bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does transgenic food production affect world food prices?
Authors: Brankov T. , Lovre K.
Published: November 2018

This chapter considers in detail the question of whether transgenic food production affects world food prices. Sections examine: the long-term trends in international prices; the effects of increased Asian demand on food prices; the relationship between US ethanol production and maize prices; the effects of transgenic maize and soyabean adoption on production costs and food prices; and the effects of transgenic technology on food prices in the least-developed countries. It is indicated that transgenic technology, primarily through increased seed costs, has contributed to rising food prices which disproportionately affects underdeveloped countries and poorer population categories.
Preparation and properties of light-resistant printing UV ink modified with nano-TiO2 on wood substrate
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Wu Huagui , Liu Ru , Long Ling , Lin Peng
Published: November 2018

Nano-TiO2 was used to modify the yellow UV ink by physically blending. The modified and unmodified UV ink was respectively used for wood printing. The aging test was carried out on the printed wood and several physical, morphological, and chemical analyses were performed. The results showed that the UV ink underwent oxidation during aging, caused colour and gloss changes, surface bubbling, and polymer chain decomposition both for the unmodified and nano-TiO2 groups. However, on a macro level, the main structure of the UV ink was not destroyed. The aging phenomenon of nano-TiO2 modified group was not as severe as the unmodified one. During light aging, the primary amine, CO2, and carboxylic acid were yielded, and NH radicals were generated, which promoted the formation of conjugated structure and the chromogenic enamine. Nano-TiO2 could inhibit these reactions. Consequently, the light-resistant polychromasia of UV ink was improved by adding of nano-TiO2.
Physical Therapist Student Readiness for Entrance Into the First Full-Time Clinical Experience: A Delphi Study
Authors: Timmerberg Jean F , Dole Robin , Silberman Nicki , Goffar Stephen L , Mathur Divya , Miller Amy , Murray Leigh , Pelletier Deborah , Simpson Michael S , Stolfi Angela , Thompson Anne , Utzman Ralph
Published: November 2018

Background

To consistently prepare physical therapist students for their first full-time clinical experience, the entry-level curriculum must provide and assess competency in the essential knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional behaviors.

Objective

The purpose of this Delphi study was to develop consensus on a core set of elements that should be demonstrated by physical therapist students prior to entry into their first full-time clinical experience. A second aim was to obtain the recommended competency levels and assessment methods.

Design

The study was conducted using the Delphi method.

Methods

Purposive selection and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit clinical instructors, recent graduates, directors or academic coordinators of clinical education, and academic faculty. Four web-based survey rounds were used to achieve consensus, defined as agreement among ≥80% of respondents. The first round gathered demographic information on respondents and identified elements that were deemed essential; the second collected information about clarity and redundancy in the elements provided; the third asked participants to rank their agreement with elements and themes; and the fourth gathered the level of competency that physical therapist students should demonstrate prior to beginning a first full-time clinical experience.

Results

Consensus revealed 95 elements, categorized under 14 themes, which were deemed essential for readiness for the first clinical experience. Levels of competency for each element were identified.

Limitations

Participants might not have represented all academic programs, practice settings, and geographic locations.

Conclusion

This study identified the specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional behaviors in which all physical therapist students in the United States need to demonstrate competency before their first clinical experience, regardless of school or setting, which would allow learning experiences to be tailored appropriately.
Re-evaluation of Seed Transmission of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis in Zea mays
Authors: Block Charles C. , Shepherd Lisa M. , Mbofung-Curtis Gladys C. , Sernett Jeff M. , Robertson Alison E.
Published: November 2018

The spread of Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn (Zea mays), caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, to a wider geographic range in the early 2000s compared with the late 1960s has generated concern about the possible role of seed transmission in long-distance spread. The objectives of this research were: (1) to determine the percentage of seed infection found in seed harvested from inoculated and noninoculated plants of hybrids that varied in resistance to Goss’s wilt; and (2) to estimate the seed transmission rate from these infected seed lots. The greatest percent seed infection was detected in seed from inoculated plants of the most susceptible hybrid and the least in seed from the most resistant hybrid. Seed lots with seed infection that ranged from 3.6 to 37.0% were planted in three field and three greenhouse trials. A total of 12 seed transmission events (Goss’s wilt symptomatic seedlings) were identified among 241,850 plants examined, for a seed transmission rate of 0.005%. When the seed transmission rate was recalculated to consider only the infected seed portion of each seed lot, the rate increased to 0.040% (12 events from 30,088 potentially infected plants). Based on the low seed transmission rate observed and previous research on disease spread from a point source, it seems unlikely that seed transmission could introduce enough inoculum to create a serious disease outbreak in a single growing season. However, risk of seed transmission is relevant for phytosanitary restrictions and preventing the introduction of the pathogen to new areas. To date, Goss’s wilt has not been detected outside North America, and while the risk of seed transmission is very low, the risk is not zero. Fortunately, the presence of C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis in corn seed is readily detectable by established seed health testing methods.
The Effects of Nutrition and Environmental Factors on Conidial Germination and Appressorium Formation ofPhyllosticta citricarpa, the Causal Agent of Citrus Black Spot
Authors: Wang Nan-Yi , Dewdney Megan M.
Published: November 2018

