bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MLL-PTD in a 13-year-old patient with blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: He Zhipeng , Wang Bixin , Chen Lili , Huang Yiping , Wang Huixian , Yang Mengting , Xiao Xueting , Lu Yanhong , Chen Jiaying , Wu Yong
Published: November 2018

Rationale:

The risk of leukemic transformation in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) has been increasing with time. Partial Tandem Duplications of the MLL gene (MLL-PTD) has been reported in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but not in MPN blast phase. The post-MPN AML developed adverse clinical outcomes, which showed no noticeable improvement over the past 15 years. Therefore, the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches of post-MPN AML need to be deeply studied.

Patient concerns:

In this study, we present a JAK2V617F positive MPN patient who experienced fatigue and splenomegaly, transforming into JAK2V617F negative AML.

Diagnoses:

A diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia was made in MPN blast phase.

Interventions:

The patient received chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT).

Outcomes:

The patient achieved complete remission twice, but relapsed twice. Relapse-free survival was only 3 months. She died about 24 months after her diagnosis.

Lessons:

MLL-PTD occurs in the progression of JAK2V617F positive MPN into JAK2V617F negative AML, which may be a novel mechanism of MPN blast phase and helpful for post-MPN AML diagnosis. Allo-SCT may be a good choice for post-MPN AML with MLL-PTD. More therapeutic strategies need to be explored for a better prognosis in these patients.
The drug use to treat community-acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Mi Xue , Li Wenrui , Zhang Lingli , Li Jialian , Zeng Linan , Huang Liang , Chen Lina , Song Haoxin , Huang Zongyao , Lin Mao
Published: November 2018

To evaluate the rationality of drug use to treat community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children of a Chinese hospital using a set of developed indicators.

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study in West China Second University Hospital. Hospitalized children (0–18 years old) diagnosed with CAP from October 2015 to January 2016 were included. A set of developed indicators for assessing rational drug use (RDU) to treat CAP in children were used to evaluate the rationality of drug use. The data of the indicators were compared with the recommendations of the available guidelines, analyzing the situation of drug use in the children diagnosed with CAP.

Eight hundred ninety-four children were included, 99.4% of them received antibiotics and 87.4% received more than 1 antibiotic. Antibiotics were administered intravenously in 880 (99.0%) children. About 20 (2.2%) children received antiviral agents and 19 (2.1%) children received antiviral drugs combined with antibiotics. About 208 (23.3%) children received traditional Chinese medicines and the injection of traditional Chinese medicines was given in 20 (2.2%) children.

This study illustrated that drug use was partly not consistent with the recommendations of current guidelines, especially antibiotics. The drug use of CAP in children needs to pay more attention to.
An estrogen receptor-positive locally aggressive smooth muscle neoplasm of the transverse colon
Authors: Usui Genki , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Watanabe Kazuteru , Sugiura Yoshiya , Kusakabe Masashi , Sakai Eiji , Harihara Yasushi , Horiuchi Hajime , Morikawa Teppei
Published: November 2018

Rationale:

Extrauterine leiomyomas (LMs) in women are often positive for the estrogen receptor (ER); however, almost all extrauterine leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are negative for ER. Invasive smooth muscle neoplasms (SMNs) of the gastrointestinal tract walls are very rare and those ER statuses have not been well studied.

Patient concerns:

A 48-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 10 years history of recurrent severe abdominal pain and diarrhea lasting about an hour, with frequency of about twice per year. She was clinically diagnosed with a submucosal tumor (SMT) of the transverse colon and underwent a partial transverse colectomy.

Diagnosis:

A colonoscopy revealed a 30-mm SMT in the transverse colon. A contrast abdominal computed tomography detected a 21-mm mass with significant late phase enhancement in the transverse colon and the lesion was clinically diagnosed as an SMT. Post-operative pathology confirmed a diagnosis of ER-positive locally aggressive SMN.

Interventions:

The patient underwent laparoscopic partial transverse colectomy.

Outcomes:

The patient received no adjuvant therapy postoperatively. The patient has remained disease-free without recurrence 13 months after the surgery.

Lessons:

This is the first case of an ER-positive invasive SMN in the gastrointestinal tract. It highlights the difficulty in classifying some gastrointestinal SMNs as either LMs or LMSs and the importance of ER status in SMNs.
Successful conservative treatment of acute traumatic occlusions of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Lim Kyoung Hoon , Park Jinyoung
Published: November 2018

Rationale:

Blunt injury of major visceral arteries such as celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are very rare but fatal, therefore, these injuries are challenging to trauma surgeons. The patient with occlusion of CA or SMA is theoretically viable by visceral collateral circulation. However, there are very rare cases in clinics. To date, there have been few reports of both CA and SMA occlusions after blunt trauma. Herein we describe our successful conservative treatment of patients with both CA and SMA occlusions.

