bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetically diverse uropathogenicEscherichia coliadopt a common transcriptional program in patients with urinary tract infections
Authors: Sintsova Anna , Frick-Cheng Arwen , Smith Sara , Pirani Ali , Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan , Snitkin Evan , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: April 2019

UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the major causative agent of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). A common virulence genotype of UPEC strains responsible for UTIs is yet to be defined, due to the large variation of virulence factors observed in UPEC strains. We hypothesized that studying UPEC functional responses in patients might reveal universal UPEC features that enable pathogenesis. Here we identify a transcriptional program shared by genetically diverse UPEC strains isolated from 14 patients during uncomplicated UTIs. Strikingly, thisin vivogene expression program is marked by upregulation of translational machinery, providing a mechanism for the rapid growth within the host. Our analysis indicates that switching to a more specialized catabolism and scavenging lifestyle in the host allows for the increased translational output. Our study identifies a common transcriptional program underlying UTIs and illuminates the molecular underpinnings that likely facilitate the fast growth rate of UPEC in infected patients.
CDK2 kinase activity is a regulator of male germ cell fate
Authors: Singh Priti , Patel Ravi K. , Palmer Nathan , Grenier Jennifer K. , Paduch Darius , Kaldis Philipp , Grimson Andrew , Schimenti John C.
Published: April 2019

The ability of men to remain fertile throughout their lives depends upon establishment of a spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool from gonocyte progenitors, and also maintaining the proper balance between SSC renewal and spermatogenic differentiation throughout life. Depletion of SSCs causes infertility with a Sertoli Cell Only Syndrome (SCOS) phenotype. We previously created a mouse strain in which an inhibitory phosphorylation site (Tyr15) of Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) was altered. Juvenile males homozygous for this allele (Cdk2Y15S) initiate the first round of spermatogenesis, which originates from prospermatogonia, but meiocytes arrest due to chromosomal defects resembling those inCdk2-/-mice. Subsequent waves of spermatogonial differentiation and meiosis were largely absent, leading to an SCOS-like phenotype. Here, we demonstrate thatCdk2Y15S/Y15Smice possess mitotically active GFRa1+SSC-like cells, but they are impaired in their ability to differentiate. Marker analysis and single cell RNA-seq revealed defective differentiation of gonocytes into SSCs. Biochemical and genetic data demonstrated thatCdk2Y15Sis a gain-of-function allele causing deregulated kinase activity, and its phenotypic effects could be reversed by mutating the Thr160 positive regulatory site incis. These results demonstrate that precise temporal regulation of CDK2 activity in male germ cell development and in the cell cycle is critical for long-term spermatogenic homeostasis.
A role for Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1a (HIF1a) in intermittent hypoxia-dependent changes to spatial memory and synaptic plasticity
Authors: Arias-Cavieres Alejandra , Khuu Maggie A. , Nwakudu Chinwendu U , Barnard Jasmine E. , Dalgin Gokhan , Garcia Alfredo J.
Published: April 2019

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a key feature of sleep apnea, increases the oxygen regulated transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1a (HIF1a). Although recognized for its role in IH-dependent changes in cardio-respiratory physiology, it remains unclear how IH-dependent HIF1a signaling affects neurophysiology underlying learning and memory. This study examines how IH affects hippocampal associated learning and memory in wildtype mice and mice heterozygous for the HIF1a gene (HIF1a+/-). In wild-type mice, ten days of IH impaired performance in the Barnes maze increased hippocampal HIF1a and elevated protein carbonyls. These behavioral and biochemical effects of IH were accompanied by a decrease in the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAr) and an attenuation of long-term potentiation (LTP) in area CA1. In HIF1a+/-, IH did not impair Barnes maze performance, increase hippocampal HIF1a, or enhance protein carbonyl content. At the network level, IH neither led to a decrease in NMDAr nor impaired LTP. Concurrent antioxidant treatment during IH mitigated the IH-dependent effects on the Barnes maze performance and LTP in wildtype mice. Our findings indicate that IH-dependent HIF1a signaling leads to oxidative stress and reduces NMDAr to impair LTP in area CA1, which contributes to IH-dependent deficits in learning and memory associated with the hippocampus.

Significance

Intermittent Hypoxia is a hallmark of sleep apnea and decreases the threshold for cognitive deficit. We demonstrate that intermittent hypoxia-dependent HIF1a signaling contributes to impairments in hippocampal associated memory. This is co-incidental with HIF1a-mediated alternations in synaptic physiology and increased oxidative stress.

