bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trunk and Head Control During Walking in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Authors: Zhang Fang , Liu Peng , Ou Yongkang , Huang Qiuhong , Song Rong , Dou Zulin , Zheng Yiqing 
Published: May 2019

Objectives
The aim of the study was to investigate (a) postural control, especially trunk and head control, in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction and healthy controls during walking on firm and foam surface and (b) the difference between the impact of left and right unilateral vestibular hypofunction, and correlation between trunk/head control and vestibular function in the patients.

Design
Thirteen patients and 13 healthy controls were recruited. Vestibular function was examined based on the canal paresis value. Participants walked on a treadmill on firm and foam surface. Peak-to-peak trunk (T
roll and T
pitch) and head roll and pitch angle (H
roll and H
pitch) were calculated as primary outcome measures.

Results
In the unilateral vestibular hypofunction group but not healthy controls, T
roll was significantly higher on foam than firm surface (P = 0.03). T
pitch was significantly higher on foam than firm surface in both groups (P = 0.02). Patients had significantly lower H
roll (P = 0.03) and H
pitch (P = 0.02) and lower head-trunk correlation in both medio-lateral (P = 0.05) and anteroposterior direction (P = 0.03) than those in the healthy control group.

Conclusions
Patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction seemed to rely more on lower limb somatosensory input for trunk control especially in the medio-lateral direction compared with healthy controls. Lower head sway and head-trunk correlation may suggest a more independent and successful head control strategy in patients.
X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism: recent advances
Authors: Bragg D. Cristopher , Sharma Nutan , Ozelius Laurie J. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
Our understanding of X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) has advanced considerably in recent years because of a wealth of new data describing its genetic basis, cellular phenotypes, neuroimaging features, and response to deep brain stimulation (DBS). This review provides a concise summary of these studies.

Recent findings
XDP is associated with a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA)-type retrotransposon insertion within the TAF1 gene. This element includes a hexameric DNA repeat expansion, (CCCTCT)
n
, the length of which varies among patients and is inversely correlated to age of disease onset. In cell models, the SVA alters TAF1 splicing and reduces levels of full-length transcript. Neuroimaging data have confirmed previous neuropathology studies that XDP involves a progressive striatal atrophy, while further detecting functional alterations in additional brain regions. In patients exhibiting features of both dystonia and parkinsonism, pallidal DBS has resulted in rapid improvement of hyperkinetic movements, but effects on hypokinetic features have been inconsistent.

