bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Analytics for Deep Embeddings of Large Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Chae Junghoon , Bhowmik Debsindhu , Ma Heng , Ramanathan Arvind , Steed Chad
Published: November 2019

Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation have been emerging as an excellent candidate for understanding complex atomic and molecular scale mechanism of bio-molecules that control essential bio-physical phenomenon in a living organism. But this MD technique produces large-size and long-timescale data that are inherently high-dimensional and occupies many terabytes of data. Processing this immense amount of data in a meaningful way is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, specific dimensionality reduction algorithm using deep learning technique has been employed here to embed the high-dimensional data in a lower-dimension latent space that still preserves the inherent molecular characteristics i.e. retains biologically meaningful information. Subsequently, the results of the embedding models are visualized for model evaluation and analysis of the extracted underlying features. However, most of the existing visualizations for embeddings have limitations in evaluating the embedding models and understanding the complex simulation data. We propose an interactive visual analytics system for embeddings of MD simulations to not only evaluate and explain an embedding model but also analyze various characteristics of the simulations. Our system enables exploration and discovery of meaningful and semantic embedding results and supports the understanding and evaluation of results by the quantitatively described features of the MD simulations (even without specific labels).
Structural diversity, magnetic properties and luminescence of NiII, CoII and ZnII coordination polymers derived from 3,3′-[(5-carboxy-1,3-phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Yang Dong-Dong , Lu Li-Ping , Zhu Miao-Li
Published: November 2019

Three novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely poly[[di-μ-aqua-bis{μ4-3,3′-[(5-carboxylato-1,3-phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoato-κ5
O
1:O
1′,O
3:O
5:O
5′}bis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)trinickel(II)] dimethylformamide 1.5-solvate trihydrate], {[Ni3(C21H11O8)2(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2]·1.5C3H7NO·3H2O}
n
, (I), poly[[di-μ-aqua-bis{μ4-3,3′-[(5-carboxylato-1,3-phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoato-κ5
O
1:O
1′,O
3:O
5:O
5′}bis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)tricobalt(II)] diethylamine disolvate tetrahydrate], {[Co3(C21H11O8)2(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2]·2C2H7N·4H2O}
n
, (II), and catena-poly[[aqua(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)zinc(II)]-μ-5-(3-carboxyphenoxy)-3,3′-oxydibenzoato-κ2
O
1:O
3], [Zn(C21H12O8)(C12H8N2)(H2O)]
n
, (III), have been synthesized by the reaction of different metal ions (Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+), 3,3′-[(5-carboxy-1,3-phenylbis(oxy)]dibenzoic acid (H3cpboda) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) under solvothermal conditions. All the CPs were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FT–IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Complexes (I) and (II) have isomorphous structures, featuring similar linear trinuclear structural units, in which the central NiII/CoII atom is located on an inversion centre with a slightly distorted octahedral [NiO6]/[CoO6] geometry. This comprises four carboxylate O-atom donors from two cpboda3− ligands and two O-atom donors from bridging water molecules. The terminal NiII/CoII groups are each connected to the central NiII/CoII cation through two μ1,3-carboxylate groups from two cpboda3− ligands and one water bridge, giving rise to linear trinuclear [M
3(μ2-H2O)2(RCOO)4] (M = Ni2+/Co2+) secondary building units (SBUs) and the SBUs develop two-dimensional-networks parallel to the (100) plane via cpboda3− ligands with new (32·4)2(32·83·9)2(34·42.82·94·103) topological structures. Zinc complex (III) displays one-dimensional coordination chains and the five-coordinated Zn atom forms a distorted square-pyramidal [ZnO3N2] geometry, which is completed by two carboxylate O-atom donors from two distinct Hcpboda2− ligands, one O atom from H2O and two N atoms from a chelating phen ligand. Magnetically, CP (I) shows weak ferromagnetic interactions involving the carboxylate groups, and bridging water molecules between the nickel(II) ions, and CP (II) shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co2+ ions. The solid-state luminescence properties of CP (III) were examined at ambient temperature and the luminescence sensing of Cr2O7
2−/CrO4
2− anions in aqueous solution for (III) has also been investigated.
Crystal structure of benzo[h]quinoline-3-carboxamide
Authors: Grathwol Christoph W. , Chrysochos Nicolas , Elvers Benedict J. , Link Andreas , Schulzke Carola
Published: November 2019

The title compound, C14H10N2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four molecules in the unit cell. All 17 non-H atoms of one molecule lie essentially in one plane. In the unit cell, two pairs of molecules are exactly coplanar, while the angle between these two orientations is close to perfectly perpendicular at 87.64 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules adopt a 50:50 crisscross arrangement, which is held together by two nonclassical and two classical intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen-bonding network together with off-centre π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine and outermost benzene rings, stack the molecules along the b-axis direction.
Crystal structure of 4,6-dimethyl-2-[(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl)sulfanyl]pyrimidine
Authors: Abu-Zaied Mamdouh A. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Jones Peter G.
Published: November 2019

