobectomy is associated with increased mortality. Greater than 80% of the variability associated with readmission after surgery is at the patient level. This underscores the importance of using a data source that includes detailed clinical information.

Methods:

Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective lobectomy for lung cancer. Three separate multivariable logistic regression models were generated: the first included preoperative variables, the second added intraoperative variables, and the third added postoperative variables. The c statistic was calculated for each model.

Results:

There were 39,734 patients from 277 centers. The 30-day readmission rate was 8.2% (n = 3237). In the final model, postoperative complications had the greatest effect on readmission. Pulmonary embolus {odds ratio [OR] 12.34 [95% confidence interval (CI),7.94–19.18]} and empyema, [OR 11.66 (95% CI, 7.31–18.63)] were associated with the greatest odds of readmission, followed by pleural effusion [OR 7.52 (95% CI, 6.01–9.41)], pneumothorax [OR 5.08 (95% CI, 4.16–6.20)], central neurologic event [OR 3.67 (95% CI, 2.23–6.04)], pneumonia [OR 3.13 (95% CI, 2.43–4.05)], and myocardial infarction [OR 3.16 (95% CI, 1.71–5.82)]. The c statistic for the final model was 0.736.

Conclusions:

Complications are the main driver of readmission after lobectomy for lung cancer. The highest risk was related to postoperative events requiring a procedure or medical therapy necessitating inpatient care.
Systematic analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in human endometrial cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Xi , Ling Zhengjiang , Yang Bing
Published: August 2019

Objective

The prognostic effect of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) on endometrial cancer (EMC) has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, we systematically analyzed the role of TIICs in EMC development.

Methods

Patient data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We comprehensively analyzed TIIC population in EMC tissue and their role in EMC progression and prognosis by using a deconvolution algorithm (CIBERSORT) and clinically annotated expression profiles.

Results

The proportions of gamma delta T cells, resting NK cells, M1 macrophages, and resting mast cells were significantly different in normal endometrium and EMC tissue. The proportion of CD8+ T cells, resting memory CD4 T cells, and M0 macrophages was reversed middle correlated. The proportion of resting dendritic cells, resting memory CD4 T cells, and T regulatory cells (Tregs) decreased in accordance with the cancer cell differentiation grade (G); the lower proportion of activated dendritic cells and gamma delta T cells and higher proportion of Tregs predicted longer EMC survival time and vice versa. The low proportion of gamma delta T cells indicated better response to therapy.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data suggested subtle differences in the cellular composition of TIICs in EMC, and these differences were likely to be important determinants of both prognosis and therapy of EMC.
Identification of host-pathogen-disease relationships using a scalable Multiplex Serology platform in UK Biobank
Authors: Mentzer Alexander J , Brenner Nicole , Allen Naomi , Littlejohns Thomas J , Chong Amanda Y , Cortes Adrian , Almond Rachael , Hill Michael , Sheard Simon , McVean Gil ,   UKB Infection Advisory Board, Collins Rory , Hill Adrian VS , Waterboer Tim
Published: August 2019

Background

Certain infectious agents are recognised causes of cancer and potentially other chronic diseases. Identifying associations and understanding pathological mechanisms involving infectious agents and subsequent chronic disease risk will be possible through measuring exposure to multiple infectious agents in large-scale prospective cohorts such as UK Biobank.

Methods

Following expert consensus we designed a Multiplex Serology platform capable of simultaneously measuring quantitative antibody responses against 45 antigens from 20 infectious agents implicated in non-communicable diseases, including human herpes, hepatitis, polyoma, papilloma, and retroviruses, as well asChlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pyloriandToxoplasma gondii. This panel was assayed in a random subset of UK Biobank participants (n=9,695) to test associations between infectious agents and recognised demographic and genetic risk factors and disease outcomes.

Findings

Seroprevalence estimates for each infectious agent were consistent with those expected from the literature. The data confirmed epidemiological associations of infectious agent antibody responses with sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. lifetime sexual partners withC, trachomatis;P=1·8×10−149), genetic variants (e.g. rs6927022 with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA1 antibodies,P=9·5×10−91) and disease outcomes including human papillomavirus-16 seropositivity and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (odds ratio 2·28, 95% confidence interval 1·38-3·63), and quantitative EBV viral capsid antigen responses and multiple sclerosis through genetic correlation (MHC rG=0·30,P=0·01).

