bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced prefrontal synaptic connectivity and disturbed oscillatory population dynamics in the CNTNAP2 model of autism
Authors: Lazaro Maria T. , Taxidis Jiannis , Shuman Tristan , Bachmutsky Iris , Ikrar Taruna , Santos Rommel , Marcello Giuseppe M. , Mylavarapu Apoorva , Chandra Swasty , Foreman Allison , Goli Rachna , Tran Duy , Sharma Nikhil , Azhdam Michelle , Dong Hongmei , Peñagarikano Olga , Masmanidis Sotiris , Rácz Bence , Xu Xiangmin , Geschwind Daniel H. , Golshani Peyman
Published: May 2018

Loss of function mutations in CNTNAP2 cause a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and produce social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and seizures in mice. Yet, the functional effects of these mutations at the cellular and circuit level remain elusive. Using laser scanning photostimulation, whole-cell recordings, and electron microscopy, we found a dramatic decrease in functional excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs in L2/3 medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of Cntnap2 knock-out (KO) mice. In accordance with decreased synaptic input, KO mice displayed reduced spine and synapse densities, despite normal intrinsic excitability and dendritic complexity. To determine how this decrease in synaptic inputs alters coordination of neuronal firing patterns in vivo, we recorded mPFC local field potentials (LFP) and unit spiking in head-fixed mice during locomotion and rest. In KO mice, LFP power was not significantly altered at all tested frequencies, but inhibitory neurons showed delayed phase-firing and reduced phase-locking to delta and theta oscillations during locomotion. Excitatory neurons showed similar changes but only to delta oscillations. These findings suggest that profound ASD-related alterations in synaptic inputs can yield perturbed temporal coordination of cortical ensembles.
TRAIL (CD253) Sensitizes Human Airway Epithelial Cells to Toxin-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Rong Yinghui , Westfall Jennifer , Ehrbar Dylan , LaRocca Timothy , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: May 2018

Inhalation of ricin toxin is associated with the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by hemorrhage, inflammatory exudates, and tissue edema, as well as the near complete destruction of the lung epithelium. Here we report that the Calu-3 human airway epithelial cell line is relatively impervious to the effects of ricin, with little evidence of cell death even upon exposure to microgram amounts of toxin. However, the addition of exogenous soluble TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL; CD253) dramatically sensitized Calu-3 cells to ricin-induced apoptosis. Calu-3 cell killing in response to ricin and TRAIL was reduced upon the addition of caspase-8 and caspase-3/7 inhibitors, but not caspase 9 inhibitors, consistent with involvement of extrinsic apoptotic pathways in cell death. We employed nCounter Technology to define the transcriptional response of Calu-3 cells to ricin, TRAIL, and the combination of ricin plus TRAIL. An array of genes associated with inflammation-and cell death were significantly up regulated upon treatment with ricin toxin, and further amplified upon addition of TRAIL. Of particular note was IL-6, whose expression in Calu-3 cells increased 300-fold upon ricin treatment and more than 750-fold upon ricin and TRAIL treatment. IL-6 secretion by Calu-3 cells was confirmed by cytometric bead array. Based on these finding, we speculate that the severe airway epithelial cell damage observed in animal models following ricin exposure is a result of a positive feedback loop driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines like TRAIL and IL-6.
Impact of exogenous nitrogen on cyanobacterial abundance and community in oil-contaminated sediment mesocosms
Authors: Sun Kaikai , Qi Minbo , Zhu Panpan , Wang Haixia , Lu Zhenmei
Published: May 2018

High concentrations of crude oil are toxic to cyanobacteria but can facilitate the emergence of cyanobacterial aggregation at an appropriate concentration range; however, the exact inducing factor has never been clearly elucidated. We hypothesized that increasing exposure to elevated concentrations of nitrogen would inhibit the accumulation of cyanobacteria in oil-contaminated sediments. To test this hypothesis, we simulated an oil spill in estuarine sediment microcosms with and without the removal of nitrogen limitation by supplementation of exogenous nitrogen. An integrated MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene analysis along with metatranscriptome sequence was performed to achieve a comprehensive study of cyanobacterial blooms. The number of cyanobacterial sequences increased over time in both oil-contaminated and non-oil-contaminated sediments at different time points after 42 days of incubation. And, supplementation with a nitrogen resource could accelerate cyanobacterial blooms under uncontaminated microcosms but delay the bloom phenomenon and reduce the cyanobacterial abundance to a great degree when exposed to oil. Our results clearly illustrated that nitrogen limitation was a vital driver of the increased abundance of cyanobacteria in oil-contaminated mesocosms. In addition, the abundance and compositions of blooming cyanobacteria varied significantly among the different treatment groups, andOscillatoriamay play a potential and non-negligible role in oil-contaminated mesocosms.
Histophilus somniSurvives in Bovine Macrophages by Interfering with Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion, but Requires IbpA for Optimal Serum Resistance
Authors: Pan Yu , Tagawa Yuichi , Champion Anna , Sandal Indra , Inzana Thomas J.
Published: May 2018

