bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) Modification: Transformation of the BAC Host with the RecA Vector
Authors: Heintz Nathaniel , Gong Shiaoching
Published: July 2020

This protocol outlines the steps for introducing the RecA plasmid into bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) host cells, and their preparation for subsequent transformation with the reporter plasmid for one-step BAC modification. BAC host cells are rendered chemically competent and transformed with the RecA plasmid, and transformants are selected for tetracycline resistance to ensure the presence of the RecA marker.
Improving clinical practice through simulation training on intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal study
Authors: Iannelli Hannah , Tooley Camilla , Billon Grégoire , Cross Sean , Pathan James , Attoe Chris
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Individuals health with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience comorbid physical and mental health needs and have poorer outcomes resulting in early mortality. Currently, many training provisions based on ID exist; however, limited research supports their effectiveness. High-fidelity simulation is an innovative training mechanism with promising preliminary results. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal impact of simulation training on clinical practice in ID.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used in this study. A one-day simulation course using actors who had ID was delivered to 39 health-care professionals from across London hospitals. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted 12–18 months post training.

Findings

High-fidelity simulation training is an effective training modality, which has a sustainable impact on participants, their clinical practice and patients. Core features of the training including debriefing, the use and type of actors, scenario design and the facilitators are crucial learning mechanisms which impacts learning outcomes and changes to behaviour in clinical practice and settings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to longitudinally evaluate high-fidelity simulation training designed to improve the physical and mental health needs of those with ID. The research begins to bridge an important gap in the current literature, with a need for more research.
Tobacco smoking in three “left behind” subgroups: indigenous, the rainbow community and people with mental health conditions
Authors: Glover Marewa , Patwardhan Pooja , Selket Kyro
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent to which three subgroups – people with mental health conditions, people belonging to sexual minority and gender groups and Indigenous peoples – have been “left behind” by countries implementing the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of electronic bibliographical databases to provide an overview of smoking prevalence among the three groups and interventions designed specifically to reduce their smoking rates.

Findings

Although explanations and specific rates differ, two trends are consistent across all three groups. First, information reported in the past two decades suggests that smoking prevalence is disproportionately high among people with mental health conditions, and in the rainbow and indigenous communities. Second, most cessation programmes are targeted at majority politically dominant groups, missing opportunities to reduce smoking rates in these minority communities.

Research limitations/implications

There is a general dearth of data preventing detailed analysis. Better data collection efforts are required. Trials to identify effective smoking reduction interventions for marginalised groups are needed.

Social implications

It is socially unjust that these groups are being systematically ignored by tobacco control initiatives. A failure to equitably reduce tobacco harms among all groups across society has contributed to the perceived concentration of smoking in some subgroups. The increasing stigmatisation of people who smoke then adds a marginality, compounding the negative effects associated with belonging to a marginalised group. Ongoing marginalisation of these groups is an important determinant of smoking.

Originality/value

Cross-case analysis of neglected subgroups with disproportionately high smoking rates suggests social marginalisation is a shared and important determinant of smoking prevalence.
Perceptions regarding academic social networks for scholarly communications
Authors: Al-Muomen Nujoud , Chaudhry Abdus Sattar , Al-Othinah Oroba
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of academics regarding the use and usefulness of academic social networks (ASNs) in the scholarly communication practices of faculty members in Kuwaiti Universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through a survey. In total, 100 faculty members from the disciplines of business administration, humanities and social sciences from three universities in Kuwait filled in an online questionnaire. The statistical feature of the Web-based tool was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that most faculty members are aware of the importance of ASNs. They perceive that these networks are useful, as more publications have become available, it has become easier for scholars to connect with colleagues who share similar research interests.

Research limitations/implications

The study is descriptive and restricted to a specific country (Kuwait). It also only covered faculty members from three academic disciplines. Furthermore, the use of a questionnaire, while appropriate for descriptive research, restricted us from conducting probing designed to gain deeper insights regarding participants’ motivations and explanations for not realizing the potential of these networks.

Practical implications

Future research should expand the scope of this study to cover faculty members from other disciplines (e.g. science, engineering and medicine), while also including more universities from other countries in the Arabian Gulf region. Future research should also examine how academics’ information-finding practices are changing as a result of the availability of information sources through ASNs.