Citrus black spot, caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa, has been identified in Florida since 2010 and can reduce fruit yield and marketability. The conditions required for conidial germination have been poorly understood for P. citricarpa, limiting further biological studies. In this study, the effects of citrus juices, concentration, pH, various carbon and nitrogen sources, and environmental conditions were evaluated in vitro. All tested juices, especially ‘Valencia’ (>85%, P < 0.05), favored germination and appressorium formation, whereas sterile water rarely stimulated germination (<1%). The ‘Valencia’ juice effect was concentration and pH dependent, and the maximum rate was reached in 1.5% juice with pH of 3.4. Most carbon, nitrogen, or complex sources did not favor germination or appressorium formation, with the exception of potato dextrose broth. An incubation period of 18 to 24 h at 24°C was required for peak germination and appressorium formation. The further analysis of critical juice components using synthetic citrus juice revealed that sugars, salts, citric acid, and thiamine were most important for germination and appressorium formation (>80%, P > 0.05). These results provide a better understanding of fungal biology of P. citricarpa and a robust and convenient system for further applications such as screening for efficacious fungicides.
Primary care for survivors of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lucente Patricia
Published: November 2018

Colorectal cancer survivorship has risen in recent years because of earlier detection and advances in treatment. Primary care providers (PCPs) may see more of these patients in their daily practices. This article discusses some of the most common issues patients face after completing treatment for colorectal cancer and describes how PCPs can help.
CE: Managing Movement Disorders: A Clinical Review
Authors: Bhimani Rozina , Medina Frank , Carney-Anderson Lisa
Published: November 2018

Neuromuscular disorders are complex, difficult both to differentiate and to manage. Yet nurses, who encounter a symptomatically diverse neuromuscular patient population in various practice settings, are expected to be well versed in managing the variable associated symptoms of these disorders. Here the authors discuss how to assess such neuromuscular conditions as muscle tightness, spasticity, and clonus; the pathophysiology underlying each; and the available recommended treatments, an understanding of which is necessary for successful symptom management and clear provider–patient communication.
Escalating Opioid Dose Is Associated With Mortality: A Comparison of Patients With and Without Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Hser Yih-Ing , Saxon Andrew J. , Mooney Larissa J. , Miotto Karen , Zhu Yuhui , Yoo Caroline K. , Liang Di , Huang David , Bell Douglas S.
Published: November 2018

Objective:

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are intended to help reduce prescription drug misuse and opioid overdose, yet little is known about the longitudinal patterns of opioid prescribing that may be associated with mortality. This study investigated longitudinal opioid prescribing patterns among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and without OUD in relation to mortality using PDMP data.

Methods:

Growth modeling was used to examine opioid prescription data from the California PDMP for a 4-year period before death or a comparable period ending in 2014 for those remaining from a sample of 7728 patients (2576 with OUD, and 5152 matched non-OUD controls) treated in a large healthcare system.

Results:

Compared to controls, individuals with OUD (alive and deceased) had received significantly more opioid prescriptions, greater number of days’ supply, and steeper increases of opioid dosages over time. For morphine equivalents (ME, in grams), the interaction of OUD and mortality was significant at both intercept (β = 10.4, SE = 4.4, P < 0.05) and slope (β = 6.0, SE = 1.1, P < 0.001); deceased OUD patients demonstrated the sharpest increase (ie, an average yearly increment of 7.84 grams over alive patients without OUD) and ended with the highest level of opioids prescribed before they died (ie, 20.2 grams higher). Older age, public health insurance, cancer, and chronic pain were associated with higher number and dose of opioid prescriptions.

Conclusions:

Besides the amount of prescriptions, clinicians must be alert to patterns of opioid prescription such as escalating dosage as critical warning signals for heightened mortality risks, particularly among patients with OUD.
Characteristic Reconstitution of the Spinal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Young Children
Authors: Nakamura Naoyuki , Inaba Yutaka , Aota Yoichi , Machida Jiro , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: November 2018

Background:

Pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) often results in vertebral compression fracture. However, few reports have reported vertebral remodeling during the course of LCH. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal reconstitution and transformation of the affected vertebrae and the adjacent structures in young children with spinal LCH.

Methods:

We recruited 13 patients, including 16 affected vertebrae, diagnosed with LCH via biopsy. The average age at first visit was 3.6 years. The average follow-up period was 10.2 years. Vertebral lesions involved L2 in 3 cases; T12, L1, or L5 in 2 cases; and C4, C5, C7, T5, T8, T9, or L3 in 1 case. We measured the ratios of the height of the affected vertebra and 1 vertebra above the affected one to that of the second vertebra above the affected one, local kyphotic angles, and the ratio of the height of the center of the adjacent disk to that of one disk above it.