Key points

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a hallmark of sleep apnea and is known to cause learning and memory deficits.

Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1a (HIF1a), is associated with IH-dependent changes in physiology.

IH exposure causes increased hippocampal HIF1a in wild type mice and is associated with elevated oxidative stress, impairments to spatial memory, and suppression of long term potentiation (LTP).

IH-dependent suppression of LTP is co-incidental with diminished NMDA receptor contribution to glutamatergic transmission.

Following IH, mice heterozygous for HIF1a (HIF1a+/-) do not show an increase in HIF1a and oxidative stress, or changes in either behavior or glutamatergic transmission.
Combined effects of age and BMI are related to altered cortical thickness in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Westwater Margaret L. , Vilar-López Raquel , Ziauddeen Hisham , Verdejo-García Antonio , Fletcher Paul C.
Published: April 2019

Overweight and obesity are associated with functional and structural alterations in the brain, but how these associations change across critical developmental periods remains unknown. Here, we examined the relationship between age, body mass index (BMI) and cortical thickness (CT) in healthy adolescents (n=70; 14 – 19 y) and adults (n=75; 25 – 45 y). We also examined the relationship between adiposity, impulsivity, measured by delay discounting (DD), and CT of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), a region key to impulse control. A significant age-by-BMI interaction was observed in both adolescents and adults; however, the direction of this relationship differed between age groups. In adolescents, increased age-adjusted BMI Z-score attenuated age-related thinning globally and in the right superior frontal gyrus. In adults, increased BMI augmented age-related CT reductions, both globally and in bilateral parietal cortex. Although DD was unrelated to adiposity in both groups, increased DD and BMI were both associated with reduced IFG thickness in adults. Our findings suggest that the known age-related changes in CT in adolescence and adulthood are altered by adiposity. The impact of weight on cortical development and its functional implications would suggest that future studies of adolescent and adult brain development take adiposity into account.
Nasal and gut microbiota for sows of different health status within six commercial swine farms from one swine production system
Authors: Arruda Andréia Gonçalves , Deblais Loic , Hale Vanessa , Pairis-Garcia Monique , Srivastava Vishal , Kathayat Dipak , Kumar Anand , Rajashekara Gireesh
Published: April 2019

Sow culling is an essential practice in swine herds to optimize animal health and productivity; and cull sows represent a considerable proportion of the herd at any given time point. Even though recent studies have reported that the microbiome is associated with susceptibility to diseases, the microbiome in the cull sow population has not been explored. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in abundance and diversity of microbes encountered in the gut and upper respiratory tract of sows of different health status (healthy, cull, and compromised cull sows) and different farms. Farms were visited once, 30 individual fecal and nasal swab samples were obtained per farm; and pooled across animals by health status and farm in pools of five. Genomic DNA was extracted and samples were subjected to MiSeq 16S rRNA sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Diversity analyses were conducted using QIIME. Alpha diversity was analyzed using observed OTUs, PD Whole Tree, and Chao1; and beta diversity was assessed using weighted UniFrac. The mean number of OTUs was 3,846.97±9,078.87 and 28,747.92±14,090.50 for nasal and fecal pooled samples, respectively. Diversity of the nasal microbiota was low compared to the gut microbiota. For nasal samples, there was a difference in diversity between samples from farms 1-6 using the Chao1 metric (p = 0.0005); and weighted beta diversity values indicated clustering by health status. For fecal samples, there was no difference in diversity between compromised, cull, and healthy sows; or between samples from farms 1-6. Weighted PCoA analyses showed an influence of farm of origin on the diversity of pooled fecal samples. Finally, differences at the genus level were found in the fecal microbiota composition of sows of different health status and farm of origin; but not for nasal microbiota.
A heterochromatin-specific RNA export pathway facilitates piRNA production
Authors: ElMaghraby Mostafa F. , Andersen Peter Refsing , Pühringer Florian , Meixner Katharina , Lendl Thomas , Tirian Laszlo , Brennecke Julius
Published: April 2019