In the title compound, C20H26N2O9S, the S atom is attached equatorially to the sugar ring. The C—S bond lengths are unequal, with S—Cs = 1.8018 (13) Å and S—Cp = 1.7662 (13) Å (s = sugar and p = pyrimidyl). In the crystal, a system of three weak hydrogen bonds, sharing an oxygen acceptor, links the molecules to form chains propagating parallel to the b-axis direction.
Strategic alignment of project management with health, safety and environmental management
Authors: Ershadi Mohammad Javad , Edrisabadi Reza , Shakouri Aghileh
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Project management generally covers many important areas such as cost, quality and time in different industrial settings, but it is deficient in relation to integration of health, safety and environmental risks. Poor knowledge of project managers about HSE management necessitates the studying on the mutual effects of HSE and project management. Hence, investigating the impact of project management on health monitoring programs, safety prevention monitoring, environmental monitoring plans and finally the effectiveness of professional health monitoring programs and determining their importance are main objectives of this research. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A model based on structural equations was designed and developed. The constructs of this model are project management, health monitoring and safety prevention monitoring program. Based on the conceptual model, some questionnaires were prepared and distributed among the experts of strategic project management.

Findings

The results of applied structural modeling suggest that project management focuses on each aspect of HSE management, including health monitoring programs, safety prevention monitoring programs, environmental monitoring plans and effectiveness of professional health monitoring programs. HSE management can also be strengthened by empowering project management. Checking fire protection systems, using appropriate techniques to identify contamination and disposal of waste and incorporating techniques for brainstorming or other ideas creation in the group are the most important tasks in HSE-enabled project management frameworks.

Originality/value

Since there is still no strategic alignment model that includes components of project management and HSE management, a model for achieving this goal is vital. This paper elaborates this alignment based on literature and using a field study.
Yuppiechef: from clicks to bricks – an omnichannel approach for a South African business
Authors: Reyneke Mignon , Barnardo Claire
Published: November 2019

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: understanding online, traditional and omnichannel retail and the challenges and benefits of each method; evaluating the effect of consumer buying behaviour on a company’s growth strategy; assessing the effect of changing industry dynamics and technology on consumer behaviour; and understanding the role of consistent customer experience across different retail mediums.

Case overview/synopsis

This case looks at Yuppiechef, a successful e-commerce business, and their move from “clicks to bricks” with the introduction of retail stores. Founder and CEO of Yuppiechef, Andrew Smith, shares the current business status and considers how to maintain the brand’s culture with the growth of retail and being an omnichannel pioneer.

Complexity academic level

The primary target audience for this teaching case is postgraduate business students, especially students of digital marketing, strategy and e-commerce. This teaching case is intended to be used as case study in postgraduate business programmes such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), a specialist masters’ programme such as MM (Entrepreneurship), post-graduate diploma in management (PGDip), as well as selected executive education programmes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Drink the Duchess: marketing challenges and opportunities encountered when SMEs internationalise
Authors: Bick Geoff , Heathcote Fran
Published: November 2019

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: first, identify the characteristics of born-global SMEs, and how these characteristics facilitate their global expansion shortly after the company’s inception. Second, demonstrate that companies work with limited resources, typically and notably newly established companies, and that these resources should be allocated according to a carefully determined strategy. The resources focussed on in this case pertain to marketing. Third, examine entrepreneurial marketing and its various manifestations. An understanding of how this type of marketing is used by companies for international expansion is expected. Fourth, assess the role of digital marketing and how social media forms an important part of digital marketing. Particular attention is paid to the use of digital marketing, notably social media, in international expansion. Fifth, develop critical thinking skills with respect to strategic business decisions, such as whether to expand a business into foreign markets or to consolidate locally; and how best to penetrate foreign markets, given the nuances and complexities specific to these markets.

Case overview/synopsis

This teaching case is about The Duchess, a recently developed and launched virgin alcohol-free and sugar-free gin and tonic beverage. The adult soft drink was originally launched in South Africa, and just 18 months later became available in international markets (the UK and Belgium). The founders and protagonists of the case, Johannes le Roux and Inus Smuts, face the dilemmas of creating a competitive local brand while also looking to access new markets and internationalise as a born-global firm.

Complexity academic level

The target audience for this case comprises students enrolled in tertiary business education programmes who have already had some sort of work experience and hands-on exposure to real-world business. MBA and EMBA students, as well as those enrolled in post-graduate studies specific to marketing, international commerce and entrepreneurship, would be suitable candidates.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Understanding the Chinese information culture and its impact on IT perceptions
Authors: Chen Leida , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Zhensheng
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Drawing upon the theory of information culture from information science and prior research on Chinese information practices. The purpose of this paper is to posit that instead of over-relying on Hofstede’s national cultural values, the IS field should develop theories on national information culture to bridge the theoretical gaps found in explaining the differences in individuals’ IT perceptions and behaviors across cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives of this study, two quantitative studies were conducted. The first study is exploratory in nature and focuses on the development and calibration of an instrument to measure the Chinese information culture (CIC). The second study takes a confirmatory approach to investigate the impact of the CIC on IT perceptions of manager.

