bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of automated insulin delivery guided by continuous glucose monitoring, in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Beardsall Kathryn , Thomson Lynn , Elleri Daniela , Dunger David B , Hovorka Roman
Published: July 2018

One Sentence Summary

Closed loop systems based on subcutaneous glucose measurements could provide an efficacious and safe means of optimizing glucose control in preterm infants while reducing resources required including time of bedside personnel.

Closed loop systems have been used to optimise insulin delivery in children with diabetes, but they have not been tested in neonatal intensive care. Extremely preterm infants are prone to life-threating hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia; both of which have been associated with adverse outcomes. Insulin delivery is notoriously variable in these babies and time-consuming, with management requiring frequent changes of dextrose-containing fluids and careful monitoring. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of closed loop management of glucose control in preterm infants in a single centre feasibility study with a randomised parallel design. Eligibility criteria included birth weight <1200g and <48hours of age. All infants had subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring for the first week of life, with those in the intervention group receiving closed loop insulin delivery between 48 and 72hours of age. The primary outcome was percentage of time in target (sensor glucose 4-8mmol/l). The mean (SD) gestational age and birth weight of intervention and control study arms were 27.0(2.4) weeks, 962(164) g and 27.5(2.8) weeks, 823(282) g respectively. The time in target was dramatically increased from median (IQR) 26%(6,64) with paper guidance to 91%(78, 99) during closed loop (p<0.001), without increasing hypoglycaemia. There were no serious adverse events and no difference in total insulin infused. Closed loop glucose control based on subcutaneous glucose measurements is feasible and appears to provide an efficacious means of optimising glucose control in extremely preterm infants.
Ni/GeSn solid-state reaction monitored by combined X-ray diffraction analyses: focus on the Ni-rich phase
Authors: Quintero Andrea , Gergaud Patrice , Aubin Joris , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Reboud Vincent , Rodriguez Philippe
Published: July 2018

The Ni/Ge0.9Sn0.1 solid-state reaction was monitored by combining in situ X-ray diffraction, in-plane reciprocal space map measurements and in-plane pole figures. A sequential growth was shown, in which the first phase formed was an Ni-rich phase. Then, at 518 K, the mono-stanogermanide phase Ni(Ge0.9Sn0.1) was observed. This phase was stable up to 873 K. Special attention has been given to the nature and the crystallographic orientation of the Ni-rich phase obtained at low temperature. It is demonstrated, with in-plane pole figure measurements and simulation, that it was the ɛ-Ni5(Ge0.9Sn0.1)3 metastable phase with a hexagonal structure.
Indicators of service quality and satisfaction among graduating students of a higher education institution (HEI) in Ghana
Authors: Mattah Precious Agbeko D. , Kwarteng Albert Justice , Mensah Justice
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the indicators of service quality from the perspective of graduating students in a public university in Ghana. The identified indicators of service quality were rated and the extent of satisfaction among the students was determined. Another issue explored was whether the satisfaction among the respondents inures to their loyalty to the university.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and administered to 500 graduating students, and 482 of them were returned for analyses. Principal component analysis was used to determine the indicators of service quality. Independent sample t-test and z-test for proportions were used to compare mean scores and proportions of respondents on various variables, respectively.

Findings

The results revealed three indicators of service quality which include quality of academic services and facilities, quality of lecturers and quality of academic programs. Graduands were satisfied with academic services, lecturers and programs. They were, however, not satisfied with the quality of facilities. Majority of the respondents will remain associated with the university as a result of their satisfaction with the services, lecturers as well as programs of the university. It is recommended that the university works assiduously on improving infrastructural facilities to help boost the confidence of the students in the university.

Originality/value

This paper argues that what constitutes quality service vary from one academic institution to the other. It is, therefore, needful for institutions to determine from the perspective of their students what may indicate quality service.
Event detection from Twitter – a survey
Authors: Ramachandran Dharini , Ramasubramanian Parvathi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

“What’s happening?” around you can be spread through the very pronounced social media to everybody. It provides a powerful platform that brings to light the latest news, trends and happenings around the world in “near instant” time. Microblog is a popular Web service that enables users to post small pieces of digital content, such as text, picture, video and link to external resource. The raw data from microblog prove indispensable in extracting information from it, offering a way to single out the physical events and popular topics prevalent in social media. This study aims to present and review the varied methods carried out for event detection from microblogs. An event is an activity or action with a clear finite duration in which the target entity plays a key role. Event detection helps in the timely understanding of people’s opinion and actual condition of the detected events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a study of various approaches adopted for event detection from microblogs. The approaches are reviewed according to the techniques used, applications and the element detected (event or topic).

Findings

Various ideas explored, important observations inferred, corresponding outcomes and assessment of results from those approaches are discussed.

