bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of exponential heat source, nanoparticle shape factor and Hall current on mixed convective flow of nanoliquids subject to rotating frame
Authors: Mahanthesh B. , S. Amala , B.J. Gireesha , Animasaun I.L.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The study of novel exponential heat source (EHS) phenomena across a flowing fluid with the suspension of nanoparticles over a rotating plate in the presence of Hall current and chemical reaction has been an open question. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of EHS in the transport of nanofluid under the influence of strong magnetic dipole (Hall effect), chemical reaction and temperature-dependent heat source (THS) effects. The Khanafer-Vafai-Lightstone model is used for nanofluid and the thermophysical properties of nanofluid are calculated from mixture theory and phenomenological laws. The simulation of the flow is also carried out using the appropriate values of the empirical shape factor for five different particle shapes (i.e. sphere, hexahedron, tetrahedron, column and lamina).

Design/methodology/approach

Using Laplace transform technique, exact solutions are presented for the governing nonlinear equations. Graphical illustrations are pointed out to represent the impact of involved parameters in a comprehensive way. The numeric data of the density, thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, specific heat, Prandtl number and Nusselt number for 20 different nanofluids are presented.

Findings

It is established that the nanofluid enhances the heat transfer rate of the working fluids; the nanoparticles also cause an increase of viscous. The impact of EHS advances the heat transfer characteristics significantly than usual thermal-based heat source (THS).

Originality/value

The effectiveness of EHS phenomena in the dynamics of nanofluid over a rotating plate with Hall current, chemical reaction and THS effects is first time investigated.
Prediction of foam impulse response through combination of hereditary and fractional derivative approaches
Authors: Elfarhani Makram , Mkaddem Ali , Rubaiee Saeed , Jarraya Abdessalem , Haddar Mohamed
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cover an experimental investigation of the impulse response of the foam-mass system (FMS) to unveil some of the foam dynamic behavior features needed to optimize the impact comfort of seat-occupant system. The equation of motion of the studied system is modeled as a sum of a linear elastic, pneumatic damping and viscoelastic residual forces. An identification methodology based on two separated calibration processes of the viscoelastic parameters was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The viscoelastic damping force representing the foam short memory effects was modeled through the hereditary formulation. Its parameters were predicted from the free vibrational response of the FMS using iterative Prony method for autoregressive–moving–average model. However, the viscoelastic residual force resulting in the long memory effects of the material was modeled with fractional derivative term and its derivative order was predicted from previous cyclic compression standards.

Findings

The coefficients of the motion law were determined using closed form solution approach. The predictions obtained from the simulations of the impulse and cyclic tests are reasonably accurate. The physical interpretations as well as the mathematical correlations between the system parameters were discussed in details.

Originality/value

The prediction model combines hereditary and fractional derivative formulations resulting in short and long physical memory effects, respectively. Simulation of impulse and cyclic behavior yields good correlation with experimental findings.
How do doctoral students interpret the idea of being part of a doctoral community at an English business school?
Authors: Stoten David William
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elicit the views of students on their experiences of being part of a doctoral community. In doing so, this paper will shed light on the success of doctoral schools and the degree to which students identify with the wider community of postgraduate researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted an in-depth interview method based on interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Findings

The findings indicate that Higher Education still has some way to go before all students identify as being part of a doctoral school. The data suggest that significant differences exist between PhD and Doctor of Business Administration students on their perceptions of being part of a doctoral community.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing corpus of work produced through IPA, and also provides insights into the development of a doctoral school.
Lessons learned from mapping successful and unsuccessful Agile transformation journeys
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to show how companies that embraced the Agile management mindset succeeded at continuous innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the processes and mindsets of companies that successfully and unsuccessfully adopted post-bureaucratic management models.

Findings

Pioneering companies that have adopted a post-bureaucratic mindset are obsessed with adding more value for customers and end-users.

Practical implications

A case example of the model in practice is included.

Originality/value

The article recounts the problems and advantages of both top-down and bottom-up adoption of Agile management concepts and practices.
Identity and border setting: a qualitative study of homeworkers in China
Authors: Lee Trevor Tsz-Lok , Ma Xiyue
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze how homeworkers perceive, interpret and make sense of their situations in relation to work and leisure participation. Thus, this study examines the dynamics by which homeworkers struggle to manage leisure and work in their everyday lives, with a special emphasis on how they interpret and make sense of their leisure–work dilemmas.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the framework of a dynamic intersection of identity orientation and border-setting approach, this study analyzes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 13 young, home-based teleworkers in Shanghai.

Findings

Unlike the purpose of family-friendly employment policies, homeworkers who had striven for a better leisure life ended up with frustration and disappointment, regardless of their attempts at separate leisure–work borders or not. In contrast, the overwhelming work in a homeworking context paradoxically led to a more fulfilling and satisfying life for most who prioritized work over all else in life.

