bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond distances in polypeptide backbones depend on the local conformation
Authors: Improta Roberto , Vitagliano Luigi , Esposito Luciana
Published: May 2015

By combining quantum-mechanical analysis of small model peptides and statistical surveys of high-resolution protein structures, a systematic conformational dependence of bond lengths in polypeptide backbones has been unveiled which involves both the peptide bond (C—O and C—N) and those bonds centred on the Cα atom. All of these bond lengths indeed display a systematic variability in the ψ angle according to both calculations and surveys of protein structures. The overall agreement between the computed and the statistical data suggests that these trends are essentially driven by local effects. The dependence of Cα distances on ψ is governed by interactions between the σ system of the Cα moiety and the C—O π system of the peptide bond. Maximum and minimum values for each bond distance are found for conformations with the specific bond perpendicular and parallel to the adjacent CONH peptide plane, respectively. On the other hand, the variability of the C—O and C—N distances is related to the strength of the interactions between the lone pair of the N atom and the C—O π* system, which is modulated by the ψ angle. The C—O and C—N distances are related but their trends are not strictly connected to peptide-bond planarity, although a correlation amongst all of these parameters is expected on the basis of the classical resonance model.
The structure of Aquifex aeolicus FtsH in the ADP-bound state reveals a C
2-symmetric hexamer
Authors: Vostrukhina Marina , Popov Alexander , Brunstein Elena , Lanz Martin A. , Baumgartner Renato , Bieniossek Christoph , Schacherl Magdalena , Baumann Ulrich
Published: May 2015

The crystal structure of a truncated, soluble quadruple mutant of FtsH from Aquifex aeolicus comprising the AAA and protease domains has been determined at 2.96 Å resolution in space group I222. The protein crystallizes as a hexamer, with the protease domain forming layers in the ab plane. Contacts between these layers are mediated by the AAA domains. These are highly disordered in one crystal form, but are clearly visible in a related form with a shorter c axis. Here, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is bound to each subunit and the AAA ring exhibits twofold symmetry. The arrangement is different from the ADP-bound state of an analogously truncated, soluble FtsH construct from Thermotoga maritima. The pore is completely closed and the phenylalanine residues in the pore line a contiguous path. The protease hexamer is very similar to those described for other FtsH structures. To resolve certain open issues regarding a conserved glycine in the linker between the AAA and protease domains, as well as the active-site switch β-strand, mutations have been introduced in the full-length membrane-bound protein. Activity analysis of these point mutants reveals the crucial importance of these residues for proteolytic activity and is in accord with previous interpretation of the active-site switch and the importance of the linker glycine residue.
Structural bases for N-glycan processing by mannoside phosphorylase
Authors: Ladevèze Simon , Cioci Gianluca , Roblin Pierre , Mourey Lionel , Tranier Samuel , Potocki-Véronèse Gabrielle
Published: May 2015

The first crystal structure of Uhgb_MP, a β-1,4-mannopyranosyl-chitobiose phosphorylase belonging to the GH130 family which is involved in N-glycan degradation by human gut bacteria, was solved at 1.85 Å resolution in the apo form and in complex with mannose and N-acetylglucosamine. SAXS and crystal structure analysis revealed a hexameric structure, a specific feature of GH130 enzymes among other glycoside phosphorylases. Mapping of the −1 and +1 subsites in the presence of phosphate confirmed the conserved Asp104 as the general acid/base catalytic residue, which is in agreement with a single-step reaction mechanism involving Man O3 assistance for proton transfer. Analysis of this structure, the first to be solved for a member of the GH130_2 subfamily, revealed Met67, Phe203 and the Gly121–Pro125 loop as the main determinants of the specificity of Uhgb_MP and its homologues towards the N-glycan core oligosaccharides and mannan, and the molecular bases of the key role played by GH130 enzymes in the catabolism of dietary fibre and host glycans.
Theoretical study of the properties of X-ray diffraction moiré fringes. I
Authors: Yoshimura Jun-ichi
Published: May 2015