Patient concerns:

Fifteen-year-old girl suffering from schizophrenia was transferred to our hospital after a fall from 3-floor-height with a purpose of suicide.

Diagnoses:

An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast enhancement showed proximal CA and proximal SMA occlusions with surrounding retroperitoneal hematoma, however, distal parts of occlusion were supplied by the collateral vessels (enlarged marginal artery of left colon from inferior mesenteric artery and pancreaticoduodenal arcade).

Interventions:

She was treated by only supportive care without anticoagulant due to retroperitoneal hematoma.

Outcomes:

The patient was discharged 25 days after admission without complications.

Lessons:

We think that our patient could survive because her vascular status was healthy and collateral circulations were plenty according to the young age. We believe that this case can provide a basis for ligation in these forbidding and handless major visceral arterial injuries such as CA or SMA.
Changes in choriocapillaris and retinal morphology after laser photocoagulation by OCT angiography
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Ueno Yoshitaka , Ra Eimei , Ito Yasuki , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: November 2018

Rationale:

Earlier studies have shown that laser photocoagulation treatments are associated with good long-term visual acuity in most patients with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (S-NPDR). Histopathologic studies of autopsied eyes have demonstrated defects in the choriocapillaris beneath the retinal laser lesions secondary to photocoagulation for S-NPDR. These lesions have been observed to expand centrifugally over time especially in the posterior pole, and the atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can be significantly enlarged. There are, however, limited studies detailing the in vivo changes that occur in the RPE and choriocapillaris following laser photocoagulation.

Patient concerns:

A 46-year-old woman presented with visual disturbances in both eyes.

Diagnoses:

Fundus examinations showed many retinal hemorrhages and soft exudates in the four quadrants due to S-NPDR.

Interventions:

Laser photocoagulations with a 532-nm wavelength argon laser with power of 170 to 230 mW and spot size of 200 μm were performed to treat the S-NPDR. The changes in the choriocapillaris and retinal vasculature were followed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography.

Outcomes:

The choriocapillaris beneath the laser spots was disrupted from 1 hour following the photocoagulation but it was restored at week 2. The choriocapillaris appeared almost normal at some laser spots, but they were still some spots that were altered at 1 year. The outer retina and RPE were disrupted beneath the laser spots at 1 year. On the contrary, there were no visible retinal vascular changes in the superficial and deep plexuses of retinal vasculature determined by OCT angiography with manual and automated segmentation.

Lessons:

The choriocapillaris in human eyes can recover after laser photocoagulation although the outer retina and RPE remain disrupted and do not recover.
Test Characteristics of Cerebrospinal Fluid Gram Stain to Identify Bacterial Meningitis in Infants Younger Than 60 Days
Authors: Balamuth Fran , Cruz Andrea T. , Freedman Stephen B. , Ishimine Paul T. , Garro Aris , Curtis Sarah , Grether-Jones Kendra L. , Miller Aaron S. , Uspal Neil G. , Schmidt Suzanne M. , Shah Samir S. , Nigrovic Lise E. ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee (PEMCRC) HSV Study Group
Published: November 2018

In our cohort of 20,947 infants aged 60 days or younger, cerebrospinal fluid Gram stain had a sensitivity of 34.3% (95% confidence interval, 28.1%–41.1%) and a positive predictive value of 61.4% (95% confidence interval, 52.2%–69.8%) for positive cerebrospinal fluid culture, suggesting that Gram stain alone may lead to both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
Perceived Versus Calculated HIV Risk: Implications for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in a Randomized Trial of Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Blumenthal Jill , Jain Sonia , Mulvihill Evan , Sun Shelly , Hanashiro Marvin , Ellorin Eric , Graber Sara , Haubrich Richard , Morris Sheldon
Published: November 2018

Background:

Inaccurate HIV risk perception by men who have sex with men is a barrier to HIV prevention. Providing information about objective HIV risk could improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake.

Methods:

PrEP Accessibility Research & Evaluation 2 (PrEPARE2) was a randomized controlled trial of men who have sex with men to determine whether an objective risk score affects future PrEP uptake. Participants completed a baseline survey to assess demographics, risk behaviors, and HIV self-perceived risk (SPR). The survey generated a calculated HIV risk (CalcR) score, estimating HIV risk based on reported condomless anal intercourse and sexually transmitted infections, and was provided to individuals in the intervention arm. Participants were contacted 8 weeks later to determine whether they initiated PrEP.

Results:

Of 171 participants (median age 32 years; 37% Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black; median 5 sexual partners in the past 6 months), 81% had heard of PrEP, and 57% believed they were good PrEP candidates. SPR had poor agreement with CalcR (kappa = 0.176) with 38% underestimating their HIV risk. At week 8, only 14 of 135 participants had initiated PrEP with no difference between arms (CalcR 11%, control 10%, P > 0.99). The most common reason for not starting PrEP was low HIV risk perception. There was a relative decrease in SPR over time (P = 0.06) but no difference between arms (P = 0.29).