Originality/value

In the cases of home-based work or other flexible work policies that aim to make a better balance of work and life, public attention has been directed merely toward a debate of whether these policies lead to an enhanced quality of leisure life or an intensification of work intrusion. However, understanding the complexity of such emerging phenomenon requires a richer, more nuanced explanation. In this light, this qualitative study of homeworkers’ lived experiences is sociologically relevant for deciphering the relationship between leisure and work in the late-modern society that entails an evolving process of negotiating identities and situational variability.
Civil Society Responds to theAWS: Growing Activist Networks and Shifting Frames
Authors: Bahçecik Şerif Onur
Published: June 2019

This article tracks the emergence and growth of advocacy around autonomous weapon systems (AWS). By looking at the ways in which activists problematize autonomous weapons and at the growing members of the alliance to ban killer robots, the subtle shifts in issue framing and configuration of the network are outlined. It is argued that the advocacy against AWS emerged from an epistemic community and grew to include significant non‐governmental organizations such as Human Rights Watch. It is further argued that autonomous weapons were initially conceptualized as ‘killer robots’ that threaten international security and the security of civilians during armed conflict. This framing later came to be supplemented by ideas that AWS may emerge as a new form of weapon of mass destruction that could be used to threaten citizens living in Western countries. The changes in the network that seeks to ban AWS and the shifting ways of problematizing them indicates that transnational activism is in flux. Discordant ways of approaching AWS may risk the formation of a broad‐based coalition to ban AWS. This study complements studies that focus on norms of and government policies towards future warfare.
The Accrual Anomaly: Accrual Originations, Accrual Reversals, and Resolution of Uncertainty*
Authors: Fedyk Tatiana , Singer Zvi , Sougiannis Theodore
Published: June 2019

We combine a fundamental property of accruals and a behavioral phenomenon to provide an explanation for the accrual anomaly. The fundamental property is accruals that originate must subsequently reverse. The behavioral phenomenon is individuals tend to underestimate the variance of noisy signals in various domains of decision making. We argue that originating accruals represents a noisier signal than reversing accruals because the uncertainty of whether originating accruals will eventually convert into cash is high, while there is no uncertainty regarding reversing accruals. If investors underestimate the variance of originating accruals but understand reversing accruals, then originating accruals will be mispriced while reversing accruals will not. To test this prediction, we first develop and empirically validate a novel method for ex ante detecting accrual originations and their reversals. Then we document that investors face increased uncertainty when accruals originate and decreased uncertainty when accruals reverse, and we provide evidence that only originating accruals are mispriced. We further demonstrate that our findings can be useful for improving the accrual‐based trading strategy by ex ante detecting and removing accrual reversals from extreme accrual portfolios. Overall, we provide a behavioral explanation for the accrual anomaly that is consistent with the mispricing of originating accruals only.
Influence of fruit availability on macronutrient and energy intake by female chimpanzees
Authors: Uwimbabazi Moreen , Rothman Jessica M. , Basuta Gilbert I. , Machanda Zarin P. , Conklin‐Brittain Nancy L. , Wrangham Richard W.
Published: June 2019

Daily energy intake of adult female mammals is influenced by environmental conditions and physiological requirements, including reproduction. We examined the effects of fruit availability on macronutrient and metabolisable energy (ME) intake by adult female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) of the Kanyawara community in Kibale National Park, Uganda, from January 2014 through June 2015. Drupe fruits were abundant for 4 months, whereas the other 14 months were dominated by fig fruits. The mean daily intake of food (dry matter) and ME did not differ between drupe‐months and fig‐months. However, foraging costs were higher during fig‐months, as indicated by a 20% increase in feeding time. Furthermore, during drupe‐months female chimpanzees ingested more water‐soluble carbohydrates and lipids, and less available protein and neutral detergent fibre. Although ME intake did not differ consistently between drupe‐months and fig‐months, they consumed more on days when ripe fruit dominated the diet than when leaves and pithy stems dominated the diet. Our data suggest that differences in diet quality between drupes and figs can have important effects on frugivore foraging and that they influence net energy gain more by their effects on macronutrient composition or foraging cost than by their direct impact on energy intake.
Otitis externa‐climatic associations and evidence‐based management strategies for Australian practice
Authors: Chidlow Caitlin , van Bockxmeer John
Published: June 2019

Objectives

There is a lack of consensus for the management of otitis externa. In addition to looking at seasonal trends surrounding otitis externa, this article also reviews a collection of local and international guidelines on the management of this condition.

Design

Retrospective case audit of clinician‐diagnosed otitis externa at the Hedland Health Campus over 18 months. Review of 2007‐2017 evidence‐based guidelines relevant to area of practice.