A detailed and comprehensive theoretical description of X-ray diffraction moiré fringes for a bicrystal specimen is given on the basis of a calculation by plane-wave dynamical diffraction theory. Firstly, prior to discussing the main subject of the paper, a previous article [Yoshimura (1997).Acta Cryst.A53, 810–812] on the two-dimensionality of diffraction moiré patterns is restated on a thorough calculation of the moiré interference phase. Then, the properties of moiré fringes derived from the above theory are explained for the case of a plane-wave diffraction image, where the significant effect ofPendellösungintensity oscillation on the moiré pattern when the crystal is strained is described in detail with theoretically simulated moiré images. Although such plane-wave moiré images are not widely observed in a nearly pure form, knowledge of their properties is essential for the understanding of diffraction moiré fringes in general.
Complementing clusters: a competitiveness rationale for infrastructure investments
Authors: Sasson Amir , Reve Torger
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel application of cluster theory and cluster methodology to evaluate large infrastructure investments. The complementing clusters approach, which builds on the notion of infrastructure as connecting isolated “economic islands”, is able to assess the potential for value creation effects of new infrastructure investment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author uses simulation analysis based on a unique data set encompassing all employees and employers, as well as cluster mapping, for every pair of “economic islands” being connected by the examined infrastructure investments. The empirical setting is of large fjord crossings in Western Norway, the so-called E39 project.

Findings

– The empirical findings show that productivity gains are higher when an integrated labor market hosting complementary clusters is formed. Limitations remain regarding the economic integration path.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors provide an ex-ante analysis using information over the past 10 years. Following the expected infrastructure investments, future research should examine the extent to which productivity gains materialized and the reasons underlying the achieved materialization levels.

Practical implications

– Current evaluation of large infrastructure investments focuses on transportation economics effects, technical feasibility and environmental consequences. The authors complement this current practice by advancing a theoretically grounded value creation perspective that can affect future evaluation practices.

Originality/value

– Cluster complementarity-based evaluation is a novel methodology that is applicable to investment decisions which are central for economic development. Cluster analysis of infrastructure investments provides new and valuable data for making such investments decisions.
The effectiveness of Baitul Maal wat Tamwil in reducing poverty
Authors: Adnan Muhammad  Akhyar , Ajija Shochrul Rohmatul
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) in reducing poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study approach on BMT MMU Sidogiri (located at East Java Province) is taken. Two important and dominating products of BMT MMU Sidogiri (i.e. ba’i bithaman ‘ajil (BBA) and mudarabah) are examined carefully on how much they have helped the customers in reducing their poverty. The paper goes beyond data measurement using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and some poverty measurement indexes such as headcount index; poverty gap; Sen index; and Foster, Greer and Thorbecke Index to investigate the effectiveness of the BMT in reducing poverty.

Findings

– This paper reveals that BMT financing is effective in reducing poverty. Most of respondents can increase their income after receiving BMT financing. Products of BMT, especially BBA and mudarabah, to empower the poor in various productive businesses have been able to reduce the extent and severity of poverty. This paper also discloses some interesting and important findings related with how BMT’s work, so that it can contribute more to the knowledge enrichment, as well as the development of BMTs, in general, in realising their mission.

Originality/value

– The establishment of the so-called BMT in the form of an Islamic microfinance is intended initially to effectively help the poor. At present, there are around 3,874 BMTs operating around the country. Although the BMTs have been existing since more than ten years, no research has been conducted to examine their effectiveness in alleviating the poverty. This study in aimed at fulfilling this important gap.
Conceptualizing the duties and roles of auditors in Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Othman Radiah , Ameer Rashid
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the role and responsibilities of Shari’ah auditors in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in the auditing process in the IFIs, to highlight capacity building challenges in the Shari’ah auditing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used a legitimacy theory to understand linkages between demand for Shari’ah audit and the role of Shari’ah auditors in IFIs complemented with the review the Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions and Auditing Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions to understand the Shari’ah audit work requirements from an Islamic perspective.

Findings

– Shari’ah auditing is an emerging field of investigation. There is no doubt that conventional auditing has a significant influence on the auditing frameworks used in IFIs. Western auditing practices are undergoing a metamorphosis to meet the needs of stakeholders in the Islamic economic system. The role and responsibilities of auditors in IFIs are much broader than those found in conventional banks in relation to an examination of a variety of contracts, product structures, transactions reporting, preparation of financial statements, reports, marketing circulars and any other legal documents, which are pertinent to IFIs’ operations.

Practical implications

– We posit that the absence of a proper Shari’ah auditing framework and standards attuned to the needs of an Islamic economic system could dampen the future of the Islamic finance industry. The regulators and management of IFIs should meet the expectations of the stakeholders to whom they owe a duty of care by selecting competent professionals for auditing work, along with transparent policies and systems.

