bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the direct and indirect effects of food provisioning and nutrient enrichment on wildlife infectious disease dynamics
Authors: Civitello David J. , Allman Brent E. , Morozumi Connor , Rohr Jason R.
Published: March 2018

Anthropogenic resource supplementation can shape wildlife disease directly by altering the traits and densities of hosts and parasites or indirectly by stimulating prey, competitor or predator species. We first assess the direct epidemiological consequences of supplementation, highlighting the similarities and differences between food provisioning and two widespread forms of nutrient input: agricultural fertilization and aquatic nutrient enrichment. We then review an aquatic disease system and a general model to assess whether predator and competitor species can enhance or overturn the direct effects of enrichment. All forms of supplementation can directly affect epidemics by increasing host population size or altering parasite production within hosts, but food provisioning is most likely to aggregate hosts and increase parasite transmission. However, if predators or competitors increase in response to supplementation, they could alter resource-fuelled outbreaks in focal hosts. We recommend identifying the traits of hosts, parasites or interacting species that best predict epidemiological responses to supplementation and evaluating the relative importance of these direct and indirect mechanisms. Theory and experiments should examine the timing of behavioural, physiological and demographic changes for realistic, variable scenarios of supplementation. A more integrative view of resource supplementation and wildlife disease could yield broadly applicable disease management strategies.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host–parasite dynamics in wildlife’.
Shiga toxin 2 translocation across intestinal epithelium is linked to virulence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in humans
Authors: Tran Seav-Ly , Jenkins Claire , Livrelli Valérie , Schüller Stephanie
Published: March 2018

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are characterized by the release of potent Shiga toxins (Stx), which are associated with severe intestinal and renal disease. Although all STEC strains produce Stx, only a few serotypes cause infection in humans. To determine which virulence traits in vitro are linked to human disease in vivo, 13 Stx2a-producing STEC strains of seropathotype (SPT) A or B (associated with severe human intestinal disease and outbreaks) and 6 strains of SPT D or E (rarely or not linked to human disease) were evaluated in a microaerobic human colonic epithelial infection model. All SPT strains demonstrated similar growth, colonization of polarized T84 colon carcinoma cells and Stx release into the medium. In contrast, Stx translocation across the T84 cell monolayer was significantly lower in SPT group DE compared to SPT group AB strains. Further experiments showed that Stx penetration occurred via a transcellular pathway and was independent of bacterial type III secretion and attaching and effacing lesion formation. These results suggest that the extent of Stx transcytosis across the gut epithelium may represent an important indicator of STEC pathogenicity for humans.
High affinity Na+ transport by wheat HKT1;5 is blocked by K+
Authors: Xu Bo , Hrmova Maria , Gilliham Matthew
Published: March 2018

The wheat sodium transporters TmHKT1;5-A and TaHKT1;5-D are encoded by genes underlying major shoot Na+ exclusion loci Nax2 and Kna1 from Triticum monococcum (Tm) and Triticum aestivum (Ta), respectively. In contrast to HKT2 transporters that have been shown to exhibit high affinity K+-dependent Na+ transport, HKT1 proteins have, with one exception, only been shown to catalyse low affinity Na+ transport and no K+ transport. Here, using heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes we show that both TmHKT1;5-A and TaHKT1;5-D encode dual (high and low) affinity Na+-transporters with the high-affinity component being abolished when external K+ is in excess of external Na+. Based on 3-D structural modelling we propose that tighter binding of K+, compared to that of Na+ in the selectivity filter region by means of additional van der Waals forces, explains the K+ block at the molecular level. The low-affinity component for Na+ transport of TmHKT1;5-A had a lower Km than that of TaHKT1;5-D and was less sensitive to external K+. We propose that these properties underpin the improvements in shoot Na+-exclusion and crop plant salt tolerance following the introgression of TmHKT1;5-A into diverse wheat backgrounds.
Principles of Computer Numerical Controlled Machining Applied to Cranial Microsurgery
Authors: Ghanbari Leila , Rynes Mathew , Hu Jay Jia , Shulman Daniel Sousa , Johnson Gregory , Laroque Micheal , Shull Gabriella , Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B.
Published: March 2018

Over the last decade, a plethora of tools have been developed for neuroscientists to interface with the brain. Implementing these tools requires precise removal of sections of the skull to access the brain. These delicate cranial microsurgical procedures need to be performed on sub-millimeter thick bone without damaging the underlying tissue and therefore, require significant training. Automating some of these procedures would not only enable more precise microsurgical operations, but also democratize use of advanced neurotechnologies. Here, we describe the ‘Craniobot’, a cranial microsurgery platform that combines automated skull surface profiling with a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine to perform a variety of cranial microsurgical procedures in mice. The Craniobot utilizes a low force contact sensor to profile the skull surface and uses this information to perform micrometer-scale precise milling operations within minutes. We have used the Craniobot to drill pilot holes to anchor cranial implants, perform skull thinning, and open small to large craniotomies. The Craniobot is built using off-the-shelf components for under $1000 and is controlled using open-source CNC programming software.
CRISPR-Tag: an Efficient DNA Tagging System in Living Cells
Authors: Chen Baohui , Zou Wei , Huang Bo
Published: March 2018