Setting

Hedland Health Campus Emergency Department in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Participants

Two‐hundred‐thirty‐six otitis externa cases in 193 individuals were seen by our service.

Main outcome measured

Number of otitis externa presentations each month.

Result

Nine guidelines were reviewed, which varied widely in recommendations. An overrepresentative proportion of patients identified as either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. There was a strong positive correlation between the monthly rainfall and otitis externa, moderate correlation between higher monthly minimum temperatures and no correlation with maximum temperature. Given the variety of guidelines available, it was difficult to assess whether prescribing was always consistent with guidelines.

Conclusion

This research makes evidence‐based suggestions for Australian practitioners. Patients should be treated with oral analgesia, ear toileting and targeted topical therapy. There is no evidence for swabs, ear wicks and oral antibiotics. The authors hypothesise that re‐presentation rates might be in part attributable to freshwater pseudomonal infection.
Predicting respiratory distress syndrome at birth using fast test based on spectroscopy of gastric aspirates. 1. Biochemical part
Authors: Schousboe Peter , Verder Henrik , Jessen Torben E. , Heiring Christian , Bender Lars , Ebbesen Finn , Dahl Marianne , Eschen Christian , Fenger‐Grøn Jesper , Höskuldsson Agnar , Reinholdt Jes , Scoutaris Nikolaos , Smedegaard Heidi
Published: June 2019

Aim

To develop a fast bedside lung maturity test.

Methods

Gastric aspirates obtained from premature infants contain lamellar bodies, carrying lung surfactant. To estimate lung maturity, we isolated lamellar bodies from fresh gastric aspirates by centrifugation. Erythrocytes and other cells were lysed by adding water and discarded subsequently with the supernatant. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy was then performed to measure the lung maturity as lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio. Lecithin was determined as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, the most surface‐active phospholipid. Algorithms to measure lecithin and sphingomyelin concentrations in fresh gastric aspirates were developed on aspirates from 140 premature infants. Each gastric aspirate sample was divided into two samples: one for mass spectrometry as reference and one for spectroscopy. Development of the algorithm is described in detail in Appendix S1.

Results

Gastric aspirates stored at 4–5°C avoid flocculation of proteins and phospholipids in contrast to when the aspirates were frozen and thawed. Omission of freezing and concentration of the lung surfactant by centrifugation combined with diminished influence of proteins improves the spectroscopic measurement of lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio. Measurement of lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio by the new method was performed within 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

We present a new fast bedside lung maturity test on fresh gastric aspirate for early targeted surfactant treatment.
Monitoring children and adolescents with severe obesity: body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score or percentage above the International Obesity Task Force overweight cut‐off?
Authors: Løkling Hanne L. , Roelants Mathieu , Kommedal Kristin G. , Skjåkødegård Hanna , Apalset Ellen M. , Benestad Beate , Morken Mette H. , Hjelmesæth Jøran , Juliusson Petur B.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Body mass index (BMI) metrics are widely used as a proxy for adiposity in children with severe obesity. The BMI expressed as the percentage of a cut‐off percentile for overweight or obesity has been proposed as a better alternative than BMI z‐scores when monitoring children and adolescents with severe obesity.

Methods

Annual changes in BMI, BMI z‐score and the percentage above the International Obesity Task Force overweight cut‐off (%IOTF‐25) were compared with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived body fat (%BF‐DXA) in 59 children and adolescents with severe obesity.

Results

The change in %BF‐DXA was correlated with the change in %IOTF‐25 (r = 0.68) and BMI (r = 0.70), and somewhat less with the BMI z‐score (r = 0.57). Cohen's Kappa statistic to detect an increase or decrease in %BF‐DXA was fair for %IOTF‐25 (κ = 0.25; p = 0.04) and BMI (κ = 0.33; p = 0.01), but not for the BMI z‐score (κ = 0.08; p = 0.5). The change in BMI was positively biased due to a natural increase with age.

Conclusion

Changes in the BMI metrics included in the study are associated differently with changes in %BF‐DXA. The BMI z‐score is widely used to monitor changes in adiposity in children and adolescents with severe obesity, but the %IOTF‐25 might be a better alternative.
Randomised clinical trial: intravenous vs oral iron for the treatment of anaemia after acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Ferrer‐Barceló Luis , Sanchis Artero Laura , Sempere García‐Argüelles Javier , Canelles Gamir Pilar , P. Gisbert Javier , Ferrer‐Arranz Luis Manuel , Monzó Gallego Ana , Plana Campos Lydia , Huguet Malavés Jose Mª , Luján Sanchis Marisol , Ruiz Sánchez Lucía , Barceló Cerdá Susana , Medina Chuliá Enrique
Published: June 2019

Background

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is prevalent condition and iron deficiency anaemia is a common comorbidity, yet anaemia treatment guidelines for affected patients are lacking.