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guide transposon silencing in animals. The 22-30nt piRNAs are processed in the cytoplasm from long non-coding RNAs. How piRNA precursors, which often lack RNA processing hallmarks of export-competent transcripts, achieve nuclear export is unknown. Here, we uncover the RNA export pathway specific for piRNA precursors in theDrosophilagermline. This pathway requires Nxf3-Nxt1, a variant of the hetero-dimeric mRNA export receptor Nxf1-Nxt1. Nxf3 interacts with UAP56, a nuclear RNA helicase essential for mRNA export, and CG13741/Bootlegger, which recruits Nxf3-Nxt1 and UAP56 to heterochromatic piRNA source loci. Upon RNA cargo binding, Nxf3 achieves nuclear export via the exportin Crm1, and accumulates together with Bootlegger in peri-nuclear nuage, suggesting that after export, Nxf3-Bootlegger delivers precursor transcripts to the piRNA processing sites. Our findings indicate that the piRNA pathway bypasses nuclear RNA surveillance systems to achieve export of heterochromatic, unprocessed transcripts to the cytoplasm, a strategy also exploited by retroviruses.
The anatomical boundary of the rat claustrum
Authors: Dillingham Christopher M , Mathiasen Mathias L , Frost Bethany E , Lambert Marie AC , Bubb Emma J , Jankowski Maciej M , Aggleton John P , O’Mara Shane M
Published: April 2019

The claustrum is a subcortical nucleus that exhibits dense connectivity across the neocortex. Considerable recent progress has been made in establishing its genetic and anatomical characteristics, however a core, contentious issue that regularly presents in the literature pertains to the rostral extent of its anatomical boundary. The present study addressed this issue in the rat brain.

Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and neuronal tract tracing, we have examined the expression profiles of several genes that have previously been identified as exhibiting a differential expression profile in the claustrum relative to the surrounding cortex. The expression profiles of parvalbumin, crystallin mu (Crym), and guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), gamma 2 (Gng2) were assessed immunohistochemically alongside, or in combination with cortical anterograde, or retrograde tracer injections. Retrograde neuronal tracer injections into various thalamic nuclei were used to further establish the rostral border of the claustrum.

Expression of all three markers delineated a nuclear boundary that extended considerably (~500 μm) beyond the anterior horn of the neostriatum. Cortical retrograde and anterograde neuronal tracer injections, respectively, revealed distributions of cortically-projecting claustral neurons and cortical efferent inputs to the claustrum that overlapped with the gene marker-derived claustrum boundary. Finally, retrograde tracer injections centred in nucleus reuniens, whilst including the rhomboid, mediodorsal and centromedial nuclei, revealed that insular cortico-thalamic projections encapsulated a claustral area, with strongly diminished cell label, that corresponded to the claustrum.
Spherical Spindle Shape Promotes Perpendicular Cortical Orientation by Preventing Isometric Cortical Pulling on both Spindle Poles during C. elegans Female Meiosis
Authors: Vargas Elizabeth , McNally Karen P. , Cortes Daniel B. , Panzica Michelle T. , Shaub-Maddox Amy , McNally Francis J.
Published: April 2019

Meiotic spindles are positioned perpendicular to the oocyte cortex to facilitate segregation of chromosomes into a large egg and a tiny polar body. In C. elegans, spindles are initially ellipsoid and parallel to the cortex before shortening to a spherical shape and rotating to the perpendicular orientation by dynein-driven cortical pulling. The mechanistic connection between spindle shape and rotation has remained elusive. Here we used mutants of the microtubule-severing protein katanin to manipulate spindle shape without eliminating cortical pulling. In a katanin mutant, spindles remained ellipsoid, had pointed poles and became trapped in either a diagonal or a parallel orientation. Results indicated that astral microtubules emanating from both spindle poles initially engage in cortical pulling until microtubules emanating from one pole detach from the cortex allowing pivoting of the spindle. The lower viscous drag experienced by spherical spindles prevented recapture of the cortex by astral microtubules emanating from the detached pole. In addition, maximizing contact between pole dynein and cortical dynein stabilizes round poles in a perpendicular orientation. Spherical spindle shape can thus promote perpendicular orientation by two distinct mechanisms.
Conserved architecture of Tc toxins from human and insect pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Leidreiter Franziska , Roderer Daniel , Meusch Dominic , Gatsogiannis Christos , Benz Roland , Raunser Stefan
Published: April 2019

