bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures of the substrate-binding protein YfeA in apo and zinc-reconstituted holo forms
Authors: Radka Christopher D. , Labiuk Shaunivan L. , DeLucas Lawrence J. , Aller Stephen G.
Published: August 2019

In the structural biology of bacterial substrate-binding proteins (SBPs), a growing number of comparisons between substrate-bound and substrate-free forms of metal atom-binding (cluster A-I) SBPs have revealed minimal structural differences between forms. These observations contrast with SBPs that bind substrates such as amino acids or nucleic acids and may undergo >60° rigid-body rotations. Substrate transfer in these SBPs is described by a Venus flytrap model, although this model may not apply to all SBPs. In this report, structures are presented of substrate-free (apo) and reconstituted substrate-bound (holo) YfeA, a polyspecific cluster A-I SBP fromYersinia pestis. It is demonstrated that an apo cluster A-I SBP can be purified by fractionation when co-expressed with its cognate transporter, adding an alternative strategy to the mutagenesis or biochemical treatment used to generate other apo cluster A-I SBPs. The apo YfeA structure contains 111 disordered protein atoms in a mobile helix located in the flexible carboxy-terminal lobe. Metal binding triggers a 15-fold reduction in the solvent-accessible surface area of the metal-binding site and reordering of the 111 protein atoms in the mobile helix. The flexible lobe undergoes a 13.6° rigid-body rotation that is driven by a spring-hammer metal-binding mechanism. This asymmetric rigid-body rotation may be unique to metal atom-binding SBPs (i.e.clusters A-I, A-II and D-IV).
“Same same, but different”
Authors: Davis Jarrett D. , Miles Glenn Michael , Quinley III John H.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper is a part of a series of papers seeking insight into a holistic perspective into the lives, experiences and vulnerabilities of male-to-female transgender persons (from here on referred to as “transgender persons”/“Ladyboys”) within the sex industry in Southeast Asia. “Ladyboy” in Thai context specifically refers to the cultural subgroup, rather than the person’s gender identity and is not seen as an offensive term. Among the minimal studies that have been conducted, the majority have focused on sexual health and the likelihood of contracting or spreading HIV/AIDS, while often ignoring the possibility of other vulnerabilities. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study interviews 60 transgender persons working within red light areas of Bangkok. The final research instrument was a questionnaire of 11 sub-themes, containing both multiple choice and open-ended questions.

Findings

This study found that 81 percent of participants had entered the sex industry due to financial necessity. There was also a high vulnerability among transgender sex workers to physical and sexual violence. This includes nearly a quarter (24 percent) who cite being forced to have sex and 26 percent who cite physical assault within the last 12 months.

Social implications

These findings can aid the development of programs and social services that address the needs of ladyboys, looking beyond gender expression and social identity to meet needs and vulnerabilities that often go overlooked.

Originality/value

This survey provides deeper understanding of the vulnerability of transgender sex workers, including their trajectory into sex work and potential alternatives.
Exploring the relationships of the culture of competitiveness and knowledge development to sustainable supply chain management and organizational performance
Authors: Fantazy Kamel , Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw upon the resource-based view of the firm to explore how a firm’s resources (assets and capabilities) such as culture of competitiveness (CC) and knowledge development (KD) relate to sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and organizational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 242 supply chain and logistics managers in Pakistan and a structured equation modeling approach was used.

Findings

The results of the study provide support for the proposed hypotheses and indicate that CC and KD are positively related to SSCM and OP. This points out that the organizations in Pakistan are likely to emphasize CC and KD to achieve OP. However, the positive but weak association of CC and KD with SSCM highlights that the organizations in Pakistan show less concern for SSCM.

Originality/value

The literature did not reveal any study which examined the relationships of the CC and KD to SSCM and OP in developing countries. The present study aims to address this gap in the literature.
A multifaceted framework for adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Asiaei Arash , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to understand the relationships among technology, organizational and environmental (TOE) contexts, intention to adopt cloud computing (IACC) and actual usage of cloud computing (AUCC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia as a developing country. More specifically, this paper seeks to explore the mediation effect of IACC on the relationship between TOE context and AUCC.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivist research approach was selected for this study. Drawing largely upon the TOE framework, this study uses survey data from 209 Malaysian SMEs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the structural relations of the research model.

Findings

The results of the structural model show that data security, technology readiness, top management support, competitive pressure and innovativeness are the most significant factors in predicting the adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs. Further, the results indicate that intention to adopt cloud computing can play a mediating role between TOE factors and the actual usage of cloud computing.