Results:

The collapse of the affected vertebra was most severe after 1 year of disease onset. The rate of reconstitution accelerated at 2 years or later of disease onset. The recovery speed of the anterior wall was faster than that of the center height. While the height of the affected vertebrae was restored, the thickness of the adjacent disk also increased. Further, the height of the adjacent vertebrae increased in a similar manner. The average local kyphosis angle shifted to lordosis within the first 3 years.

Conclusions:

The heights of not only the disk but also the adjacent vertebra increased during the vertebral collapse phase in pediatric spinal LCH patients. These transformations may affect the realignment of the sagittal spinal balance at the earlier stage of the disease. During the collapse phase, the heights of the adjacent vertebrae and disks increase but after the affected vertebrae reconstituted, the augmentation of adjacent vertebrae and disks diminished.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Current Trends in Surgical Airway Management of Neonates with Robin Sequence
Authors: Fan Kenneth L. , Mandelbaum Max , Buro Justin , Rokni Alex , Rogers Gary F. , Chao Jerry W. , Oh Albert K.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Robin sequence is defined by the clinical triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction, and is frequently associated with cleft palate and failure to thrive. Though the efficacy of certain surgical interventions to relieve airway obstruction has been well established, algorithms dictating decision making and perioperative protocols are poorly defined.

Methods:

A 22-question survey was sent via e-mail to members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. Questions were related to surgeon experience in treating neonates with Robin sequence, and specific perioperative protocols.

Results:

One hundred fifty-one responses were collected. Most respondents were surgeons practicing in North America(82.8%), in a university hospital setting (81.5%) and had completed a fellowship in pediatric plastic surgery or craniofacial surgery (76.2%). Preoperative protocols varied widely by years in training and location of practice. Although 78.8% of respondents always performed direct laryngoscopy, only 49.7% of respondents routinely obtained preoperative polysomnography. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis was the most common primary surgical airway intervention reported by 74.2%, with only 12.6% primarily utilizing tongue-lip adhesion. Slightly less than half of respondents ever performed tongue-lip adhesion. Operative selection was influenced by surgeon experience, with 80% of those in practice 0–5 years primarily utilizing mandibular distraction, compared with 56% of respondents in practice >15 years.

Conclusions:

This study documents wide variations in preoperative, operative, and postoperative protocols for the surgical airway management of neonates with severe Robin sequence. These results underscore the need to acquire more objective data, to compare different protocols and outcome measures.
The Correlation Between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Safety Culture and Quality of Care
Authors: Profit Jochen , Sharek Paul J. , Cui Xin , Nisbet Courtney C. , Thomas Eric J. , Tawfik Daniel S. , Lee Henry C. , Draper David , Sexton J. Bryan
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Key validated clinical metrics are being used individually and in aggregate (Baby-MONITOR) to monitor the performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The degree to which perceptions of key components of safety culture, safety climate, and teamwork are related to aspects of NICU quality of care is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to test whether NICU performance on key clinical metrics correlates with caregiver perceptions of safety culture.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study of 6253 very low-birth-weight infants in 44 NICUs. We measured clinical quality via the Baby-MONITOR and its nine risk-adjusted and standardized subcomponents (antenatal corticosteroids, hypothermia, pneumothorax, healthcare-associated infection, chronic lung disease, retinopathy screen, discharge on any human milk, growth velocity, and mortality). A voluntary sample of 2073 of 3294 eligible professional caregivers provided ratings of safety and teamwork climate using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. We examined NICU-level variation across clinical and safety culture ratings and conducted correlation analysis of these dimensions.

Results

We found significant variation in clinical and safety culture metrics across NICUs. Neonatal intensive care unit teamwork and safety climate ratings were correlated with absence of healthcare-associated infection (r = 0.39 [P = 0.01] and r = 0.29 [P = 0.05], respectively). None of the other clinical metrics, individual or composite, were significantly correlated with teamwork or safety climate.

Conclusions

Neonatal intensive care unit teamwork and safety climate were correlated with healthcare-associated infections but not with other quality metrics. Linkages to clinical measures of quality require additional research.
Comparative Analysis of Emergency Medical Service Provider Workload During Simulated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Using Standard Versus Experimental Protocols and Equipment
Authors: Asselin Nicholas , Choi Bryan , Pettit Catherine C. , Dannecker Max , Machan Jason T. , Merck Derek L. , Merck Lisa H. , Suner Selim , Williams Kenneth A. , Baird Janette , Jay Gregory D. , Kobayashi Leo
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Protocolized automation of critical, labor-intensive tasks for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) resuscitation may decrease Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider workload. A simulation-based assessment method incorporating objective and self-reported metrics was developed and used to quantify workloads associated with standard and experimental approaches to OHCA resuscitation.

Methods

Emergency Medical Services-Basic (EMT-B) and advanced life support (ALS) providers were randomized into two-provider mixed-level teams and fitted with heart rate (HR) monitors for continuous HR and energy expenditure (EE) monitoring. Subjects' resting salivary α-amylase (sAA) levels were measured along with Borg perceived exertion scores and multidimensional workload assessments (NASA-TLX). Each team engaged in the following three OHCA simulations: (1) baseline simulation in standard BLS/ALS roles; (2) repeat simulation in standard roles; and then (3) repeat simulation in reversed roles, ie, EMT-B provider performing ALS tasks. Control teams operated with standard state protocols and equipment; experimental teams used resuscitation-automating devices and accompanying goal-directed algorithmic protocol for simulations 2 and 3. Investigators video-recorded resuscitations and analyzed subjects' percent attained of maximal age-predicted HR (%mHR), EE, sAA, Borg, and NASA-TLX measurements.