Conclusion:

Providing an objective HIV risk score alone did not increase PrEP uptake. HIV testing performed at testing sites may be a crucial time to correct misperceptions about risk and initiate same-day PrEP, given enthusiasm for PrEP on the testing day to facilitate greater uptake.
Impact of a Youth-Focused Care Model on Retention and Virologic Suppression Among Young Adults With HIV Cared for in an Adult HIV Clinic
Authors: Griffith David , Snyder Jeremy , Dell Shanna , Nolan Kisten , Keruly Jeanne , Agwu Allison
Published: November 2018

Background:

Young adults with HIV (YAHIV) are less likely to be retained in care or achieve viral suppression (VS) when seen in adult clinics. We assessed the outcomes of a youth-focused care model versus standard of care (SOC) within a large adult HIV clinic.

Setting:

The Accessing Care Early (ACE) program for YAHIV is embedded within an adult clinic. Eligibility for ACE includes age 18–30 years with ≥1 criteria: transfer from pediatric care, mental health diagnosis, substance use, or identified adherence barriers. Ineligible patients receive SOC.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients entering ACE versus SOC from 2012 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression assessed variables associated with retention and VS <200 copies per milliliter, and in separate analysis, clinical services utilization.

Results:

One hundred thirty-seven YAHIV entered care (2012–2014), 61 ACE and 76 SOC. Despite higher risk factors, ACE YAHIV were less likely to be lost to follow-up compared with SOC (16% versus 37%, P < 0.01). At 24 months, 49% in ACE versus 26% in SOC met the retention measure (P < 0.01). In adjusted analysis, ACE was associated with retention in care [AOR 3.26 (1.23–8.63)]. Of those meeting the retention measure, 60% of ACE versus 89% of SOC had VS [AOR 0.63 (0.35–1.14)]. Retention was associated with more frequent social work visits, nurse phone calls, and peer navigator interactions.

Conclusions:

Higher risk ACE YAHIV had better retention than SOC YAHIV in an adult clinic. Improved retention did not lead to improved VS, underscoring the need for additional interventions to optimize VS for YAHIV.
Dynamic Volume Change Rate and Aspect Ratio Are Correlated to the Formation of an Irregular Morphology of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Gu Yan , Zhang Yonggang , Luo Meng , Zhang Hongwei , Liu Xiguang , Miao Chongchang
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this research was to study the factors influencing the formation of intracranial aneurysms with irregular morphology by observing the dynamic volume change rate of intracranial unruptured aneurysms and other aneurysm characteristics.

Method

Sixty-five unruptured intracranial aneurysms of 51 consecutive patients from 1 center were included in this study. All patients underwent a dual-source computed tomography electrocardiogram-gated 4-dimensional computed tomography angiography examination. The original data at the end of the scan were reconstructed, and 20 sets of data packages through a cardiac cycle with 5% interval were obtained. Data packages were processed by a 3-dimensional software workstation to obtain 20 sets of images and dynamic diagrams. The volume of each aneurysm in the 20 sets of images was measured, and the volume change was calculated by a specific formula. The other data features of the aneurysm such as aneurysm neck, aneurysm height, aspect ratio (AR), location at bifurcation, and clinical features such as age, sex, hypertension history, type 2 diabetes history, smoking history, family history, multiple aneurysm history, and subarachnoid hemorrhage history, were documented in detail. After single factor analysis data, logistic regression analysis of the meaningful indicator was conducted to study the predictive factors of irregular aneurysms.

Results

Of the 65 aneurysms, 25 possessed an irregular shape and 40 were of regular shape; 51 were anterior circulatory aneurysms and 14 were posterior circulatory aneurysms. Single factor analysis showed that AR (P = 0.001), volume change rate (P = 0.002), and location of aneurysm at the bifurcation (P = 0.038) of the vessel were significantly correlated with irregular aneurysms, but not correlated with age, sex, hypertension history, type 2 diabetes history, smoking history, family history, multiple aneurysm history, and subarachnoid hemorrhage history. Multifactor analysis showed that volume change rate greater than 30% (P = 0.008; odds ratio, 6.934) and AR greater than 1.4 (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 8.258) were independent correlative factors of the formation of intracranial aneurysm with irregular shape.