Research limitations/implications

The focus upon Malaysian SMEs may diminish the generalizability of the findings. This study provides profound insight into the management and foundation of cloud computing, different types of cloud services and deployment models that could facilitate the management of enterprise strategic resources and contribute to the performance improvement. This study also provides another important implication for practitioners regarding the absolute necessity of value drivers’ identification within enterprise and understand the causal relationships, which are vital in driving those values.

Practical implications

This study provides several practical guidance for practitioners in deploying cloud services which are most suitable option for their specific technology requirement in their enterprise to enjoy the full benefits of their intangible assets. Another significant implication of this study lies in the fact that it may require a different emphasis on nature and adoption design when there is a higher level of stress on technology-related and cloud computing resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by developing an integrative model to identify how a wide set of contextual factors can determine the intention to adopt cloud computing and, in turn, influence the actual usage of cloud computing in SMEs in Malaysia as a developing country.
Sustainability disclosures of hybrid organizations: Swedish state-owned enterprises
Authors: Argento Daniela , Grossi Giuseppe , Persson Kamilla , Vingren Theres
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the content of the sustainability reports of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the factors influencing the sustainability information they disclose.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the literature on sustainability disclosure, institutional logics and hybrid organizations, several hypotheses were deduced. By means of a quantitative content analysis, the sustainability disclosure index of 45 Swedish SOEs was calculated. Statistical analyses were conducted to test which variables affected the sustainability disclosures of the selected SOEs.

Findings

The findings reveal that only state ownership and corporate size significantly affect SOEs’ sustainability disclosures. Fully state-owned SOEs disclose less sustainability information than partially state-owned SOEs. Large SOEs disclose more sustainability information than small SOEs. However, there are weak indications that having a public policy assignment (PPA) (activity) negatively influences environmental sustainability disclosures, and that having a majority of female directors on the board decreases the total sustainability information disclosed. In addition, the statistical analyses show that having state representatives on the board and being profitable may positively affect the disclosures.

Originality/value

Accountability is particularly important in SOEs, and their complex hybrid nature has an impact on sustainability disclosures in a surprising way. State ownership and control do not necessarily imply an increased amount of sustainability disclosure.
Internal environment of footwear is a risk factor for tinea pedis
Authors: Sasagawa Yukio
Published: August 2019

The relation between tinea pedis and the internal environment of footwear has not been scientifically proven. This study aimed to determine whether the internal environment of footwear affects the incidence of tinea pedis and tinea unguium. This cross‐sectional, observatory study involved 420 outpatients who were categorized into non‐tinea, tinea pedis or tinea unguium groups based on mycological analysis. External climatic conditions, and temperature, humidity and dew points inside the patients’ footwear were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent risk factors for tinea pedis and tinea unguium. A significant correlation was found between high temperature/high humidity and dew point of the internal environment of the footwear and the season. Furthermore, those who wore footwear with internal environments characterized by high temperature, high humidity, high‐temperature/high‐humidity and high dew point values had a significantly higher incidence of tinea pedis. The internal dew point correlated with the incidence of tinea pedis, whereas the external temperature correlated with the incidence of tinea unguium. The internal humidity and dew point of footwear as well as the frequency with which footwear with a high‐temperature/high‐humidity internal environment were worn was significantly higher in men than in women. In conclusion, the internal environment of footwear is a risk factor for tinea pedis, and this environment is affected by the season. Moreover, the frequency of tinea pedis among men is related to the internal environment of footwear. The dew point is an appropriate index for evaluating temperature and humidity in relation to tinea pedis.
The microbiome of theMelitaea cinxiabutterfly shows marked variation but is only little explained by the traits of the butterfly or its host plant
Authors: Minard Guillaume , Tikhonov Gleb , Ovaskainen Otso , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: August 2019

Understanding of the ecological factors that shape intraspecific variation of insect microbiota in natural populations is relatively poor. In Lepidopteran caterpillars, microbiota is assumed to be mainly composed of transient bacterial symbionts acquired from the host plant. We sampled Glanville fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) caterpillars from natural populations to describe their gut microbiome and to identify potential ecological factors that determine its structure. Our results demonstrate high variability of microbiota composition even among caterpillars that shared the same host plant individual and most likely the same genetic background. We observed that the caterpillars harboured microbial classes that varied among individuals and alternated between two distinct communities (one composed of mainly Enterobacteriaceae and another with more variable microbiota community). Even though the general structure of the microbiota was not attributed to the measured ecological factors, we found that phylogenetically similar microbiota showed corresponding responses to the sex and the parasitoid infection of the caterpillar and to those of the host plant's microbial and chemical composition. Our results indicate high among‐individual variability in the microbiota of theM.cinxiacaterpillar and contradict previous findings that the host plant is the major driver of the microbiota communities of insect herbivores.
Geographic information system‐based edge effect correction for Ripley'sK‐function under irregular boundaries
Authors: Ge Ying , Sun Mengdi , Pu Yingxia
Published: August 2019