Summary
The discovery that XDP is linked to a polymorphic hexameric sequence suggests that it could share mechanisms with other DNA repeat disorders, whereas the transcriptional defect in cell models raises the possibility that strategies to correct TAF1 splicing could provide therapeutic benefit.
Transfer RNA Genes Affect Chromosome Structure and Function via Local Effects
Authors: Hamdani Omar , Dhillon Namrita , Hsieh Tsung-Han S. , Fujita Takahiro , Ocampo Josefina , Kirkland Jacob G. , Lawrimore Josh , Kobayashi Tetsuya J. , Friedman Brandon , Fulton Derek , Wu Kenneth Y. , Chereji Răzvan V. , Oki Masaya , Bloom Kerry , Clark David J , Rando Oliver J. , Kamakaka Rohinton T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe genome is packaged and organized in an ordered, non-random manner and specific chromatin segments contact nuclear substructures to mediate this organization. While transfer RNA genes (tDNAs) are essential for the generation of tRNAs, these loci are also binding sites for transcription factors and architectural proteins and are thought to play an important role in the organization of the genome. In this study, we investigate the role of tDNAs in genomic organization and chromosome function by editing a chromosome so that it lacks any tDNAs. Surprisingly our analyses of this tDNA-less chromosome show that loss of tDNAs does not grossly affect chromosome folding or chromosome tethering. However, loss of tDNAs affects local nucleosome positioning and the binding of SMC proteins at these loci. The absence of tDNAs also leads to changes in centromere clustering and a reduction in the frequency of long rangeHML-HMRheterochromatin clustering. We propose that the tDNAs primarily affect local chromatin structure that result in effects on long-range chromosome architecture.
Into-India or out-of-India? Historical biogeography of freshwater gastropod genus Pila (Ampullariidae)
Authors: Sil Maitreya , Aravind N. A. , Karanth K. Praveen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe biota of the Indian subcontinent has assembled during various points of the history of its continental drift: some when it was still a part of Gondwanaland and subsequently dispersed ‘out-of-India’ and some dispersed ‘into-India’ after it collided with Asia. However, the relative contribution of these connection to the current biotic assembly of the subcontinent is still under-explored. We aimed to understand the relative importance of these various routes of biotic assembly in India through studying the historical biogeography of tropical Old World freshwater snail genus Pila. We reconstructed a near-complete phylogeny of Ampullariidae including all the described Pila species from India and published sequences of Ampullariids from all over the world from two mitochondrial and two nuclear markers. Thereafter molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses were carried out in order to ascertain the time frame and route of colonization of India. The results suggest that Pila dispersed into India as well as other parts of tropical Asia from Africa after both India and Africa collided with Eurasia. Furthermore, multiple dispersals have taken place between Southeast Asia and India. The findings consolidate the rapidly building evidence that much of the current assemblage of biota actually dispersed into-India after it collided with Asia.
Cell-free transcriptional regulation via nucleic-acid-based transcription factors
Authors: Chou Leo Y.T. , Shih William M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCells execute complex transcriptional programs by deploying distinct protein regulatory assemblies that interact with cis-regulatory elements throughout the genome. Using concepts from DNA nanotechnology, we synthetically recapitulated this feature in cell-free gene networks actuated by T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP). Our approach involves engineering nucleic-acid hybridization interactions between a T7 RNAP site-specifically functionalized with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), templates displaying cis-regulatory ssDNA domains, and auxiliary nucleic-acid assemblies acting as artificial transcription factors (TFs). By relying on nucleic-acid hybridization, de novo regulatory assemblies can be computationally designed to emulate features of protein-based TFs, such as cooperativity and combinatorial binding, while offering unique advantages such as programmability, chemical stability, and scalability. We illustrate the use of nucleic-acid TFs to implement transcriptional logic, cascading, feedback, and multiplexing. This framework will enable rapid prototyping of increasingly complex in vitro genetic devices for applications such as portable diagnostics, bio-analysis, and the design of adaptive materials.
Quantitative studies of an RNA duplex electrostatics by ion counting
Authors: Gebala Magdalena , Herschlag Daniel 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTRibonucleic acids are one of the most charged polyelectrolytes in nature, and understanding of their electrostatics is fundamental to their structure and biological functions. An effective way to characterize the electrostatic field generated by nucleic acids is to quantify interactions between nucleic acids and ions that surround the molecules. These ions form a loosely associated cloud referred as an ion atmosphere. While theoretical and computational studies can describe the ion atmosphere around RNAs, benchmarks are needed to guide the development of these approaches and experiments to-date that read out RNA-ion interaction are limited. Here we present ion counting studies to quantify the number of ions surrounding well-defined model systems of 24-bp RNA and DNA duplexes. We observe that the RNA duplex attracts more cations and expels fewer anions compared to the DNA duplex and the RNA duplex interacts significantly more strongly with the divalent cation Mg2+. These experimental results strongly suggest that the RNA duplex generates a stronger electrostatic field than DNA, as is predicted based on the structural differences between their helices. Theoretical calculations using non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation give excellent agreement with experiment for monovalent ions but underestimate Mg2+-DNA and Mg2+-RNA interactions by 20%. These studies provide needed stringent benchmarks to use against other all-atom theoretical models of RNA-ion interactions, interactions that likely must be well accounted for structurally, dynamically, and energetically to confidently model RNA structure, interactions, and function.
Investigating the backstage of audit engagements: the paradox of team diversity
Authors: Amyar Firdaus , Hidayah Nunung Nurul , Lowe Alan , Woods Margaret 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThere has been very little qualitative “fieldwork” of audit practice. This is especially the case in relation to investigations into how audit engagements proceed. The purpose of this paper is to engage with audit practice in order to explore and explain the internal dynamics and paradoxical conditions within audit engagement teams.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a qualitative methodology, framed around an intensive case study that involves several methods of data collection and analysis including interviews, observation and document analysis. The authors observe audit team practices, work programmes and organisation including observations of individual and teams involved in audit engagements.FindingsUsing the lens of paradox theory, the authors explore the backstage of audit work, where audit teams are challenged with recurring contradictory requirements and opposing demands. The authors provide insight on the complexity associated with inadequate resourcing and planning that tend to stimulate the emergence of paradoxes in audit engagement work in a government audit context. As a result, the authors identify the occurrence of cascading reduced audit quality practices (RAQP) as the teams respond to the paradoxes they face.Originality/valueThe authors reveal the interlinked and cumulative coping strategies, namely, downplaying responsibility and downscaling audit processes. These strategies are performed concurrently by team leaders and audit members to manage paradoxical tensions. The authors also identified superficial audit supervision as another type of RAQP performed by team leaders.
Changes in corporate governance in Kazakhstan and its impact on financial market growth: an empirical analysis (1991-2017)
Authors: Temirbayev Abzal , Abakanov Alikhan 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
Since its independence, Kazakhstan has been improving its corporate governance system according to recommendations of international organizations. It was promised that the adoption of shareholder primacy approach would have a positive impact on its financial market growth. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to quantitatively analyse whether Kazakhstani corporate governance is moving towards a shareholder primacy corporate governance approach and its impact on financial market growth.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper will conduct a quantitative analysis. Firstly, the changes in corporate governance that occurred between 1991 and 2017 will be analysed using 52 corporate governance variables. Thus, a questionnaire will be used to collect data. When the questionnaire is completed, all data will be converted into numbers. Then, multiple liner regression will be used to estimate the impact of change in corporate governance.

