bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed SUFU suppression of acute graft-versus-host disease through downregulation of HLA-DR expression in recipient dendritic cells
Authors: Bari Rafijul , Hartford Christine , Chan Wing Keung , Vong Queenie , Li Ying , Gan Kwan , Zhou Yinmei , Cheng Cheng , Kang Guolian , Shurtleff Sheila , Turner Victoria , Pui Ching-Hon , Downing James R. , Leung Wing
Published: June 2015

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To identify recipient risk factors, a genome-wide study was performed including 481,820 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two GVHD susceptibility loci (rs17114803 and rs17114808) within the SUFU gene were identified in the discovery cohort (p = 2.85 × 10−5). The incidence of acute GVHD among patients homozygous for CC at SUFU rs17114808 was 69%, which was significantly higher than the 8% rate observed in CT heterozygous patients (p = 0.0002). In an independent validation cohort of 100 patients, 50% of the patients with the CC genotype developed GVHD compared to 8% of the patients with either CT or TT genotype (p = 0.01). In comparison to CC dendritic cells, those from CT expressed higher levels of SUFU mRNA and protein, had lower levels of surface HLA-DR and induced less allogeneic mixed leukocyte response (MLR). Ectopic expression of SUFU in THP-1 derived DCs reduced HLA-DR expression and suppressed MLR, whereas silencing of SUFU enhanced HLA-DR expression and increased MLR. Thus our findings provide novel evidence that recipient SUFU germline polymorphism is associated with acute GVHD and is a novel molecular target for GVHD prevention and treatment.
Next-generation sequencing for molecular diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma specimens obtained by fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Qiu Tian , Guo Huiqin , Zhao Huan , Wang Luhua , Zhang Zhihui
Published: June 2015

Identification of multi-gene variations has led to the development of new targeted therapies in lung adenocarcinoma patients and identification of an appropriate patient population with a reliable screening method is the key to the overall success of tumor targeted therapies. In this study, we used the Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique to screen for mutations in 89 cases of lung adenocarcinoma metastatic lymph node specimens obtained by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Of the 89 specimens, 30 (34%) were found to harbor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain mutations. Seven (8%) samples harbored KRAS mutations and three (3%) samples had BRAF mutations involving exon 11 (G469A) and exon 15 (V600E). Eight (9%) samples harbored PIK3CA mutations. One (1%) sample had a HRAS G12C mutation. Thirty-two (36%) samples (36%) harbored TP53 mutations. Other genes including APC, ATM, MET, PTPN11, GNAS, HRAS, RB1, SMAD4 and STK11 were found each in one case. Our study has demonstrated that NGS using the Ion Torrent technology is a useful tool for gene mutation screening in lung adenocarcinoma metastatic lymph node specimens obtained by FNAC and may promote the development of new targeted therapies in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Multiple single-crystal-to-single-crystal guest exchange in a dynamic 1D coordination polymer
Authors: Martí-Rujas Javier , Bonafede Simone , Tushi Dorearta , Cametti Massimo
Published: June 2015

We report on the multiple single-crystal-to-single-crystal exchange of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in a remarkably stable 1D coordination polymer possessing 1D channels.
A microspectroscopic insight into the resistivity switching of individual Ag–TCNQ nanocrystals
Authors: Rösner Benedikt , Ran Ke , Butz Benjamin , Schmidt Ute , Spiecker Erdmann , Fink Rainer H.
Published: June 2015

We investigate the resistivity switching in individual Ag–TCNQ wires with on/off-ratios of up to 103.
Unusual coordination state of cobalt ions in zeolites modified by aluminum chloride
Authors: Shilina M. I. , Vasilevskii G. Yu. , Rostovshchikova T. N. , Murzin V. Yu.
Published: June 2015

The treatment of Co–ZSM-5 with anhydrous AlCl3changes the cobalt coordination state and the adsorption properties, due to the formation of Co–Cl–Al structures on the zeolite surface.
One-pot polymer modification of carbon nanotubes through mercaptoacetic acid locking imine reaction and π–π stacking
Authors: Ren Xu , Zhao Yuan , Yang Bin , Wang Xing , Wei Yen , Tao Lei
Published: June 2015

Mercaptoacetic acid locking imine (MALI) reaction has been reassessed as a tricomponent click reaction to collaborate with supramolecular interaction (π–π stacking) to efficiently and facilely modify carbon nanotube surface with polymers.
Conformational structure-dependent molecular recognition of two aptamers for tetracycline
Authors: Wang Sai , Liu Jiahui , Dong Yiyang , Su Haijia , Tan Tianwei
Published: June 2015

Base sequence, strand length, and number of recognition sites codetermine conformational structure and performance of aptamers for tetracycline recognition.
Five Decades of Research in Speech Motor Control: What Have We Learned, and Where Should We Go From Here?
Authors: Perkell Joseph S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The author presents a view of research in speech motor control over the past 5 decades, as observed from within Ken Stevens's Speech Communication Group (SCG) in the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT.

