bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a Novel Dry Electrode Headset to Standard Routine EEG in Veterans
Authors: Halford Jonathan J. , Schalkoff Robert J. , Satterfield Kevin E. , Martz Gabriel U. , Kutluay Ekrem , Waters Chad G. , Dean Brian C. 
Published: June 2016

Objective:
This purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a prototype battery-powered dry electrode system (DES) EEG recording headset in Veteran patients by comparing it with standard EEG.

Methods:
Twenty-one Veterans had both a standard electrode system recording and DES recording in nine different patient states at the same encounter. Setup time, patient comfort, and subject preference were measured. Three experts performed technical quality rating of each EEG recording in a blinded fashion using the web-based EEGnet system. Power spectra were compared between DES and standard electrode system recordings.

Results:
The average time for DES setup was 5.7 minutes versus 21.1 minutes for standard electrode system. Subjects reported that the DES was more comfortable during setup. Most subjects (15 of 21) preferred the DES. On a five-point scale (1—best quality to 5—worst quality), the technical quality of the standard electrode system recordings was significantly better than for the DES recordings, at 1.25 versus 2.41 (P < 0.0001). But experts found that 87% of the DES EEG segments were of sufficient technical quality to be interpretable.

Conclusions:
This DES offers quick and easy setup and is well tolerated by subjects. Although the technical quality of DES recordings was less than standard EEG, most of the DES recordings were rated as interpretable by experts.

Significance:
This DES, if improved, could be useful for a telemedicine approach to outpatient routine EEG recording within the Veterans Administration or other health system.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Single Fiber Electromyography for Myasthenia Gravis in Patients Followed Longitudinally
Authors: Morren John A. , Levin Kerry H. , Shields Robert W. 
Published: June 2016

Introduction:
The literature lacks data on accuracy of single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients followed longitudinally.

Methods:
We included patients with a clinical suspicion of MG who received SFEMG and follow-up at our institution between 2003 and 2013. Data collected included demographics, symptom details, clinical deficits, other diagnostic testing results, MG medication regimen, duration on treatment, response to therapy, and ultimate diagnosis after follow-up. When available, information was also extracted from the MG-specific Activities of Daily Living, MG Quality of Life, and European Quality of Life assessments before and after SFEMG.

Results:
Three hundred forty eight SFEMG patients met inclusion criteria. Myasthenia gravis was ultimately diagnosed in 31% (19% ocular, 12% generalized). A sensitivity of 78% was seen for MG regardless of subtype, 73% for ocular MG, and 85% for generalized MG. A specificity of 91% was obtained for MG of either ocular or generalized subtype.