Ripley'sK‐function is a test to detect geographically distributed patterns occurring across spatial scales. Initially, it assumed infinitely continuous planar space, but in reality, any geographic distribution occurs in a bounded region. Hence, the edge problem must be solved in the application of Ripley'sK‐function. Traditionally, three basic edge correction methods were designed for regular study plots because of simplified geometric computation: the Ripley circumference, buffer zone, and toroidal methods. For an irregular‐shaped study region, a geographic information system (GIS) is needed to support geometric calculation of complex shapes. The Ripley circumference method was originally implemented by Haase and has been modified into a Python program in a GIS environment via Monte Carlo simulation (hereafter, the Ripley–Haase and Ripley–GIS methods). The results show that in terms of the statistical powers of clustering detection for irregular boundaries, the Ripley–GIS method is the most stable, followed by the buffer zone, toroidal, and Ripley–Haase methods. After edge effects of irregular boundaries have been eliminated, Ripley'sK‐function is used to estimate the degree of spatial clustering of cities in a given territory, and in this paper, we demonstrate that by reference to the relationship between urban spatial structure and economic growth in China.
Risk factors for shivering during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. A prospective observational study
Authors: Wódarski Bartłomiej , Chutkowski Radosław , Banasiewicz Jolanta , Moorthi Katarzyna , Wójtowicz Stanisław , Malec‐Milewska Małgorzata , Iohom Gabriella
Published: August 2019

Background

Shivering during caesarean section (CS) under spinal anaesthesia is a common phenomenon. It could not only alter patient's physiology by increasing oxygen consumption but also affect the parturient's experience of childbirth. Shivering is thought to be associated with intraoperative hypothermia, but the risk factors and exact mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study to examine the potential risk factors for intraoperative shivering, including anxiety levels. Two hundred patients undergoing elective CS under spinal anaesthesia were recruited. Parturient anxiety levels were evaluated using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. Age, weight, height, BMI, anxiety level, number of previous deliveries, sensory block level, level of education, temperature difference during surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were investigated as potential risk factors. Stepwise logistic regression was used to assess the predictors for shivering.

Results

Data from 155 parturients were analysed. Shivering incidence was 21.9% (34 parturients). The statistical model predicted 8.5% of a shivering incidence variability (R‐square Nagelkerke = 0.085). Out of all measured variables, only the number of previous deliveries [(W) = 4.295 Exp(B) = 0.562 P < .05] and STAI‐X1 [(W) = 4.127 Exp(B) = 1.052 P < .05] were significant. In our model, the risk of shivering decreased by 44% with every previous delivery and increased by 5.2% with each 1‐point increase in STAI‐X1.

Conclusion

We failed to prove a strong correlation between the measured variables and shivering. Our findings, however, support the hypothesis, that to a limited extent, anxiety promotes shivering during CS.
Stenting as a bridge to surgery for obstructed stage IV colorectal cancers – long‐term outcomes of a 10‐year study
Authors: Chok Aik Yong , Lim Hui Jun , Lye Weng Kit , Samarakoon Lasitha B , Guo Jiwei , Tang Choong Leong , Mathew Ronnie
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Successful stenting of an obstructing colorectal tumor can avert upfront emergency surgery in malnourished obstructed patients with metastatic disease and poor physiological condition. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of stenting followed by primary colorectal tumor resection among patients with obstructed stage IV colorectal cancer at presentation, over a 10‐year period.

Methods

From 2007 to 2016, a cohort comprising 25 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively collected database. The durability of palliation of bowel obstruction, oncological outcomes and factors influencing overall survival were analyzed.

Results

No re‐interventions were required for bowel obstruction during the study period. The overall perioperative morbidity rate was 16%, with no postoperative 90‐day mortality. Laparoscopic resection rate was 52% and stoma formation rate was 8%. The median overall survival was 24 months for the entire cohort, and the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 80%, 35% and 23.33% respectively. More than one site of distant metastases, peritoneal involvement, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly associated with poorer survival outcomes. Patients with peritoneal‐only metastasis had worse outcomes, with a median survival of 7 months and no patients surviving beyond 18 months.

