bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anemia, Blood Transfusion Requirements and Mortality Risk in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Adults Requiring Acute Medical Admission to Hospital in South Africa
Authors: Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Lawn Stephen D. , Schutz Charlotte , Burton Rosie , Boulle Andrew , Cobelens Frank J. , Meintjes Graeme
Published: November 2015

Background.  Morbidity and mortality remain high among hospitalized patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa despite widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy. Severe anemia is likely one important driver, and some evidence suggests that blood transfusions may accelerate HIV progression and paradoxically increase short-term mortality. We investigated the relationship between anemia, blood transfusions, and mortality in a South African district hospital.

Methods.  Unselected consecutive HIV-infected adults requiring acute medical admission to a Cape Town township district hospital were recruited. Admission hemoglobin concentrations were used to classify anemia severity according to World Health Organization/AIDS Clinical Trials Group criteria. Vital status was determined at 90 days, and Cox regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of mortality.

Results.  Of 585 HIV-infected patients enrolled, 578 (98.8%) were included in the analysis. Anemia was detected in 84.8% of patients and was severe (hemoglobin, 6.5–7.9 g/dL) or life-threatening (hemoglobin, <6.5 g/dL) in 17.3% and 13.3%, respectively. Within 90 days of the date of admission, 13.5% (n = 78) patients received at least 1 blood transfusion with red cell concentrate and 77 (13.3%) patients died. In univariable analysis, baseline hemoglobin and receipt of blood transfusion were associated with increased mortality risk. However, in multivariable analysis, neither hemoglobin nor receipt of a blood transfusion were independently associated with greater mortality risk. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illnesses other than tuberculosis and impaired renal function independently predicted mortality.

Conclusions.  Newly admitted HIV-infected adults had a high prevalence of severe or life-threatening anemia and blood transfusions were frequently required. However, after adjustment for confounders, blood transfusions did not confer an increased mortality risk.
Suzaku observations of two diffuse hard X-ray source regions, G22.0+0.0 and G23.5+0.1
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo , Sumita Mayu , Bamba Aya
Published: November 2015

G22.0+0.0 and G23.5+0.1 are diffuse hard X-ray sources discovered in the ASCA Galactic Plane Survey. We present Suzaku results of spectral analysis for these sources. G22.0+0.0 is confirmed to be a largely extended emission. Its spectra were represented by a highly absorbed power-law model with a photon index of 1.7 ± 0.3 and a moderately absorbed thermal emission with a temperature of 0.34$^{+0.11}_{-0.08}\:$keV. The difference in the NH values between the two components suggests that the thermal component is unrelated to the power-law component and is a foreground emission located in the same line of sight. G23.5+0.1 is an extended source with a size of ∼3${^{\prime}_{.}}$5. Its spectra were fitted with an absorbed power-law model with a photon index of 2.4$^{+0.5}_{-0.4}$. The spatial and spectral properties show that both sources are candidates for old pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). In addition to the extended sources, we analyzed spectra of three point sources found in the observed fields. Based on the spectral features, we discuss the origin of the sources.
Attenuation of Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Electrical Synapses in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yu , Shen Feng-Yan , Jiang Lai , Zhao Xuan , Shen Xiao-Lu , Zhong Wei , Liu Sha , Wang Zhi-Ru , Wang Ying-Wei
Published: November 2015

AbstractAbstract

The electrical synapse protein connexin 36 is up-regulated in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury in rats, and gamma-frequency neuronal oscillations are enhanced as well. Mefloquine, an electrical synapse inhibitor, reduces allodynia in the same nerve injury model.

Background

Synaptic mechanisms and neuronal oscillations have been proposed to be responsible for neuropathic pain formation. Many studies have also highlighted the important role of electrical synapses in synaptic plasticity and in neuronal oscillations. Thus, electrical synapses may contribute to neuropathic pain generation. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the role of chemical synapses, while ignoring the role of electrical synapses, in neuropathic pain generation.

Methods

The authors adopted microinjection, RNA interference techniques, and behavioral tests to verify the link between connexin 36 (Cx36) and neuropathic pain. They also studied the selective Cx36 blocker mefloquine in rat chronic constriction injury and spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. Electrophysiologic recordings were used to further confirm the behavioral data.

Results

The authors found that Cx36, which constitutes the neuron–neuron electrical synapses, was up-regulated in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury (n = 5). Meanwhile, Cx36-mediated neuronal oscillations in the gamma frequency range (30 to 80 Hz) (n = 7 to 8) and the neuronal synaptic transmission (n = 13 to 19) were also enhanced. Neuropathic pain was relieved by disrupting Cx36 function or expression in the anterior cingulate cortex. They also found that mefloquine, which are clinically used for treating malaria, affected gamma oscillations and synaptic plasticity, leading to a sustained pain relief in chronic constriction injury and spared nerve injury models (n = 7 to 12).