Tc toxin complexes use a syringe-like mechanism to penetrate the membrane and translocate a toxic enzyme into the host cytosol. They are composed of three components: TcA, TcB and TcC. Until recently, low-resolution structures of TcA from different bacteria suggested that Tc toxins differ considerably in their architecture and possibly in their mechanism of action. Here, we present high-resolution structures and functional studies of five TcAs from different insect and human pathogenic bacteria. Contrary to previous expectations, their overall composition and domain organization is almost identical. The TcAs assemble as a pentamer with a central α-helical channel surrounded by a shell composed of conserved α-helical domains and variable β-sheet domains. Essential structural features, including a conserved trefoil protein knot, are present in all five TcAs, suggesting a common mechanism of action. All TcAs form functional pores and can be combined with TcB-TcC subunits from other species resulting in chimeric holotoxins. We have identified a conserved ionic pair that stabilizes the shell, likely operating as a strong latch that only springs open after the destabilization of other regions. Our results lead to new insights into the architecture and host specificity of the Tc toxin family.
Tissue and cell-type specific expression of a splice variant in the II-III cytoplasmic loop ofCacna1b
Authors: Alexandra Bunda , Brianna LaCarubba , Marie Akiki , Arturo Andrade
Published: April 2019

Presynaptic CaV2.2 (N-type) channels are fundamental for transmitter release across the nervous system. The gene encoding CaV2.2 channels,Cacna1b, contains alternatively spliced exons that originate functionally distinct splice variants (e18a, e24a, e31a and 37a/37b). Alternative splicing of the cassette exon 18a generates two mRNA transcripts (+e18a-Cacna1band Δe18a-Cacna1b). In this study, using novel mouse genetic models and in situ hybridization (BaseScope™), we confirmed that +e18a-Cacna1bsplice variants are expressed in monoaminergic regions of midbrain. We expanded these studies and identified +e18a-Cacna1bmRNA in deep cerebellar cells and spinal cord motor neurons. Furthermore, we determined that +e18a-Cacna1bis enriched in cholecystokinin expressing interneurons. Our results provide key information to understand cell-specific functions of CaV2.2 channels.
Insights from Fisher’s geometric model on the likelihood of speciation under different histories of environmental change
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryo , Otto Sarah P.
Published: April 2019

The formation of new species via the accumulation of incompatible genetic changes is thought to result either from ecologically-based divergent natural selection or the order by which mutations happen to arise, leading to different evolutionary trajectories even under similar selection pressures. There is growing evidence in support of both ecological speciation and mutation-order speciation, but how different environmental scenarios affect the rate of species formation remains underexplored. We use a simple model of optimizing selection on multiple traits (“Fisher’s geometric model”) to determine the conditions that generate genetic incompatibilities in a changing environment. We find that incompatibilities are likely to accumulate in isolated populations adapting to different environments, consistent with ecological speciation. Incompatibilities also arise when isolated populations face a similar novel environment; these cases of mutation-order speciation are particularly likely when the environment changes rapidly and favors the accumulation of large-effect mutations. In addition, we find that homoploid hybrid speciation is likely to occur either when new environments arise in between the parental environments or when parental populations have accumulated large-effect mutations following a period of rapid adaptation. Our results indicate that periods of rapid environmental change are particularly conducive to speciation, especially mutation-order or hybrid speciation.
Crystal structure of pentacarbonyl(2,2-difluoropropanethioato-κS)manganese(I)
Authors: Daran Jean-Claude , Morales-Cerrada Roberto , Fliedel Christophe , Gayet Florence , Ladmiral Vincent , Ameduri Bruno , Poli Rinaldo
Published: April 2019

The title compound, [Mn{SC(O)CF2CH3}(CO)5], has been isolated as a by-product during the reaction of K[Mn(CO)5] with CH3CF2COCl. It is built up from a difluoromethylpropanethioate bonded to an Mn(CO)5 moiety through the S atom. The Mn atom has an almost perfect octahedral coordination sphere. It is one of the rare examples of compounds containing the (CO)5MnS—C fragment. In the crystal, the methyl group occupies a pocket surrounded by the O atoms of three carbonyl groups of the Mn(CO)5 moiety; however, the H...O distances are rather long. These interactions lead to the formation of layers lying parallel to (101), which enclose R
4
4(15) and R
4
4(16) ring motifs. The CF2 group is disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.849 (3) and 0.151 (3).
A discrete fireworks optimization algorithm to optimize multi-matching selective assembly problem with non-normal dimensional distribution
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Nan Zhang , Qiu Chan , Tan Jianrong , Zhou Jingsong , Yao Yao
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply firework optimization algorithm to optimize multi-matching selective assembly problem with non-normal dimensional distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a multi-matching selective assembly approach based on discrete fireworks optimization (DFWO) algorithm is proposed to find the optimal combination of mating parts. The approach introduces new operator with the way of 3-opt and also uses a stochastic selection strategy, combines the discrete selective assembly problem with firework optimization algorithm properly and finds the best combination scheme of mating parts with non-normal dimensional distributions through powerful global search capability of the firework optimization algorithm.