Interpretation

This dataset, intended as a pilot study to demonstrate applicability of Multiplex Serology in epidemiological studies, is itself one of the largest studies to date covering diverse infectious agents in a prospective UK cohort including those traditionally under-represented in population cohorts such as human immunodeficiency virus-1 andC. trachomatis. Our results emphasise the validity of our Multiplex Serology approach in large-scale epidemiological studies opening up opportunities for improving our understanding of host-pathogen-disease relationships. These data are available to researchers interested in examining the relationship between infectious agents and human health.
Novel sampling strategies and a coarse-grained score function for docking homomers, flexible heteromers, and oligosaccharides using Rosetta in CAPRI Rounds 37–45
Authors: Roy Burman Shourya S. , Nance Morgan L. , Jeliazkov Jeliazko R. , Labonte Jason W. , Lubin Joseph H. , Biswas Naireeta , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2019

CAPRI Rounds 37 through 45 introduced larger complexes, new macromolecules, and multi-stage assemblies. For these rounds, we used and expanded docking methods in Rosetta to model 23 target complexes. We successfully predicted 14 target complexes and recognized and refined near-native models generated by other groups for two further targets. Notably, for targets T110 and T136, we achieved the closest prediction of any CAPRI participant. We created several innovative approaches during these rounds. Since Round 39 (target 122), we have used the new RosettaDock 4.0, which has a revamped coarse-grained energy function and the ability to perform conformer selection during docking with hundreds of pre-generated protein backbones. Ten of the complexes had some degree of symmetry in their interactions, so we tested Rosetta SymDock, realized its shortcomings, and developed the next-generation symmetric docking protocol, SymDock2, which includes docking of multiple backbones and induced-fit refinement. Since the last CAPRI assessment, we also developed methods for modeling and designing carbohydrates in Rosetta, and we used them to successfully model oligosaccharide–protein complexes in Round 41. While the results were broadly encouraging, they also highlighted the pressing need to invest in (1) flexible docking algorithms with the ability to model loop and linker motions and in (2) new sampling and scoring methods for oligosaccharide–protein interactions.
Substantial near-infrared radiation-driven photosynthesis of chlorophyllf-containing cyanobacteria in a natural habitat
Authors: Kühl Michael , Trampe Erik , Mosshammer Maria , Johnson Michael , Larkum Anthony W. D. , Koren Klaus
Published: August 2019

Far-red absorbing chlorophylls are constitutively present as Chldin the cyanobacteriumAcaryochloris marina, or dynamically expressed by synthesis of Chlfand red-shifted phycobilins via far-red light photoacclimation in a range of cyanobacteria, which enables them to use near-infrared-radiation (NIR) for oxygenic photosynthesis. While the biochemistry and molecular physiology of Chlf-containing cyanobacteria has been unraveled in culture studies, their ecological significance remains unexplored and no data on theirin situactivity exist. With a novel combination of hyperspectral imaging, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and nanoparticle-based O2imaging, we demonstrate substantial NIR-driven oxygenic photosynthesis by endolithic, Chlf-containing cyanobacteria within natural beachrock biofilms that are widespread on (sub)tropical coastlines. This indicates an important role of NIR-driven oxygenic photosynthesis in primary production of endolithic and other shaded habitats.

Impact statement

Cyanobacteria with chlorophyllfshow substantial near-infrared radiation-driven photosynthesis in intertidal habitats.
Swimming Prevents Memory Impairment by Increasing the Antioxidant Defense in an Animal Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Nocetti Ribeiro Priscila Mantovani , Alberti Adriano , Freiberger Viviane , Ventura Letícia , Grigollo Leoberto Ricardo , Andreau Cristina Salar , Nodari Junior Rudy José , Martins Daniel Fernandes , Comim Clarissa M.
Published: August 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease which is associated to a progressive skeletical muscle degeneration. Swimming is usually indicated for avoiding impact and facilitating adherence because of a better adaptation to a warm water invironment and also for its benefits on cognition, and modulating memory and learning processes and for increasing antioxidant defenses in oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a swimming protocol on memory and oxidative stress in an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: male mdx and wild type mice within 28 days were used in this study. The animals were trained in an stepped swimming protocol for four consecutive weeks. Twenty four hours after the last exercise day, aversive memory and habituation memory tests were performed and removed the encephalic structures of striatus, pre frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cortex and gastrocnemius and diafragma muscles to evaluate protein carbonilation and lipid peroxidation and free thiols. Results: it was verified that swimming was able to reduce significantly the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonilation in gastrocnemius and hippocampus and striatus in exercised animals. Swimming has also prevented lipid peroxidation in diafragma. Besides, this swimming protocol was able to increase free thiols in gastrocnemius, diafragma and in analysed SNC structures. These results showed that swimming prevented aversive and habituation memory in mdx mice.
Dynamic actin-mediated nano-scale clustering of CD44 regulates its meso-scale organization at the plasma membrane
Authors: Sil Parijat , Mateos Nicolas , Nath Sangeeta , Buschow Sonja , Manzo Carlo , Suzuki Kenichi G. N. , Fujiwara Takahiro , Kusumi Akihiro , Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Mayor Satyajit
Published: August 2019