Results

Ten control and ten experimental teams completed the study (20 EMT-Basic; 1 EMT-Intermediate, 8 EMT-Cardiac, 11 EMT-Paramedic). Median %mHR, EE, sAA, Borg, and NASA-TLX scores did not differ between groups at rest. Overall multivariate analyses of variance did not detect significant differences; univariate analyses of variance for changes in %mHR, Borg, and NASA-TLX from resting state detected significant differences across simulations (workload reductions in experimental groups for simulations 2 and 3).

Conclusions

A simulation-based OHCA resuscitation performance and workload assessment method compared protocolized automation-assisted resuscitation with standard response. During exploratory application of the assessment method, subjects using the experimental approach appeared to experience reduced levels of physical exertion and perceived workload than control subjects.
Improving recovery of member genomes from enrichment reactor microbial communities using MinION–based long read metagenomics
Authors: Arumugam Krithika , Bessarab Irina , Liu Xianghui , Natarajan Gayathri , Drautz–Moses Daniela I. , Wuertz Stefan , Lauro Federico M. , Law Ying Yu , Huson Daniel H. , Williams Rohan B. H.
Published: November 2018

New long read sequencing technologies offer huge potential for effective recovery of complete, closed genomes. While much progress has been made on cultured isolates, the ability of these methods to recover genomes of member taxa in complex microbial communities is less clear. Here we examine the ability of long read data to recover genomes from enrichment reactor metagenomes. Such modified communities offer a moderate level of complexity compared to the source communities and so are realistic, yet tractable, systems to use for this problem. We sampled an enrichment bioreactor designed to target anaerobic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AnAOB) and sequenced genomic DNA using both short read (Illumina 301bp PE) and long read data (MinION Mk1B) from the same extraction aliquot. The community contained 23 members, of which 16 had genome bins defined from an assembly of the short read data. Two distinct AnAOB species from genus Candidatus Brocadia were present and had complete genomes, of which one was the most abundant member species in the community. We can recover a 4Mb genome, in 2 contigs, of long read assembled sequence that is unambiguously associated with the most abundant AnAOB member genome. We conclude that obtaining near closed, complete genomes of members of low-medium microbial communities using MinION long read sequence is feasible.
Healthful choices depend on the latency and rate of information accumulation
Authors: Sullivan Nicolette J. , Huettel Scott A.
Published: November 2018

The drift diffusion model (DDM) provides a parsimonious explanation of decisions across neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral levels of analysis. Although most DDM implementations assume that only a single value guides decisions, choices often involve multiple attributes that could make separable contributions to choice. Here, we fit incentive-compatible dietary choices to a multi-attribute, time-dependent drift diffusion model (mtDDM), in which taste and health could differentially influence the evidence accumulation process. We found that these attributes shaped both the relative value signal and the latency of evidence accumulation in a manner consistent with participants’ idiosyncratic preferences. Moreover, by using a dietary prime, we showed how a healthy choice intervention alters mtDDM parameters that in turn predict prime-dependent choices. Our results reveal that different decision attributes make separable contributions to the strength and timing of evidence accumulation – providing new insights into the construction of interventions to alter the processes of choice.
The innate immune DNA sensor cGAS is a negative regulator of DNA repair hence promotes genome instability and cell death
Authors: Jiang Hui , Panda Swarupa , Xue Xiaoyu , Liang Fengshan , Sung Patrick , Gekara Nelson O.
Published: November 2018

Stringent regulation of DNA repair is essential for organismal integrity, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Cyclic cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), the DNA sensor that alerts the innate immune system to the presence of foreign or damaged self-DNA in the cytoplasm is critical for the outcome of infections, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Besides this cytoplasmic function as an innate immune sensor, whether cGAS fulfills other biological roles remains unknown. Here we report that cGAS has a distinct role in the nucleus: it inhibits homologous recombination DNA repair (HR) thereby promoting genome instability and associated micronuclear generation and mitotic death. We show that cGAS-mediated inhibition of HR requires its DNA binding and oligomerization but not its catalytic activity or the downstream innate immune signaling events. Mechanistically, we show that cGAS impede RAD51-mediated DNA strand invasion, a key step in HR. These results uncover a new function of cGAS relevant for understanding its involvement in genome instability- associated disorders.
Population genomic analyses reveal a highly differentiated genetic cluster of northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis laingi) in Haida Gwaii
Authors: Geraldes Armando , Askelson Kenneth K. , Nikelski Ellen , Doyle Frank I. , Harrower William L. , Winker Kevin , Irwin Darren E.
Published: November 2018