Originality/value

No similar study has been conducted previously in Kuwait. This study provided useful information regarding the use and perceptions of ASNs in the context of faculty members of Kuwaiti universities. This information is of interest to scholars, information providers and those who design such networks.
MHD Marangoni boundary layer problem for hybrid nanofluids with thermal radiation
Authors: Aly Emad H. , Ebaid Abdelhalim
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study flow of the Marangoni boundary layer pasta surface embedded in a porous medium saturated by a hybrid nanofluid in the presence of a magnetic field and thermal radiation.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing model was converted into ordinary differential equations applying proper similarity transformations. Therefore, Laplace transform was used to exactly solve the resulted equations. Hence, the influence of the velocity profile and temperature distribution was investigated under impacts of the involved parameters.

Findings

In the case of regular fluid, i.e. the solid volume fractions are zeros, the current results are in a very good agreement with those in the literature. It was found that the velocity decreases (increases) on increasing the parameters of copper-nanoparticles volume fraction, magnetic field and suction (permeability and injection). Further, the temperature increases (decreases) with an increase of the copper-nanoparticles volume fraction, magnetic field, injection and radiation (permeability and suction).

Originality/value

The current results of the Marangoni boundary layer problem for hybrid nanofluids are new, original and extend the previous problems investigated by many authors for the case of regular/nano fluids.
Impact of outward FDI on home country exports
Authors: Bhasin Niti , Kapoor Kanika
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The relationship of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) with home country's exports has significant implications for policymakers as well as business managers of MNEs. Since BRICS nations have emerged as important sources as well as destinations of FDI, this paper aims to study the impact of OFDI from these countries on home country exports by using panel data for BRICS for time period 1993–2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The author use panel unit root tests, panel cointegration, VECM and causality tests in the study.

Findings

The results reveal that OFDI has a negative and significant impact on home country exports indicating that outward FDI is a substitute for exports in these countries. It also indicates long-run causality from exports towards OFDI. There is no long-run causality running from OFDI to exports, suggesting that MNEs do not “connect” with home economies' firms through forward and backward linkages in value chain.

Practical implications

From the point of view of policymakers, it implies a net outflow of capital as the outflow of foreign investment would not be matched by any incremental export earnings since exports are getting substituted by production abroad. For business managers, it is indicative of a growing foreign market that warrants large scale production and justifies the high cost and risk involved in FDI as a mode of entry compared to exports.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to deal with the relationship between home country exports and OFDI, for an important group of emerging market economies, i.e. BRICS. The understanding of this relationship allow us to identify whether factors contributing to OFDI from emerging economies are “tied” to their home economies thereby making exports necessary or are rather based on firm specific competencies which are leveraged in different locations to cater to expanding markets.
Gossip is a fearful thing: the impact of negative workplace gossip on knowledge hiding
Authors: Yao Zhu , Luo Jinlian , Zhang Xianchun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The crucial role of knowledge sharing in an organization has become even more crucial lately, resulting in garnering more attention by scholars. In reality, while several organizations expect their employees to share knowledge with colleagues actively, many choose to hide their knowledge when asked for help. This study aims to explore whether negative workplace gossip (NWG) affects employee knowledge hiding (KH), as well as analyzes whether relational identification (RI) and interpersonal trust (IT) play a chain mediating role between the two, and discusses whether forgiveness climate (FC) could be used as a boundary condition in the relationships mentioned above.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the conservation of resource (COR) theory and the cognitive–affective personality system (CAPS) theory, the authors surveyed 326 employees in China at 2 time-points and explored the correlation between NWG and KH, as well as the underlying mechanism. Using confirmatory factor analysis, bootstrapping method and structural equation model, the authors validated the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings revealed the following: NWG negatively correlates with KH; RI and IT play a mediation role between NWG and KH, respectively, and both variables also play a chain mediation role in the relationship mentioned above; and FC moderates the negative impact of NWG on RI, further moderating the chain mediation between RI and IT and between NWG and KH.

Originality/value

First, this study established the correlation between NWG and KH, as well as analyzed the internal mechanism between the two. Besides, this study adds to scholars’ understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which these effects could occur. Second, this study demonstrated the moderating effect of FC – a situational feature that has been neglected in previous studies. Furthermore, this study can not only complement the situational factors ignored in previous studies but also broaden the application scope of CAPS. Finally, this study effectively combines COR and CAPS, which provides a basis for the application of these two theories in the future.
Research on the variable buyback contract
Authors: Liu Tianzhuo , Liu WangBo , Yang Feng
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Based on the traditional buyback model, this paper aims to propose a new buyback method – the variable buyback contract – to solve the serious inventory backlog in the current economic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors further study the buyback problem in a two-level supply chain with uncertain demand. Such a problem can be found in many research papers, which also use the Stackelberg game model. They put forward many factors that affect the buyback price, including risk preference, random arrival of consumers, etc. Different from the existing research, the authors propose another factor that may affect supply chain buyback – the retailer's remaining inventory to study the buyback contract.