Originality/value

– This paper presents an attempt to establish auditors’ roles and responsibilities from an Islamic perspective.
The concept of scarcity and its influence on the definitions of Islamic economics
Authors: Wahbalbari Amir , Bahari Zakaria , Mohd-Zaharim Norzarina
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to reconcile the diverging opinions among Islamic economists toward the concept of scarcity and to present a holistic model of scarcity and abundance from a Qur’anic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analyses of both interviews and texts were performed. The method in studying scarcity from Islamic perspective consisted of semi-structured interview with five experts in the field of Islamic economics and development.

Findings

– One major implication of this study is that the concept of scarcity as it is postulated by mainstream economics tends to clash with the Islamic worldview, as it does not have any reference in Islam. Scarcity can act as a phenomenon in economic activities but not as the defining concept in Islamic economics.

Practical implications

– Practically, this paper will contribute to the making of the first lecture of the course of Islamic economics.

Social implications

– Socially, this paper will contribute to the process of transforming the science of economics and Islamic economics for a sustainable tomorrow.

Originality/value

– This paper is a fundamental paper that addresses some aspects from critical realism and transcendental idealism into the making of Islamic economics. Not only that the discussion on the concept of scarcity in Islamic economics is limited and seems to be lacking; in addition, this paper offers a critical discussion on the validity of the concept of scarcity in economics from a critical perspective.
Purchasing alignment under multiple contingencies: a configuration theory approach
Authors: Mikalef Patrick , Pateli Adamantia , Batenburg Ronald S. , Wetering Rogier van de
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Strategic alignment is a theory-based state that is considered as crucial for organizations in order to realize performance gains from information technology (IT) investments and deployments. Within the domain of purchasing and supply chain management there has been a growing interest on how purchasing strategy can be effectively aligned with IT and what conditions facilitate this state. The purpose of this paper is to investigate complex causal relationships of contingency elements that are key in enabling the “fit” between purchasing strategy and IT.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs a configuration theory approach and propose that purchasing alignment is dependent upon patterns of multiple contingencies. In adherence with contingency theory, the authors group these elements as relating to strategic orientation, organizational factors, and purchasing decisions. On a sample of 172 international companies the authors then apply the novel methodology of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

– The paper empirically demonstrates that depending on the strategic orientation that a company follows, there are alternative combinations of elements that lead to high purchasing alignment. For companies following an operational excellence strategic orientation, a high contract binding scheme, or a small firm size facilitates purchasing alignment. Enabling elements for product leadership companies include a decentralized purchasing structure, a broad supplier base, and a large firm size. Purchasing alignment for customer intimacy companies is supported by a centralized purchasing structure, loose contract binding, and a large supplier base.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study suggest that practitioners aiming to attain a state of purchasing alignment should consider a number of contingency elements in the process. The paper shows that there is equifinality in the configurations that lead to purchasing alignment. This means that attaining purchasing alignment is dependent upon various clusters of contingency elements which must be taken into account when formulating a purchasing strategy.

Originality/value

– In contrast with past studies examining purchasing alignment as a result of the isolated impact of several antecedents, we applied a configuration theory approach to demonstrate that it is facilitated by the combined impact of a set of cause-effect relationships. In cases were non-linear and synergistic relationships exist between independent variables, this type of research may be a viable alternative.
Designing a preference-based accommodation strategy
Authors: Arkesteijn Monique , Valks Bart , Binnekamp Ruud , Barendse Peter , De Jonge Hans
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the development and test of such a design method to achieve alignment, which utilises the preference-based accommodation strategy (PAS) design procedure. One of the long-standing issues in the field of corporate real estate management is the alignment of an organisation’s real estate to its corporate strategy. A classification of alignment models shows that no model yet exists that is able to design a real estate portfolio and makes use of scales for direct measurement of added value/preference, and allows the aggregation of individual ratings into an overall performance rating.

Design/methodology/approach

– To perform the steps in the PAS design procedure, a mathematical model is designed and tested according to formal design principles. The PAS design procedure is iteratively repeated with the participants in a series of interviews and workshops. In the interviews, the participants determine their preferences and constraints as prescribed in the procedure; in the workshops, they design alternative portfolios using the mathematical model. The objective of the research is to formulate, test and evaluate if participants are able to perform the PAS design procedure.

Findings

– A methodology is developed for designing a real estate strategy that uses explicit scales for measuring value/preference and enables aggregating individual preference ratings into an overall rating taking into account both quantitative and qualitative portfolio properties. The tests of this design method with the participants reveal that by completing the steps in the PAS design procedure, users are able to determine their preferences accordingly. They were also able to design an alternative portfolio with a higher overall preference score than the current real estate portfolio. In addition, the design method is evaluated positively by the participants based on their experiences, the attractiveness of the method and perception of effectiveness of the method.

