bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triplex DNA-based Bioanalytical Platform for Highly Sensitive Homogeneous Electrochemical Detection of Melamine
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Song Mengmeng , Li Feng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMelamine detection has attracted much attention since the discovery of the damage of melamine to human health. Herein, we have developed a sensitive homogeneous electroanalytical platform for melamine detection, which is relied on the formation of triplex molecular beacon integrated with exonuclease III (Exo III)-mediated signal amplification. The formation of triplex molecular beacon was triggered by the recognition and incorporation of melamine to the abasic (AP) site contained in the triplex stem. The stem of the triplex molecular beacon was designed to have a protruding double-strand DNA, which can be recognized and hydrolyzed by Exo III for releasing methylene blue (MB)-labeled mononucleotide. These released MB molecules exhibit high diffusivity toward indium tin oxide electrode with negative charge, thus producing a significantly increased electrochemical response. Taking advantages of the high binding affinity of the DNA triplex structure containing AP sites towards melamine and the unique features of Exo III, this sensing platform is capable for sensitive and selective melamine assay with a detection limit as low as 8.7 nM. Furthermore, this strategy shows good applicability for melamine assay in real samples. Therefore, this strategy broadens the application of triplex DNA and presents a new method for sensitive detection of melamine.
Anisotropically biaxial strain in non-polar (112–0) plane In
x
Ga1−x
N/GaN layers investigated by X-ray reciprocal space mapping
Authors: Zhao Guijuan , Li Huijie , Wang Lianshan , Meng Yulin , Ji Zesheng , Li Fangzheng , Wei Hongyuan , Yang Shaoyan , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this study, the indium composition x as well as the anisotropically biaxial strain in non-polar a-plane In
x
Ga1−x
N on GaN is studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In accordance with XRD reciprocal lattice space mapping, with increasing indium composition, the maximum of the In
x
Ga1−x
N reciprocal lattice points progressively shifts from a fully compressive strained to a fully relaxed position, then to reversed tensile strained. To fully understand the strain in the ternary alloy layers, it is helpful to grow high-quality device structures using a-plane nitrides. As the layer thickness increases, the strain of In
x
Ga1−x
N layer releases through surface roughening and the 3D growth-mode.
Somatosensory lateral inhibition processes modulate motor response inhibition - an EEG source localization study
Authors: Friedrich Julia , Mückschel Moritz , Beste Christian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMotor inhibitory control is a central executive function, but only recently the importance of perceptual mechanisms for these processes has been focused. It is elusive whether basic mechanisms governing sensory perception affect motor inhibitory control. We examine whether sensory lateral inhibition (LI) processes modulate motor inhibitory control using a system neurophysiological approach combining EEG signal decomposition with source localization methods in a somatosensory GO/NOGO task. The results show that inter-individual variations in the strength of LI effects predominantly affect processes when information