Findings

First, the authors found that under the variable buyback contract, there is an optimal retail price, wholesale price and an optimal range of parameter settings for the buyback price. Second, the proposed Pareto-optimal solution for system improvement can achieve supply chain coordination. Third, under some conditions, the variable buyback contract is better than the wholesale price contract and fixed-price buyback contract.

Originality/value

First, this is the first paper to discuss to measure the buyback price with the retailer's remaining inventory. Second, the proposed buyback contract can help decision-makers to choose the optimal improvement strategies. Third, this contract has a certain practical significance, which can effectively alleviate the current inventory backlog problem.
Flows of information and meaning: a vocabulary approach to integrated thinking and reporting
Authors: Quarchioni Sonia , Ruggiero Pasquale , Damiano Rodolfo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Integrated reporting (IR) is increasingly becoming a practice useful not only for accountability but also for managerial purposes because of its potential role as a signifying practice for integrated thinking (IT). In this perspective, this paper aims to explore which of the objects that are represented in integrated reports provide materiality and common understanding to the concept of IT for its effective implementation within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a vocabulary approach for interpreting the texts of integrated reports as systems of words that are able to provide meaning for a common understanding of the concept of IT. In particular, by focusing on words and their relationships, the authors combine textual analysis and network text analysis to examine the structure of meaning embedded in the texts of integrated reports of five organizations, which serve as empirical cases for analysis during the period 2012-2018.

Findings

The concept of IT is dynamic in its meaning since in integrated reports it is represented by referring to different objects, in the case different types of capital (i.e. financial, human, social-relational, process, organizational and commercial), which are related to each other while following different paths over time. The dynamic nature of the meaning of IT affects the semantic orientation of the reports in a mutual relationship between IT (which conveys flows of information within the reports) and integrated reports (through which flows of meaning are made visible).

Originality/value

This paper opens the way to a linguistic approach for analyzing the different concepts related to IT to make them meaningful in creating (at least temporarily) a common understanding, as well as facilitating coordination within organizations and between organizations and their environment.
Adhering to lifestyle change recommendations via the trans-theoretical model: a mixed-methods study among type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Nor Noraishah Mohamed , Sidek Suriati , Saad Nurulwahidah , Jaafar Nurul Hazirah , Mohd Shukri Nor Azwani
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and explore the factors affecting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients' adherence to lifestyle change recommendations, with the guidance of the trans-theoretical model (stages of change).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in two parts. In Part A, 163 randomly selected participants were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. Data regarding demographics, stages of change and levels of confidence to engage in lifestyle changes were collected. In Part B, in-depth interviews were conducted among 30 individuals, aged between 30 and 65 years, had been diagnosed with T2DM and had seen dietitian at least once. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with different sociodemographic characteristics.

Findings

Part A showed that most of the participants were in the pre-action group (60%), with a higher mean HbA1c (8.9%) as compared to the action group (40%) which had a mean HbA1c of 6.9%. Part B further revealed the pre-action group and action group identified four key themes concerning lifestyle changes adherence: stumbling block; self-care belief; knowledge implementation; and self-empowerment.

Practical implications

Health-care providers should identify patients' stages of change before lifestyle changes implementation.

Originality/value

This study highlighted that many factors might influence a T2DM patient's adherence to lifestyle change recommendations. Determining the stages of change and self-confidence of T2DM patients is needed to ascertain long-term adherence.
The dynamic dependence between the major US indices and the meat commodities indices
Authors: Derbali Abdelkader , Bouzgarrou Houssam
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine empirically the conditional correlation between the major US indices (S&P500 index and Dow Jones Industrial index) and three selected meat commodities as: Feeder Cattle, Leen Hogs and Live Cattle during the period from July 22, 2010 to June 30, 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors use for the first time the GARCH-DECO (1,1) to examine empirically the conditional nexus between the major US indices (S&P500 index and Dow Jones Industrial index) and three selected meat commodities as; Feeder Cattle, Leen Hogs and Live Cattle during the period from July 22, 2010 to June 30, 2017.

Findings

From the empirical findings, the authors conclude the existence of a highly significance of conditional heteroscedasticity parameters can demonstrate us to distinguish the nature of the volatility dependency between S&P500 index and Dow Jones Industrial index and three selected meat commodities indices.

Originality/value

This can find clear the significance of relationship in the process of financialization of the major US index and meat commodities indices in the case of this paper.
Numerical analysis of ablative behavior of silicone resin coated carbon fabric
Authors: Zheng Zhenrong , Zhi Wei , Mao Kezhu , Zhang Qian , Luo Lijuan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the ablative behavior of the silicone resin-coated carbon fabric (coated fabric) that will swell significantly during ablation.