Research limitations/implications

– The positive results suggest that designing a strategy by using the PAS design procedure is a suitable approach to alignment.

Practical implications

– The PAS design procedure enables corporate real estate (CRE) managers to determine the added value of a real estate strategy. Because the PAS design method is generic, it can be used for a wide range of real estate portfolios.

Originality/value

– The first CRE alignment model uses stakeholders preferences to design a more optimal real estate strategy.
A qualitative investigation of Foundation Year 2 doctors’ views on the European Working Time Directive
Authors: Duncan Myanna , Haslam Cheryl
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the personal views and experiences of Foundation Year 2 doctors operating under the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 36 Foundation Year 2 doctors from a single UK-based Deanery participated in this semistructured interview study.

Findings

– Findings indicated that Foundation doctors typically welcomed a regulation of working hours, but reported frustration at the manner in which the Directive had been implemented. Participants reported concerns at reducing hours by removing out-of-hours working in order to meet EWTD requirements. Out-of-hours shifts were highly valued owing to their increased opportunities for autonomous clinical decision making. By contrast, day-shifts were regarded as heavily administrative in nature and were perceived as service provision. Foundation doctors discussed the unique nature of the out-of-hours working period which appeared to provide specific learning opportunities as doctors draw on time management and prioritisation skills.

Originality/value

– Given the challenges the EWTD presents, careful rota planning is essential. First, the authors would encourage the restructuring of day-shift work to provide a greater emphasis on hands-on skills experience in a supportive, supervised environment. Second, where possible, Foundation doctors might benefit from the opportunity to engage in some out-of-hours working, such as with multi-professional “Hospital at Night” teams. Third, the authors would encourage junior doctor involvement in rota design and planning which may increase their perceived autonomy and therefore buy-in of working practices.
Self-control at work: its relationship with contextual performance
Authors: de Boer Benjamin J. , van Hooft Edwin A. J. , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Individuals differ in their levels of self-control. Trait self-control has been found to relate positively to desirable and negatively to undesirable behaviors in contexts like physical health, academic performance, and criminality. The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of trait self-control in work-settings. The authors distinguished between two types of self-control, stop-control (inhibitory control) and start-control (initiatory control), and tested their differential validity in predicting contextual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In two independent employee samples, stop-control, start-control, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), personal initiative, and proactive coping were measured. Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) was added in Study 2.

Findings

– Results showed that only start-control was positively related to OCB, personal initiative, and proactive coping. Both stop-control and start-control were negatively related to CWB.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings support the validity of distinguishing between stop-control and start-control, suggesting that self-control theory and models should be refined to incorporate this distinction. Limitations include the correlational design and self-report measures. Although results were similar across two independent studies, future research is needed to test the generalizability of the conclusions in other settings, using non-self-report data.

Practical implications

– The distinction between stop-control and start-control may help organizations in selecting staff and assigning tasks.

Originality/value

– The present research introduces the distinction between two conceptually different types of self-control (stop-control and start-control), demonstrating their relevance to work-related behavior.
Work-related stress factors and health management among Korean workers with diabetes
Authors: Han Tae Young , Cotter Kelly A
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test a model in which emotional and work-related conflicts associated with diabetes contribute to health management efficacy and behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors investigated 193 Korean employees with diabetes in a two-phased longitudinal study (101 participants were retained at Time 2).

Findings

– After controlling for severity of diabetes (HbA1C), structural equation modelling revealed that higher work-health conflict (a proxy for demand) and higher inauthenticity at work (a proxy for control) were associated with more diabetes-related distress at Time 1. Results also revealed support for longitudinal mediation, such that more diabetes-related distress at Time 1 predicted lower health management efficacy one year later (at Time 2), which was associated with less health management behaviour at Time 2.

Research limitations/implications

– Results support the importance of applying the biopsychosocial perspective to diabetes management through the use of subjective measures of demand and control.

Practical implications

– Suggestions are provided for occupational programmes for workers with disease, including on-site education, health-management training, and flexible job redesign such as telecommuting.