Findings

The study develops and validates an instrument for measuring the CIC that comprises information source and format preference, information ownership and analysis style, and centralized decision-making and information control. The CIC is found to influence IT perceptions of managers including perceived performance improvement resulted from IT use, attitude toward using work technologies and attitude on the value of IT in general.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies to theorize national information culture to understand IT perceptions at the individual level. The development of the CIC measure provides the much needed methodological support for contextualizing cross-cultural research.
A longitudinal analysis for informativeness of earnings announcements in Borsa Istanbul
Authors: Ahlatcioglu Aykut , Okay Nesrin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the information value of earnings announcements for the 2007–2017 period in Borsa Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

Abnormal volatility (AVOL) and abnormal absolute return (AAR) in the three-day window around the earnings announcement are used as proxies for information content. A pooled regression of AVOL and AAR is conducted to test for the existence of information content and analyze its time trend along with its determinants.

Findings

The authors find significantly positive AVOL and AAR which shows that earnings have information content for investors during the sample period. Furthermore, both proxies demonstrate a positive time trend after controlling for various firm characteristics and surprise measures. The authors take this as evidence that overall informativeness of earnings has increased over time. The authors observe that this increase is most prevalent for growth companies and earnings announcements with high absolute surprise. This study provides partial support for the hypothesis that value of earnings announcements has increased after an improvement in information dissemination technology with the inception of the online disclosure platform, KAP.

Practical implications

Understanding information value of earnings announcements is of interest for companies which prepare earnings reports, regulators who set standards on their content and frequency and investors which make investment decisions based on information released at these announcements.

Originality/value

There had been few non-US studies related to information value of earnings announcements. The overwhelming majority of these are conducted using limited data sets from the latter part of the last century and only analyze annual earnings announcements. The authors aim to shed light on the subject using a broad and recent sample of quarterly earnings announcements from a major emerging market, Turkey.
What has the Brexit Process done to Scotch Whisky?
Authors: Ichijo Atsuko
Published: November 2019

The United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union does not have any impact on Scotch whisky itself: Brexit or not, Scotch whisky is Scotch whisky. However, it features more prominently in the Brexit negotiations than, for example, beer. This is because Scotch whisky is a highly export‐oriented product which brings large economic benefits to the UK—particularly Scotland—and its brand is protected by the international regime of intellectual property rights protection, especially, by the geographical indications regime championed by the EU. Moreover, the Brexit negotiations have led to the resurfacing of another political issue which affects Scotch whisky: Scottish independence. As a strong territorial brand, the constitutional status of Scotland is highly relevant to Scotch whisky and the investigation into the impact of the Brexit process on Scotch whisky has highlighted the inter‐connectedness of various political issues.
A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior in the Prediction of Alcohol‐Induced Blackout Intention and Frequency
Authors: DiBello Angelo M. , Miller Mary Beth , Merrill Jennifer E. , Carey Kate B.
Published: November 2019

Background

This study examined the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as an explanatory model for alcohol‐induced blackouts among college students. Blackouts are periods of time wherein individuals continue to function and engage in their social environment but do not remember it as a result of consuming large quantities of alcohol. Social cognitive factors posited within TPB, such as perceived norms and personal attitudes toward alcohol consumption, are reliable predictors of alcohol use and related problems. However, research to date has not examined these theoretical antecedents as predictors of alcohol‐induced blackout.

Methods

College students with a history of blackout (N = 384) completed a baseline survey, and a subsample (N = 120) completed a 1‐month follow‐up survey. Negative binomial mediation models were used to evaluate intentions to blackout as a mediator of the norms, attitudes, and self‐efficacy to avoid blackout–blackout frequency association at baseline and 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Norms, attitudes, and self‐efficacy to avoid blackout all significantly predicted blackout intentions at baseline, which in turn predicted more frequent blackouts both at baseline and at 1‐month follow‐up. Notably, blackout attitudes demonstrated both direct and indirect associations with blackout frequency.

Conclusions

Prospective analyses provided partial support for the TPB, with only attitudes and intentions demonstrating prospective associations with actual blackout frequency. Given the particularly strong association between blackout attitudes and frequency of blackouts, attitudes may represent an important and novel target for prevention and intervention efforts.
Dose‐dense chemotherapy for untreated poor‐prognosis and relapsed germ‐cell tumours: an 18‐year experience with GAMEC chemotherapy
Authors: Shamash Jonathan , Mee Matthew , Sarker Shah‐Jalal , Wilson Peter , Ansell Wendy , Greenwood Michelle , Berney Dan , Alifrangis Constantine
Published: November 2019

Objective

To report a single‐centre experience of the regimen GAMEC (granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, actinomycin‐D, methotrexate with folinic acid rescue, etoposide and cisplatin) over 18 years in both untreated disease and relapse settings.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on 162 patients who received GAMEC dose‐dense chemotherapy incorporating actinomycin and high dose methotrexate. Survival outcomes were compared. Risk categorization based on (1) the International Prognostic Factor Study Group (IPFSG) criteria and (2) two factors, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels greater than the upper limit of normal and age ≥35 years, were also compared in terms of survival outcomes using Cox proportional hazard regression modelling.