Conclusion

Stenting followed by resection of the primary obstructing colorectal cancer provides durable palliation among patients with stage IV disease, with low perioperative morbidity and stoma formation rates. Superior survival was observed among patients with single‐site, non‐peritoneal distant metastases.
From “bandit” to “Amir”—The Rise of the Abu Sayyaf Group as a Jihadi Organization in the Philippines
Authors: Singh Bilveer , Singh Jasminder
Published: August 2019

While terrorism and violence tend to move in parallel, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has brought this to new heights in its quest to attain an Islamic State in southern Philippines. Though small compared to other Islamist organizations, namely the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, its violent acts—kidnapping, beheading of hostages, among others—have more than made up for its size. In fact, it has been the most brutal terrorist movement in the Philippines. Partly due to this and the allegiance of its leadership to the equally brutal transnational terrorist group, Islamic State, its leader Isnilon Hapilon was designated as the Amir of Southeast Asia. The group was responsible for the Marawi Siege, which ran for five months from May to October 2017, and is considered the worst terrorist‐linked bloodbath in the country. The deaths of pro‐Islamic State leaders such as Hapilon are unlikely to change this key DNA of the ASG and of terrorism in the Philippines in the near future.
Prediction and validation of potent peptides against herpes simplex virus type 1 via immunoinformatic and systems biology approach
Authors: Mehmood Aamir , Kaushik Aman Chandra , Wei Dong‐Qing
Published: August 2019

The human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is an extremely rampant human pathogen, and its infection could cause life‐long diseases, including the central nervous system disorders. The glycoproteins of HSV‐1 such as glycoprotein B, glycoprotein C, glycoprotein D, glycoprotein H, and glycoprotein L are highly involved in mediating the viral attachment and infection of the host cell. Therefore, immunoinformatic approaches followed by molecular dynamics simulation and systems biology has been used to analyze these glycoproteins in order to propose effective peptide‐based vaccine candidates against the HSV‐1 infection. The ElliPro and NetCTL.1.2 online tools were employed to forecast the B‐ and T‐lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes for gB, gC, gD, gH, and gL. The 3D coordinates of these epitopes were modeled and docked against the human major histocompatibility complex molecule‐1. The outcomes obtained from postdocking analysis along with TAP (Transporter associated with antigen processing), MHC binding, and C‐terminal cleavage score assisted in the selection of potential epitopes. These epitopes were further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and systems biology approach which showed significant results. On the basis of these substantial outcomes, peptides are proposed that could be used to provoke immunity against the HSV‐1 infection.
Discovery of potential Toxoplasma gondii CDPK1 inhibitors with new scaffolds based on the combination of QSAR and scaffold‐hopping method with in vitro validation
Authors: Zhang Pengyi , Jia Lipei , Tian Yafei , Xi Lili , Duan Ruizhi , Chen Ximing , Xiao Jianxi , Yao Xiaojun , Lan Jingfeng , Li Shuyan
Published: August 2019

To discover drugs for toxoplasmosis with less side‐effects and less probability to get drug resistance is eagerly appealed for pregnant women, infant or immunocompromised patients. In this work, using TgCDPK1 as drug target, we design a method to discover new inhibitors for CDPK1 as potential drug lead for toxoplasmosis with novel scaffolds based on the combination of 2D/3D‐QSAR and scaffold‐hopping methods. All the binding sites of the potential inhibitors were checked by docking method, and only the ones that docked to the most conserved sites of TgCDPK1, which make them have less probability to get drug resistance, were remained. As a result, 10 potential inhibitors within two new scaffolds were discovered for TgCDPK1 with experimentally verified inhibitory activities in micromole level. The discovery of these inhibitors may contribute to the drug development for toxoplasmosis. Besides, the pipeline which is composed in this work as the combination of QSAR and scaffold‐hopping is simple, easy to repeat for researchers without need of in‐depth knowledge of pharmacology to get inhibitors with novel scaffolds, which will accelerate the procedure of drug discovery and contribute to the drug repurposing study.
“Progress and Perfectability”: Urban Policy, Model Cities, and Community Control in the Shadow of Newark
Authors: Foerster Amy
Published: August 2019

Positioning itself against arguments that claim that the Model Cities program (initially known as the 1966 Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act) was either an unmitigated failure, an attempt to co–opt activists, or an effort to introduce the “carceral state” nationwide, this paper examines the implementation of Model Cities in a historically integrated suburb and argues that while the program was assuredly only a “limited success,” it did provide both funding and social space in which residents could forge intergenerational and cross–racial alliances, as well as launch challenges to federal urban renewal policy and notions of community control. As such, this case is illustrative of the role of federal monies in responding to urban dislocation and unrest, and exemplifies the ways in which urban residents can forge bonds of solidarity even in the face of bureaucratic regulations and political obstructions meant to discourage citizen participation.
A novel technique with double catheter suctioning for clearing away the left lung atelectases: Selective left bronchial aspiration (SeLBA)
Authors: Ozturk Zeynelabidin , Bayrakci Benan
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Atelectasis is a common problem in intensive care units. It usually occurs due to airway obstruction caused by pulmonary secretions. As the left main bronchus angulates from carina more sharply, suctioning of the secretions from left side is less effective, causing failure in treatment of left lung atelectases. If chest physiotherapy and medical treatment fail, bronchoscopy should be considered; but it requires experience, time, effort and a higher cost.