Conclusion

The volume change rate and AR are independent correlative factors of the formation of intracranial aneurysm with irregular shape.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring: Current Status and Review of Literature
Authors: Malguria Nagina , Zimmerman Stefan , Fishman Elliot K.
Published: November 2018

Coronary artery calcium is a marker of overall atherosclerotic plaque burden, corresponding to approximately 20% overall atherosclerotic plaque burden. Coronary artery calcium screening, most commonly performed using the Agatston score, has been shown to be a predictor of future cardiovascular risk independent of conventional risk scores such as the Framingham risk score. Coronary artery calcium screening is also recommended on routine nongated, noncontrast chest computed tomography scans using several ordinal and visual scoring systems.
Single particle cryo-EM reconstruction of 52 kDa streptavidin at 3.2 Angstrom resolution
Authors: Fan Xiao , Wang Jia , Zhang Xing , Yang Zi , Zhang Jin-Can , Zhao Lingyun , Peng Hai-Lin , Lei Jianlin , Wang Hong-Wei
Published: November 2018

The fast development of single particle cryo-EM has made it more feasible to obtain the 3D structure of well-behaved macromolecules with molecular weight higher than 300 kDa at ~3 Å resolution. It remains a challenge to obtain high resolution structure of molecules smaller than 100 kDa using single particle cryo-EM, mainly due to the low contrast of the molecules embedded in vitreous ice. In this work, we applied the Cs-corrector-VPP coupled cryo-EM to study 52 kDa streptavidin (SA) protein supported on a thin layer of graphene film and embedded in vitreous ice. We were able to solve both the apo-SA and biotin-bound SA at near-atomic resolution using single particle cryo-EM. We demonstrated that the method is capable to determine the structure of molecule as small as 39 kDa and potentially even smaller molecules. Furthermore, we found that using the graphene film to avoid the adsorption to the air-water interface is critical to maintain the protein’s high-resolution structural information.
Habitat fragmentation compromises the population dynamic of the globally near-threatened Straight-billed Reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris)
Authors: Gonçalves Maycon S. S. , Pons Priscila S. , Bonow Felipe C. , Bastazini Vinicius A. G. , Gil-Delgado José A. , López-Iborra Germán M.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the consequences of habitat fragmentation to biological populations is crucial to develop sound conservation polices. The Straight-billed Reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris) is a little known and threatened Passeriform that is highly dependent Erygo wetlands patches. Here, we evaluated the effects of habitat fragmentation on populations of the Straight-billed Reedhaunter, during the construction of a water reservoir in southern Brazil. During eight months, we monitored five Eryngo wetlands patches occupied (n=3) and no occupied (n=2) by Straight-billed Reedhaunter individuals, collecting data on their temporal occupancy patterns and registering new fragmentation events in formally continuous habitat patches. We evaluated the consequences of habitat fragmentation on the probabilities of patch occupancy, colonization and extinction of populations of the Straight-billed Reedhaunter using an information-theoretic approach. Out of the three patches occupied by Straight-billed Reedhaunter, two were not altered by construction activities and their populations were present during the entire study period. After fragmentation events, local extinction in one of the wetland patches was observed, and individuals were sporadically observed in two other initially unoccupied sites. The model in which fragmentation affected only the extinction probability was the most plausible among the set of candidate models. Fragmentation greatly increased the chance of local population extinction within patches. Our results indicate that the conservation of populations of the Straight-billed Reedhaunter is highly dependent on continuous and unaltered wetland patches.
Lamina and Heterochromatin Direct Chromosome Organisation in Senescence and Progeria
Authors: Chiang Michael , Michieletto Davide , Brackley Chris A. , Rattanavirotkul Nattaphong , Mohammed Hisham , Marenduzzo Davide , Chandra Tamir
Published: November 2018

Lamina-associated domains (LADs) cover a large part of the human genome and are thought to play a major role in shaping the nuclear architectural landscape. Here, we use simulations based on concepts from polymer physics to dissect the roles played by heterochromatin- and lamina-mediated interactions in nuclear organisation. Our model explains the conventional organisation of heterochromatin and euchromatin in growing cells, as well as the pathological organisation found in oncogene-induced senescence and progeria. We show that the experimentally observed changes in the locality of contacts in senescent and progeroid cells can be explained naturally as arising due to phase transitions in the system. Our model predicts that LADs are highly stochastic, and that, once established, the senescent phenotype should be metastable even if lamina-mediated interactions were reinstated. Overall, our simulations uncover a universal physical mechanism that can regulate heterochromatin segregation and LAD formation in a wide range of mammalian nuclei.
Polycomb Cbx2 Condensates Assemble through Phase Separation
Authors: Tatavosian Roubina , Kent Samantha , Brown Kyle , Yao Tingting , Duc Huy Nguyen , Huynh Thao Ngoc , Zhen Chao Yu , Ma Brian , Wang Haobin , Ren Xiaojun
Published: November 2018