Findings

The effects of different control parameters, including the number of initial fireworks and the coefficient controlling the total number of sparks generated by the fireworks on the evolution performance, are discussed, and a promising higher performance of the proposed selective assembly approach is verified through comparison with other selective assembly methods.

Practical implications

The best combination of mating parts is realized through the proposed selective assembly approach, and workers can select suitable mating parts under the guidance of the combination to increase the assembly efficiency and reduce the amount of surplus parts.

Originality/value

A DFWO algorithm is first designed to combine with multi-matching selective assembly method. For the case of an assembly product, the specific mapping rule and key technologies of DFWO algorithm are proposed.
An RFID and sensor technology-based warehouse center: assessment of new model on a superstore in China
Authors: Liu Hao , Yao Zhong , Zeng Li , Luan Jing
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Large supermarkets, chain stores and enterprises with large-scale warehousing put forward higher standards and requirements for the automation and informatization of warehouses. As one of the fast-growing commercial supermarkets in China, the traditional warehouse management mode has restricted the rapid development of Yonghui Superstores to a certain extent. The purpose of this paper is to find out how the existing warehouse mode can be changed and to solve the existing problems of warehouse management of Yonghui Superstores.

Design/methodology/approach

This research puts forward construction of warehouse center, which is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) and sensor technology, then designs the model for receiving, storage, operations management, distribution and outbound to solve the existing problems of warehouse management of Yonghui Superstores.

Findings

What technologies should be adopted to meet storage requirements? How to monitor the storage environment in real time and improve the operation and management level of the warehouse? This study found that building a warehouse center based on RFID and sensor technology was a good solution.

Research limitations/implications

The Yonghui Superstores warehouse center model lacks corresponding simulation experiments, and the investment and income are difficult to estimate quantitatively.

Practical implications

This paper has designed and discussed the warehouse center model based on RFID and sensor technology, which provides a few references for the actual investment and construction of a warehouse center. In addition, the warehouse center model has strong generalized applicability and could be widely used in various enterprises.

Social implications

The warehouse center could improve the warehouse management level of Yonghui Superstores and change the traditional warehouse management mode. To some extent, it improves the enterprise flexibility of the market, which will be of great significance to improve business efficiency and enhance brand image and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study takes Yonghui Superstores as a case to analyze the problems of warehousing management in detail and then designs a warehouse center based on RFID and sensor technology. The study discusses the location and distribution, software and hardware selection, benefits evaluation, significances and return on investment, which makes the warehouse center model versatile, technically feasible and economically applicable.
How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?
Authors: Sikafi Zain
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them.

Findings

Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments.

Originality/value

The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.
Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience
Authors: Mori Marta , McDermott Ronan , Sagala Saut , Wulandari Yasmina
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations.

Findings

Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency.

Practical implications

Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.
Connecting adaptability strategies to building system lifecycles in hospital retrofits
Authors: Kyrö Riikka , Peltokorpi Antti , Luoma-Halkola Lauri
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The fast advancement of medical technology and processes poses challenges to hospital construction and management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured approach to advancing adaptability in hospital retrofits, proposing the preferable timing and scope of different adaptability strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was chosen, with 28 semi-structured interviews designers, project managers, clients and healthcare professionals as the primary research data.

Findings

This paper presents a model for planning for the future in hospital retrofits. The model includes 11 different adaptability strategies, categorized based on the level of adaptability. Furthermore, each strategy is linked to an open building system level, indicating the appropriate timing. Based on the findings, generality strategies in the tertiary building system level are the most effective forms of adaptability, as they are easy to implement and answer to non-specific changes in hospital operations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to existing knowledge on adaptability in buildings, and provide practical guidance particularly for designers. A new type of service offering, an adaptability roadmap detailing the scope and timing of adaptability, is suggested.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing research by detailing different approaches and knowledge related to adaptability and its strategies in hospital retrofits. More specifically, the three-fold categorization of adaptability is linked to both timing and intrusiveness in a novel way.
Constructing learning spaces – knowledge development in work-based learning
Authors: Lafton Tove , Furu Anne
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how kindergarten, as a learning arena equal to a university college, creates learning spaces that engage or intervene in the professional learning of student teachers in early childhood education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on narratives from students in work-based education.

