bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vlasov dynamics of periodically driven systems
Authors: Banerjee Soumyadip , Shah Kushal
Published: April 2018

Analytical solutions of the Vlasov equation for periodically driven systems are of importance in several areas of plasma physics and dynamical systems and are usually approximated using ponderomotive theory. In this paper, we derive the plasma distribution function predicted by ponderomotive theory using Hamiltonian averaging theory and compare it with solutions obtained by the method of characteristics. Our results show that though ponderomotive theory is relatively much easier to use, its predictions are very restrictive and are likely to be very different from the actual distribution function of the system. We also analyse all possible initial conditions which lead to periodic solutions of the Vlasov equation for periodically driven systems and conjecture that the irreducible polynomial corresponding to the initial condition must only have squares of the spatial and momentum coordinate. The resulting distribution function for other initial conditions is aperiodic and can lead to complex relaxation processes within the plasma.
A novel noncommutative KdV-type equation, its recursion operator, and solitons
Authors: Carillo Sandra , Lo Schiavo Mauro , Porten Egmont , Schiebold Cornelia
Published: April 2018

A noncommutative KdV-type equation is introduced extending the Bäcklund chart in Carillo et al. [Symmetry Integrability Geom.: Methods Appl. 12, 087 (2016)]. This equation, called meta-mKdV here, is linked by Cole-Hopf transformations to the two noncommutative versions of the mKdV equations listed in Olver and Sokolov [Commun. Math. Phys. 193, 245 (1998), Theorem 3.6]. For this meta-mKdV, and its mirror counterpart, recursion operators, hierarchies, and an explicit solution class are derived.
Phytophthora palmivora
establishes tissue-specific intracellular infection structures in the earliest divergent land plant lineage
Authors: Carella Philip , Gogleva Anna , Tomaselli Marta , Alfs Carolin , Schornack Sebastian
Published: April 2018

Significance

Despite the importance of liverworts as the earliest diverging land plant lineage to support fungal symbiosis, it is unknown whether filamentous pathogens can establish intracellular interactions within living cells of these nonvascular plants. Here, we demonstrate that an oomycete pathogen invades
Marchantia polymorpha
and related liverworts to form intracellular infection structures inside cells of the photosynthetic layer. Plants lacking this tissue layer display enhanced resistance to infection, revealing an architectural susceptibility factor in complex thalloid liverworts. Moreover, we show that dedicated host cellular trafficking proteins are recruited to pathogen interfaces within liverwort cells, supporting the idea that intracellular responses to microbial invasion originated in nonvascular plants.
Targeting galectin-1 inhibits pancreatic cancer progression by modulating tumor–stroma crosstalk
Authors: Orozco Carlos A. , Martinez-Bosch Neus , Guerrero Pedro E. , Vinaixa Judith , Dalotto-Moreno Tomás , Iglesias Mar , Moreno Mireia , Djurec Magdolna , Poirier Françoise , Gabius Hans-Joachim , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Hwang Rosa F. , Guerra Carmen , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Navarro Pilar
Published: April 2018

Significance

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the third leading of cause of cancer death in the United States and is predicted to be the second one by 2030. The tumor microenvironment is a major source of soluble mediators that influence tumor progression and hinder the success of therapeutic strategies. Using a genetically engineered mouse model and human cell-based systems, we identify galectin-1 (Gal1) as a critical soluble factor capable of regulating tumor–stroma crosstalk promoting proliferation, angiogenesis, and modulation of inflammatory responses, resulting in enhanced tumor development and metastasis. Our data provide an integrated view of the role of Gal1 in the PDA microenvironment and reinforce the high therapeutic value of Gal1 inhibition in PDA treatment.
3DClusterViSu: 3D clustering analysis of super-resolution microscopy data by 3D Voronoi tessellations
Authors: Andronov Leonid , Michalon Jonathan , Ouararhni Khalid , Orlov Igor , Hamiche Ali , Vonesch Jean-Luc , Klaholz Bruno P
Published: April 2018

Motivation

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) can play an important role in integrated structural biology approaches to identify, localize and determine the 3D structure of cellular structures. While many tools exist for the 3D analysis and visualization of crystal or cryo-EM structures little exists for 3D SMLM data, which can provide unique insights but are particularly challenging to analyze in three dimensions especially in a dense cellular context.

Results

We developed 3DClusterViSu, a method based on 3D Voronoi tessellations that allows local density estimation, segmentation and quantification of 3D SMLM data and visualization of protein clusters within a 3D tool. We show its robust performance on microtubules and histone proteins H2B and CENP-A with distinct spatial distributions. 3DClusterViSu will favor multi-scale and multi-resolution synergies to allow integrating molecular and cellular levels in the analysis of macromolecular complexes.

Availability and impementation

3DClusterViSu is available under http://cbi-dev.igbmc.fr/cbi/voronoi3D.