Originality/value

– Research in workers with diabetes for stress relief and disease management.
Unlocking the potential barriers on SMEs’ uptake of scenario planning
Authors: Nyuur Richard B.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the value of scenario planning to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), and further examine the challenges constraining the uptake of scenario planning by SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual review of the literature on scenario planning in SMEs intended to unpack and capture the possible underlying reasons accounting for the limited uptake of scenario planning by managers/owners of SMEs has informed the formulation of this paper.

Findings

– The study uncovered that SMEs’ managerial mental models, SMEs’ managerial time orientation, severe resource constraints, and industry complexity are some of the salient factors inhibiting the use of scenario planning among managers/owners of SMEs. The author develops a framework of propositions that account for the complexity and challenges of scenario planning by SMEs for future empirical examination and validation.

Originality/value

– The conventional wisdom is that scenario planning is carried out by large and established firms, and that SMEs are unable to adopt and practice the technique. This paper uncovers that SME have substantial needs for scenario planning, but are only able to engage in simple foresight activities such as brainstorming, desk research, networking and expert interviews to monitor their external environment. They are unable to effectively use scenario planning in its purest form as in large firms. By bringing together the reasons accounting for the difficulty of SMEs to practice scenario planning in its purest form as large firms do, the study therefore extends the limited discourse on scenario planning among SMEs. Implications are discussed and areas for future empirical studies provided.
Organizational practices to develop strategic thinking
Authors: Goldman Ellen F. , Scott Andrea R. , Follman Joseph M.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices used by organizations to develop the strategic thinking ability of their leaders, managers, and other employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– A basic interpretive study was conducted with human resource (HR) executives across a broad range of large organizations. Participants were interviewed, and general information about their organization and its programs was reviewed. Findings were verified via member checks and triangulation.

Findings

– Organizations make limited use of the range of approaches to develop strategic thinking, many indirectly supporting its development via general leadership programs. Most approaches are experiential and focused on elites. Use of the literature, evaluation, and ties to competency models are very limited.

Research limitations/implications

– The study only provides indications of potential generalizations, but offers access to issues that cannot be identified without an in-depth analysis.

Practical implications

– The findings identify major gaps in the practices utilized to develop strategic thinking and the related competency framing and evaluation processes. As such, the study exposes opportunities to extend what is known about effective leadership development programs specifically to the development of strategic thinking.

Originality/value

– The study fills a gap in the literature regarding specific ways organizations formally and informally develop the strategic thinking of their leaders, managers, and other employees. In so doing, it provides a catalyst for strategy and HR executives and scholars to come together to improve the development of this often absent ability.
The development of strategy scenarios based on prospective hindsight
Authors: Meissner Philip , Wulf Torsten
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Research focussed on the scenario method has increasingly criticized the widely used intuitive logics (IL) approach to scenario development and introduced enhanced approaches, such as the backwards logic method (BLM) or the antifragile (AF) method, to overcome the restrictions associated with the IL approach. The BLM and the AF method have contributed to the further development of the scenario method by integrating backward reasoning and by increasing the method’s effectiveness for decision making. The purpose of this paper is to build on these ideas and introduce strategy scenarios as a further enhancement of the scenario method that directly applies the benefits of scenario-based planning to strategy development in corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors argue that the existing methodologies do not fully integrate the benefits of scenario-based planning for strategic decision making and strategy development, as they mostly aim to develop macroenvironmental scenarios and test organizations’ existing strategies.

Findings

– The paper suggests that changing the scope of scenario planning from environmental developments to the organization’s strategies themselves can further strengthen the method’s effectiveness for decision making.

Originality/value

– The strategy scenario approach provides an enhanced approach to more comprehensively utilize the benefits of scenario-based reasoning for strategic decision making.
From corporate social responsibility, through entrepreneurial orientation, to knowledge sharing
Authors: Tuan Luu Trong
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the role of antecedents such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and entrepreneurial orientation in the chain effect to knowledge sharing among members of Cai Luong theatre companies in the Vietnamese context. Knowledge sharing contributes to the depth of the knowledge pool of both the individuals and the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The relationships among the constructs in the research model were established through structural equation modelling (SEM)-based analysis of cross-sectional data from 226 respondents of Cai Luong theatre companies in Vietnam.

Findings

– From research findings emerged the empirical proof for the positive effect of CSR on entrepreneurial orientation, which, in turn, contributes to the sharing of knowledge among theatre members.