Conclusions:
The diagnostic accuracy of SFEMG using this methodology minimizing incorporation bias is more reliable than that usually described in previous studies. There is utility in increasing diagnostic yield when SFEMG results are combined with clinical data and those from other diagnostic tests, particularly serology.
Distinct combinations of variant ionotropic glutamate 1 receptors mediate thermosensation and hygrosensation inDrosophila
Authors: Knecht Zachary A. , Silbering Ana F. , Ni Lina , Klein Mason , Budelli Gonzalo , Bell Rati , Abuin Liliane , Ferrer Anggie J. , Samuel Aravinthan D.T. , Benton Richard , Garrity Paul A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIonotropic Receptors (IRs) are a large subfamily of variant ionotropic glutamate receptors present across Protostomia. While these receptors are most extensively studied for their roles in chemosensory detection in insects, recent work has implicated two family members, IR21a and IR25a, in thermosensation inDrosophila. Here we characterize one of the most deeply conserved receptors, IR93a, and show that it is co-expressed and functions with IR21a and IR25a to mediate physiological and behavioral responses to cool temperatures. IR93a is also co-expressed with IR25a and a distinct receptor, IR40a, in a discrete population of sensory neurons in the sacculus, a multi-chambered pocket within the antenna. We demonstrate that this combination of receptors is important for neuronal responses to dry air and behavioral discrimination of humidity differences. Our results identify IR93a as a common component of molecularly and cellularly distinct IR pathways underlying thermosensation and hygrosensation in insects.
Proteobacteria drive significant functional variability in the human gut microbiome
Authors: Bradley Patrick H. , Pollard Katherine S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWhile human gut microbiomes vary significantly in taxonomic composition, biological pathway abundance is surprisingly invariable across hosts. We hypothesized that healthy microbiomes appear functionally redundant due to factors that obscure differences in gene abundance across hosts. To account for these biases, we developed a powerful test of gene variability, applicable to shotgun metagenomes from any environment. Our analysis of healthy stool metagenomes reveals thousands of genes whose abundance differs signifi-cantly between people consistently across studies, including glycolytic enzymes, lipopolysac-charide biosynthetic genes, and secretion systems. Even housekeeping pathways contain a mix of variable and invariable genes, though most deeply conserved genes are significantly invariable. Variable genes tend to be associated with Proteobacteria, as opposed to taxa used to define enterotypes or the dominant phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. These re-sults establish limits on functional redundancy and predict specific genes and taxa that may drive physiological differences between gut microbiomes.Impact StatementA statistical test for gene variability reveals extensive functional differences between healthy humanmicrobiomes.
The Human Thalamus is an Integrative Hub for Functional Brain Networks
Authors: Hwang Kai , Bertolero Maxwell , Liu William , D’Esposito Mark 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe thalamus is globally connected with distributed cortical regions, yet the functional significance of this extensive thalamocortical connectivity remains largely unknown. By performing graph-theoretic analyses on thalamocortical functional connectivity data collected from human participants, we found that the human thalamus displays network properties capable of integrating multimodal information across diverse cortical functional networks. From a meta-analysis of a large dataset of functional brain imaging experiments, we further found that the thalamus is involved in multiple cognitive functions. Finally, we found that focal thalamic lesions in humans have widespread distal effects, disrupting the modular organization of cortical functional networks. This converging evidence suggests that the human thalamus is a critical hub region that could integrate heteromodal information and maintain the modular structure of cortical functional networks.
Functional connectivity in neuromuscular system underlying bimanual muscle synergies
Authors: de Vries Ingmar E. J. , Daffertshofer Andreas , Stegeman Dick F. , Boonstra Tjeerd W. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractNeural synchrony has been suggested as mechanism for integrating distributed sensorimotor systems involved in coordinated movement. To test the role of corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence in the formation of bimanual muscle synergies, we experimentally manipulated the degree of coordination between hand muscles by varying the sensitivity of the visual feedback to differences in bilateral force. In 16 healthy participants, cortical activity was measured using 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) and muscle activity of the flexor pollicis brevis muscle of both hands using 8×8-channel high-density electromyography (HDsEMG). Using the uncontrolled manifold framework, coordination between bilateral forces was quantified by the synergy indexRVin the time and frequency domain. Functional connectivity was assed using corticomuscular coherence between muscle activity and cortical source activity and intermuscular coherence between bilateral EMG activity. As expected, bimanual synergies were stronger in the high coordination condition.RVwas higher in the high coordination condition in frequencies between 0 and 0.5 Hz, and above 2 Hz. For the 0.5-2 Hz frequency band this pattern was inverted. Corticomuscular coherence in the beta band (16-30 Hz) was maximal in the contralateral motor cortex and was reduced in the high coordination condition. In contrast, intermuscular coherence was observed at 5-12 Hz and increased with bimanual coordination. Within-subject comparisons revealed a negative correlation betweenRVand corticomuscular coherence and a positive correlation betweenRVand intermuscular coherence. Our findings suggest two distinct neural pathways: (1) Corticomuscular coherence reflects direct corticospinal projections involved in controlling individual muscles; (2) intermuscular coherence reflects diverging pathways involved in the coordination of multiple muscles.
PRDM9 forms a multiprotein complex tethering recombination hotspots to the chromosomal axis
Authors: Parvanov Emil D. , Tian Hui , Billings Timothy , Saxl Ruth L. , Spruce Catrina , Aithal Rakesh , Krejci Lumir , Paigen Kenneth , Petkov Petko M. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTIn mammals, meiotic recombination occurs at 1-2 kb genomic regions termed hotspots, whose positions and activities are determined by PRDM9, a DNA-binding histone methyltransferase. We now show that the KRAB domain of PRDM9 forms complexes with additional proteins to allow hotspots to proceed into the next phase of recombination. By a combination of yeast-two hybrid assay,in vitrobinding, and co-immunoprecipitation from mouse spermatocytes, we identified four proteins that directly interact with PRDM9’s KRAB domain, namely CXXC1, EWSR1, EHMT2, and CDYL. These proteins are co-expressed in spermatocytes at the early stages of meiotic prophase I, the limited period when PRDM9 is expressed. We also detected association of PRDM9-bound complexes with the meiotic cohesin REC8 and the synaptonemal complex proteins SYCP3 and SYCP1. Our results suggest a model in which PRDM9-bound hotspot DNA is brought to the chromosomal axis by the action of these proteins, ensuring the proper chromatin and spatial environment for subsequent recombination events.
Epigenetic activation of the prostaglandin receptor EP4 promotes resistance to endocrine therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Hiken Jeffrey F. , McDonald James I. , Decker Keith F. , Sanchez Cesar , Hoog Jeremy , VanderKraats Nathan D. , Jung Kyle L. , Akinhanmi Margaret , Ellis Matthew J. , Edwards John R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractApproximately 75% of breast cancers express estrogen receptor α (ERα) and depend on estrogen signals for continued growth. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) prevent estrogen production and inhibit estrogen receptor signaling, resulting in decreased cancer recurrence and mortality. Advanced tumors treated with AIs almost always develop resistance to these drugs via the up-regulation of alternative growth signals. The mechanisms that drive this resistance—especially epigenetic events that alter gene expression—are however not well understood. Genome-wide DNA methylation and expression analysis of cell line models of acquired aromatase inhibitor resistance indicated that prostaglandin E2receptor 4(PTGER4)is up-regulated after demethylation in resistant cells. Knockdown and inhibitor studies demonstrate thatPTGER4is essential for estrogen independent growth. Analysis of downstream signaling indicates thatPTGER4likely promotes AI resistance via ligand independent activation of the ERα-cofactor CARM1. We believe that we have discovered a novel epigenetic mechanism for altering cell signaling and acquiring endocrine therapy resistance. Our findings indicate thatPTGER4is a potential drug target in AI resistant cancers. Additionally, the epigenetic component ofPTGER4regulation suggests that further study ofPTGER4may yield valuable insights into how DNA methylation-targeted diagnoses and treatments can improve AI resistant breast cancer treatment.
Short communication: reliability and validity of the UKU Side Effect Rating Scale for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Tveter Anne Louise , Bakken Trine Lise , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Bech-Pedersen Egon , Bramness Jørgen G. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
– The UKU side effect rating scale for adults with intellectual disabilities (UKU-SERS-ID) was developed to detect side effects among patients with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this paper is to examine the reliability and face validity of the UKU-SERS-ID.

