bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiology of Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Carcillo Joseph A. , Podd Bradley , Aneja Rajesh , Weiss Scott L. , Hall Mark W. , Cornell Timothy T. , Shanley Thomas P. , Doughty Lesley A. , Nguyen Trung C.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To describe the pathophysiology associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children.

Data Sources:

Literature review, research data, and expert opinion.

Study Selection:

Not applicable.

Data Extraction:

Moderated by an experienced expert from the field, pathophysiologic processes associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children were described, discussed, and debated with a focus on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities.

Data Synthesis:

Summary of presentations and discussion supported and supplemented by relevant literature.

Conclusions:

Experiment modeling suggests that persistent macrophage activation may be a pathophysiologic basis for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome have 1) reduced cytochrome P450 metabolism inversely proportional to inflammation; 2) increased circulating damage-associated molecular pattern molecules from injured tissues; 3) increased circulating pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules from infection or endogenous microbiome; and 4) cytokine-driven epithelial, endothelial, mitochondrial, and immune cell dysfunction. Cytochrome P450s metabolize endogenous compounds and xenobiotics, many of which ameliorate inflammation, whereas damage-associated molecular pattern molecules and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules alone and together amplify the cytokine production leading to the inflammatory multiple organ dysfunction syndrome response. Genetic and environmental factors can impede inflammation resolution in children with a spectrum of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome pathobiology phenotypes. Thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients have extensive endothelial activation and thrombotic microangiopathy with associated oligogenic deficiencies in inhibitory complement and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13. Sequential multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients have soluble Fas ligand-Fas–mediated hepatic failure with associated oligogenic deficiencies in perforin and granzyme signaling. Immunoparalysis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients have impaired ability to resolve infection and have associated environmental causes of lymphocyte apoptosis. These inflammation phenotypes can lead to macrophage activation syndrome. Resolution of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome requires elimination of the source of inflammation. Full recovery of organ functions is noted 6–18 weeks later when epithelial, endothelial, mitochondrial, and immune cell regeneration and reprogramming is completed.
Diagnosis of an Intraventricular Cyst Using Point-of-Care Cranial Ultrasound in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Doctor Kaynan , Cohen Joanna S.
Published: March 2017

A 2-month-old previously healthy male infant presents with 2 days of unusual eye movements and increased fatigue. During evaluation in the pediatric emergency department, point-of-care cranial ultrasound identified a cyst-like mass. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a cyst within the third ventricle causing obstructive hydrocephalus.
High Concentration of C-Reactive Protein Is Associated With Serious Bacterial Infection in Previously Healthy Children Aged 3 to 36 Months With Fever and Extreme Leukocytosis
Authors: Kim Jung Heon , Lee Jeong-Yong , Cho Hyung-Rae , Lee Jong Seung , Ryu Jeong-Min , Lee Jina
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile children aged 3 to 36 months with extreme leukocytosis (EL), defined as a peripheral white blood cell count of 25,000 to 49,999/mm3.

Methods

The presence of SBI was reviewed in previously healthy children aged 3 to 36 months with a fever of 39°C or higher and EL, who visited a tertiary care hospital emergency department between September 2010 and August 2015. We measured cutoff values of CRP with corresponding likelihood ratios (LRs) and posttest probabilities (PPs).

Results

Of 9989 febrile children, 4252 (42.6%) underwent assays for white blood cell and CRP. Of 233 (5.5%) children with EL, 133 (3.1%) were enrolled, of whom 43 (32.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.0%–40.7%) had SBI, including 33 pyelonephritis, 5 deep abscesses, 3 lobar pneumonia, and 2 soft tissue infections. With the cutoff of 7.8 mg/dL, the sensitivity of CRP in predicting SBI was 81.4% (95% CI, 67.4%–90.3%); the specificity, 80.0% (95% CI, 70.6%–87.0%); the positive predictive value, 66.0% (95% CI, 52.6%–77.3%); the negative predictive value, 90.0% (95% CI, 81.5%–94.9%); the positive LR, 4.1; and the PP, 66.0% (95% CI, 55.6%–75.0%). A CRP concentration of 16.1 mg/dL or higher yielded an LR of 11.2 and a PP of 84.2% (95% CI, 62.1%–94.5%). A CRP concentration of lower than 3.4 mg/dL yielded an LR of 0.05 and a PP of 2.4% (95% CI, 0.3%–14.6%).