needs to be integrated between cerebral hemispheres. If information needs to be integrated between hemispheres, strong sensory suppression will lead to more impulsive errors. Importantly, the neurophysiological data suggest that not purely perceptual or motor processes are affected. Rather, LI affects the response selection level and modulates processes of stimulus categorization. This is associated with activity modulations in the posterior parietal cortex. The results suggest that when sensory suppression is high and when information needs to be integrated across hemispheres, these processes are less efficient, which likely leads to worse motor inhibitory control. The results show how basis principles modulating perceptual processes affect subsequent motor inhibitory control processes.
Ergebnisse der 12. Erhebung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurologie zur Struktur der neurologischen Kliniken mit Akutversorgungsauftrag in Deutschland
Authors: Schroeter Michael , Erbguth Frank , Kiefer Reinhard , Neumann-Haefelin Tobias , Redecker Christoph , Steinmetz Helmuth , Riedel Rainer , Fink Gereon ,   Für die Kommission 1.4 „Anhaltszahlen/Qualitätssicherung“ der DGN
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Kommission 1.4 Anhaltszahlen/Qualitätssicherung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurologie hat 2016 mit Bezug auf das Jahr 2015 erneut eine Erhebung zur Struktur neurologischer Kliniken durchgeführt. Eine hohe Teilnahmequote von 62 % und ein weitgehend konstanter Fragebogen ermöglichten Vergleiche mit den Vorumfragen zu den Bezugsjahren 2013 und 2011. Eigene neurologische Intensivbetten halten nur noch eine Minderzahl neurologischer Kliniken vor. Dagegen ist die Rund-um-die-Uhr-Präsenz in interdisziplinären Notaufnahmen Standard geworden. Obwohl sich das Fach im Kontext der akuten Schlaganfallversorgung immer mehr zum Notfallfach entwickelt und 2015 die Thrombektomie erstmals als State-of-the-art-Methode zur Behandlung bestimmter, in der Akutsituation zu selektionierender Schlaganfallpatienten anzusehen war, stagnierte die infrastrukturelle Ausstattung der Kliniken.Während Bettenzahl, Casemix und Casemix-Index weitgehend unverändert zu den Vorjahren waren, nahmen die Fallzahlen weiter zu und die durchschnittliche Verweildauer stark ab, letztere sank auf nunmehr 5,4 Tage. Bei der Personalausstattung fielen weiter erhebliche Unterschiede auf, bei vielfältigen Aufgaben der Kliniken außerhalb des DRG-Bereiches. Es gelang nicht, Erlösanteile aus DRG von Nicht-DRG-Erlösen als Abgrenzkriterium zu erfragen, da diese Zahlen den Klinikleitungen offenbar nicht transparent sind. Im Bereich ärztliches Personal waren Engpässe seltener (6 %), jedoch mussten 22 % der Kliniken wegen Pflegenotstand und zusätzliche 2 % der Kliniken wegen Ärzte- und Pflegenotstand ihre Versorgung einschränken. Die Skepsis gegenüber der Wirksamkeit von Zertifizierungen auf die Behandlungsqualität nahm ab, es wurden wertvolle Vorschläge für ergebnisorientierte Qualitätsparameter von Behandlungen in neurologischen Kliniken gemacht, die prozessorientierte Kriterien für Zertifizierungen und bei Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen ergänzen oder ersetzen könnten.
Quality and Dose Optimized CT Trauma Protocol – Recommendation from a University Level-I Trauma Center
Authors: Kahn Johannes , Kaul David , Böning Georg , Rotzinger Roman , Freyhardt Patrick , Schwabe Philipp , Maurer Martin , Renz Diane , Streitparth Florian 
Published: June 2017