Conclusion

The electrical synapses blocker mefloquine could affect gamma oscillations and synaptic plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex and relieve neuropathic pain. Cx36 may be a new therapeutic target for treating chronic pain.
Rod Migration Into the Spinal Canal After Posterior Instrumented Fusion Causing Late-Onset Neurological Symptoms
Authors: Canavese Federico , Dmitriev Petru , Deslandes Jacques , Samba Antoine , Dimeglio Alain , Mansour Mounira , Rousset Marie , Dubousset Jean
Published: November 2015

Background:

Rod migration into the spinal canal after posterior instrumented fusion is a rare complication causing late-onset neurological symptoms. The purpose of the present study is to report a case of a 13-year-old boy with spastic cerebral palsy and related neuromuscular kyphoscoliosis who developed late-onset neurological deterioration secondary to progressive implant migration into the spinal canal over a 5-year period.

Methods:

A decision was made to remove both rods to achieve decompression. Intraoperative findings were consistent with information gained from preoperative imaging. The rods were found to have an intracanal trajectory at T9-T10 for the right rod and T12-L2 for the left rod.

Results:

The cause of implant migration, with progressive laminar erosion slow enough to generate a solid mass behind, was progressive kyphosis in a skeletally immature patient with neuromuscular compromise.

Conclusions:

Fixation type, early surgery, and spasticity management contributed significantly to the presenting condition. Mechanical factors and timing of surgery played a decisive role in this particular presentation.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV--Case report and review of the literature.
Can MRI Predict Flexibility in Scheuermann Kyphosis Patients?
Authors: Kaiser Radek , Behrbalk Eyal , Walsh Michael , Waldauf Petr , Perez Romera Ana B. , Mehdian Hossein
Published: November 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective, blinded analysis of imaging studies.

Objective:

The aim of this study is compare the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to lateral radiograph using bolster in the evaluation of Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) curve flexibility measurement.

Summary and Background Data:

The flexibility of the thoracic curve [thoracic kyphosis (TK)] in SK is of primary importance in its preoperative planning. Several methods have been described for SK curve flexibility measurement. The most commonly used method is lateral hyperextension radiography on hard bolster [hyperextension radiograph (HE)]. No current methods use MRI for flexibility assessment.

Materials and Methods:

Flexibility of TK in SK patients was measured as a difference between standing radiograph and bolster-assisted lateral HE or supine MRI. The sagittal Cobb angle of the TK was measured between the superior endplate of T4 and the inferior endplate of T12 vertebral body. Flexibilities measured by these 2 methods were compared and analyzed using the generalized estimating equation analysis and the correlation analysis.

Results:

We assessed 18 SK patients (14 males and 4 females) with mean age of 20.06±6.03 years. The standing TK x-rays showed 83.8±6.1 degrees. On HE, TK curve reduced by 39.3 degrees (95% confidence interval, 35.8–42.9) to 44.5±6.2 degrees (P<0.001). Preoperative MRI images showed TK of 53.8±5.9 degrees which means reduction by 30 degrees (95% confidence interval, 26.6–33.4) from the standing radiographs (P<0.001). Linear dependency between HE and MRI flexibility with a mean difference of 9.3 degrees was found (R
2=0.61, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Our study shows that preoperative MRI can be used for SK flexibility assessment with similar predictive value as routinely used bolster-assisted hyperextension lateral radiograph. Consequently, patient exposure to preoperative hyperextension ionizing radiation may be reduced.
Neuroforaminal Bone Growth Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With BMP
Authors: Ahn Junyoung , Jorgensen Anton Y. , Bohl Daniel D. , Tabaraee Ehsan , Rossi Vincent J. , Aboushaala Khaled , Singh Kern
Published: November 2015

Study Design:

Computed tomographic analysis.

Objective:

To identify radiographic patterns of symptomatic neuroforaminal bone growth (NFB) in patients who have undergone a single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) augmented with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) utilizing computed tomography (CT).

Summary of Background Data:

BMP induces osteoblast differentiation leading to new bone formation. The association of BMP utilization and heterotopic bone formation after an MIS-TLIF has been described. However, studies have been limited in their patient population and details regarding diagnosis and treatment of NFB.

Materials and Methods:

Postoperative CT scans of the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were analyzed to identify patterns of heterotopic bone growth on axial and sagittal views. The area of bone growth at the disk level, lateral recess, adjacent foramen, and retrovertebral area were measured. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the areas of bone growth between cohorts.

