bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual life assessment method for polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Wei Tao , Zhao Sijin , Gao Zongzhan , Zhang Ke , Gou Wenxuan , Dang Yangfan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Fatigue and creep are the key factors for the failure of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the engineering structure, so a great of quantity attention is focused on the life prediction under the creep and fatigue conditions. This paper aims to mainly summarize the traditional life assessment method (S–N curve), life assessment method based on crazing density and life assessment method based on transmittance. S–N curve and classical creep curve are introduced on the traditional life assessment method; the variation of the craze density with the logarithm of cyclic numbers is given in different fatigue load. A linear relationship is obtained, and a higher stress leads to a higher slope, suggesting a faster growth of craze. Furthermore, a craze density model is purposed to describe this relationship; the variation of craze density with the time at different creep load is given. The craze density has two obvious stages. At the first stage, craze density ranged from approximately 0.02 to 0.17, and a linear relationship is obtained. In the following stage, a nonlinear relationship appears till specimen rupture, a new creep life model is proposed to depict two stages. The relationship between transmission and time under creep load is shown. With increasing of time, the transmittance shows a nonlinear decrease. Through polynomial nonlinear fitting, a relationship between the transmittance and residual life can be obtained. To provide reference for the life assessment of transparent materials, the paper compares three life assessment methods of PMMA.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the traditional life assessment method (S–N curve), life assessment method based on crazing density, life assessment method based on transmittance.

Findings

The variation of the craze density with the logarithm of cyclic numbers is given in different fatigue loads. A linear relationship is obtained, and a higher stress leads to a higher slope, suggesting a faster growth of craze. Furthermore, a craze density model is proposed to describe this relationship, and the variation of craze density with the time at different creep loads is given. The craze density has two obvious stages. The relationship between transmission and time under creep load is shown. With increasing of time, the transmittance shows a nonlinear decrease. Through polynomial nonlinear fitting, a relationship between the transmittance and residual life can be obtained.

Originality/value

Fatigue and creep are the key factors for the failure of PMMA in the engineering structure, so a great of quantity attention is focused on the life prediction under the conditions of creep and fatigue. This paper mainly summarizes traditional life assessment method (S–N curve), life assessment method based on crazing density and life assessment method based on transmittance.
Novel tanning agent based on silica-nanocomposite emulsion polymers
Authors: H. Abd El-Wahab , Abd El-Monem Farouk , M.A. Naser , A.I. Hussain , Nashy El-Shahat H.A. , L. Lin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is devoted to application of the emulsion polymer of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) prepared with in situ nano-silica as a novel tanning agent of hide to partly or totally replace chrome salt and to improve physical, thermal and mechanical properties of the tanned leather and to reduce the environmental impact of chrome tanning effluent.

Design/methodology/approach

Polymer/nano-silica hybrid emulsions were prepared via in situ seed emulsion polymerisation. The prepared polymers were characterised for solid content, molecular weight, viscosity, drying time, minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT) and microstructures (via transmission electron microscopy). The mechanical, thermal and surface morphological (by scanning electron microscope) properties of the treated samples were also investigated. The influences of the increase in the content of organic nano-silica on the properties of the tanned leather are discussed.

Findings

It was found that the viscosity, the particle size and the solid content of the prepared polymers increased as the content of the nano-silica increased while gloss and drying time of the resulting polymer film decreased. Tanning buffalo hide by Polymer F (containing a high content of nano-silica) gave desirable properties in terms of tensile strength, thermal stability and shrinkage temperature.

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses the preparation and the characterisation of emulsion polymers with in situ nano-silica and their application in tanning process to enhance and improve the leather quality, as well as reduce the use of chrome tanning materials and consequently chrome tanning waste.

Practical implications

The tanned leather showed an improvement of physico-mechanical properties and enhancement of thermal stability. Furthermore, the tanned leather has uniform colour, softness and firmness of grain. All these promising results provide evidence to support the applicability of the prepared co-polymer/nano-silica emulsions as an efficient tanning agent that also provides lubricating properties for leather.

