bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Optic Nerve Sheath Decompression Failure and Intracranial Pressure in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Robinson Mark E. , Moreau Annie , O'Meilia Ryan , Pagteilan John , Ding Kai , Siatkowski Raymond Michael , Farris Bradley K. 
Published: March 2016

Background:
To our knowledge, there are no studies of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) that address the relationship between level of intracranial pressure (ICP) and likelihood of progressive visual loss despite uncomplicated optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD). This study investigated whether patients with IIH undergoing ONSD had a higher risk of surgical failure if opening pressure (OP) on lumbar puncture was ≥50 cm H2O compared to those with OP <50 cm H2O.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with IIH who failed maximal medical therapy and underwent ONSD between January, 1992 and November, 2014, and were followed at least 3 months postoperatively. The main outcome measure was the relationship between OP on lumbar puncture and ONSD failure. We also investigated the relationship of OP with visual acuity, visual fields, age, and gender.

Results:
During this period, 174 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the 40 patients who had an OP ≥50 cm H2O, 6 (15%) had progressive visual loss after uncomplicated ONSD, vs 6 (4.5%) of 134 patients with an OP <50 cm H2O (P = 0.032, Fisher exact test). Patients with worse visual acuity at presentation also had a higher risk of progressive visual loss after ONSD (P < 0.001, Cochran–Armitage trend test), as did men (P = 0.048, Fisher exact test).