Method

The author presents a limited overview of some important developments and discoveries. The perspective is based largely on the research interests of the Speech Motor Control Group (SMCG) within the SCG; thus, it is selective, focusing on normal motor control of the vocal tract in the production of sound segments and syllables. It also covers the particular theories and models that drove the research. Following a brief introduction, there are sections on methodological advances, scientific advances, and conclusions.

Results

Scientific and methodological advances have been closely interrelated. Advances in instrumentation and computer hardware and software have made it possible to record and process increasingly large, multifaceted data sets; introduce new paradigms for feedback perturbation; image brain activity; and develop more sophisticated, computational physiological and neural models. Such approaches have led to increased understanding of the widespread variability in speech, motor-equivalent trading relations, sensory goals, and the nature of feedback and feedforward neural control mechanisms.

Conclusions

Some ideas about important future directions for speech research are presented.
Band offset studies in pulse laser deposited Zn1−xCdxO/ZnO hetero-junctions
Authors: Devi Vanita , Kumar Manish , Choudhary R. J. , Phase D. M. , Kumar Ravindra , Joshi B. C.
Published: June 2015

The valence and conduction band offsets of Zn1−xCdxO/ZnO hetero-junctions deposited by pulsed laser deposition technique were estimated by X-ray photoelectron, valence band, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Type-II band alignment (staggered gap) with ratios of conduction band to valence band offsets (ΔEC/ΔEV) was found to be 0.77 and 0.59 for Zn0.95Cd0.05O/ZnO and Zn0.90Cd0.10O/ZnO hetero-structures, respectively, which can be used in longer wavelength regime optoelectronic devices. The higher value of valence band offset as compared to conduction band offset suggests that the transport at interface is mainly due to electrons.
Single photon emission up to liquid nitrogen temperature from charged excitons confined in GaAs-based epitaxial nanostructures
Authors: Dusanowski Ł. , Syperek M. , Maryński A. , Li L. H. , Misiewicz J. , Höfling S. , Kamp M. , Fiore A. , Sęk G.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate a non-classical photon emitter at near infrared wavelength based on a single (In,Ga)As/GaAs epitaxially grown columnar quantum dot. Charged exciton complexes have been identified in magneto-photoluminescence. Photon auto-correlation histograms from the recombination of a trion confined in a columnar dot exhibit sub-Poissonian statistics with an antibunching dip yielding g(2)(0) values of 0.28 and 0.46 at temperature of 10 and 80 K, respectively. Our experimental findings allow considering the GaAs-based columnar quantum dot structure as an efficient single photon source operating at above liquid nitrogen temperatures, which in some characteristics can outperform the existing solutions of any material system.
Angle sensitive single photon avalanche diode
Authors: Lee Changhyuk , Johnson Ben , Molnar Alyosha
Published: June 2015

An ideal light sensor would provide exact information on intensity, timing, location, and angle of incoming photons. Single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) provide such desired high (single photon) sensitivity with precise time information and can be implemented at a pixel-scale to form an array to extract spatial information. Furthermore, recent work has demonstrated photodiode-based structures (combined with micro-lenses or diffraction gratings) that are capable of encoding both spatial and angular information of incident light. In this letter, we describe the implementation of such a grating structure on SPADs to realize a pixel-scale angle-sensitive single photon avalanche diode (A-SPAD) built in a standard CMOS process. While the underlying SPAD structure provides high sensitivity, the time information of the two layers of diffraction gratings above offers angle-sensitivity. Such a unique combination of SPAD and diffraction gratings expands the sensing dimensions to pave a path towards lens-less 3-D imaging and light-field time-of-flight imaging.
Operational wildfire suppression modelling: a review evaluating development, state of the art and future directions
Authors: Duff Thomas J. , Tolhurst Kevin G.
Published: June 2015

Wildfires are an inherent part of the landscape in many parts of the world; however, they often impose substantial economic burdens on human populations where they occur, both in terms of impacts and of management costs. As wildfires burn towards human assets, a universal response has been to deploy fire suppression resources (crews, vehicles and aircraft) to extinguish them, and limit their spread or impacts. The determination of the appropriate levels of investment, resource allocation and suppression tactics is a challenge for managers. As suppression expenses account for a substantial proportion of the cost of fires, and escaped fires account for a large portion of impacts, fire suppression models have been developed to better inform decision-makers. We undertake a review of the literature pertaining to the development of operational models that emulate fire suppression as part of decision support systems. We provide a summary of the development of modelling approaches, discuss strengths and limitations and provide perspectives on the direction of future research.
Between two science curricula: the influence of international surveys on the Israeli science curriculum
Authors: Klieger Aviva
Published: June 2015