Conclusions

High concentration of CRP is strongly associated with the presence of SBI in febrile children with EL.
Ewings Sarcoma
Authors: Wells Jordee M. , Spencer Sandra P.
Published: March 2017

The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors typically appears in the second decade of life with regional pain and swelling of a long bone. The following case presents a pediatric patient, aged 4 years, given a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma of the rib with the initial presentation of respiratory distress, hypoxia, and pleural effusion. Respiratory distress accounts for a large majority of emergency department visits annually, so it is the distinct responsibility of the emergency department physician to avoid premature closure in attributing the most common diagnoses to account for the presenting symptoms. In this case, the careful study of the initial radiographic findings led to further identification and characterization of the mass through thoracic computed tomography to suggest Ewing sarcoma, despite the patient's unlikely demographics and presentation.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Gout
Authors: Essex Margaret Noyes , Hopps Markay , Bienen E. Jay , Udall Margarita , Mardekian Jack , Makinson Geoffrey T.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between serum uric acid (SUA) and newly emergent acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), composite cardiovascular (CV) events (AMI, CHF, CAD), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and renal disease in gout patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from Humedica identified adults (≥18 years) with 2 or moreInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modificationcodes for gout 30 days or more apart (first diagnosis = index event) having 1 or more SUA assessment on or after the index date, and at least 6 months preindex and at least 12 months postindex enrollment. Outcomes were measured during 12 months postindex; patients with preindex events were excluded from analysis of those events. The SUA level (0.01–4.00 mg/dL, 4.01–6.00 mg/dL, 6.01–8.00 mg/dL, and ≥8.01 mg/dL) was determined using the closest laboratory assessment before or on the date of the CV event. Tukey-Kramer comparisons were performed for pairs of SUA strata and Cox proportional model estimated hazard ratios.

Results

A significantly higher incidence of AMI, CHF, and renal disease was observed for patients with 8.01 mg/dL or greater relative to other SUA levels (P< 0.0001), and a significantly higher incidence of composite CV events (AMI, CHF, and CAD) was observed for hypouricemia (SUA, 0.01–4.00 mg/dL) compared with other SUA levels (P< 0.0001). Cox models confirmed the increased risk associated with SUA 8.01 mg/dL or greater; hazard ratios ranged from 1.16 for hypertension to 2.04 for renal disease. Hyperlipidemia and hypertension were diagnosed concurrently with gout in 24% and 28% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Hyperuricemia and hypouricemia were associated with an increased risk of CV events.
Effect of Pregnancy and Delivery on Cytokine Expression in a Mouse Model of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Couri Bruna M. , Lenis Andrew T. , Borazjani Ali , Balog Brian M. , Kuang Mei , Butler Robert S. , Penn Marc S. , Damaser Margot S.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy and delivery mode on cytokine expression in the pelvic organs and serum of lysyl oxidase like-1 knockout (LOXL1 KO) mice, which develop pelvic organ prolapse after delivery.

Methods

Bladder, urethra, vagina, rectum, and blood were harvested from female LOXL1 KO mice during pregnancy, after vaginal or cesarean delivery, and from sham cesarean and unmanipulated controls. Pelvic organs and blood were also harvested from pregnant and vaginally delivered wild-type (WT) mice and from unmanipulated female virgin WT controls. Specimens were assessed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Both CXCL12 and CCL7 mRNA were significantly up-regulated in the vagina, urethra, bladder, and rectum of pregnant LOXL1 KO mice compared with pregnant WT mice, suggesting systemic dysregulation of both of these cytokines in LOXL1 KO mice as a response to pregnancy.

The differences in cytokine expression between LOXL1 KO and WT mice in pregnancy persisted after vaginal delivery. CCL7 gene expression increases faster and to a greater extent in LOXL1 KO mice, translating to longer lasting increases in CCL7 in serum of LOXL1 KO mice after vaginal delivery, compared with pregnant mice.

Conclusions

Lysyl oxidase like-1 KO mice have an increased cytokine response to pregnancy perhaps because they are less able to reform and re–cross-link stretched elastin to accommodate pups, and this resultant tissue stretches during pregnancy. The up-regulation of CCL7 after delivery could provide an indicator of level of childbirth injury, to which the urethra and vagina seem to be particularly vulnerable.
In vivo
imaging of coral tissue and skeleton with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wangpraseurt Daniel , Wentzel Camilla , Jacques Steven L. , Wagner Michael , Kühl Michael
Published: March 2017

Application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for
in vivo
imaging of tissue and skeleton structure of intact living corals enabled the non-invasive visualization of coral tissue layers (endoderm versus ectoderm), skeletal cavities and special structures such as mesenterial filaments and mucus release from intact living corals. Coral host chromatophores containing green fluorescent protein-like pigment granules appeared hyper-reflective to near-infrared radiation allowing for excellent optical contrast in OCT and a rapid characterization of chromatophore size, distribution and abundance.
In vivo
tissue plasticity could be quantified by the linear contraction velocity of coral tissues upon illumination resulting in dynamic changes in the live coral tissue surface area, which varied by a factor of 2 between the contracted and expanded state of a coral. Our study provides a novel view on the
in vivo
organization of coral tissue and skeleton and highlights the importance of microstructural dynamics for coral ecophysiology.
‘A portion of truth’: Demarcating the boundaries of scientific hypnotism in late nineteenth-century France
Authors: Hajek Kim M.
Published: March 2017