Results

Seventy‐five patients with poor‐prognosis disease, according to International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification, received GAMEC as initial therapy. With a median follow‐up of 63 months, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was >14 months. The 2‐year PFS rate was 61.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.1–71.6), and the 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 71.9%. Seventy‐six patients received GAMEC as second‐line therapy (following failure of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin or etoposide cisplatin). The median PFS was 7.5 months (95% CI 5.2–not evaluable), the 2‐year PFS rate was 43.5% (95% CI 32.1–54.4) and the 3‐year OS rate was 53.7% (95% CI 41.6–64.3). In the third‐line setting (n = 11), the 2‐year PFS was 18.2% (95% CI 2.8–44.2). Overall, the treatment‐related death rate declined from 10.5% in the first 15 years to 2.6% in the last 5 years.

Conclusion

GAMEC was an effective regimen in untreated poor‐prognosis disease and on relapse following conventional cisplatin and etoposide‐based chemotherapy. Risk categorization based on LDH/age is more sensitive than that based on the updated IPFSG criteria. It is possible to identify patients who are particularly likely to benefit from this treatment, which has the important advantages of short duration and absence of bleomycin, particularly in patients with central nervous system and mediastinal disease. Low‐dose induction treatment is associated with safer delivery of treatment without compromising survival.
Pain attenuating actions of vincristinet‐preconditioning in chemotherapeutic agent‐induced neuropathic pain: key involvement of T‐type calcium channels
Authors: Sharma Jasmine , Maslov Leonid N. , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: November 2019

Preconditioning is a well‐documented strategy that induces hepatic protection, renal protection, cardioprotection, and neuroprotection but its mechanism still remains to be elucidated. Hence, the present study investigated the protective mechanism underlying pain attenuating effects of vincristine‐preconditioning in chemotherapeutic agent‐induced neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was induced by administration of vincristine (50 µg/kg, i.p.) for 10 days in rats. Vincristine‐preconditioning was induced by administration of vincristine (2, 5, and 10 µg/kg, i.p) for 5 days before administration of pain‐inducing dose of vincristine (50 µg/kg, i.p.). Vincristine‐preconditioning (10 µg/kg, i.p) for 5 days significantly reduced vincristine (50 µg/kg, i.p.) induced pain‐related behaviors including paw cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and heat hyperalgesia. However, vincristine (2 and 5 µg/kg, i.p) did not significantly ameliorate the vincristine (50 µg/kg, i.p.) induced neuropathic pain in rats. Furthermore, to explore the involvement of calcium channels in pain attenuating mechanism of vincristine‐preconditioning, T‐type calcium channel blocker, ethosuximide (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) and L‐type calcium channel blocker, amlodipine (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were used. Pretreatment with T‐type calcium channel blocker, ethosuximide significantly abolished vincristine‐preconditioning‐induced protective effect. However, pretreatment with L‐type calcium channel blocker, amlodipine did not alter vincristine‐preconditioning‐induced pain‐related behaviors. This indicates that vincristine‐preconditioning has protective effect on pain‐related parameters due to opening of calcium channels, particularly T‐type calcium channels that lead to entry of small magnitude of intracellular calcium through these channels and prevent the deleterious effects of high‐dose vincristine.
The interactome of stabilized α‐synuclein oligomers and neuronal proteins
Authors: van Diggelen Femke , Frank Signe Andrea , Somavarapu Arun Kumar , Scavenius Carsten , Apetri Mihaela M. , Nielsen Janni , Tepper Armand W. J. W. , Enghild Jan J. , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: November 2019

While it is generally accepted that α‐synuclein oligomers (αSOs) play an important role in neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, the basis for their cytotoxicity remains unclear. We have previously shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) stabilizes αSOs against dissociation without compromising their ability to colocalize with glutamatergic synapses of primary hippocampal neurons, suggesting that they bind to synaptic proteins. Here, we develop a proteomic screen for putative αSO binding partners in rat primary neurons using DHA‐stabilized human αSOs as a bait protein. The protocol involved co‐immunoprecipitation in combination with a photoactivatable heterobifunctional sulfo‐LC‐SDA crosslinker which did not compromise neuronal binding and preserved the interaction between the αSOs‐binding partners. We identify in total 29 proteins associated with DHA‐αSO of which eleven are membrane proteins, including synaptobrevin‐2B (VAMP‐2B), the sodium–potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase), the V‐type ATPase, the voltage‐dependent anion channel and calcium‐/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase type II subunit gamma; only these five hits were also found in previous studies which used unmodified αSOs as bait. We also identified Rab‐3A as a target with likely disease relevance. Three out of four selected hits were subsequently validated with dot‐blot binding assays. In addition, likely binding sites on these ligands were identified by computational analysis, highlighting a diversity of possible interactions between αSOs and target proteins. These results constitute an important step in the search for disease‐modifying treatments targeting toxic αSOs.
Modelling Atlantic mackerel spawning habitat suitability and its future distribution in the north‐west Atlantic
Authors: Mbaye Baye , Doniol‐Valcroze Thomas , Brosset Pablo , Castonguay Martin , Van Beveren Elisabeth , Smith Andrew , Lehoux Caroline , Brickman David , Wang Zeliang , Plourde Stéphane
Published: November 2019