Objectives

To evaluate the success of a novel method “selective left bronchial aspiration (SeLBA)” in the treatment of left lung atelectases.

Methods

The study consisted of 10 patients who suffered left lung atelectasis and treated with double catheter suctioning technique, SeLBA in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital between June 2017 and February 2019. The outcomes were evaluated by comparing the chest X‐rays before and after the procedure.

Results

All of the patients' atelectases resolved successfully by SeLBA procedure.

Conclusion

We introduce this novel technique of reopening the atelectased left lung as a rapid, safe and practical alternative for bronchoscopic clear away.
Extra‐respiratory symptoms in patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation: Prevalence, clinical burden and their impact on functional status
Authors: Antoniu Sabina Antonela , Apostol Anca , Boiculese Lucian Vasile
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In COPD management, the improvement of the health status by alleviating respiratory symptoms is among the main aims. However, little is known on the prevalence and burden of extra‐respiratory symptoms which can also be distressing especially during a COPD exacerbation.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of extra‐respiratory symptoms and their impact on health and functional statuses in patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation.

Methods

Health status was evaluated with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), functional status with Karnofsky index, and presence and severity of respiratory symptoms were evaluated with Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS).

Results

In a sample of 47 patients, fatigue was found to be the most prevalent 95.7% followed by pain 74.5%, lack of appetite 72.3%, depression and anxiety (each in 63.8%), drowsiness 59.6% and nausea 31.9%. The concomitant presence of an increasing number of symptoms (three, four, five, six or seven) was individually associated with worse health status or of functional status (eg, CAT score in patients with three most prevalent symptoms, fatigue, pain and lack of appetite 29.6 vs 25.1, P = .006 in patients without them; Karnofsky index scores in patients with the four most prevalent symptoms 52 vs 65.6, P = .001). Linear regressions confirmed that the increase in the number of concomitant extra‐respiratory symptoms significantly correlated with the worsening of health/functional status. In conclusion, the burden of extra‐respiratory symptoms in patients with hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation is significant and impact significantly on health/functional status.
Acquired cutis laxa secondary to Sweet syndrome in a child (Marshall syndrome): A rare case report
Authors: Jagati Ashish , Shrivastava Shivank , Baghela Bhavna , Agarwal Pooja , Saikia Siddhartha
Published: August 2019

Sweet syndrome is rare in the pediatric population and usually responds well to treatment, resolving without sequelae. Marshall syndrome is a rare pediatric skin disease characterized by loss of elastic tissue (cutis laxa) secondary to acquired, localized neutrophilic dermatitis without any internal organ involvement. Only few cases of Marshall syndrome (acquired cutis laxa type II) have been reported. Systemic steroids and dapsone show excellent results in Sweet syndrome. Although there is no satisfactory treatment for cutis laxa, dapsone can be used in the acute phase for control of swelling.
Are beavers a solution to the freshwater biodiversity crisis?
Authors: Law Alan , Levanoni Oded , Foster Garth , Ecke Frauke , Willby Nigel J.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To determine whether reintroduced beavers, as an example of native herbivorous megafauna, can increase freshwater biodiversity at the landscape scale and to compare effects on two contrasting taxonomic groups.

Location

South‐central Sweden.

Methods

We collected data on plant and water beetle composition and supporting environmental variables from 20 closely located wetlands, half created from the damming of streams by beavers—beaver ponds (BP), and half by other, mainly natural (e.g. topographic, river migration) means—other wetlands (OW). Differences in species composition and plant growth strategy (i.e. competitor, stress tolerator or ruderal) between wetland types were assessed using multivariate analyses.

Results

The species pool of both taxonomic groups was higher in BP than OW (plants + 17%; beetles + 15%). For both groups, the number of species unique to BP was 50% higher than those unique to OW. Plant and beetle compositions differed significantly between wetlands, most strongly for plants, while rarity scores showed no difference, and the incidence of invasive species was negligible. Plant composition was mostly influenced by open water, bare ground and woody debris in BP, and plant cover, height and leaf litter in OW. This was consistent with the characterization of BP vegetation by ruderal plants and OW by competitors and stress tolerators. A significant residual effect of wetland type on plant, but not beetle composition, suggests that beavers exert important direct effects on some biota (e.g. via herbivory) independent of the indirect effects they exert via environmental change.