Transmembrane adhesion receptors at the cell surface, such as CD44, are often equipped with modules to interact with the extracellular-matrix(ECM) and the intra-cellular cytoskeletal machinery. CD44 has been recently shown to compartmentalize the membrane into domains by acting as membrane pickets, facilitating the function of signaling receptors. While spatial organization and diffusion studies of membrane proteins are usually conducted separately, here we combine observations of organization and diffusion by using high spatio-temporal resolution imaging on living cells to reveal a hierarchical organization of CD44. CD44 is present in a meso-scale meshwork pattern where it exhibits enhanced confinement and is enriched in nano-clusters of CD44 along its boundaries. This nanoclustering is orchestrated by the underlying cortical actin dynamics. Interaction with actin is mediated by specific segments of the intracellular-domain(ICD). This influences the organization of the protein at the nano-scale, generating a selective requirement for formin over Arp2/3-based actin-nucleation machinery. The extracellular-domain(ECD) and its interaction with elements of ECM do not influence the meso-scale organization, but may serve to reposition the meshwork with respect to the ECM. Taken together, our results capture the hierarchical nature of CD44 organization at the cell surface, with active cytoskeleton-templated nano-clusters localized to a meso-scale meshwork pattern.
Optogenetic reactivation of prefrontal social memory trace mimics social buffering of fear
Authors: Gutzeit Vanessa A. , Ahuna Kylia , Santos Tabia L. , Cunningham Ashley M. , Rooney Meghin Sadsad , Denny Christine A. , Donaldson Zoe R.
Published: August 2019

Social buffering occurs when the presence of a companion attenuates the physiological and/or behavioral effects of a stressful or fear-provoking event. It represents a way in which social interactions can immediately and potently modulate behavior. As such, social buffering is one mechanism by which strong social support increases resilience to mental illness. While the behavioral and neuroendocrine impacts of social buffering are well studied in multiple species, including humans, the neuronal bases of this behavioral phenomenon remain largely unexplored. Previous work has shown that the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL-PFC) is important for processing social information and, in separate studies, for modulating fear and anxiety. Thus, we hypothesized that socially-active cells within the IL-PFC may integrate social information to modulate fear responsivity. To test this hypothesis, we employed social buffering paradigms in male and female mice. Similar to prior studies in rats, we found that the presence of a cagemate reduced freezing in fear and anxiety-provoking contexts. In accordance with previous work, we demonstrated that interaction with a novel or familiar conspecific induces activity in the IL-PFC as evidenced by increased immediate early gene (IEG) expression. We then utilized an activity-dependent tagging murine line, the ArcCreERT2 mice, to express channelrhodopsin (ChR2) in neurons active during the social encoding of a new cagemate. We found that optogenetic reactivation of these socially-active neuronal ensembles phenocopied the effects of cagemate presence in male and female mice in learned and innate fear contexts without being inherently rewarding or altering locomotion. These data suggest that a social neuronal ensemble within the IL-PFC may contribute to social buffering of fear. These neurons may represent a novel therapeutic target for fear and anxiety disorders.
STAT pathway activation limits the Ascl1-mediated chromatin remodeling required for neural regeneration from Müller glia in adult mouse retina
Authors: Jorstad Nikolas L. , Wilken Matthew S. , Todd Levi , Nakamura Paul , Radulovich Nick , Hooper Marcus J. , Chitsazan Alex , Wilkerson Brent A. , Rieke Fred , Reh Thomas A.
Published: September 2019