Originality/value

The approaches and techniques for event detection are studied in two categories: first, based on the kind of event being detected (physical occurrence or emerging/popular topic) and second, within each category, the approaches further categorized into supervised- and unsupervised-based techniques.
Exploring the everyday life information needs and the socio-cultural adaptation barriers of Syrian refugees in Scotland
Authors: Martzoukou Konstantina , Burnett Simon
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper presents the research findings of the “Syrian New Scots’ Information Literacy Way-finding practices” research project, funded by the Information Literacy Group of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. The purpose of this paper is to explore the information needs of “Syrian New Scots” (the preferred name for refugees in Scotland), their habitual and adaptive information literacy practices and the barriers and enablers they encounter within their new socio-cultural setting via their interactions with people, tools and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected via interviews with three Local Authority Leads for Syrian Resettlement and focus groups with Syrian New Scots in three geographical locations in Scotland: two rural areas and one urban. Syrian research subjects were also involved in a drawing exercise that helped to contextualise the findings.

Findings

The main information needs expressed by participants revolved around the learning of English language which was linked to addressing health-related information needs, well-being and community engagement. All participants also highlighted the issue of socio-cultural differences in fulfilling everyday life information needs (such as health and housing). Information provision to Syrian New Scots requires a more structured process that acknowledges personalised information needs and it is tailored to the different stages of the adaptation process. The findings suggest that the “ways of knowing” that Syrian refugees bring with them are converging information experiences of past and new knowledge structures gained via different socio-cultural and migration experiences.

Originality/value

The research findings of this project will be of interest to local and regional support organisations and community volunteer groups who contribute to the social well-being and social integration of Syrian refugees. In addition, they may be of interest to public libraries due to their role as centres for educational and cultural orientation sessions, and as places of support for newly settled Syrian refugees and the communities that embrace them.
Corruption in the Nigeria Judicial System: An Overview
Authors: Salihu Habeeb Abdulrauf , Gholami Hossein
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine corruption in the Nigeria judicial system, the implications on justice administration and the fight against corruption in the country, and proffer recommendations on ways to eradicate corruption in the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is essentially a desk research with reliance on secondary source of data in published outlets such as journal articles, online articles and books.

Findings

There is prevalence of corruption in the judicial system, and it is one the obstacles hindering the fight against corruption in the country.

Originality/value

Its scope is limited to issue and content analysis of judicial corruption in Nigeria.
Kleptocracy and foreign corruption manifesting in illicit financial flows
Authors: Moorman Ted C.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the place of kleptocracy and foreign corruption within the broader framework of financial crime. This facilitates understanding the importance of kleptocracy and foreign corruption as social problems. Two other aims are to better understand the most problematic components of a kleptocratic network and the most effective combatants of that network. A subsequent goal is to offer solutions from a broad range of interventions, including policy, technology, education, research and collaborative efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical economic concepts are used to analyze the importance of kleptocracy and foreign corruption. A small in-depth survey of 15 experts is conducted to identify the most problematic components of kleptocratic networks and the most effective combatants of those networks. The proposed solutions are based on a combination of argumentation, econometric developments, application of trends in related fields and material from in-depth surveys.

Findings

This paper identifies kleptocracy and foreign corruption as one of the most, if not the most, devastating financial crime according to its impact on the total marginal utility of wealth. Experts identify foreign kleptocrats or corrupt foreign government officials as the most problematic entities in kleptocratic networks and the most effective combatant is identified as the US Department of Justice. By adding up fines and asset forfeiture related to corruption, penalties are found to be a small fraction of the problem in terms of monetary magnitude.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not attempt to make causal claims because of the nature of the paper’s purpose and methodology.

Practical implications

The paper offers suggestions and methods for academic researchers who may wish to pursue a research agenda that is empirical and forensic with the aim of combatting kleptocracy and foreign corruption. The paper describes how information on kleptocracy and foreign corruption can be implemented into business and economics curriculum.

Social implications

Kleptocracy and foreign corruption are important problems, and creative solutions are desperately needed.

Originality/value

The paper shows how understanding and combatting kleptocracy and foreign corruption can be considered an interdisciplinary activity, touching on fields including technology, economics, business, ethics, education, law, policy, statistics and research methods.
Does fear of victimization deter online shopping?
Authors: Yu Szde
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to address the relationship between fear of identity theft/fraud and online shopping, while identifying the most important factors affecting online shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed method approach in which the quantitative analysis identifies patterns in the data, whereas the qualitative analysis offers in-depth interpretation.

Findings

More fear actually predicts more online shopping but shoppers’ trust in the website’s willingness to redress financial harm and risk-benefit analysis are the real factors in online shopping.

Research limitations/implications

The sample consists of Amazon users mostly so the findings may not apply to those who never shop on Amazon or never shop online at all.