Design/methodology/approach

The ablation experiments of three coated fabrics were conducted by quartz lamp radiant. Based on the experimental analysis, a numerical model was proposed for the coated fabrics to study the ablative process in term of the energy balance, mass conservation and thermal decomposition equations.

Findings

Results showed that the average relative errors between the simulated temperatures and experimental values of back surfaces of coated fabric 1, 2 and 3 were 10.01, 7.53 and 7.32%, respectively. The average density of silicone resin of coated fabric 1 was reduced by 47.96%, and the closer the distance from the heated surface was, the more the density decreased. The thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of silicone resin of coated fabric 1 increased with time. Before 50 s, each decomposition rate curve showed an inflection point, at which the silicone resin decomposed most intensely.

Research limitations/implications

Based on experimental observations, the ablative behavior of the material with fixed expansion layer was simulated. In the further research, the moving expansion layer could be considered.

Originality/value

This paper provides the theoretical basis to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal protection materials that will swell during ablation.
Thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs for epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Haosheng , Li Zewen
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to feature preparation and characterization of thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites using low molecular weight polyamide as curing agent.

Design/methodology/approach

First, thiokol oligomer functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs-TO) were prepared through hydroxylation, silanization and graft modification of MWCNTs. The nanocomposite specimens were fabricated through sonication and cast moulding process. The authors then investigated the impact of MWCNTs-TO content on mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites.

Findings

MWCNTs-TO with grafting ratio of 17.5 Wt.% was synthesized and characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained epoxy nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical properties and thermal stability with MWCNTs-TO added. Moreover, desirable results were obtained at 0.75 Wt.% of MWCNTs-TO loading: the young’s modulus, tensile, flexural and impact strength increased by 24.6,72.8,34.8 and 82.7%, respectively, compared to the neat epoxy. The improvement of mechanical properties is mainly attributed to enhanced interfacial interaction and dispersion between the covalent functionalized MWCNTs and epoxy matrix.

Research limitations/implications

A flexible thiokol oligomer was successfully grafted onto MWCNTs via a mild route. Nanocomposites with excellent interfacial interaction and dispersion between MWCNTs-TO and the epoxy matrix have been successfully fabricated and investigated.

Practical implications

This method provided a mild and practical approach to improve the performance of MWCNTs epoxy nanocomposites.

Originality/value

A flexible thiokol oligomer was successfully covalent grafted onto MWCNTs via a mild route. Nanocomposites with excellent interfacial interaction and dispersion between MWCNTs-TO and the epoxy matrix have been successfully fabricated and investigated.
Structural characterization of inkjet printed capacitor layers in various technological conditions
Authors: Kiliszkiewicz Milena , Przybylski Dariusz , Felba Jan , Korbutowicz Ryszard
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the individual steps during the printing of capacitor structures. The method of substrate preparation, the obtained roughness of conductive and dielectric layers are examined. Moreover, the capacitances of the obtained capacitors were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Surface roughness and microscopic analysis were used to assess the quality of printed conductive structures. Two criteria were used to assess the quality of printed dielectric structures: the necessary lack of discontinuity of layers and minimal roughness. To determine the importance of printing parameters, a draft experimental method was proposed.

Findings

The optimal way to clean the substrate has been determined. The most important parameters for the dielectric layer (i.e. drop-space, table temperature, curing time and temperature) were found.

Research limitations/implications

If dielectric layers are printed correctly, most problems with printing complex electronic structures (transistors, capacitors) will be eliminated.

Practical implications

The tests performed identified the most important factors for dielectric layers. Using them, capacitors of repeatable capacity were printed.

Originality/value

In the literature on this subject, no factors were found which were responsible for obtaining homogeneous dielectric layers.
Likelihood of hospital readmission in Medicare Advantage and Fee‐For‐Service within same hospital
Authors: Jung Daniel H. , DuGoff Eva , Smith Maureen , Palta Mari , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Mullahy John
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the extent to which all‐cause 30‐day readmission rate varies by Medicare program within the same hospitals.

Study Design

We used conditional logistic regression clustered by hospital and generalized estimating equations to compare the odds of unplanned all‐cause 30‐day readmission between Medicare Fee‐for‐Service (FFS) and Medicare Advantage (MA).

Data Collection

Wisconsin Health Information Organization collects claims data from various payers including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, twice a year.