Results:

Postoperative CT images between 18 symptomatic and 13 asymptomatic patients were compared. On axial views, the symptomatic patients demonstrated greater areas of bone growth at the disk level (164.0±92.4 vs. 77.0±104.9 mm2), and lateral recess (69.6±70.5 and 5.9±12.5 mm2) as well as in the total cross-sectional area (290.3±162.1 vs. 119.4±115.6 mm2). On sagittal imaging, the mean bone growth at the subarticular level (148.7±185.1 vs. 35.8±37.4 mm2) and the total cross-sectional area (298.4±324.4 vs. 85.8±76.3 mm2) were greater in symptomatic patients (P<0.01). Amount of BMP utilized and operative levels were no different between cohorts.

Conclusions:

The findings of the present study suggest that an anatomic association exists between recalcitrant postoperative radiculopathy and NFB following an MIS-TLIF with BMP. Increased total bone growth as measured on serial axial and sagittal sections was associated with postoperative radiculopathy. The association between radiculopathy and the extension of BMP-induced bone growth toward the traversing nerve root appeared the most significant.
Compressive Myelopathy in Congenital Kyphosis of the Upper Thoracic Spine
Authors: Zhang Zhengfeng , Wang Honggang , Zheng Wenjie
Published: November 2015

Study Design:

A retrospective study.

Objective:

The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the uncommon presentation of neurological deficits in patients with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine (T1–T4).

Summary of Background Data:

Congenital kyphosis is an uncommon deformity but can potentially lead to spinal cord compression and paraplegia, particularly in type I (failure of formation) deformities. Few reports have described compressive myelopathy associated with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Methods:

Six patients with congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine, including 2 adults and 4 pediatric patients, developed progressive or sudden onset of paraplegia. Angles of kyphosis ranged from 75 to 120 degrees. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated spinal cord thinning and compression at the kyphotic apex in all patients. All patients underwent decompressive and correctional surgery by single-stage posterior vertebral column resection or 2-stage anterior corpectomy fusion and posterior fixation. Neurological status was evaluated using the ASIA impairment classification and the motor score.

Results:

Postoperatively, all patients had 25%–80% correction of kyphosis. All patients improved neurologically between 0 and 2 ASIA scales after surgery. Among them, an adolescent patient presenting as acute ASIA A improved to ASIA E within 1 year after surgery. Another adolescent patient deteriorated from preoperative ASIA C to ASIA A in the immediate postoperative period but improved to ASIA D within 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions:

Congenital kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine has a high incidence of compressive myelopathy. Duration from onset of paraplegia to surgical intervention and severity of preoperative paraplegia are 2 key factors in determining neurological prognosis after surgery.
Outcome of Long-term Maintenance Steroid Therapy Cessation in Patients With Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors: Hirano Kenji , Tada Minoru , Isayama Hiroyuki , Sasahira Naoki , Umefune Gyotane , Akiyama Dai , Watanabe Takeo , Saito Tomotaka , Takagi Kaoru , Takahara Naminatsu , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Mizuno Suguru , Miyabayashi Koji , Mohri Dai , Kogure Hirofumi , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Nakai Yousuke , Arizumi Toshihiko , Toda Nobuo , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: November 2015

Objective:

To predict the duration of steroid maintenance therapy required to achieve good prognosis in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.

Patients and Methods:

The study sample comprised 21 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis who met the following criteria: (1) they received steroid therapy (ST) for at least 3 years without clinical relapse; and (2) immunoglobulin (Ig) G<1600 mg/dL was observed in the past year with a prednisolone maintenance dose ≤5 mg. All patients could be diagnosed with international consensus diagnostic criteria. Patients were prospectively followed up after tapering and cessation of steroids. Clinical relapse was defined as the need to resume ST. Serological relapse was defined as having an IgG level of >1600 mg/dL.

Results:

During the 43-month (range, 19 to 48 mo) follow-up period, clinical relapse occurred in 10 patients: pancreatic lesion in 4; coronary lesion in 2; submandibular lesion in 1; both pulmonary and renal lesions in 1; pulmonary, retroperitoneal, and submandibular lesions in 1; and bronchial asthma in 1. Serological relapse was observed in 12 patients. Although clinical and serological relapse occurred concomitantly in 3 patients, serological relapse preceded clinical relapse in 4 patients. Five patients experienced serological relapse alone, and no clinical or serological relapse occurred in 6 patients. According to Cox proportional hazard analysis, the duration of ST before tapering was a significant predictive parameter (hazard ratio, 0.969/month; 95% confidence interval, 0.940-0.998; P=0.038).

Conclusions:

ST cessation resulted in a high rate of clinical relapses, even in patients with long-term maintenance therapy. Therefore, it appears desirable to continue steroid maintenance therapy for a period >3 years to prevent relapse.
Serum Ammonia is Associated With Transplant-free Survival in Hospitalized Patients With Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Patwardhan Vilas R. , Jiang Zhengui G. , Risech-Neiman Yesenia , Piatkowski Gail , Afdhal Nezam H. , Mukamal Kenneth , Curry Michael P. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: November 2015

Background:

As ammonia metabolism is a complex multiorgan process, we sought to determine whether serum ammonia concentrations were associated with transplant-free survival in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods:

We studied 494 consecutive patients hospitalized with cirrhosis between April 2007 and September 2012 with venous ammonia measured on hospital admission. The primary outcome was transplant-free survival.

Results:

Overall, rates of death or transplant within 30 and 90 days were 23.1% (n=114) and 37.7% (n=186), respectively. Forty-six patients (9.2%) underwent liver transplantation within 90 days. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, ammonia concentration was independently associated with death or transplantation within 30 and 90 days after adjusting for model for end-stage liver disease, sodium, white blood cells, and number of ACLF organ failures; every doubling of ammonia was associated with respective hazard ratios of 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.38) and 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.44) for 90- and 30-day transplant or mortality. Notably, after adjusting for ammonia, organ failures were not predictive of outcomes. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with admission ammonia concentrations >60 μmol/L had significantly lower 90-day transplant-free survival (P=0.0004). Patients with admission ammonia concentrations >60 μmol/L had higher 90- and 30-day risk of death or transplantation (45.2% vs. 31.2%, P=0.001; and 31.6% vs. 15.7%, P<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion:

For patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, an elevated serum ammonia concentration on admission is associated with reduced 90-day transplant-free survival after adjusting for established predictors.
A case of abscess after BCG vaccine in an immunocompetent child without other clinical signs
Authors: d'Aleo Francesco , Bonanno Roberta , Costantino Antonella Lo Presti , Arena Salvatore , Midiri Angelina , Mancuso Giuseppe , Biondo Carmelo , Beninati Concetta
Published: November 2015

Introduction:

Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, is a rare cause of infection, with few published cases in immunocompetent individuals.

Case presentation:

We present the case of a cutaneous abscess in an immunocompetent infant returning from Morocco, where he received a BCG vaccination. The abscess developed at the site of inoculation in the forearm (a non-recommended site) in the absence of lymphadenopathy or systemic signs. The lesion did not recur after aspiration of the abscess and further treatment was not required.

Conclusion:

Infections caused by M. bovis BCG may be difficult to diagnose without systemic signs or lymphadenopathy but should be suspected in children returning from regions where BCG vaccination is widely applied. The present report suggests that abscess formation after BCG vaccination is a continuing problem, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic areas and when recommendations concerning dosage or injection techniques are not followed. Moreover, we highlight here the importance of combining phenotypic and genotypic methods for quick identification of Mycobacterium bovis BCG in abscess drainage fluids.
Auxin signaling is a common factor underlying natural variation in tomato shade avoidance
Authors: Bush Susan M , Carriedo Leonela , Daniel Fulop , Ichihashi Yasunori , Covington Mike F , Kumar Ravi , Ranjan Aashish , Chitwood Daniel H , Headland Lauren , Filiault Daniele L , Jimenez-Gomez Jose M , Sinha Neelima R , Maloof Julin N
Published: November 2015

Light is an essential resource for photosynthesis. Limitation of light by shade from plant neighbors can induce a light competition program known as the shade avoidance response (SAR), thereby altering plant growth and development for the sake of survival. Natural genetic variation in SAR is found in plants adapted to distinct environments, including domesticated tomato Solanum lycopersicum and its wild relative Solanum pennellii. QTL mapping was used to examine variation of the SAR between these two species. We found organ specific responses in the elongation of the stem and petiole, including developmental acceleration of growth. Through RNAseq analysis we identified a number of ILs with reduced expression of auxin-related genes in shade treatment. These same ILs display a shade tolerant phenotype in stem growth and overall height. We also identified ILs with altered SAR expression of cell wall expansion genes, although these genotypes had no accompanying alteration in phenotype. Examination of weighted gene co-expression connectivity networks in sun- and shade-treated plants revealed connectivity changes in auxin and light signaling genes; this result was supported by the identification of motifs within the promoters of a subset of shade-responsive genes that were enriched in light signaling, developmental pathways, and auxin responsive transcriptional domains. The identification of both systemic and organ-specific shade tolerance in the ILs, as well as associated changes in the transcriptome, has the potential to inform future studies for breeding plants able to be grown closely (while neighbor-shaded), yet still maintaining high yield.
An association between sexes of successive siblings in the data from Demographic and Health Survey program
Authors: Monakhov Mikhail
Published: November 2015

The prediction of future child’s sex is a question of keen public interest. The probability of having a child of either sex is close to 50%, although multiple factors may slightly change this value. Some demographic studies suggested that sex determination can be influenced by previous pregnancies, although this hypothesis was not commonly accepted. This paper explores the correlations between siblings’ sexes using data from the Demographic and Health Survey program. In the sample of about 2,214,601 women (7,985,855 children), the frequencies of sibships with multiple siblings of the same sex were significantly higher than can be expected by chance. A formal modelling demonstrated that sexes of the children were dependent on three kinds of sex ratio variation: a variation between families (Lexian), a variation within a family (Poisson) and a variation contingent upon the sex of preceding sibling (Markovian). There was a positive correlation between the sexes of successive siblings (coefficient = 0.067, p < 0.001), i.e. a child was more likely to be of the same sex as its preceding sibling. This correlation could be caused by secondary sex ratio adjustmentin uterosince the effect was decreasing with the length of birth-to-birth interval, and the birth-to-birth interval was longer for siblings with unlike sex.
Scan-o-matic: high-resolution microbial phenomics at a massive scale
Authors: Zackrisson Martin , Hallin Johan , Ottosson Lars-Göran , Dahl Peter , Fernandez-Parada Esteban , Ländström Erik , Fernandez-Ricaud Luciano , Kaferle Petra , Skyman Andreas , Omholt Stig , Petrovic Uros , Warringer Jonas , Blomberg Anders
Published: November 2015

The capacity to map traits over large cohorts of individuals – phenomics – lags far behind the explosive development in genomics. For microbes the estimation of growth is the key phenotype. We introduce an automated microbial phenomics framework that delivers accurate and highly resolved growth phenotypes at an unprecedented scale. Advancements were achieved through introduction of transmissive scanning hardware and software technology, frequent acquisition of precise colony population size measurements, extraction of population growth rates from growth curves and removal of spatial bias by reference-surface normalization. Our prototype arrangement automatically records and analyses 100,000 experiments in parallel. We demonstrate the power of the approach by extending and nuancing the known salt defence biology in baker’s yeast. The introduced framework will have a transformative impact by providing high-quality microbial phenomics data for extensive cohorts of individuals and generating well-populated and standardized phenomics databases.
Total scattering and pair distribution function analysis in modelling disorder in PZN (PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3)
Authors: Whitfield Ross E. , Goossens Darren J. , Welberry T. Richard
Published: November 2015

The ability of the pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of total scattering (TS) from a powder to determine the local ordering in ferroelectric PZN (PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3) has been explored by comparison with a model established using single-crystal diffuse scattering (SCDS). While X-ray PDF analysis is discussed, the focus is on neutron diffraction results because of the greater extent of the data and the sensitivity of the neutron to oxygen atoms, the behaviour of which is important in PZN. The PDF was shown to be sensitive to many effects not apparent in the average crystal structure, including variations in the B-site—O separation distances and the fact that 〈110〉 Pb2+ displacements are most likely. A qualitative comparison between SCDS and the PDF shows that some features apparent in SCDS were not apparent in the PDF. These tended to pertain to short-range correlations in the structure, rather than to interatomic separations. For example, in SCDS the short-range alternation of the B-site cations was quite apparent in diffuse scattering at (½ ½ ½), whereas it was not apparent in the PDF.
Protein crystal structure from non-oriented, single-axis sparse X-ray data
Authors: Wierman Jennifer L. , Lan Ti-Yen , Tate Mark W. , Philipp Hugh T. , Elser Veit , Gruner Sol M.
Published: November 2015

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have inspired the development of serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) as a method to solve the structure of proteins. SFX datasets are collected from a sequence of protein microcrystals injected across ultrashort X-ray pulses. The idea behind SFX is that diffraction from the intense, ultrashort X-ray pulses leaves the crystal before the crystal is obliterated by the effects of the X-ray pulse. The success of SFX at XFELs has catalyzed interest in analogous experiments at synchrotron-radiation (SR) sources, where data are collected from many small crystals and the ultrashort pulses are replaced by exposure times that are kept short enough to avoid significant crystal damage. The diffraction signal from each short exposure is so `sparse' in recorded photons that the process of recording the crystal intensity is itself a reconstruction problem. Using the EMC algorithm, a successful reconstruction is demonstrated here in a sparsity regime where there are no Bragg peaks that conventionally would serve to determine the orientation of the crystal in each exposure. In this proof-of-principle experiment, a hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) crystal rotating about a single axis was illuminated by an X-ray beam from an X-ray generator to simulate the diffraction patterns of microcrystals from synchrotron radiation. Millions of these sparse frames, typically containing only ∼200 photons per frame, were recorded using a fast-framing detector. It is shown that reconstruction of three-dimensional diffraction intensity is possible using the EMC algorithm, even with these extremely sparse frames and without knowledge of the rotation angle. Further, the reconstructed intensity can be phased and refined to solve the protein structure using traditional crystallographic software. This suggests that synchrotron-based serial crystallography of micrometre-sized crystals can be practical with the aid of the EMC algorithm even in cases where the data are sparse.
Comparison between diffraction contrast tomography and high-energy diffraction microscopy on a slightly deformed aluminium alloy
Authors: Renversade Loïc , Quey Romain , Ludwig Wolfgang , Menasche David , Maddali Siddharth , Suter Robert M. , Borbély András
Published: November 2015

The grain structure of an Al–0.3 wt%Mn alloy deformed to 1% strain was reconstructed using diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) and high-energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM). 14 equally spaced HEDM layers were acquired and their exact location within the DCT volume was determined using a generic algorithm minimizing a function of the local disorientations between the two data sets. The microstructures were then compared in terms of the mean crystal orientations and shapes of the grains. The comparison shows that DCT can detect subgrain boundaries with disorientations as low as 1° and that HEDM and DCT grain boundaries are on average 4 µm apart from each other. The results are important for studies targeting the determination of grain volume. For the case of a polycrystal with an average grain size of about 100 µm, a relative deviation of about ≤10% was found between the two techniques.
Crystal structure ofN-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl)formamide
Authors: Mariyatra Mahimaidoss Baby , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: November 2015

The title compound, C3H4Cl3NO2, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The two molecules have the same conformation; the molecular overlap gives weighted and unit-weight r.m.s. fits of 0.047 and 0.043 Å, respectively. The conformation of theN-(hydroxethyl)formamide chains are very similar, as indicated by the C—N(H)—C=O and C—N(H)—C—O(H) torsion angles, which are, respectively, −1.8 (3) and −91.5 (2)° for moleculeA, and −2.1 (3) and −95.7 (2)° for moleculeB. In the crystal, individual molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingA–AandB–Binversion dimers withR22(12) ring motifs. The dimers are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming alternating layers ofAandBmolecules parallel to thebcplane. Within the layers ofBmolecules, there are weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds present.
Crystal structure of 3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-N′-[(E)-4-chlorobenzylidene]propanohydrazide
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , El-Emary Talaat I. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2015

In the title compound, C22H18ClN3O, the carbazole ring system is essentially planar (r.m.s deviation = 0.003 Å), and makes a dihedral angle of 9.01 (8)° with the plane of the chlorophenyl ring. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are linked into centrosymmetricR22(8) dimers by pairs of N—H...O interactions and into a three-dimensional network by C—H...π interactions. The dimers are arranged into layers parallel to (010).
Crystal structure of 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Allah Omyma A. A. Abd , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2015

In the title compound, C23H20ClN3O, each of the cyclohexene and 1,4-dihydropyridine rings of the 1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline ring system adopts a twisted-boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 11.52 (7)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked through a pair of amino–nitrile N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. These assemble into a three-dimensional networkviaC—H...O and C—H...π interactions.
Self-directed career attitude as predictor of career and life satisfaction in Chinese employees
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Hirschi Andreas , Herrmann Anne , Wei Jia , Zhang Jinfu
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test if the effects of a self-directed career attitude on career and life satisfaction are mediated by a person’s sense of calling and moderated by job insecurity in a sample of Chinese employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Among a sample of Chinese employees (n=263), in this paper, a moderated mediation analysis with bootstrapping was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results showed that calling mediates the effects of a self-directed career attitude on career satisfaction and life satisfaction. Job insecurity moderated the effect on life satisfaction but not on career satisfaction. The effect on life satisfaction were stronger under higher levels of job insecurity.

Research limitations/implications

– These results suggest that a self-directed career attitude may help people develop a calling, which in turn relates to increased subjective career success and well-being. In addition, the notion of a calling may be especially important for well-being in unstable job circumstances.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to explore a calling and a self-directed career attitude in a sample of Chinese employees. Corresponding to contemporary China’s rapidly changing context of economy and career development, a self-directed career orientation plays an important role in Chinese employees’ calling and subjective career success.
Attenuation of negative sponsorship effects in the context of rival sports teams’ fans
Authors: Grohs Reinhard , Reisinger Heribert , Woisetschläger David M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to understand the occurrence, formation and magnitude of negative effects for sponsors of rival sports teams and to identify means to counteract negative sponsorship effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– Surveys measure fans’ identification with their team as well as attitudes toward rival teams and their sponsors in a soccer context. An experiment introduces sponsorship communication activities that aim at mitigating negative sponsorship effects by shifting the focus of the sponsorship.

Findings

– Results from surveys and experiments demonstrate that identification with a sports team negatively affects perceptions of a rival team, negative perceptions of a rival team negatively affect perceptions of its sponsors, this effect is stronger for fans with higher levels of team identification, companies can improve perceptions of rival team sponsors by shifting the focus of sponsorship-linked communication activities, but attenuating negative sponsorship effects is more difficult to achieve for fans with higher levels of identification with their team.

Research limitations/implications

– Further studies need to disentangle mitigating effects of framing sponsorship communication and investigate in greater depth conditions under which sponsorship leverage can emphasize specific social identities of sports fans and enhance the inclusiveness of fans’ self-categorization.

Practical implications

– Companies can learn from this study how they can frame, design and use sponsorship communication activities to mitigate negative sponsorship effects in the context of rival-team sponsorship.

Originality/value

– The study is one of the few studies addressing negative effects of sponsorship. In particular, the study provides first insights into how social identity theory, social categorization theory and framing theory work together with theories of image transfer in both the formation and the attenuation of negative sponsorship outcomes.
Service workers’ job performance
Authors: He Hongwei , Wang Weiyue , Zhu Weichun , Harris Lloyd
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to advance the literature by testing the boundary of this relationship with reference to a key construct in employee performance in the service domain: employee customer orientation. Organizational identification refers to employees’ perceived oneness and belongingness to their work organization, and has been argued to be associated with higher employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected based on a sample of call center service workers. Employees rated their organizational identification, customer orientation and personality traits. Supervisors independently rated their subordinates’ performance. Variables statistic tools were used to analyze the data and test a series of hypotheses.

Findings

– It was found that customer orientation strengthens the relationship between organizational identification and service workers’ job performance, and it enhances the mediating effect of organizational identification on the relationship between service workers’ personality trait (i.e. agreeableness) and their performance.

Originality/value

– This research advances an argument that employee customer orientation moderates the relationship between employee organizational identification and employee job performance in the call center service provision domain. In addition, this is a pioneering study examining the roles of personality traits on employee organizational identification.
Commentary
Authors: Lowe Ben
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint about the role of cost transparency in consumer markets and whether or not consumers should request cost transparency from sellers, in light of the article by Antonis et al. (2015).

Design/methodology/approach

– Research in the area of cost transparency, pricing and related theoretical domains is analysed to understand the potential role for buyers and sellers in consumer markets.

Findings

– Although there are an increasing number of examples of greater operational transparency in supply chains, cost transparency in consumer markets is not widespread. Increased cost transparency represents an important product attribute for consumers, enhancing fairness perceptions and affective evaluations. For sellers, it is a potentially powerful complement to price moves and, through enhancing trust among consumers, can positively influence brand value(s).

Research limitations/implications

– Operational and cost transparency holds much promise as an emerging area in marketing but research into cost transparency in consumer markets is in its early stages and the limited number of field examples reduces the scope for empirical work. However, using carefully controlled lab experiments, much can be done to understand the generalisability and boundary conditions to its effect.

Originality/value

– This paper takes a balanced view about value to consumers and the implementation of cost transparency in consumer markets, highlighting key mechanisms through which greater transparency may influence consumer product evaluations and concluding with some caveats in relation to its practice.
Commentary: what’s behind the price tag: understanding cost transparency?
Authors: Singh Nitish
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to understand “Why Should Companies Embrace Cost Transparency”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a thought piece in response to the paper by Simintiras et al. (2015), “Should Consumer’s Request Cost Transparency?”

Findings

– Arguments based on past research and company practices show that companies practicing cost transparency can increase their customer following, brand loyalty, differentiation and ultimately the profits.

Practical implications

– The paper showcases examples of how companies have implemented cost transparency to differentiate their customer offerings. The paper also shows that conscious consumers are now demanding more cost transparency, and companies have already started to heed this call.

Originality/value

– The paper specifically outlines arguments and recent examples to show why companies should embrace cost transparency.
Attention, emotions and cause-related marketing effectiveness
Authors: Guerreiro João , Rita Paulo , Trigueiros Duarte
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explain how cognitive and emotional responses may influence decisions to purchase cause-related products.

Design/methodology/approach

– An experimental design clarifies how autonomic reactions determine altruistic choices in a simulated shopping environment. Eye-tracking and electrodermal response measurements were set to predict choices of hedonic vs utilitarian cause-related vs unrelated products.

Findings

– Emotional arousal, pleasure and attention to the cause-related bundle are associated with altruistic behaviour in hedonic choices. When facing utilitarian choices, customers focus on brand logo and donation amount while experiencing pleasure, but emotional arousal does not increase marketing effectiveness in this case.

Research limitations/implications

– The experiment may be replicated in the real-world shopping environment, but spurious influences will be difficult to control. Distracting cues such as background music and scents used to increase positive emotions may affect intensity of emotive and cognitive processes.