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are master regulators of development and differentiation. Mutation and dysregulation of PcG genes cause developmental defects and cancer. PcG proteins form condensates in the nucleus of cells and these condensates are the physical sites of PcG-targeted gene silencing. However, the physiochemical principles underlying the PcG condensate formation remain unknown. Here we show that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) protein Cbx2, one member of the Cbx family proteins, contains a long stretch of intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Cbx2 undergoes phase separation to form condensates. Cbx2 condensates exhibit liquid-like properties and can concentrate DNA and nucleosomes. We demonstrate that the conserved residues within the IDR promote the condensate formation in vitro and in vivo. We further indicate that H3K27me3 has minimal effects on the Cbx2 condensate formation while depletion of core PRC1 subunits facilitates the condensate formation. Thus, our results reveal that PcG condensates assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and suggest that PcG-bound chromatin is in part organized through phase-separated condensates.
Non-monotonic regulation of gene expression, neural progenitor fate and brain growth by the chromatin remodeller CHD8
Authors: Hurley Shaun , Mohan Conor , Suetterlin Philipp , Ellegood Jacob , Rudari Fabrizio , Lerch Jason P. , Fernandes Cathy , Basson M. Albert
Published: November 2018

Heterozygous CHD8 mutations are associated with autism and macrocephaly with high penetrance in the human population. The reported mutations may have loss-of-function (haploinsufficient), hypomorphic or dominant negative effects on protein function. To determine the effects of reducing CHD8 protein function below haploinsufficient levels on brain development, we established a Chd8 allelic series in the mouse. Chd8 heterozygous mice exhibited relatively subtle brain overgrowth and little gene expression changes in the embryonic neocortex. In comparison, mild Chd8 hypomorphs displayed significant postnatal lethality, with surviving animals exhibiting more pronounced brain hyperplasia, and significantly altered expression of over 2000 genes. Autism-associated genes were downregulated and neural progenitor proliferation genes upregulated. Severe Chd8 hypomorphs displayed even greater transcriptional dysregulation, affecting genes and pathways that largely overlapped with those dysregulated in the mild hypomorphs. By contrast, homozygous, conditional deletion of Chd8 in early neuronal progenitors resulted in the induction of p53 target genes, cell cycle exit, apoptosis and pronounced brain hypoplasia. Intriguingly, increased progenitor proliferation in hypomorphs was primarily restricted to TBR2+ intermediate progenitors, suggesting critical roles for CHD8 in regulating the expansion of this population. Given the importance of these progenitors in human cortical growth, this observation suggests that human brain development might be more sensitive to CHD8 deficiency than the mouse. We conclude that brain development is acutely sensitive to CHD8 dosage and that the varying sensitivities of different progenitor populations and cellular processes to CHD8 dosage can result in non-linear effects on gene transcription and brain growth.
The strength of protein-protein interactions controls the information capacity and dynamical response of signaling networks
Authors: Wang Ching-Hao , Mehta Pankaj , Bashor Caleb J.
Published: November 2018

Eukaryotic cells transmit information by signaling through complex networks of interacting proteins. Here we develop a theoretical and computational framework that relates the biophysics of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within a signaling network to its information processing properties. To do so, we generalize statistical physics-inspired models for protein binding to account for interactions that depend on post-translational state (e.g. phosphorylation). By combining these models with information-theoretic methods, we find that PPIs are a key determinant of information transmission within a signaling network, with weak interactions giving rise to “noise” that diminishes information transmission. While noise can be mitigated by increasing interaction strength, the accompanying increase in transmission comes at the expense of a slower dynamical response. This suggests that the biophysics of signaling protein interactions give rise to a fundamental “speed-information” trade-off. Surprisingly, we find that cross-talk between pathways in complex signaling networks do not significantly alter information capacity–an observation that may partially explain the promiscuity and ubiquity of weak PPIs in heavily interconnected networks. We conclude by showing how our framework can be used to design synthetic biochemical networks that maximize information transmission, a procedure we dub “InfoMax” design.
Design improvements and flap deflection evaluations with considering centrifugal load on active trailing edge flap
Authors: Visconti Umberto , Eun WonJong , Sim JiSoo , Lee SangWoo , Shin SangJoon
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design, analysis and experiments of the active trailing-edge flap (Seoul National University Flap, SNUF) for vibration reduction in the helicopter rotor prior to the small-scale blades planned to test in a whirl tower.

Design/methodology/approach

The predictions of the hinge moment in both steady and unsteady flows were obtained through computational fluid dynamics calculations. When compared with the results originated from analytical formulations, the proposed method showed improved prediction capabilities. To validate the deflection of the flap under the centrifugal load by rotating, static analysis was conducted using both contact and rotating condition of MSC NASTRAN. The corresponding experiment also was performed using the vertical frame for simulating the effect of the centrifugal force.

Findings

The hinge moment of the flap is predicted through unsteady analysis in the actuation frequency of 3/rev. The material of the guide in the flap mechanism was selected through static analysis under both contact and rotating condition. Finally, reduction of the deflection occurred because of the load in the axial direction of the hinge like the centrifugal load.