International surveys have served as agents of change for the introduction of reforms in curricula worldwide. The Israeli Ministry of Education set a goal of raising Israel's ranking in international surveys so that Israel will be among the 10 leading countries in the Program for International Student Assessment and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The Ministry of Education therefore acted to reduce the gap between the intended and the attained science curriculum by intervening on two curricular levels: the intended and the implemented. Over the years, documents that contributed to the adoption of contents and skills from the international surveys were added to the science curriculum, until the publication of the new science curriculum. The intervention was successful and in TIMSS 2011, Israel ranked 13 out of the 42 participating countries. The present research examines the influence of international surveys on science education in Israel, over the course of time (1996–2011). Analysis of documents accompanying the curriculum shows a clear message that international surveys are standards that should be used for teaching, and every additional document closes the gap between the science curriculum and the international surveys.
Several Types of Similarity Solutions for the Hunter–Saxton Equation*
Authors: Baxter Mathew , Van Gorder Robert A. , Vajravelu Kuppalapalle
Published: June 2015

We study separable and self-similar solutions to the Hunter–Saxton equation, a nonlinear wave equation which has been used to describe an instability in the director Geld of a nematic liquid crystal (among other applications). Essentially, we study solutions which arise from a nonlinear inhomogeneous ordinary differential equation which is obtained by an exact similarity transform for the Hunter–Saxton equation. For each type of solution, we are able to obtain some simple exact solutions in closed-form, and more complicated solutions through an analytical approach. We find that there is a whole family of self-similar solutions, each of which depends on an arbitrary parameter. This parameter essentially controls the manner of self-similarity and can be chosen so that the self-similar solutions agree with given initial data. The simpler solutions found constitute exact solutions to a nonlinear partial differential equation, and hence are also useful in a mathematical sense. Analytical solutions demonstrate the variety of behaviors possible within the wider family of similarity solutions. Both types of solutions cast light on self-similar phenomenon arising in the Hunter–Saxton equation.
Modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili Equation in (3+1) Dimensions: Multiple Front-Wave Solutions
Authors: Wazwaz A.M. , Xu Gui-Qiong
Published: June 2015

A modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (mKP) equation in (3+1) dimensions is presented. We reveal multiple front-waves solutions for this higher-dimensional developed equation, and multiple singular front-wave solutions as well. The constraints on the coefficients of the spatial variables, that assure the existence of these multiple front-wave solutions are investigated. We also show that this equation fails the Painlevé test, and we conclude that it is not integrable in the sense of possessing the Painlevé property, although it gives multiple front-wave solutions.
Electrostatic Nonplanar Positron-Acoustic Shock Waves in Superthermal Electron-Positron-Ion Plasmas
Authors: Uddin M.J. , Alam M.S. , Mamun A.A.
Published: June 2015

The basic properties of the nonlinear propagation of the nonplanar (cylindrical and spherical) positron-acoustic (PA) shock waves (SHWs) in an unmagnetized electron-positron-ion (e-p-i) plasma containing immobile positive ions, mobile cold positrons, and superthermal (kappa distributed) hot positrons and electrons are investigated both analytically and numerically. The modified Burgers equation (mBE) is derived by using the reductive perturbation method. The basic features of PA SHWs are significantly modified by the cold positron kinematic viscosity (η), superthermal parameter of electrons (κe), superthermal parameter of hot positrons (κp), the ratio of the electron temperature to hot positron temperature (σ), the ratio of the electron number density to cold positron number density and the ratio of the hot positron number density to cold positron number density (μph). This study could be useful to identify the basic properties of nonlinear electrostatic disturbances in dissipative space and laboratory plasmas.
The p53 family member p73 modulates the proproliferative role of IGFBP3 in short children born small for gestational age
Authors: Marzano Flaviana , Ventura Annamaria , Francesco Caratozzolo Mariano , Aiello Italia , Mastropasqua Francesca , Brunetti Giacomina , Cavallo Luciano , Sbisà Elisabetta , Faienza Maria Felicia , Tullo Apollonia
Published: June 2015