Main text

A lack of efficient tools to image non-repetitive genes in living cells has limited our ability to explore the functional impact of spatiotemporal dynamics of genes. Here, we addressed this issue by developing the CRISPR-Tag system as a new DNA tagging strategy to label protein-coding genes with high signal-to-noise ratio under wild-field fluorescence microscopy by using 1 to 4 highly active sgRNAs. The CRISPR-Tag, with minimal size of ∼ 250 bp, represents an easily and broadly applicable technique to study spatiotemporal organization of genomic elements in living cells.
Synaptic plasticity onto inhibitory neurons as a mechanism for ocular dominance plasticity
Authors: Bono Jacopo , Clopath Claudia
Published: March 2018

Ocular dominance plasticity is a well-documented phenomenon allowing us to study properties of cortical maturation. Understanding this maturation might be an important step towards unravelling how cortical circuits function. However, it is still not fully understood which mechanisms are responsible for the opening and closing of the critical period for ocular dominance and how changes in cortical responsiveness arise after visual deprivation. In this article, we present a theory of ocular dominance plasticity. Following recent experimental work, we propose a framework where a reduction in inhibition is necessary for ocular dominance plasticity in both juvenile and adult animals. In this framework, two ingredients are crucial to observe ocular dominance shifts: a sufficient level of inhibition as well as excitatory-to-inhibitory synaptic plasticity. In our model, the former is responsible for the opening of the critical period, while the latter limits the plasticity in adult animals. Finally, we also provide a possible explanation for the variability in ocular dominance shifts observed in individual neurons and for the counter-intuitive shifts towards the closed eye.
Neuronal signature of social novelty exploration in the VTA: implication for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bariselli Sebastiano , Hörnberg Hanna , Prévost-Solié Clément , Musardo Stefano , Hatstatt-Burkle Laetitia , Scheiffele Peter , Bellone Camilla
Published: March 2018

Novel stimuli attract our attention, promote exploratory behavior, and facilitate learning. Atypical habituation and aberrant novelty exploration have been related with the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) but the underlying neuronal circuits are unknown. Here, we report that dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) promote the behavioral responses to novel social stimuli, support preference for social novelty, and mediate the reinforcing properties of novel social interaction. Social novelty exploration is associated with the insertion of calcium-permeable GluA2-lacking AMPA-type glutamate receptors at excitatory synapses on VTA DA neurons. These novelty-dependent synaptic adaptations only persist upon repeated exposure to social stimuli and sustain social interaction. Global or DA neuron-specific inactivation of the ASD risk gene Neuroligin3 alters both social novelty exploration and the reinforcing properties of social stimuli. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by an aberrant expression of non-canonical GluA2-lacking AMPA-receptors at excitatory synapses on VTA DA neurons and an occlusion of novelty-induced synaptic plasticity. Altogether, these findings causally link impaired novelty exploration in an ASD mouse model to VTA DA circuit dysfunction.
clusterExperiment and RSEC: A Bioconductor package and framework for clustering of single-cell and other large gene expression datasets
Authors: Risso Davide , Purvis Liam , Fletcher Russell , Das Diya , Ngai John , Dudoit Sandrine , Purdom Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Clustering of genes and/or samples is a common task in gene expression analysis. The goals in clustering can vary, but an important scenario is that of finding biologically meaningful subtypes within the samples. This is an application that is particularly appropriate when there are large numbers of samples, as in many human disease studies. With the increasing popularity of single-cell transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), many more controlled experiments on model organisms are similarly creating large gene expression datasets with the goal of detecting previously unknown heterogeneity within cells.

It is common in the detection of novel subtypes to run many clustering algorithms, as well as rely on subsampling and ensemble methods to improve robustness. We introduce a Bioconductor R package, clusterExperiment, that implements a general and flexible strategy we entitle Resampling-based Sequential Ensemble Clustering (RSEC). RSEC enables the user to easily create multiple, competing clusterings of the data based on different techniques and associated tuning parameters, including easy integration of resampling and sequential clustering, and then provides methods for consolidating the multiple clusterings into a final consensus clustering. The package is modular and allows the user to separately apply the individual components of the RSEC procedure, i.e., apply multiple clustering algorithms, create a consensus clustering or choose tuning parameters, and merge clusters. Additionally, clusterExperimentprovides a variety of visualization tools for the clustering process, as well as methods for the identification of possible cluster signatures or biomarkers.