Conclusions:
Patients with IIH and an OP ≥50 cm H2O had a 3-fold increased risk of failure of ONSD to prevent progressive visual loss, requiring a shunting procedure when compared to those with OP <50 cm H2O. Visual acuity at presentation and male sex also were associated with progressive visual decline after ONSD. These risk factors merit closer follow-up in the postoperative period when signs of further visual deterioration would indicate an urgent need for neurosurgical shunting.
Divergence Model of Protein Evolution
Authors: Ricke Darrell O. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnalysis of the evolutionary conservation of amino acids is useful for the analysis of sequence variants detected in individuals with regard to possible impact on protein function. Rapid advances in DNA sequencing technologies are enabling affordable access to SNPs, exome sequencing, and whole genome shotgun sequencing. An understanding of the biological processes that have shaped diverging protein sequences aids the interpretation of sequence variants. The divergence model of protein evolution is presented as a general framework for interpreting information available from comparative analysis of protein sequences.
Analysis of Antibody Hybridization and Autofluorescence in Touch Samples by Flow Cytometry: Implications for Front End Separation of Trace Mixture Evidence
Authors: Philpott M. Katherine , Stanciu Cristina E. , Kwon Ye Jin , Bustamante Eduardo , Greenspoon Susan , Ehrhardt Christopher J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe goal of this study was to survey optical and biochemical variation in cell populations deposited onto a surface through touch or contact and identify specific features that may be used to differentially label and then sort cell populations from separate contributors in a trace biological mixture. Cell characterizations initially focused on two different protein systems, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex and cytokeratin (CK) filaments. Hybridization experiments using pan and allele-specific HLA antibody probes showed that surface antigens on cells transferred from the palmar surface of volunteers are largely unreactive, suggesting that they cannot be used to differentiate cell populations in a touch mixture. Touch samples were also hybridized with the pan-CK probe AE1, which targets CK proteins 10, 14, 15, 16 and 19. Fluorescence levels of AE1 hybridized cells were observed to vary across donors, although these differences were not consistent across all sampling days. We then investigated variations in red autofluorescence profiles (650-670nm) as a potential signature for distinguishing contributor cell populations. Although distinct differences in red autofluorescence profiles were observed ‐‐ with one donor consistently exhibiting higher levels of fluorescence than others ‐‐ some variation was also observed in touch samples collected from the same individual on different days. While this suggests that contributor touch samples cannot be defined by a discrete level of autofluorescence, this attribute may still be a useful means of isolating contributors to some touch mixtures. To test whether these observed optical differences could potentially be used as the basis for a cell separation workflow, a controlled two person touch mixture was separated into two fractions via Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) using gating criteria based on intensity of 650-670nm emissions, and then subjected to DNA analysis. STR typing of the sorted fractions provided partial profiles that were consistent with separation of individual contributors from the mixture.
Lack of evidence for cross-frequency phase-phase coupling between theta and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus
Authors: Scheffer-Teixeira Robson , Tort Adriano BL 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPhase-amplitude coupling between theta and multiple gamma sub-bands hallmarks hippocampal activity and is believed to take part in information routing. More recently, theta and gamma oscillations were also reported to exhibit reliable phase-phase coupling, or n:m phase-locking. The existence of n:m phase-locking suggests an important mechanism of neuronal coding that has long received theoretical support. However, here we show that n:m phase-locking (1) is much lower than previously reported, (2) highly depends on epoch length, (3) does not statistically differ from chance (when employing proper surrogate methods), and that (4) filtered white noise has similar n:m scores as actual data. Moreover, (5) the diagonal stripes in theta-gamma phase-phase histograms of actual data can be explained by theta harmonics. These results point to lack of theta-gamma phase-phase coupling in the hippocampus, and suggest that studies investigating n:m phase-locking should rely on appropriate statistical controls, otherwise they could easily fall into analysis pitfalls.
The EARP Complex and its Interactor EIPR-1 are Required for Cargo Sorting to Dense-Core Vesicles
Authors: Topalidou Irini , Cattin-Ortolá Jérôme , Pappas Andrea L. , Cooper Kirsten , Merrihew Gennifer E. , MacCoss Michael J. , Ailion Michael 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe dense-core vesicle is a secretory organelle that mediates the regulated release of peptide hormones, growth factors, and biogenic amines. Dense-core vesicles originate from the trans-Golgi of neurons and neuroendocrine cells, but it is unclear how this specialized organelle is formed and acquires its specific cargos. To identify proteins that act in dense-core vesicle biogenesis, we performed a forward genetic screen inCaenorhabditis elegansfor mutants defective in dense-core vesicle function. We previously reported the identification of two conserved proteins that interact with the small GTPase RAB-2 to control normal dense-core vesicle cargo-sorting. Here we identify several additional conserved factors important for dense-core vesicle cargo sorting: the WD40 domain protein EIPR-1 and the endosome-associated recycling protein (EARP) complex. By assaying behavior and the trafficking of dense-core vesicle cargos, we show that mutants that lack EIPR-1 or EARP have defects in dense-core vesicle cargo-sorting similar to those of mutants in the RAB-2 pathway. Genetic epistasis data indicate that RAB-2, EIPR-1 and EARP function in a common pathway. In addition, using a proteomic approach in rat insulinoma cells, we show that EIPR-1 physically interacts with the EARP complex. Our data suggest that EIPR-1 is a new component of the EARP complex and that dense-core vesicle cargo sorting depends on the EARP-dependent retrieval of cargo from an endosomal sorting compartment.Author SummaryAnimal