Supplementary information

Supplementary figures are available at Bioinformatics online.
An adaptive Bayesian inversion for upper-mantle structure using surface waves and scattered body waves
Authors: Eilon Zachary , Fischer Karen M , Dalton Colleen A
Published: April 2018

We present a methodology for 1-D imaging of upper-mantle structure using a Bayesian approach that incorporates a novel combination of seismic data types and an adaptive parametrization based on piecewise discontinuous splines. Our inversion algorithm lays the groundwork for improved seismic velocity models of the lithosphere and asthenosphere by harnessing the recent expansion of large seismic arrays and computational power alongside sophisticated data analysis. Careful processing of P- and S-wave arrivals isolates converted phases generated at velocity gradients between the mid-crust and 300 km depth. This data is allied with ambient noise and earthquake Rayleigh wave phase velocities to obtain detailed V  S and V  P velocity models. Synthetic tests demonstrate that converted phases are necessary to accurately constrain velocity gradients, and S–p phases are particularly important for resolving mantle structure, while surface waves are necessary for capturing absolute velocities. We apply the method to several stations in the northwest and north-central United States, finding that the imaged structure improves upon existing models by sharpening the vertical resolution of absolute velocity profiles, offering robust uncertainty estimates, and revealing mid-lithospheric velocity gradients indicative of thermochemical cratonic layering. This flexible method holds promise for increasingly detailed understanding of the upper mantle.
Captopril Attenuates Cardiovascular and Renal Disease in a Rat Model of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Salah Eman M. , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Jackson Edwin K. , Tofovic Stevan P.
Published: April 2018

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a prevalent form of heart failure, is frequently accompanied by the metabolic syndrome and kidney disease. Because current treatment options of HFpEF are limited, evaluation of therapies in experimental models of HFpEF with the metabolic syndrome and kidney disease is needed. In this study, we evaluated the effects of captopril, furosemide, and their combination in aged, obese ZSF1 rats, an animal model of HFpEF with the metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease as comorbidities. Captopril (100 mg/kg), furosemide (50 mg/kg), or their combination was administered orally to obese ZSF1 rats aged 20 to 44 weeks. Untreated ZSF1 rats served as controls. After 24 weeks of treatment, captopril significantly lowered systemic blood pressure and attenuated HFpEF as evidenced by significantly reduced left ventricular end diastolic pressures (10.5 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 mm Hg in Control vs. Captopril, respectively) and significantly lower left ventricular relaxation time constants (28.1 ± 2.9 vs. 18.3 ± 3.1 ms in Control vs. Captopril, respectively). The captopril-induced improvement in left ventricular function was associated with reduced cardiac hypertrophy, ischemia, necrosis, and vasculitis. Captopril also increased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, reduced renal vascular resistance and proteinuria, and improved renal histology (ie, reduced renal hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy/dilation). Furosemide alone provided little benefit; moreover, furosemide did not augment the therapeutic benefits of captopril. This study suggests that chronic administration of captopril, but not furosemide, could be beneficial in patients with HFpEF, particularly in those with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemias.
The Impact of Pediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Implementation at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom
Authors: Patel Sanjay , Burzio Valentina , Green Helen , Rees Sara , Tebruegge Marc , Jones Christine , Faust Saul N.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Recent advances in outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) have largely focused on adult practice, and there are few published data on the safety and effectiveness of pediatric OPAT (p-OPAT).

Methods:

During a 3-year period (2012 to 2015), data were prospectively collected on patients managed within the p-OPAT service at Southampton Children’s Hospital, a tertiary pediatric hospital in the South of England.

Results:

A total of 130 p-OPAT episodes were managed during this period. The most frequently managed pathologies were bone and joint infections (44.6%), followed by ear, nose and throat (10.7%), respiratory (10.0%) and central nervous system (10.0%) infections. The most frequently used antimicrobial agent was ceftriaxone (n = 103; 79.2%). For the majority of p-OPAT episodes, antimicrobials were delivered in prefilled syringes (n = 109; 83.8%); 24-hour infusions administered by elastomeric devices were used less commonly (n = 16; 12.3%). The median duration of p-OPAT treatment was 9.2 days (interquartile range: 7.6–19.0 days). With regard to patient outcomes, 113 (86.9%) p-OPAT episodes resulted in cure and 12 (9.2%) in improvement; treatment failure occurred in 5 (3.9%) episodes. Intravenous catheter–related complications were rare. A total of 1683 bed days were saved over the 3-year period.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that p-OPAT is safe and effective, with the potential to offer considerable savings for the healthcare economy through reduced length of inpatient stay.
Fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii and Cytomegalovirus Infections in an Infant With Normal TRECs Count
Authors: Mendez-Echevarria Ana , Gonzalez-Granado Luis Ignacio , Allende Luis M. , De Felipe Beatriz , Teresa Del Rosal , Calvo Cristina , Perez-Martinez Antonio , Raquel Ruiz-Garcia , Neth Olaf
Published: April 2018

Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency using T-cell receptor excision circles allows prompt diagnosis and initiation of supportive and curative therapy thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. However, profound combined immunodeficiencies with normal numbers of nonfunctional T cells will go undetected. We present a patient with calcium release-activated calcium channel gene (ORAI1) deficiency and normal T-cell receptor excision circle numbers observed after diagnosis at the age of 14 months who suffered from disseminated fatal cytomegalovirus and Pneumocystis jirovecii infection, demonstrating a potential pitfall of the current newborn screening program.
Effect of low-intensity versus high-intensity resistance training on the functioning of the institutionalized frail elderly
Authors: Sahin Ulku K. , Kirdi Nuray , Bozoglu Ergun , Meric Aydin , Buyukturan Galip , Ozturk Ahmet , Doruk Huseyin
Published: April 2018

Frailty has emerged as an important risk factor for disability. Age-related declines in physical and physiological function lead to increased risk of loss of independence and poor quality of life. Recent evidence has shown the effectiveness of physical exercise programmes in preventing or reversing frailty. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the functioning of frail elderly individuals after undergoing resistance training for 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The effectiveness of exercise training was investigated in 48 frail elderly individuals who were randomly assigned to the following intervention groups: high-intensity (HI; n=16; age: 69–96 years) or low-intensity (LI; n=16; age: 77–93 years) strength training groups or a control group (n=16; age: 76–93 years) with no specific exercise programme. Participants were assessed for muscle strength, physical function, activities of daily living, depression and quality of life. The HI group had significantly better results (P<0.05) on the Short Physical Performance Test than the LI group; however, the LI group did show a significant improvement in those scores, whereas the scores of the control group worsened. Results for the other evaluations were similarly favourable in both exercise groups (P>0.05). The study showed that LI exercise was as effective as HI exercise for most parameters tested. Exercise training is useful for the prevention or treatment of frailty, as it improves functioning by contributing positively to muscle strength, gait, balance and quality of life.
In Vivo Evaluation of Subacromial and Internal Impingement Risk in Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Coats-Thomas Margaret S. , Massimini Daniel F. , Warner Jon J.P. , Seitz Amee L.
Published: April 2018

Objective

The study aim was to evaluate subacromial and internal impingement risk between shoulders (dominant/nondominant) during dynamic motion using subject-specific anatomy and precise in vivo kinematics.

Design

In a prospective cross-sectional study, nine subjects underwent bilateral magnetic resonance (N = 18 shoulders) and fluoroscopic imaging during elevation and external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction. Subject-specific bone models were created and distances from footprint to (a) acromion and (b) glenoid were measured to evaluate risk.

Results

Throughout elevation, subacromial impingement risk was greater in the dominant shoulder (P = 0.0178). Regardless of side, high subacromial impingement risk occurred at 30% (78 degrees), 50% (101 degrees), and 70% (57 degrees) of the elevation cycle (P < 0.0001). High subacromial impingement risk also occurred at 30% (94 degrees), 50% (120 degrees), and 70% (63 degrees) of the external rotation motion cycle (P < 0.0001). Throughout both motions, internal impingement risk was not observed; however, the footprint and glenoid were closest at 50% of the elevation (101 degrees) and external rotation (120 degrees) cycles (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

During elevation, subacromial impingement risk is greatest at lower arm positions (30% cycle, 78 degrees) and is greater in the dominant shoulder. High subacromial impingement risk also occurs with external rotation (63–120 degrees). Internal impingement risk does not occur with maximal elevation (101 degrees) or external rotation at 90-degree abduction but is more closely approached with elevation.
Perspectives From Family Caregivers of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury in Hospital Versus Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Eberhard Brigitte , Knüppel Lauener Susanne , Mahrer Imhof Romy
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The study aims to assess differences in family preferences for involvement in the ongoing care of a hospitalized family member with spinal cord injury based on whether the patient was hospitalized for initial rehabilitation (Group R) or hospitalized to treat secondary complications (Group C).

Design

Explorative cross-sectional design.

Method

Family members rated the importance and experience of involvement on five subscales of the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire. Differences among the importance and experience scores between the groups were tested using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Findings

Group C scored the importance to be involved significantly higher than Group R (M = 3.17 vs. M = 4.04, p =.01). No other significant differences between groups were detected.

Conclusion

Family members of patients hospitalized for secondary complications want greater involvement in care compared to those hospitalized for rehabilitation.