Practical implications

To encourage online shopping, online shopping websites should focus on maximizing the benefit and minimizing the risk, but without addressing the risk by reassuring shoppers of their financial security, emphasizing the benefit alone is ineffective.

Originality/value

This is the first study addressing online shopping in terms of fear of victimization. It is also the first study that addresses risk and benefit in relative terms as in risk-benefit analysis measured by both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Preserving the distinctiveness of corporate marks
Authors: Begum Afroza
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the Indian legal and judicial approaches to well-known trademark (WT) by placing special focus on the way the judiciary has striven to foster the regulatory goal of defending the distinctiveness of WT.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on primary and secondary resources; especially, the paper critically examines the central piece of legislation relevant to WT and analyses and compares a number of important judicial decisions of India.

Findings

Despite some limitations, the judicial initiatives reflect an impressive progression towards WT, and given the contemporary commercial imperatives backed up by technological advances, the interconnectedness of economies and global corporisation, such a progression is indispensable.

Research limitations/implications

The research involves only the legal aspects of WT; therefore, the social and economic implication is beyond the scope of it.

Practical implications

Even though the legal and judicial attempts in India have raised an inevitable tension between different competing claims and are in some instances intensely debated, a review of existing resources evidences a series of effective methods and practices where a balance can sensibly be drawn between those claims.
Crime prevention in terms of criminal intent criteria in white-collar crime
Authors: Alalehto Tage
Published: July 2018

Purpose

In the field of crime prevention there are several theoretical approaches explaining why crime occurs and how to prevent it. Three of them – routine activity theory, crime pattern theory and the theory of crime-as-choice – are logically tested in this work. The point of departure is to test if the theories are logical consistent and logical valid, irrespective of whether the criterion for criminal intent is changed from direct intention to negligence.

Design/methodology/approach

The issues will be explored in a logical structure by a first-order logic propositional analysis.

Findings

The analysis shows that all three theories are logical consistent, but only routine activity theory is logical valid. The conclusion is that crime prevention should in general assume that routine activity theory is the legitimate theory and that social prevention as a prevention strategy is logically unnecessary to adopt because it does not matter whether the offender is motivated (direct intention) or not (negligence).

Practical implications

It does not really matter if the authors theoretically treat white-collar offenders as motivated, because if they have committed an actus reus, they are an offender according to the objective requisites. This means that the best strategies to prevent a potential white-collar criminal are situational prevention, i.e. complicate their access to money, where it becomes irrelevant if the potential offender has a mens rea or not. What counts is the prevention of actus reus by a potential offender.

Originality/value

As far as I know, no one has previously investigated the logical consistency and/or logical validity of routine activity theory, crime pattern theory and the theory of crime-as-choice as theories of crime prevention.
The application of cognitive interviews to financial crimes
Authors: Lokanan Mark Eshwar
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an argument for the use of cognitive interviews to be use in financial crime investigations. In particular, the paper argues that the components of cognitive interview make it useful for financial crime investigators to gather and collate information on financial criminality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper chronicles the literature on cognitive interviews to critically evaluate its usefulness in previous studies.

Findings

A critical examination of the literature shows that cognitive interviews were successfully used in a variety of circumstances. Despite its difficulties, the empirical evidence reveals that cognitive interview fared well in laboratory studies across different (and vulnerable) population groups.

Practical implications

There is evidence to suggest that cognitive interviews can be an effective technique to interview witnesses of financial crimes. The fact that white-collar criminals, more often than not, comes from a “gentleman background” and are not accustomed to the role of “criminal suspect,” makes cognitive interview techniques a useful tool for fraud investigators.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper of its kind to conduct a thorough literature review and apply cognitive interview techniques to financial crime investigation.
An allegorical exploration of institutional complexity using Frank Baum’sThe Wizard of Oz
Authors: Jerome Robert , Cavazos David , Horn Robert
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply Frank Baum’sThe Wizard of Ozto illustrate the individual identity issues that can arise as a result of institutional complexity in organizations. Using Baum’s text to tell the story of four faculty members seeking the city of Oz, which in our story is a university athletic department, reveals how individuals and organizational units deal with the tensions brought about by institutional complexity. In addition to providing an entertaining, perhaps infuriating account of the typical public university, this essay reveals the importance of understanding individual struggles to deal with organizational pluralism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the well-established example of the university using Frank Baum’sThe Wizard of Ozin allegorical form to illustrate the tensions that emerge from organizational units that deal with contradicting external environments as well as the sensemaking and search processes that can emerge for individuals dealing with the identity issues that can result from such tensions.

Findings

Internal tensions can emerge within organizations when there are contradictions among the various pressures such organizations generate. These tensions have implications on individual identity.