The regulation of insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) gene expression is complex, because it can be induced by agents that both stimulate and inhibit the proliferation. The principal aim of this study was to investigate whether p73, a member of the p53 gene family, has a role in the regulation of the IGFBP3 expression and whether this regulation occurs in a context of cell survival or death. We demonstrate that IGFBP3 is a direct TAp73α (the p73 isoform that contains the trans-activation domain) target gene and activates the expression of IGFBP3 in actively proliferating cells. As IGFBP3 plays a key role in regulating the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor type 1 (GH/IGF1) axis, whose alterations in gene expression appear to have a role in the growth failure of children born small for gestational age (SGA), we measured the mRNA expression levels of p73 and IGFBP3 in a group of SGA children. We found that mRNA expression levels of p73 and IGFBP3 are significantly lower in SGA children compared with controls and, in particular, p73 mRNA expression is significantly lower in SGA children with respect to height. Our results shed light on the intricate GH/IGF pathway, suggesting p73 as a good biomarker of the clinical risk for SGA children to remain short in adulthood.
EXIMS: an improved data analysis pipeline based on a new peak picking method for EXploring Imaging Mass Spectrometry data
Authors: Wijetunge Chalini D. , Saeed Isaam , Boughton Berin A. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Caprioli Richard M. , Bacic Antony , Roessner Ute , Halgamuge Saman K.
Published: June 2015

Motivation: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) in ‘omics’ data acquisition generates detailed information about the spatial distribution of molecules in a given biological sample. Various data processing methods have been developed for exploring the resultant high volume data. However, most of these methods process data in the spectral domain and do not make the most of the important spatial information available through this technology. Therefore, we propose a novel streamlined data analysis pipeline specifically developed for MALDI-IMS data utilizing significant spatial information for identifying hidden significant molecular distribution patterns in these complex datasets.

Methods: The proposed unsupervised algorithm uses Sliding Window Normalization (SWN) and a new spatial distribution based peak picking method developed based on Gray level Co-Occurrence (GCO) matrices followed by clustering of biomolecules. We also use gist descriptors and an improved version of GCO matrices to extract features from molecular images and minimum medoid distance to automatically estimate the number of possible groups.

Results: We evaluated our algorithm using a new MALDI-IMS metabolomics dataset of a plant (Eucalypt) leaf. The algorithm revealed hidden significant molecular distribution patterns in the dataset, which the current Component Analysis and Segmentation Map based approaches failed to extract. We further demonstrate the performance of our peak picking method over other traditional approaches by using a publicly available MALDI-IMS proteomics dataset of a rat brain. Although SWN did not show any significant improvement as compared with using no normalization, the visual assessment showed an improvement as compared to using the median normalization.

Availability and implementation: The source code and sample data are freely available at http://exims.sourceforge.net/.

Contact:  awgcdw@student.unimelb.edu.au or chalini_w@live.com

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Methodology for Investigating Human Metamemory
Authors: Dunlosky John , Mueller Michael L. , Thiede Keith W.
Published: June 2015

Research on metamemory focuses on a core set of issues that pertain to people’s beliefs about memory, their monitoring of memory, and their control of memory. To address these issues, researchers have used variants of a small set of methods, which often involve using standard memory methods and then having participants make judgments about their memory or control different phases of learning. Despite the overlap of methods with standard memory research, metamemory research poses some unique problems and pitfalls that can make interpretation of results tricky. The present chapter overviews the core issues addressed by the majority of metamemory research and describes the general methods typically used to address them. Most important, it highlights some of the problems and pitfalls of metamemory research and offers some suggestions on how to solve or sidestep them.
Resource-Oriented Perspectives in Music Therapy
Authors: Rolvsjord Randi
Published: June 2015

Resource-oriented music therapy emphasizes the development and stimulation of client’s strengths and resources rather than the reduction of symptoms or cure of pathology. Thus, the focus in therapy is positive experiences, mastery, and coping rather than on difficult emotions, psychological conflicts, and problems. Collaboration and user-involvement is highly emphasized. Resources-oriented perspectives in music therapy are linked to movements and theoretical perspectives in an interdisciplinary field, such as the philosophy of empowerment, positive psychology, salutogenesis, recovery, and various perspectives on music and health. The emphasis on aspects of resource-orientation can be traced back in the history of music therapy, and be described as a general feature of music therapeutic practices. Yet more recently resource-oriented music therapy has been developed as a more specific approach in mental health care. In this chapter a broad “family” of perspectives within the music therapy work that highlights resource-orientation will be presented.
Maspin-related Orchestration of Aggressiveness of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gurzu Simona , Kadar Zoltan , Sugimura Haruhiko , Orlowska Janina , Bara Tivadar , Bara Tivadar , Szederjesi Janos , Jung Ioan
Published: June 2015

Background and Study Aim:

Although some hypotheses have been postulated on the genesis of gastric cancer (GC), the origin of this disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a hypothesis about gastric carcinogenesis based on our experience in the field of GC and on published reports on about 28 studies in the field of subcellular maspin expression in GC. In 180 cases of GC, the clinicopathologic features were correlated with the results obtained after paired immunohistochemical stains (tumor/normal mucosa) with 15 antibodies: E-cadherin, HER-2, VEGF, CD31, CD105, COX-2, maspin, bax, bcl-2, p53, Ki67, MLH-1, MSH-2, Mena protein, and vimentin.