Originality/value

Since May 2015, REACH Annex XVII restricts Cr(VI) in leather articles or leather parts of articles that come into contact with skin to a concentration of less than 3 mg/kg. Cases of discovery of Cr(VI) in leather papers have been reported by the European rapid alert system on dangerous consumer products (RAPEX). The emulsion poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) with in situ nano-silica that has been developed via the study reported in this paper is one of the better technologies for the reduction of chromium ratio used in tanning industry.
A framework for screening and portfolio selection in corporate venture capital
Authors: Herberger Tim Alexander , Reinle Felix
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline and demonstrate a method for screening and selection of potential portfolio companies (PCs) during the screening phase in corporate venture capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) enables the consideration of individual, heterogeneous and multidimensional decision criteria in portfolio selection and the preceding screening process by the investor.

Findings

The result of this method is a relative ranking of the PCs, with all the PCs considered serving as peer group. A weighting of individual criteria is not necessary because it is part of the functionality of DEA. The authors validate the proposed approach in a case study and show that it can be well combined with other models and theoretical frameworks.

Practical implications

The method is particularly useful in two cases. First, if a highly specialized investor wishes to use a variety of individual selection criteria for portfolio selection. Second, if an investor only has insufficient (financial) data on potential PCs, but still wants to make a (pre-) selection based on observable (qualitative) characteristics. This model helps to make consistent, intersubjectively comprehensible decisions based on valid decision criteria and helps to optimize the decision-making process in the context of portfolio selection in CVC.

Originality/value

This method allows the systematic selection of an attractive group from a large number of potential PCs, based on observable characteristics and taking into account individual strategic investment objectives, without having to make assumptions about underlying distributions or weights of decision criteria.
Global value chain embeddedness, labour productivity and employment in the Asia-Pacific countries
Authors: Jangam Bhushan Praveen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the global value chain (GVC) participation and the associated improvements in labour productivity and employment among 16 Asia-Pacific countries.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the indicators of GVC participation are computed using annual multi-region input-output tables over the period 1990-2014. Second, the study examines the long-run association between GVCs and labour productivity through Pedroni (2004) and Westerlund (2007) panel cointegration techniques. Then in the third step, the long-run elasticities are estimated using dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fixed-random effects models. Finally, the direction of causality is examined using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel causality technique.

Findings

The result shows an increasing participation of GVCs among Asia-Pacific countries. The findings also show the long-run relationship between GVCs and labour productivity. The long-run elasticities suggest the positive association of GVCs with labour productivity and employment. Further, the categorization of Asia-Pacific countries based on income groups reveals that improvement in labour productivity and employment outcomes is significantly greater in the case of middle-income countries. Finally, the results from panel causality infer that the direction of causality runs from GVCs to labour productivity and GVCs to employment.

Practical implications

The findings enable policymakers to formulate appropriate policies in Asia-Pacific countries to keep the momentum of increasing their participation in GVC for boosting labour productivity and employment gains.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study examining the spillover effects of GVC on labour productivity and employment in case of Asia-Pacific countries.
Exploring the relationships between dynamic capabilities and IT governance
Authors: Luna-Reyes Luis , Juiz Carlos , Gutierrez-Martinez Isis , Duhamel Francois Bernard
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Information technology (IT) constitutes an important driver for innovation in the public sector. However, taking advantage of IT to innovate requires the existence of other organizational and institutional capabilities within the public organization. Using absorptive capability theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between principles for IT governance and dynamic capabilities across semi-urban (between 10,000 and 149,000 inhabitants), urban (between 150,000 and 600,000 inhabitants) and metropolitan (more than 600,000 inhabitants ) municipal governments in Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports on three workshops involving 34 chief information officers (CIOs) from semi-urban, urban and metropolitan municipalities. The workshop agenda included a series of brainstorming exercises to discuss – among other topics – the capabilities required for digital government innovation. The capabilities collected during the workshops were codified by the authors based on their relationship to the six IT governance standardized principles and the four dynamic capabilities identified in the literature. The authors used descriptive and correlation analyses to show the importance of governance principles and dynamic capabilities for innovation, as well as the relationships between those two dimensions, in each type of municipality.