cells package and store many important signaling molecules in specialized compartments called dense-core vesicles. Molecules stored in dense-core vesicles include peptide hormones like insulin and small molecule neurotransmitters like dopamine. Defects in the release of these compounds can lead to a wide range of metabolic and mental disorders in humans, including diabetes, depression, and drug addiction. However, it is not well understood how dense-core vesicles are formed in cells and package the appropriate molecules. Here we use a genetic screen in the microscopic wormC. elegansto identify proteins that are important for early steps in the generation of dense-core vesicles, such as packaging the correct molecular cargos in the vesicles. We identify several factors that are conserved between worms and humans and point to a new role for a protein complex that had previously been shown to be important for controlling trafficking in other cellular compartments. The identification of this complex suggests new cellular trafficking events that may be important for the generation of dense-core vesicles.
Language impairments in ASD resulting from a failed domestication of the human brain
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Lattanzi Wanda , Murphy Elliot 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders entailing social and cognitive deficits, including marked problems with language. Numerous genes have been associated with ASD, but it is unclear how language deficits arise from gene mutation or dysregulation. It is also unclear why ASD shows such high prevalence within human populations. Interestingly, the emergence of a modern faculty of language has been hypothesised to be linked to changes in the human brain/skull, but also to the process of self-domestication of the human species. It is our intention to show that people with ASD exhibit less marked domesticated traits at the morphological, physiological, and behavioural levels. We also discuss many ASD candidates represented among the genes known to be involved in the domestication syndrome (the constellation of traits exhibited by domesticated mammals, which seemingly results from the hypofunction of the neural crest) and among the set of genes involved in language function closely connected to them. Moreover, many of these genes show altered expression profiles in the brain of autists. In addition, some candidates for domestication and language-readiness show the same expression profile in people with ASD and chimps in different brain areas involved in language processing. Similarities regarding the brain oscillatory behaviour of these areas can be expected too. We conclude that ASD may represent an abnormal ontogenetic itinerary for the human faculty of language resulting in part from changes in genes important for the domestication syndrome and, ultimately, from the normal functioning of the neural crest.
Gene cloning and construction of prokaryotic and plant expression vectors of RICIN-A-Chain/PAP-S1 fusion protein and its inhibition of protein synthesis
Authors: Hassan Yasser S. , Ogg Sherry L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) is a single-chain ribosome-inactivating protein that exists in several forms isolated from various organs and at different stages of development ofPhytolacca americana(pokeweed). In this study, PAP-S1, one of the two known isoforms found in seeds, was isolated and PCR amplified using primers based on the known mRNA of PAP-S2, the other known form found in seeds. The complete cDNA encoding PAP-S1 was determined here for the first time. PAP-S1 is a potent antiviral protein with many potential clinical applications. However, it was found to be dosage dependent with observed side effects at high dosage. In this study, we report the production of a recombinant antiviral peptide-fusion protein between Ricin A-chain and PAP-S1. The peptide-fusion recombinant proteins Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 and PAP-S1/Ricin-A-Chain were generated by joining the Nterminus of PAP-S1 to the C-terminus of Ricin A-chain and the C-terminus of PAP-S1 to the N-terminus of Ricin A-chain respectively, and were expressed in anEscherichia colicell free expression systems. The peptide-fusion recombinant protein Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 (F2) was found to be more active than the PAPS1/Ricin-A-chain (F1) and similar to PAP-S1 in a cell free prokaryotic environment, and both showed much stronger activity in a cell free eukaryotic environment. The DNA sequence of the complete cDNA of PAP-S1 and of the peptide-fusion protein Ricin-A-Chain/PAP-S1 with the PAP-S1 signal peptide at the N-terminus of Ricin Achain were inserted in plant destination binary vectors forA. tumefaciensmediated transformation. It is the authors’ opinion that additional research should be done in order to determine both cytotoxicity and selectivity of fusion protein F2 compared to PAP-S1, as it could be a viable, more potent and less cytotoxic alternative to PAPS1 alone at high dosage, for both agricultural and therapeutic applications.
Demand-supply balancing in manufacturing operations
Authors: Coker Joakim , Helo Petri 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– Demand-supply balancing (DSB) strategies and approaches are becoming increasingly important for manufacturing and operations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze practices of manufacturing companies and how they balance demand/supply in operations.Design/methodology/approach– Questionnaire-based interview has been conducted at 20 largest companies having manufacturing/operations in Finland.Findings– Supply chain structure, flexibility, demand management, capacity management, inventory management and revenue management are perceived as key practices for DSB.Research limitations/implications– The results show importance of supply chain-related parameters such as supply chain flexibility and inventory management in addition to production planning and control. The study is delimited to Finland companies but it gives an idea how decision making in operations generally can be perceived.Practical implications– DSB actions should be connected to operations strategy and long-term planning of the company.Originality/value– DSB is a strategic-level operations question which has an impact on several functions of supply chain.
Application of PCA and DEA to recognize the true expertise of a firm: a case with primary schools
Authors: Sarkar Subhadip 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify important dimensions which are essential to remain competitive. To generate scores which will be as effective as the original outputs to determine the radial efficiency scores etc.