Clinical Relevance

Results indicate the need for tailored interventions using a family-centered approach and ongoing needs assessment.
The 100 Most Cited Articles on Healthcare Simulation
Authors: Walsh Chloe , Lydon Sinéad , Byrne Dara , Madden Caoimhe , Fox Susan , O'Connor Paul
Published: April 2018

Summary Statement

This article provides an overview and synthesis of the 100 most cited healthcare simulation publications to provide insight into the articles that have shaped current knowledge and practice. Searches of the Scopus and Web of Science databases were conducted in July 2017. Most articles were concerned with medical education and training (86%) and were most often published in surgical journals (33%). Manikins (20%), standardized patients (16%), inanimate part-task trainers (16%), fully simulated environments (17%), and virtual reality part-task trainers (14%) were the most commonly featured types of simulators. Healthcare simulation research has matured and grown during the preceding decades. There has been a move away from research questions focused on “does simulation work?” to an assessment of the conditions under which simulation is most effective. It is hoped that providing an overview of highly cited works will help identify topics for further research.
Optimal timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis in spine trauma managed operatively: A nationwide propensity-matched analysis of trauma quality improvement program
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad , O’Keeffe Terence , Pollack Nina , Hamidi Mohammad , Kulvatunyou Narong , Sakran Joseph V. , Gries Lynn , Joseph Bellal
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Patients with spinal trauma are at high risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation but they are unclear on timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of early versus late initiation of venous thromboprophylaxis in patients with spinal trauma who underwent operative intervention.

METHODS

We performed a 2-year (2013–2014) review of patients with isolated spine trauma (spine-Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥ 3 and no other injury in another body region with Abbreviated Injury Scale score, > 2) who underwent operative intervention and received thromboprophylaxis postoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis: early(<48 hours) and late(≥48 hours), and were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching for demographics, admission vitals, injury parameters, type of operative intervention, hospital course, and type of prophylaxis(low molecular weight heparin vs. unfractionated heparin). Outcomes were rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism, red-cell transfusions, the rate of operative interventions for spinal cord decompression and mortality after initiation of thromboprophylaxis.

RESULTS

Nine thousand five hundred eighty-five patients underwent operative intervention and received anticoagulants, of which 3554 patients (early, 1,772; late, 1,772) were matched. Matched groups were similar in demographics, injury parameters, emergency department vitals, hospital length of stay, rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and time to operative procedure. Patients who received thromboprophylaxis within 48 hours of operative intervention, unlike those who did not, were less likely to develop DVT (2.1% vs. 10.8%, p < 0. 01). However, the rate of pulmonary embolism was similar in both groups (p = 0.75). Additionally, there was no difference in postprophylaxis red cell transfusion requirements (p = 0.61), rate of postprophylaxis decompressive procedure on the spinal cord (p = 0.27), and mortality (p = 0.53).

CONCLUSION

Early VTE prophylaxis is associated with decreased rates of DVT in patients with operative spinal trauma without increasing the risk of bleeding and mortality. The VTE prophylaxis should be initiated within 48 hours of surgery to reduce the risk of DVT in this high-risk patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic studies, level IV.
Health care utilization and the cost of posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome care
Authors: Robles Anamaria J. , Kornblith Lucy Z. , Hendrickson Carolyn M. , Howard Benjamin M. , Conroy Amanda S. , Moazed Farzad , Calfee Carolyn S. , Cohen Mitchell J. , Callcut Rachael A.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and longer hospitalizations. The relationship between posttraumatic ARDS severity and financial burden has not been previously studied. We hypothesized that increasing ARDS severity is associated with incrementally higher health care costs.

METHODS

Adults arriving as the highest level of trauma activation were enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort study. Patients who survived 6 hours or longer are included in the analysis. Blinded review of chest radiographs was performed by two independent physicians for any intubated patient with Pao
2:FIO2 ratio of 300 mmHg or lower during the first 8 days of admission. The severity of ARDS was classified by the Berlin criteria. Hospital charge data were used to perform standard costing analysis.

RESULTS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 13% (203 of 1,586). The distribution of disease severity was 33% mild, 42% moderate, and 25% severe. Patients with ARDS were older (41 years vs. 35 years, p < 0.01), had higher median Injury Severity Score (30 vs. 10, p < 0.01), more chest injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥ 3: 51% vs. 21%, p < 0.01), and blunt mechanisms (85% vs. 53%, p < 0.01). By ARDS severity, there was no significant difference in age, mechanism, or rate of traumatic brain injury. Increasing ARDS severity was associated with higher Injury Severity Score and higher mortality rates. Standardized total hospital charges were fourfold higher for patients who developed ARDS compared with those who did not develop ARDS (US $434,000 vs. US $96,000; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the daily hospital charges significantly increased across categories of worsening ARDS severity (mild, US $20,451; moderate, US $23,994; severe, US $33,316; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The development of posttraumatic ARDS is associated with higher health care costs. Among trauma patients who develop ARDS, total hospital charges per day increase with worsening severity of disease. Prevention, early recognition, and treatment of ARDS after trauma are potentially important objectives for efforts to control health care costs in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic and value-based evaluations, level IV.
A non-cell autonomous actin redistribution enables isotropic retinal growth
Authors: Matejčić Marija , Salbreux Guillaume , Norden Caren
Published: April 2018