Aim

To compare efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and oral ferrous sulphate (FeSulf) in patients with anaemia secondary to non‐variceal gastrointestinal bleeding

Methods

A prospective 42‐day study randomised 61 patients with haemoglobin <10 g/dL upon discharge (Day 0) to receive FCM (n = 29; Day 0: 1000 mg, Day 7: 500 or 1000 mg; per label) or FeSulf (n = 32; 325 mg/12 hours for 6 weeks). Outcome measures were assessed on Days 0 (baseline), 7, 21 and 42. The primary outcome was complete response (haemoglobin ≥12 g/dL [women], ≥13 g/dL [men]) after 6 weeks.

Results

A higher proportion of complete response was observed in the FCM vs the FeSulf group at Days 21 (85.7% vs 45.2%; P = 0.001) and 42 (100% vs 61.3%; P < 0.001). Additionally, the percentage of patients with partial response (haemoglobin increment ≥2 g/dL from baseline) was significantly higher in the FCM vs the FeSulf group (Day 21:100% vs 67.7%; P = 0.001, Day 42:100% vs 74.2%; P = 0.003). At Day 42, normalisation of transferrin saturation to 25% or greater was observed in 76.9% of FCM vs 24.1% of FeSulf‐treated patients (P < 0.001). No patient in the FCM group reported any adverse event vs 10 patients in the FeSulf group.

Conclusion

FCM provided greater and faster Hb increase and iron repletion, and was better tolerated than FeSulf in patients with iron deficiency anaemia secondary to non‐variceal acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
Mild heat stress induces transcription of the β‐casein gene via unfolded protein response‐activated XBP1 signaling in undifferentiated mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Mizusawa Moeko , Sharmin Mst Mamuna , Yonekura Shinichi
Published: June 2019

It has been reported that the expression of β‐casein, a representative milk protein, increases when mammary epithelial cells are exposed to mild heat stress at 39°C. However, the direct effects and detailed molecular mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the relationship between an increase in β‐casein expression and the unfolded protein response (UPR) under mild heat stress. After reaching confluence, HC11 cells were incubated at 37°C (control) or 39°C (mild heat stress) without differentiation medium, and the expression levels of β‐casein and UPR‐related genes were assessed. It was revealed that, even with this mild heat treatment (39°C), β‐casein expression in HC11 cells increased at the transcriptional level without differentiation induction. The expression levels of X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and activating transcription factor 6 alpha (ATF6α) were significantly higher in cells cultured at 39°C compared to those cultured at 37°C. Moreover, the increase in β‐casein mRNA expression levels by mild heat treatment was suppressed in XBP1 or ATF6α knockdown cells generated by siRNA for XBP1 or ATF6α respectively. Thus, these results demonstrate that ATF6α and XBP1 is involved in the increase of β‐casein expression following mild heat treatment.
Challenges and Dilemmas of Civil Society movements in India
Authors: Pulla Venkat , Jaysawal Neelmani , Saha Sudeshna
Published: June 2019

Civil Society spaces provide citizens opportunities to frame their collective identities and interests through the formation of voluntary interest groups and organisations set to specific purposes. In the west, historically these interest groups have contributed to the development of political thought that assisted to forge the economic interests of emerging bourgeoisie. This paper situated in the context of India begins with a thematic perspective and reviews the challenges that emerge as a result of the demands that emerge within the civil society space. The paper considered three broad range organizations for this review such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the river Narmada Campaign); National Alliance for People's Movement (NAPM); and the Self‐Employed Women's Association (SEWA). The authors see civil society as a conciliating place—where individual interests appear to mingle with societal requirements while providing adequate representation to the marginalized groups and expression of concerns around economic and environmental rights.
The determinants of income mobility of older people in England and South Korea
Authors: Um Jinpil
Published: June 2019

This paper adopts a longitudinal approach toward examining what lies behind income mobility of older people aged 50 and over in England and aged 45 and over in South Korea over the period between 2006 and 2012, using panel data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). The breakdown of income mobility which takes into account different type of division of the elderly population and income sources are also performed. The findings reveal that income growth has very little impact on aggregate income mobility in England, while it is crucial for the income mobility levels in Korea. There is a great deal of income mobility among single people under the age of 65 in England, while older people who are aged 65 or above and live alone experienced a greater variation in their income over time in Korea. In the case of breakdown of income mobility by income sources, it appears that labor income is the most important determinant of mobility in both countries and income from self‐employment for Korea and income from social transfers in England also plays an important contribution to income mobility.
KCTD: A new gene family involved in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Teng Xinchen , Aouacheria Abdel , Lionnard Loïc , Metz Kyle A. , Soane Lucian , Kamiya Atsushi , Hardwick J. Marie
Published: June 2019