In
fin-de-siècle
France, hypnotism enjoyed an unprecedented level of medico-scientific legitimacy. Researchers studying hypnotism had nonetheless to manage relations between their new ‘science’ and its widely denigrated precursor,
magnétisme animal
, because too great a resemblance between the two could damage the reputation of ‘scientific’ hypnotism. They did so by engaging in the rhetorical activity of boundary-work. This paper analyses such demarcation strategies in major texts from the Salpêtrière and Nancy Schools – the rival groupings that dominated enquiry into hypnotism in the 1880s. Researchers from both Schools depicted
magnétisme
as ‘unscientific’ by emphasizing the magnetizers’ tendency to interpret phenomena in wondrous or supernatural terms. At the same time, they acknowledged and recuperated the ‘portions of truth’ hidden within the phantasmagoria of
magnétisme
; these ‘portions’ function as positive facts in the texts on hypnotism, immutable markers of an underlying natural order that accounts for similarities between phenomena of
magnétisme
and hypnotism. If this strategy allows for both continuities and discontinuities between the two fields, it also constrains the scope for theoretical speculation about hypnotism, as signalled, finally, by a reading of one fictional study of the question, Anatole France's ‘Monsieur Pigeonneau’.
The interpretation of mu suppression as an index of mirror neuron activity: past, present and future
Authors: Hobson Hannah M. , Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: March 2017

Mu suppression studies have been widely used to infer the activity of the human mirror neuron system (MNS) in a number of processes, ranging from action understanding, language, empathy and the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Although mu suppression is enjoying a resurgence of interest, it has a long history. This review aimed to revisit mu's past, and examine its recent use to investigate MNS involvement in language, social processes and ASDs. Mu suppression studies have largely failed to produce robust evidence for the role of the MNS in these domains. Several key potential shortcomings with the use and interpretation of mu suppression, documented in the older literature and highlighted by more recent reports, are explored here.
Dynamics of host populations affected by the emerging fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Authors: Schmidt Benedikt R. , Bozzuto Claudio , Lötters Stefan , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: March 2017

Emerging infectious diseases cause extirpation of wildlife populations. We use an epidemiological model to explore the effects of a recently emerged disease caused by the salamander-killing chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium salamandrivorans(Bsal) on host populations, and to evaluate which mitigation measures are most likely to succeed. As individuals do not recover fromBsal, we used a model with the states susceptible, latent and infectious, and parametrized the model using data on host and pathogen taken from the literature and expert opinion. The model suggested that disease outbreaks can occur at very low host densities (one female per hectare). This density is far lower than host densities in the wild. Therefore, all naturally occurring populations are at risk.Bsalcan lead to the local extirpation of the host population within a few months. Disease outbreaks are likely to fade out quickly. A spatial variant of the model showed that the pathogen could potentially spread rapidly. As disease mitigation during outbreaks is unlikely to be successful, control efforts should focus on preventing disease emergence and transmission between populations. Thus, this emerging wildlife disease is best controlled through prevention rather than subsequent actions.
Processing political misinformation: comprehending the Trump phenomenon
Authors: Swire Briony , Berinsky Adam J. , Lewandowsky Stephan , Ecker Ullrich K. H.
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the cognitive processing of true and false political information. Specifically, it examined the impact of source credibility on the assessment of veracity when information comes from a polarizing source (Experiment 1), and effectiveness of explanations when they come from one's own political party or an opposition party (Experiment 2). These experiments were conducted prior to the 2016 Presidential election. Participants rated their belief in factual and incorrect statements that President Trump made on the campaign trail; facts were subsequently affirmed and misinformation retracted. Participants then re-rated their belief immediately or after a delay. Experiment 1 found that (i) if information was attributed to Trump, Republican supporters of Trump believed it more than if it was presented without attribution, whereas the opposite was true for Democrats and (ii) although Trump supporters reduced their belief in misinformation items following a correction, they did not change their voting preferences. Experiment 2 revealed that the explanation's source had relatively little impact, and belief updating was more influenced by perceived credibility of the individual initially purporting the information. These findings suggest that people use political figures as a heuristic to guide evaluation of what is true or false, yet do not necessarily insist on veracity as a prerequisite for supporting political candidates.
Mixing of porpoise ecotypes in southwestern UK waters revealed by genetic profiling
Authors: Fontaine Michaël C. , Thatcher Oliver , Ray Nicolas , Piry Sylvain , Brownlow Andrew , Davison Nicholas J. , Jepson Paul , Deaville Rob , Goodman Simon J.
Published: March 2017