Main conclusions

Beaver‐created ponds support novel biodiversity that is not merely a subset of that found elsewhere in the same landscape. As such, re‐establishing beaver populations where they are native should benefit freshwater biodiversity, but effects may be context and taxon specific. Beavers alone cannot solve the freshwater biodiversity crisis, but recognizing the widespread importance of herbivorous megafauna in maintaining heterogeneity and creating novel habitat will be a positive step.
Linking Stepfamily Functioning, Marital Quality, and Steprelationship Quality
Authors: Ganong Lawrence , Jensen Todd , Sanner Caroline , Russell Luke , Coleman Marilyn , Chapman Ashton
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine whether marital dynamics within remarried couples (in the form of perceived quality and confidence) or perceptions of stepparent–stepchild relationship quality were more strongly associated with stepfamily functioning.

Background

Stepfamilies are common in the United States, and identifying factors central to healthy stepfamily functioning is an important task. Some stepfamily clinicians contend that steprelationships may be more closely related to overall stepfamily functioning than remarriage quality, although empirical support for this assertion is limited.

Method

Heterosexual remarried couples (N = 291) responded to online surveys asking about marital quality, marital confidence, stepparent–stepchild relationship quality, and stepfamily functioning (i.e., stepfamily cohesion, expressiveness, and harmony). Data were analyzed using actor–partner interdependence modeling in a structural equation modeling framework.

Results

Marital dynamics were somewhat more strongly associated with stepfamily functioning than stepparent–stepchild relationship quality, although both were positively associated with stepfamily functioning. Confidence in the future of the marriage had a slightly stronger association with stepfamily functioning than did marital quality. Actor effects were more often statistically associated with stepfamily functioning than were partner effects for both stepparents and biological parents.

Conclusion

Findings validate a family systems approach to strengthening stepfamily functioning by highlighting the joint and unique contributions of both marital dynamics and stepparent–stepchild relationship quality.

Implications

Clinicians and educators working with stepfamilies should attend to both promoting positive, emotionally close steprelationships and strong marital bonds and confidence in higher order marriages.
Contrasting consequences of climate change for migratory geese: Predation, density dependence and carryover effects offset benefits of high‐arctic warming
Authors: Layton‐Matthews Kate , Hansen Brage Bremset , Grøtan Vidar , Fuglei Eva , Loonen Maarten J. J. E.
Published: August 2019

Climate change is most rapid in the Arctic, posing both benefits and challenges for migratory herbivores. However, population‐dynamic responses to climate change are generally difficult to predict, due to concurrent changes in other trophic levels. Migratory species are also exposed to contrasting climate trends and density regimes over the annual cycle. Thus, determining how climate change impacts their population dynamics requires an understanding of how weather directly or indirectly (through trophic interactions and carryover effects) affects reproduction and survival across migratory stages, while accounting for density dependence. Here, we analyse the overall implications of climate change for a local non‐hunted population of high‐arctic Svalbard barnacle geese,Branta leucopsis, using 28 years of individual‐based data. By identifying the main drivers of reproductive stages (egg production, hatching and fledging) and age‐specific survival rates, we quantify their impact on population growth. Recent climate change in Svalbard enhanced egg production and hatching success through positive effects of advanced spring onset (snow melt) and warmer summers (i.e. earlier vegetation green‐up) respectively. Contrastingly, there was a strong temporal decline in fledging probability due to increased local abundance of the Arctic fox, the main predator. While weather during the non‐breeding season influenced geese through a positive effect of temperature (UK wintering grounds) on adult survival and a positive carryover effect of rainfall (spring stopover site in Norway) on egg production, these covariates showed no temporal trends. However, density‐dependent effects occurred throughout the annual cycle, and the steadily increasing total flyway population size caused negative trends in overwinter survival and carryover effects on egg production. The combination of density‐dependent processes and direct and indirect climate change effects across life history stages appeared to stabilize local population size. Our study emphasizes the need for holistic approaches when studying population‐dynamic responses to global change in migratory species.
Prevention is better than cure: Persian Gulf biodiversity vulnerability to the impacts of desalination plants
Authors: Sharifinia Moslem , Afshari Bahmanbeigloo Zahra , Smith Walker O. , Yap Chee Kong , Keshavarzifard Mehrzad
Published: August 2019