Practical implications

The important aspects, such as design, analysis, and experiments for the active trailing-edge flap were shown.

Originality/value

This paper showed the relationship of the displacement, block force and voltage of the piezo-actuator, combined with the hinge moment predicted. The methodology and the experiment were presented for simulating the centrifugal force acting on the flap.
Consumers’ snack choices: current factors contributing to obesity
Authors: Mielmann Annchen , Brunner Thomas A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate the need for and create an insightful understanding of the current factors contributing to consumer’s obesity levels due to their snack choices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on previous literature using publications from the Emerald Insight Journals, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Web of Science electronic database from 1999 to 2018 that validate and support existing literature. The retrieved literature is organised and classified into specific constructs.

Findings

Research into consumers’ choice of snacks from an environmental, cultural and health perspective is still underrepresented in the international scientific literature. More research is required on the specific effects of specific levels of the stated factors contributing to obesity. Health and cross-cultural studies are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between snack choices and factors contributing to obesity that will help to implement more efficient health measures.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to academics studying consumers’ snacking behaviour and public health practitioners evaluating qualitative and quantitative methods to address the obesity epidemic.
Corporate governance dynamics and wealth effects: evidence from large loss acquisitions and large gain acquisitions in the USA
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Szewczyk Samuel H. , Chhabria Maneesh
Published: November 2018

Purpose

When major reallocations of the firm’s assets are strategically necessary, the corporation’s decision system is perhaps put to its severest test. This paper aims to argue that a relevant balance in the corporate governance structure is highly important to assure those strategic decisions taken are successful and economically beneficial to shareholders’ wealth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines US firms making major acquisitions resulting in large losses or large gains and identify weaknesses and strengths in their respective governance structures.

Findings

Firms making large loss acquisitions demonstrate a balance in the corporate governance structure that heavily favors the CEO. Firms making large gain acquisitions present a more efficient balance in the configuration their corporate governance dynamics. Finally, the authors present evidence that making a major acquisition triggers rebalancing of the corporate governance dynamics to increase the effectiveness of monitoring the implementation of the acquisition. The authors find firms making large loss acquisitions make more extensive changes in the professional expertise on their boards.

Originality/value

This study provides a broad understanding of the role of corporate governance by examining overall governance dynamics and offers how one corporate governance structure does not fit all firms, at all times, in all circumstances. Instead, timely imbalances within the configurations of corporate governance dynamics over the major strategic acquisition process can be consistent with the goal of increasing shareholders’ wealth.
An evolutionary modelling approach to predicting stress-strain behaviour of saturated granular soils
Authors: Ahangar Asr Alireza , Faramarzi Asaad , Javadi Akbar A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a unified framework for modelling triaxial deviator stress – axial strain and volumetric strain – axial strain behaviour of granular soils with the ability to predict the entire stress paths, incrementally, point by point, in deviator stress versus axial strain and volumetric strain versus axial strain spaces using an evolutionary-based technique based on a comprehensive set of data directly measured from triaxial tests without pre-processing. In total, 177 triaxial test results acquired from literature were used to develop and validate the models. Models aimed to not only be capable of capturing and generalising the complicated behaviour of soils but also explicitly remain consistent with expert knowledge available for such behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) was used to develop models to predict stress – axial strain and volumetric strain – axial strain behaviour of granular soils. EPR integrates numerical and symbolic regression to perform EPR. The strategy uses polynomial structures to take advantage of favourable mathematical properties. EPR is a two-stage technique for constructing symbolic models. It initially implements evolutionary search for exponents of polynomial expressions using a genetic algorithm (GA) engine to find the best form of function structure; second, it performs a least squares regression to find adjustable parameters, for each combination of inputs (terms in the polynomial structure).

Findings

EPR-based models were capable of generalising the training to predict the behaviour of granular soils under conditions that have not been previously seen by EPR in the training stage. It was shown that the proposed EPR models outperformed ANN and provided closer predictions to the experimental data cases. The entire stress paths for the shearing behaviour of granular soils using developed model predictions were created with very good accuracy despite error accumulation. Parametric study results revealed the consistency of developed model predictions, considering roles of various contributing parameters, with physical and engineering understandings of the shearing behaviour of granular soils.

Originality/value

In this paper, an evolutionary-based data-mining method was implemented to develop a novel unified framework to model the complicated stress-strain behaviour of saturated granular soils. The proposed methodology overcomes the drawbacks of artificial neural network-based models with black box nature by developing accurate, explicit, structured and user-friendly polynomial models and enabling the expert user to obtain a clear understanding of the system.
Stochastic design optimization accounting for structural and distributional design variables
Authors: Ren Xuchun , Rahman Sharif
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new method, named as augmented polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD) method, for robust design optimization (RDO) and reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) subject to mixed design variables comprising both distributional and structural design variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves a new augmented PDD of a high-dimensional stochastic response for statistical moments and reliability analyses; an integration of the augmented PDD, score functions, and finite-difference approximation for calculating the sensitivities of the first two moments and the failure probability with respect to distributional and structural design variables; and standard gradient-based optimization algorithms.