Originality/value

– Research findings increase the breadth of knowledge management literature through the role of CSR and entrepreneurial orientation as activators of knowledge sharing.
Release of ecologically relevant metabolites by the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus CCMP 1631
Authors: Fiore Cara L. , Longnecker Krista , Kido Soule Melissa C. , Kujawinski Elizabeth B.
Published: May 2015

Photoautotrophic plankton in the surface ocean release organic compounds that fuel secondary production by heterotrophic bacteria. Here we show that an abundant marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus, contributes a variety of nitrogen‐rich and sulfur‐containing compounds to dissolved organic matter. A combination of targeted and untargeted metabolomics and genomic tools was used to characterize the intracellular and extracellular metabolites of S. elongatus. Aromatic compounds, such as 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid and phenylalanine, as well as nucleosides (e.g. thymidine, 5′‐methylthioadenosine, xanthosine), the organosulfur compound 3‐mercaptopropionate, and the plant auxin indole 3‐acetic acid, were released by S. elongatus at multiple time points during its growth. Further, the amino acid kynurenine was found to accumulate in the media even though it was not present in the predicted metabolome of S. elongatus. This indicates that some metabolites, including those not predicted by an organism's genome, are likely excreted into the environment as waste; however, these molecules may have broader ecological relevance if they are labile to nearby microbes. The compounds described herein provide excellent targets for quantitative analysis in field settings to assess the source and lability of dissolved organic matter in situ.
Effectiveness of Active Packaging on Control of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Total Aerobic Bacteria on Iceberg Lettuce
Authors: Lu Haixia , Zhu Junli , Li Jianrong , Chen Jinru
Published: May 2015

Contaminated leafy green vegetables have been linked to several outbreaks of human gastrointestinal infections. Antimicrobial interventions that are adoptable by the fresh produce industry for control of pathogen contamination are in great demand. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of sustained active packaging on control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and total aerobic bacteria on lettuce. Commercial Iceberg lettuce was inoculated with a 3‐strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 at 102 or 104 CFU/g. The contaminated lettuce and un‐inoculated controls were placed respectively in 5 different active packaging structures. Traditional, nonactive packaging structure was included as controls. Packaged lettuce was stored at 4, 10, or 22 °C for 3 wk and sampled weekly for the population of E. coli O157:H7 and total aerobic bacteria. Results showed that packaging structures with ClO2 generator, CO2 generator, or one of the O2 scavengers effectively controlled the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and total aerobic bacteria under all storage conditions. Packaging structure with the ClO2 generator was most effective and no E. coli O157:H7 was detected in samples packaged in this structure except for those that were inoculated with 4 log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7 and stored at 22 °C. Packaging structures with an oxygen scavenger and the allyl isothiocyanate generator were mostly ineffective in control of the growth of the bacteria on Iceberg lettuce. The research suggests that some of the packaging structures evaluated in the study can be used to control the presence of foodborne pathogens on leafy green vegetables.
Meanings of Intimacy: A Comparison of Members of Heterosexual and Same‐Sex Couples
Authors: Frost David M. , Gola Kelly A.
Published: May 2015

Arguments for restricting access to legal marriage for same‐sex couples are commonly based in claims about differences between heterosexual and same‐sex couples regarding the social and psychological meaning of marriage. This mixed methods study examined meanings of intimacy and relational experience in a purposive North American sample of members of long‐term heterosexual and same‐sex couples (N = 150) in order to examine the validity of meaning‐based justifications for restricted access to legal marriage. Guided autobiographical techniques elicited narrative accounts of four significant events in participants’ relationships. Directed Content Analyses revealed no detectable differences between members of heterosexual and same‐sex couples in multiple qualitative and quantitative indicators of the meaning of intimacy. Members of same‐sex couples, however, evidenced experiences of stigmatization more frequently than heterosexuals. By integrating theoretical and methodological approaches across psychological and sociological traditions within a mixed methods study, the present findings usefully inform ongoing policy debates regarding the legalization of same‐sex marriage.
Windows of achievement for development milestones of Sri Lankan infants and toddlers: estimation through statistical modelling
Authors: Thalagala N.
Published: May 2015

Background

The normative age ranges during which cohorts of children achieve milestones are called windows of achievement. The patterns of these windows of achievement are known to be both genetically and environmentally dependent. This study aimed to determine the windows of achievement for motor, social emotional, language and cognitive development milestones for infants and toddlers in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A set of 293 milestones identified through a literature review were subjected to content validation using parent and expert reviews, which resulted in the selection of a revised set of 277 milestones. Thereafter, a sample of 1036 children from 2 months to 30 months was examined to see whether or not they had attained the selected milestones. Percentile ages of attaining milestone were determined using a rearranged closed form equation related to the logistic regression. The parameters required for calculations were derived through the logistic regression of milestone achievement statuses against ages of children. These percentile ages were used to define the respective windows of achievement.