Findings

The paper addresses the complexity of education by outlining how the concept of learning is applied in earlier research on work-based learning (WBL).

Research limitations/implications

This earlier understanding is complemented this with two theoretical lenses (sociocultural and sociomaterial thinking) to analyse a constructed narrative from the students.

Originality/value

The two theoretical positions open up to examine knowledge development and potentially enrich the picture of learning spaces in experiential WBL, going beyond the student as an individual learner.
Real-time control and application with self-tuning PID-type fuzzy adaptive controller of an inverted pendulum
Authors: Abut Tayfun , Soyguder Servet
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to keep the pendulum on the linear moving car vertically balanced and to bring the car to the equilibrium position with the designed controllers.

Design/methodology/approach

As inverted pendulum systems are structurally unstable and nonlinear dynamic systems, they are important mechanisms used in engineering and technological developments to apply control techniques on these systems and to develop control algorithms, thus ensuring that the controllers designed for real-time balancing of these systems have certain performance criteria and the selection of each controller method according to performance criteria in the presence of destructive effects is very helpful in getting information about applying the methods to other systems.

Findings

As a result, the designed controllers are implemented on a real-time and real system, and the performance results of the system are obtained graphically, compared and analyzed.

Originality/value

In this study, motion equations of a linear inverted pendulum system are obtained, and classical and artificial intelligence adaptive control algorithms are designed and implemented for real-time control. Classic proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, fuzzy logic controller and PID-type Fuzzy adaptive controller methods are used to control the system. Self-tuning PID-type fuzzy adaptive controller was used first in the literature search and success results have been obtained. In this regard, the authors have the idea that this work is an innovative aspect of real-time with self-tuning PID-type fuzzy adaptive controller.
Mission statements: what university research parks tell us about timing
Authors: Alegre Inés , Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina , Guerrero Adrian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Mission statements are a key element of any organization. Ideally, the mission statement should be written at the initial stages of an organization’s life to be a useful tool to guide future organization’s decisions and strategy. However, at the early stages of an organization’s life, the organization might still be under development with the objective and stakeholders not yet well-defined, and therefore, stating the mission so early on, might neglect some important elements. In this paper, the authors explore the difference in mission statement quality between missions that have been created at the birth stage of an organization versus missions that are just explicitly formulated once the organization is already well-established and an underlying implicit mission already exists. The authors use as an empirical setting university research parks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors evaluate mission statement quality using content analysis. The authors then test the differences on mission statement quality between two groups of research parks, those that have followed a creation strategy versus those that have followed a formulation strategy, using mean of differences test.

Findings

The authors find that a formulation strategy produces more complete mission statements than the creation strategy. Research parks that have followed a formulation strategy include in their mission statements more references to relevant stakeholders, such as investors, than parks following a creation strategy with respect to their mission statement.

Research limitations/implications

The research setting is Spanish Science Parks. This research setting is appropriate to answer the research question, as two Park creation strategies, planned and unplanned, allow the researchers to clearly differentiate between two mission conception strategies. However, the sample size is rather small.

Practical implications

Research has shown that a well-defined mission helps organizations focus and strategy formulation. The authors’ research offers some guidance on how to achieve a high-quality mission statement which will, in turn, help organizations have a better definition of their purpose.

Originality/value

Research until now has assumed that the mission statement should be formulated at the initial stages of the organization’s life. The authors’ research shows that defining the mission statement later in the process creates higher-quality mission statements that better reflect the organizations purpose and relevant stakeholders.
Developing brand emotions across cultures: effects of self-construal and context
Authors: Jakubanecs Alexander , Supphellen Magne , Haugen Hege Mathea , Sivertstøl Njål
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the nature of brand emotions elicited by advertising stimuli across cultures and the process underlying such emotional experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses factorial between-subjects design. Random samples of the populations were solicited from the panels of an international data provider in Norway and Thailand.