Practical implications

– The results highlight the prominence of automatic reactions in customers’ choices. In the present instance, managers’ effort should be directed to the raising of altruistic visual cues of the donation-based promotion and positive emotional responses through guilt reducing effects.

Originality/value

– The study pioneers the use of eye-tracking coupled with skin conductance measurement in experimental designs aimed at clarifying the role of autonomic reactions such as emotional arousal, pleasure and attention in the effectiveness of emotionally charged marketing campaigns.
Sexual abuses of left-behind children of migrant women: community-perceived vulnerabilities and barriers in prevention
Authors: Senaratna Chamara
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe hitherto unexplored issues related to sexual abuse of left-behind children of migrant women in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study was conducted in high labour-sending districts. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with school teachers, community youth groups and members of civil organisations, and semi-structured interviews (SSIs) were conducted with community leaders, religious leaders, social workers, and primary healthcare workers. Data were analysed using content analysis, and emerging themes were mapped.

Findings

– Community members reported that sexual abuses of migrant women’s children, although not uncommon, are scarcely notified due to societal and institutional factors. They have a high awareness on types of sexual abuses faced by migrants’ children, extent of such abuses, and physical, emotional, and social complications of such abuses. They also reported factors that increase these children’s vulnerability to abuse. Role perceived to be played by state and non-state social institutions and authorised personnel in protecting children is inadequate, leading to low reporting and community cooperation.

Practical implications

– High community awareness found provides a good platform to launch culturally sensitive child protection interventions.

Social implications

– Findings of barriers and opportunities indicate that effective policy instruments and cogent and functional programmes interlinking all stakeholder-institutions are required to protect migrant women’s children.

Originality/value

– This study provided first in-depth exploration of issues related to sexual abuses of migrant women’s children in Sri Lanka and possible opportunities for community-based interventions.
Health disparities of Latino immigrant workers in the United States
Authors: Hege Adam , Vallejos Quirina M. , Apostolopoulos Yorghos , Lemke Michael Kenneth
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature pertaining to occupational health disparities experienced by Latino immigrant workers in the USA and to advance a general framework based on systems science to inform epidemiological and intervention research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using papers and other sources from 2000 to the present, the authors examined the employment conditions and health outcomes of Latino immigrant workers and critically analyzed the pervasive evidence of health disparities, including causal mechanisms and associated intervention programs.

Findings

– The occupations, including the work environment and resultant living conditions, frequently performed by Latino immigrants in the USA represent a distinct trigger of increased injury risk and poor health outcomes. Extant intervention programs have had modest results at best and are in need of more comprehensive approaches to address the complex nature of health disparities.

Practical implications

– An integrated, systems-based framework concerning occupational health disparities among Latino immigrant workers allows for a holistic approach encompassing innovative methods and can inform high-leverage interventions including public policy.

Originality/value

– Reductionist approaches to health disparities have had significant limitations and miss the complete picture of the many influences. The framework the authors have provided elucidates a valuable method for reducing occupational health disparities among Latino immigrant workers as well as other populations.
Maintenance strategy selection and its impact in maintenance function
Authors: Velmurugan R S , Dhingra Tarun
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to synthesize and categorize the published literatures related to maintenance strategies formulation, selection and implementation in various industries. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework based on literature review for formulation of maintenance strategies, selection and the implementation of selected strategies. Further, to study on impact of maintenance strategies implementation in maintenance function.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review has been carried out to identify the existing frameworks related to maintenance strategies formulation, selection of maintenance strategy and implementation of maintenance strategy in the industry. Literature support for all the conceptual constructs referred in the framework has been discussed to establish a logical sequence.

Findings

– A conceptual framework for maintenance strategies formulation, selection and implementation and its impact in maintenance function has been developed. Further, constructs and sub-constructs which form the basis for maintenance strategies formulation, selection and implementation have been identified from the literatures. In addition, propositions have also been formulated to support the conceptual framework and these propositions provide the logical relationship among the maintenance strategies formulation, selection among the formulated strategies and the implementation of these strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptual framework developed in this paper for maintenance strategy formulation and selection is yet to be empirically tested. The proposed framework can be tested in various industries.

Practical implications

– Literature study on maintenance strategy formulation and selection has so far been very limited. Maintenance strategy selection is a critical decision-making problem for the maintenance managers working in the process plant, manufacturing companies, etc. The conceptual framework proposed in this paper will help maintenance managers to asses, formulate, select suitable maintenance strategy and implement for their organization.

Originality/value

– The paper provides comprehensive study on maintenance strategy problem which will be useful to researchers, maintenance managers and other professionals in various industries such as process industry, manufacturing industry, etc., to understand maintenance strategy selection problem and implementation of maintenance strategy.