Purpose As a supra-regional level-I trauma center, we evaluated computed tomography (CT) acquisitions of polytraumatized patients for quality and dose optimization purposes. Adapted statistical iterative reconstruction [(AS)IR] levels, tube voltage reduction as well as a split-bolus contrast agent (CA) protocol were applied.
Materials and Methods 61 patients were split into 3 different groups that differed with respect to tube voltage (120 – 140 kVp) and level of applied ASIR reconstruction (ASIR 20 – 50 %). The CT protocol included a native acquisition of the head followed by a single contrast-enhanced acquisition of the whole body (64-MSCT). CA (350 mg/ml iodine) was administered as a split bolus injection of 100 ml (2 ml/s), 20 ml NaCl (1 ml/s), 60 ml (4 ml/s), 40 ml NaCl (4 ml/s) with a scan delay of 85 s to detect injuries of both the arterial system and parenchymal organs in a single acquisition. Both the quantitative (SNR/CNR) and qualitative (5-point Likert scale) image quality was evaluated in parenchymal organs that are often injured in trauma patients. Radiation exposure was assessed.
Results The use of IR combined with a reduction of tube voltage resulted in good qualitative and quantitative image quality and a significant reduction in radiation exposure of more than 40 % (DLP 1087 vs. 647 mGyxcm). Image quality could be improved due to a dedicated protocol that included different levels of IR adapted to different slice thicknesses, kernels and the examined area for the evaluation of head, lung, body and bone injury patterns. In synopsis of our results, we recommend the implementation of a polytrauma protocol with a tube voltage of 120 kVp and the following IR levels: cCT 5mm: ASIR 20; cCT 0.625 mm: ASIR 40; lung 2.5 mm: ASIR 30, body 5 mm: ASIR 40; body 1.25 mm: ASIR 50; body 0.625 mm: ASIR 0.
Conclusion A dedicated adaptation of the CT trauma protocol (level of reduction of tube voltage and of IR) according to the examined body region (head, lung, body, bone) combined with a split bolus CA injection protocol allows for a high-quality CT examination and a relevant reduction of radiation exposure in the examination of polytraumatized patients
Key Points
Citation Format
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Boldine and Reticuline Isolated from Litsea cubeba through JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yang Xinyao , Gao Xiaoli , Cao Yuan , Guo Qiang , Li Shanshan , Zhu Zhixiang , Zhao Yunfang , Tu Pengfei , Chai Xingyun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe anti-inflammatory effects of boldine and reticuline isolated from Litsea cubeba were evaluated by using xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and rats. Our results demonstrated that intragastric administration with boldine and reticuline significantly mitigated ear weight in mice and decreased paw volume in rats. A combination administration of boldine (0.5 mg/kg) + reticuline (0.25 mg/kg) resulted in a potentiated inhibition in these two models. In parallel, boldine or reticuline reduce the infiltration of neutrophil leukocytes in rat paw tissue, respectively, and the combination of the two groups performed a better anti-inflammatory activity as shown in histopathologies. Boldine, reticuline, and their combination notably inhibited mRNA expressions of TNF-α, and IL-6 and reduced the phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Beyond that, their combination also can reduce the phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκBα in the pathological tissues of animals, as observed by real-time PCR and western blot analyses, respectively. These findings indicate for the first time that boldine and reticuline have not only anti-inflammatory activity but also potential synergistic effects in vivo. The underlying mechanism may relate to the inhibition on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, which may be a consequence of JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathway involvements. This study provides useful data for further exploration and application of boldine and reticuline as potential anti-inflammatory medicines.
Divergent acoustic properties of gelada and baboon vocalizations and their implications for the evolution of human speech
Authors: Gustison Morgan L. , Bergman Thore J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHuman speech has many complex spectral and temporal features traditionally thought to be absent in the vocalizations of other primates. Recent explorations of the vocal capabilities of non-human primates are challenging this view. Here, we continue this trend by exploring the spectro-temporal properties of gelada (Theropithecus gelada) vocalizations. First, we made cross-species comparisons of geladas, chacma baboons, and human vowel space area. We found that adult male and female gelada exhaled grunts–a call type shared with baboons—have formant profiles that overlap more with human vowel space than do baboon grunts. These gelada grunts also contained more modulation of fundamental and formant frequencies than did baboon grunts. Second, we compared formant profiles and modulation of exhaled grunts to the derived call types (those not shared with baboons) produced by gelada males. These derived calls contained divergent formant profiles, and a subset of them, notably wobbles and vocalized yawns, were more modulated than grunts. Third, we investigated the rhythmic patterns of wobbles, a call type shown previously to contain cycles that match the 3–8 Hz tempo of speech. We use a larger dataset to show that the wobble rhythm overlaps more with speech rhythm than previously thought. We also found that variation in cycle duration depends on the production modality; specifically, exhaled wobbles were produced at a slower tempo than inhaled wobbles. Moreover, the variability in cycle duration within wobbles aligns with a linguistic property known as ‘Menzerath’s law’ in that there was a negative association between cycle duration and wobble size (i.e. the number of cycles). Taken together, our results add to growing evidence that non-human primates are anatomically capable of producing modulated sounds. Our results also support and expand on current hypotheses of speech evolution, including the ‘neural hypothesis’ and the ‘bimodal speech rhythm hypothesis’.