Findings

This research shows that Thai consumers experience more positive socially engaging and disengaging brand emotions and fewer negative socially engaging emotions relative to Norwegian consumers. The effects of culture are mediated by consumers’ self-construal. Social advertising context increases number of positive and negative socially engaging emotions among Thai (but not among Norwegian) consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlight the importance of incorporating social orientation of emotions and adverting context in cross-cultural studies of brand emotions. The finding that Thai consumers (relative to Norwegian) experience higher levels of atypical for their culture – positive socially disengaging brand emotions requires further research.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that advertising stimuli need to be adapted to the cultural context. Marketing managers should use extensive pretesting in culturally distinct markets to make sure that advertising evokes brand emotions in line with the strategy.

Originality/value

Despite extensive research on brand emotions, extant studies on brand emotions across cultures are limited. This study is among the first to advance the understanding of how social orientation of emotions and advertising context underlie experience of brand emotions across cultures.
Negotiating contradictions: engaging disparate stakeholder demands in designing for active and healthy ageing
Authors: Vaziri Daryoush Daniel , Unbehaun David , Aal Konstantin , Shklovski Irina , Wieching Rainer , Schreiber Dirk , Wulf Volker
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Designing technologies for active and healthy ageing (AHA) requires a subtle understanding of end users (primary stakeholders) and healthcare professionals (secondary stakeholders). Often, their perspectives can be heterogeneous and contradictory. Identifying and negotiating them may be a challenge for designers. The purpose of this paper is to present our approach to understanding and negotiating contradictory stakeholder perspectives when designing AHA technologies for older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an exploratory interview study with 15 community-dwelling older adults and 11 healthcare stakeholders, including doctors, health insurance agencies, policymakers and caregivers. The authors analyzed the interview material and negotiated contradictory perspectives.

Findings

Three major issues among stakeholders emerged: perspectives on AHA; perceived benefits and drawbacks of AHA technologies; and concerns about data privacy, control and trust.

Research limitations/implications

The results show the heterogeneity and contradictions in stakeholder perspectives on AHA technologies and how these perspectives may be negotiated. This could help understand and facilitate long-term use of AHA technologies among older adults.

Originality/value

This study alerts researchers to contradictory perspectives among older people and healthcare stakeholders and the importance of involving them in the design of AHA technologies.
Soil water and salt distribution characteristics with sand pipe
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhao Yuling , Cheng Dongjuan , Ma Baoguo
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Hydraulic conductivity is very low in saline-sodic soil, which decreases water infiltration. For saline-sodic soil, increasing infiltration water has a special meaning. Increasing infiltration water not only increases the water in the soil profile but also decreases the salinity of the soil, thus making it suitable for growing crops. This study aims to examine the effect of sand pipes on soil water and salt distribution through laboratory tests with different depths and diameters of sand pipes.

Design/methodology/approach

The soil water and salt distribution responses to different sand pipe depths and diameters was investigated. Treatments included sand pipes with diameters of 4 cm, 5cm, 6 cm and the same depth of 4 cm; with depths of 2cm, 6 cm and the same diameter of 5 cm, and a control with no sand pipe (with the diameter of 0 cm and the depth of 0 cm).

Findings

The results suggested that the amount of cumulative infiltration water and transport distance of the wetting front could be increased by increasing the depth and diameter of sand pipes. The soil water content in the soil profile decreased under all treatments except for the control, whereas the value of EC increased with increasing distance from the film hole center. Positive relationships were also found among the sand pipe depth, diameter and the zone of low salt content. Furthermore, salt leaching depth increased with sand pipe depth and diameter. Overall, the treatments with and without sand pipes exhibited obvious differences.

Originality/value

The correlation analysis proved that increasing the infiltration area through sand pipes positively affected the amount of infiltration water, wetting scope and salt leaching depth.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at Seventy: Rejuvenate or Retire?*
Authors: Klug Francesca
Published: April 2019

This lecture marks the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with an analysis of the Declaration's contemporary relevance. It considers whether, in today's turbulent and fractured political environment in which human rights abuses remain widespread, the UDHR still has a role to play. A case is made that the UDHR was, in fact, written precisely for a moment like now. The lecture starts by considering the important legal impact of the UDHR, whilst acknowledging that the legal enforcement of human rights sometimes overshadows the emotions of care and empathy that lie at the heart of both the Declaration and the whole concept of human rights. It then emphasises the significant role the UDHR has played in giving individuals a voice to hold states accountable. Finally, it explores the UDHR's ethical and inspirational vision that helped to create a baseline of norms and standards aimed at promoting diversity, mutual respect and peace. For all these reasons, the UDHR most certainly needs to be rejuvenated rather than retired.
Legacy of the Enlightenment: The Use of European History and Culture in the Interwar Years by the Ligue des droits de l'homme and Grande Loge de France
Authors: SCHMALE WOLFGANG
Published: April 2019