Principal Findings

For 62 of 66 hospitals, hospital‐level readmission rates for MA were lower than those for Medicare FFS. The odds of 30‐day readmission in MA were 0.92 times lower than Medicare FFS within the same hospital (odds ratio, 0.93; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.89‐0.98). The adjusted overall readmission rates of Medicare FFS and MA were 14.9 percent and 11.9 percent, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings provide additional evidence of potential variations in readmission risk by payer and support the need for improved monitoring systems in hospitals that incorporate payer‐specific data. Further research is needed to delineate specific care delivery factors that contribute to differential readmission risk by payer source.
Evaluation of the efficacy of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile in vivo
Authors: Silva Thaís Lessa , Lacerda Udielle Vermelho , da Matta Sérgio Luís Pinto , Queiroz Valéria Aparecida Vieira , Stringheta Paulo César , Martino Hércia Stampini Duarte , de Barros Frederico Augusto Ribeiro
Published: July 2020

The objective of the present work was to evaluate and compare the effect of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours on lipid metabolism and antioxidant potential in vivo. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were induced to oxidative stress with paracetamol and fed a normal diet (AIN‐93M) and diets containing toasted tannin sorghum flour and toasted white sorghum flour (without tannins), replacing 100% cellulose, during 29 days. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by biochemical tests and by quantifying oxidative stress markers. Groups that received toasted sorghum flour with and without tannins showed reduction of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration and improvement of lipid profile, with increase of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to paracetamol control, and did not differ statistically from the AIN‐93M control. Moreover, toasted white sorghum flour presented similar efficacy in reducing oxidative stress in liver tissue compared to toasted tannin sorghum flour, although the former had lower total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting a greater effect of small phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, in the prevention of oxidative stress. Therefore, toasted white and tannin sorghum flours had similar efficacy to improve the lipid profile and oxidative stress in rats treated with paracetamol, constituting potential sources of antioxidants, which can be used as promising ready‐to‐eat foods and as ingredients for the development of sorghum‐based products.

Practical Application

The health benefits of sorghum coupled with the growing interest of the food industry in producing healthier food products have motivated the development of toasted sorghum flours as potential sources of antioxidants and dietary fiber. We have demonstrated that consumption of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours by rats treated with paracetamol had similar efficacy to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile. Thus, these toasted sorghum flours have great potential to be used by the food industry as ready‐to‐eat foods or as ingredients in the development of various food products.
Alternative kidney filtration markers and the risk of major macrovascular and microvascular events, and all‐cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes in the ADVANCE trial
Authors: Kim Hyunju , Wang Dan , Chalmers John , Jun Min , Zoungas Sophia , Marre Michel , Hamet Pavel , Harrap Stephen , Mancia Giuseppe , Poulter Neil R. , Cooper Mark E. , Woodward Mark , Selvin Elizabeth , Rebholz Casey M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Creatinine‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is biased in the setting of obesity and other conditions. Alternative kidney filtration markers may be useful in adults with diabetes, but few studies examined the associations with risk of clinical outcomes.

Methods

In the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial, we evaluated whether baseline levels and change in eGFR based on creatinine (Cr), cystatin c (Cys), β2‐microglobulin (B2M), eGFRCr‐Cys, and the average of three estimates (eGFRCr‐Cys‐B2M) assessed in 7217 participants at baseline and a random sample of 640 participants at the 1‐year visit are associated with clinical outcomes. We examined associations with major macrovascular and microvascular events together and separately and all‐cause mortality using Cox regression models, adjusting for established risk factors.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 5 years, 1313 major macrovascular (n = 748) and microvascular events (n = 637), and 743 deaths occurred. Lower levels of eGFR based on all filtration markers individually and combined were associated with 1.4 to 3.0 times higher risk of major macrovascular and microvascular events (combined and separately) and all‐cause mortality. Per 30% decline in eGFRCys, eGFR Cr‐Cys, and eGFRCr‐Cys‐B2M were associated with a >2‐fold higher risk of all clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

In adults with type 2 diabetes, baseline levels of eGFR based on alternative filtration markers and per 30% decline in eGFRCys, eGFR Cr‐Cys, and eGFRCr‐Cys‐B2M were associated with clinical outcomes. Measurement of alternative filtration markers, particularly B2M in adults with type 2 diabetes may be warranted.
Latitude and chlorophyll a density drive the distribution of carbohydrate‐active enzymes in the planktonic microbial fraction of the epipelagic zone
Authors: Doane Michael , Haggerty John Matthew , da Silva Lopes Cleanto Rodrigo , Yates Peter , Edwards Rob , Dinsdale Elizabeth , Lopes Fabyano Alvares Cardoso , Bruce Thiago
Published: July 2020