Müller glia can serve as a source for retinal regeneration in some non-mammalian vertebrates. Recently we found that this process can be induced in mouse Müller glia after injury, by combining transgenic expression of the proneural transcription factor Ascl1 and the HDAC inhibitor TSA. However, new neurons are only generated from a subset of Müller glia in this model, and identifying factors that limit Ascl1-mediated MG reprogramming could potentially make this process more efficient, and potentially useful clinically. One factor that limits neurogenesis in some non-mammalian vertebrates is the STAT pathway activation that occurs in Müller glia in response to injury. In this report, we tested whether injury induced STAT activation hampers the ability of Ascl1 to reprogram Müller glia into retinal neurons. Using a STAT inhibitor, in combination with our previously described reprogramming paradigm, we found a large increase in the ability of Müller glia to generate neurons, similar to those we described previously. Single-cell RNA-seq showed that the progenitor-like cells derived from Ascl1-expressing Müller glia have a higher level of STAT signaling than those that become neurons. Using Ascl1 ChIP-seq and DNase-seq, we found that developmentally inappropriate Ascl1 binding sites (that were unique to the overexpression context) had enrichment for the STAT binding motif. This study provides evidence that STAT pathway activation reduces the efficiency of Ascl1-mediated reprogramming in Müller glia, potentially by directing Ascl1 to inappropriate targets.
The dual function receptor kinase, OsWAKL21.2, is involved in elaboration of lipaseA/esterase induced immune responses in rice
Authors: Malukani Kamal Kumar , Ranjan Ashish , Jyothi Hota Shiva , Patel Hitendra Kumar , Sonti Ramesh V.
Published: September 2019

Plant pathogens secrete cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) to degrade various components of the plant cell wall. Plants sense this cell wall damage as a mark of infection and induce immune responses. Little is known about the plant functions that are involved in the elaboration of cell wall damage-induced immune responses. Transcriptome analysis revealed that a rice receptor kinase, WALL-ASSOCIATED KINASE-LIKE 21 (OsWAKL21.2), is upregulated following treatment with either Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo, a bacterial pathogen) or lipaseA/esterase (LipA: a CWDE of Xoo). Downregulation of OsWAKL21.2 attenuates LipA mediated immune responses. Overexpression of OsWAKL21.2 in rice mimics LipA treatment mediated induction of immune responses and enhanced expression of defence related genes, indicating it could be involved in the perception of LipA induced cell wall damage in rice. OsWAKL21.2 is a dual function kinase having in-vitro kinase and guanylate cyclase (GC) activities. Ectopic expression of OsWAKL21.2 in Arabidopsis also activates plant immune responses. Interestingly, OsWAKL21.2 needs kinase activity to activate rice immune responses while in Arabidopsis it needs GC activity. Our study reveals a novel receptor kinase involved in elaboration of cell wall damage induced rice immune responses that can activate similar immune responses in two different species via two different mechanisms.

One sentence Summary

A novel rice receptor WAKL21 that sense cell wall damage caused by Xanthomonas secreted cell wall degrading enzyme to induce immune responses.
Nxf3: a middleman with the right connections for unspliced piRNA precursor export
Authors: Mendel Mateusz , Pillai Ramesh S.
Published: September 2019

RNA export is tightly coupled to splicing in metazoans. In theDrosophilagermline, precursors for the majority of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are unspliced. In this issue ofGenes & Development, Kneuss and colleagues (pp. 1208–1220) identify Nxf3 as a novel germline-specific export adapter for such unspliced transcripts. Their findings reveal the sequence of events leading from its role at the site of transcription to delivery of the cargo to cytoplasmic piRNA biogenesis sites.
Linear array detector for online diagnostics of spectral distributions at MHz repetition rates
Authors: Gerth Christopher , Brenner Günter , Caselle Michele , Düsterer Stefan , Haack Daniel , Makowski Dariusz , Mielczarek Aleksander , Palutke Steffen , Rota Lorenzo , Rybnikov Vladimir , Schmidt Christian , Steffen Bernd , Tiedtke Kai
Published: August 2019