Due to extremely high rates of evaporation and low precipitation in the Persian Gulf, discharges from desalination plants (DPs) can lead to ecological stresses by increasing water temperatures, salinities, and heavy metal concentrations, as well as decreasing dissolved oxygen levels. We discuss the potential ecological impacts of DPs on marine organisms and propose mitigating measures to reduce the problems induced by DPs discharges. The daily capacity of DPs in the Persian Gulf exceeds 11 million m3 per day, which is approximately half of global daily freshwater production; multistage flash distillation (MSF) is the dominant desalination process. Results from field and laboratory studies indicate that there are potentially serious and chronic threats to marine communities following exposure to DP discharges, especially within the zoobenthos, echinodermata, seagrasses, and coral reefs. DP discharges can lead to decreases in sensitive species, plankton abundance, hard substrate epifauna, and growth rates of seagrasses. However, the broad applicability of any one of these impacts is currently hard to scale because of the limited number of studies that have been conducted to assess the ecological impacts of DP discharge on Persian Gulf organisms. Even so, available data suggest that appropriately sited, designed, and operated DPs combined with current developments in impingement and entrainment reduction technology can mitigate many of the negative environmental impacts of DPs.
Serious mismatches continue between science and policy in forest bioenergy
Authors: Norton Michael , Baldi Andras , Buda Vicas , Carli Bruno , Cudlin Pavel , Jones Mike B. , Korhola Atte , Michalski Rajmund , Novo Francisco , Oszlányi Július , Santos Filpe Duarte , Schink Bernhard , Shepherd John , Vet Louise , Walloe Lars , Wijkman Anders
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the production of pellets derived from forestry biomass to replace coal for electricity generation has been increasing, with over 10 million tonnes traded internationally—primarily between United States and Europe but with an increasing trend to Asia. Critical to this trade is the classification of woody biomass as ‘renewable energy’ and thus eligible for public subsidies. However, much scientific study on the net effect of this trend suggests that it is having the opposite effect to that expected of renewable energy, by increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide for substantial periods of time. This review, based on recent work by Europe's Academies of Science, finds that current policies are failing to recognize that removing forest carbon stocks for bioenergy leads to an initial increase in emissions. Moreover, the periods during which atmospheric CO2 levels are raised before forest regrowth can reabsorb the excess emissions are incompatible with the urgency of reducing emissions to comply with the objectives enshrined in the Paris Agreement. We consider how current policy might be reformed to reduce negative impacts on climate and argue for a more realistic science‐based assessment of the potential of forest bioenergy in substituting for fossil fuels. The length of time atmospheric concentrations of CO2 increase is highly dependent on the feedstocks and we argue for regulations to explicitly require these to be sources with short payback periods. Furthermore, we describe the current United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change accounting rules which allow imported biomass to be treated as zero emissions at the point of combustion and urge their revision to remove the risk of these providing incentives to import biomass with negative climate impacts. Reforms such as these would allow the industry to evolve to methods and scales which are more compatible with the basic purpose for which it was designed.
Solution combustion synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles as corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Ghahramani Zahra , Arabi Amir Masoud , Shafiee Afarani Mahdi , Mahdavian Mohammad
Published: August 2019

In this study, combustion synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles was reported using cerium nitrate hexahydrate as starting material as well as urea, glycine, glucose, and citric acid as fuels. The influence of fuel type on structure, microstructure, band gap, and corrosion inhibition was investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that CeO2 nanoparticles with different morphologies were obtained depending on the fuel type. Microstructural changes from unreacted gel to sponge‐like morphologies were resulted by varying the fuel type from urea, glycine, and glucose to citric acid. In addition to Ce–O bonds, Fourier transform infrared analysis showed carbon bonds of carbonaceous compositions from incomplete combustion which were declined during combustion reaction. Furthermore, corrosion analyses showed that samples synthesized using urea fuel released the most Ce+4 ions and could have better protection than other samples.
Chemically modified resistant starch in breadmaking: Impact on bone, mineral metabolism and gut health of growing Wistar rats
Authors: Correa María Jimena , Giannuzzi Leda , Weisstaub Adriana R. , Zuleta Angela , Ferrero Cristina
Published: August 2019

The effect of chemically modified resistant starch (RS) included in bread formulation on bone and gut health of growing male Wistar rats was studied. In order to determine the functional properties and the prebiotic potential of RS, three groups of rats were assayed: a control group (CD), a group fed with a diet including RS (RSD) and a group fed with a diet containing bread with RS (BRSD). Rats that consumed BRSD exhibited lower daily intake indicating that more satiety is reached with this food and this group presented similar calcium absorption than control rats. In addition, an increase in bone mineral content and bone mineral density and better intestinal balance as reflected by higher lactobacilli/enterobacteria ratio was observed in rats fed with both sources of RS. Thus, these results show a prebiotic role of RS that is maintained when RS is included in a bread formulation.
Application of heat and a home exercise program for pain and function levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karadağ Songül , Taşci Sultan , Doğan Nurhan , Demir Hüseyin , Kiliç Züleyha
Published: August 2019

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effect of application of superficial local heat and a home exercise program on pain and function levels to patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

This study was conducted in Turkey between January 2014 and February 2015. The sample group of the study consisted of 62 patients with osteoarthritis; 15 assigned to heat application, 15 to exercise, 15 to exercise after heat application, and 17 for the control group. While the patients in the control group received routine treatment only, the patients in the intervention group were treated with heat application, exercise, or exercise after heat application, suggested for 5 days a week for 4 weeks in addition to routine treatment.