Synthetic lethality between the cohesin subunitsSTAG1andSTAG2in diverse cancer contexts
Authors: van der Lelij Petra , Lieb Simone , Jude Julian , Wutz Gordana , Santos Catarina P. , Falkenberg Katrina , Schlattl Andreas , Ban Jozef , Schwentner Raphaela , Hoffmann Thomas , Kovar Heinrich , Real Francisco X. , Waldman Todd , Pearson Mark A. , Kraut Norbert , Peters Jan-Michael , Zuber Johannes , Petronczki Mark 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRecent genome analyses have identified recurrent mutations in the cohesin complex in a wide range of human cancers. Here we demonstrate that the most frequently mutated subunit of the cohesin complex,STAG2, displays a strong synthetic lethal interaction with its paralogSTAG1. Mechanistically, STAG1 loss abrogates sister chromatid cohesion inSTAG2mutated but not in wild-type cells leading to mitotic catastrophe, defective cell division and apoptosis. STAG1 inactivation inhibits the proliferation of STAG2 mutated but not wild-type bladder cancer and Ewing sarcoma cell lines. Restoration of STAG2 expression in a mutated bladder cancer model alleviates the dependency on STAG1. Thus, STAG1 and STAG2 support sister chromatid cohesion to redundantly ensure cell survival. STAG1 represents a vulnerability of cancer cells carrying mutations in the major emerging tumor suppressorSTAG2across different cancer contexts. Exploiting synthetic lethal interactions to target recurrent cohesin mutations in cancer, e.g. by inhibiting STAG1, holds the promise for the development of selective therapeutics.
The landscape of T cell epitope immunogenicity in sequence space
Authors: Ogishi Masato , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe existence of population-wide T cell immunity is widely recognized for multiple pathogen-derived immunodominant epitopes, despite the vast diversity and individualized nature of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. We thus hypothesized that population-wide epitope immunogenicity could be probabilistically defined by exploiting public TCR features. To gain a proof-of-concept, here we describe a machine learning framework yielding probabilistic estimates of immunogenicity, termed “immunogenicity scores”, by utilizing features designed to mimic thermodynamic interactions between peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and TCR repertoire. Immunogenicity score dynamics among observed and computationally simulated single amino acid mutants delineated the landscape of position- and residue-specific mutational impacts, and even quantitatively estimated escaping potentials of known epitopes with remarkable positional specificity. This study illustrates that the population-wide aspect of adaptive immunity is predictable via non-individualized approach, possibly indicating antigen-guided convergence of human T cell reactivity.
Flexible control of speed of cortical dynamics
Authors: Wang Jing , Narain Devika , Hosseini Eghbal A. , Jazayeri Mehrdad 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMusicians can perform at different tempos, speakers can control the cadence of their speech, and children can flexibly vary their temporal expectations of events. To understand the neural basis of such flexible timing, we recorded from the medial frontal cortex of primates trained to produce different time intervals with different effectors. The activity of neurons was heterogeneous, nonlinear and complex. However, responses were unified under a remarkable form of invariance: firing rate profiles were temporally stretched for longer intervals and compressed for short ones. At the network level, this phenomenon was evident by flexible changes in the speed with which the population activity traced an invariant trajectory. To identify the origin of speed control, we recorded from both downstream caudate neurons and thalamic neurons projecting to the medial frontal cortex. Speed adjustments were a prominent feature in the caudate but not in the thalamus suggesting that this phenomenon originates within cortical networks. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we created recurrent neural network models at different levels of complexity that could explain flexible timing with speed control. Analysis of the models revealed that the key to flexible speed control was the action of an external input upon the nonlinearities of individual neurons whose recurrent interactions set the network’s relaxation dynamics. These findings demonstrate a simple and general mechanism for conferring temporal flexibility upon sensorimotor and cognitive functions.
Peri-Peri Original: the expansion decision in Pakistan
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Mingione Michela , Noori Muhammad Fawad 
Published: June 2017