Accurate knowledge of geographic ranges and genetic relationships among populations is important when managing a species or population of conservation concern. In the western Canadian province of British Columbia, a subspecies of the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis laingi) is designated as Threatened under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. Historically, the range of this bird of prey has been ambiguous and its genetic distinctness from the other North American subspecies (Accipiter gentilis atricapillus) has not been well established. Given the uncertainty in using morphological traits to assign individual goshawks to these two subspecies, we analyzed genomic relationships in tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified using genotyping-bysequencing of high-quality genetic samples. This genome-wide analysis revealed a genetically distinct population of northern goshawks on the archipelago of Haida Gwaii and subtle genetic structuring among the remainder of our sampling sites within North America. Following from this analysis, we developed targeted genotyping assays for ten loci that are highly differentiated between the two main genetic clusters, allowing the addition of hundreds of low-quality samples to our analysis. This additional information confirmed that the distinct genetic cluster on Haida Gwaii is restricted to that archipelago. As thelaingiform was originally described as being based in Haida Gwaii, where the type specimen of that form is from, further study (especially of morphological traits) may indicate a need to restrict this name to the Haida Gwaii genetic cluster. Regardless of taxonomic treatment, our finding of a distinct Haida Gwaii genetic cluster along with the small and historically declining population size of the Haida Gwaii population suggests a high risk of extinction of an ecologically and genetically distinct form of northern goshawk. Outside of Haida Gwaii, sampling regions along the coast of BC and southeast Alaska (often considered regions inhabited bylaingi) show some subtle differentiation from other North American regions. We anticipate that these results will increase the effectiveness of conservation management of northern goshawks in northwestern North America. More broadly, other conservation-related studies of genetic variation may benefit from the two-step approach we employed that first surveys genomic variation using high-quality samples and then genotypes low-quality samples at particularly informative loci.
A stable, high refractive index, switching buffer for super-resolution imaging
Authors: Hartwich Tobias M.P. , Hin Chung Kenny Kwok , Schroeder Lena , Bewersdorf Joerg , Soeller Christian , Baddeley David
Published: November 2018

dSTORM super-resolution imaging relies on switching buffers to enable dye molecules to enter and exit a metastable dark state. Current buffers have a very limited shelf life of approximately 1 day and poorly match sample refractive index, impacting negatively on measurement reproducibility and image fidelity. We present a buffer based on chemical, rather than enzymatic, oxygen scavenging which exhibits dramatically improved stability, switching speed, contrast, and index matching.
A new mechanism for ribosome rescue can recruit RF1 or RF2 to non-stop ribosomes
Authors: Goralski Tyler D. P. , Kirimanjeswara Girish S. , Keiler Kenneth C.
Published: November 2018

Bacterial ribosomes frequently translate to the 3’ end of an mRNA without terminating at an in-frame stop codon. In all bacteria studied to date, these non-stop ribosomes are rescued usingtrans-translation. In some species, genes required fortrans-translation are essential, but other species can survive withouttrans-translation because they express an alternative ribosome rescue factor, ArfA or ArfB.Francisella tularensiscells lackingtrans-translation are viable, butF. tularensisdoes not encode ArfA or ArfB. Transposon mutagenesis followed by deep sequencing (Tn-seq) identified a new alternative ribosome rescue factor, now named ArfT.arfTcan be deleted in wild-type cells but not in cells that lacktrans-translation activity. Over-expression of ArfT suppresses the slow growth phenotype in cells lackingtrans-translation and counteracts growth arrest caused bytrans-translation inhibitors, indicating that ArfT rescues non-stop ribosomesin vivo. Ribosome rescue assaysin vitroshow that ArfT promotes hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNA on non-stop ribosomes in conjunction withF. tularensisrelease factors. Unlike ArfA, which requires RF2 for activity, ArfT can function with either RF1 or RF2. Overall, these results indicate that ArfT is a new alternative ribosome rescue factor with a distinct mechanism from ArfA and ArfB.

Importance

Francisella tularensisis a highly infectious intracellular pathogen that kills more than half of infected humans if left untreated.F. tularensishas also been classified as a potential bioterrorism agent with the greatest risk for deliberate misuse. Recently, compounds that inhibit ribosome rescue have been shown to have antibiotic activity againstF. tularensisand other important pathogens. Like all bacteria that have been studied,F. tularensisusestrans-translation as the main pathway to rescue stalled ribosomes. However, unlike most bacteria,F. tularensiscan survive without any of the known factors for ribosome rescue. Our work identifies aF. tularensisprotein, ArfT, that rescues stalled ribosomes in the absence oftrans-translation using a new mechanism. These results indicate that ribosome rescue activity is essential inF. tularensisand suggest that ribosome rescue activity might be essential in all bacteria.
A New Method for Primary Culture of Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Dong Tiantian , Li Shigang , Liu Wei , Yan Mengzhen , Yu Jie , Deng Xiaozhuo
Published: November 2018