Tissue shape is often established early in development and needs to be scaled isotropically during growth. However, the cellular contributors and ways in which cells interact inside tissues to enable coordinated isotropic tissue scaling are not yet understood. Here, we follow cell and tissue shape changes in the zebrafish retinal neuroepithelium, which forms a cup with a smooth surface early in development and maintains this architecture as it grows. By combining 3D analysis and theory, we show that a global increase in cell height is necessary to maintain this tissue shape during growth. Timely cell height increase is governed by non-cell autonomous actin redistribution. Blocking actin redistribution and cell height increase perturbs isotropic scaling and leads to disturbed, folded tissue shape. Taken together, our data show how global changes in cell shape enable isotropic growth of the developing retinal neuroepithelium, a concept that could also apply to other systems.
Genetic analysis using parent-progeny relationship for wood quality traits in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)
Authors: Zhou Linghua , Chen Zhiqiang , Lindqvist Sven-Olof , Olsson Lars , Grahn Thomas , Karlsson Bo , Wu Harry X. , Gil María Rosario García
Published: April 2018

Two-generations pedigree involving 524 plus trees and their open-pollinated (OP) progenies were jointly studied to estimate parent-progeny correlation and heritability. Three wood traits (wood density, MFA, and MOE) were determined by SilviS-can in one ramet per plus tree and 12 OP progenies. Three ramets per plus tree and 12 OP were also measured with two indirect methods, Pilodyn and Hitman. The overall correlation between OP-based breeding values and plus tree-based phenotypes was low to moderate for all traits. The correlations between the phenotypic values of the mother trees and the breeding values estimated on their half-sib pro-genies are low to moderate. Reasons for this may be experimental errors in progeny trials and lack of experimental design in archives, contributing to the parent and progeny correlation. The management practices in the archive may contribute more to such low correlation. Offspring progeny heritability estimates based on SilviScan measurements were higher than parent-offspring regression using one single ramet from the archive. Moreover, when three ramets were measured the parent-offspring regression heritability estimates were higher than those based solely on progeny data for the Pilodyn and Hitman on the standing trees. The standard error of the heritability estimates decreased with increasing progeny size.
Increased speech representation in older adults originates from early response in higher order auditory cortex
Authors: Brodbeck Christian , Presacco Alessandro , Anderson Samira , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: April 2018

1

Previous research has found that, paradoxically, while older adults have more difficulty comprehending speech in challenging circumstances than younger adults, their brain responses track the acoustic signal more robustly. Here we investigate this puzzle by using magnetoencephalography (MEG) source localization to determine the anatomical origin of this difference. Our results indicate that this robust tracking in older adults does not arise merely from having the same responses as younger adults but with larger amplitudes; instead they recruit additional regions, inferior to core auditory cortex, as part of an early response peak at ~ 30 ms relative to the acoustic signal.
Movement imitation via an abstract trajectory representation in dorsal premotor cortex
Authors: Wong Aaron L. , Jax Steven A. , Smith Louisa L. , Buxbaum Laurel J. , Krakauer John W.
Published: April 2018

Humans are particularly good at copying novel and meaningless gestures. The mechanistic and anatomical basis for this specialized imitation ability remains largely unknown. One idea is that imitation occurs by matching body configurations. Here we propose an alternative route to imitation that depends on a body-independent representation of the trajectory path of the end-effector. We studied a group of patients with strokes in the left frontoparietal cortices. We found that they were equally impaired at imitating movement trajectories using the ipsilesional limb (i.e., the non-paretic side) that were cued either by an actor using their whole arm or just by a cursor, suggesting that body configuration is not always critical for imitation and that a representation of abstract trajectory shape may suffice. In addition, imitation ability was uncorrelated to the ability to identify the trajectory shape, suggesting a dissociation between producing trajectory shapes and perceiving their paths. Finally, a lesion-symptom mapping analysis found that imitation deficits were associated with lesions in left dorsal premotor but not parietal cortex. Together, these findings suggest a novel body-independent route to imitation that relies on the ability to plan abstract movement trajectories within dorsal premotor cortex.

Significance Statement

The ability to imitate is critical for rapidly learning to produce new gestures and actions, but how the brain translates observed movements into motor commands is poorly understood. Examining the ability of patients with strokes affecting the left hemisphere revealed that meaningless gestures can be imitated by succinctly representing only the motion of the hand in space, rather than the posture of the entire arm. Moreover, performance deficits correlated with lesions in dorsal premotor cortex, an area not previously associated with impaired imitation of arm postures. These findings thus describe a novel route to imitation that may also be impaired in some patients with apraxia.
Wind tunnel tests of the inverted joined wing and a comparison with CFD results
Authors: Galinski Cezary , Krysztofiak Grzegorz , Miller Marek , Ruchala Pawel , Kalski Marek , Lis Mateusz , Dziubinski Adam , Bogdanski Krzysztof , Stefanek Lukasz , Hajduk Jaroslaw
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology and approach adapted to conduct a wind tunnel experiment on the inverted joined-wing airplane flying model together with the results obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

General assumptions underlying the dual-use model design are presented in this paper. The model was supposed to be used for both wind tunnel tests and flight tests that significantly drive its size and internal structure. Wind tunnel tests results compared with the outcome of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to assess airplane flying qualities before the maiden flight was performed.