Results:

Cytoplasmic maspin was observed in foveolar cells with intestinal metaplasia, whereas mixed (combined nuclear-cytoplasmic) expressions were more characteristic of the intramucosal foci of signet-ring cells and dysplastic cells. The tumor cells that expressed cytoplasmic maspin were mostly intestinal type bax/COX-2/Mena/E-cadherin-positive differentiated adenocarcinomas with nodular growth and more superficial invasion. The nuclear shift of maspin was more frequent in HER-2/p53-positive intestinal type adenocarcinomas with diffuse architecture at the invasion front, as well as for node-positive poorly cohesive carcinomas. Loss of maspin expression induced a higher risk of distant metastases, without differences in the survival rate.

Conclusions:

In GC with associated metaplasia, cytoplasmic maspin is predominant; the nuclear shift induces local aggressiveness and risk of node metastases, whereas total loss can indicate a risk of distant metastases. In GC without associated metaplasia, nuclear expression of maspin is retained, indicating a more aggressive behavior.
Prevalence of Implanted Medical Devices in Medicine Inpatients
Authors: Kuder Margaret , Gelman Amanda , Zenilman Jonathan M.
Published: June 2015

Implanted medical devices (IMDs) are extremely common, yet they are not systematically documented on hospital admission. Through structured patient interviews, we determined the prevalence of IMDs in hospital inpatients. Using medical record review, we evaluated the sensitivity of the medical record reporting of IMDs on an academic medical inpatient service. Fifty-eight percent of 191 interviewees reported 1 or more IMDs. Participants who reported greater than 1 IMD were older and had more frequent hospitalizations. The most common devices reported were surgical mesh, screws, plates, or wires (n = 47); intravascular stents (n = 25); and prosthetic joint replacements (n = 17). Forty-six patients (24%) reported greater than 1 IMD that had not been recorded in their admission history and physical examination. The prevalence of IMDs in hospitalized patients is high and underestimated in the medical record and may have significant implications for patient care.
ABCs of Hospitalized Patients: A Simple Before-After Study of a Communication Tool to Improve Quality of Inpatient Care
Authors: Afsar-manesh Nasim , Perkins Colby E. , Breger Kevin S. , Zadunayski Michelle M.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Within the past several years, innovative communication tools have been established as viable quality improvement mechanisms in health care. Meanwhile, the economic and societal burdens of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) continue to rise. Various interventions have been attempted to reduce HACs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a communication tool in reducing risk factors for HACs.

Methods

A communication tool aimed at reducing HAC risk factors was developed by an interdisciplinary team of physicians and nurses and tested in a simple before-after quality improvement study. It included 8 components: ambulation/fall risk, blood glucose greater than 200 mg/dL, central venous catheters, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, erosions of the skin/dermal ulcers, Foley/urinary catheters, got communication, and heart monitor/telemetry. This communication tool facilitated multidisciplinary communication. The nurses completed it nightly, and the physicians reviewed the communication tool each morning and, when appropriate, addressed components of care that were out of compliance with best practices.

Results

The use of the ABCs of Hospitalized Patients Communication Tool led to daily improvements with reduction in the percentage of patients with blood glucose greater than 200 mg/dL from 43.3% to 35.1%, reduction in the use of central venous catheters from 8.2% to 1.0% of patients, increase in the use of chemical deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis from 45.4% of patients to 56.7%, reduction in the use of urinary catheters from 27.6% to 13.2%, and decrease in use of telemetry from 67.5% to 55.1%. All of the results have P < 0.05. These improvements were sustained over time.

Conclusions

Implementation of a multidisciplinary communication tool serves as a simple, resource-conscious, and customizable instrument to reduce the risk factors for developing HACs. This communication tool can be easily disseminated and used by other institutions.
Sex comb on midleg (Scm) is a functional link between PcG-repressive complexes inDrosophila
Authors: Kang Hyuckjoon , McElroy Kyle A. , Jung Youngsook Lucy , Alekseyenko Artyom A. , Zee Barry M. , Park Peter J. , Kuroda Mitzi I.
Published: June 2015

The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are key regulators of development inDrosophilaand are strongly implicated in human health and disease. How PcG complexes form repressive chromatin domains remains unclear. Using cross-linked affinity purifications of BioTAP-Polycomb (Pc) or BioTAP-Enhancer of zeste [E(z)], we captured all PcG-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) or PRC2 core components and Sex comb on midleg (Scm) as the only protein strongly enriched with both complexes. Although previously not linked to PRC2, we confirmed direct binding of Scm and PRC2 using recombinant protein expression and colocalization of Scm with PRC1, PRC2, and H3K27me3 in embryos and cultured cells using ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation [ChIP] combined with deep sequencing). Furthermore, we found that RNAi knockdown of Scm and overexpression of the dominant-negative Scm-SAM (sterile α motif) domain both affected the binding pattern of E(z) on polytene chromosomes. Aberrant localization of the Scm-SAM domain in long contiguous regions on polytene chromosomes revealed its independent ability to spread on chromatin, consistent with its previously described ability to oligomerize in vitro. Pull-downs of BioTAP-Scm captured PRC1 and PRC2 and additional repressive complexes, including PhoRC, LINT, and CtBP. We propose that Scm is a key mediator connecting PRC1, PRC2, and transcriptional silencing. Combined with previous structural and genetic analyses, our results strongly suggest that Scm coordinates PcG complexes and polymerizes to produce broad domains of PcG silencing.
The landscape of antisense gene expression in human cancers
Authors: Balbin O. Alejandro , Malik Rohit , Dhanasekaran Saravana M. , Prensner John R. , Cao Xuhong , Wu Yi-Mi , Robinson Dan , Wang Rui , Chen Guoan , Beer David G. , Nesvizhskii Alexey I. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: June 2015

High-throughput RNA sequencing has revealed more pervasive transcription of the human genome than previously anticipated. However, the extent of natural antisense transcripts’ (NATs) expression, their regulation of cognate sense genes, and the role of NATs in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we use strand-specific paired-end RNA sequencing (ssRNA-seq) data from 376 cancer samples covering nine tissue types to comprehensively characterize the landscape of antisense expression. We found consistent antisense expression in at least 38% of annotated transcripts, which in general is positively correlated with sense gene expression. Investigation of sense/antisense pair expressions across tissue types revealed lineage-specific, ubiquitous and cancer-specific antisense loci transcription. Comparisons between tumor and normal samples identified both concordant (same direction) and discordant (opposite direction) sense/antisense expression patterns. Finally, we provide OncoNAT, a catalog of cancer-related genes with significant antisense transcription, which will enable future investigations of sense/antisense regulation in cancer. Using OncoNAT we identified several functional NATs, including NKX2-1-AS1 that regulates the NKX2-1 oncogene and cell proliferation in lung cancer cells. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive account of NATs and supports a role for NATs' regulation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes in cancer biology.
The past, present, and future (?) of crime-related forensic accounting methodology
Authors: Louwers Timothy J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the origins of crime-related forensic accounting methodology in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author describes how these early methods have evolved through the use of technology.

Findings

– The author also discusses the next generation of crime-related forensic accounting tools and techniques which, although in limited use today, will grow to widespread use in the near future.

Originality/value

– This viewpoint is a summary of a presentation made at the 3rd National Forensic Accounting Teaching and Research Symposium held at the Queensland University of Technology on February 10, 2014.
An empirical investigation of fraud risk assessment and knowledge requirement on fraud related problem representation in Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Oluwatoyin Muse Johnson , Che-Ahmad Ayoib B , Samsudin Rose Shamsiah
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to investigate Task Performance Fraud Risk Assessment (TPFRA) and Knowledge Requirement (KR) of the forensic accountant and auditor on Fraud-Related Problem Representation (FRPR) in the Nigerian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used cross-sectional design and 400 survey questionnaires. The respondents are real professional people (auditors and forensic accountants in the Nigerian public sector) as true representatives to enhance the generalization of the outcomes. A total of 36 indicator items was measured on five-point Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling 2.0 3M and IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 were used as the primary statistical analysis tool for the study.

Findings

– The results of the present study confirm the positive relationship between KR on TPFRA, positive relationship of KR on FRPR and positive relationship of FRPR and TPFRA. Specifically, the results revealed that FRPR positively mediates the relationship between TPFRA and KR (forensic accountant and auditor) in the areas of fraud prevention, detection and response.

Research limitations/implications

– The first limitation deals with fraud and corrupt practices in a developing country, Nigeria. Examining the mediating influence of FRPR on KR and TPFRA in the public sector could be considered as sensitive and raise the issue of bias. The second limitation is the adoption of cross-sectional design in which data are collected at one point in time. Researchers are encouraged to use a longitudinal design to explore interactions between KR, FRPR and TPFRA.

Practical implications

– This empirical study has revealed the value of KR (forensic accountant and auditor) as a significant capability requirement in the workplace. In addition, it shows the importance of FRPR as an important mental state in decision-making or judgment and also the significance of FRPR as an important mediating variable on KR and TPFRA.