In order to establish a simple and highly purified method for primary culture of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons(DRGn), in this study, the DRGn of young mice were obtained by collagenase type I and trypsin digestion. Then the DRGn were obtained by immunocytochemical staining of mouse neuron specific enolase (NSE) monoclonal antibody, while using flow cytometry to further detect the positive rates of DRGn. The cultured primary DRGn grew well and had a purity of about 83.72%. The DRGn survival time was 60 days when cultured in DMEM medium containing nerve growth factor (NGF). The culture scheme is simple and stable, and a large number of high purity DRGn could be cultured, which provides a reliable model for further study of nerve cells.
Synthesis, structure and photoluminescence properties of a three-dimensional cadmium(II) (4,5)-connected coordination network
Authors: Li Ni-Ya , Liu Dong
Published: November 2018

The assembly of coordination polymers from metal ions and organic moieties is currently attracting considerable attention in crystal engineering due to their intriguing architectures and potential applications as functional materials. A new coordination polymer, namely poly[[μ2-trans-1,2-bis(pyridin-3-yl)ethylene-κ2
N:N′]bis(μ4-4,4′-oxydibenzoato-κ6
O:O,O′:O′′:O′′,O′′′)dicadmium(II)], [Cd2(C14H8O5)2(C12H10N2)]
n
or [Cd2(4,4′-OBB)2(3,3′-BPE)]
n
, has been synthesized by the the self-assembly of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O, 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid (4,4′-H2OBB) and trans-1,2-bis(pyridin-3-yl)ethene (3,3′-BPE) under hydrothermal conditions. The title compound was structurally characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Each CdII centre is coordinated by six carboxylate O atoms from four different 4,4′-OBB2− ligands and by one pyridyl N atom form a 3,3′-BPE ligand. Adjacent crystallographically equivalent CdII ions are bridged by 4,4′-OBB2− ligands, affording a two-dimensional [Cd(4,4′-OBB)]
n
net extending in the ac plane. Neighbouring [Cd(4,4′-OBB)]
n
nets are interlinked by 3,3′-BPE along the b axis to form a three-dimensional (3D) [Cd2(4,4′-OBB)2(3,3′-BPE)]
n
coordination network. In the network, each CdII centre is linked by four different 4,4′-OBB2− ligands and one 3,3′-BPE ligand. Meanwhile, each 4,4′-OBB2− ligand connects four separate CdII ions. Therefore, if the 4,4′-OBB2− ligands and CdII ions are considered as 4- and 5-connecting nodes, the structure of the title compound can be simplified as a 3D (4,5)-connected binodal framework with the rare (4462)(4466) TCS topology (Pearson, 1985; Blake et al., 2011). The thermal stability and photoluminescence properties of the title compound have also been investigated.
Observation of an infrequent enantiomer/conformer substitutional disorder in ethyl 13-ethyl-4-oxo-8,13-dihydro-4H-benzo[5,6]azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylate heptane hemisolvate
Authors: Macías Mario A. , Sanabria Elkin E. , Acosta-Quintero Lina M. , Palma Alirio , Suescun Leopoldo
Published: November 2018

Considering the importance of quinolones due to their broad spectrum of biological activities, the crystal structure of the title compound, C22H21NO3·0.5C7H16, has been determined. Two enantiomers of the benzazepinoquinoline molecule and one molecule of heptane form the asymmetric unit of this centrosymmetric triclinic (P\overline{1}) crystal. All the molecules in the crystal present disorder. Substitutional disorder is observed for the benzazepine molecules, where a minority conformer of the R enantiomer replaces the main conformer of the S enantiomer and vice versa. Positional disorder is found for the heptane solvent molecule, which occupies a void left by the independent enantiomers of both conformers.
A new compound in the BEDT-TTF family [BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] with a tetrathiocyanatocuprate(II) anion, (BEDT-TTF)4[Cu(NCS)4]
Authors: Faulmann Christophe , Cormary Benoît , Valade Lydie , Jacob Kane , de Caro Dominique
Published: November 2018

A new phase combining BEDT-TTF and [Cu(NCS)4]2– as the counter-anion, namely bis[bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalenium] tetrathiocyanatocuprate(II) bis[bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene], (C10H8S8)2[Cu(NCS)4]·2C10H8S8 or (BEDT-TTF)4[Cu(NCS)4] was obtained during a galvanostatic electrocrystallization process. As previously observed with BEDT-TTF-based compounds with oxalatometallate anions, the BEDT-TTF molecules in (BEDT-TTF)4[Cu(NCS)4] exhibit the so-called pseudo-κ arrangement, with two BEDT-TTF molecules being positively charged and two electronically neutral. The bond lengths and angles in the two unique BEDT-TTF molecules differ slightly. The crystal structure consists of layers of BEDT-TTF molecules extending parallel to (001). The width of this layer corresponds to the length of the a axis [16.9036 (17) Å]. The BEDT-TTF layers are separated by layers of centrosymmetric square-planar [Cu(NCS)4]2– dianions.
Two polymorphs of 2-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)naphthalene-1,4-dione: solvent-dependent crystallization
Authors: Melo Ottoni Flaviano , Isidório Raquel Geralda , Alves Ricardo José , Speziali Nivaldo Lúcio
Published: November 2018