Findings

This study shows that specific IT governance principles may enhance innovation capabilities linked with knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. Moreover, the ways in which IT governance principles support innovation are linked to size, resources and complexity of the local government. In conclusion, this study discusses the primary IT policy implications to improve possibilities to innovate in the public sector.

Originality/value

Although researchers and practitioners agree that following principles of good governance may enhance performance and innovation in the provision of public services, the link between the principles of IT governance and capabilities to spur innovation has not yet been fully established in the literature. Thus, in this study, empirical evidence of this linkage is provided.
Plant functional traits shape multiple ecosystem services, their trade‐offs and synergies in grasslands
Authors: Hanisch Mario , Schweiger Oliver , Cord Anna F. , Volk Martin , Knapp Sonja
Published: April 2020

Functional traits offer promising avenues to investigate how community composition and diversity define ecosystem functioning and service delivery. In recent years, many empirical studies on the importance of functional traits for ecosystem service provisioning have been undertaken, but a general understanding and synthesis of results is lacking for many ecosystems.

Here we focus on temperate grasslands and present a systematic literature review synthesizing how plant functional traits are interrelated with ecosystem services.

Based on 108 studies, we identified a core set of 40 functional traits and 11 ecosystem services. Several of these traits were only linked to one, while 75% of traits were linked to two or more ecosystem services.

We found that trait‐specific constraints can lead to both synergies and trade‐offs in the supply of multiple ecosystem services. For instance, synergies between biomass production and climate regulation can be achieved by changing morphometric root traits such as increasing root diameter, tissue density or shoot to root ratio. On the other hand, supporting fast‐growing exploitative species characterized by high specific leaf area and nitrogen content typically leads to trade‐offs between fodder quality and water purification.

Synthesis and applications. By applying network analysis, we found five groups of ecosystem services sharing common functional traits. Within and among these groups, we identified trade‐offs among traits as well as among services and found options for synergies. These can be particularly useful in landscape planning, and when management aims focus on maintaining multifunctionality of ecosystems and maximizing corresponding ecosystem service delivery.
Species‐specific variation in germination rates contributes to spatial coexistence more than adult plant water use in four closely related annual flowering plants
Authors: James Aubrie R. M. , Burnette Timothy E. , Mack Jasmine , James David E. , Eckhart Vincent M. , Geber Monica A.
Published: April 2020

Spatial partitioning is a classic hypothesis to explain plant species coexistence, but evidence linking local environmental variation to spatial sorting, demography and species' traits is sparse. If co‐occurring species' performance is optimized differently along environmental gradients because of trait variation, then spatial variation might facilitate coexistence.

We used a system of four naturally co‐occurring species of Clarkia (Onagraceae) to ask whether distribution patchiness corresponds to variation in two environmental variables that contribute to hydrological variation. We then reciprocally sowed Clarkia into each patch type and measured demographic rates in the absence of congeneric competition. Species sorted in patches along one or both gradients, and in three of the four species, germination rate in the ‘home’ patch was higher than all other patches.

Spatially variable germination resulted in the same three species exhibiting the highest population growth rates in their home patches.

Species' trait values related to plant water use, as well as indicators of water stress in home patches, differed among species and corresponded to home patch attributes. However, post‐germination survival did not vary among species or between patch types, and fecundity did not vary spatially.

Synthesis. Our research demonstrates the likelihood that within‐community spatial heterogeneity affects plant species coexistence, and presents novel evidence that differential performance in space is explained by what happens in the germination stage. Despite the seemingly obvious link between adult plant water‐use and variation in the environment, our results distinguish the germination stage as important for spatially variable population performance.
Comparison of effects of L/N‐type and L‐type calcium channel blockers on post‐infarct cardiac remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Naseratun Nessa , Kobara Miyuki , Watanabe Yusuke , Toba Hiroe , Nakata Tetsuo
Published: April 2020