Contact zones between ecotypes are windows for understanding how species may react to climate changes. Here, we analysed the fine-scale genetic and morphological variation in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) around the UK by genotyping 591 stranded animals at nine microsatellite loci. The data were integrated with a prior study to map at high resolution the contact zone between two previously identified ecotypes meeting in the northern Bay of Biscay. Clustering and spatial analyses revealed that UK porpoises are derived from two genetic pools with porpoises from the southwestern UK being genetically differentiated, and having larger body sizes compared to those of other UK areas. Southwestern UK porpoises showed admixed ancestry between southern and northern ecotypes with a contact zone extending from the northern Bay of Biscay to the Celtic Sea and Channel. Around the UK, ancestry blends from one genetic group to the other along a southwest--northeast axis, correlating with body size variation, consistent with previously reported morphological differences between the two ecotypes. We also detected isolation by distance among juveniles but not in adults, suggesting that stranded juveniles display reduced intergenerational dispersal. The fine-scale structure of this admixture zone raises the question of how it will respond to future climate change and provides a reference point for further study.
Enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction on hybrids of cobalt phosphide and molybdenum phosphide
Authors: Fang Si-Ling , Chou Tsu-Chin , Samireddi Satyanarayana , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Chen Li-Chyong , Chen Wei-Fu
Published: March 2017

Production of hydrogen from water electrolysis has stimulated the search of sustainable electrocatalysts as possible alternatives. Recently, cobalt phosphide (CoP) and molybdenum phosphide (MoP) received great attention owing to their superior catalytic activity and stability towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) which rivals platinum catalysts. In this study, we synthesize and study a series of catalysts based on hybrids of CoP and MoP with different Co/Mo ratio. The HER activity shows a volcano shape and reaches a maximum for Co/Mo = 1. Tafel analysis indicates a change in the dominating step of Volmer–Hyrovský mechanism. Interestingly, X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed a major ternary interstitial hexagonal CoMoP
2
crystal phase is formed which enhances the electrochemical activity.
Epistatic interactions influence terrestrial–marine functional shifts in cetacean rhodopsin
Authors: Dungan Sarah Z. , Chang Belinda S. W.
Published: March 2017

Like many aquatic vertebrates, whales have blue-shifting spectral tuning substitutions in the dim-light visual pigment, rhodopsin, that are thought to increase photosensitivity in underwater environments. We have discovered that known spectral tuning substitutions also have surprising epistatic effects on another function of rhodopsin, the kinetic rates associated with light-activated intermediates. By using absorbance spectroscopy and fluorescence-based retinal release assays on heterologously expressed rhodopsin, we assessed both spectral and kinetic differences between cetaceans (killer whale) and terrestrial outgroups (hippo, bovine). Mutation experiments revealed that killer whale rhodopsin is unusually resilient to pleiotropic effects on retinal release from key blue-shifting substitutions (D83N and A292S), largely due to a surprisingly specific epistatic interaction between D83N and the background residue, S299. Ancestral sequence reconstruction indicated that S299 is an ancestral residue that predates the evolution of blue-shifting substitutions at the origins of Cetacea. Based on these results, we hypothesize that intramolecular epistasis helped to conserve rhodopsin's kinetic properties while enabling blue-shifting spectral tuning substitutions as cetaceans adapted to aquatic environments. Trade-offs between different aspects of molecular function are rarely considered in protein evolution, but in cetacean and other vertebrate rhodopsins, may underlie multiple evolutionary scenarios for the selection of specific amino acid substitutions.
Gaze-contingent reinforcement learning reveals incentive value of social signals in young children and adults
Authors: Vernetti Angélina , Smith Tim J. , Senju Atsushi
Published: March 2017

While numerous studies have demonstrated that infants and adults preferentially orient to social stimuli, it remains unclear as to what drives such preferential orienting. It has been suggested that the learned association between social cues and subsequent reward delivery might shape such social orienting. Using a novel, spontaneous indication of reinforcement learning (with the use of a gaze contingent reward-learning task), we investigated whether children and adults' orienting towards social and non-social visual cues can be elicited by the association between participants' visual attention and a rewarding outcome. Critically, we assessed whether the engaging nature of the social cues influences the process of reinforcement learning. Both children and adults learned to orient more often to the visual cues associated with reward delivery, demonstrating that cue–reward association reinforced visual orienting. More importantly, when the reward-predictive cue was social and engaging, both children and adults learned the cue–reward association faster and more efficiently than when the reward-predictive cue was social but non-engaging. These new findings indicate that social engaging cues have a positive incentive value. This could possibly be because they usually coincide with positive outcomes in real life, which could partly drive the development of social orienting.
Molecular clocks indicate turnover and diversification of modern coleoid cephalopods during the Mesozoic Marine Revolution
Authors: Tanner Alastair R. , Fuchs Dirk , Winkelmann Inger E. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Pankey M. Sabrina , Ribeiro Ângela M. , Kocot Kevin M. , Halanych Kenneth M. , Oakley Todd H. , da Fonseca Rute R. , Pisani Davide , Vinther Jakob
Published: March 2017