The title compound, C13H8O3, crystallizes in two polymorphs, namely the monoclinic (space groupP21/c) and triclinic (space groupPī) forms, obtained fromN,N-dimethylformamide and isopropyl alcohol solutions, respectively. The molecular structures and conformations in the two forms are essentially the same as each other. The naphthoquinone ring systems are essentially planar with r.m.s. deviations of 0.015 and 0.029 Å for the monoclinic and triclinic forms, respectively. TheO-propargyl groups are coplanar with the naphthoquinone units with r.m.s deviations ranging from 0.04 to 0.09 Å. In the monoclinic crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape structure running along [120]. The tapes are further linked by a C—H...π interaction into a layer parallel to theabplane. Adjacent layers are linked by another C—H...π interaction. In the triclinic crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O and π–π interactions, forming a layer parallel to theabplane. Adjacent layers are linked by a C—H...π interaction.
Investigation of nitro–nitrito photoisomerization: crystal structures of trans-{2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolato}(pyridine/4-methylpyridine)nitrocobalt(III)
Authors: Ohba Shigeru , Tsuchimoto Masanobu , Yamada Naoki
Published: November 2018

The reaction cavities of the nitro groups in the title compounds, trans-{2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolato-κ4
O,N,N′,O′}(nitro-κN)(pyridine-κN)cobalt(III), [Co(C16H14N2O2)(NO2)(C5H5N)], (I), and trans-{2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolato-κ4
O,N,N′,O′}(4-methylpyridine-κN)(nitro-κN)cobalt(III), [Co(C16H14N2O2)(NO2)(C6H7N)], (II), have been investigated to reveal that the intermolecular CMe—H...O(nitro) contacts in (II) are unfeasible for the nitro–nitrito photochemical linkage isomerization process. In (I), there are two independent complexes showing similar conformations, and the central five-membered chelate ring of the tetradentate salen ligand adopts the same absolute configuration. This is the result of pseudo-spontaneous resolution, since the configuration of the five-membered chelate ring may frequently be reversed in solution. In the crystals of (I) and (II), the molecules are linked into three-dimensional networks by C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structures of the 1:1 salts of 2-amino-4-nitrobenzoate with each of (2-hydroxyethyl)dimethylazanium, tert-butyl(2-hydroxyethyl)azanium and 1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-aminium
Authors: Wardell James L. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: November 2018

The crystal and molecular structures of the title molecular salts, C4H12NO+·C7H5N2O4
−, (I), C6H16NO+·C7H5N2O4
−, (II), and C4H12NO3
+·C7H5N2O4
−, (III), are described. The common feature of these salts is the presence of the 2-amino-4-nitrobenzoate anion, which exhibit non-chemically significant variations in the conformational relationships between the carboxylate and nitro groups, and between these and the benzene rings they are connected to. The number of ammonium-N—H H atoms in the cations increases from one to three in (I) to (III), respectively, and this variation significantly influences the supramolecular aggregation patterns in the respective crystals. Thus, a linear supramolecular chain along [100] sustained by charge-assisted tertiary-ammonium-N—H...O(carboxylate), hydroxy-O—H...O(carboxylate) and amino-N—H...O(carboxylate) hydrogen-bonds is apparent in the crystal of (I). Chains are connected into a three-dimensional architecture by methyl-C—H...O(hydroxy) and π–π interactions, the latter between benzene rings [inter-centroid separation = 3.5796 (10) Å]. In the crystal of (II), a supramolecular tube propagating along [901] arises as a result of charge-assisted secondary-ammonium-N—H...O(carboxylate) and hydroxy-O—H...O(carboxylate) hydrogen-bonding. These are connected by methylene- and methyl-C—H...O(nitro) and π–π stacking between benzene rings [inter-centroid separation = 3.5226 (10) Å]. Finally, double-layers parallel to (100) sustained by charge-assisted ammonium-N—H...O(carboxylate), ammonium-N—H...O(hydroxy) and hydroxy-O—H...O(carboxylate) hydrogen-bonds are apparent in the crystal of (III). These are connected in a three-dimensional architecture by amine-N—H...O(nitro) hydrogen-bonds.
Crystal structure of di-μ-hydroxido-bis{aqua[ethyl (1,10-phenanthrolin-3-yl)phosphonato-κ2N,N′]copper(II)} heptahydrate
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Rousselin Yoann
Published: November 2018

In the title compound, [Cu2(OH)2{C12H7N2(PO3C2H5)}2(H2O)2]·7H2O, two Cu2+cations are bridged by two hydroxide groups, forming a centrosymmetric binuclear complex. Each Cu2+cation is further coordinated by the N atoms of a bidentate ethyl (1,10-phenanthrolin-3-yl)phosphonate anion and a water molecule in a square-pyramidal geometry. In the crystal, a network of O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the P(O)(O−)(OEt) groups, bridging hydroxyl groups, coordinated and uncoordinated water molecules generates a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The ethyl group exhibits disorder and was modelled over three sites with occupancies of 0.455, 0.384 and 0.161.
Securitizations and accounting restatements
Authors: Wang Haiping , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a direct link between securitizations and accrual-based earnings management by investigating whether financial statements in the periods of securitizations are more likely to be restated at a later time. In addition, this study examines whether the association between securitization and accounting restatements is more pronounced in the pre-financial crisis period and for banks with less independent or industry-specialized auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study covers a sample of bank holding companies with restatement information between 2001 and 2012. Using the incidence of material accounting restatements as a proxy for accrual earnings management, this study investigates whether securitizations are likely used as a tool for accrual earnings management. A logistic model is applied with standard errors clustered at the firm-year level. Various robustness tests are conducted to rule out the possibilities that the results are driven by unintentional reporting errors or endogeneity of the securitization decisions.