Histophilus somnisurvives intracellularly in professional phagocytic cells, but the mechanism of intracellular survival is not understood. The Fic motif within the DR1/DR2 IbpA fibrillar network protein ofH. somniis cytotoxic to epithelial and phagocytic cells, which may interfere with the bactericidal activity of these cells. To determine the contribution of IbpA and Fic on resistance to host defenses, strains and mutants that lack all of or a small region ofibpAor DR1/DR2 were tested for survival in bovine monocytic cells and for serum susceptibility. A mutant lacking IbpA, but not DR1/DR2, was more susceptible to killing by antiserum than the parent.H. somnistrains expressing IbpA replicated in bovine monocytes for at least 72 hours, and were toxic for these cells. Virulent strain 2336 with transposon insertions or deletions within IbpA remained toxic for bovine monocytes. However, strain 2336 mutants lacking all ofibpAor both DR1/DR2 were not toxic to the monocytes, but survived within the monocytes for at least 72 hours. Examination of intracellular trafficking ofH. somniwith monoclonal antibodies to early and late phagosomal markers indicated that early phagosomal marker EEA-1 colocalized with both disease isolate strain 2336 and serum-sensitve mucosal isolate strain 129Pt, but only strain 2336 did not co-localize with late lysosomal marker LAMP-2 and prevented acidification of phagosomes. These results indicate that virulent isolates ofH. somniare capable of surviving within phagocytic cells through interference of phagosome-lysosome maturation. Therefore,H. somnimay be considered a permissive intracellular pathogen.
Bacterial community shift in nutrient-treated oil-bearing sandstones from the subsurface strata of an onshore oil reservoir and its potential use in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Phetcharat Thanachai , Dawkrajai Pinan , Chitov Thararat , Wongpornchai Pisanu , Saenton Schradh , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Kanokratana Pattanop , Champreda Verawat , Bovonsombut Sakunnee
Published: May 2018

Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) is a promising strategy to improve recovery of residual oil in reservoirs, which can be performed by promoting specific indigenous microorganisms. In this study, bacterial communities and the effects of elemental nutrient treatment of oil-bearing sandstone cores originated from six oil wells of an onshore reservoir was determined by tagged 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, using Ion Torrent Metagenomic Sequencing Analysis. A total number of sequences were taxonomically classified into 43 phyla, 320 families, and 584 genera, with the dominant bacterial populations being related to Deinococcus-Thermus, and Betaproteobacteria. The nutrient treatment resulted in markedly increase in the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria. Thermus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were the most abundant genera. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of elemental nutrients on alteration of bacteria communities attached to the oil-bearing rock. It provides comprehensive data on bacterial, physical, and chemical structures within a reservoir and demonstrates how these parameters can be co-analyzed to serve as a basis for designing a MEOR process. It also provides a model of how a bacterial community in reservoirs’ strata can be altered by nutrient treatment to enhance the efficiency of MEOR applications.
Concentration-dependent reduction of planktonic- and biofilm-stateVibrio alginolyticusby the bacteriophage pVa-21
Authors: Kim Sang Guen , Giri Sib Sankar , Jun Jin Woo , Yun Saekil , Kim Hyoun Joong , Kim Sang Wha , Kang Jeong Woo , Han Se Jin , Jeong Dalsang , Park Se Chang
Published: May 2018

There is an increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistantVibrio alginolyticus, a zoonotic pathogen that causes mass mortality in aquatic animals as well as human infection; therefore, there is a demand for alternatives to antibiotics for treatment and prevention of infections caused by this pathogen. One possibility is through the exploitation of bacteriophages. In the present study, the bacteriophage pVa-21 belonging toMyoviridae, was isolated and characterized as a candidate biocontrol agent againstV. alginolyticus. Its morphology, host range and infectivity, growth characteristics, planktonic or biofilm lytic property, stability under various conditions, and genome were investigated. Its latent period and burst size were estimated to be approximately 70 min and 58 plaque-forming units/cell, respectively. In addition, phage pVa-21 could inhibit bacterial growth both in the planktonic and biofilm state. Furthermore, phylogenetic and genome analyses revealed that the phage is closely related to ‘phiKZ-like phages’ and can be classified as a new member of the phiKZ-like phages that infect bacteria belonging to the family Vibrionaceae.
Controlling CRISPR-Cas9 with ligand-activated and ligand-deactivated sgRNAs
Authors: Kundert Kale , Lucas James E. , Watters Kyle E. , Fellmann Christof , Ng Andrew H. , Heineike Benjamin M. , Fitzsimmons Christina M. , Oakes Benjamin L. , Savage David F. , El-Samad Hana , Doudna Jennifer A. , Kortemme Tanja
Published: May 2018