The underlying molecular basis for neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders is not known. In contrast, mechanistic understanding of other brain disorders including neurodegeneration has advanced considerably. Yet, these do not approach the knowledge accrued for many cancers with precision therapeutics acting on well‐characterized targets. Although the identification of genes responsible for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders remains a major obstacle, the few causally associated genes are ripe for discovery by focusing efforts to dissect their mechanisms. Here, we make a case for delving into mechanisms of the poorly characterized humanKCTDgene family. Varying levels of evidence support their roles in neurocognitive disorders (KCTD3), neurodevelopmental disease (KCTD7), bipolar disorder (KCTD12), autism and schizophrenia (KCTD13), movement disorders (KCTD17), cancer (KCTD11), and obesity (KCTD15). Collective knowledge about these genes adds enhanced value, and critical insights into potential disease mechanisms have come from unexpected sources. Translation of basic research on the KCTD‐related yeast protein Whi2 has revealed roles in nutrient signaling to mTORC1 (KCTD11) and an autophagy‐lysosome pathway affecting mitochondria (KCTD7). Recent biochemical and structure‐based studies (KCTD12, KCTD13, KCTD16) reveal mechanisms of regulating membrane channel activities through modulation of distinct GTPases. We explore how these seemingly varied functions may be disease related.
Improved metal allergen reactivity of artificial skin models by integration of Toll‐like receptor 4‐positive cells
Authors: Frings Verena G. , Müller Damaris , Storz Gabriel , Rossi Angela , Sennefelder Helga , Adam Christian , Goebeler Matthias , Groeber‐Becker Florian K. , Schmidt Marc
Published: June 2019

Background

Reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) is widely used to replace animal models in order to assess the proinflammatory and allergenic effects of chemicals. Unfortunately, RhE lacks proinflammatory responsiveness for metal haptens, which are the most prevalent human contact allergens, raising concerns about its reliability for predicting skin allergens.

Objectives

To investigate whether this limitation of RhE might be attributable to a lack of functional expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), which governs proinflammatory sensitivity to nickel and cobalt.

Materials and Methods

RhE, dendritic cell (DC)‐containing RhE and full‐thickness skin equivalent (FTSE) were compared regarding their proinflammatory responsiveness to metal allergens.

Results

The incorporation of dermal fibroblasts was sufficient to confer metal sensitivity to RhE. Unlike keratinocytes, normal human fibroblasts expressed high levels of TLR4 mRNA and induced interleukin‐8 expression upon stimulation with nickel or cobalt. Consistently, dermal isolates from FTSE expressed considerable amounts of TLR4 mRNA, whereas RhE or epidermis isolated from FTSE, normal human epidermis or inflamed human epidermis failed to express TLR4. Similarly, co‐culture with TLR4‐positive DCs bestowed RhE with proinflammatory responsiveness to metals.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that FTSE or DC/RhE co‐culture models can circumvent the shortcomings of RhE assays, and combine the benefits of complex and monoculture‐based test systems in a single assay.
Interactome‐based abiotic and biotic impacts on biodiversity of plankton communities in disturbed wetlands
Authors: Yang Yuzhan , Gao Yangchun , Chen Yiyong , Li Shiguo , Zhan Aibin
Published: June 2019

Aim

Despite great efforts for conservation, biodiversity in wetland ecosystems is still losing at an alarming rate. Thus, it is crucial to deeply understand ecological processes and mechanisms that potentially affect the loss of biodiversity.

Location

Sanjiang wetland in Sanjiang floodplain, north‐east China.

Methods

Biological samples and environmental data were collected from five approximate habitats under different anthropogenic disturbance levels from Sanjiang wetland. Biodiversity of plankton communities (i.e., bacterioplankton and zooplankton) was characterized by high‐throughput sequencing‐based metabarcoding. Multidisciplinary methods including interactome‐based construction of scale‐free networks were employed to examine the complex biotic interactions and abiotic influence on plankton biodiversity.

Results

Both environmental variables and community composition of plankton communities varied significantly among five habitats. Environmental filtering was identified as the dominant ecological process that drove the distinct community composition and geographical distribution of biodiversity. However, the significantly influential factors were different for bacterioplankton (e.g., pH and As) and zooplankton communities (e.g., NH4 and TP). In total, environmental factors could explain approximately 30% of community variation for both types of plankton communities. Based on interactome networks, more organism‐associated edges were identified than environment‐associated edges. Such a pattern suggests that, in addition to environmental influence, biotic interactions also play a crucial role to shape biodiversity variation.