Findings

The empirical results reveal a positive and significant association between banks’ securitization activities and the likelihood of having accounting restatements. Moreover, this positive association is more pronounced in the pre-financial crisis period and for banks with less independent or industry-specialized auditors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that managers take advantage of discretions on accounting rules for securitizations to manage earnings. This evidence provides multi-dimension implications for standard setters and practitioners, as well as investors.

Originality/value

This is one of the very first papers to document evidence that accrual earnings management is involved in securitization.
Antecedents to the crisis: Mandeville, Smith, and Keynes
Authors: Wight Jonathan B.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the methods of teaching about the global financial crisis (GFC) from a social economic perspective. Using primary texts from the history of economic thought, the moral underpinnings for collective social action are examined in times of economic depression. The deregulation of financial markets raises two questions: to what extent is deregulation the result of a misunderstanding about human nature and the behavioral lessons of social economics; and to what extend does deregulation ignore the moral lessons of Adam Smith’s invisible hand?

Design/methodology/approach

By reading sources including Mandeville, Smith, Keynes, Hayek and others, students form conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of government interventions, both to fix, and to prevent, major recessions and depressions.

Findings

Two fallacies relating to financial market deregulation are that “greed is good” and that rational actors in the market will self-regulate leading to widespread prosperity. These moral beliefs supported financial liberalization, and ultimately contributed to financial institutions taking on enormous risks and losses that are ultimately socialized.

Originality/value

This paper innovatively uses readings from the history of economic thought to spark pedagogical discussions and debates about human nature and policymaking relevant to the GFC.
How do a buyer’s political ties affect the market-based selection of suppliers?
Authors: Yan Zebin , Lu Jiangyong
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Although the differential roles of political and business ties are recognized in the literature, the interplay between political and business ties remains unclear. This study aims to explore how political ties affect the formation of business ties with unfamiliar partners by analyzing how a buyer’s political ties affect the market-based selection of suppliers, an important channel through which the buyer forms business ties with unfamiliar suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 204 Chinese manufacturing firms was conducted to elucidate the relationship between political ties and the market-based selection of suppliers.

Findings

The findings suggest that buyers with strong political ties are more likely to engage in the market-based selection of suppliers; this positive relationship is diminished when social control is preferred over contractual control in the buyer’s supplier governance and is enhanced when technological uncertainty is high.

Originality/value

First, this study sheds light on the interplay between political and business ties by revealing how the buyer’s political ties affect the formation of business ties with unfamiliar suppliers, as represented by the market-based selection of suppliers. Second, it uncovers the boundary conditions of the effect of political ties by revealing the moderating effect of social control preference and technological uncertainty. Third, it extends the interorganizational governance structure literature from its focus on the complement-substitute debate on social control and contractual control to examine the contingent effect of a hybrid governance structure.
Inhalation and dermal exposure to toluene among printing workers in a plastic bag factory
Authors: Phanprasit Wantanee , Songpek Kanchanok , Boonyayothin Vorakamol , Sujirarat Dusit
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore inhalation levels and dermal exposure to toluene among printing workers who wore no personal protective equipment; it is conducted in a plastic bag factory. Using a charcoal cloth pad (CCP) as a dermal sampler to assess skin permeation of liquid toluene is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 stationary air samples as well as urine and dermal samples were collected over 9 days from 11 printing workers. Six pieces of CCP were wrapped on each of the workers’ fingers for the dermal sample collection. Air samples were collected and analyzed according to NIOSH No. 1501, and 65 post-shift urine samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography equipped with headspace sampler (GC-HS/FID). Multiple linear regression was employed to analyze the association between the studied variables.

Findings

The mean (SD) urinary toluene (UTol) level was 13.42 (9.72) ug/L. Toluene on the CCP (TolCCP) was a meaningful predictor for UTol (p-value=0.027) with r and r2 values of 0.441 and 0.195, respectively. The r and r2 of the model using the toluene time-weighted average concentrations in air were 0.739 and 0.546, respectively. The absorbed dose of toluene determined from the TolCCP ranged from 1.05 to 91.94 mg, accounting for 12.3 percent of the threshold limit value (TLV).

Originality/value

Dermal exposure was insignificant when workers wore respirators, but when not, dermal absorption could contribute to the overall uptake and exposure above the TLV. Appropriate gloves should be assigned to the workers to reduce dermal exposure to toluene.