The CRISPR-Cas9 system provides the ability to edit, repress, activate, or mark any gene (or DNA element) by pairing of a programmable single guide RNA (sgRNA) with a complementary sequence on the DNA target. Here we present a new method for small-molecule control of CRISPR-Cas9 function through insertion of RNA aptamers into the sgRNA. We show that CRISPR-Cas9-based gene repression (CRISPRi) can be either activated or deactivated in a dose-dependent fashion over a >10-fold dynamic range in response to two different small-molecule ligands. Since our system acts directly on each target-specific sgRNA, it enables new applications that require differential and opposing temporal control of multiple genes.
Mapping and characterizing N6-methyladenine in eukaryotic genomes using single-molecule real-time sequencing
Authors: Zhu Shijia , Beaulaurier John , Deikus Gintaras , Wu Tao P. , Strahl Maya , Hao Ziyang , Luo Guanzheng , Gregory James A. , Chess Andrew , He Chuan , Xiao Andrew , Sebra Robert , Schadt Eric E. , Fang Gang
Published: May 2018

N6-Methyladenine (m6dA) has been discovered as a novel form of DNA methylation prevalent in eukaryotes; however, methods for high-resolution mapping of m6dA events are still lacking. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing has enabled the detection of m6dA events at single-nucleotide resolution in prokaryotic genomes, but its application to detecting m6dA in eukaryotic genomes has not been rigorously examined. Herein, we identified unique characteristics of eukaryotic m6dA methylomes that fundamentally differ from those of prokaryotes. Based on these differences, we describe the first approach for mapping m6dA events using SMRT sequencing specifically designed for the study of eukaryotic genomes and provide appropriate strategies for designing experiments and carrying out sequencing in future studies. We apply the novel approach to study two eukaryotic genomes. For green algae, we construct the first complete genome-wide map of m6dA at single-nucleotide and single-molecule resolution. For human lymphoblastoid cells (hLCLs), it was necessary to integrate SMRT sequencing data with independent sequencing data. The joint analyses suggest putative m6dA events are enriched in the promoters of young full-length LINE-1 elements (L1s), but call for validation by additional methods. These analyses demonstrate a general method for rigorous mapping and characterization of m6dA events in eukaryotic genomes.
Separate functional properties of NMDARs regulate distinct aspects of spatial cognition
Authors: Sanders Erin M. , Nyarko-Odoom Akua O. , Zhao Kevin , Nguyen Michael , Liao Hong Hong , Keith Matthew , Pyon Jane , Kozma Alyssa , Sanyal Mohima , McHail Daniel G. , Dumas Theodore C.
Published: May 2018

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at excitatory synapses are central to activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. NMDARs act as ionotropic and metabotropic receptors by elevating postsynaptic calcium concentrations and by direct intracellular protein signaling. In the forebrain, these properties are controlled largely by the auxiliary GluN2 subunits, GluN2A and GluN2B. While calcium conductance through NMDAR channels and intracellular protein signaling make separate contributions to synaptic plasticity, it is not known if these properties individually influence learning and memory. To address this issue, we created chimeric GluN2 subunits containing the amino-terminal domain and transmembrane domains from GluN2A or GluN2B fused to the carboxy-terminal domain of GluN2B (termed ABc) or GluN2A ATD (termed BAc), respectively, and expressed these mutated GluN2 subunits in transgenic mice. Expression was confirmed at the mRNA level and protein subunit translation and translocation into dendrites were observed in forebrain neurons. In the spatial version of the Morris water maze, BAc mice displayed signs of a learning deficit. In contrast, ABc animals performed similarly to wild-types during training, but showed a more direct approach to the goal location during a long-term memory test. There was no effect of ABc or BAc expression in a nonspatial water escape task. Since background expression is predominantly GluN2A in mature animals, the results suggest that spatial learning is more sensitive to manipulations of the amino-terminal domain and transmembrane domains (calcium conductance) and long-term memory is regulated more by the carboxy-terminal domain (intracellular protein signaling).
Undecacarbonyl[(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)diphenylphosphane]triruthenium(0): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Shawkataly Omar bin , Abdelnasir Hafiz Malik Hussien , Sirat Siti Syaida , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: May 2018