Design/methodology/approach
– UKU-SERS-ID comprises 35 items. In total, 22 patients with ID were included from two specialized services for adults with ID and comorbid mental illness. All patients were rated on three different occasions by three clinicians; two nurses and one medical doctor. Reliability was estimated with Cohen’s κ. A focus group discussed the face validity of the items comprising the UKU-SERS-ID.

Findings
– Respectively ten (nurse-nurse scores) and eight (nurse-doctor scores) items were considered difficult to score due to low prevalence of the symptoms. For the other items the reliability was acceptable. Through discussion in a focus group, with the reliability scores in mind, only one of the items of the UKU-SERS-ID was discarded.

Practical implications
– The authors have developed a feasible side effect instrument for clinical practice. It is easy to score and relevant regarding important side effects.

Originality/value
– The UKU-SERS-ID seems to be a feasible tool. Further investigations are mandatory in order to gain knowledge about distribution and phenomenology of side effects from psychotropic medication for individuals with ID.
Measuring waste to reduce waste in CTP
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne , Nurse Dennis 
Published: June 2016

Subject area
Operations Management Quality Management.

Study level/applicability
The case can be used in a number of course contexts, including undergraduate and graduate courses in operations management and quality management.

Case overview
Central Tobacco Plant (CTP) is a tobacco processing and packaging company, operating in the Central America and Caribbean region. This case focuses on a waste measurement exercise conducted in the cigarette production department of CTP, which was commissioned by George Edwards, the Secondary Manufacturing Department Manager. The reason for the exercise was the announcement that CTP could possibly face a plant audit, where a poor result could cause the shifting of manufacturing of some products, or, in the worst case scenario, all of it product lines, to one of the larger, and more efficient manufacturing plants in the Central America and Caribbean region. The waste measurement exercise is carried out as a three-week student–industry project by two students pursuing an MSc programme at the local university, who are mentored by both Edwards and by a university supervisor. At the end of the exercise, Edwards needs to consider the appropriateness of the current waste measurement system, the quantities of waste produced and opportunities to reduce waste.

Expected learning outcomes
The case has four primary learning objectives: to illustrate the role of performance measurement in process improvement, to explore the perspective of lean manufacturing in waste management, to apply basic quality tools in the analysis of a manufacturing process and to identify opportunities for process improvement.

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 9: Operations and Logistics
Human resource development in Mauritius: context, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Neeliah Harris , Auckloo Raj , Ragaven Raj 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore human resource development (HRD) in Mauritius and the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations in different sectors in adopting HRD practices.

Findings
This special issue presents four papers that explore dimensions of HRD in public sector, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism organisations. It also reports on human capital development in the Mauritian economy generally.