We investigated the effect of environmental conditions on Atlantic mackerel spawning habitat in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL). Based on generalized additive models, we (i) modelled the optimal spawning habitat of mackerel in the sGSL using daily egg production (DEP) in June, (ii) predicted known and new potential present spawning habitats in the GSL and the north‐west Atlantic, and (iii) assessed how they respond to future climate change. Our findings showed that both mackerel presence–absence and given‐presence DEP were associated with sea surface temperature (10–16.5°C), salinity above 31 and depth < 120 m. Adding zooplankton showed a marked effect on the DEP given‐presence compared to the presence–absence. Predictions of spawning habitats under present (1999–2012) and future scenario (2066–2085) conditions were estimated from the presence–absence model without zooplankton, using physical conditions of the BNAM. Under present conditions, our model predicted well the main spawning habitat in the sGSL and other known secondary spawning habitats in the northern GSL (nGSL), the western and southern Newfoundland, and the north‐west Atlantic coast. Under future conditions, our study suggests that spawning habitats in the sGSL and the nGSL would expand. Our results, therefore, suggest that mackerel could benefit from a warmer GSL, minimizing the potential for a northward migration of the stock due to decreasing suitability of the sGSL as its main spawning ground, and a new but spatially limited potential habitat in Newfoundland coasts. These results can be used to inform stock management and develop adaptive management plans in the context of climate change.
Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) for the Acute Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Rapoport Alan M. , Lin Tamar , Tepper Stewart J.
Published: November 2019

There is a significant unmet need for novel, effective, and well‐tolerated acute migraine treatments. Remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) is a non‐pharmacological, non‐invasive, acute migraine treatment that stimulates upper arm peripheral nerves to induce conditioned pain modulation – an endogenous analgesic mechanism in which a conditioning stimulation inhibits pain in remote body regions. This review presents the method of action and the clinical data of REN and discusses its potential patient benefits. The clinically meaningful efficacy, together with a very favorable safety profile, suggests that REN may offer a promising alternative for the acute treatment of migraine and could be considered first‐line treatment in some patients.
Effect of PM2.5 on macrosomia in China: A nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Shi , Wang Shirui , Li Tiantian , Zhu Huijuan , Liang Siyu , Xu Ke , Zhang Yuelun , Yuan Xianxian , Yang Yingying , Pan Hui , Shi Xiaoming
Published: November 2019

Background

Macrosomia is associated with both neonatal complications and adult diseases (obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc.). Previous studies have reported maternal exposure to PM2.5 might influence metabolism and fetal development and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies conducted in areas with low PM2.5 concentration have found relationship between gestational PM2.5 exposure and birth weight. However, the impact of air pollution on macrosomia has not been studied, especially in highly polluted areas.

Objective

To evaluate the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of macrosomia.

Methods

Data from preconception health examination and prenatal and postnatal records were collected from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012 in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project. Monthly mean of PM2.5 concentration during pregnancy was estimated from satellite data using an ensemble machine learning model. A newborn with birth weight above 4000 g was defined as macrosomia. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and the risk of macrosomia, after adjusting for maternal age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, parity, neonatal sex, duration of gestation, seasonality, educational level, smoking and drinking habits, past history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and family history of diabetes mellitus. Restricted cubic spline models were used to evaluate the dose‐response relationship between the risk of macrosomia and PM2.5 concentration.

Results

Of 177 841 singleton nonlow birth weight newborns included, 14 598 (8.2%) had macrosomia. The mean PM2.5 concentrations were 70.7, 71.5, and 80.9 μg/m3 in the first, second, and third trimesters. In full‐adjusted logistic regression models, significant associations were found between increased risk of macrosomia and every 10 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 concentration over the first (odds ratio [OR]: 1.045; 95% CI, 1.037‐1.052), second (OR: 1.035; 95% CI, 1.028‐1.043), and third (OR: 1.033; 95% CI, 1.026‐1.039) trimesters. There was a nonlinear does‐response association between PM2.5 concentration and the risk of macrosomia.

Conclusions

Maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in China.
Childhood hair cortisol concentration and early teen cardiometabolic outcomes
Authors: Petimar Joshua , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Hivert Marie‐France , Fleisch Abby F. , Tiemeier Henning , Oken Emily
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine associations of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in mid‐childhood and change in HCC from mid‐childhood to early adolescence (ΔHCC) with early adolescent adiposity and cardiometabolic biomarker measures.