The title cluster compound, [Ru3(C19H17PS)(CO)11], comprises a triangle of Ru0 atoms, two of which are bonded to four carbonyl ligands. The third metal atom is bound to three carbonyl ligands and the phosphane-P atom of a dissymmetric phosphane ligand, PPh2(C6H4SMe-4); no Ru...S interactions are observed. The phosphane occupies an equatorial position and its proximity to an Ru—Ru edge results in the elongation of this bond with respect to the others [2.8933 (2) Å cf. 2.8575 (2) and 2.8594 (3) Å]. In the crystal, phenyl-C—H...O(carbonyl) and carbonyl-O...O(carbonyl) [2.817 (2) Å] interactions combine to form a supramolecular chain propagating along [111]; the chains pack without directional interactions between them. The carbonyl-O...O(carbonyl) and other weak contacts have an influence upon the Hirshfeld surfaces with O...H contacts making the greatest contribution, i.e. 37.4% cf. 15.8% for O...O and 15.6% for H...H contacts.
Crystal structure of (μ-trans-1,2-bis{2-[(2-oxidophenyl)methylidene]hydrazin-1-ylidene}ethane-1,2-diolato-κ3
O,O′,N)bis[di-tert-butyltin(IV)]
Authors: Ndoye Cheikh , Diallo Waly , Diouf Ousmane , Barry Aliou Hamady , Gaye Mohamed , Gautier Romain
Published: May 2018

The binuclear complex, [Sn2(C4H9)4(C16H10N4O4)], contains two Sn4+ ions, connected by doubly N-deprotonated oxalylbis[(2-oxidobenzylidene)hydrazide] ligands, and each Sn4+ ion is linked to two tert-butyl groups. The coordination sphere of each Sn atom is best described as a distorted trigonal bipyramid. Each stannic ion in the complex is in a C2O2N environment. The two homologous parts of the doubly deprotonated ligand are located in trans positions with respect to the C—C bond of the oxalamide group. The oxalamide group exhibits an asymmetric coordination geometry, as seen by the slight difference between the C—O and C—N bond lengths. The three-dimensional network is a multilayer of complex molecules with no strong supramolecular interactions.
Managing millennials in the digital era: building a sustainable culture
Authors: Chillakuri Bharat , Mogili Ramanjaneyulu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present strategies maximizing the millennial talent. The study focuses on finer aspects such as millennials interests, likes, risk tolerance level, and unhappiness at workplace. The paper also underlines that the generational differences in the workplace cannot be ignored but only has to be welcomed to build an organization that exhibits and promotes inclusive behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design adopted for the study is exploratory in nature. The research analysis is based on the information/data collected from the journal articles, newspapers, and the various conferences and majorly from in-person discussions with the HR heads.

Findings

Millennials engage in discussions with their age group and peers, who are like-minded. They often tend to exhibit intolerance with incompatible and thus avoid talking to older generation workforce in the organization. While confronting them, they like to challenge the status quo and go beyond the conventional way of doing things.

Research limitations/implications

The findings and the implications reflect the perspective of millennials employed in the services industry. Further research can focus on other industries especially in the manufacturing sector, where the scope of innovation and doing different is limited.

Practical implications

Millennials express very little loyalty when compared to the older generations. Further, they also feel that they are underutilized and have greater potential to do more. Organizations should take every effort that the older generations help the millennials in understanding the work, invest time in coaching and development of their leadership skills.

Originality/value

The study presents an alternative in managing the millennials thereby maximizing their talent in the workplace.
Occupational segregation and wage differences: the case of Poland
Authors: Strawinski Pawel , Majchrowska Aleksandra , Broniatowska Paulina
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relation between occupational segregation and the gender wage differences using data on three-digit occupational level of classification. The authors examine whether a statistically significant relation between the share of men in employment and the size of the unexplained part of the gender wage gap exists.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional Oaxaca (1973) – Blinder (1973) decomposition is performed to examine the differences in the gender wage gaps among minor occupational groups. Two types of reweighted decomposition – based on the parametric estimate of the propensity score and non-parametric proposition presented by Barskyet al.(2002) – are used as the robustness check. The analysis is based on individual data available from Poland.

Findings

The results indicate no strong relation between occupational segregation and the size of unexplained differences in wages. The unexplained wage differences are the smallest in strongly female-dominated and mixed occupations; the highest are observed in male-dominated occupations. However, they are probably to a large extent the result of other, difficult to include in the econometric model, factors rather than the effects of wage discrimination: differences in the psychophysical conditions of men and women, cultural background, tradition or habits. The failure to take them into account may result in over-interpreting the unexplained parts as gender discrimination.

Research limitations/implications

The highest accuracy of the estimated gender wage gap is obtained for the occupational groups with a similar proportion of men and women in employment. In other male- or female-dominated groups, the size of the estimated gender wage gaps depends on the estimation method used.