Originality/value

Individuals (in this case individuals from academic units) risk having their occupational identities compromised by divergent organizational units as these units attempt to legitimate their existence within the organization. The authors illustrate how individuals deal with such risks by engaging in search processes that seek to construct their identities and develop meaning for their actions.
Cutis laxa for diagnosis of γ1‐heavy‐chain deposition disease: Report of four cases
Authors: Chavarot Nathalie , Battistella Maxime , Vignon Marguerite , Baron Marine , Girerd Sophie , Jachiet Marie , Asli Bouchra , Galicier Lionel , Malphettes Marion
Published: July 2018

Heavy‐chain deposition disease (HCDD) is characterized by tissue deposits of a truncated monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy‐chain (HC) on basement membranes. Diagnosis is usually made on kidney biopsy, showing nodular glomerulosclerosis with HC deposits which can be missed, resulting in delay in diagnosis. We report four γ1‐HCDD patients presenting with cutis laxa, hypocomplementemia and hypoalbuminemia. In two patients, unsuspected HCDD was revealed by cutis laxa and diagnosis was made on skin biopsy. In all patients, serum albumin and complement represented surrogate markers for disease monitoring. In γ‐HCDD, extrarenal manifestations such as cutis laxa may precede renal injury and are precious tools for an early diagnosis, which is crucial to avoid progression of irreversible renal and elastic tissue damage.
Identification of a human papillomavirus type 58 lineage in multiple Bowen's disease on the fingers: Case report and published work review
Authors: Kobayashi Kenta , Tanese Keiji , Kubo Akiharu , Matsumoto‐Mochimaru Naoko , Sasaki Aya , Kameyama Kaori , Amagai Masayuki , Umegaki‐Arao Noriko
Published: July 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in some cases of Bowen's disease, particularly on the fingers and genitalia. HPV‐58 is classified as a high‐risk mucosal type and accounts for a high percentage of cervical cancer in Asia. Moreover, several HPV‐58 lineages, including sublineage A1, have a high prevalence in Asia. However, the nature of HPV‐58‐associated skin cancer is still unknown. Here, we report a case of a Japanese patient with multiple Bowen's disease on the fingers. A 33‐year‐old man presented with multiple reddish‐brown scaly plaques on his left middle finger and right ring finger. All lesions were surgically excised, and the diagnosis of Bowen's disease was made. We performed Sanger sequencing using DNA extracted from paraffin‐embedded samples and identified HPV‐58 sublineage A1. Additionally, we review previous reports on HPV‐58‐associated skin cancers, including our case, showing a high regional prevalence in Asia. Further studies would be needed to reveal the relationship between HPV‐58 lineages and carcinogenesis in the skin.
The Transboundary Crisis: Why we are unprepared and the road ahead
Authors: Boin Arjen
Published: July 2018

Modern societies rely on complex technological systems that are deeply intertwined with other complex systems that stretch across geographical, judicial and administrative borders. When threats emanate from this transboundary space, national governments are often surprised and discover that existing crisis management arrangements do not suffice. This article describes the political and administrative challenges that accompany transboundary crises. It argues that arrangements and processes that work reasonably well for “bounded” crises are unlikely to work in the case of transboundary crises. It formulates an agenda for political debate and academic research. The bottom line is that we need to rethink traditional crisis management arrangements in order to prepare for these increasingly common type of threats.
Self‐harm Risk Among Adolescents and the Phenomenon of the “Blue Whale Challenge”: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lupariello Francesco , Curti Serena Maria , Coppo Elena , Racalbuto Sara Simona , Di Vella Giancarlo
Published: July 2018

The “Blue Whale Challenge” is a dangerous Internet phenomenon. As per media reports, it involves a series of life‐threatening tasks imposed by a “curator” to “players,” who must fulfill the whole list, and it ends with the suicide of the player. The authors report the data of five suspected cases of “Blue Whales” managed from January 2016 to December 2017 by the staff of a unit (the “Bambi Unit” of the Pediatric Hospital “Regina Margherita” of Turin, Italy) that is dedicated to the evaluation of suspected abused children. Then, they analyzed this data in the light of the literature regarding self‐harm. This comparison highlights the role of the Internet in the spreading of self‐harm behavior among vulnerable adolescents who are characterized by epidemiological, psychological, psychiatric, social, and cultural risk factors. In conclusion, the authors suggest a multidisciplinary and specialized approach in the evaluation of adolescents who committed self‐harm activities.
Purification and Characterization of a Salt‐Dependent Pectin Methylesterase from Carica papaya Fruit Mesocarp‐Exocarp Tissue
Authors: Kotnala Bhavya , N Shashirekha M. , Vasu Prasanna
Published: July 2018