Originality/value

– No nation is immune to fraud, and loss due to fraud in the public sector is enormous and costly; the result of this research will improve the KR of auditors and forensic accountants in the areas of fraud detection, prevention and response. It will also contribute to the regulatory, legal and institutional frameworks in accounting and auditing systems in Nigeria and portend an increase in demand for forensic accountants.
Factors which may bias judges’ decisions to exclude accounting expert witnesses testimony
Authors: Domino Madeline Ann , Stradiot Matthew , Webinger Mariah
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate factors which may influence or bias judges’ decisions to exclude or admit the testimony of accounting expert witnesses, under the US judicial guidelines commonly known as the Daubert/Kuhmo standards. Accounting experts are increasingly providing expert testimony as a part of financial litigation support services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Judges’ decisions, in which opposing council evoked a Daubert/Kuhmo challenge to the testimony provided by 130 professional accountants serving as expert witnesses, were analyzed. The period of study was 2010 through 2014. Based on prior research, three variables believed to potentially influence or bias judges to systematically exclude expert testimony were examined: gender, complexity and familiarity.

Findings

– The results of binary logistic regression show that none of the variables has a significant relationship to the accounting expert witnesses’ probability of surviving a challenge to Daubert/Kuhmo standards. Findings suggest that judges are objective in evaluating the testimony provided by accounting experts under Daubert/Kuhmo guidelines and that they may be immune to biases based solely on gender, complexity and familiarity.

Originality/value

– These results will be of interest to judges, lawyers and forensic accountants acting as expert witnesses.
Dynamic performance, financial leverage and financial crisis: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Zeitun Rami , Saleh Ali Salman
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of financial leverage on firm’s performance in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of recent financial crisis on GCC firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors argue that the firm’s performance has a dynamic relationship that cannot be measured in cross-sectional data. Hence, the authors use a panel data to examine the effect of financial leverage on firm’s performance using the dynamic Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator.

Findings

– The results from the GMM estimator show that companies’ leverage is a significant determinant of firm’s performance in GCC countries. The authors also found that financial crisis had a negative and significant impact on firms’ performance in GCC countries.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the data used in this paper rely on information published by the firms, and therefore, the robustness of the results were limited by the accuracy of the data provided. Second, failed firms were excluded from the study sample which may affect the results. Third, macroeconomic variables could be used in future research to investigate their impact on companies’ performance before and after the global financial crisis. Fourth, some other important variables (such as firm age and firm ownership) could be used in future studies to examine the effects of the 2008 financial crisis on companies’ performance.

Practical implications

– This research provides initial guidelines for policy makers in GCC countries to understand how to enhance the performance of their firms using financial leverage and other firm-specific factors.

Originality/value

– This is a first comprehensive study to investigate the effect of capital structure and financial crisis on firms’ performance in GCC countries.
Research on nursing unit layouts: an integrative review
Authors: Rashid Mahbub
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present an integrative review of the research studies on nursing unit layouts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Studies selected for review were published between 1956 and 2014. For the purpose of this review, a framework for integrative review was developed using research orientations. The three primary dimensions – technical, psychological and social – of the designed environment and various combinations of these dimensions were used to define the research orientations of these studies.

Findings

– Of all the publications reviewed for the paper, 21 presented technical orientations, 16 psychological orientations, 3 social orientations, 20 psychotechnical orientations, 10 sociotechnical orientations, 2 psychosocial orientations and 13 presented psychosociotechnical orientations. With only a few exceptions, several issues related to nursing unit layouts were investigated no more than one time in any one category of research orientations. Several other seemingly important issues including patient and family behavior and perception, health outcomes and social and psychosocial factors in relation to unit layouts have not been studied adequately.

Research limitations/implications

– Future studies on nursing unit layouts will need to focus on patient and family behavior and perception, health outcomes and social and psychosocial factors in different units. They will also need to focus on developing theories concerning the effects of layouts on the technical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing units.

Originality/value

– Despite a long history of research on nursing unit layouts, an integrative review of these studies is still missing in the literature. This review fills in the gap using a novel framework for integrative review developed based on research orientations.
Flexible design principles
Authors: Siu Kin Wai Michael , Wong Kwun Sing Leo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a set of flexible design principles for enhancing the flexibility of street furniture to deal with the diverse and changing urban environment. Flexibility is an important but less considered element of public design (otherwise called public environment and facility design), especially in regard to the street furniture that is encountered in everyday life. Taking Hong Kong as a case study, this paper gives an overview of the concepts of flexibility and flexible design, and identifies the current limitations and problems of the current street furniture design practices with respect to the diverse and changing urban environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a review of the current literature and relevant documentation, interviews with government officers and different groups of users (including those with special needs), and field observations in Hong Kong’s urban areas over a period of four years, the policies relating to street furniture design in Hong Kong and its management and implementation were evaluated.