Free-electron lasers (FELs) based on superconducting accelerator technology and storage ring facilities operate with bunch repetition rates in the MHz range, and the need arises for bunch-by-bunch electron and photon diagnostics. For photon-pulse-resolved measurements of spectral distributions, fast one-dimensional profile monitors are required. The linear array detector KALYPSO (KArlsruhe Linear arraY detector for MHz-rePetition rate SpectrOscopy) has been developed for electron bunch or photon pulse synchronous read-out with frame rates of up to 2.7 MHz. At the FLASH facility at DESY, a current version of KALYPSO with 256 pixels has been installed at a grating spectrometer as online diagnostics to monitor the pulse-resolved spectra of the high-repetition-rate FEL pulses. Application-specific front-end electronics based on MicroTCA standard have been developed for data acquisition and processing. Continuous data read-out with low latency in the microsecond range enables the integration into fast feedback applications. In this paper, pulse-resolved FEL spectra recorded at 1.0 MHz repetition rate for various operation conditions at FLASH are presented, and the first application of an adaptive feedback for accelerator control based on photon beam diagnostics is demonstrated.
Structure of the archaeal chemotaxis protein CheY in a domain-swapped dimeric conformation
Authors: Paithankar Karthik Shivaji , Enderle Mathias , Wirthensohn David C. , Miller Arthur , Schlesner Matthias , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Rittner Alexander , Grininger Martin , Oesterhelt Dieter
Published: August 2019

Archaea are motile by the rotation of the archaellum. The archaellum switches between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, and movement along a chemical gradient is possible by modulation of the switching frequency. This modulation involves the response regulator CheY and the archaellum adaptor protein CheF. In this study, two new crystal forms and protein structures of CheY are reported. In both crystal forms, CheY is arranged in a domain-swapped conformation. CheF, the protein bridging the chemotaxis signal transduction system and the motility apparatus, was recombinantly expressed, purified and subjected to X-ray data collection.
X-ray diffraction in superabsorbing crystals: absorption intrinsic width
Authors: Lima A. N. C. , Miranda M. A. R. , Sasaki J. M.
Published: August 2019

The several mathematical formulations of X-ray diffraction theory facilitate its understanding and use as a materials characterization technique, since one can opt for the simplest formulation that adequately describes the case being studied. As synchrotrons advance, new techniques are developed and there is a need for simple formulations to describe them. One of these techniques is soft resonant X-ray diffraction, in which the X-rays suffer large attenuation due to absorption. In this work, an expression is derived for the X-ray diffraction profiles of reflections where the linear absorption is far greater than primary extinction; in other words, the crystal is superabsorbing. The case is considered of a parallel plate crystal, for which the diffraction profile of the superabsorbing crystal is computed as a function of crystal size normal to the diffraction planes. For thin crystals or those with negligible absorption, the diffraction profile of a superabsorbing crystal coincides with the result of the kinematical theory. For thick crystals, the absorption intrinsic profile is obtained, described by a Lorentzian function and characterized by the absorption intrinsic width. This absorption intrinsic width is proportional to the linear absorption coefficient and its expression is similar to that for the Darwin width, while the absorption intrinsic profile is a special case of the Laue dynamical theory, and it is similar to the Ornstein–Zernike Lorentzian. The formulation of X-ray diffraction of superabsorbing crystals is simple and provides new perspectives for the soft resonant X-ray diffraction technique.
New refinement of the crystal structure of Zn(NH3)2Cl2at 100 K
Authors: Ivšić Trpimir , Bi David Wenhua , Magrez Arnaud
Published: August 2019

The crystal structure of [ZnCl2(NH3)2], diamminedichloridozinc, was re-investigated at low temperature, revealing the positions of the hydrogen atoms and thus a deeper insight into the hydrogen-bonding scheme in the crystal packing. In comparison with previous crystal structure determinations [MacGillavry & Bijvoet (1936).Z. Kristallogr.94, 249–255; Yamaguchi & Lindqvist (1981).Acta Chem. Scand.35, 727–728], an improved precision of the structural parameters was achieved. In the crystal, tetrahedral [Zn(NH3)2Cl2] units (point-group symmetrymm2) are linked through N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.
De/re-construction of Zhuang shamanic songs in cultural festivals
Authors: Kao Ya-ning
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of Zhuang shamanic narrative songs at three festivals to explore how and why a narrative song genre that originated with Zhuang shamans is separated from shamanic ritual contexts and re-contextualized at festivals under the cultural policies instigated by the People’s Republic of China in the post-socialist era.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a review of publications on Zhuang performance art and fieldwork data collected in southwestern Guangxi, China.