Coleoid cephalopod molluscs comprise squid, cuttlefish and octopuses, and represent nearly the entire diversity of modern cephalopods. Sophisticated adaptations such as the use of colour for camouflage and communication, jet propulsion and the ink sac highlight the unique nature of the group. Despite these striking adaptations, there are clear parallels in ecology between coleoids and bony fishes. The coleoid fossil record is limited, however, hindering confident analysis of the tempo and pattern of their evolution. Here we use a molecular dataset (180 genes, approx. 36 000 amino acids) of 26 cephalopod species to explore the phylogeny and timing of cephalopod evolution. We show that crown cephalopods diverged in the Silurian–Devonian, while crown coleoids had origins in the latest Palaeozoic. While the deep-sea vampire squid and dumbo octopuses have ancient origins extending to the Early Mesozoic Era, 242 ± 38 Ma, incirrate octopuses and the decabrachian coleoids (10-armed squid) diversified in the Jurassic Period. These divergence estimates highlight the modern diversity of coleoid cephalopods emerging in the Mesozoic Marine Revolution, a period that also witnessed the radiation of most ray-finned fish groups in addition to several other marine vertebrates. This suggests that that the origin of modern cephalopod biodiversity was contingent on ecological competition with marine vertebrates.
Surrogate taxa and fossils as reliable proxies of spatial biodiversity patterns in marine benthic communities
Authors: Tyler Carrie L. , Kowalewski Michał
Published: March 2017

Rigorous documentation of spatial heterogeneity (β-diversity) in present-day and preindustrial ecosystems is required to assess how marine communities respond to environmental and anthropogenic drivers. However, the overwhelming majority of contemporary and palaeontological assessments have centred on single higher taxa. To evaluate the validity of single taxa as community surrogates and palaeontological proxies, we compared macrobenthic communities and sympatric death assemblages at 52 localities in Onslow Bay (NC, USA). Compositional heterogeneity did not differ significantly across datasets based on live molluscs, live non-molluscs, and all live organisms. Death assemblages were less heterogeneous spatially, likely reflecting homogenization by time-averaging. Nevertheless, live and dead datasets were greater than 80% congruent in pairwise comparisons to the literature estimates of β-diversity in other marine ecosystems, yielded concordant bathymetric gradients, and produced nearly identical ordinations consistently delineating habitats. Congruent estimates from molluscs and non-molluscs suggest that single groups can serve as reliable community proxies. High spatial fidelity of death assemblages supports the emerging paradigm of Conservation Palaeobiology. Integrated analyses of ecological and palaeontological data based on surrogate taxa can quantify anthropogenic changes in marine ecosystems and advance our understanding of spatial and temporal aspects of biodiversity.
Active and poised promoter states drive folding of the extendedHoxBlocus in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Barbieri Mariano , Xie Sheila Q. , Torlai Triglia Elena , de Santiago Inês , Branco Miguel R. , Rueda David , Nicodemi Mario , Pombo Ana
Published: March 2017

Gene expression states influence the three-dimensional conformation of the genome through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we investigate the conformation of the murineHoxBlocus, a gene-dense genomic region containing closely spaced genes with distinct activation states in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. To predict possible folding scenarios, we performed computer simulations of polymer models informed with different chromatin occupancy features, which define promoter activation states or CTCF binding sites. Single cell imaging of the locus folding was performed to test model predictions. While CTCF occupancy alone fails to predict the in vivo folding at genomic length scale of 10 kb, we found that homotypic interactions between active and Polycomb-repressed promoters co-occurring in the same DNA fibre fully explain the HoxB folding patterns imaged in single cells. We identify state-dependent promoter interactions as major drivers of chromatin folding in gene-dense regions.
Crystal structure of fractionally crystallized waxes isolated from crude oil
Authors: Sahai Manisha , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Sanat
Published: March 2017

A petroleum wax has been extracted from crude oil and fractionated into two parts, depending on its solubility in methyl isobutyl ketone–toluene solvent at temperatures of 298 and 313 K. The wax and its two derivatives have been analyzed for composition and crystalline nature using various techniques including gas chromatography, NMR and X-ray diffraction. It has been observed that the crystalline structure of the fractionally precipitated waxes is significantly different from the structure of the parent wax present in the crude oil.
Crystal structure of the type IV secretion system component CagX fromHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Zhang Jin , Fan Fei , Zhao Yanhe , Sun Lifang , Liu Yadan , Keegan Ronan M. , Isupov Michail N. , Wu Yunkun
Published: March 2017

Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen prevalent in the human population, is the causative agent of severe gastric diseases. AnH. pyloritype IV secretion (T4S) system encoded by the cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (cagPAI) is responsible for communication with host cells. As a component of thecagPAI T4S system core complex, CagX plays an important role in virulence-protein translocation into the host cells. In this work, the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of CagX (CagXct), which is a homologue of the VirB9 protein from the VirB/D4 T4S system, is presented. CagXct is only the second three-dimensional structure to be elucidated of a VirB9-like protein. Another homologue, TraO, which is encoded on theEscherichia coliconjugative plasmid pKM101, shares only 19% sequence identity with CagXct; however, there is a remarkable similarity in tertiary structure between these two β-sandwich protein domains. Most of the residues that are conserved between CagXct and TraO are located within the protein core and appear to be responsible for the preservation of this domain fold. The studies presented here will contribute to our understanding of different bacterial T4S systems.
Monte Carlo simulation of an anharmonic Debye–Waller factor to the T
4 order
Authors: Wang Kun-lun , Huang Xian-bin , Li Jing , Xu Qiang , Dan Jia-kun , Ren Xiao-dong
Published: March 2017

In an increasing number of cases the harmonic approximation is incommensurate with the quality of Bragg diffraction data, while results of the anharmonic Debye–Waller factor are not typically available. This paper presents a Monte Carlo computation of a Taylor expansion of an anharmonic Debye–Waller factor with respect to temperature up to the fourth order, where the lattice was a face-centred cubic lattice and the atomic interaction was described by the Lennard–Jones potential. The anharmonic Debye–Waller factor was interpreted in terms of cumulants. The results revealed three significant points. Firstly, the leading term of anharmonicity had a negative contribution to the Debye–Waller factor, which was confirmed by Green's function method. Secondly, the fourth-order cumulants indicated a non-spherical probability density function. Thirdly, up to the melting point of two different densities, the cumulants up to the fourth order were well fitted by the Taylor expansion up to T
4, which suggested that the Debye–Waller factor may be calculated by perturbation expansion up to the corresponding terms. In conclusion, Monte Carlo simulation is a useful approach for calculating the Debye–Waller factor.
Must I, can I? I don’t understand your ambiguous password rules
Authors: Greene Kristen K. , Choong Yee-Yin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate user comprehension of ambiguous terminology in password rules. Although stringent password policies are in place to protect information system security, such complexity does not have to mean ambiguity for users. While many aspects of passwords have been studied, no research to date has systematically examined how ambiguous terminology affects user comprehension of password rules.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in a usable security study with 60 participants. Study tasks contained password rules based on real-world password requirements. Tasks consisted of character-selection tasks that varied the terms for non-alphanumeric characters to explore users’ interpretations of password rule language, and compliance-checking tasks to investigate how well users can apply their understanding of the allowed character space.

Findings

Results show that manipulating password rule terminology causes users’ interpretation of the allowed character space to shrink or expand. Users are confused by the terms “non-alphanumeric”, “symbols”, “special characters” and “punctuation marks” in password rules. Additionally, users are confused by partial lists of allowed characters using “e.g.” or “etc.”

Practical implications

This research provides data-driven usability guidance on constructing clearer language for password policies. Improving language clarity will help usability without sacrificing security, as simplifying password rule language does not change security requirements.

Originality/value

This is the first usable security study to systematically measure the effects of ambiguous password rules on user comprehension of the allowed character space.
Management accounting networks in corporate processes – a cross-national study
Authors: Endenich Christoph , Trapp Rouven , Brandau Michael
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to compare styles of management accounting (MA), i.e. the way in which MA influences corporate decision-making, in German and Spanish companies. The study illustrates relevant differences by comparing the role of management accountants in decision-making processes and puts a particular emphasis on their networking activities in a corporate context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on field study data from semi-structured interviews with senior management accountants in German and Spanish companies. The authors analyze the data within the framework of the actor-network theory (ANT).

Findings

In the sampled German companies, strong networks between management accountants and other corporate functions have been established, whereas the corresponding Spanish networks are emerging but remain fragile because of interference from anti-programs, mistrust and defensive departmental attitudes. Although MA in Spain has established only few accepted routines and remains distant from managerial decision-making, it enjoys an unquestioned standing in the German companies, because its routines and procedures are embedded into corporate culture. This embedding is facilitated by not only information technology but also relatively simple tools such as templates, timetables and standardized agendas.