Main conclusions

Both abiotic factors and biotic interactions largely contributed to the distinct composition and geographical distribution of bacterioplankton and zooplankton communities in Sanjiang wetland. Therefore, the interactome‐based investigation is recommended to examine synthesized impacts of abiotic and biotic variables, and such a comprehensive survey can largely facilitate our understanding of ecological processes and associated mechanisms that drive the loss of wetland biodiversity. Results from comprehensive surveys can help identify conservation priorities and improve the predictability of conservation programmes.
Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 is required for corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐mediated spine loss
Authors: Xie Zhong , Penzes Peter , Srivastava Deepak P.
Published: June 2019

Corticotropin‐releasing hormone is produced in response to acute and chronic stress. Previous studies have shown that activation of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) by corticotropin‐releasing hormone results in the rapid loss of dendritic spines which correlates with cognitive dysfunction associated with stress. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC2), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rap, plays a critical role in regulating dendritic spine morphology and has been linked with CRHR1 signalling. In this study, we have tested whether EPAC2 links corticotropin‐releasing hormone with dendritic spine remodelling. In primary rat cortical neurons, we show that CRHR1 is highly enriched in the dendritic spines. Furthermore, we find that EPAC2 and CRHR1 co‐localize in cortical neurons and that acute exposure to corticotropin‐releasing hormone induces spine loss. To establish whether EPAC2 was required for corticotropin‐releasing hormone–mediated spine loss, we knocked‐down EPAC2 in cortical neurons using a short hairpin RNA‐mediated approach. In the presence of Epac2 knocked‐down, corticotropin‐releasing hormone was no longer able to induce spine loss. Taken together, our data indicate that EPAC2 is required for the rapid loss of dendritic spines induced by corticotropin‐releasing hormone and may ultimately contribute to responses to acute stress.
Ordinary Ethics and Reflexivity in Mundane Family Interactions
Authors: Kremer‐Sadlik Tamar
Published: June 2019

This article examines morality as it is experienced in the quotidian running of family life through an analysis of video‐recorded spontaneous family interactions in Los Angeles, California. It argues that certain interactions afford the unfolding of morality experience through reflexive talk, in which speakers “bracket” the ongoing experience in order to critically reflect on it, thus making the ethical known. It demonstrates that often the underlying moral trouble is not immediately apparent and is not necessarily concerned with the momentary details. Instead, the interactional moment incites the speaker to shift to a reflexive stance and address a moral concern. The ubiquitous nature of this moral work exposes the contemporary pressures that parents experience as they negotiate the best ways to parent, raise moral children, and become virtuous families.
Young Americans’ Dreaming in the Specular Age
Authors: Sheriff Robin E. , Mageo Jeannette
Published: June 2019

Based on the analysis of recent dreams collected from college students in both the eastern and western regions of the United States, this article identifies a new visual mode of self‐making wherein young Americans imaginatively see themselves and others as images captured by and performing for a lens. Extending Lacan's notion of the mirror phase and building on Metz's concept of scopic regimes, we propose the concept of “specularity.” Further, we link specularity dreams to contemporary middle‐class child‐rearing practices and an increasingly obligatory engagement with technomediated practices. Specularity, we suggest, is a new mode by which subjectivities are reconfigured and brought into alignment with neoliberal styles of self‐representation.
Multi‐criteria group decision‐making method based on TODIM with probabilistic interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy information
Authors: Zhang Guo , Wang Jian‐qiang , Wang Tie‐li
Published: June 2019

Probabilistic interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy sets (PIV‐HFSs) are suitable for aggregating information from different groups because the probabilistic information of all the groups can be included by using interval values. Moreover, decision makers (DMs) prefer to use interval values to provide evaluation information. Furthermore, the traditional multi‐criteria group decision‐making (MCGDM) approach has some limitations, such as obtaining the DMs' weights with inappropriate methods and neglecting the interactions amongst the criteria and the psychological characteristics of DMs. Motivated by these research background, the main contents of this study are as follows. First, PIV‐HFSs are proposed, and the convex combination operation is extended into PIV‐HFSs. Second, a hybrid MCGDM approach with PIV‐HFSs is suggested that is based on the maximizing deviation method, fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) and TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multi‐criteria decision‐making model). Third, an evaluation case of health management centres based on the service‐specific failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is considered. The results show that the most crucial secondary factor is frequency (0.35775) and that the most serious failure mode is the inaccurate check‐in. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can evaluate service quality effectively and that it performs better than other methods.
A stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis–evidential reasoning method for uncertain multiattribute decision‐making problems
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqi , Gong Bengang , Yang Feng , Ang Sheng
Published: June 2019