Findings

The de-construction of Zhuang shamanic narrative song melodies dates back to the late nineteenth century, when southwestern Guangxi literati used the melodies to compose popular songs. By the 1950s, the religious elements of these narrative songs had already been obfuscated, leading Chinese scholars to select them as representative of Zhuang performance arts. Since the enactment of China’s Intangible Culture Heritage (ICH) Law in the early twenty-first century, local Zhuang elites have re-constructed and re-introduced shamanic elements to narrative songs as they are performed at festivals as a means to further highlight the ethnic characteristics of the Zhuang people.

Originality/value

The paper provides detailed documentation of three cases of the restoration of shamanic elements to narrative songs sung by the Zhuang people. However, the research is limited to one community, inviting comparison with other cases, both inside and outside China, of how ICH policies impact grass-roots cultural practices.
US consumers’ perceptions of imperfect “ugly” produce
Authors: Yuan Jingxue Jessica , Yi Sungpo , Williams Helena A. , Park Oak-Hee
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Despite the perfect nutritional value of imperfect “ugly” produce, they are either never harvested or discarded, resulting in escalating farm-to-fork food waste problems in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to investigate US consumers’ perceptions of imperfect “ugly” produce and their willingness to purchase and consume these foods in their households.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus group sessions with at least five voluntary participants per session were conducted. Each session used structured interview questions and the discussions were led by the same moderator. All sessions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed based on published focus group guidelines and recommendations.

Findings

The research study has revealed two categories of potential consumers, Influencers and Learners, when it comes to an initial understanding of “ugly” produce consumption. The study also identified nine themes (i.e. food safety, price sensitivity, location of sale, product display, name/label, purpose of use, fun, targeted education and food waste) that consumers hold regarding imperfect “ugly” produce.

Research limitations/implications

Insights from this study provide strategies for sustainable food management that could help stakeholders along all points of the food chain save money, reduce hunger and diminish food waste in our communities.

Originality/value

This study serves to provide preliminary insights in approaching the issue of consumers’ perception of imperfect “ugly” fruits and vegetables from a research perspective. Although a limited number of real consumers from the local community participated, their rich and in-depth qualitative responses defined the scope and the defining questions that need further exploration.
Sobol’ indices as dimension reduction technique in evolutionary-based reliability assessment
Authors: das Neves Carneiro Gonçalo , António Carlos Conceição
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the reliability assessment of composite laminate structures with multiple components, the uncertainty space defined around design solutions easily becomes over-dimensioned, and not all of the random variables are relevant. The purpose of this study is to implement the importance analysis theory of Sobol’ to reduce the dimension of the uncertainty space, improving the efficiency toward global convergence of evolutionary-based reliability assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Sobol’ indices are formulated analytically for implicit structural response functions, following the theory of propagation of moments and without violating the fundamental principles presented by Sobol’. An evolutionary algorithm capable of global convergence in reliability assessment is instrumented with the Sobol’ indices. A threshold parameter is introduced to identify the important variables. A set of optimal designs of a multi-laminate composite structure is evaluated.

Findings

Importance analysis shows that uncertainty is concentrated in the laminate where the critical stress state is found. Still, it may also be reasonable in other points of the structure. An accurate and controlled reduction of the uncertainty space significantly improves the convergence rate, while maintaining the quality of the reliability assessment.

Practical implications

The theoretical developments assume independent random variables.

Originality/value

Applying Sobol’ indices as an analytical dimension reduction technique is a novelty. The proposed formulation only requires one adjoint system of equilibrium equations to be solved once. Although a local estimate of a global measure, this analytical formulation still holds because, in structural design, uncertainty is concentrated around the mean-values.
A method to evaluate credit risk for banks under PPP project finance
Authors: Wang Xiuqin , Shi Lanmin , Wang Bing , Kan Mengying
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a method that can better evaluate the credit risk (CR) under PPP project finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The principle to evaluate the CR of PPP projects is to calculate three critical indicators: the default probability (DP), the recovery rate (RR) and the exposure at default (EAD). The RR is determined by qualitative analysis according to Standard & Poor’s Recovery Scale, and the EAD is estimated by NPV analysis. The estimation of the DP is the focus of CR assessment because the future cash flow is not certain, and there are no trading records and market data that can be used to evaluate the credit condition of PPP projects before financial close. The modified CreditMetrics model and Monte Carlo simulation are applied to evaluate the DP, and the application is illustrated by a PPP project finance case.