Methods

In Project Viva, a pre‐birth cohort of mothers and children, we measured HCC in 599 white children in mid‐childhood and in 426 of these participants in early adolescence. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations of mid‐childhood HCC and ΔHCC with BMI‐for‐age‐and‐sex z score, waist circumference, waist‐height ratio, dual X‐ray absorptiometry total and trunk fat mass, a metabolic risk z score, adiponectin, HOMA‐IR, high‐density lipoprotein, C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, leptin, and systolic blood pressure.

Results

Over a mean (SD) follow‐up of 5.2 (0.8) years, we did not find associations of mid‐childhood HCC with BMI‐for‐age‐and‐sex z score (β = 0.00 per 1‐interquartile range of HCC, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.08 to 0.07), waist circumference (β = −0.04 cm, 95% CI, −0.83 to 0.74), metabolic risk z score (β = 0.04, 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.11), or other cardiometabolic measures except for an increase in log‐transformed HOMA‐IR (β = 0.10, 95% CI, 0.04‐0.17). ΔHCC was not associated with any outcome measures.

Conclusions

We found that mid‐childhood HCC was not associated with early adolescent adiposity or cardiometabolic biomarkers except for a slight increase in HOMA‐IR.
Smart energy pricing for demand‐side management in renewable energy smart grids
Authors: Borges Yulle G. F. , Schouery Rafael C. S. , Miyazawa Flávio K. , Granelli Fabrizio , da Fonseca Nelson L. S. , Melo Lucas P.
Published: November 2019

Smart grids are expected to provide various benefits to society by integrating advances in power engineering with recent developments in the field of information and communications technology. One of the advantages is the support to efficient demand‐side management (DSM), for example, changes in consumer demands for energy based on using incentives. Indeed, DSM is expected to help grid operators balance time‐varying generation by wind and solar units, and the optimization of their usage. This paper focuses on DSM considering renewable energy generation and proposes an auction, in which consumers submit bids to renewable energy usage plans. An additional model is introduced to allow consumers to compute their bid for a given usage plan. Both models have been extended to include energy storage devices. The proposed model is compared to a system with time‐varying pricing for energy, where it is shown to allow consumers to use more appliances, to lead to a larger profit, and to reduce the peak‐to‐average ratio of energy consumption. Finally, the impact of the use of energy storage in households and in the energy provider is also considered.
Three Decades of Research in Health and Food Marketing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silchenko Ksenia , Askegaard Søren , Cedrola Elena
Published: November 2019

With multiple approaches, methodologies and theoretical traditions involved, the body of marketing research focused on health and food has grown particularly extensive, fragmented, and difficult to navigate. Driven by the goal of synthesizing three decades of research and reflecting on its development over time, this study provides a broad bibliographic, theoretical, methodological, and thematic assessment of a selection of 190 articles published between 1988 and 2015, using systematic review and content analysis methods. The results reveal that knowledge in the field is predominantly driven by US‐authored, experiment‐based studies with statistical scope that often fail to articulate a discernible theoretical anchor. Despite a plethora of themes, the concept of health is primarily operationalized in the context of isolated, often dichotomous, product evaluations rather than in the context of everyday consumption experiences. By looking into “what,” “where,” and “how” of food and health‐related research, this study contributes to the debate about the current state and the future of this research domain.
Assessing the fertility of two mares cloned from the same founder animal
Authors: Dordas‐Perpinyà Marta , Pintart Cécile , Terris Hubert , Normandin Laure , Bruyas Jean‐François
Published: November 2019

Two cloned mares, produced from the same sample of skin fibroblasts, were bred during four breeding seasons from their second year of age, as embryo donors, in exactly the same conditions, using the same stallions for both cloned mares. The aim of this study was to test the embryo donor potential of cloned mares and to compare the results obtained from two cloned mares of the same mare with other embryo donor mares (n = 31–39 per breeding season) at the same stud. For both cloned mares, 19 embryos were recovered by 43 collection attempts (44%) (7/22 for one; 12/21 for the other), 16 (84%) pregnancies (5/7 for one, 11/12 for the other) were obtained at day 14 post‐ovulation (D14), and 12 (3/7 for one; 9/12 for the other) foals were born. One cloned mare was a less efficient donor mare than the other (p < .05), In control donor mares, 623 embryo collections were performed, with a recovery rate (80%—496/623) significantly higher than for cloned mares. The recovery rate in the subpopulation of 2–5‐year‐old control donor mares (same age of cloned mares) (89%—127/143) and The recovery rate in the subpopulation of 12 control mares bred with the seven same stallions as clones (55%—17/31), were both higher than for cloned mare (p < .05). The success rate of transfer was not different between embryos produced by cloned mares (84%—16/19) and those produced by control donor mares (79%—392/496). However, the foaling rate per embryo collection was significantly lower for cloned mares (28%—12/43) than for control donor mares (52% ‐ 325/623) (p < .05).
A laser ablation technique maps differences in elemental composition in roots of two barley cultivars subjected to salinity stress
Authors: Shelden Megan C. , Gilbert Sarah E. , Tyerman Stephen D.
Published: November 2019