Pectin methylesterase (PME) is a ubiquitous cell wall enzyme, which de‐esterifies and modifies pectins for food applications. Functional properties of pectin rely on molecular weight and degree of esterification, and thus de‐esterification by PME influences the pectin functionality. The main aim of the study is to purify and biochemically characterize PME from the outer mesocarp‐exocarp tissue of unripe Carica papaya L. fruit. The ion‐exchange and gel‐permeation chromatography purified enzyme exhibited a specific activity of 2363.1 ± 92.8 units/mg protein, with a fold purification of 10.6, and final recovery of 9.0%. The PME showed a low apparent mass of 27 kDa by SDS‐PAGE. The optimal activity of purified PME was found at pH 7.0, and at 60 °C. The enzyme is fairly stable at 60 °C for 10 min, retaining 60% activity. The optimum activity was found with 0.25 mol/L monovalent salts indicating that this PME is salt‐dependent. The Km of PME was 0.22 mg/mL, and the Vmax value was 1289.15 ± 15.9 units/mg. The increase in the calcium sensitivity of the PME‐treated pectin indicated a blockwise mode of action. The PME significantly differs from other known plant PMEs in their biochemical properties. Manual inspection and MASCOT searching of generated tryptic peptides confirmed no homology to known papaya PME sequences. The preliminary results indicate that the papaya PME can be potentially utilized to modify pectin functionality at elevated temperature. However, further investigation is required to understand the usefulness of this enzyme for the modification of pectins for various food applications.

Practical Application

In this work, a small, 27 kDa papaya PME was purified by ion‐exchange and gel‐permeation chromatography and biochemically characterized. The papaya PME significantly differs from other known plant PMEs in their biochemical properties. The preliminary results like fair thermostability coupled with high temperature optimum indicate that the papaya PME can be potentially utilized to modify pectin functionality at high temperature. Modification of pectin functionality at elevated temperatures is advantageous since it evades the detrimental action of other pectinolytic enzymes.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Field Pretreatment on Drying Kinetics, Color, and Texture of Parsnip and Carrot
Authors: Alam MD Rizvi , Lyng James G. , Frontuto Daniele , Marra Francesco , Cinquanta Luciano
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment on drying kinetics and on color and textural changes in sliced parsnip and carrot. Cell disintegration index measured in parsnips after PEF pretreatment significantly differed from the ones measured for carrots and, consequently, the reduction of the time needed to dry both samples to a final moisture content up to 5% (wet basis). The drying time of the PEF pretreated parsnip was reduced by up to 28% at 70 °C and by up to 21% at 60 °C in carrot, in comparison to untreated samples. The PEF pretreatment influenced the effective diffusivity of water into the samples going from 50 °C to 70 °C: in carrots it ranged between 1.61 × 10−10 and 3.04 × 10−10 (m2/s), although, in parsnip, it ranged between 1.97 × 10−10 and 3.06 × 10−10 (m2/s). Also, PEF pretreatment influenced color changes: PEF pretreated dried carrots showed a significant (p < .05) reduction in lightness values (L*) compared to untreated dried ones, although PEF pretreated parsnip had a significant (p < .05) increase in redness values (a*). The PEF treatment did not affect the mechanical properties (p > .05) of carrot and parsnip dried at 50 and 60 °C, whereas at 70 °C a significant increase (p < .05) of the force required to cut both root slices was detected. The choice of a PEF pretreatment of foods to be dried should be related to shorten the drying time and to minimize the loss in quality properties mentioned above.

Practical Application

Dry carrots and parsnip slices can be used as food ingredients for further food preparations but also as healthy snacks, thanks to their health benefits. Pulsed electric field (PEF) resulted to be an effective pretreatment for carrots and parsnips before undergoing convective drying, because it reduced the drying time (up to 28% in parsnip and 21% in carrot slices) and, particularly at mild temperatures (50 to 60 °C), it did not affect the texture properties of both carrot and parsnip. PEF pretreatment of these roots before convective heating can be surely suggested as industrial application.
High‐quality whole‐genome sequence of an abundant Holarctic odontocete, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Autenrieth Marijke , Hartmann Stefanie , Lah Ljerka , Roos Anna , Dennis Alice B. , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: July 2018

The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a highly mobile cetacean found across the Northern hemisphere. It occurs in coastal waters and inhabits basins that vary broadly in salinity, temperature and food availability. These diverse habitats could drive subtle differentiation among populations, but examination of this would be best conducted with a robust reference genome. Here, we report the first harbour porpoise genome, assembled de novo from an individual originating in the Kattegat Sea (Sweden). The genome is one of the most complete cetacean genomes currently available, with a total size of 2.39 Gb and 50% of the total length found in just 34 scaffolds. Using 122 of the longest scaffolds, we were able to show high levels of synteny with the genome of the domestic cattle (Bos taurus). Our draft annotation comprises 22,154 predicted genes, which we further annotated through matches to the NCBI nucleotide database, GO categorization and motif prediction. Within the predicted genes, we have confirmed the presence of >20 genes or gene families that have been associated with adaptive evolution in other cetaceans. Overall, this genome assembly and draft annotation represent a crucial addition to the genomic resources currently available for the study of porpoises and Phocoenidae evolution, phylogeny and conservation.
How complete are “complete” genome assemblies?—An avian perspective
Authors: Peona Valentina , Weissensteiner Matthias H. , Suh Alexander
Published: July 2018