Evidential reasoning (ER) is an effective approach for assessing alternatives with uncertain attribute values in the context of decision making. For the ER approach to be able to handle variations in the weights of uncertain attributes in an appropriate manner, this paper proposes a method to solve problems of uncertain multiattribute decision making that involve both uncertain attribute values and uncertain attribute weights, which this method does by combining the ER approach and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis‐2 (SMAA‐2). First, the uncertainty in attribute values is described by using a belief decision matrix as in the ER approach. The analytical ER algorithm is then used to create the utility function in the SMAA‐2 model, and that function is used to calculate the probability of different sorting positions of the decision units under weight‐related restrictions. Finally, the results of ranking are obtained by combining the sorting weights. An example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A general model of temporary aquatic habitat use: Water phenology as a life history filter
Authors: Heim Kurt C. , McMahon Thomas E. , Calle Leonardo , Wipfli Mark S. , Falke Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2019

Temporary aquatic habitats are not widely appreciated fish habitat. However, fish navigate the transient waters of intertidal zones, floodplains, intermittent and ephemeral streams, lake margins, seasonally frozen lakes and streams, and anthropogenic aquatic habitats across the globe to access important resources. The selective pressures imposed by water impermanence (i.e., freezing, drying, tidal fluctuations), however, operate similarly across taxa and ecosystems. These similarities are formalized into a conceptual model relating habitat use to surface water phenology. Whereas all necessary life history functions (spawning, foraging, refuge, and dispersal) can be accomplished in temporary habitats, the timing, duration, and predictability of water act as a “life history filter” to which habitats can be used and for what purpose. Habitats wet from minutes to months may all be important—albeit in different ways, for different species. If life history needs co‐occur with accessibility, temporary habitats can contribute substantially to individual fitness, overall production and important metapopulation processes. This heuristic is intended to promote research, recognition and conservation of these frequently overlooked habitats that can be disproportionately important relative to their size or brevity of existence. There is a pressing need to quantify how use of temporary aquatic habitats translates to individual fitness benefits, population size and temporal stability, and ecosystem‐level consequences. Temporary aquatic habitats are being impacted at an alarming rate by anthropogenic activities altering their existence, phenology, and connectivity. It is timely that scientists, managers and policymakers consider the role these habitats play in global fish production.
Anticonvulsant effect of melatonin through ATP‐sensitive channels in mice
Authors: Mohammadi Fatemeh , Shakiba Saeed , Mehrzadi Saeed , Afshari Khashayar , Rahimnia Amir Hossein , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: June 2019

Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted principally by the pineal gland. This molecule has various pharmacological properties including improving immune system, prevent cancer, anti‐aging, and anti‐oxidant effects. The anticonvulsant effects of melatonin have been proved by previous studies. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are considered as an important target in the seizure modulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticonvulsant effect of melatonin in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced seizures in mice, focusing on its ability to regulate KATP channels. Acute intraperitoneal administration of melatonin (40 and 80 mg/kg) increased clonic seizure threshold induced by intravenous administration of PTZ. Melatonin (40 and 80 mg/kg) increased the latency of clonic seizure and reduced its frequency in mice receiving an intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. Administration of glibenclamide, a KATP channels blocker, before intravenous injection of PTZ reduced melatonin anticonvulsant effect. Diazoxide and cromakalim, as KATP channels openers, increased antiseizure effect of melatonin in PTZ model of seizures. These findings suggest that the antiseizure effect of melatonin probably is gained through increasing the opening of KATP channels.
AhR regulates the expression of human cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) by recruiting Sp1
Authors: Ye Wenchu , Chen Ruohong , Chen Xiaoxuan , Huang Boyan , Lin Ruqin , Xie Xuan , Chen Jiongjie , Jiang Jun , Deng Yiqun , Wen Jikai
Published: June 2019

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is abundant in the kidney, liver, and intestine and is involved in the phase I metabolism of numerous endogenous and exogenous compounds. Therefore, exploring the regulatory mechanism of its basal expression in humans is particularly important to understand the bioactivation of several procarcinogens to their carcinogenic derivatives. Site‐specific mutagenesis and deletion of the transcription factor binding site determined the core cis‐acting elements in the human CYP1A1 proximal and distal promoter regions. The proximal promoter region [overlapping xenobiotic‐responsive element (XRE) and GC box sequences] determined the basal expression of CYP1A1. In human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) or specificity protein 1 (Sp1) knockdown, we confirmed that AhR and Sp1 are involved in basal CYP1A1 expression. In HepG2 cells overexpressing either AhR or Sp1, AhR determined the proximal transactivation of basal CYP1A1 expression. Via DNA affinity precipitation assays and ChIP, we found that AhR bound to the promoter and recruited Sp1 to transactivate CYP1A1 expression. The coordinated interaction between Sp1 and AhR was identified to be DNA mediated. Our work revealed a basal regulatory mechanism of an interesting human gene by which AhR interacts with Sp1 through DNA and recruits Sp1 to regulate basal CYP1A1 expression.
Structural and functional investigation of the Small Ribosomal Subunit Biogenesis GTPase A (RsgA) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rocchio Serena , Santorelli Daniele , Rinaldo Serena , Franceschini Mimma , Malatesta Francesco , Imperi Francesco , Federici Luca , Travaglini‐Allocatelli Carlo , Di Matteo Adele
Published: June 2019