Research limitations/implications

The present study underlines how combining the field study approach with rationales from ANT can provide relevant insights into MA practices in its corporate context.

Practical implications

The present study provides guidance for management accountants striving for an increased influence on corporate decision-making and an improved collaboration with corporate management.

Originality/value

The authors extend the traditional spectrum of theoretical approaches in comparative MA studies. The ANT lens allows to show how styles of MA are shaped by interdependencies between institutional settings and networking processes. In this way, this paper complements previous cross-country research, which has mainly relied on contingency theory to examine static, country-specific differences in relation to distinct environmental and cultural conditions.
Microfinance accountability in Cameroon: a cure or a curse for poverty alleviation?
Authors: Akanga Fidelis Kedju
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use empirical findings to identify the different forms of accountability practices existing in Cameroon microfinance institutions (MFIs) and explore how such practices have evolved and institutionalised within the microfinance sector in Cameroon through time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is designed to investigate if the institutionalised accountability practices within the microfinance sector in Cameroon are a cure or a curse for poverty alleviation. This study is based on the new institutional sociology (NIS) and on a case study approach and combines in-depth interviews and secondary data sources.

Findings

This study identifies three principal forms of accountability practices common with MFIs in Cameroon: dysfunctional, manipulative and dribbling accountabilities.

Originality/value

This paper is novel because it extends the NIS into the microfinance sector and explains how conflicting institutional pressures resulting from differences of accountability practices can be resolved and also exposes the unintended consequences of both resistance and passive actions of local actors on microfinance, the poor and poverty alleviation.
Accounting outsourcing and audit lag
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Zheng Xiaochuan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag. Accounting outsourcing may reduce misstatement risk, reducing the amount of audit effort necessary and thereby decrease audit lag. Alternatively, outsourcing may increase the amount of coordination necessary between the auditor, client management and the outside accounting service provider and thereby increase audit lag.

Design/methodology/approach

The accounting outsourcing/audit lag relationship is examined among closed-end mutual funds. These funds often outsource their accounting functions and disclose the names and services provided by any company providing services to the fund. These disclosures permit a consistent measurement of whether the fund outsources their accounting functions or performs them in-house.

Findings

This paper finds a positive relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag; outsourcing funds have audit lags that are two to three days longer than those not outsourcing their accounting. The results are robust to different specifications, controls for the distinctive characteristics of closed-end funds and consideration of endogeneity.

Practical implications

Closed-end funds could consider the increased time necessary to complete the audit when deciding whether to outsource their accounting functions.

Originality/value

By identifying a unique setting in which outsourcing data can be consistently obtained and analyzed (i.e. closed-end funds), this is the first study to empirically evaluate the relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag.
Auditors and early signals of financial distress in local governments
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Costanzo Antonella , Manes-Rossi Francesca
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether and how a set of financial ratios calculated on the basis of financial statement information would allow auditors of Italian local governments (LGs) to get an indication of LGs’ financial distress risk and, hence, to support politicians and managers in promptly detecting financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

A model comprising a set of financial indicators that would distinguish distressed from not distressed LGs through a logistic regression approach has been estimated and applied to Italian LGs. The model is built on the basis of information pertaining to 44 distressed and 53 not distressed LGs for up to five years prior to bankruptcy and covers the period 2003-2012.

Findings

The model reveals that the percentage of personnel expenses over revenues, the turnover ratio of short-term liabilities over current revenues and the reliance on subsidies (calculated as subsidies per capita) are factors discriminating non-distressed LGs from the distressed ones.

Practical implications

The model could have political and practical implications. The possible use of this model as a complementary tool in auditing activities might be helpful for auditors in detecting financial distress promptly, thus potentially enabling politicians and managers to search for different ways to manage public resources to avoid the detrimental consequences related to the declaration of distress.

Originality/value

This model, contrary to existing models that use accrual accounting data, is applicable to LGs that adopt a modified cash accounting basis.
Exploring the mediating role of intellectual capital and competitive advantage on the relation between CSR and financial performance in SMEs
Authors: Jain Priyanka , Vyas Vishal , Roy Ankur
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance (FP) is a much-researched topic in academic arena. Recent studies disclosed that intellectual capital (IC) significantly impacts the success and survival of organizations. Moreover, theoretical assertions confirm that competitive advantage (CA) mediates the association between IC and FP. This has opened up new dimensions for the study. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical model, first, to specify these relations and, second, to explore the mediating role of IC and CA on the relation between CSR and FP in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested through a survey conducted on 384 SMEs in Rajasthan state. A structured questionnaire having 38 variables was used, and collected data are subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the measurement model and to test the mediating effect.