Findings

First, the proposed method can evaluate the influence of the project’s cash flow uncertainty on the potential loss of the bank. Second, instead of outputting a certain default loss value, the method can derive an interval of the potential loss for the bank. Third, the method can effectively analyze how different repayment schedules and risk preference of banks influence the evaluating result.

Originality/value

The proposed method offers an approach for the bank to value the CR under PPP project finance. The method took into consideration of the uncertainty and other characteristics of PPP project finance, adopted and improved the CreditMetrics model, and provided a possible loss range under different project cash flow volatilities through interval estimation under certain confident level. In addition, the bank’s risk preference is considered in the CR evaluating method proposed in this study where the bank’s risk preference is first investigated in the CR evaluating process of PPP project finance.
Performance assessment for school leaders: comparing field trial and implementation results
Authors: Orr Margaret Terry , Hollingworth Liz , Beaudin Barbara
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare two years of results for one state’s performance-based assessments for principal licensure Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL). This includes the field trial (2014–2015) and first year of statewide implementation (2015–2016) when passing score requirements and fees were added. Survey results on candidates’ career aspirations provide concurrent validation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two years of PAL submissions (n=569 candidates) were scored by trained, certified scorers. Task and total score results were compared by year, preparation pathway and gender. Online feedback survey results on career aspirations for (n=146 candidates) were compared by year.

Findings

The results show that PAL assessments measure independent dimensions of leadership, differentiate candidates on leadership knowledge and skills, and confirm PAL’s internal validity. Implementation year scores were higher than field trial scores, and preparation program candidates scored better than non-program candidates did. Candidate career aspirations were stronger in the implementation year than during the field trial.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one state’s candidates, but findings are generalizable based on the wide range among candidates’ districts (demographically and economically).

Practical implications

The results are promising for the leadership preparation and assessment field, demonstrating the effectiveness of performance assessment for authentic evaluation of leadership candidates’ knowledge and skill and overall readiness for initial leadership work.

Originality/value

This is the first large scale performance assessment for aspiring leaders designed for state licensure decisions. It is being replicated in another state and shown promise for both formative and summative leadership assessment.
The effects of hotel employees’ CSR perceptions on trust in organization
Authors: Boğan Erhan , Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of employees’ self-experienced social responsibility perceptions in the relationship between employees’ community- and environment-oriented social responsibility perceptions and trust in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) construct is examined in the context of stakeholders including the community, environment and employees. The study was carried out with 438 questionnaires gathered from four- and five-star hotels operating in Alanya, Turkey. The proposed model was tested with the partial least squares method of structural equation modeling. Multiple group analysis was performed to test the moderating effect.

Findings

Findings reveal that employees’ community- and environment-oriented social responsibility perceptions have a positive effect on trust in the organization. Based on the results of multigroup analysis, the effect of employees’ community-oriented social responsibility perceptions on trust in the organization was determined to be more prominent in the group of employees with high self-experienced social responsibility perceptions. However, the same moderating effect could not be determined in relation to environment-oriented social responsibility perceptions and trust in the organization.

Originality/value

Studies focusing on CSR activities were mainly examined at the macro level. Internal stakeholders’ returns to these activities were not sufficiently considered. Contrary to previous studies that examine the link between CSR perceptions measured with Carroll’s pyramid dimensions and organizational trust, the current study examined CSR perceptions with the stakeholder approach. Moreover, the study discovered one of the variables defined as the black box that differentiates the returns that employees provide to CSR activities.
Impact of hedonic motivation and corporate culture on the adoption of an information system
Authors: Beqqali Hassani Imane , Chroqui Razane , Okar Chafik , Talea Mohamed , Ouiddad Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of corporate culture (CC) and hedonic motivation (HM) on the adoption of an information system (IS) inside a Moroccan company. To do so, the authors have combined and merged the “unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2” along with the “Nguyen and Aoyama’s model” that covers the subject of CC. Later, the authors tested the research model within a Moroccan company.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present work, the authors used a quantitative analysis approach. Survey data were collected through oral interviews and analysis was performed based on the “partial least square” method, over a 94 sample of direct IS users.

Findings

The findings of the present investigation demonstrate the reliability and the validity of the established measurement model. Concerning the structural model, results support all hypotheses but with different effect size. The conclusion that can be extracted from this study is that CC and HM are important factors in the adoption process within the Moroccan firm.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of the major factors affecting the adoption of an IS in a developing country. While several studies on adoption have been conducted, this study’s originality and contribution lays in the examination of the rarely evaluated factors: HM and CC.