Practical implications

The results suggest that decreasing the degree of segregation of men and women in different occupations could reduce the wage differences between them, as the wage discrimination in gender balanced occupations is the smallest.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few conducted at such a disaggregated level of occupations, and one of few studies focused on Central and Eastern European countries and the first one for Poland.
Networking as a marketing tool in small companies: a random and informal approach
Authors: Franco Mário
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the particularities of marketing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), to try to understand how networking can influence the marketing activities implemented in this firm segment.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the author decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of four SMEs in Portugal.

Findings

The results obtained show that the owners/managers of the SMEs studied here recognize the importance of marketing and networking, but have not yet implemented them in a structured way. In these SMEs, marketing is informal and reactive to market opportunities.

Practical implications

This study contributes to showing the importance of marketing in SMEs, providing more information and evidence about marketing in this firm sector, as well as about the owner/manager’s influence on the use of networking in marketing activities.

Originality/value

In spite of the opportunities associated with networking in SMEs, there is only limited empirical evidence of its importance in marketing activities. This holds particularly for the realm of SMEs.
Mired in deception: escalating an environmental disaster in Colombia
Authors: Contreras-Pacheco Orlando E. , Claasen Cyrlene
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze concealment and deception in self-defeating organizational crisis response strategies and the possible consequences of their adoption on a company’s reputation. It represents an example of where every guideline to address stakeholders after a crisis was dismissed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates a major environmental incident that took place in Colombia in 2013 and studies how the responsible company responded to the incident through the examination of company reports, media statements and national and international newspaper articles.

Findings

The analysis shows that in addition to environmental damage, the company’s reputation was affected by the way the company responded during this crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes highlight the importance of the manner in which a crisis response is managed, as these types of mistakes often aggravate reputational damage.

Practical implications

This paper is an invitation for companies to be quick, consistent and transparent with their responses when facing their stakeholders in moments of crisis. Not doing so may aggravate not only social but also economic and environmental impacts.

Originality/value

Contrary to other contributions on the subject, this study implies that a misleading crisis response, including concealment and deception, can be an even greater challenge to a company’s reputation than the crisis itself.
Glued laminated timber and steel beams
Authors: Hassan Osama A.B. , Johansson Christopher
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to compare glued laminated timber and steel beams with respect to structural design, manufacturing and assembly costs and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents structural design requirements in conformance with EN 1993: Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3. With the help of these standards, expressions are derived to evaluate the design criteria of the beams. Based on the results of life-cycle analysis, the economic properties and environmental impact of the two types of beam are investigated. In this paper, the effect of beam span on the design values, costs and carbon dioxide emissions is analysed when investigating aspects of the structural design, economy and environmental impact. Different cross-sections are chosen for this purpose.

Findings

The study shows that the glued laminated (abbreviated as “glulam”) beams have a smaller tendency to lateral torsional buckling than the steel beams, and that they can be cheaper. From an environmental point of view, glulam beams are the more environmentally friendly option of the two beam materials. Furthermore, glulam beams may have a direct positive effect on the environment, considering the carbon storage capacity of the wood. The disadvantage of glued wood is that larger dimensions are sometimes required.

Research limitations/implications

Wind load and the effect of second-order effects have not been considered when analysing the static design. Only straight beams have been studied. Furthermore, the dynamic design of the beams has not been investigated, and the bearing pressure capacity of the supports has not been analyzed. We have investigated timber beams with a rectangular cross-section, and steel beams of rolled I-sections, known as “HEA profiles”. The cost analysis is based mainly on the manufacturing and assembly costs prevalent on the Swedish market. The only environmental impact investigated has been the emission of greenhouse gases. The design calculations are based on the European standards Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3.

Practical implications

To achieve sustainability in construction engineering, it is important to study the environmental and economic consequences of the building elements. By combining these two effects with the technical design of buildings made of steel and/or timber, the concept of sustainable development can be achieved in the long run.

Social implications

The study concerns sustainability of building structures, which is an important of the sustainable development of the society.

Originality/value

The paper contains new information and will be useful to researchers and civil engineers.
A theoretical analysis of immigrant employees’ organizational citizenship behaviors in organizations
Authors: Chou Shih Yung
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model describing how immigrant employees’ organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) are influenced by their immigrant status. Additionally, this study attempts to explore the mediating role of perceived job mobility as well as the moderating role of organizational tenure in the relationship between immigrant status and OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual analysis was performed.

Findings

Drawing upon social identity, self-categorization, and impression management theories, this study proposes the following. First, an immigrant employee’s perceived different categorization of employment and organizational status will have a negative impact on his or her challenge-oriented OCB. Second, an immigrant employee’s perceived categorization of employment and organizational status will have a positive impact on his or her affiliation-oriented OCB. Third, perceived job mobility mediates the relationship between the perceived different categorization of employment and organizational status and challenge- and affiliation-oriented OCBs of an immigrant employee. Finally, an immigrant employee’s organizational tenure weakens (or strengthens) the negative (or positive) impact of immigrant status on challenge-oriented (or affiliation-oriented) OCB.