Results

In this study, all of the intervention groups had decreases in Visual Analogue Scale Pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain, stiffness, and function scores when compared with the control group. It was found that this decrease in Visual Analogue Scale Pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores was mostly in the exercise group, but this condition was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

As a result, it is recommended that nurses train patients with osteoarthritis on heat application and home exercises and encourage them to apply these practices.
Trois scénarios pour l'avenir du travail
Authors: MÉDA Dominique
Published: August 2019

Après avoir rappelé l'histoire longue du concept de travail et les différentes significations attachées au terme au cours des siècles, l'auteure analyse le rapport des Européens à cette valeur, ainsi que les conséquences sur le travail et l'emploi du discours en vogue sur la révolution technologique et ses effets «inéluctables». Elle envisage ensuite l'avenir du travail à la lumière de trois scénarios, celui du «démantèlement du droit du travail», celui de la «révolution technologique» (qui postule la fin de l'emploi par l'automatisation) et celui de la «reconversion écologique», dernier modèle compatible avec l'impératif environnemental, mais aussi avec les attentes placées sur le travail et l'emploi.
Vacuum curcumin infusion in cooked oysters (Crassostrea gigas) to increase their shelf life
Authors: Koop Betina L. , Cargnin Mariana A. , Fidler Fernanda , Ribeiro Deise H. B. , de Campos Carlos E. M. , Soares Lenilton S. , Monteiro Alcilene R.
Published: August 2019

Curcumin solutions were infused into cooked oysters by vacuum and the best solution was chosen to inhibit growth of total mesophilic and total psychrophilic bacteria in oysters during storage. Shelled cooked oysters were immersed in three different curcumin solutions (130 μg/mL): tween, ethanol (3.5% of alcohol), and white wine (3.5% of alcohol). Oysters immersed in curcumin solution were subjected to vacuum‐infusion at 200 mbar for 20 min. Raman spectra showed that curcumin was present in all solutions. However, the oysters infused with curcumin white wine solution showed best results. After that, oysters were immersed in curcumin white wine solution and vacuum‐infused under 200 mbar for 1, 3, and 20 min, packaged and stored at 4°C for 14 days. 27.30 μg of curcumin/g of oyster infused into oysters for 20 min was the most effective concentration against mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria during storage. The physicochemical characteristics of oysters were preserved.

Practical Application

Curcumin is a bioactive compound with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and was used in this research. Positive antimicrobial effect was observed through increased shelf life of cooked oysters, opening up possibilities for industrial purposes. In addition, the vacuum infusion can be an alternative for incorporation of natural additives in food products as a substitute with chemical additives.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone after a single intramuscular or intravascular injection in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Kruse Tamara N. , Messenger Kristen M. , Bowman Andrew S. , Aarnes Turi K. , Wittum Thomas E. , Flint Mark
Published: August 2019

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone was performed in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) after single bolus injections of 10 mg/kg administered intramuscularly (IM;n = 10) or intravenously (IV;n = 10), in a randomized cross‐over design with a washout period between doses. Mean (±SD)Cmaxfollowing IM injection was 1.6 (±0.8) µg/ml withTmaxat 15.0 (±10.5) min. Area under the curve (AUC) was 84.66 and 104.58 min*mg/ml following IV and IM administration, respectively. Volume of distribution (VD) after IV dose was 3.0 L/kg. The mean plasma clearance after 10 mg/kg IV was 139.5 (±67.9) ml min−1 kg−1. Elimination half‐lives (mean [±SD]) were 15.0 and 16.1 (±3.0) min following IV and IM administration, respectively. Mean bioavailability at 10 mg/kg IM was 108.6%. None of the ducks achieved a sufficient anesthetic depth for invasive procedures, such as surgery, to be performed. Heart and respiratory rates measured after administration remained stable, but many ducks were hyperexcitable during recovery. Based on sedation levels and duration, alfaxalone administered at dosages of 10 mg/kg IV or IM in mallard ducks does not induce clinically acceptable anesthesia.