Microbes drive the majority of the global carbon cycle. The effect of environmental conditions on selecting microbial functional diversity is well established, and recent studies have revealed the effects of geographic distances on selecting the functional components of marine microbial communities. Our study is the first attempt at establishing the effects of environmental factors on driving the marine carbohydrate‐active enzyme (CAZyme) distribution. We characterized the diversity of CAZyme genes and investigated the correlations between their distributions and biogeographic parameters (latitude, longitude, distance from the equator, site depth, water depth, chlorophyll density, salinity and temperature). Therefore, we accessed a subset of surface water samples (38 metagenomes) from the Global Ocean Sampling project. Only chlorophyll and latitude altered the distribution patterns of CAZymes, revealing the existence of two latitudinal gradients (positive and negative) of marine CAZyme abundance. Considering the importance of carbohydrates in microbial life, characterization of the spatial patterns of the genetic repertoire involved in carbohydrate metabolism represents an important step in improving our understanding of the metabolic strategies associated with the microbial marine carbon cycle and their effects on the productivity of marine ecosystems.
Induction of labor and nulliparity: A nationwide clinical practice pilot evaluation
Authors: Sørbye Ingvil K. , Oppegaard Kevin S. , Weeks Andrew , Marsdal Kjersti , Jacobsen Anne F.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Induction of labor has become an increasingly common obstetric procedure, but in nulliparous women or women with a previous cesarean section, it can pose a clinical challenge. Despite an overall expansion of medical indications for labor induction, there is little international consensus regarding the criteria for induction, or for the recommended methods among nulliparous women. In this light, we assessed variations in the practice of induction of labor among 21 birth units in a nationwide cohort of women with no prior vaginal birth.

Material and methods

We carried out a prospective observational pilot study of women with induced labor and no prior vaginal birth, across 21 Norwegian birth units. We registered induction indications, methods and outcomes from 1 September to 31 December 2018 using a web‐based case record form. Women were grouped into “Nulliparous term cephalic”, “Previous cesarean section” and “Other Robson” (Robson groups 6, 7, 8 or 10).

Results

More than 98% of eligible women (n=1818) were included and a wide variety of methods was used for induction of labor. In nulliparous term cephalic pregnancies, cesarean section rates ranged from 11.1% to 40.6% between birth units, whereas in the previous cesarean section group, rates ranged from 22.7% to 67.5%. The indications “large fetus” and “other fetal” indications were associated with the highest cesarean rates. Failed inductions and failure to progress in labor contributed most to the cesarean rates. Uterine rupture occurred in two women (0.11%), both in the previous cesarean section group. In neonates, 1.6% had Apgar <7 at 5 minutes, and 0.4% had an umbilical artery pH <7.00.

Conclusions

Cesarean rates and applied methods for induction of labor varied widely in this nationwide cohort of women without a prior vaginal birth. Neonatal outcomes were similar to those of normal birth populations. Results could indicate the need to move towards more standardized induction protocols associated with optimal outcomes for mother and baby.
Children born before 32 weeks of gestation displayed impaired reading fluency, comprehension and spelling skills at 9 years of age
Authors: Heikkinen Minna , Kallankari Hanna , Partanen Lea , Korkalainen Noora , Kaukola Tuula , Yliherva Anneli
Published: July 2020

Aim

Our aim was to study whether prematurity, associated with prenatal and neonatal risk factors, affects specific literacy skills among school children born at a very low gestational age (VLGA) of <32 weeks.

Methods

The study group comprised 76 prospectively followed VLGA children born between November 1998 and November 2002 at Oulu University Hospital, Finland, and 51 term controls. The median gestational age of the VLGA children was 29.0 (24.1‐31.9) weeks. All children were examined at a median age of 8.9 (8.0‐9.9) years in Oulu between November 2007 and November 2011. Reading fluency, comprehension and spelling skills were evaluated using standardised tests for Finnish‐speaking children.

Results

Very low gestational age children had significantly poorer test results in reading comprehension (median 6.9 vs 8.3, P = .014) and spelling (median 35.7 vs 38.0, P = .013) than term children. Furthermore, VLGA children more often performed below the 10th percentile normal values in spelling (P = .012) compared with term controls. Foetal growth restriction was associated with lower scoring in reading fluency (P = .023) and spelling (P = .004) among VLGA children.