Findings

Extensive data about the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane were collected. Clean configurations in symmetric and asymmetric cases and also configurations with various control surface deflections were tested.

Practical implications

The data obtained experimentally made it possible to predict the performance and stability properties of the unconventional airplane and to draw conclusions on improvements in further designs of this configuration.

Originality/value

The airplane described in this paper differs from frequently analyzed joined-wing configurations, as it boasts a front lifting surface attached at the top of the fuselage, whereas the aft one is attached at the bottom. The testing technique involving the application of a dual-use model is also innovative.
The impact of B2B seller’s value appropriation upon customer relationship performance
Authors: Zhang Jing , Du Mingfei
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Value appropriation and value creation are two sides of the same coin. How B2B seller’s value appropriation impacts customer relationship performance still remains an under-researched topic. This paper aims to probe into this question in the context of Chinese B2B markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies two kinds of value appropriation, namely, competitive and non-competitive and then examines their impacts upon customer relationship performance, as well as the moderating roles of distributive fairness and procedural fairness, based on questionnaire survey among 273 Chinese B2B firms.

Findings

The authors find that seller’s competitive value appropriation has negative impact upon customer relationship performance, and this link is positively moderated by customer-perceived distributive fairness. Besides, non-competitive value appropriation by the seller has significant and positive impact upon customer relationship performance, and this link is positively moderated by customer-perceived procedural fairness.

Originality/value

The paper contributes greatly to literature of value management and industrial buyer–seller relationship. Managerial implications are provided for B2B companies operating in Chinese market to tackle with the tradeoff between appropriating sufficient value and retaining harmonious relationship with customers.
The role of negative network externalities in SNS fatigue
Authors: Zhu Yun , Bao Zheshi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether negative network externalities would contribute to social networking site (SNS) fatigue and how this mechanism works.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was proposed integrating two dimensions of negative network externalities and three dimensions of mediators (impression management concern, privacy concern, and social overload) to indicate how negative network externalities affect users’ SNS fatigue. Online questionnaires were adopted to collect data, and 307 valid samples were analyzed by structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The findings indicate that negative network externalities have significant indirect effects on SNS fatigue through impression management concern, privacy concern, and social overload, and among the three dimensions, privacy concern plays a more important role.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a solidly grounded and well-demonstrated conceptual model that not only indicates the effects of negative network externalities in the context of SNS but also facilitates the understanding of SNS fatigue. Some theoretical and practical implications are also provided.

Originality/value

This study is novel in exploring users’ SNS fatigue a perspective of negative network externalities. Besides, the mediating roles of impression management concern, privacy concern, and social overload have been employed to indicate the formation of SNS fatigue.
Gender, race/ethnicity, and entrepreneurship: women entrepreneurs in a US south city
Authors: Wang Qingfang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how gender, interacting with race and ethnicity, plays a role in women entrepreneurship process and how women entrepreneurs’ experiences shape and are shaped by their communities.

Design/methodology/approach

First, five-year 2010-2014 American Community Survey data are analyzed. Then, in-depth interview and focus groups discussion are conducted with 40 women business owners and the data are analyzed using the software package QSR Nvivo.

Findings

Women entrepreneurs face the challenges and the difficulties of managing both family roles and work. However, they have strategically negotiating with their multiple roles through entrepreneurship to gain independence and purpose, as well as the opportunity to contribute to society. In particular, their embeddedness within local communities provides meanings, opportunities, and functional strategies for their entrepreneurial activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on only one study area. A larger sample size with more cases from multiple study areas can provide further insights.

Practical implications

Findings from this study have profound implications for practices of equitable growth, community development, and urban planning under the rapid growth of immigration.

Originality/value

First, extending focus on the social identity of “motherhood,” this study argues for considering multiple social identities of women entrepreneurs and the intersectionality of multiple identities. Second, it extends the traditional focus of entrepreneurship studies from a singular focus on economic growth to include additional dimensions of work-life balance and sense of community. Third, place is not only a context but also acts powerfully into the entrepreneurial process. It argues that women entrepreneurs and their businesses are deeply embedded in local communities as their multiple identities are shaped at both home and work.
Innovation and metamorphosis towards strategic resilience
Authors: Morais-Storz Marta , Stoud Platou Rikke , Berild Norheim Kine
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what it means to be resilient in the context of environmental turbulence, complexity, and uncertainty, and to suggest how organizations might develop strategic resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Sampling from the theoretical and empirical contributions to the understanding of resilience within the management and organizational literatures, this conceptual paper presents a model of strategic resilience and theoretical propositions are developed that suggest directions for future research.