What kinds of historical knowledge and historical consciousness have an impact on society? How can we study this question with regard to former periods like the interwar period in the twentieth century? Civil society organizations such as human rights leagues and masonic associations had a broad membership base, organized well‐structured internal communication processes, and, above all, produced their own documents, providing broader insights into historical knowledge and historical awareness. These organizations were part of a historic struggle – for freedom, political rights, human rights, women's rights, anti‐discrimination, democracy and the like. There was much reason to reflect on history and to articulate historical consciousness. The example of French Human Rights League and Masonic Grande Loge de France shows the ongoing importance of the Enlightenment for the formation of historical knowledge of Europe and the world, and for the philosophical and idealistic conception of history.
Transfers of corporate control in firms with noncontrolling blockholders
Authors: Stepanov Sergey
Published: April 2019

I model the choice between a negotiated block trade and a public tender offer as means of acquiring control in a firm with a large minority blockholder. Potential acquirers differ in their (privately known) value‐creation ability. In equilibrium, block trades are made by lower ability acquirers compared to tender offers. The equal opportunity rule (EOR) and the “freezeout” rule are complements in promoting efficiency of control transfers. Stronger investor protection may hamper value‐increasing takeovers when the EOR is present. The model also delivers predictions about announcement returns and the incidence of block trades and tender offers under different legal regimes.
In utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and development of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Halvorsen A. , Hesel B. , Østergaard S. D. , Danielsen A. A.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Several studies have investigated whether in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with increased risk of developing mental or behavioural disorders. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis based on this literature.

Methods

A systematic search of eligible literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO and subsequent meta‐analysis was conducted in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included in the review, and results from 18 of these were meta‐analyzed. We found a statistically significant positive association between in utero exposure to SSRIs and mental or behavioural disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.47), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (HR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.06–1.66) and mental retardation (HR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.03–1.91). Confounding by indication was identified in five of seven studies investigating this aspect.

Conclusion

Exposure to SSRIs in utero is associated with increased risk of developing mental or behavioural disorders. However, these associations do not necessarily reflect a causal relationship since the results included in this meta‐analysis are likely affected by residual confounding by indication, which is likely to account for some (or all) of the positive association.
A phase I/II trial of weekly nab‐paclitaxel for pretreated non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients without epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement
Authors: Harada Daijiro , Kozuki Toshiyuki , Nogami Naoyuki , Bessho Akihiro , Hosokawa Shinobu , Fukamatsu Nobuaki , Hotta Katsuyuki , Ohashi Kadoaki , Kubo Toshio , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Yokoyama Toshihide , Sone Naoyuki , Kuyama Shoichi , Kudo Kenichiro , Yasugi Masayuki , Takigawa Nagio , Oze Isao , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: April 2019

Aim

We investigated the efficacy, safety and optimal schedule of nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel monotherapy as second‐ or third‐line treatment for non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients without epidermal growth factor receptor mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement.

Methods

Patients with pretreated advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer without epidermal growth factor receptor mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement were included. The patients were administered 100 mg/m2 of nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 (level 0) or on days 1, 8 and 15 (level –1) every 4 weeks during phase I of the trial. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. The estimated objective response rate was 15% and the threshold was 5% with an α error of 0.05 and β error of 0.2 in phase II.

Results

The recommended schedule was determined as level –1 in phase I. The characteristics of the 55 patients enrolled in phase II were as follows: median age = 66 years, male/female = 40/15, second/third line = 34/21 and adenocarcinoma/squamous cell carcinoma/large cell carcinoma/others = 34/17/2/2. Objective response rate was 7.3% (95% confidence interval, 2.0–17.6%). Median progression‐free survival was 3.4 months. Treatment‐related grade 3 or 4 toxicities were neutropenia (36.4%), febrile neutropenia (5.5%) and pulmonary infection (3.6%). Three patients had grade 2 pneumonitis and one treatment‐related death occurred due to adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Conclusion

This study failed to meet predefined primary endpoints for pretreated patients with advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer without epidermal growth factor receptor mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement.