bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of microRNA-like RNAs during early fruiting body development in the model mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea
Authors: Lau Amy Yuet Ting , Cheng Xuanjin , Cheng Chi Keung , Nong Wenyan , Cheung Man Kit , Chan Raymond Hon-Fu , Hui Jerome Ho Lam , Kwan Hoi Shan
Published: May 2018

Coprinopsis cinerea is a model mushroom particularly suited to study fungal fruiting body development and the evolution of multicellularity in fungi. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are extensively studied in animals and plants for their essential roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, miRNAs in fungi are less well characterized and their potential roles in controlling mushroom development remain unknown. To identify miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) in C. cinerea and explore their expression patterns during the early developmental transition of mushroom development, small RNA libraries of vegetative mycelium and primordium were generated and putative milRNA candidates were identified following the standards of miRNA prediction in animals and plants. Two out of 22 novel predicted milRNAs, cci-milR-12c and cci-milR-13e-5p, were validated by northern blot and stem-loop reverse transcription real-time PCR. Cci-milR-12c was differentially expressed whereas the expression levels of cci-milR-13e-5p were similar in the two developmental stages. Target prediction of the validated milRNAs resulted in genes associated with fruiting body development, including pheromone, hydrophobin, cytochrome P450, and protein kinase. Besides, essential genes for miRNA biogenesis, including three coding for Dicer-like (DCL), two for Argonaute-like (AGO-like) and one for quelling deficient-2 (QDE-2) proteins, were identified in the C. cinerea genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the DCL and AGO-like proteins of C. cinerea were more closely related to those in other basidiomycetes and ascomycetes than to animals and plants. Taken together, our findings provided the first evidence of milRNAs in the model mushroom and their potential roles in regulating fruiting body development. Information on the evolutionary relationship of milRNA biogenesis proteins across kingdoms has also provided new insights into further functional and evolutionary studies of miRNAs.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus-associated genetic variants contribute to overlapping immune regulatory networks
Authors: Nyaga Denis M. , Vickers Mark H. , Jefferies Craig , Perry Jo K. , O’Sullivan Justin M.
Published: May 2018

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic islet beta cells in genetically predisposed individuals. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 60 risk loci across the human genome, marked by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which confer genetic predisposition to T1D. There is increasing evidence that disease-associated SNPs can alter gene expression through spatial interactions that involve distal loci, in a tissue-and development-specific manner. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) genome organization data to identify genes that physically co-localized with DNA regions that contained T1D-associated SNPs in the nucleus. Analysis of these SNP-gene pairs using the Genotype-Tissue Expression database identified a subset of SNPs that significantly affected gene expression. We identified 298 spatially regulated genes including HLA-DRB1, LAT, MICA, BTN3A2, CTLA4, CD226, NOTCH1, TRIM26, CLEC2B, TYK2, and FLRT3, which exhibit tissue-specific effects in multiple tissues. We observed that the T1D-associated variants interconnect through networks that form part of the immune regulatory pathways, including immune-cell activation, cytokine signalling, and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). These pathways have been implicated in the pancreatic beta-cell inflammation and destruction as observed in T1D. Our results demonstrate that T1D-associated variants contribute to adaptive immune signalling, and immune-cell proliferation and activation through tissue and cell-type specific regulatory networks.

Author Summary

Although genome-wide association studies have identified risk regions across the human genome that predispose individuals to the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D), the mechanisms through which these regions contribute to disease is unclear. Here, we used population-based genetic data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to understand how the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the DNA contributes to the differential expression of genes involved in immune system dysregulation as observed in T1D. We identified interconnected regulatory networks that affect immune pathways (adaptive immune signalling and immune-cell proliferation and activation) in a tissue and cell-type specific manner. Some of these pathways are implicated in the pancreatic beta-cell destruction. However, we observed other regulatory changes in tissues that are not typically considered to be central to the pathology of T1D, which represents a novel insight into the disease. Collectively, our data represent a novel resource for the hypothesis-driven development of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic interventions in T1D.
Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract in response to influenza A virus infection in humans and ferrets
Authors: Kaul Drishti , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Ferres Marcela , Tan Gene S. , Barrera Aldo , Pickett Brett E. , Methe Barbara A. , Das Suman , Budnik Isolda , Halpin Rebecca A. , Wentworth David , Schmolke Mirco , Mena Ignacio , Albrecht Randy A. , Singh Indresh , Nelson Karen E. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Dupont Chris L. , Medina Rafael A.
Published: May 2018

Infection with influenza can be aggravated by bacterial co-infections, which often results in disease exacerbation because of host responses and cellular damage. The native upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome likely plays a role, yet the effects of influenza infection on the URT microbiome are largely unknown. We performed a longitudinal study to assess the temporal dynamics of the URT microbiomes of uninfected and influenza virus-infected humans and ferrets. Uninfected human patients and ferret URT microbiomes had stable “heathy ecostate” communities both within and between individuals. In contrast, infected patients and ferrets exhibited large changes in bacterial community composition over time and between individuals. The “unhealthy” ecostates of infected individuals progressed towards the “healthy ecostate” over time, coinciding with viral clearance and recovery. Blooms of Pseudomonas were a statistically associated constant in the disturbed microbiomes of infected individuals. The dynamic and resilient nature of the microbiome during influenza virus infection in multiple hosts provides a compelling rationale for the maintenance of the microbiome homeostasis as a potential therapeutic target to prevent IAV associated bacterial co-infections.

One Sentence Summary

Dynamics of the upper respiratory tract microbiome during influenza A virus infection
Anti-inflammatory properties of natural ingredients used in combinations on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats
Authors: St-Pierre Amélie , Desrosiers Véronique , Dufresne France , U. Blier Pierre
Published: May 2018

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis has seen a significant increase in both incidence and prevalence and its treatments show limited efficiency due to their undesirable effects on patient health. Therefore, major interests lie in the development of treatments with drugs derived from plants or other natural sources with little adverse effects as an alternative to current treatments.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The present study evaluates the therapeutic effects of glucosamine against rheumatoid arthritis in combination with hyaluronic acid, resin extract ofBoswellia serrataor a bark extract ofSalix albaon an animal model. We suggest that combinations with plants could improve the attenuation of arthritis symptoms and articular inflammation.

Study design: We used Freund’s complete adjuvant on rats as models of rheumatoid arthritis. Individuals were separated into eight experimental groups: a control group without arthritis, one with arthritis and without treatment, and six other groups receiving a daily therapeutic treatment from days 14 to 29.

Methods: Hind-paw thickness and arthritis scores were measured at days 0, 3, 6 and 9 post-induction, and then every day from days 12 to 29 with a digital caliper and a score system respectively. At the end of the treatment, the mRNA content of three pro-inflammatory cytokines from cartilage was measured using real-time PCR. The total antioxidant activity was evaluated with an Antioxidant Assay Kit.

Results: Treatments withBoswellia serrataandSalix alba(Glu+Hyal A+Bosw, Glu+Bosw+Sal, Glu+BoswandGlu+Hyal A+Sal) saw significant reductions in hind-paw thickness and arthritis scores at the end of the experiment when compared to the untreated group. Expression of pro-inflammatory geneIL 17Awas also reduced, but only theGlu+Hyal A+Salcombination significantly decreased the expression ofIL-1βandTNF-α. The total antioxidant activity in blood plasma significantly increased in groups treated with plant extracts.

Conclusion: The addition ofBoswellia serrataand/orSalix albaattenuates clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis in Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats likely due to both their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Common genomic regions underlie natural variation in diverse toxin responses
Authors: Evans Kathryn S. , Brady Shannon C. , Bloom Joshua S. , Tanny Robyn E. , Cook Daniel E. , Giuliani Sarah E. , Hippleheuser Stephen W. , Zamanian Mostafa , Andersen Erik C.
Published: May 2018

Phenotypic complexity is caused by the contributions of environmental factors and multiple genetic loci, interacting or acting independently. Studies of yeast andArabidopsisfound that the majority of natural variation across phenotypes is attributable to independent additive quantitative trait loci (QTL). Detected loci in these organisms explain most of the estimated heritable variation. By contrast, many heritable components underlying phenotypic variation in metazoan models remain undetected. Before the relative impacts of additive and interactive variance components on metazoan phenotypic variation can be dissected, high replication and precise phenotypic measurements are required to obtain sufficient statistical power to detect loci contributing to this missing heritability. Here, we used a panel of 296 recombinant inbred advanced intercross lines ofCaenorhabditis elegansand a high-throughput fitness assay to detect loci underlying responses to 16 different toxins, including heavy metals, chemotherapeutic drugs, pesticides, and neuropharmaceuticals. Using linkage mapping, we identified 82 QTL that underlie variation in responses to these toxins and predicted the relative contributions of additive loci and genetic interactions across various growth parameters. Additionally, we identified three genomic regions that impact responses to multiple classes of toxins. These QTL hotspots could represent common factors impacting toxin responses. We went further to generate near-isogenic lines and chromosome-substitution strains and then experimentally validated these QTL hotspots, implicating additive and interactive loci that underlie toxin-response variation.
PRDX1 and MTH1 cooperate to prevent ROS-mediated inhibition of telomerase
Authors: Ahmed Wareed , Lingner Joachim
Published: May 2018

Telomerase counteracts telomere shortening and cellular senescence in germ, stem, and cancer cells by adding repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres are susceptible to damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the consequences of oxidation of telomeres on telomere length and the mechanisms that protect from ROS-mediated telomere damage are not well understood. In particular, 8-oxoguanine nucleotides at 3′ ends of telomeric substrates inhibit telomerase in vitro, whereas, at internal positions, they suppress G-quadruplex formation and were therefore proposed to promote telomerase activity. Here, we disrupt the peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine triphosphatase (MTH1) genes in cancer cells and demonstrate that PRDX1 and MTH1 cooperate to prevent accumulation of oxidized guanine in the genome. Concomitant disruption of PRDX1 and MTH1 leads to ROS concentration-dependent continuous shortening of telomeres, which is due to efficient inhibition of telomere extension by telomerase. Our results identify antioxidant systems that are required to protect telomeres from oxidation and are necessary to allow telomere maintenance by telomerase conferring immortality to cancer cells.
T4 lysozyme-facilitated crystallization of the human molybdenum cofactor-dependent enzyme mARC
Authors: Kubitza Christian , Ginsel Carsten , Bittner Florian , Havemeyer Antje , Clement Bernd , Scheidig Axel J.
Published: May 2018

The human mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (hmARC) is a molybdenum cofactor-dependent enzyme that is involved in the reduction of a diverse range of N-hydroxylated compounds of either physiological or xenobiotic origin. In this study, the use of a fusion-protein approach with T4 lysozyme (T4L) to determine the structure of this hitherto noncrystallizable enzyme by X-ray crystallography is described. A set of four different hmARC-T4L fusion proteins were designed. Two of them contained either an N-terminal or a C-terminal T4L moiety fused to hmARC, while the other two contained T4L as an internal fusion partner tethered to the hmARC enzyme between two predicted secondary-structure elements. One of these internal fusion constructs could be expressed and crystallized successfully. The hmARC-T4L crystals diffracted to 1.7 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation and belonged to space group P212121 with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Initial attempts to solve the structure by molecular replacement using T4L did not result in electron-density distributions that were sufficient for model building and interpretation of the hmARC moiety. However, this study emphasizes the utility of the T4L fusion-protein approach, which can be used for the crystallization and structure determination of membrane-bound proteins as well as soluble proteins.
Women on boards of directors in Latin America: building a model
Authors: Heller Lidia , Gabaldon Patricia
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Through an analysis of 15 Latin American countries, the purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of several institutional variables (economic, regulatory, and cultural), which affect women’s careers towards being members of boards of directors in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on primary and secondary information, the authors carry out multivariate analyses to understand the institutional reasons affecting the reduced presence of women on boards of directors in the region.

Findings

Their findings reveal differences within the region, the importance of protecting women’s professional careers in the labour market, and the effect of cultural dimensions, such as masculinity and power distance.

Research limitations and implications

The analysis provides an updated cross-section of the institutional and cultural conditions of the 15 countries, considering the limitations to developing data in the region.

Practical implications

Latin America has witnessed important changes in the dynamics of the labour market over recent decades: women’s participation in the labour force is on the increase, and corporate strategy is evolving towards the incorporation of practices and initiatives to manage the diversity of their talents. However, the presence of women in leadership positions is a pending subject. This study, in part, reveals the institutional origin of gender inequality on boards of directors in the region. The analysis provides essential tools for public policy and for companies to help promote female leadership in the region.

Originality/value

Recent debate and research on the scarce participation of women on corporative boards of directors have revealed a growing interest in analysing the causes of such issues despite the progress recorded in terms of gender equity in most societies. Studies on the topic in Latin America are scarce and the aim of this paper is to help to fill part of this gap.
The “invisible” hand: views from UK institutional investors
Authors: Allcock Deborah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Investors are called to be good stewards/trustees of their investments, often on behalf of third parties. In light of this fiduciary responsibility, and the conundrum of public criticism potentially impacting on share price, this paper aims to use the basis of the UK governance code to explore what important dialogue investors really have with their holdings to support good governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured telephone interviews with eight institutional investors explore governance issues and investor company dialogue, giving insights into the aspects of the importance of their part in the UK corporate governance code.

Findings

Rather than being sleeping lions, investors positively engage with companies, with regular communication being high on their agenda and not always via the annual general meeting. There is a preference to engage directly with the company rather than in public view or via share dumptin. Thus, we often do not see their actions around their fiduciary duties as often they avoid public criticism or any visibility that could do reputational harm and decrease company value.

Research limitations/implications

This dialogue was just before the point of the exposure of the financial crisis; however, it shows the importance that investors give to taking their responsibilities seriously. Importantly, it provides a springboard for further debate following the financial crises and the updates of the financial environment.

Practical implications

Even though policy seeks engagement, the nuances of the investor dialogue are under explored compared to visible quantitative metrics. This dialogue assures that investors are active, even if their engagement is not public and can be deemed as hidden.

Originality/value

Complementing quantitative studies, this paper explores a qualitative approach, uniquely sharing insights into a hidden and little explored world of fiduciary dialogue.
A process model of social intelligence and problem-solving style for conflict management
Authors: Rahim Afzalur , Civelek Ismail , Liang Feng Helen
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between social intelligence (SI) and problem-solving (PS) style of handling conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on SI and PS were collected with questionnaires from 406 faculty members, and the data were averaged by departments. This resulted in a sample of 43 departments, and all the data analyses were performed with this sample of 43. SI is defined as the ability to be aware of relevant social situations, to handle situational challenges effectively, to understand others’ concerns and feelings and to build and maintain positive relationships in social settings.

Findings

Data analyses with LISREL at the department level suggest that SI is positively associated with PS.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from only one public university in the USA, which might limit the generalizability of the results. The department chairs need to acquire the four components of SI to improve faculty members’ PS. This will hopefully lead to constructive management of many faculty–department chair conflicts.

Originality/value

One of the strengths of this study is that the measures of endogenous and exogenous variables were analyzed at the department level, not individual level. This study contributed to our understanding of the relationships of situational awareness, situational response, cognitive empathy and social skills with each other and to PS.
The role of European R&D projects for SMEs’ resource development: an IMP perspective
Authors: Ciarmatori Fabrizio , Bocconcelli Roberta , Pagano Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contribution on the role of European R&D projects (ERDPs) on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative methodology based on a longitudinal case study. The case analysis concerns Gamma, a small high-tech firm based in Italy, active in nanotechnologies since 2005 as a research spin-off and since its establishment active in ERDPs. The analysis is developed along three main phases of development where the company participated to different ERDPs.

Findings

The empirical analysis highlights that since its establishment, Gamma has been able to increasingly exploit participation in ERDPs, in order to gain access to financial and technological resources. Such active and continuous participation fostered the development of both advanced technological and organizational resources, which then allowed the company to survive and play a growing role as a well-known technology partner in the nanotechnology field in Italy and Europe.

Originality/value

Adopting an IMP perspective, the paper provides a contribution on the managerial dimension of SMEs’ participation in ERDPs – which represents a neglected topic in the existing literature – on two distinct grounds: resource development process and networking processes. With respect to resource development processes in ERDPs, this case study underscores the relevance of ERDPs for developing both technological and organizational resources, highlighting the relevance of project management-related knowledge. In terms of networking processes, this paper highlights the need to fully understand the interplay of ERDP networks and business networks.
Network approach to public-private organizing of destinations
Authors: Elbe Jörgen , Gebert Persson Sabine , Sjöstrand Fredrik , Ågren Karin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper explores a type of organizing that can be found in tourist destinations that are administratively bound to a specific geographic area in the intersection of public and private context. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the organizing of activities within destinations and also to contribute theoretically and conceptually to how place dependency and public/private can be understood from an industrial marketing and purchasing (IMP) network perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach has its origin in an ongoing multi-disciplinary and longitudinal case study.

Findings

By applying a network approach to the organizing of destinations, where interaction of relationships, resources, actors and activities play an essential role, a number of propositions have been put forth so as to provide for a better understanding of place-specific organizing, in the intersection between public and private interests.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual and more empirical studies are needed to test the findings. One implication to consider in future empirical studies is the tensions between created and organic networks that exist in public and private place partnerships.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights into factors affecting destination management.

Social implications

With an emphasis on a socio-political context, the opportunities and limitations that exist between public and private sectors are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on a neglected aspect of a contemporary phenomenon where the IMP network approach could contribute to the understanding of destination marketing or management organization that are bound to a specific place in the intersection between the public and private context. The area of public-private organizing is a topic that may also add new aspects to the IMP community.
La cuarta hélice y la financiación de la innovación
Authors: Sierra Jaime
Published: May 2018

Propósito

Este artículo aborda la relación emergente entre la sociedad civil y el sistema de innovación en América Latina y el Caribe –la financiación de la innovación, en particular– con la intención de sugerir una perspectiva conceptual diferenciada y plantear algunos de los interrogantes más relevantes en la actualidad.

Enfoque

Existe una desconexión estructural entre la sociedad civil y el mundo de la innovación. Empero, la exploración de las divergencias entre las perspectivas neo-institucional y neo-evolucionista de la triple hélice permite plantear que la evolución de los financiadores en distintos contextos puede generar una articulación emergente. Los efectos sobre la “sistematicidad” existente, en particular en América Latina y el Caribe, dependerán en buena medida del enfoque conceptual adoptado y de su institucionalización en términos de reestructuración de la sistematicidad de los sistemas de innovación y su governance.

Hallazgos

La evolución de las relaciones entre los mecanismos de financiación emergentes y los proyectos innovadores en América Latina y el Caribe constituye tanto una oportunidad como un peligro. Si se logra re-estructurar la “sistematicidad”, la región podría seguir una senda con altas expectativas; si persisten las sub-dinámicas tradicionales, el fenómeno emergente podría verse despojado de todo su potencial.

Contribución

Se propone un análisis conceptual y práctico diferente del tema de la financiación de la innovación, con énfasis en el caso latinoamericano y caribeño. Adicionalmente, se sugieren vías de investigación que permiten reducir la incertidumbre sobre la relación entre los actores del sistema de innovación y la sociedad civil y su impacto potencial.

Palabras clave

Crowd-funding, América Latina y el Caribe, Cuarta hélice, Financiación de la innovación, Sistemas de innovación

Tipo de artículo

Trabajo de investigación
Collaborative consumption: a business model analysis of second-hand fashion
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sivasankari , Matthews Delisia
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business model of second-hand fashion stores and explore their challenges/opportunities and suggest potential strategies for second-hand fashion retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method using in-depth interviews of convenience sample of owners/store managers from within the USA was employed.

Findings

Contrasting the traditional retail stores, customers are the primary partners and suppliers of second-hand fashion stores. These stores retain minimal profits given a business model that typically involves sharing profits with customers. Cheaper price, thrill of finding great deals, value for brands and variety are the primary reasons mentioned by respondents for shopping at second-hand stores.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the use of a convenience sample of store owners/managers as well as the research is limited to women and children’s stores. Respondents of the study were from the same geographical region and the characteristics of the redistribution markets may vary in a different region.

Practical implications

As a means to foster textile waste reduction through second-hand clothing business, these stores could adopt innovative revenue streams, additional partnerships, and improved fashion and store appeal that may be effective in increasing profits and the number of customers.

Originality/value

This study is one of the early attempts to examine the business model of second-hand fashion stores, a form of collaborative consumption in the fashion context. The study contributes in promoting second-hand fashion stores as a sustainable business model in the fashion industry.
International mobility and well-being of public sector expatriates
Authors: Waibel Stine , Aevermann Tim , Rueger Heiko
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the health-related well-being of public sector expatriates paying particular attention to the family situation.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the entire staff of the German Foreign Service (GFS), resulting in a response rate of 35.5 percent (analytical sample n=1,390). Partnership status, childlessness, and experiences of partnership break-ups were analyzed by gender and by age. Using OLS regression, the authors examine how gender and individual perceptions of conflict between international relocation and family stability and formation contribute to subjective well-being.

Findings

The results show that females are significantly over-represented among GFS employees who experience partnership instability as well as among single and childless employees. Yet barriers to partnership and family formation appear to be increasing for younger cohorts of male employees.

Practical implications

Unstable families can jeopardize the well-being of employees highlighting that expatriates’ relationship and family needs are insufficiently met in high mobility contexts.

Originality/value

The focus on family formation challenges in non-corporate expatriation makes a novel contribution to the literature and practice of expatriate management, as the system-wide rotational staff mobility of public service institutions has received minor attention.
Opportunism and the dynamics of strategic outsourcing relationships
Authors: Ibrahim Sherwat Elwan , Altahawi Khaled Farouk Mohamed
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of power and dependence as separate constructs on opportunism. Power-dependence studies have been previously used to explain opportunistic behavior in strategic outsourcing relationships. However, there have been no clear distinctions about the separate effects of each regardless of the different theoretical dispositions each construct uses with respect to the dynamics of strategic outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used multiple theoretical perspectives to analyze the courses of six dyadic strategic outsourcing relationships from the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt. The study employed an exploratory research approach to retrospectively examine the development of dependency and power-balance variables throughout the pre- and post-contractual phases.

Findings

The paper concludes with a time-phased theoretical framework and a set of propositions that further segment the post-contractual relationship phase. The segmentation allows for better studying the outsourcing phenomenon and differentiates between having power, recognizing power and exercising power.

Research limitations/implications

The paper theorizes that buffering against opportunism requires a certain state of power-balance awareness, as power was found to be dynamic, relative and arguably “perceptual”. This awareness would not be needed if the outsourcing relationship was static, but given the time argument in this study, awareness of the power-balance shifts becomes necessary in managing strategic outsourcing relations.

Practical implications

The comprehensive framework represents a guiding tool for managers who are planning to, or are currently involved in, strategic outsourcing relationships.

Originality/value

This study applied a time dimension to studying opportunism in strategic outsourcing relationships, and used this perspective to examine the length of the period of mutual dependency and power-balance between buyers and suppliers. The notions of power-balance awareness and latent sources of power are introduced.
Caring for the healthcare professional
Authors: Adamson Keith , Searl Nancy , Sengsavang Sonia , Yardley John , George Mark , Rumney Peter , Hunter Judy , Myers-Halbig Sakeena
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Hospitals must systematically support employees in innovative ways to uphold a culture of care that strengthens the system. At a leading Canadian academic pediatric rehabilitation hospital, over 90 percent of clinicians viewed Schwartz Rounds™ (SR) as a hospital priority, resulting in its formal implementation as a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the hospital implemented SR to support the socio-emotional impact of providing care.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative descriptive study provides a snapshot of the impact of each SR through online surveys at four assessment points (SR1-SR4). A total of 571 responses were collected.

Findings

All four SR addressed needs of staff as 92.9-97.6 percent of attendees reported it had a positive impact, and 96.4-100 percent of attendees reported each SR was relevant. Attendees reported significantly greater communication with co-workers after each SR (p<0.001) and more personal conversations with supervisors after SR2 and SR4 (p<0.05) compared to non-attendees. Attending SR also increased their perspective-taking capacity across the four SR.

Practical implications

As evidenced in this quality improvement initiative, SR addresses staff’s need for time to process the socio-emotional impacts of care and to help reduce those at risk for compassion fatigue. SR supports and manages the emotional healthcare culture, which has important implications for quality patient care.

Originality/value

This research details an organization’s process to implement SR and highlights the importance of taking care of the care provider.
Healthcare managers’ perceptions of managing poor performance
Authors: Hill Melanie , Gluyas Heather , Sandy Martinique , Wingate Andrew
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the perceptions and experiences of healthcare managers working within a community and ambulatory health service who manage poorly performing staff and, to identify the supports, and gaps in supports, that are available to these managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via two focus groups using a semi-structured schedule. The data were transcribed, themed and conclusions summarised.

Findings

On analysis of the discussion of the line managers’ experiences and perceptions of competence, six themes were identified, five themes common to both groups. When discussing the availability and gaps in supports available when managing poor performance, managers were aware of the majority of the supports available to them in the workplace but there was a disconnect between managers and the HR department.

Research limitations/implications

Though the results of this study are not generalisable, as the participants came from programs within a single hospital, they may be transferrable to other healthcare environments. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings using other research techniques.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper indicate that methods should be identified to build better relationships between managers and HR departments, develop clear management learning pathways, and to support managers to manage their emotional responses. These strategies will support organisations to achieve improved outcomes from the performance management processes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current literature by identifying key themes that may have an impact on the outcome of performance management processes. These themes would benefit from further exploration.
Source‐sink dynamics of bumblebees in rapidly changing landscapes
Authors: Iles David T. , Williams Neal M. , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: May 2018

Bumblebees inhabit spatially heterogeneous landscapes that are likely characterized by population sources and sinks. To date, most studies of bumblebee habitat requirements have examined static relationships between worker abundance and habitat characteristics. However, if habitat types are linked by dispersal, source‐sink dynamics could alter overall population sensitivity to habitat loss, changing conclusions from static approaches.

Here, we used empirically derived spatial matrix models to study source‐sink population dynamics of bumblebees in heterogeneous environments. We used these models to assess population sensitivity to habitat loss and to examine the population dynamics that could occur under rapid habitat change.

Loss of natural habitat reduced long‐term population growth rates, and more natural habitat was required to sustain bumblebee species with long‐distance dispersal than species with short‐distance dispersal. The long‐term relative density of colonies in each habitat type depended on landscape structure and bumblebee dispersal ability. Under most conditions, high‐quality habitat contained higher densities of colonies than low‐quality habitats. However, low‐quality habitat could contain higher densities than high‐quality habitats if populations were in long‐term decline.

Rapid loss or restoration of natural habitat produced transient population dynamics that differed from long‐term dynamics. After large landscape perturbations that affected population structure, transient dynamics persisted for 4–8 years and were longest for species with short dispersal in highly aggregated landscapes. While transient dynamics were short in duration, they caused large effects on long‐term population density.

Synthesis and applications. When habitats are linked by dispersal or populations have recently experienced perturbations, patterns of abundance on the landscape may not reflect variation in habitat quality. Spatially structured matrix population models are practical tools than can be used to account for nonequilibrium and source‐sink dynamics. For bumblebees, population sensitivity to habitat loss and the duration of transient dynamics depend on dispersal ability and landscape configuration. Demographic approaches such as ours can help to disentangle population patterns from processes and will therefore be valuable for guiding conservation and management.
Simplification of shade tree diversity reduces nutrient cycling resilience in coffee agroforestry
Authors: Nesper Maike , Kueffer Christoph , Krishnan Smitha , Kushalappa Cheppudira G. , Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: May 2018

Agroforestry systems are refuges for biodiversity and provide multiple ecosystem functions and services. Diverse multispecies shade tree canopies are increasingly replaced by monospecific shade, often dominated by non‐native tree species. The loss of tree diversity and the nature of the dominating tree can have strong implications for ecosystem functions, for example, nutrient cycling ultimately reducing crop production.

To understand direct and indirect impacts of shade trees on nutrient cycling and crop production, we studied coffee agroforestry systems in India along a gradient from native multispecies canopies toGrevillea robusta(Proteaceae) ‐dominated canopy cover. We identified 25 agroforests, across a broad rainfall and management gradient and assessed litter quantity and quality, decomposition, nutrient release, soil fertility and coffee nutrient limitations.

IncreasingG. robustadominance affected nutrient cycling predominantly by; (a) changing of litter phenology, (b) reducing phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) inputs via litterfall, decelerated litter decomposition and immobilization of P and Zn due to low‐quality litter, (c) reducing soil carbon (C) and micronutrients (especially sulphur (S), Mg and B). Coffee plants were deficient in several nutrients (nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), Mg and S in organic and B in conventional management). (d) OverallG. robusta‐dominated agroforests were characterized by a reduction of P cycling due to low inputs, strong immobilization while decomposition and antagonistic effects on its release in litter mixtures with coffee.

Synthesis and applications. The conversion of shade cover in coffee agroforestry systems from diverse tree canopies to canopies dominated byGrevillea robusta(Proteaceae) reduces the inputs and cycling of several micro‐ and macronutrients. Soil fertility is therefore expected to decline inGrevillea robusta‐dominated systems, with likely impacts on coffee production. These negative effects might increase under the longer dry periods projected by regional climate change scenarios due to the pronounced litter phenology ofGrevillea robusta. Maintaining diverse shade canopies can more effectively sustain micro‐ and macronutrients in a more seasonal climate.
Icotinib enhances lung cancer cell radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting MAPK/ERK and AKT activation
Authors: Zhang Sen , Fu Yonghong , Wang Dongjie , Wang Jing
Published: May 2018

Icotinib hydrochloride is a small epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) that was developed by Chinese scientists. While clinical trials have revealed its efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer, very little is known about its role in enhancing radiosensitivity. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of Icotinib in enhancing lung cancer cell radiosensitivity and have detailed its underlying molecular mechanism. The lung cancer cell line H1650 was pretreated with or without Icotinib for 24 hours before radiation, and clonogenic survival assay was performed. Cell apoptosis was also analyzed by flow cytometry, while western blotting was performed to examine the activation of EGFR and its downstream kinases in H1650 cells after Icotinib and radiation treatment. Furthermore, a xenograft animal model was established to evaluate the radiosensitivity of Icotinib in vivo and to confirm its mechanism. Our results demonstrate that pretreatment with Icotinib reduced clonogenic survival after radiation, inhibited EGFR activation, and increased radiation‐induced apoptosis in H1650 cells. The phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and EGFR was inhibited after Icotinib and radiation combination treatment in vitro and in vivo compared with individual treatments. Combination treatment also affected the expression of the DNA repair protein H2A histone family member X (γ‐H2AX). In conclusion, our results reveal that Icotinib enhances radiosensitivity in lung cancers in vitro and in vivo and the mechanism of this may involve blocking the EGFR‐AKT and MAPK‐ERK pathways and limiting DNA repair.
The endocannabinoid‐alcohol crosstalk: Recent advances on a bi‐faceted target
Authors: Lavanco Gianluca , Castelli Valentina , Brancato Anna , Tringali Giuseppe , Plescia Fulvio , Cannizzaro Carla
Published: May 2018

Increasing evidence has focusesed on the endocannabinoid system as a relevant player in the induction of aberrant synaptic plasticity and related addictive phenotype following chronic excessive alcohol drinking. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. Interestingly, whereas the involvement of CB1 receptors in alcohol rewarding properties is established, the central and peripheral action of CB2 signalling is still to be elucidated. This review aims at giving the input to deepen knowledge on the role of the endocannabinoid system, highlighting the advancing evidence that suggests that CB1 and CB2 receptors may play opposite roles in the regulation of both the reinforcing properties of alcohol in the brain and the mechanisms responsible for cell injury and inflammation in the hepatic tissue. The manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could represent a bi‐faceted strategy to counteract alcohol‐related dysfunction in central transmission and liver structural and functional disarrangement.
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling: The ins and outs of quantitative imaging
Authors: Molenaar Chris , Weeks Kate L
Published: May 2018

Nucleocytoplasmic protein shuttling is integral to the transmission of signals between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of proteins of interest can be determined via fluorescence microscopy, following labelling of the target protein with fluorophore‐conjugated antibodies (immunofluorescence) or by tagging the target protein with an autofluorescent protein, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP). The latter enables live cell imaging, a powerful approach that precludes many of the artefacts associated with indirect immunofluorescence in fixed cells. In this review, we discuss important considerations for the design and implementation of fluorescence microscopy experiments to quantify the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of a protein of interest. We summarise the pros and cons of detecting endogenous proteins in fixed cells by immunofluorescence and ectopically‐expressed fluorescent fusion proteins in living cells. We discuss the suitability of widefield fluorescence microscopy and of 2D, 3D and 4D imaging by confocal microscopy for different applications, and describe two different methods for quantifying the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of a protein of interest from the fluorescent signal. Finally, we discuss the importance of eliminating sources of bias and subjectivity during image acquisition and post‐imaging analyses. This is critical for the accurate and reliable quantification of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling.
Eating practices among low‐income overweight /obese Brazilian mothers: a Bourdieusian approach
Authors: de Morais Sato Priscila , Dimitrov Ulian Mariana , Fernandez Unsain Ramiro , Baeza Scagliusi Fernanda
Published: May 2018

We investigated the eating practices of socially vulnerable overweight and obese Brazilian mothers, exploring the relationships between eating practices, capitals, fields and excess‐weight. We conducted a qualitative study involving in‐depth interviews of 21 women living in three vulnerable urban regions. Content analyses were performed and codes were used to locate actors in relation to each other in terms of ‘capitals' and ‘fields’, forming a typology based on Bourdieu's theory with five groups. Socioeconomic conditions during childhood and liking to cook were the main characteristics related to each group's distinct eating practices. While socioeconomic conditions during childhood were related to region of origin and food tastes, liking to cook worked as a type of cultural capital, called culinary capital, which produced pleasure and status. For each pattern of eating practices, different factors seemed to contribute to participants’ excess weight, including liked foods, enjoying cooking, and financial constraints. One group combined a highly vulnerable economic situation and health problems, shedding light onto a habitus that demands special attention from public health studies and interventions. This study illustrates the complexity of practices within a seemingly homogeneous group and reinforces that health studies should not assume homogeneity within a group of overweight/obese low‐income women.
To Test or Not To Test?: The Value of Toxicology in a Delayed Overdose Death
Authors: Walsh Erin E. , Shoff Elisa N. , Elizabeth Zaney Mary , Hime George W. , Garavan Fintan , Boland Diane M.
Published: May 2018

A case demonstrating the necessity of thorough death investigation processes where toxicology plays an active role is presented. A 33‐year‐old white man presented to the emergency room in respiratory distress after an overdose episode where he was revived on the scene by fire rescue. His condition continued to deteriorate and he expired 6 days after the initial incident. No admission specimens were available for testing; however, there were specimens drawn 4 and 5 days after the incident. Drug paraphernalia from the scene was obtained by the laboratory through collaboration with local law enforcement. Drug paraphernalia was initially tested in the laboratory and after obtaining the results, the antemortem and postmortem specimens were tested identifying mitragynine and U‐47700, among other drugs. These results indicate the value in obtaining and testing drug paraphernalia, and the value of testing antemortem specimens even in the event of a delay.