The package clusterExperimentis publicly available through the Bioconductor Project, with a detailed manual (vignette) as well as well documented help pages for each function.
Evaluation of Whole Exome Sequencing as an Alternative of BeadChip and Whole Genome Sequencing in Human Population Genetic Analysis
Authors: Maróti Zoltán , Boldogkői Zsolt , Tombácz Dóra , Snyder Michael , Kalmár Tibor
Published: March 2018

Understanding the underlying genetic structure of human populations is of fundamental interest to both biological and social sciences. Advances in high-throughput genotyping technology have markedly improved our understanding of global patterns of human genetic variation. The most widely used methods for collecting variant information at the DNA-level include whole genome sequencing, which continues to remain costly, and the more economical solution of array-based techniques, as these are capable of simultaneously genotyping a pre-selected set of variable DNA sites in the human genome. The largest publicly accessible set of human genomic sequence data available today originates from exome sequencing that comprises around 1.2% of the whole genome (approximately 30 million base pairs). In this study, we compared the application of the exome dataset to the array-based dataset and to the gold standard whole genome dataset using the same population genetic analysis methods. Our results draw attention to some of the inherent problems that arise from using pre-selected SNP sets for population genetic analysis. Additionally, we demonstrate that exome sequencing provides a better alternative to the array-based methods for population genetic analysis. In this study, we propose a strategy for unbiased variant collection from exome data and offer a bioinformatics protocol for proper data processing.
The landscape of incident disease risk for the biomarker GlycA and its mortality stratification in angiography patients
Authors: Kettunen Johannes , Ritchie Scott C. , Anufrieva Olga , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Hernesniemi Jussi , Karhunen Pekka J. , Kuukasjärvi Pekka , Laurikka Jari , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Havulinna Aki S. , Salomaa Veikko , Männistö Satu , Ala-Korpela Mika , Perola Markus , Inouye Michael , Würtz Peter
Published: March 2018

Integration of systems-level biomolecular information with electronic health records has led to the discovery of robust blood-based biomarkers predictive of future health and disease. Of recent intense interest is the GlycA biomarker, a complex nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy signal reflective of acute and chronic inflammation, which predicts long term risk of diverse outcomes including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. To systematically explore the specificity of the disease burden indicated by GlycA we analysed the risk for 468 common incident hospitalization and mortality outcomes occurring during an 8-year follow-up of 11,861 adults from Finland. Our analyses of GlycA replicated known associations, identified associations with specific cardiovascular disease outcomes, and uncovered new associations with risk of alcoholic liver disease (meta-analysed hazard ratio 2.94 per 1-SD, P=5×10-6), chronic renal failure (HR=2.47, P=3×10-6), glomerular diseases (HR=1.95, P=1×10-6), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=1.58, P=3×10-5), inflammatory polyarthropathies (HR=1.46, P=4×10-8), and hypertension (HR=1.21, P=5×10-5). We further evaluated GlycA as a biomarker in secondary prevention of 12-year cardiovascular mortality in 900 angiography patients with suspected coronary artery disease. We observed hazard ratios of 4.87 and 5.00 for 12-year mortality in angiography patients in the fourth and fifth quintiles by GlycA levels demonstrating the prognostic potential of GlycA for identification of high mortality-risk individuals. Both GlycA and C-reactive protein had shared as well as independent contributions to mortality hazard, emphasising the importance of chronic inflammation in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Causal evidence for mnemonic metacognition in human precuneus
Authors: Ye Qun , Zou Futing , Lau Hakwan , Hu Yi , Kwok Sze Chai
Published: March 2018

Metacognition is the capacity to introspectively monitor and control one’s own cognitive processes. Previous anatomical and functional neuroimaging findings implicated the important role of precuneus in metacognition processing, especially during mnemonic tasks. However, the issue of whether this medial parietal cortex is a domain-specific region that supports mnemonic metacognition remains controversial. Here, we focally disrupted this parietal area with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in healthy participants of both sexes, seeking to ascertain its functional necessity for metacognition for memory versus perceptual decisions. Perturbing the precuneal activity impaired the metacognitive efficiency selectively in the memory judgment of temporal-order, but not in perceptual discrimination. Moreover, the correlation in individuals’ metacognitive efficiency between the domains disappeared when the precuneus was perturbed. Together with the previous finding that lesion to the anterior prefrontal cortex impairs perceptual but not mnemonic metacognition, we double dissociated the macro-anatomical underpinnings for the two kinds of metacognitive capacity in an interconnected network of brain regions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Theories on the neural basis of metacognition have thus far largely centered on the role of prefrontal cortex. Here we refined the theoretical framework through characterizing a unique precuneal involvement in mnemonic metacognition with a noninvasive but inferentially powerful method: transcranial magnetic stimulation. By quantifying meta-cognitive efficiency across two distinct domains (memory vs. perception) that are matched for stimulus characteristics, we reveal an instrumental – and highly selective – role of the precuneus in mnemonic metacognition. These causal evidence corroborate ample clinical reports that parietal lobe lesions often produce inaccurate self-reports of confidence in memory recollection and establish that the precuneus as a nexus for the introspective ability to evaluate the success of memory judgment in humans.
Elucidating the activation mechanisms for bifurcation of regulatory and effector T cell fates by multidimensional single cell analysis
Authors: Bradley Alla , Hashimoto Tetsuo , Ono Masahiro
Published: March 2018