Hypertension and coronary events are becoming more prevalent in aging societies, and myocardial infarction usually occurs in calcium channel blocker (CCB)‐treated hypertensive patients. We herein compared the effects of cilnidipine, an L/N‐type CCB and amlodipine, an L‐type CCB, on post‐infarct left ventricular (LV) remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs were subjected to 30 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion (MI group). The administration of cilnidipine (10 mg/kg/d; MI + Cil group) or amlodipine (10 mg/kg/d; MI + Aml group) was initiated one week before surgery and continued for five weeks. Both CCBs decreased blood pressure. Four weeks after surgery, cilnidipine, but not amlodipine, attenuated LV dilatation, fractional shortening impairments, end‐diastolic pressure elevations, and tau elongation. In the non‐infarct region, myocyte hypertrophy and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA levels were similarly attenuated by both CCBs. On the other hand, interstitial fibrosis, the mRNA expression of collagen type III and transforming growth factor (TGF) β and immunohistological TGF β protein expression in the non‐infarct region were reduced more in the MI + Cil group than in the MI + Aml group. Additionally, elevated angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity and interstitial noradrenaline concentrations in the non‐infarct region were reduced by cilnidipine. These results suggest that cilnidipine reduced cardiac noradrenaline concentrations and inhibited the renin–angiotensin system, which attenuated post‐infarct remodelling more than amlodipine in hypertensive rats.
Impaired motor cortical plasticity associated with cannabis use disorder in young adults
Authors: Martin‐Rodriguez Juan Francisco , Ruiz‐Veguilla Miguel , Alvarez de Toledo Paloma , Aizpurua‐Olaizola Oier , Zarandona Iratxe , Canal‐Rivero Manuel , Rodriguez‐Baena Antonio , Mir Pablo
Published: April 2020

Maladaptive cortical plasticity has been described in individuals with heroin and methamphetamine addiction and may mediate other substance abuse disorders. It is unknown whether cannabis dependence in humans alters the capacity for induction of cortical plasticity. The aim of this study was to non‐invasively investigate cortical plasticity with transcranial magnetic stimulation in young adults who meet DSM‐5 criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Thirty men (ages 20– 30) who used cannabis daily over the previous 6 months (15 diagnosed of CUD) and 15 demographically matched non‐users were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent two sessions of theta burst stimulation (TBS) in which either continuous TBS (cTBS; 600 pulses, 80% active motor threshold) or intermittent TBS (iTBS; 2‐s train of cTBS repeated every 10 s for a total of 190 s, 600 pulses) was applied over the primary motor cortex. The effects of these protocols were assessed by analysing the contralateral motor evoked potentials (MEPs). The relationships between cortical plasticity and problematic cannabis use, degree of dependence, and nicotine addiction were also investigated. Significant MEP inhibition after cTBS was observed in both cannabis users without CUD and non‐users, while this inhibition was not seen in cannabis users with CUD. Strikingly, less motor cortical plasticity was observed in subjects with severe problematic cannabis use. No significant differences between users and non‐users were found in the iTBS‐induced cortical plasticity measures. Our study provides the first evidence of maladaptive cortical plasticity associated with cannabis use disorder and problematic cannabis use in humans.
The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype is associated with poorer prognosis in 239 patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Mederacke Young‐Seon , Kirstein Martha M. , Großhennig Anika , Marhenke Silke , Metzler Frauke , Manns Michael P. , Vogel Arndt , Mederacke Ingmar
Published: April 2020

Background

Fibrosis progression in autoimmune hepatitis can be attenuated by immunosuppressive treatment; however, some patients progress despite therapy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) such as PNPLA3‐rs738409, TM6SF2‐rs58542926 and MBOAT7‐rs641738 are associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis progression, whereas a splice variant in HSD17B13‐rs72613567:TA has been shown to be protective.

Aim

To analyse the impact of different SNPs on the long‐term outcome of patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

We included 239 patients into this study who had been treated between 1983 and 2018 for autoimmune hepatitis. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood and SNPs were determined by PCR analysis. Liver biopsies were available for 215/239 patients (90%). Clinical and laboratory patient data were assessed by chart review.