Findings
The paper finds that Kazakhstan is successfully adopting shareholder-friendly corporate governance standards and so-called convergence has also occurred. Moreover, it is suggested that reforms in Kazakhstani corporate governance system have not yet brought the desired result of prosperous financial market and high flows of foreign investments.

Originality/value
Analysis specifically considers the changes in Kazakhstani corporate governance system and uses quantitative methods, whereas there is a lack (if not complete absence) of quantitative studies regarding Kazakhstani corporate governance.
A multi-site survey of forensic nursing assessment
Authors: Walker Helen , Tulloch Lindsay , Boa Karen , Ritchie Gordon , Thompson John 
Published: May 2019

PurposeA major difficulty identified many years ago in psychiatric care is the shortage of appropriate instruments with which to carry out valid and reliable therapeutic assessments which are behaviourally based and therefore appropriate for use in a variety of contexts. The aim of this project was to ascertain the utility of a forensic nursing risk assessment tool - Behavioural Status Index (BEST-Index). The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachA multi-site cross-sectional survey was undertaken using mixed method design. Quantitative data was generated using BEST-Index to allow comparisons across three different levels of security (high, medium and low) in Scotland and Ireland. Qualitative data were gathered from patients and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members using semi-structured interviews and questionnaire.FindingsMeasured over an 18-month period, there was a statistically significant improvement in behaviour, when comparing patients in high and medium secure hospitals. Two key themes emerged from patient and staff perspectives: “acceptance of the process” and “production and delivery of information”, respectively. The wider MDT acknowledge the value of nursing risk assessment, but require adequate information to enable them to interpret findings. Collaborating with patients to undertake risk assessments can enhance future care planning.Research limitations/implicationsStudies using cross-section can only provide information at fixed points in time.Practical implicationsThe BEST-Index assessment tool is well established in clinical practice and has demonstrated good utility.Originality/valueThis project has served to highlight the unique contribution of BEST-Index to both staff and patients alike and confirm its robustness and versatility across differing levels of security in Scottish and Irish forensic mental health services.
Development and validation of the Work Environment Complexity Scale for leaders
Authors: Bezler Teresa , Moneta Giovanni B. , Pheiffer Gary 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a Work Environment Complexity (WEC) Scale for leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, gathered in the course of major organisational restructuring, using samples from employees (n=305) and leaders (n=120) in two health care organisations.FindingsThe research developed and validated a scale of WEC for leaders with two factors: frequent change and events, and uncertain work demands. Comparisons between samples suggest diverging employee and leadership representations of WEC.Practical implicationsBeing the first scale to measure the comprehensive construct of WEC, a foundation is laid to measure the amount of complexity in a leader’s work and the functioning of leaders with regards to WEC.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to leadership research and practice by clarifying the construct of WEC for leaders empirically and validating a bidimensional scale of WEC.
Bamboo Leaf Flavonoids Extracts Alleviate Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells via Naturally Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Nrf2‐Mediated Antioxidant Defense Responses
Authors: Yu Yue , Li Zhanming , Cao Guangtian , Huang Shudan , Yang Hongshun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, bamboo leaf flavonoids extracts (BFE) were employed to alleviate oxidative stress induced by oleic acid in HepG2 cells. Biochemical indexes, intracellular reactive oxygen species production, lipid droplets accumulation, antioxidant enzymes production, and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined to show the alleviation performance of BFE intervention (P < 0.05). Importantly, the results of qRT‐PCR and western blot determination indicated that BFE intervention upregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 to initiate the antioxidant defense response for counteracting oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential–mediated apoptosis and FOXO signaling pathway initiation caused by BFE intervention may together contribute to oxidative stress alleviation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggested that BFE intervention upregulated related antioxidant defense responses for preventing cells from oxidative damage.Practical ApplicationIn this study, bamboo leaf flavonoids extracts intervention upregulated related antioxidant defense responses for preventing cells from oxidative damage. These findings in bamboo leaf extracts antioxidants are a promising and innovative subject with practical applications to enhance the development of bamboo leaf extracts functional products in the food industry.
Solanum muricatum Ameliorates the Symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta In Vivo
Authors: Wang Nan , Wang Luyao , Wang Zhihong , Cheng Liangxing , Wang Jiaxiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPepino (Solanum muricatum), which is an evergreen plant native to South America, is well‐known for its effects in antioxidation, antidiabetic activity, anti‐inflammation, and antitumor activity. A previous study in our lab indicated that Solanum muricatum (SM) extract promoted osteogenic differentiation by upregulating Wnt and BMP signaling pathway in rat bone marrow stromal cells. The osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) mouse model was used in order to further discover the osteogenic properties of SM extract in the present research. We utilized microCT analysis to collect bone mass and microarchitectural parameters at vertebrae and at femur metaphysis in OI mice. Raman spectrometry was applied to identify change of bone mineral and matrix composition during SM treatment. Finally, collagen synthesis marker PINP and collagen degradation marker CTX were detected using enzyme immunoassay. SM extract could improve the bone mass and microarchitectural parameters both at vertebrae and at femur metaphysis. It also significantly increased the collagen content by promoting its biosynthesis and inhibiting its degradation. By using heterozygous Col1a1Jrt/+ mice as a model of OI, 6 weeks treatment of SM extract could significantly ameliorate the symptoms in OI mice. Thus, SM holds potential for developing new drugs of bone formation and bone remodeling.
Brief Report: Sex Differences in Substance Use, Mental Health, and Impaired Driving Among Rural DUI Offenders
Authors: Webster J. Matthew , Staton Michele , Dickson Megan F. 
Published: May 2019