Subject area
Marketing of Services, Brand Management.

Study level/applicability
Graduate (MBA), Services Marketing Course.

Case overview
The case highlights growth challenges faced by a fast food brand named Peri-Peri Original in a developing country context of Pakistan. The major presence of the brand is in two major cities of Pakistan – Karachi and Lahore where mostly youth and families are the target markets of this brand. However, there is no unique element in the minds of the target market because the brand faces a differentiation challenge in the realm of strong global competition from McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The management team at Peri-Peri has several environmental challenges to face as well. Internally, the brand is confused with its close competitor Nando’s as people perceive these two brands as the same. Second, there is growing concern among social activist groups and families in Pakistan that fast food consumption is causing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity among children. On the contrary, the global fast food chains especially McDonald’s and KFC are on top of the mind in the consideration set. With these challenges and concerns in mind, the brand team has two options on the table. One is to geographically extend the brand to other cities whereas the other option is to use the same outlets and dedicate a portion to the kids’ market segment to increase product variety and ultimately the store traffic. It is noticeable that the brand has a reputation of excellence in service quality; the employees are motivated and Peri-Peri have retained their staff over a period of time. Furthermore, the brand is a small scale restaurant with only limited budget and focused product mix which is its core spirit of branding – the chicken grilled in Mozambican sauces and a service attitude which no one can demonstrate; in a way, Peri-Peri is approaching to grow its brand equity.

Expected learning outcomes
To understand the brand positioning of developing countries’ organizations facing a growth challenge in a service environment. To understand the concept and application of Services Tangibility spectrum. To understand the decision-making process managers have to face when dealing with brand extension decisions.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
How much and when to innovate
Authors: Anning-Dorson Thomas 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of market innovation in driving service performance in the context of environmental pressures. This paper argues from the complexity theory that the development and the implementation of market innovation must critically examine the effect of customer demand and competitive intensity in the innovation efforts of service firms.Design/methodology/approachData from different sub-sectors of the services industry of a growing emerging African economy are used. Structural equation modeling was used in analyzing the interconnection among environmental pressures, market innovation and firm performance.FindingsThe study found that both market demand and competition impact on innovation development positively. However, in terms of the moderation effects, competition negatively moderates the relationship between innovation and performance, while customer demand moderates the relationship positively.Practical implicationsThe implications are that the implementation of market innovation must be reduced in low demand periods and high competitive periods in order to maximize financial and non-financial performance benefits for the service firm.Originality/valueThe current study complements the complexity theory by stating that the complex nature of business environment presents both opportunities and threats. However, for effective sense making out of the information provided by environment, service firms must evaluate environmental effect differently. While a factor may promote the development of strategy, same environmental factor may hinder the positive influence such strategy may have on overall firm performance.
Authentic enterprise, organization-employee relationship, and employee-generated managerial assets
Authors: Lee Yeunjae , Kim Jeong-Nam 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of perceived authenticity of organizational behaviors and types of organization-employee relationship (i.e. communal and exchange relationship) on intangible assets of organizations generated by employees’ communicative behaviors (ECBs) (e.g. megaphoning, scouting).

Design/methodology/approach
A web-based survey was conducted with full-time 528 employees working in medium- and large-sized companies in the USA.

Findings
Results showed that an organization’s authentic behaviors are positively related with employees’ perceived communal relationships, but not with exchange relationships. However, both communal and exchange relationships turned out to increase ECBs: positive megaphoning, negative megaphoning, and scouting. The existence of both communal and exchange relationships was more significant than having only communal relationships in terms of encouraging employees’ active communicative actions.

Research limitations/implications
By building links between employees’ communicative actions and its antecedents, perceived authenticity, types of relationship; this study contributed to the body of knowledge on exchange and communal relationship in the context of employee communication and extended the understanding of motivations of ECBs.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that employees’ communicative actions are highly facilitated by organizations’ authentic behavioral efforts and perceived relationship. To encourage employees’ information seeking and sharing behaviors, for organizational effectiveness, organizations should behave in authentic ways – be trustful, transparent, and consistent – and build both communal and exchange relationship.

Originality/value
This study first attempted to demonstrate the impacts of both communal and exchange relationships for organizations empirically in internal communication and relationship building practices.