Findings

The findings indicate a weak positive relation between CSR and FP. The empirical data provide supportive evidence that IC has a profound impact on CSR and FP relationship. Specifically, it was noticed that the mediating role of CA on this relationship was not as reflective as described in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that it is limited to one country, more specific to one geographical area of a country; therefore, findings of the study cannot be generalized in terms of its implications to other regions and countries.

Originality/value

Very few empirical studies have analyzed the mediating role of IC and CA on the relationship between CSR and FP. This study is expected to enable scholars and practitioners to have a more definite and direct understanding of the implication of IC and CA in association between CSR and FP.
The effect of equity and bond issues on sustainability disclosure. Family vs non-family Italian firms
Authors: Gavana Giovanna , Gottardo Pietro , Moisello Anna Maria
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study firms’ attitudes toward using sustainability reporting for facilitating raising external capital and the effect of the ultimate controlling owner on disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

A disclosure index is constructed on the basis of sustainability reports, for a sample of 230 Italian listed firms. Empirical analysis is based on panel data models.

Findings

Firms are more prone to disclose when they are planning to issue equity/bonds. Family control does not affect disclosure in the case of bond issues, but it has a moderating effect in the case of equity issuance. A family CEO, increasing the family’s sense of identification with the business, improves disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

Family ownership is the most viable measure to assess its socioemotional wealth (SEW). This assesses only the dimension related to family control and influence but it does not take into account other aspects of SEW. This study focuses on the relationship between disclosure and financing choices; it does not analyze the relationship between disclosure and success of equity/bond issues.

Practical implications

Family firms should improve their sustainability reporting, especially for firms operating in environmentally sensitive industries. Sustainability reports could play an effective role as a control mechanism in a firm’s behavior toward the environment, society, its employees and consumers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the studies on sustainability, showing that the nature of ultimate controlling owners and firms’ financing decisions affect disclosure. Moreover, it contributes to family firms’ literature, shedding light on the effect of the family control and sense of identification with the firm on disclosure.
Corporate social responsibility disclosures in Malaysia: evidence from large companies
Authors: Sadou Abdelkader , Alom Fardous , Laluddin Hayatullah
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is any improvement in the extent and quality of corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) in Malaysia between 2011 and 2014 and to determine the factors that influence the extent and quality of CSRD in these two years. Also, this study examines the methods of disclosures and the items that largest Malaysian companies addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-constructed CSR is utilised to measure the extent and quality of CSRD in the annual reports of the top 71 Malaysian companies listed in Bursa Malaysia for the years 2011 and 2014. Multiple regressions along with their associated toolkits for data verification and diagnostic tests are used to assess the improvement in CSRD between 2011 and 2014 and the factors that affect CSRD.

Findings

Results show a slight increase in the extent and quality of CSRD between 2011 and 2014. With regards to the factors influencing CSRD, only awards are found to be significant in determining the extent and quality of CSRD either in 2011 or in 2014. Board size, ownership concentration, independent non-executives and return on assets influence both the extent and quality of CSRD in 2011. Director ownership and firm size determine the extent and quality of CSRD in 2014. Government ownership only influences the extent of CSRD in 2011.

Research limitations/implications

Some traditional limitations are found to be considered in future research, such as the use of annual reports as the only source of CSRD information. Results support the legitimacy theory that assumes that Malaysian companies disclose CSR information as a reflection of the incidents that happen in that environment of the firm without ignoring the role of the government in pushing those companies towards being socially responsible by issuing regulations, or in motivating those companies by introducing awards and giving fiscal facilities.

Practical implications

The results help the policymakers to introduce more awards in some domains that were less addressed by Malaysian companies and also to examine the causes behind the non-influence of the new Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG 2012) on CSRD.

Originality/value

The study can be considered as one of the limited empirical studies that assess the changes in CSRD before and after the issuance of MCCG 2012 in Malaysia.
United Nations Global Compact: the unmet promise of the UNGC
Authors: Lau Cubie L.L. , Fisher Cliff D. , Hulpke John F. , Kelly William Aidan , Taylor Susanna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Essays on social responsibility call the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) “by far the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative”. The authors look at two avenues to encourage responsible business behavior. First, at law, where law is not the answer and, second, at the UNGC. This paper aims to increase awareness of the UNGC, an umbrella organization supporting corporate good conduct.

Findings

The goal is to make corporations socially responsible. Law by nature addresses misconduct. The UNGC is more positive, encouraging responsible behavior in ten areas. The UNGC could be more effective. The authors suggest that social media and management education can help the UNGC positively impact corporate behavior.

Practical implications

The UNGC represents a significant opportunity. If the UNGC lives up to its potential, corporate misconduct may be lessened and corporate good behavior could be publicized, rewarded and increased.

Originality/value

The time has come to let readers start thinking about the UNGC and its goals. This can help bring greater social responsibility in tomorrow’s businesses.