The Small Ribosomal Subunit Biogenesis GTPase A (RsgA) is a bacterial assembly factor involved in the late stages of the 30S subunit maturation. It is a multidomain GTPase in which the central circularly permutated GTPase domain is flanked by an OB domain and a Zn‐binding domain. All three domains participate in the interaction with the 30S particle thus ensuring an efficient coupling between catalytic activity and biological function. In vivo studies suggested the relevance of rsgA in bacterial growth and cellular viability, but other pleiotropic roles of RsgA are also emerging. Here, we report the 3D structure of RsgA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaRsgA) in the GDP‐bound form. We also report a biophysical and biochemical characterization of the protein in both the GDP‐bound and its nucleotide‐free form. In particular, we report a kinetic analysis of the RsgA binding to GTP and GDP. We found that PaRsgA is able to bind both nucleotides with submicromolar affinity. The higher affinity towards GDP (KD = 0.011 μm) with respect to GTP (KD = 0.16 μm) is mainly ascribed to a smaller GDP dissociation rate. Our results confirm that PaRsgA, like most other GTPases, has a weak intrinsic enzymatic activity (kCAT = 0.058 min−1). Finally, the biological role of RsgA in P. aeruginosa was investigated, allowing us to conclude that rsgA is dispensable for P. aeruginosa growth but important for drug resistance and virulence in an animal infection model.

Databases

Coordinates and structure factors for the protein structure described in this manuscript have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (https://www.rcsb.org) with the accession code 6H4D.
The AP2 adaptor enhances clathrin coat stiffness
Authors: Lherbette Michael , Redlingshöfer Lisa , Brodsky Frances M. , Schaap Iwan A. T. , Dannhauser Philip N.
Published: June 2019

Deformation of the plasma membrane into clathrin‐coated vesicles is a critical step in clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and requires the orchestrated assembly of clathrin and endocytic adaptors into a membrane‐associated protein coat. The individual role of these membrane‐bending and curvature‐stabilizing factors is subject to current debate. As such, it is unclear whether the clathrin coat itself is stiff enough to impose curvature and if so, whether this could be effectively transferred to the membrane by the linking adaptor proteins. We have recently demonstrated that clathrin alone is sufficient to form membrane buds in vitro. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to assess the contributions of clathrin and its membrane adaptor protein 2 (AP2) to clathrin coat stiffness, which determines the mechanics of vesicle formation. We found that clathrin coats are less than 10‐fold stiffer than the membrane they enclose, suggesting a delicate balance between the forces harnessed from clathrin coat formation and those required for membrane bending. We observed that clathrin adaptor protein AP2 increased the stiffness of coats formed from native clathrin, but did not affect less‐flexible coats formed from clathrin lacking the light chain subunits. We thus propose that clathrin light chains are important for clathrin coat flexibility and that AP2 facilitates efficient cargo sequestration during coated vesicle formation by modulating clathrin coat stiffness.
Using PROMs during routine medical consultations: The perspectives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their health professionals
Authors: Damman Olga C. , Verbiest Marjolein E. A. , Vonk Suzanne I. , Berendse Henk W. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , de Bruijne Martine C. , Faber Marjan J.
Published: June 2019

Background

The use of patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs), such as quality of life or symptoms like pain or fatigue, is increasingly embraced within patient‐centred care and shared decision making.

Objectives

To investigate: (a) how patients and health professionals think about using PROMs during routine medical consultations; (b) for which purpose(s), patients and health professionals want to use PROMs during those consultations; and (c) how patients interpret PROMs information presented in various formats. People with Parkinson's disease and their health professionals served as case example.

Methods

We performed semi‐structured interviews with patients (N = 13) and professionals (N = 7 neurologists; N = 7 physiotherapists). We also used a survey in which patients (N = 115) were shown six figures displaying different information types. Presentation formats of this information varied (line/bar graphs). Interpretation by patients, perceived usefulness of information, attitude towards using information during routine medical consultations and (hypothetical) decisions were assessed.

Findings

Patients and professionals were generally positive about using PROMs during medical consultations. Professionals stressed the opportunity to monitor changes in individual PROMs over time. Patients were primarily positive about aggregated PROMs to make treatment decisions. This information was also most often interpreted correctly, especially when presented through a line graph (90.1% correct). Professionals thought patients should take the initiative in discussing PROMs, whereas patients thought professionals should do so.

Conclusion/Discussion

When used in routine medical consultations, PROMs seem to have potential to support shared decision making and facilitate patient‐professional communication. However, training seems needed for both patients and professionals to facilitate actual discussion and proper interpretation.