Conclusion

Very low gestational age school children performed poorer in reading comprehension and spelling than term children. In addition, poor foetal growth in VLGA children was associated with literacy problems.
Geography and gender, hindsight and foresight: A feminist development geographer’s reflections on: “How the Other Half Lives: The Geographical Study of Women”
Authors: Chant Sylvia
Published: July 2020

Inspired by, and drawing from, Jacqueline Tivers’ early and foundational paper in Area (1978) on the need for dedicated geographical research on women, in this brief paper I offer selected reflections on the progressive “engendering” of geography from the late 1970s to the present from the perspective of a feminist geographer with enduring interests in gender and development (GAD) in the Global South. I concentrate, first, on “hindsight,” tracing some key steps at the beginning of my personal academic journey as an undergraduate at King’s College Cambridge, and subsequently as a PhD student at University College London, when the “geography of gender,” especially in developing regions, was still very much in its birth pangs. In the latter part of the paper I turn to the “foresight” demonstrated by Tivers in her call to redress the absence of attention to women in geographical study, and particularly to problematise assumptions about women as a proxy for “households” (commonly construed as conforming with nuclear units headed by men), and the frequently limited, if not invisibilised, “female” roles within them. Despite the paucity of data and scholarship on women, let alone gender, and “alternative” family forms, 40 years ago, I comment on the prescience of Tivers’ work in identifying challenges which continue to persist as well as to preoccupy feminist geographers on the eve of the third millennial decade.
Practising feminist politics in legal geographic research
Authors: Cuomo Dana
Published: July 2020

In this paper, I reflect on my experiences conducting legal geographic research within a Central Pennsylvania courtroom. This research builds on my former professional experience as a legal advocate where I worked for five years providing advocacy services to over 800 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I discuss how I incorporated two common advocacy practices – accompaniment and institutional advocacy – into my research praxis as a means to fulfil my commitment to conduct activist research as a feminist legal geographer. I argue that the advocacy skills I learned outside of academia helped me navigate the tensions of studying power with legal actors in the privileged space of the courtroom. This paper contributes to recent interest in the methodological practices that legal geographers utilise within courtroom spaces, while also encouraging legal geographers to consider what knowledge and skills – beyond academic methodologies and methods – might serve to support activist research within spaces of power.
Reduced‐port surgery with the cowboy technique for a gastric submucosal tumor
Authors: Tsuboi Kazuto , Yano Fumiaki , Omura Nobuo , Misawa Takeyuki , Kashiwagi Hideyuki
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery is considered safe and effective for a gastric submucosal tumors, and reduced‐port surgery (RPS) is being increasingly performed to treat these tumors. Herein, we present laparoscopic RPS with the cowboy technique for the removal of gastric submucosal tumors.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A single‐port access device was inserted at the naval (three 5‐mm trocars), and a 5‐mm trocar was inserted in the left lateral abdominal wall. A ligature was placed at the neck of the tumor, the loop was then tightened, and the knot was finally secured—a process referred to as the cowboy technique. This technique enables complete surgical excision and can be used for exophytic submucosal tumors of the stomach. Four patients underwent RPS with this technique, and the outcomes were good.

Discussion

Our cowboy technique enables the safe full‐thickness excision of gastric submucosal tumors with exophytic growth and is very useful in performing RPS.
Cytology in the diagnosis of concomitant tuberculosis and leprosy by polymerase chain reaction using cytology scrapings
Authors: Zaidi Ariba , Gupta Parakriti , Gupta Parikshaa , Sharma Kusum , Narang Tarun , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: July 2020

Tuberculosis and leprosy remain endemic in developing countries of the world, but concomitant infection with tuberculosis and leprosy in the same individual are rarely seen in the modern era. This is a report of co‐infection by tuberculosis in a known case of leprosy, diagnosed on cytology and confirmed by performing conventional polymerase chain reaction using cell scrapings obtained from the stained cytology smears.
When does the E/e’ index not work? The pitfalls of oversimplifying diastolic function
Authors: Sunderji Imran , Singh Vickram , Fraser Alan G.
Published: July 2020

Since the E/e’ ratio was first described in 1997 as a noninvasive surrogate marker of mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, it has gained a central role in diagnostic recommendations and a supremacy in clinical use that require critical reappraisal. We review technical factors, physiological influences, and pathophysiological processes that can complicate the interpretation of E/e’. The index has been validated in certain circumstances, but its use cannot be extrapolated to other situations—such as critically ill patients or children—in which it has either been shown not to work or it has not been well validated. Meta‐analyses demonstrated that E/e’ is not useful for the diagnosis of HFpEF and that changes in E/e’ are uninformative during diastolic stress echocardiography. A similar ratio has been applied to estimate right heart filling pressure despite insufficient evidence. As a composite index, changes in E/e’ should only be interpreted with knowledge of changes in its components. Sometimes, e’ alone may be as informative. Using a scoring system for diastolic function that relies on E/e’, as recommended in consensus documents, leaves some patients unclassified and others in an intermediate category. Alternative methods for estimating left heart filling pressures may be more accurate, including the duration of retrograde pulmonary venous flow, or contractile deformation during atrial pump function. Using all measurements as continuous variables may demonstrate abnormal diastolic function that is missed by using the reductive index E/e’ alone. With developments in diagnostic methods and clinical decision support tools, this may become easier to implement.
Astrocytic release of ATP through type 2 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor calcium signaling and social dominance behavior in mice
Authors: Guillot de Suduiraut Isabelle , Grosse Jocelyn , Ramos‐Fernández Eva , Sandi Carmen , Hollis Fiona
Published: July 2020