Originality/value

From a theoretical standpoint, this study provides a novel theoretical base that guides future research on immigrant employees’ OCBs in organizations. More importantly, this study offers recommendations that help maximize the effectiveness of immigrant employee’s OCBs.
Home away from home: community embeddedness and expatriate retention cognitions
Authors: Yunlu Dilek G. , Ren Hong , Mohler Fodchuk Katherine , Shaffer Margaret
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that examines the influences of expatriate community relationship building behaviors on community embeddedness and community embeddedness on expatriate retention cognitions. The authors further investigate the moderating role of organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 127 expatriates in the USA were collected and analyzed. The authors used multiple (moderator) hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypotheses. In addition, simple slopes analyses were conducted to further understand the interaction effects.

Findings

The results demonstrate that community relationship building behaviors positively influence expatriate community embeddedness, and the latter is associated with stronger retention cognitions. In addition, the paper finds that, for individuals who have lower levels of organizational identification, community embeddedness is particularly important.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on cross-sectional and self-report data, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about causality. Thus, more multi-source and longitudinal data from different expatriate populations would increase the validity and the generalizability of findings. The theory and empirical evidence indicate the importance of community embeddedness, particularly when organizational identification is low, for expatriates’ retention cognitions.

Practical implications

This study examines the important role of community relationship building behaviors on community embeddedness, and the role of community embeddedness in expatriates’ intention to stay.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the unique view of personal resources associated with different social contexts (i.e. community and organizational contexts) in expatriate studies.
Knowledge retention and age management – senior employees’ experiences in a Swedish multinational company
Authors: Wikström Ewa , Eriksson Ellinor , Karamehmedovic Lejla , Liff Roy
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The focus of this study is on the knowledge retention process, including knowledge capture, knowledge codification and the internalising of knowledge in organisations – a key aspect of age management. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of the difficulties in this process to discuss implications for organizational measures to retain knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on field research on a Swedish multinational company from the perspective of senior employees.

Findings

The findings indicate that knowledge retention is a complex phenomenon, partly because valued knowledge is tacit and knowing is highly subjective and transferred through learning in collaboration with others in the process of undertaking assignments and acting together in work situations.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge retention is considered only from the perspective of senior, white-collar employees in this study; it would be of interest to consider other employees’ perspectives as well. A second limitation is that the data were collected at a single site. It could be argued, however, that a single case study research format provides an opportunity to gain deep knowledge and allows for explanations about observed phenomena, thereby contributing towards transferable scientific knowledge.

Practical implications

Knowledge retention is hindered by focusing solely on senior workers and on an explicit and commodified view of knowledge.

Social implications

Knowledge retention should be an on-going way of working throughout the organization in which tacit knowledge and knowing are important.

Originality/value

This study shows the importance of considering knowledge and knowing retention as a matter of continual interaction between actors. Retention of tacit knowledge and knowing is not merely a matter of capturing and codifying knowledge. This study contributes to an understanding of the internalisation of tacit knowledge and knowing in continual interaction and cannot be preceded by a step-wise process.
Reforming the MBA: a survey of elite British universities
Authors: Stoten David William
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the response of British business schools to criticism levied against the MBA.

Design/methodology/approach

The content of elite British MBAs was surveyed using web-based research. This followed the approach adopted by Navarro (2008) in his analysis of MBA curricula in the USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is significant innovation and diversity within British business schools as they search for more effective ways of preparing MBA students for senior management positions.

Research limitations/implications

This survey was limited by the sample size of the top-10 MBAs in the UK. The results do provide an insight into the curriculum development that is occurring within elite institutions.

Practical implications

This paper not only refutes much of the criticism of the MBA but also provides evidence of the evolution of the degree.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of research relating to the MBA as the premier qualification for senior managers. It details the progress made in the UK in making the degree fit for purpose.
The investigation of basic microfluidic elements in LTCC structures
Authors: Belavic Darko , Bradeško Andraž , Uršič Hana
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design, fabricate and investigate low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) structures with integrated microfluidic elements. Special attention is paid to the study of fluid properties of micro-channels and microvalves, which are important constitutive parts of both, microfluidic systems and individual microfluidic devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Several test patterns of fluid channels with different geometry and different types of valves were designed and realized in LTCC technology. All test structures were tested under the flow of two fluids (liquids): water and isopropyl alcohol. Flow rates at different applied pressure were measured and hydrodynamic resistance and diode effect were calculated.

Findings

The investigation of the channels showed that viscosity of fluidic media has significant influence on the hydrodynamic resistance in channels with rectangular cross-section, while this effect is small on channels with square cross-section. The viscosity also has a decisive influence on the diode effect of different shape of valves, and therefore, it is important in the selection of the valve in practical applications.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, the investigation of hydrodynamic resistance of channels and diode effect of passive valves is limited on selected geometry and only on two fluidic media and two applied pressures. All these and some other parameters have a significant influence on fluidic properties, but this will be the topic of the next research work, which will be supported by numerical modelling.

Practical implications

The presented results are useful in the future designing process of LTCC-based microfluidic devices and systems.

Originality/value

Microfluidic in the LTCC structures is an unconventional use of this technology. Therefore, the fluid properties are relatively unsearched. On the other hand, the global use of microfluidic devices and systems is growing rapidly in various applications. They are mostly made by polymer materials, however, in more demanding applications; ceramic is a useful alternative.
Temperature transducer with frequency output made in LTCC technology
Authors: Potencki Jerzy , Tomaszewski Grzegorz , Wałach Tadeusz , Malikowski Witold
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a simple and cheap temperature transducer with frequency output with high measurement resolution in low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology by using the distributed Resistance-Capacitance (RC) networks in high-pass filter configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the concept of elaboration of a transducer of temperature into frequency, its implementation in LTCC technology and test results. Construction and technological works are supported by a series of computer simulations of the process of indirect adjustment of the whole system.

Findings

The investigation results of the proposed and developed system have confirmed the correctness of the adopted concept, and the practical usefulness of an applied original method of indirect adjusting of the transducer.

Practical implications

The study contains practical and useful information about the principles of designing and manufacturing of the converters of the different physical quantities into frequency by using the elements with distributed parameters made in LTCC technology which was presented on the example of a temperature transducer.

Originality/value

The study presents the original solution of a simple transducer with the use of RC structures with distributed parameters made in LTCC technology and the idea of indirect adjustment of the elements to a desired value.
Why Has Australian Wages Growth Been So Low? A Phillips Curve Perspective
Authors: Chua Chew Lian , Robinson Tim
Published: May 2018

Wages growth in Australia has recently been the lowest in two decades. One possible explanation is a decline in the non‐accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU). We examine this hypothesis by estimating a wage Phillips curve including a time‐varying NAIRU. Our findings are: (i) the NAIRU has recently been around 5.5 per cent; (ii) our approach increases the precision of the NAIRU estimates; (iii) low inflation expectations have been an important contributing factor; and (iv) the long‐run annual wages growth is nearly 3 per cent. We also find that the underutilisation rate suggests greater slack exists, but is less useful in explaining wage developments.
Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review and Future Trends
Authors: Han Jia‐Wei , Ruiz‐Garcia Luis , Qian Jian‐Ping , Yang Xin‐Ting
Published: May 2018

Innovations in food packaging systems will help meet the evolving needs of the market, such as consumer preference for “healthy” and high‐quality food products and reduction of the negative environmental impacts of food packaging. Emerging concepts of active and intelligent packaging technologies provide numerous innovative solutions for prolonging shelf‐life and improving the quality and safety of food products. There are also new approaches to improving the passive characteristics of food packaging, such as mechanical strength, barrier performance, and thermal stability. The development of sustainable or green packaging has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of food packaging through the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts, and nanomaterials. Active, intelligent, and green packaging technologies can work synergistically to yield a multipurpose food‐packaging system with no negative interactions between components, and this aim can be seen as the ultimate future goal for food packaging technology. This article reviews the principles of food packaging and recent developments in different types of food packaging technologies. Global patents and future research trends are also discussed.
Applied and Emerging Methods for Meat Tenderization: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Bhat Zuhaib F. , Morton James D. , Mason Susan L. , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A.
Published: May 2018

The tenderization process, which can be influenced by both pre‐ and post‐slaughter interventions, begins immediately after an animal's death and is followed with the disruption of the muscle structure by endogenous proteolytic systems. The post‐slaughter technological interventions like electrical stimulation, suspension methods, blade tenderization, tumbling, use of exogenous enzymes, and traditional aging are some of the methods currently employed by the meat industry for improving tenderness. Over the time, technological advancement resulted in development of several novel methods, for maximizing the tenderness, which are being projected as quick, economical, nonthermal, green, and energy‐efficient technologies. Comparison of these advanced technological methods with the current applied industrial methods is necessary to understand the feasibility and benefits of the novel technology. This review discusses the benefits and advantages of different emerging tenderization techniques such as hydrodynamic‐pressure processing, high‐pressure processing, pulsed electric field, ultrasound, SmartStretch™, Pi‐Vac Elasto‐Pack® system, and some of the current applied methods used in the meat industry.
Feasibility of re‐biopsy and EGFR mutation analysis in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Tae‐Ok , Oh In‐Jae , Kho Bo Gun , Park Ha Young , Chang Jin Sun , Park Cheol‐Kyu , Shin Hong‐Joon , Lim Jung‐Hwan , Kwon Yong‐Soo , Kim Yu‐Il , Lim Sung‐Chul , Kim Young‐Chul , Choi Yoo‐Duk
Published: May 2018

Background

In cases of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) failure, re‐biopsy may be useful to understand resistance mechanisms and guide further treatment decisions. However, performing re‐biopsy is challenging because of several hurdles. We assessed the feasibility of re‐biopsy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathologic data of advanced NSCLC patients who experienced disease progression after previous treatment with EGFR‐TKIs at a single tertiary hospital in Korea between January 2014 and December 2016. Re‐biopsy specimens included small biopsy, surgical tissue, or liquid‐based cytology. EGFR mutation was tested using peptide nucleic acid‐mediated clamping PCR.

Results

Of the 230 NSCLC patients that experienced progression after EGFR‐TKI therapy, 105 (45.7%) underwent re‐biopsy. Re‐biopsy was successfully performed in 94 (89.5%) patients, and 11 patients were diagnosed with no malignancy. The complication rate was 8.6%, including seven cases of pneumothorax. EGFR mutation testing was performed on 75 patients using re‐biopsy specimens. Of the 57 patients who had sensitizing mutations at diagnosis, T790M mutations were found in 19 (33.3%), while 38 (66.7%) had no T790M mutation. Multivariate analysis showed that the re‐biopsy group was younger (P = 0.002) and exhibited a previous response to EGFR‐TKIs (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Re‐biopsy in advanced NSCLC is feasible in real world clinical practice, particularly in younger patients and those who achieved a previous response to EGFR‐TKIs.
Influence of temperature and humidity on the survival of Monilinia fructicola conidia on stone fruits and inert surfaces
Authors: Bernat M. , Segarra J. , Navas‐Cortés J.A. , Casals C. , Torres R. , Teixidó N. , Usall J.
Published: May 2018

The survival of the fungus Monilinia fructicola on fruit and inert surfaces at different temperatures (range: 0–30°C) and relative humidity (RH) (range: 60–100%) was investigated. M. fructicola conidia survived better on fruit than on inert surfaces. The viability reduction rate at 20°C and 60% RH was 1.2 and 5.8 days−1 on fruit and inert surfaces, respectively. Overall, on fruit surfaces, conidia viability was reduced at high temperatures and was longer at higher RH than at lower RH; in contrast, on inert surfaces, conidia viability was longer at only low temperatures. On fruit surfaces, at 0°C and 100% RH, conidia survived up to 35 days, and at 30°C and 60% RH, conidia survived up to 7 days. However, on inert surfaces at 20°C and 30°C, conidia lost their viability after 48 and 24 h, respectively. These results suggest that M. fructicola can remain viable in cold rooms for over 30 days on fruit surfaces or over 25 days on inert surfaces. Furthermore, under the orchard conditions during the growing season, conidia may remain viable for only 2–3 days on immature fruit surfaces before conidia will be unable to penetrate the host.
Mortality in unipolar depression preceding and following chronic somatic diseases
Authors: Koyanagi A. , Köhler‐Forsberg O. , Benros M. E. , Munk Laursen T. , Haro J. M. , Nordentoft Merete , Hjorthøj Carsten
Published: May 2018

Objective

It is largely unknown how depression prior to and following somatic diseases affects mortality. Thus, we examined how the temporal order of depression and somatic diseases affects mortality risk.

Method

Data were from a Danish population‐based cohort from 1995 to 2013, which included all residents in Denmark during the study period (N = 4 984 912). Nineteen severe chronic somatic disorders from the Charlson Comorbidity Index were assessed. The date of first diagnosis of depression and somatic diseases was identified. Multivariable Cox proportional Hazard models with time‐varying covariates were constructed to assess the risk for all‐cause and non‐suicide deaths for individual somatic diseases.

Results

For all somatic diseases, prior and/or subsequent depression conferred a significantly higher mortality risk. Prior depression was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk when compared to subsequent depression for 13 of the 19 somatic diseases assessed, with the largest difference observed for moderate/severe liver disease (HR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.79–2.44), followed by metastatic solid tumor (HR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.39–1.58), and myocardial infarction (HR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.34–1.49).

Conclusion

A particularly high mortality risk was observed in the presence of prior depression for most somatic diseases. Future studies that assess the underlying mechanisms are necessary to adequately address the excessive mortality associated with comorbid depression.