Findings

New closed-form formulae are presented for the design sensitivities of moments that are simultaneously determined along with the moments. A finite-difference approximation integrated with the embedded Monte Carlo simulation of the augmented PDD is put forward for design sensitivities of the failure probability.

Originality/value

In conjunction with the multi-point, single-step design process, the new method provides an efficient means to solve a general stochastic design problem entailing mixed design variables with a large design space. Numerical results, including a three-hole bracket design, indicate that the proposed methods provide accurate and computationally efficient sensitivity estimates and optimal solutions for RDO and RBDO problems.
Post termination interaction in international joint ventures (IJV)
Authors: Parameswar Nakul , Dhir Sanjay
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore dynamics of post termination interaction between international joint venture (IJV) partners and empirically examines IJV level and dyad level factors that influence the choice of post IJV termination interaction as supplier, complement or competitor.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth literature review is undertaken to identify IJV and dyad level that could influence the choice of post termination interaction between terminated IJV partners. Hypotheses are empirically validated using multinomial logistic regression on data collected on terminated IJV headquartered in India.

Findings

The results denote that the choice of post-IJV termination interaction between IJV partners as supplier, complement or competitor is influenced by interdependence, bargaining power, foreign partner’s purpose of IJV, complementarity and type of IJV termination.

Research limitations/implications

This paper explores an under researched area in extant IJV literature that could be taken up for study by academicians. The paper upholds and strengthens the dynamic capabilities view of strategic management in IJV context.

Practical implications

This paper examines a practice adopted by businesses in emerging markets and determines important factors that influence the choice of interaction post IJV termination between partners. Practitioners will be encouraged to understand and plan post termination dynamics with their terminated IJV partner.

Originality/value

The paper undertakes examination of a practical business phenomena, i.e. interaction post termination between terminated IJV partners.
Negative externalities in the sharing economy: sources, paths and recommendations
Authors: Jing Wenjun , Sun Baowen
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the complex path of negative externalities in the sharing economy and proposes corresponding policy recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to establish an analytical framework for the negative externalities of the sharing economy and to extract the main factors that produce negative externalities, and then, through qualitative comparative analysis method find out how these factors interact to form a negative externality.

Findings

Negative externalities in the sharing economy come from the joint effect of the sharing degree of the product or service and constraint mechanism, and the current main modes of the shared economy increase the possibility of negative externalities.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a complex path resulting from negative externalities in the shared economy.
Economic implications of domestic natural gas allocation in Indonesia
Authors: Hutagalung Aldi M. , Hartono Djoni , Arentsen Maarten J. , Lovett Jon C.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide to a better scientific understanding of Indonesia’s domestic gas allocation policy and its effects on the national economy and to answer the question of what best priorities can be set in allocating the natural gas for the domestic market to maximize the benefits for the national economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a Computabled General Equilibrium (CGE). The Social Accounting Matrix 2008 is used to calibrate the CGE Model. There are two scenarios proposed, each is simulated with certain percentage of gas supply curtailment (50 MMSCFD, Scenario A), (100 MMSCFD, Scenario B).

Findings

It is confirmed that government’s current policy to give priority to oil production is not the optimum way to maximize added value of natural gas to Indonesian economy. While oil production generates state revenue, it is industry and petrochemical sector that induces high economic impacts because of strong backward and forward linkages.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limited data availability, it is assumed that the data on the SAM 2008 are valid for describing the structure of Indonesian economy.

Practical implications

The paper provides recommendation to the government to revise gas allocation policy by changing the rank of consumers’ priority.

Originality/value

This paper provides instruments to measure the impact of Indonesia’s domestic gas allocation policy. Finding the best hierarchy of consumer priorities is essential for maximizing added value of natural gas for the national economy.
Critical literacy in #DigitalActivism: collaborative choice and action
Authors: Amgott Natalie
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection between critical literacy and digital activism. Critical literacy is a form of instruction that teaches students to question power structures and societal injustices, while digital activism introduces methods for individuals and groups to use digital tools to effect social and political change. This review argues that digital literacy is the natural partner to pedagogical approaches informed by critical literacy, which attempts to uncover, address, question and solve social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

An illustrative example of collaborative student choice and action is offered through a multimedia project with actionable hashtags for sharing online. The paper concludes with a discussion of how educators can foster more collaborative choice and action by intertwining critical and digital literacies at all levels of education. However, implementation and application of these ideas lies not only with educators and administrators, but most importantly, with students themselves.