In saline soils, high levels of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) ions reduce root growth by inhibiting cell division and elongation, thereby impacting on crop yield. Soil salinity can lead to Na+toxicity of plant cells, influencing the uptake and retention of other important ions [i.e. potassium (K+)] required for growth. However, measuring and quantifying soluble ions in their native, cellular environment is inherently difficult. Technologies that allowin situprofiling of plant tissues are fundamental for our understanding of abiotic stress responses and the development of tolerant crops. Here, we employ laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) to quantify Na, K and other elements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe)] at high spatial resolution in the root growth zone of two genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare) that differ in salt‐tolerance, cv. Clipper (tolerant) and Sahara (sensitive). The data show that Na+was excluded from the meristem and cell division zone, indicating that Na+toxicity is not directly reducing cell division in the salt‐sensitive genotype, Sahara. Interestingly, in both genotypes, K+was strongly correlated with Na+concentration, in response to salt stress. In addition, we also show important genetic differences and salt‐specific changes in elemental composition in the root growth zone. These results show that LA‐ICP‐MS can be used for fine mapping of soluble ions (i.e. Na+and K+) in plant tissues, providing insight into the link between Na+toxicity and root growth responses to salt stress.
Lysosomal size matters
Authors: de Araujo Mariana E. G. , Liebscher Gudrun , Hess Michael W. , Huber Lukas A.
Published: November 2019

Lysosomes are key cellular catabolic centers that also perform fundamental metabolic, signaling and quality control functions. Lysosomes are not static and they respond dynamically to intra‐ and extracellular stimuli triggering changes in organelle numbers, size and position. Such physical changes have a strong impact on lysosomal activity ultimately influencing cellular homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on lysosomal size regulation, on its physiological role(s) and association to several disease conditions.
Working Fluid Dependence on Source Temperature for Organic Rankine Cycles
Authors: Pasinato Hugo Darío
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations of organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) for low-grade heat source temperature in the range of 373–653 K for 20 working fluids. The goal of the study is to determine the importance of the level of the source temperature in the selection of working fluids and operation conditions. As a performance indicator, a function of the net power, the internal and external exergy efficiencies, and the exergy efficiency of the evaporator is used. The results show that there is a strong correlation between the level of the source temperature and the critical temperature, between the expander inlet temperature and the source temperature, and between the expander inlet pressure and the critical pressure of the working fluids tested. The study shows that once the source temperature level is known, it is possible to select the working fluid and the conditions at the expander entrance.
Media Representations of Bipolar Disorder Through the Case of Suzy Favor Hamilton
Authors: Vaccaro Rachel , Butryn Ted M.
Published: November 2019

Individuals suffering from mental illness face challenges that are related to stigma and lack of education that are often reinforced by the media. Specifically, the elite athletic culture is not conducive for athletes who suffer from mental illness because there is at times a belief that mental illnesses are less prevalent in elite sport. Even though incidence of mental illness in elite athletes has gained more prominence in the popular media, there is still a lack of research in this area. Specifically, there is limited research regarding media representations of athletes who suffer from mental illness. To address this gap in the literature, an ethnographic content analysis (ECA) was done to examine Suzy Favor Hamilton’s open discussion of bipolar disorder surrounding the release of her new memoir, Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running From Madness. ECA yielded one overarching theme with three supporting sub-themes. Results indicated that even though Favor Hamilton’s book worked to spread awareness, the media attention surrounding the book release represented omission of mental illness in the environment of athletics. Overall, sports culture provides an environment that is not often willing to accept that mental illnesses exist in athletes.
A Single-Dose Combination Study with the Experimental Antimalarials Artefenomel and DSM265 To Determine Safety and Antimalarial Activity against Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: McCarthy James S. , Rückle Thomas , Elliott Suzanne L. , Ballard Emma , Collins Katharine A. , Marquart Louise , Griffin Paul , Chalon Stephan , Möhrle Jörg J.
Published: November 2019