Background and ObjectivesStudies have documented sex differences among driving under the influence (DUI) offenders, but none have examined rural DUI offenders.MethodsRural DUI offenders (83 males and 34 females) self‐reported past year and lifetime substance use, mental health problems, and impaired driving history.ResultsSubstance use and impaired driving histories were similar, but significant disparities in mental health problems for female DUI offenders were found.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThis initial examination of sex differences among rural DUI offenders suggests additional research is needed to better understand their substance use and mental health problems and whether different treatment approaches are needed. (Am J Addict 2019;28:405–408)
Time is of the essence: evaluation of emergency department triage and time performance in the preoperative management of acute abdomen
Authors: Teo Adrian , Wang Cindy , Wilson Robert B. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundAcute abdomen is a time‐critical condition, which requires prompt diagnosis, initiation of first‐line preoperative therapy and expedient surgical intervention. The earliest opportunity to intervene occurs at presentation to the emergency department triage. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the relationship between emergency triage and time performance measures in the preoperative management of abdominal emergencies.MethodsRetrospective audit of time performance measures of key clinical events from emergency triage. Patient characteristics, elapsed time from triage to commencement of fluid resuscitation, intravenous antibiotics and emergency surgery and post‐operative outcomes were obtained from review of operative medical records data over a 1‐year duration.ResultsThere was variability in triage allocation of patients with acute abdomen requiring urgent surgery. Category 3 was the most commonly assigned triage category (65.6%). The majority of patients (94.8%) had initial clinical assessment within the National Emergency Access Target ‘4‐hour’ rule, and 41.7% seen within 1‐h from triage. Despite this, in cases of intra‐abdominal sepsis, there was nearly a fourfold elapsed time for first dose intravenous antibiotics, beyond the 1‐h recommendation in the Sepsis Kills pathway. There was non‐significant trend in faster overall time performances with successive higher triage category allocation.ConclusionThis study highlights an opportunity to consider alternative triage methods or fast‐track of patients with acute abdomen to promote early surgical assessment, resuscitation, antibiotic therapy and definitive intervention.
A novel sympathetic neuronal GABAergic signalling system regulates NE release to prevent ventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shi Yugen , Li Yan , Yin Jie , Hu Hesheng , Xue Mei , Li Xiaolu , Cheng Wenjuan , Wang Ye , Li Xinran , Wang Yu , Tan Jiayu , Yan Suhua 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimOveractivation of the sympathetic nerve may lead to severe ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) after myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, targeting sympathetic nerve activity is an effective strategy to prevent VAs clinically. The superior cervical ganglion (SCG), the extracardiac sympathetic ganglion innervating cardiac muscles, has been found to have a GABAergic signalling system, the physiological significance of which is obscure. We aimed to explore the functional significance of SCG post MI and whether the GABAergic signal system is involved in the process.MethodsAdult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into seven different groups. Rats in the MI groups underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. All animals were used for electrophysiological testing, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) testing, and ELISA. Primary SCG sympathetic neurons were used for the in vitro study.ResultsThe GABAA receptor agonist muscimol significantly decreased the ATP‐induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ (P < 0.05). GABA treatment in MI rats significantly attenuated the level of serum and cardiac norepinephrine (NE; P < 0.05). Sympathetic activity and inducible VAs were also lower in MI + GABA rats than in MI rats (P < 0.05). Knockdown of the GABAARs β2 subunit (GABAARβ2) in the SCG of MI rats increased the NE levels in serum and cardiac tissue, RSNA and inducible VAs compared with vehicle shRNA (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe GABAergic signalling system is functionally expressed in SCG sympathetic neurons, and activation of this system suppresses sympathetic activity, thereby facilitating cardiac protection and making it a potential target to alleviate VAs.