Findings

It is proposed that strategic resilience is an emergent and dynamic characteristic of organizations whereby organizational legacy is a defining antecedent, top management team future orientation is a fundamental belief system, and problem formulation is a key deliberate process.

Research limitations/implications

Although the conceptual inquiry of strategic resilience offers clarity on a complex phenomenon, empirical evidence is needed to provide a test of the concepts and their relations.

Practical implications

By asserting that the environment is turbulent, complex, and uncertain, this paper opens up new possibilities for the understanding and study of strategic resilience, whereby metamorphosis and innovation are requisites, and entrepreneurship is part and parcel of strategy. As such it highlights the importance of managerial beliefs and behaviors that facilitate proactively and deliberately challenging of the status quo.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptualization of strategic resilience in this paper connotes action rather than just reaction, and in so doing highlights the importance of the synergy between strategic management and entrepreneurship. As such, it proposes factors that may help organizations persist and create value within a context and future that they themselves also shape.
True exogenous shock or just a scapegoat
Authors: Schweizer Lars , Nienhaus Andreas
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Sensemaking models generally lack an objective determinant to distinguish between CEO fault and changes in systematic risk caused by exogenous negative shocks like a banking crisis. The interdisciplinary approach of this paper combines attribution theory with econometric time series analyses to provide an objective measure of exogeneity and persistence of a negative shock to an organization. The purpose of this paper is to address the exploratory research question, of how scapegoating by managers can be avoided by the use of an objective and empirical measurement and if the recent financial crisis can be seen as an exogenous shock to manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

By testing for stationarity with a structural break with an econometric time series analysis, the model helps to reduce agency costs during organizational crisis by effectively determining crisis causation and avoid scapegoating by managers.

Findings

By combining the sensemaking models of Haleblian and Rajagopalan (2006), Staw (1980), and Weick (1988), an integrated model of sensemaking in performance crises under the specific context of simultaneously occurring external crises is provided. By applying the authors approach the results suggest that the financial crisis of 2008/2009 has true exogenous adverse effects on US manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

The interdisciplinary approach encourages the integration of econometric time series analysis as an objective determinant in sense making models.
The key gluconeogenic gene PCK1 is crucial for virulence of Botrytis cinerea via initiating its conidial germination and host penetration
Authors: Liu Jian‐Kang , Chang Hao‐Wu , Liu Yue , Qin Yu (Haity) , Ding Yu‐Han , Wang Lan , Zhao Yue , Zhang Ming‐Zhe , Cao Sheng‐Nan , Li Le‐Tao , Liu Wei , Li Gui‐Hua , Qin Qing‐Ming
Published: April 2018

The process of initiation of host invasion and survival of some foliar phytopathogenic fungi in the absence of external nutrients on host leaf surfaces remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that gluconeogenesis plays an important role in the process and nutrient‐starvation adaptation before the pathogen host invasion. Deletion of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene BcPCK1 in gluconeogenesis in Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of grey mould, resulted in the failure of the ΔBcpck1 mutant conidia to germinate on hard and hydrophobic surface and penetrate host cells in the absence of glucose, reduction in conidiation and slow conidium germination in a nutrient‐rich medium. The wild‐type and ΔBcpck1 conidia germinate similarly in the presence of glucose (higher concentration) as the sole carbon source. Conidial glucose‐content should reach a threshold level to initiate germination and host penetration. Infection structure formation by the mutants displayed a glucose‐dependent fashion, which corresponded to the mutant virulence reduction. Exogenous glucose or complementation of BcPCK1 completely rescued all the developmental and virulence defects of the mutants. Our findings demonstrate that BcPCK1 plays a crucial role in B. cinerea pathogenic growth and virulence, and provide new insights into gluconeogenesis mediating pathogenesis of plant fungal pathogens via initiation of conidial germination and host penetration.
Unravelling a new catabolic pathway of C‐19 steroids in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Fernández‐Cabezón Lorena , Galán Beatriz , García José L.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we have characterized the C‐19+ gene cluster (MSMEG_2851 to MSMEG_2901) of Mycobacterium smegmatis. By in silico analysis, we have identified the genes encoding enzymes involved in the modification of the A/B steroid rings during the catabolism of C‐19 steroids in certain M. smegmatis mutants mapped in the PadR‐like regulator (MSMEG_2868), that constitutively express the C‐19+ gene cluster. By using gene complementation assays, resting‐cell biotransformations and deletion mutants, we have characterized the most critical genes of the cluster, that is, kstD2, kstD3, kshA2, kshB2, hsaA2, hsaC2 and hsaD2. These results have allowed us to propose a new catabolic route named C‐19+ pathway for the mineralization of C‐19 steroids in M. smegmatis. Our data suggest that the deletion of the C‐19+ gene cluster may be useful to engineer more robust and efficient M. smegmatis strains to produce C‐19 steroids from sterols. Moreover, the new KshA2, KshB2, KstD2 and KstD3 isoenzymes may be useful to design new microbial cell factories for the 9α‐hydroxylation and/or Δ1‐dehydrogenation of 3‐ketosteroids.
The economic impacts of using adalimumab (Humira®) for reducing pain in people with ankylosing spondylitis: A microsimulation study for Australia
Authors: Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra , Cunich Michelle
Published: April 2018

Aim

The onset and progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) usually occurs during the life stage when individuals are more likely to be working and receiving an income, but little is known about the effects of interventions that reduce pain and improve the economic circumstances of patients out of the labour force due to AS. This study evaluates the economic benefits of pain reduction among people aged 19–64 with AS using adalimumab (Humira®) from the patient and governmental perspectives.

Methods

We estimated the benefits of adalimumab for reducing pain in people aged 19–64 with AS in terms of labor force participation and earnings, and to the Australian Government in terms of income tax revenue and welfare payments using economic simulation. The simulation model integrated data from the Adalimumab Trial Evaluating Long‐Term Safety and Efficacy for Ankylosing Spondylitis (ATLAS), the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey – Wave 10, and Static Incomes Model (STINMOD). All benefits are expressed in 2014 real Australian dollars.

Results

We estimated an additional 131 people aged 19–64 with AS (111 males, 20 females) would be in the labour force after using adalimumab for 24 weeks. National benefits consisted of an increase in annual earnings of AU$7.4 million for patients through increased labour force participation, savings of $2 million in annual welfare payments, and an increase of $1.3 million in income tax revenue in 2014 (after 24 weeks).

Conclusion

Adalimumab therapy generates substantial economic benefits in addition to health benefits for individuals, and savings for government.
Acanthamoeba S13WT relies on its bacterial endosymbiont to backpack human pathogenic bacteria and resist Legionella infection on solid media
Authors: Okubo Torahiko , Matsushita Mizue , Nakamura Shinji , Matsuo Junji , Nagai Hiroki , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2018

Soil‐borne amoeba Acanthamoeba S13WT has an endosymbiotic relationship with an environmental Neochlamydia bacterial strain. However, regardless of extensive experiments in liquid media, the biological advantage of the symbiosis remained elusive. We therefore explored the role of the endosymbiont in predator‐prey interactions on solid media. A mixed culture of the symbiotic or aposymbiotic amoebae and GFP‐expressing Escherichia coli or Salmonella Enteritidis was spotted onto the centre of a LB or B‐CYE agar plate preinoculated with a ring of mCherry‐expressing Legionella pneumophila (Legionella ‘wall’). The spread of the amoebae on the plate was assessed using a fluorescence imaging system or scanning electron microscopy. As a result, in contrast to the aposymbiotic amoebae, the symbiotic amoebae backpacked these GFP‐expressing bacteria and formed flower‐like fluorescence patterns in an anticlockwise direction. Other bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia), but not Staphylococcus aureus, were also backpacked by the symbiotic amoebae on LB agar, although lacked the movement to anticlockwise direction. Furthermore, in contrast to the aposymbiotic amoebae, the symbiotic amoebae backpacking the E. coli broke through the Legionella ‘wall’ on B‐CYE agar plates. Thus, we concluded that Acanthamoeba S13WT required the Neochlamydia endosymbiont to backpack human pathogenic bacteria and resist Legionella infection on solid agar.
Initial severity of major depression and efficacy of new generation antidepressants: individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Furukawa T. A. , Maruo K. , Noma H. , Tanaka S. , Imai H. , Shinohara K. , Ikeda K. , Yamawaki S. , Levine S. Z. , Goldberg Y. , Leucht S. , Cipriani A.
Published: April 2018

Objective

The role of baseline severity as effect modifier in various psychiatric disorders is a topic of controversy and of clinical import. This study aims to examine whether baseline severity modifies the efficacy of various antidepressants for major depression through individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis.

Method

We identified all placebo‐controlled, double‐blind randomised trials of new generation antidepressants in the acute phase treatment of major depression conducted in Japan and requested their IPD through the public–private partnerships (PPPs) between the relevant academic societies and the pharmaceutical companies. The effect modification by baseline depression severity was examined through six increasingly complex competing mixed‐effects models for repeated measures.

Results

We identified eleven eligible trials and obtained IPD from six, which compared duloxetine, escitalopram, mirtazapine, paroxetine or bupropion against placebo (total n = 2464). The best‐fitting model revealed that the interaction between baseline severity and treatment was not statistically significant (coefficient = −0.04, 95% confidence interval: −0.16 to 0.08, P = 0.49). Several sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

We may expect as much benefit from antidepressant treatments for mild, moderate or severe major depression. Clinical practice guidelines will need to take these findings into consideration.