Findings

In order for students to be most prepared for meaningful interactions in the global and digital world, critical literacy, digital literacy and digital activism must become a core part of classroom instruction. Multimedia projects that are easily sharable and can track analytics are a successful way to raise consciousness and advocate for local and global action.

Originality/value

The powerful instructional practices that link critical and digital literacies provide students with the skills to continue questioning multiple viewpoints and promoting social justice issues within and beyond classroom walls.
Level of detail, information and accuracy in building information modelling of existing and heritage buildings
Authors: Graham Katie , Chow Lara , Fai Stephen
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Over the past decade, national and international organisations concerned with regulating the architecture, engineering, construction and operations industry have been working to create guidelines for the integration of building information modelling (BIM) through the establishment of benchmarks to measure the quality and quantity of information in a given model. Until recently, these benchmarks – and BIM guidelines in general – have been developed for the design and construction of new projects, providing very little guidance for using BIM in the context of conservation and rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new benchmark specific to existing and heritage buildings developed by Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS).

Design/methodology/approach

To create the new benchmark, CIMS conducted a critical evaluation of established and emerging BIM guidelines including: Level of Development Specification 2016 (BIMFORUM), architecture, engineering and construction (Can) BIM Protocol (CanBIM), PAS 1102-2: Specification for Information Management for the Capital Delivery Phase of Construction Projects Using BIM (British Standards Institution) and Level of Accuracy Specification Guide (US Institute of Building Documentation).

Findings

Using the authors’ on-going work at the Parliament Hill National Historic Site in Ottawa, Canada, the CIMS created and applied a three-category system that evaluated the level of detail, information and accuracy within the building information model independently.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors discuss the CIMS’ work to date and propose next steps.
Exploring consumer collecting behavior: a conceptual model and research agenda
Authors: Ijams Spaid Brian
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the behaviors that revolve around collecting, the motivations behind these behaviors and the psychological benefits collectors receive from engaging in these collecting behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough literature review and integration of prominent psychological and social psychology theories are used to propose a conceptual model, several research propositions and potential research questions for future scholarship.

Findings

This paper proposes that a collector salient identity and collecting motives drive tension-inducing social and solitary collecting behaviors and that these behaviors in turn reinforce the collector salient identity. Relevant aspects of the collecting phenomenon are explored, and included propositions provide future research direction to validate a proposed conceptual model designed to provide insights into a common consumer behavior.

Originality/value

This paper provides a broad conceptual model and explores several details of consumer collecting behavior as a basis for future research.
Influence of automated driving on driver’s own localization: a driving simulator study
Authors: Umeno Ryuichi , Itoh Makoto , Kitazaki Satoshi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Level 3 automated driving, which has been defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, may cause driver drowsiness or lack of situation awareness, which can make it difficult for the driver to recognize where he/she is. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct an experimental study with a driving simulator to investigate whether automated driving affects the driver’s own localization compared to manual driving.

Design/methodology/approach

Seventeen drivers were divided into the automated operation group and manual operation group. Drivers in each group were instructed to travel along the expressway and proceed to the specified destinations. The automated operation group was forced to select a course after receiving a Request to Intervene (RtI) from an automated driving system.

Findings

A driver who used the automated operation system tended to not take over the driving operation correctly when a lane change is immediately required after the RtI.

Originality/value

This is a fundamental research that examined how the automated driving operation affects the driver's own localization. The experimental results suggest that it is not enough to simply issue an RtI, and it is necessary to tell the driver what kind of circumstances he/she is in and what they should do next through the HMI. This conclusion can be taken into consideration for engineers who design automatic driving vehicles.
Attitudes to antipsychotics: a multi-site survey of Canadian psychiatry residents
Authors: Bahji Anees , Bajaj Neeraj
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the training needs of the next generation of psychiatrists, and barriers in prescribing first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), long-acting injectable (LAIs) antipsychotics and clozapine.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic survey was sent to psychiatry residents (N= 75/288, 26 percent) at four Canadian residency programs in late December 2017. The survey was based on an instrument originally developed at the University of Cambridge and consisted of 31 questions in 10 content domains.

Findings

Nearly 80 percent of residents were aware that FGAs and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have similar efficacy. However, extra-pyramidal symptoms and lack of training experience were the leading concerns associated with the prescribing of FGAs. Although over 90 percent of residents felt confident about initiating an oral SGA as a regular medication, only 40 percent did so with FGAs. Confidence with initiating LAIs and clozapine was 60 and 61 percent, respectively.

Practical implications

The survey highlights the need for better training in the use of FGAs, clozapine and LAIs. These medications can be effectively used in providing patients with the most appropriate evidence-based treatment options to improve treatment outcomes, while ensuring that these resources are not lost to the future generations of psychiatrists.

Originality/value

The survey may be the first of its kind to assess antipsychotic prescribing attitudes in Canadian psychiatry residents in multiple sites.