Results

A set of 178 robust indicators that represent motor, socio emotional, language and cognitive development skills and their windows of achievement relevant to 2 to 24 months of age were determined. Windows of achievement for six gross motor milestones determined in the study were shown to closely overlap a similar set of windows of achievement published by the World Health Organization indicating the validity of some findings.

Conclusions

A methodology combining the content validation based on qualitative techniques and age validation based on regression modelling found to be effective for determining age percentiles for realizing milestones and determining respective windows of achievement.
Characteristics of patients patch tested in the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) network, 2009–2012
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Frosch Peter , Duus Johansen Jeanne , Schuttelaar Marie‐Louise , Rustemeyer Thomas , Larese Filon Francesca , Dugonik Aleksandra , Bircher Andreas , Wilkinson Mark
Published: May 2015

Background

Patch test results often vary between departments, and also between countries. Such variation may be partly attributable to systematic effects introduced by patient characteristics, differing exposures, patient selection, or methodological differences.

Objective

To examine the amount of variation of patient characteristics in terms of the MOAHLFA index and of the proportion of patients with at least one positive reaction to the (European) baseline series (‘P’ measure), and to examine potential reasons for the variation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patch test data from 63 530 consultations collected by 53 departments from 12 countries participating in the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) (
www.essca‐dc.org) between 2009 and 2012.

Results

Considerable variation in the prevalence of the MOAHLFA factors between departments was found, caused, for example, by differing specializations (e.g. occupational dermatology) or patient characteristics. Notable variation concerning the ‘P’ measure was observed; however, larger national networks (contributing to the ESSCA) tend to have quite similar ranges of this measure.

Conclusions

Data from one department per country give valuable insights into the spectrum of contact allergy prevalence rates in that country, but are not as representative as national data pooled from several departments.
Synthesis, properties, and application of new benzothiazole‐based sensitisers in polymer chemistry
Authors: Kabatc Janina , Jurek Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

New photoinitiating systems composed of benzothiazolestyrylium dyes as chromophores and n‐butyltriphenylborate anion as electron donor were prepared and characterised. Photoredox pairs consisting of hemicyanine dyes and organoborate salts may act as visible‐light photoinitiators for the radical polymerisation of multifunctional acrylates. The efficiences of these photoinitiator systems are based on the free energy changes of an electron transfer from borate salt to the dye. Experimental results show that the photoinitiating ability of the photoredox pair tested strongly depends upon the reduction potential of hemicyanine dye, the oxidation potential of borate salt, and the structure of the dicationic dye.
The accelerating effect of a small cationic quaternary ammonium compound and the adsorption kinetics in the dyeing of silk with reactive dyes
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Xiu , Chen Cheng , Zhang Guang‐Xian , Zhong Ling , Zhang Yuan‐Song , Tan Su
Published: May 2015

In order to develop an eco‐friendly method for silk reactive dyeing that uses a lower accelerant dosage to achieve a higher dye fixation, hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride was synthesised as an accelerant for the dyeing of silk with reactive dyes. The accelerating effect, corresponding adsorption kinetics, and interaction mechanisms among hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride, reactive dyes, and silk were investigated. At hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride concentrations of 10.8–14.4 mm, the dye fixations for three reactive dyes were much higher than those achieved with sodium sulfate, even though the required dosages of hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride were 30–40 times lower than those of sodium sulfate. The wash fastness, rub fastness, light fastness, K/S, and colour difference values after dyeing with hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride were similar to those obtained using sodium sulfate, and silk can be dyed uniformly. The adsorption kinetics followed a second‐order kinetic model. The activation energies of surface adsorption for the three reactive dyes were lower than those of sodium sulfate. The high fixation of reactive dyestuffs and the low required dosage of hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride demonstrate that the use of this new accelerant provides a novel, highly efficient method for silk dyeing. A possible acceleration mechanism of hexyl dimethyl octyl ammonium chloride for reactive dyes adsorbed on the surface of silk was proposed, based on a series of activation parameters of the adsorption process.
Circumscribed cicatricial alopecia due to localized sarcoidal granulomas and single‐organ granulomatous arteritis: a case report and systematic review of sarcoidal vasculitis
Authors: Yazdani Abyaneh Mohammad‐Ali , Raghu Preethi , Kircher Kenneth , Kutzner Heinz , Alison Kortz , Carlson John Andrew
Published: May 2015

Vasculitis associated with sarcoid granulomas is an uncommon phenomenon. A 72‐year‐old female presented with an expanding region of circumscribed alopecia and scalp atrophy of 2 months duration. Biopsy showed non‐caseating granulomas, dermal thinning, loss of follicles, fibrosis and muscular vessels disrupted by mixed lymphocyte, macrophage and giant‐cell infiltrates. Affected vessels had loss and fragmentation of the elastic lamina, fibrous replacement of their walls and luminal stenosis (endarteritis obliterans). Dermal and vascular advential intralymphatic granulomas and lymphangiectases were found by D2‐40 expression, suggesting lymphatic obstruction and poor antigen clearance. No evidence of a post‐zoster eruption, systemic sarcoidosis or systemic giant‐cell arteritis was found. Two years later, prednisone had halted – but not reversed – progression of her alopecia. Review of the literature showed two types of vasculitis associated with sarcoid granulomas: (i) acute, self‐limited leukocytoclastic vasculitis and (ii) chronic granulomatous vasculitis (GV). Persistence of non‐degradable material or antigen contributes to the pathogenesis of granulomatous inflammation. In this case, lymphatic obstruction probably impeded clearance of nonimmunologic and/or immunologic stimuli permitting and sustaining the development of sarcoid granulomas and sarcoid GV, ultimately causing scarring alopecia and cutaneous atrophy.
Short‐term risk of cancer among women with previous gestational diabetes: a population‐based study
Authors: Bejaimal S. A. D. , Wu C. F. , Lowe J. , Feig D. S. , Shah B. R. , Lipscombe L. L.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between gestational diabetes (GDM) and incidence of cancer in women within the first decade postpartum.

Methods

This population‐based retrospective cohort study compared the risk of cancer in women with GDM with that of a matched control group comprising pregnant women without diabetes. We included women from Ontario, Canada aged 20–50 years with no history of cancer who had given birth between 1995 and 2008 (N = 149 049). Women with GDM (N = 49 684) were matched on age and year of giving birth, in a ratio of 1:2, to pregnant women without diabetes (N = 99 365).

Results

Over a median 8‐year follow‐up, there were a total of 2927 (1.5%) cancers. After adjustment for covariates, we found no significant difference in overall risk of cancer between women with GDM and matched control subjects; however, GDM was associated with a significantly greater risk of thyroid cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.05, 1.46) and a significantly lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.98) compared with matched control subjects.

Conclusions

This large population‐based study did not find a greater risk of cancers among women with GDM during the first decade postpartum; however, GDM was associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer and a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Measurement of small fibre pain threshold values for the early detection of diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Kukidome D. , Nishikawa T. , Sato M. , Igata M. , Kawashima J. , Shimoda S. , Matsui K. , Obayashi K. , Ando Y. , Araki E.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To investigate whether Aδ and C fibre pain threshold values, measured using intra‐epidermal electrical stimulation (IES), in people with and without Type 2 diabetes are useful in evaluating diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) severity.

Methods

Aδ and C fibre pain threshold values were measured in Japanese people with (n = 120) and without (n = 76) Type 2 diabetes by IES. Nerve conduction studies and other tests were performed to evaluate diabetic complications.

Results

Aδ and C fibre pain threshold values were high in people with diabetes compared with control subjects (Aδ fibre: 0.050 vs. 0.030 mA, P < 0.01; C fibre: 0.180 vs. 0.070 mA, P < 0.01). Participants with diabetes and neuropathy had significantly higher Aδ and C fibre pain threshold values than participants without neuropathy (Aδ fibres 0.063 vs. 0.039 mA, P < 0.01; C fibres 0.202 vs. 0.098 mA, P < 0.05). C fibre pain threshold values were significantly higher in participants with diabetes and diabetic microvascular complications than in participants without complications. Threshold values increased with complication progression. When DPN was diagnosed according to the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan criteria, the cut‐off for the C fibre pain threshold values was 0.125 mA (area under the curve 0.758, sensitivity 81.5%, specificity 61.5%). The IES test took less time (P < 0.01) and was less invasive (P < 0.01) than the nerve conduction studies.

Conclusions

Intra‐epidermal electrical stimulation is a non‐invasive and easy measurement of small fibre pain threshold values. It may be clinically useful for C fibre measurement to diagnose early DPN as defined by the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan criteria.