The genomics revolution has led to the sequencing of a large variety of nonmodel organisms often referred to as “whole” or “complete” genome assemblies. But how complete are these, really? Here, we use birds as an example for nonmodel vertebrates and find that, although suitable in principle for genomic studies, the current standard of short‐read assemblies misses a significant proportion of the expected genome size (7% to 42%; mean 20 ± 9%). In particular, regions with strongly deviating nucleotide composition (e.g., guanine‐cytosine‐[GC]‐rich) and regions highly enriched in repetitive DNA (e.g., transposable elements and satellite DNA) are usually underrepresented in assemblies. However, long‐read sequencing technologies successfully characterize many of these underrepresented GC‐rich or repeat‐rich regions in several bird genomes. For instance, only ~2% of the expected total base pairs are missing in the last chicken reference (galGal5). These assemblies still contain thousands of gaps (i.e., fragmented sequences) because some chromosomal structures (e.g., centromeres) likely contain arrays of repetitive DNA that are too long to bridge with currently available technologies. We discuss how to minimize the number of assembly gaps by combining the latest available technologies with complementary strengths. At last, we emphasize the importance of knowing the location, size and potential content of assembly gaps when making population genetic inferences about adjacent genomic regions.
The Short Run Impact of Penalty Rate Cuts on Employment Outcomes in Retail and Hospitality Sectors in Australia
Authors: O'Brien Martin , Markey Raymond , Pol Eduardo
Published: July 2018

The issue of weekend penalty rates has been a contentious political issue in recent times. In its recent review of Modern Awards, the Fair Work Commission determined a reduction in Sunday penalty rates, arguing that this would result in increased employment and hours in Retail and Hospitality sectors. In this paper, we present a critique of the evidence before the Commission relating to employment creation. We also present survey findings of workers’ employment before and after the penalty rate reform. In the short run we find that there was no discernible positive impact on affected workers’ employment outcomes.
Commonality of Ethanol and Nicotine Reinforcement and Relapse in Wistar‐Derived UChB Rats: Inhibition by N‐Acetylcysteine
Authors: Quintanilla Maria Elena , Morales Paola , Ezquer Fernando , Ezquer Marcelo , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario , Israel Yedy
Published: July 2018

Background

Life expectancy is greatly reduced in individuals presenting alcohol use disorders and chronic smoking. Literature studies suggest that common mechanisms may apply to the chronic use and relapse of both alcohol and nicotine. It is hypothesized that an increased brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in perpetuating these conditions and that a common treatment may be considered for both.

Methods

Rats bred as high ethanol (EtOH) drinkers (UChB) were allowed chronic access to EtOH solutions and water and were thereafter deprived of EtOH for a prolonged period, subsequently allowing reaccess to EtOH, which leads to marked relapse binge‐like drinking. Separately, EtOH‐naïve animals were chronically administered nicotine intraperitoneally and tested under either a conditioned place preference (CPP) reinstatement condition or allowed a free‐choice drinking of nicotine solutions and water. Oral N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) (100 mg/kg) was administered daily to the animals to determine its effect on both chronic voluntary EtOH and nicotine intake, on EtOH relapse and nicotine‐CPP reinstatement. Oxidative stress was evaluated in hippocampus as the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH), and neuroinflammation by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry.

Results

Marked increases in hippocampal oxidative stress (GSSG/GSH) and neuroinflammation (astrocyte reactivity, GFAP) were observed after both chronic EtOH and chronic nicotine treatment. Oral NAC administration (i) fully abolished the increased oxidative stress and the neuroinflammation induced by both drugs, (ii) greatly inhibited EtOH intake (70%) and EtOH relapse binge‐like drinking (76%), and (iii) markedly inhibited (90%) voluntary nicotine intake and fully suppressed nicotine‐CPP reinstatement.

Conclusions

Data indicate that (i) oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are tightly associated with chronic EtOH and nicotine intake and drug relapse and (ii) NAC inhibits the relapse for both drugs, suggesting that the oral chronic administration of NAC may be of value in the concomitant treatment of alcohol and nicotine use disorders.
Prevention of allergy by virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) delivering shielded versions of major allergens in a humanized murine allergy model
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Köhler Cordula , Hofer Sandra , Smole Ursula , Trapin Doris , Iturri Jagoba , Pum Dietmar , Kienzl Philip , Elbe‐Bürger Adelheid , Gattinger Pia , Mittermann Irene , Linhart Birgit , Gadermaier Gabriele , Jahn‐Schmid Beatrice , Neunkirchner Alina , Valenta Rudolf , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: July 2018

Background

In high‐risk populations, allergen‐specific prophylaxis could protect from sensitization and subsequent development of allergic disease. However, such treatment might itself induce sensitization and allergies, thus requiring hypoallergenic vaccine formulations. We here characterized the preventive potential of virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) expressing surface‐exposed or shielded allergens.

Methods

Full‐length major mugwort pollen allergen Art v 1 was selectively targeted either to the surface or to the inner side of the lipid bilayer envelope of VNP. Upon biochemical and immunological analysis, their preventive potential was determined in a humanized mouse model of mugwort pollen allergy.

Results

Virus‐like nanoparticles expressing shielded version of Art v 1, in contrast to those expressing surface‐exposed Art v 1, were hypoallergenic as they hardly induced degranulation of rat basophil leukemia cells sensitized with Art v 1‐specific mouse or human IgE. Both VNP versions induced proliferation and cytokine production of allergen‐specific T cells in vitro. Upon intranasal application in mice, VNP expressing surface‐exposed but not shielded allergen induced allergen‐specific antibodies, including IgE. Notably, preventive treatment with VNP expressing shielded allergen‐protected mice from subsequent sensitization with mugwort pollen extract. Protection was associated with a Th1/Treg‐dominated cytokine response, increased Foxp3+ Treg numbers in lungs, and reduced lung resistance when compared to mice treated with empty particles.

Conclusion

Virus‐like nanoparticles represent a novel and versatile platform for the in vivo delivery of allergens to selectively target T cells and prevent allergies without inducing allergic reactions or allergic sensitization.
Liver resection in octogenarians: are the outcomes worth the risk?
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Kanhere Harsh A. , Maddern Guy J. , Trochsler Markus I.
Published: July 2018

Background

Australian life expectancy is high by world standards, largely because of advanced health care. It is therefore important to determine safety and oncological benefits of major surgical procedures in the elderly. This retrospective review examines outcomes of liver resection in octogenarians.

Methods

Data on all liver resections performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital were collected in a prospective database. The primary aim was to determine overall and disease‐free survival, and secondary aim to assess perioperative quality of life (QoL) and functionality outcomes using surrogate markers.

Results

Twenty‐four octogenarians underwent 26 liver resections for colorectal liver metastases (n = 20), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1) and benign lesion (n = 1). Median hospital stay was 11 days. There were no major post‐operative complications and only one patient experienced a decline in QoL. There was no 90‐day mortality. Five‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐free survival were 47% and 37%, respectively. Median duration of follow‐up was 34 months.

Conclusion

Liver resection can be performed safely in octogenarians with low morbidity, excellent overall survival and good QoL outcomes.
National belonging post‐referendum: Britons living in other EU Member States respond to “Brexit”
Authors: Higgins Katie W.
Published: July 2018

Following the EU Referendum, this paper tracks how pro‐Remain British migrants living in other EU Member States expressed a sense of shame and dislocation in relation to their national identity. Developed from a survey of 909 British nationals living in other EU Member States, it hopes to make a timely intervention into wider debates about privileged migration, Britishness, citizenship and belonging. First, it outlines a new articulation of the “bad Britain” discourse among emigrants, who saw the UK as increasingly characterised by xenophobia and insularity. Second, it seeks to understand how their national identity and sense of belonging was being renegotiated post‐referendum through a lens attentive to the cultural politics of emotion and innocence as an operation of whiteness.
Deceased‐directed donation: Considering the ethical permissibility in a multicultural setting
Authors: Bianchi Andria , Greenberg Rebecca
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the ethics of deceased‐directed donation (DDD) and brings a unique perspective to this issue—the relevance of providing family‐centered care and culturally sensitive care to deceased donors, potential recipients, and their families. The significance of providing family‐centered care is becoming increasingly prevalent, specifically in pediatric healthcare settings. Therefore, this topic is especially relevant to those working with and interested in pediatrics. As the world is becoming more diverse with globalization, assessing the cultural aspect of the ethics of DDD is increasingly salient. We provide a brief overview of DDD across the globe, review prominent arguments both for and against DDD, consider family‐centered and culturally specific considerations, and offer considerations for the development of a policy or guideline. We determine that the practice of DDD is ethically defensible in certain circumstances and congruent with providing both family‐centered and culturally sensitive care. Our analysis is relevant to any country with a diverse population and any healthcare provider or institution that operates under a framework of family‐centered care, such as those in pediatric hospitals.
Cytoplasmic liver kinase B1 promotes the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma by enhancing autophagy
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Jiang Lili , Fu Xiao , Wang Wenjuan , Ma Jiequn , Tian Tao , Nan Kejun , Liang Xuan
Published: July 2018

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) as a tumor suppression gene that is associated with various kinds of cancers, including lung cancer. In this study, we found that the effect of LKB1 on tumor growth was dependent on its subcellular expression in A549 and HCC827 cells. Full‐length LKB1 decreased the proliferation and clonogenicity of A549‐LKB1 and HCC827‐LKB1 cells, but increased their apoptosis. Opposite effects were observed in A549‐LKB1s and HCC827‐LKB1S cells that overexpressed truncated LKB1 without the nuclear localization sequence. The truncated cytoplasmic LKB1 enhanced the growth of implanted tumors in vivo. The truncated cytoplasmic LKB1 promoted autophagy, which was independent of AMP‐activated protein kinase and mTOR signaling in A549 and HCC827 cells. Further characterization indicated that higher levels of cytoplasmic LKB1 expression were associated with advanced TNM stage and reduced overall survival (OS) in 190 patients with adenocarcinoma. In contrast, high nuclear expression of LKB1 is associated with early TNM stage and longer OS. The high level of cytoplasmic LKB1 expression was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in patients with adenocarcinoma. Together, our results revealed that cytoplasmic LKB1 promotes the growth of lung adenocarcinoma and could be a prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma.
Announcing the Engagement of Sudoku: An In‐Class Genetic Algorithm Game
Authors: Ernstberger Kathryn W. , Venkataramanan M.A.
Published: July 2018

This teaching brief describes an engaging, in‐class exercise that introduces genetic algorithms as well as advanced Excel functions and capabilities by modeling the familiar Sudoku puzzle. Student groups are first asked to manually solve a given puzzle and then translate that solution methodology to a spreadsheet model. This exercise can be used to build classroom community and as a launching point for the content area of genetic algorithms and the use of Evolutionary Solver.
Childhood adversity predicts persistence of suicidal thoughts differently in females and males at clinical high‐risk patients of psychosis. Results of the EPOS project
Authors: Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Patterson Paul , Hietala Jarmo , Heinimaa Markus , From Tiina , Ilonen Tuula , von Reventlow Heinrich Graf , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke , Juckel Georg , Linszen Don , Dingemans Peter , Birchwood Max , Klosterkötter Joachim , Ruhrmann Stephan ,   the EPOS group
Published: July 2018

Aim

Depression and suicidal ideation (SUI) and behaviour are more prevalent in females than males, and common in clinical high‐risk (CHR) patients. Childhood adversities and trauma (CAT) are associated with adult depression and SUI. The role of gender as a moderator and depression as a mediator for the effect of CAT on SUI has not been explored in CHR patients.

Methods

In all, 245 young help‐seeking CHR patients were assessed for SUI (thoughts of killing themselves) with the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline, 9‐month and 18‐month follow‐ups. At baseline, clinical depression was assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐I), and CAT by the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS) which includes the five domains of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, emotional and physical neglect.

Results

CAT total and all domains except physical neglect predicted SUI over the study period. The effect of CAT on SUI was mediated via clinical depression and concurrent depression symptoms differently for females and males. In females, the effect of emotional abuse and neglect on SUI was mediated via baseline depression. In males, emotional and physical abuse had a direct effect on SUI, and the effect of sexual abuse and emotional neglect was partly mediated via concurrent depression symptoms.

Conclusions

For CHR females, the effect of CAT on adult SUI is mediated via depression, while for males, CAT and its domains have mainly direct effects in maintaining SUI. These gender differences should be taken into account when treating CHR patients with SUI.
Epilepsy surgery near or in eloquent cortex in children—Practice patterns and recommendations for minimizing and reporting deficits
Authors: Jayakar Prasanna , Jayakar Anuj , Libenson Mark , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Rydenhag Bertil , Cross J. Helen , Bhatia Sanjiv , Tassi Laura , Lachhwani Deepak , Gaillard William D. ,   the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Task Force,   International League Against Epilepsy
Published: July 2018

Objective

We aimed to investigate the current practices guiding surgical resection strategies involving epileptogenic zones (EZs) near or in eloquent cortex (EC) at pediatric epilepsy surgery centers worldwide.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 40 respondents from 33 pediatric epilepsy surgery centers worldwide on the weight assigned to diagnostic tests used to define the EZ and EC, how EC is viewed, and how surgeries are planned for foci near or in eloquent cortex.

Results

A descriptive analysis was performed that revealed considerable variation in the use of diagnostic tests and resective strategies toward EZ and EC.

Significance

The wide variation in strategies may contribute to undesirable outcomes characterized by poor seizure control with added deficits and underscores the need to establish best practices in pediatric epilepsy surgery. The survey data were used to formulate a set of recommendations to help minimize deficits and to report them consistently.