Brain mitochondrial function is critical for numerous neuronal processes. We recently identified a link between brain energy and social dominance, where higher levels of mitochondrial function resulted in increased social competitive ability. The underlying mechanism of this link, however, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the contribution of astrocytic release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the type 2 inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor to social dominance behavior. Mice lacking the type 2 inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor were characterized for their social dominance behavior, as well as their performance on a nonsocial task, the Morris Water Maze. In parallel, we also examined mitochondrial function in the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus to investigate how deficiencies in astrocytic ATP could modulate overall mitochondrial function. While knockout mice showed similar competitive ability compared with their wild‐type littermates, dominant knockout mice exhibited a significant delay in exerting their dominance during the initial encounter. Otherwise, there were no differences in anxiety and exploratory traits, spatial learning and memory, or brain mitochondrial function in either light or dark circadian phases. Our findings point to a marginal role of astrocytic ATP through IP3R2 in social competition, suggesting that, under basal conditions, the neuronal compartment is predominant for social dominance exertion.
Music and Trance as Methods for Engaging with Suffering
Authors: Turner Tamara Dee
Published: July 2020

This article explores a religious community in Algeria where, with the ignition and structure of ritual music, a wide spectrum of trance processes are explicitly cultivated so that pain and suffering can be engaged, moved, and expressed through trance dancing. The way that trance is described in dīwān indicates that it is understood as emerging primarily from the realms of feelings, particularly the dialectical role of painful feelings. Furthermore, varieties of trance are named and indexed either by the sorts of affects they involve or as types of actions that trance feels like. Thus, rather than trance being something of the “mind” here, it is an affective experience, ordered by how itfeels. This article takes a close‐up, sensory ethnographic approach to flesh out the rich, detailed taxonomy of feeling intensities that are used to describe how trance feels, examining what tranced suffering does both socially and personally.
Controlling evolutionary dynamics to optimize microbial bioremediation
Authors: Shibasaki Shota , Mitri Sara
Published: July 2020

Some microbes have a fascinating ability to degrade compounds that are toxic for humans in a process called bioremediation. Although these traits help microbes survive the toxins, carrying them can be costly if the benefit of detoxification is shared by all surrounding microbes, whether they detoxify or not. Detoxification can thereby be seen as a public goods game, where nondegrading mutants can sweep through the population and collapse bioremediation. Here, we constructed an evolutionary game theoretical model to optimize bioremediation in a chemostat initially containing “cooperating” (detoxifying) microbes. We consider two types of mutants: “cheaters” that do not detoxify, and mutants that become resistant to the toxin through private mechanisms that do not benefit others. By manipulating the concentration and flow rate of a toxin into the chemostat, we identified conditions where cooperators can exclude cheaters that differ in their private resistance. However, eventually, cheaters are bound to invade. To overcome this inevitable outcome and maximize detoxification efficiency, cooperators can be periodically reinoculated into the population. Our study investigates the outcome of an evolutionary game combining both public and private goods and demonstrates how environmental parameters can be used to control evolutionary dynamics in practical applications.
Deformation localization and cracking processes of sandstone containing two flaws of different geometric arrangements
Authors: Lei Ruide , Zhang Zhenyu , Ge Zhaolong , Berto Filippo , Wang Gang , Zhou Lei
Published: July 2020

We present deformation localization and cracking process of sandstone with two flaws of different geometric configurations in uniaxial compression. The full field strain and progressive cracking processes are quantitatively monitored using three‐dimensional digital image correlation and acoustic emission techniques. The results show that peak strength and elastic modulus show a first decrease and then increase trend with regard to ligament angle under the same flaw geometry, achieving the minimum at the ligament angle 60°. The tensile strain develops at low stress level and then increases significantly. However, the shear strain only tends to be obvious while approaching peak stress. With the ligament angle increasing, the crack coalescence mode transfers from indirect to direct coalescence. In addition, the complete cracking processes of sandstone can be divided into six stages, together with six crack coalescence modes.