Artefenomel and DSM265 are two new compounds that have been shown to be well tolerated and effective when administered as monotherapy malaria treatment. This study aimed to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of artefenomel and DSM265 administered in combination to healthy subjects in a volunteer infection study using the
Plasmodium falciparum
-induced blood-stage malaria model.
Bacterial Load of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Posterior Oropharynx, Tonsillar Fossae, and Saliva among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Untreated Oropharyngeal Chlamydia
Authors: Phillips Tiffany R. , Fairley Christopher K. , Maddaford Kate , Danielewski Jennifer , Hocking Jane S. , Lee David , Williamson Deborah A. , Murray Gerald , Kong Fabian , De Petra Vesna , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chen Marcus Y. , Wigan Rebecca , Snow Anthony , Howden Benjamin P. , Garland Suzanne M. , Chow Eric P. F.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to determine whether
Chlamydia trachomatis
could be detected in saliva and if infection is specific to an anatomical site in the oropharynx. Men who have sex with men (MSM) who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal chlamydia at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2017-2018 were invited to participate upon returning for treatment. Swabs at the tonsillar fossae and posterior oropharynx and a saliva sample were collected.
DNA- and RNA-SIP Reveal
Nitrospira
spp. as Key Drivers of Nitrification in Groundwater-Fed Biofilters
Authors: Gülay Arda , Fowler S. Jane , Tatari Karolina , Thamdrup Bo , Albrechtsen Hans-Jørgen , Al-Soud Waleed Abu , Sørensen Søren J. , Smets Barth F.
Published: November 2019

With this study we provide the first
in situ
evidence of ecologically relevant ammonia oxidation by comammox
Nitrospira
in a complex microbiome and document an unexpectedly high H
13
CO
3
−
uptake and growth of proteobacterial and acidobacterial taxa under ammonia selectivity. This finding raises the question of whether comammox
Nitrospira
is an equally important ammonia oxidizer in other environments.
Preclinical Efficacy of a Lipooligosaccharide Peptide Mimic Candidate Gonococcal Vaccine
Authors: Gulati Sunita , Pennington Michael W. , Czerwinski Andrzej , Carter Darrick , Zheng Bo , Nowak Nancy A. , DeOliveira Rosane B. , Shaughnessy Jutamas , Reed George W. , Ram Sanjay , Rice Peter A.
Published: November 2019

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
has become resistant to most antibiotics. The incidence of gonorrhea is also sharply increasing. A safe and effective antigonococcal vaccine is urgently needed. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS), the most abundant outer membrane molecule, is indispensable for gonococcal pathogenesis. A glycan epitope on LOS that is recognized by monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2C7 (called the 2C7 epitope) is expressed almost universally by gonococci
in vivo
. Previously, we identified a peptide mimic (mimitope) of the 2C7 epitope, which when configured as an octamer and used as an immunogen, attenuated colonization of mice by gonococci. Here, a homogenous, stable tetrameric derivative of the mimitope, when combined with a T
H
1-promoting adjuvant and used as an immunogen, also effectively attenuates gonococcal colonization of mice. This candidate peptide vaccine can be produced economically, an important consideration for gonorrhea, which affects socioeconomically underprivileged populations disproportionately, and represents an important advance in the development of a gonorrhea vaccine.
Reduced Fitness Costs of
mcr-1.2
Compared to Mutated
pmrB
in Isogenic Colistin-Resistant KPC-3-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Giordano Cesira , Klak Adrian , Barnini Simona , Chlebowicz Monika A. , Menconi Mariacristina , Rossen John W. , Friedrich Alexander W. , Bathoorn Erik
Published: November 2019

Our study shows a successful prolonged human colonization by a colistin-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolate harboring
mcr-1.2
. An intense antibiotic therapy contributed to the maintenance of this microorganism through the acquisition of new resistance genes. The isolates carrying
mcr-1.2
showed fewer fitness costs than isogenic isolates with a
pmrB
mutation in the chromosome. Coselection and reduced fitness costs may explain the replacement of isolates with the
pmrB
mutation by other isolates and the ability of the microorganism to persist despite antibiotic treatment.
Enrichment of Antigen-Specific Class-Switched B Cells from Individuals Naturally Immunized by Infection with Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Lamb Cheri L. , Price Emily , Field Kevin P. , Dayton Christopher , McIndoo Eric R. , Katahira Eva J. , Stevens Dennis L. , Hobdey Sarah E.
Published: November 2019

Bacteria called group A streptococci can cause a variety of skin and soft tissue infections ranging from mild pharyngitis (“strep throat”) to deadly necrotizing fasciitis (sometimes called “flesh-eating” disease). In each case, the development of disease and the degree of tissue damage are mediated by toxins released from the bacteria during infection. Consequently, novel therapies aimed at clearing bacterial toxins are greatly needed. One promising new treatment is the utilization of monoclonal antibodies delivered as an immunotherapeutic for toxin neutralization. However, current methods of antibody development are laborious and costly. Here, we report a method to enrich and increase the detection of highly desirable antigen-specific memory B cells from individuals previously exposed to GAS using a cost-effective and less-time-intensive strategy. We envision that this method will be incorporated into many applications supporting the development of immunotherapeutics.
Fungal Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Targets for Immune Interventions
Authors: Freitas Mateus Silveira , Bonato Vânia Luiza Deperon , Pessoni Andre Moreira , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Casadevall Arturo , Almeida Fausto
Published: November 2019

The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by fungi is a fundamental cellular process. EVs carry several biomolecules, including pigments, proteins, enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, and are involved in physiological and pathological processes. EVs may play a pivotal role in the establishment of fungal infections, as they can interact with the host immune system to elicit multiple outcomes.