Design/methodology/approach
– A non-central principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine various dimensions for each output. The objective was set to identify those special schools which could minimize certain pre-prescribed scores.

Findings
– Few schools were trying to concentrate on the students from the rich society and spending less per student. There were other schools which targeted to minimize the social loss by providing education to the poorer section and were funding more for them.

Research limitations/implications
– Small group was considered. However, the number can be extended.

Practical implications
– The valuable findings of Hillman and Jenkner (2002), stated that – “Children are entitled to a free, quality basic education. Many children who do attend school receive an inadequate education because of poorly trained, underpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of basic teaching tools such as textbooks, blackboards, and pens and paper […].” “In an ideal world, primary education would be universal and publicly financed, and all children would be able to attend school regardless of their parents’ ability or willingness to pay. The reason is simple: when any child fails to acquire the basic skills needed to function as a productive, responsible member of society, […] The cost of educating children is far outweighed by the cost of not educating them. Adults who lack basic skills have greater difficulty in finding well-paying jobs and escaping poverty […].” In order to understand which fact has been stressed more the proposed model is very useful.

Social implications
– It is capable of describing the current standpoint of a group of homogenous schools or firms. Quality and cost cutting principals can be isolated quite easily.

Originality/value
– Introduces concepts of non-central PCA. Provides alternative scores which are as important as the original output. Detects and analyze various important dimensions.
Evaluation and selection of resilient suppliers in fuzzy environment
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– Supply chains (SCs) have become increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic events/disruptions that may be natural or man-made. Hurricanes, tsunamis and floods are natural disasters, whereas man-made disasters may be strikes, terrorist attacks, etc. Failure at any point in the SC network has the potential to cause the entire network to fail. SCs must therefore be properly designed to survive well in the disruption scenario. The capability of successful survival (of the firm’s SC) against those adverse events/happenings is termed as resilience; and, the SC designed under resilience consideration is called a resilient SC. Effective supplier selection is considered as a key strategic consideration in SC management. It is felt that apart from considering traditional suppliers selection criterions, suppliers’ resiliency strategy must be incorporated while selecting a potential supplier which can provide best support to the firm even in the disaster/disruption scenario. The purpose of this paper is to focus aspects of evaluation and selection of resilience supplier by considering general as well as resiliency strategy, simultaneously.Design/methodology/approach– In this work, subjectivity associated with ill-defined (vague) evaluation information has been tackled through logical exploration of fuzzy numbers set theory. Application of VIKOR embedded with fuzzy mathematics has been utilized here. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to reflect the effect of decision-makers’ (DM) risk bearing attitude in selecting the best potential supplier in a resilient SC. A case empirical example has also been presented.Findings– The work attempts to focus on a decision-making procedural hierarchy towards effective supplier selection in a resilient SC. The work exhibits application potential of VIKOR method integrated with fuzzy set theory to select potential supplier based on general strategy as well as resiliency strategy. The final supplier selection score (obtained by considering general strategy) and that of obtained by analyzing resiliency strategy have been combined to get a final compromise solution. The decision-support framework thus reported here also considers DMs’ risk bearing attitude.Practical implications– The study bears significant impact to the industry managers who are trying to adapt resiliency strategy in their SC followed by potential supplier selection in the context of resilient SC.Originality/value– Exploration of VIKOR embedded with fuzzy set theory towards suppliers’ evaluation and selection by considering general and resiliency criteria both. The decision-support module(s) adapted in this paper considers DMs’ risk bearing attitude to arrive the best compromise solution.
Cautiousness on convergence of accounting standards across countries
Authors: Angeloni Silvia 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated picture of the convergence process between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), with IFRS clearly emerging as a global financial reporting benchmark. This study is aimed at evaluating the main benefits but also some significant issues arising from the adoption of a single set of accounting standards.

Design/methodology/approach
– The main examples of theoretical and empirical literature for and against IFRS implementation are reviewed.

Findings
– Since markets became increasingly global, the comparability of financial statements is required to enable better corporate communication and transparency to the advantage of all stakeholders. The main difficulties of IFRS adoption by the USA are explored.

Practical implications
– The study’s implications are to emphasize the practical obstacles to resolving the issues of financial communication through a uniform set of standards, by highlighting the importance of taking into account other dynamics in improving the corporate disclosure domestically and globally.

Originality/value
– The key contribution of this study is to reflect on the best ways to reach global communication without sacrificing the effectiveness and affordability of financial reporting.
What are drivers for informal learning?
Authors: Schürmann Eva , Beausaert Simon 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The topic of informal learning at work has received increasing attention in the past years. The purpose of this study is to explore in which informal learning activities employees engage and what are the drivers for informal learning.

Design/methodology/approach
– Semi-structured interviews were taken from ten human resources (HR) and ten marketing employees working at a German machinery manufacturer.

Findings
– Employees mostly learn informally by talking or collaborating with others, searching information online, feedback giving and seeking from colleagues and supervisors and reading. Next, it was found that organizational drivers, task and job drivers, personal drivers and formal learning influenced employees’ informal learning. Background characteristics on the contrary were not found to influence informal learning. Overall, within these categories, the following drivers had the greatest influence on informal learning: commitment to learning and development, feedback as well as interactions with and support from colleagues and supervisors.

Research limitations/implications
– The design of this exploratory qualitative study brings some limitations. Based on the findings, suggestions for future quantitative and intervention studies are done.

Practical implications
– The results show how human resources development (HRD) professionals could better support employees’ engagement in informal learning and gives an overview of the determinants that could be influenced and in turn have a positive effect on employees’ informal learning.

Originality/value
– This study is one of the first studies unraveling informal learning as perceived by employees. It develops a comprehensive framework for categorizing drivers for informal learning.