Findings

– The results indicate that the current street furniture in Hong Kong is unable to adapt to or resist changes, can easily cause safety and management problems and is not adaptable to new developments. This paper proposes six principles for the flexible design of street furniture, namely, custom in use, multifunctional use, responds effectively to changing circumstances, easily and conveniently managed, universal in use and sustainable in use.

Research limitations/implications

– It is difficult to understand the diverse needs and preferences of different users in urban environments. The findings in this paper are based on intensive field work and broad industry experience. To deal with the rapid and ongoing urban change, this paper recommends a further long-term and in-depth study of street furniture.

Practical implications

– Based on the findings, this paper proposes six flexible design principles for designing street furniture that is sufficiently flexible to meet the rapid and ongoing urban change and diverse users’ needs.

Social implications

– Different societies and urban areas faced different types and levels of changes. Therefore, a flexible approach to street furniture design is important and necessary.

Originality/value

– The findings of this paper and the proposed six flexible design principles can provide insight and direction for government officials, design and planning professionals, developers, utility and management companies and communities on how to embed public design (i.e. policy, implementation and management) in the future.
A computational fluid dynamics analysis of the wave soldering process
Authors: Abdul Aziz M.S. , Abdullah M.Z. , Khor C.Y. , Mazlan M. , Iqbal A.M. , Fairuz Z.M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a three-dimensional finite volume-based analysis on the effects of propeller blades on fountain flow in a wave soldering process and performs an experimental validation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Solder pot models with various numbers of propeller blades were developed and meshed by using hybrid elements and simulated by using the FLUENT fluid flow solver. The characteristics of the fountain, such as flow profile, velocity vector, filling time, and fountain advancement, were investigated. Molten solder (Sn63Pb37) material, a temperature of 250°C, and a propeller speed of 830 rpm were applied in the simulation. The predicted results were validated by the experimental fountain profile.

Findings

– The use of a six-blade propeller in a solder pot increased the fountain thickness profile and reduced the filling time. Moreover, a six-blade propeller design resulted in a stable fountain profile and was considered the best choice for current wave soldering processes.

Practical implications

– This study provides a better understanding of the effects of propeller blades on the fountain flow in the wave soldering process.

Originality/value

– The study explores the fountain flow behavior and provides a reference to the engineers and designers in order to improve the fountain flow of the wave soldering.
Free convection in a triangular cavity filled with a porous medium saturated by a nanofluid
Authors: Sheremet M. A. , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Steady-state free convection heat transfer in a right-angle triangular porous enclosure filled by a nanofluid using the mathematical nanofluid model proposed by Buongiorno has been numerically analyzed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The nanofluid model takes into account the Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis effects. The governing equations formulated in terms of the vorticity-stream function variables were solved by finite difference method.

Findings

– It has been found that the average Nusselt number is an increasing function of the Rayleigh and Lewis numbers and a decreasing function of Brownian motion, buoyancy-ratio and thermophoresis parameters. At the same time the average Sherwood number is an increasing function of the Rayleigh and Lewis numbers, Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters and a decreasing function of buoyancy-ratio parameter.

Originality/value

– The present results are new and original for the heat transfer and fluid flow in a right-angle triangular porous enclosure filled by a nanofluid using the mathematical nanofluid model proposed by Buongiorno. The results would benefit scientists and engineers to become familiar with the flow behaviour of such nanofluids, and the way to predict the properties of this flow for possibility of using nanofluids in advanced nuclear systems, in industrial sectors including transportation, power generation, chemical sectors, ventilation, air-conditioning, etc.
Coercion and trust in psychiatry: the ultimate contradiction
Authors: Donskoy Anne-Laure
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a focused viewpoint of coercion in psychiatry from the perspective of a survivor and activist.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes elements from and builds on three recent conference and seminar presentations presented in France and the UK in 2014: International Congress on Clinical Ethics Consultation 2014, Paris: Comité Européen Droit Ethique et Psychiatrie, June 2014, Perpignan and Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Congress, London 2014.

Findings

– Coercion in psychiatry runs counter to the highest human rights standards, rules out genuine care and profoundly undermines trust.

Research limitations/implications

– Additional research from a user and survivor experience would offer a different and more grounded perspective of how coercion is actually exerted and experienced through, for instance, a narrative approach.

Originality/value

– The paper is proposed from the viewpoint of a survivor of psychiatry and human rights activist. It is a contribution towards a more user/survivor oriented discourse in this area.