Research limitations/implications
There is a paucity of knowledge and understanding on HRD in Mauritian organisations. There is significant scope to further explore the effectiveness of national policies and interventions in enhancing HRD and human capital capability.

Practical implications
The four papers highlight the important role of organisational champions and of the selection and implantation of HRD practices that are good contextual fit and which can contribute to organisation performance.
Linking polychronicity to hotel frontline employees’ job outcomes
Authors: Daskin Mustafa 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of polychronicity on frontline employees’ (FLEs) service recovery performance, perceived role overload, and work stress in a hotel work setting.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this survey, a total number of 267 usable questionnaires were personally retrieved from a sample of full-time FLEs in the research location. The hypothesized relationships were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings
– Results based on hierarchical regression analysis reveal that polychronicity had positive impact on service recovery performance and negative impact on role overload and work stress. Significantly, while education was found to be positively related to service recovery performance, on the other hand, age, education, and job tenure were found to be negatively related to role overload and work stress.

Practical implications
– This paper provides implications for managers in terms of minimizing FLEs role overload and work stress and maximizing their service recovery performance. Also, this study provides useful guidelines to implement effective management practices and improve organizational outcomes within a hotel work setting.

Originality/value
– Theoretically, the current study by examining the untried effects and relationships such as the effect of polychronicity on FLEs’ service recovery performance and work stress lends further contribution to the tourism and hospitality management literature.
Healthcare waste management: an interpretive structural modeling approach
Authors: Thakur Vikas , Anbanandam Ramesh 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
– The World Health Organization identified infectious healthcare waste as a threat to the environment and human health. India’s current medical waste management system has limitations, which lead to ineffective and inefficient waste handling practices. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to: first, identify the important barriers that hinder India’s healthcare waste management (HCWM) systems; second, classify operational, tactical and strategical issues to discuss the managerial implications at different management levels; and third, define all barriers into four quadrants depending upon their driving and dependence power.

Design/methodology/approach
– India’s HCWM system barriers were identified through the literature, field surveys and brainstorming sessions. Interrelationships among all the barriers were analyzed using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Fuzzy-Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was used to classify HCWM barriers into four groups.

Findings
– In total, 25 HCWM system barriers were identified and placed in 12 different ISM model hierarchy levels. Fuzzy-MICMAC analysis placed eight barriers in the second quadrant, five in third and 12 in fourth quadrant to define their relative ISM model importance.

Research limitations/implications
– The study’s main limitation is that all the barriers were identified through a field survey and barnstorming sessions conducted only in Uttarakhand, Northern State, India. The problems in implementing HCWM practices may differ with the region, hence, the current study needs to be replicated in different Indian states to define the waste disposal strategies for hospitals.

Practical implications
– The model will help hospital managers and Pollution Control Boards, to plan their resources accordingly and make policies, targeting key performance areas.

Originality/value
– The study is the first attempt to identify India’s HCWM system barriers and prioritize them.
Comparing and improving chronic illness primary care in Sweden and the USA
Authors: Øvretveit John , Ramsay Patricia , Shortell Stephen M. , Brommels Mats 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify opportunities for improving primary care services for people with chronic illnesses by comparing how Sweden and US services use evidence-based practices (EBPs), including digital health technologies (DHTs).

Design/methodology/approach
– A national primary healthcare center (PHCC) heads surveys in 2012-2013 carried out in both countries in 2006.

Findings
– There are large variations between the two countries. The largest, regarding effective DHT use in primary care centers, were that few Swedish primary healthcare compared to US heads reported having reminders or prompts at the point of care (38 percent Sweden vs 84 percent USA), despite Sweden’s established electronic medical records (EMR). Swedish heads also reported 30 percent fewer centers receiving laboratory results (67 percent Sweden vs 97 percent USA). Regarding following other EBPs, 70 percent of Swedish center heads reported their physicians had easy access to diabetic patient lists compared to 14 percent in the USA. Most Swedish PHCC heads (96 percent) said they offered same day appointment compared to 36 percent in equivalent US practices.

Practical implications
– There are opportunities for improvement based on significant differences in effective practices between the countries, which demonstrates to primary care leaders that their peers elsewhere potentially provide better care for people with chronic illnesses. Some improvements are under primary care center control and can be made quickly. There is evidence that people with chronic illnesses in these two countries are suffering unnecessarily owing to primary care staff failing to provide proven EBP, which would better meet patient needs. Public finance has been invested in DHT, which are not being used to their full potential.

Originality/value
– The study shows the gaps between current and potential proven effective EBPs for services to patients with chronic conditions. Findings suggest possible explanations for differences and practical improvements by comparing the two countries. Many enhancements are low cost and the proportionate reduction in suffering and costs they bring is high.