In T cells, T cell receptor (TCR) signalling initiates downstream transcriptional mechanisms for T cell activation and differentiation. Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) require TCR signals for their suppressive function and maintenance in the periphery. It is, however, unclear how TCR signalling controls the transcriptional programme of Treg. Since most of studies identified the transcriptional features of Treg in comparison to naïve T cells, the relationship between Treg and non-naïve T cells including memory-phenotype T cells (Tmem) and effector T cells (Teff) is not well understood. Here we dissect the transcriptomes of various T cell subsets from independent datasets using the multidimensional analysis method Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). We show that resting Treg share gene modules for activation with Tmem and Teff. Importantly, Tmem activate the distinct transcriptional modules for T cell activation, which are uniquely repressed in Treg. The activation signature of Treg is dependent on TCR signals, and is more actively operating in activated Treg. Furthermore, by analysing single cell RNA-seq data from tumour-infiltrating T cells, we revealed that FOXP3 expression occurs predominantly in activated T cells. Moreover, we identified FOXP3-driven and T follicular helper (Tfh)-like differentiation pathways in tumour microenvironments, and their bifurcation point, which is enriched with recently activated T cells. Collectively, our study reveals the activation mechanisms downstream of TCR signals for the bifurcation of Treg and Teff differentiation and their maturation processes.
Crystal structures of 5,12-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane cobalt(III) mono-phenylacetylide and bis-phenylacetylide
Authors: Oxley Benjamin M. , Mash Brandon , Zeller Matthias , Banziger Susannah , Ren Tong
Published: March 2018

Reported in this contribution are the synthesis and crystal structures of new mono- and bis-phenylacetylides based on CoIII(DMC) (DMC is 5,12-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). Chlorido(5,12-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)(phenylethynyl)cobalt(III) chloride–acetonitrile–methanol (1/1/1), [Co(C8H5)Cl(C12H28N4)]Cl·CH3CN·CH3OH, 1, and (5,12-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)bis(phenylethynyl)cobalt(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate–dichloromethane (2/1), [Co(C8H5)2(C12H28N4)]2(CF3SO3)2·CH2Cl2, 2, were prepared under weak-base conditions in satisfactory yields. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that both 1 and 2 adopt a pseudo-octahedral symmetry in which the Cl—Co—C angles of 1 and C—Co—C of 2 range from 177.7 (2) to 178.0 (2)° and from 177.67 (9) to 179.67 (9)°, respectively. In both structures, the CoIII metal center is coordinated in the equatorial plane by four N atoms, in which the N—Co—N angles range from 85.6 (3) to 94.4 (3)°. The structure of 1 features two crystallographically independent molecules in its triclinic cell (Z′ = 2), which are related to each other by pseudo-monoclinic symmetry. The crystal investigated was twinned by a symmetry operator of the approximate double-volume C-centered cell (180° rotation around [201] of the actual triclinic cell), with a refined twin ratio of 0.798 (3) to 0.202 (3). Both methanol solvent molecules in 1 are disordered, the major occupancy rates refined to 0.643 (16) and 0.357 (16). Compound 2 also contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit, together with two trifluoromethanesulfonate anions [of which one is disordered; occupancy values of 0.503 (16) and 0.497 (16)] and a disordered dichloromethane [occupancy values of 0.545 (12) and 0.455 (12)].
4-Cyclohexyl-1-(2-methoxybenzoyl)thiosemicarbazide with an unknown solvent
Authors: Chaurasia Rahul , Bharti Akhilesh , Butcher Ray J. , Wikaira Jan L. , Bharty Manoj K.
Published: March 2018

In the title compound, C15H21N3O2S, a short intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring. The molecule is twisted with a dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the mean plane of the cyclohexyl ring being 58.90 (6)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed with each molecule linked to the other by two N—H(H)...O hydrogen bonds to the same acceptor, generatingR21(6) loops. A region of disordered electron density was corrected for using the SQUEEZE routine inPLATON[Spek (2015).ActaCryst. C71, 9–18]. The given chemical formula and other crystal data do not take into account the unknown solvent molecule(s).
2,4-Dibromo-6-[(2-hydroxy-5-methylanilino)methylidene]cyclohexa-2,4-dienone
Authors: Pal Tarun Kumar , Hossain Md Dulal , Sheikh Md Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Alam Md Ashraful
Published: March 2018

The new bromo-substituted title compound, C14H11Br2NO2, was synthesized by the condensation of 3,5-dibromosalicylaldehyde and 2-amino-4-methyl phenol. The asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent molecules (AandB), which are related to each other by a pseudo-inversion centre. Both molecules are almost planar; dihedral angles between the two benzene rings are 11.40 (11)° forAand 3.05 (12)° forB. In each molecule, there is an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond with anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, two independent molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a pseudo-inversionA–Bdimer.
Ergonomic layout optimization of a smart assembly workbench
Authors: Wu Shi-qing , Shen Bin , Tang Yun-zhe , Wang Jia-hai , Zheng Da-teng
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study a method to optimize the arrangement of the devices on a smart assembly workbench, which help to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency for the worker.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization priority is studied based on the users’ decisions, a mathematical model of the layout optimization is established from ergonomic perspective and an improved algorithm is adopted to solve the built the mathematical model.

Findings

Ergonomic software Jack is chosen to simulate the four layout schemes obtained. Through comparative analysis of the simulation results, it is proven that the optimal solution can be obtained using the improved algorithm.

Originality/value

The mathematical model built on observation comfort, operation comfort and device accessibility, as well as the improved algorithm in this paper, has some reference values for the layout design of smart assembly workbench.
Comparison studies of the protective properties of silane/polyrhodanine and polyrhodanine/silane bilayer coatings applied on stainless steel
Authors: Owczarek Edyta
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the protective, anticorrosion properties of silane- and polyrhodanine-based bilayer coatings pRh/IBTES and IBTES/pRh on an X20Cr13 stainless steel substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

IBTES/pRh and pRh/IBTES have been coated using the dip-coating method and the cyclic voltammetry technique. The electrochemical measurements have been used to assess the anticorrosion properties of the resulting bilayer coatings. Morphological and chemical characterizations have been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

The results clearly show that the combination of both the deposits of polyrhodanine and silane yields a more protective structure that affords better protection against corrosion with time. The best barrier properties are achieved by the substrates coated with polyrhodanine film upon which silane is subsequently adsorbed – the pRh/IBTES bilayer coating.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that the procedure of modification of silane films with polyrhodanine had a marked effect on the anti-corrosive performance of the obtained two types of bilayers coatings (pRh/IBTES, IBTES/pRh) applied on a stainless steel surface. The coating where polyrhodanine was first electrodeposited on the steel surface and then the silane layer adsorbed (pRh/IBTES) achieved the best protective properties.
The myth of the “good governance code”: an analysis of the relationship between ownership structure and the comply-or-explain disclosure
Authors: Lepore Luigi , Pisano Sabrina , Di Vaio Assunta , Alvino Federico
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to assess the degree of disclosure about compliance with corporate governance code and the explanations provided by Italian firms and second, to analyze the relationships between this disclosure and different variables of ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was composed of 75 non-financial companies listed in Italy in 2016. Content analysis of the corporate governance statement and ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression models were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Companies tended to comply with the corporate governance code and to disclose this information, but when they decided to not comply, they did not provide adequate explanations. Findings revealed a negative relation between ownership concentration and the disclosure analyzed. Results also highlight that a more equal distribution of shares among larger shareholders is beneficial for disclosure. Moreover, the presence of a dominant financial shareholder at a high level of ownership concentration creates inefficiency of the degree of adherence to the comply-or-explain principle.

Originality/value

This study examines in depth the underexplored issue of “explanation” and exceeds the issue of ownership concentration, which has already been examined extensively, raising the issues of counterweight power and shareholders’ identities, which remain underexplored. In this way, results presented contribute to explaining some causes of the diverse findings that research has found about the relationship between ownership concentration and voluntary disclosure, demonstrating the importance of counterweight power and largest shareholder’s identity. Consequently, when self-regulating initiatives are designed and implemented, legislators, regulators and managers should not ignore the characteristics of the firms’ ownership structure.
How does working capital management affect the profitability of Indian companies?
Authors: Altaf Nufazil , Shah Farooq Ahmad
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between working capital management (WCM) and firm profitability for a sample of 437 non-financial Indian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on secondary financial data obtained from Capitaline database, pertaining to a period of ten years. This study employs two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques to arrive at results.

Findings

The results of the study confirm the inverted U-shape relationship between WCM and firm profitability. In addition, the authors also found that the firms should complete its CCC on an average by 63 days.

Originality/value

Unlike prior studies that found a linear relationship between WCM and firm profitability. This study provides newer evidence for an inverted U-shaped relation between investment in working capital and firm profitability in India. In addition, this study uses GMM to control the potential problems of endogeneity.
Developing a camp performance indicator system and its application to Zaatari, Jordan
Authors: Schön Anna-Mara , Al-Saadi Shahad , Grubmueller Jakob , Schumann-Bölsche Dorit
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the initial results of the Camp Performance Indicator (CPI) system to illustrate the importance of self-reliance of refugee camp dwellers with regard to infrastructure and service investments.

Design/methodology/approach

Data, derived from a field trip to Zaatari in autumn 2016 and thorough literature research, were taken to develop a new CPI system. The findings from the literature research were merged with available camp data to validate each other.

Findings

Self-reliance is a fundamental human right and anchored in the UN sustainable development goals. Yet, presented findings reveal that even in one of the most modern refugee camps in the world – Zaatari – the level of self-reliance is rather low. However, organisations and humanitarian logisticians can influence self-reliance by identifying clearly where challenges are.

Research limitations/implications

Data from a diverse range of reports were extracted. As most of these reports lack reliable and comparative quantitative data, the limitation of the study must be taken into account. So far data were only validated on one case study. To develop the tool further, more data need to be taken into account.

Originality/value

To this point, there is no performance measurement tool available focusing on self-reliance of encamped refugees. In addition, no academic research has measured the interrelation between the level of investments in infrastructure and services and the improvement of the lives of camp residents, especially regarding the level of self-reliance.
Addressing alignment concerns into the design of domain-specific information systems
Authors: Avila Oscar , Goepp Virginie , Kiefer François
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find alignment concerns (e.g. requirements, restrictions and issues) and addressing them into the design and development of domain-specific information systems (ISs) supporting product manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on two metamodels of the Strategic Alignment Model that formalise its underlying concepts. The metamodels are used to build specific alignment models that define the elements to be aligned and the corresponding alignment sequences. The models and alignment sequences are intended to guide the design and development of an “aligned” domain-specific IS. An industrial case study for the manufacturing industry shows the feasibility of this approach.

Findings

The instantiation of the alignment models components with information about the specific-domain IS project enabled us to deal with current and future concerns into the design of ISs aligned with the manufacturing strategy and infrastructures.

Originality/value

IS alignment is generally tackled at a strategic level, in this paper the operational and tactical levels are also addressed.
Eliciting a profile of handicraft entrepreneurs in Maboneng
Authors: Mwila Natasha Katuta , Wemba Mtendere Caroline
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and articulate the profile of handicraft entrepreneurs operating in the Maboneng precinct of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative in nature – implementing a phenomenology through which cases of four handicraft entrepreneurs are developed.

Findings

Handicraft entrepreneurs in Maboneng possess a spiritually motivated profile that does not allow them to be neatly characterised in the profiles of the literature.

Originality/value

This study contributes to addressing the dearth of knowledge in the literature on the profile of entrepreneurs in Africa. It provides insights on the spiritual motivation of artisanal entrepreneurs in particular who represent a part of the largest proportion of African small-scale entrepreneurial activity.
R. J. Chambers on Securities and Obscurities: Making a Case for the Reform of the Law of Company Accounts in the 1970s
Authors: Persson Martin E. , Napier Christopher J.
Published: March 2018

This study examines the contribution of Raymond J. Chambers to the British inflation accounting debate in the early‐to‐mid 1970s, from the perspective of the reception of his book, Securities and Obscurities: A Case for Reform of the Law of Company Accounts, published in 1973. To structure the empirical narrative, drawing on previously unpublished documents from the R. J. Chambers Archives, we employ Czarniawska and Joerges’ () notion of the ‘travel of ideas’, and Mumford’s () observation of the existence of ‘inflation accounting debate cycles’. The result is a narrative that traces the environmental and material circumstances that led to Chambers’ book having a lesser impact on the British inflation debate than one would expect based on the international exposure of his ideas, his influence at the time, and the empirical rigour of his proposal. The purpose of this exercise is to assess how contextual factors, such as the choice of publisher, use of promotional material, and distribution methods, can be as (or more) important than the substance of the proposed ideas, arguments, and solutions.
Effects of a protein‐free oat plantlet extract on microinflammation and skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Saint Aroman M. , Sampogna F. , Vestergaard C.
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, highly pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease. Dysfunction of the epidermal barrier is witnessed by an increased transepidermal water loss in lesional and non‐lesional AD skin. The inflammation in lesional AD skin is well characterized. Non‐lesional skin of AD patients shows histological signs of a subclinical inflammation and a pro‐inflammatory cytokine milieu. This microinflammation is present even in seemingly healed skin and must be taken into account regarding treatment of AD. Emollients provide a safe and effective method of skin barrier improvement, because they provide the skin with a source of exogenous lipids, thus improving its barrier function. The use of emollients is recommended for all AD patients irrespective of overall disease severity. Patients with moderate to severe AD should combine the emollients with a proactive therapy regimen of topical calcineurin inhibitors or topical corticosteroids. Skin areas affected by active eczema in flare should receive daily anti‐inflammatory therapy first before introducing emollients, to induce rapid relief of skin lesions and pruritus. The microinflammation persisting in seemingly healed AD lesions should be addressed by a proactive treatment approach, consisting of minimal anti‐inflammatory therapy and liberal, daily use of emollients. An emollient containing an extract of Rhealba oat plantlet has shown anti‐inflammatory and barrier repairing properties, and was clinically tested in studies targeting the microinflammation in AD. All emollients based on Rhealba oat plantlet extract are free of oat protein, as the Rhealba extract is derived from the aerial parts of the oat plantlet and is unrelated to oatmeal proteins. The Rhealba oat plantlet extract is produced in a specific process, allowing the extraction of high levels of active principles such as flavonoids and saponins, whilst being virtually free of oat proteins to minimize the risk for allergic reactions.
Academic Detailing with Provider Audit and Feedback Improve Prescribing Quality for Older Veterans
Authors: Vandenberg Ann E. , Echt Katharina V. , Kemp Lawanda , McGwin Gerald , Perkins Molly M. , Mirk Anna K.
Published: March 2018

Suboptimal prescribing persists as a driver of poor quality care of older veterans and is associated with risk of hospitalization and emergency department visits. We adapted a successful medication management model, Integrated Management and Polypharmacy Review of Vulnerable Elders (IMPROVE), from an urban geriatric specialty clinic to rural community‐based clinics that deliver primary care. The goals were to promote prescribing quality and safety for older adults, including reduced prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We augmented the original model, which involved a pharmacist‐led, one‐on‐one medication review with high‐risk older veterans, to provide rural primary care providers (PCPs) and pharmacists with educational outreach through academic detailing and tools to support safe geriatric prescribing practices, as well as individual audit and feedback on prescribing practice and confidential peer benchmarking. Twenty PCPs and 4 pharmacists at 4 rural Georgia community‐based outpatient clinics participated. More than 7,000 older veterans were seen in more than 20,000 PCP encounters during the 14‐month intervention period. Implementation of the IMPROVE intervention reduced PIM prescribing incidence from 9.6 new medications per 100 encounters during baseline to 8.7 after the intervention (P = .009). IMPROVE reduced PIM prevalence (proportion of encounters involving veterans who were taking at least 1 PIM) from 22.6% to 16.7% (P < .001). These approaches were effective in reducing PIMs prescribed to older veterans in a rural setting and constitute a feasible model for disseminating geriatric best practices to the primary care setting.
GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF CRUDE OILS FROM THE CARACARA AND TIPLE AREAS, EASTERN LLANOS BASIN, COLOMBIA: PALAEO BIODEGRADATION AND OIL MIXING
Authors: Esquinas N. , Márquez G. , Permanyer A. , Gallego J.R.
Published: March 2018

This study presents an organic geochemical characterization of heavy and liquid oils from Cretaceous and Cenozoic reservoir rocks in the Tiple and Caracara blocks in the eastern Llanos Basin, Colombia. Samples of heavy oil were recovered from the Upper Eocene Mirador Formation and the C7 interval of the Oligocene – Miocene Carbonera Formation; the liquid oils came from these intervals and from the Cretaceous Guadalupe, Une and Gachetá Formations. The heavy oil and most of the liquid oils probably originated from multiple source rocks or source facies, and showed evidence of biodegradation as suggested by the coexistence of n‐alkanes and 25‐norhopanes. The results indicate a close genetic relationship between the samples in the Carbonera (C7 interval), Mirador and Guadalupe Formation reservoirs. These petroleums are interpreted to result from at least two separate oil charges. An early charge (Oligocene to Early Miocene) was derived from marine carbonate and transitional siliciclastic Cretaceous source rocks as indicated by biomarker analysis using GC/MS. This initial oil charge was biodegraded in the reservoir, and was mixed with a later charge (or charges) of fresh oil during the Late Miocene to Pliocene. A relatively high proportion of the unaltered oil charge was recorded for heavy oil samples from the Melero‐1 well in the Tiple block, and is inferred to originate from Cenozoic carbonaceous shale or coaly source rocks. Geochemical parameters suggest that oils from the Gachetá and Une Formations are similar and that they originated from a source different to that of the other oil samples. These two oils do not correlate well with extracts from transitional siliciclastic source rock from the Upper Cretaceous Gachetá Formation in the Ramiriqui‐1 well, located in the LLA 22 block to the north. By contrast, one or more organofacies of the Gachetá Formation may have generated the heavy oil and most of the liquid oil samples. The results suggest that the heavy oils may have formed as a result of biodegradation at the palaeo oil‐water contact, although deasphalting cannot entirely be dismissed.
PETROLEUM SYSTEMS OF LEBANON: AN UPDATE AND REVIEW
Authors: Ghalayini R. , Nader F. H. , Bou Daher S. , Hawie N. , Chbat W. E.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a new interpretation of the Levant margin, offshore Lebanon, with a review of Lebanese onshore geology and a new evaluation of the petroleum systems of the Eastern Mediterranean. Here, we divide the Lebanese onshore and offshore into four domains: the distal Levant Basin, the Lattakia Ridge, the Levant margin, and the onshore. Each domain is characterised by a particular structural style and stratigraphic architecture, resulting in different source‐reservoir‐trap configurations. This new division draws attention to specific areas of exploration interest in which there are distinct petroleum systems. Following a review of previously published data, this study presents new results from stratigraphic, structural and geochemical investigations. The results include a new interpretation of the Levant margin, focussing on the carbonate‐dominated stratigraphy of this area and its petroleum potential. New petroleum systems charts are presented for each of the four domains to refine and summarize the updated geological knowledge.
Historical perspective on folic acid and challenges in estimating global prevalence of neural tube defects
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Black Robert E.
Published: March 2018

Neural tube defects (NTD) are major congenital malformations affecting births worldwide. NTD are associated with life‐long disability, significant medical care costs, and child mortality. Their prevalence varies worldwide. We conducted a review of published literature and surveillance systems to examine challenges in estimating an overall global prevalence estimate for NTD. Our review showed that most low‐ and middle‐income countries do not track NTD and indicate a high prevalence of these malformations where data are available. Challenges in global NTD prevalence estimation include (1) quality of surveillance methods, (2) existing risk factors (including geographic or socioeconomic factors, availability and use of folic acid, and racial–ethnic and genetic factors), and (3) limitations in education and access to care. We recommend population‐based surveillance systems tracking all pregnancy outcomes and major risk factors. Countries should invest in sustainable, multisource surveillance systems, in parallel to folic acid interventions, for gaining a more accurate knowledge of global prevalence of NTD than we currently have. Such efforts will assist in both global prevention of NTD and periodic evaluation of folic acid interventions for NTD reduction. Global NTD prevalence data can drive political will and accelerate the implementation and evaluation of NTD prevention programs.
This Is Us: Wittgenstein and the Social
Authors: Laugier Sandra
Published: March 2018

This paper aims at elucidating the present strength of the social and political ideas one can draw from Wittgenstein’ later work, rooting in it his conception of the subjectivity of language and of the speakers’ authority and voice; of the I and the us. The article uses the concept of forms of life – understood, following Stanley Cavell and Veena Das, not only in the social (horizontal) sense but also in the natural (biological) sense, as life forms. – in order to rearticulate the natural and conventional and to perceive, as Cavell puts it, “the mutual implication of the natural and the social” in the constitution of us – and in a renewed, ordinary conception of democracy.
Epigenetic ignition of melanoma
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2018

The histone demethylases LSD1 and JMJD2C enable premalignant melanocytes to escape oncogene-induced senescence and form aggressive melanomas.
Discovery of a Novel Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitor That Potentiates Meropenem Activity against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Everett Martin , Sprynski Nicolas , Coelho Alicia , Castandet Jérôme , Bayet Maëlle , Bougnon Juliette , Lozano Clarisse , Davies David T. , Leiris Simon , Zalacain Magdalena , Morrissey Ian , Magnet Sophie , Holden Kirsty , Warn Peter , De Luca Filomena , Docquier Jean-Denis , Lemonnier Marc
Published: March 2018

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) are increasingly prevalent and have become a major worldwide threat to human health. Carbapenem resistance is driven primarily by the acquisition of β-lactamase enzymes, which are able to degrade carbapenem antibiotics (hence termed carbapenemases) and result in high levels of resistance and treatment failure. Clinically relevant carbapenemases include both serine β-lactamases (SBLs; e.g., KPC-2 and OXA-48) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), such as NDM-1. MBL-producing strains are endemic within the community in many Asian countries, have successfully spread worldwide, and account for many significant CRE outbreaks. Recently approved combinations of β-lactam antibiotics with β-lactamase inhibitors are active only against SBL-producing pathogens. Therefore, new drugs that specifically target MBLs and which restore carbapenem efficacy against MBL-producing CRE pathogens are urgently needed. Here we report the discovery of a novel MBL inhibitor, ANT431, that can potentiate the activity of meropenem (MEM) against a broad range of MBL-producing CRE and restore its efficacy against an
Escherichia coli
NDM-1-producing strain in a murine thigh infection model. This is a strong starting point for a chemistry lead optimization program that could deliver a first-in-class MBL inhibitor-carbapenem combination. This would complement the existing weaponry against CRE and address an important and growing unmet medical need.
Bacterial Adaptation to Antibiotics through Regulatory RNAs
Authors: Felden Brice , Cattoir Vincent
Published: March 2018

The extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in a situation where multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a severe menace to human health worldwide. A deeper understanding of the principles used by pathogens to adapt to, respond to, and resist antibiotics would pave the road to the discovery of drugs with novel mechanisms. For bacteria, antibiotics represent clinically relevant stresses that induce protective responses. The recent implication of regulatory RNAs (small RNAs [sRNAs]) in antibiotic response and resistance in several bacterial pathogens suggests that they should be considered innovative drug targets. This minireview discusses sRNA-mediated mechanisms exploited by bacterial pathogens to fight against antibiotics. A critical discussion of the newest findings in the field is provided, with emphasis on the implication of sRNAs in major mechanisms leading to antibiotic resistance, including drug uptake, active drug efflux, drug target modifications, biofilms, cell walls, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. Of interest is the lack of knowledge about sRNAs implicated in Gram-positive compared to Gram-negative bacterial resistance.