Results

Mean age at baseline was 42.1 years with 74.1% being female. The median follow‐up was 9.4 years (IQR 3.5‐15.0), 11.7% of the patients (n = 28) died or required liver transplantation. In the Kaplan‐Meier analysis of the combined endpoint time to liver transplantation or death, we observed that patients with the PNPLA3‐rs738409 GG variant met more frequently the primary endpoint (P = 0.005). In Cox regression analysis PNPLA3‐rs738409 GG as well as liver cirrhosis were identified as strong predictors for time to liver transplantation or death (HR 4.5 [CI 1.48‐13.72], P = 0.008 and HR 9.24 [CI 2.11‐40.44], P = 0.003, respectively). Neither steatosis, diabetes mellitus nor obesity were associated with outcome.

Conclusions

PNPLA3‐rs738409 variant GG is a predictor for time to liver transplantation or death and may help to identify autoimmune hepatitis patients at risk for disease progression.
Temporary consolidation and packaging of fragile cultural relics at underwater archaeological sites to maintain their original state during extraction
Authors: Chen X.‐Q. , Xie L. , Wang F. , Wu Y. , Zhang B. , Zhu L.
Published: April 2020

The flexible sponge/epoxy composite can wrap underwater artefacts in any shape and forms a protective shell after curing, thus effectively wrapping and reinforcing the artefacts. However, the hydroscopicity of the sponge itself limits the underwater application of the sponge/epoxy composite. In this study, a novel polyurethane sponge was prepared by modified with super‐hydrophobic multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (SH‐MWCNTs@PU sponge). Compared with the pristine PU sponge, the water‐contact angle on the surface of SH‐MWCNTs@PU sponges increased from 103.3 ± 1.82 to 152.6 ± 1.54o, and oily epoxy resin was able to cover the surface completely. The study shows that when SH‐MWCNTs@PU sponges/epoxy resin composite material is used underwater, it prevents both water from entering the sponge and also the inside epoxy resin from overflowing into the water. Moreover, the composite materials have excellent toughness after reinforcement under water (flexural strength = 3.56 MPa) and the soft sponges can be moulded to wrap any type of underwater artefacts. In the laboratory, when taking a broken, three‐dimensional blue‐and‐white porcelain pot as a research subject, the entire retrieval process—temporary stabilization, packaging, extraction and reinforcement material removal—was simulated to evaluate systematically all the technological aspects of safely excavating fragile underwater relics.
Inferring phenotypic causal structure among farrowing and weaning traits in pigs
Authors: Okamura Toshihiro , Ishii Kazuo , Nishio Motohide , Rosa Guilherme J. M. , Satoh Masahiro , Sasaki Osamu
Published: April 2020

Direct selection for litter size or weight at weaning in pigs is often hindered by external interventions such as cross‐fostering. The objective of this study was to infer the causal structure among phenotypes of reproductive traits in pigs to enable subsequent direct selection for these traits. Examined traits included: number born alive (NBA), litter size on day 21 (LS21), and litter weight on day 21 (LW21). The study included 6,240 litters from 1,673 Landrace dams and 5,393 litters from 1,484 Large White dams. The inductive causation (IC) algorithm was used to infer the causal structure, which was then fitted to a structural equation model (SEM) to estimate causal coefficients and genetic parameters. Based on the IC algorithm and temporal and biological information, the causal structure among traits was identified as: NBA → LS21 → LW21 and NBA → LW21. Owing to the causal effect of NBA on LS21 and LW21, the genetic, permanent environmental, and residual variances of LS21 and LW21were much lower in the SEM than in the multiple‐trait model for both breeds. Given the strong effect of NBA on LS21 and LW21, the SEM and causal information might assist with selective breeding for LS21 and LW21 when cross‐fostering occurs.
Wandering identities in energy transition discourses: Political leaders’ use of the “we” pronoun in Ontario, 2009–2019
Authors: Mang‐Benza Carelle , Hunsberger Carol
Published: April 2020

This paper explores the use of universalizing language as a discursive strategy to promote shifts in energy policy. Building on scholarship that seeks to understand the political nature of energy transitions, including resistance to transitions, the role of the state, and implications for justice, we examine three phases of energy transition in Ontario in the period 2009–2019, focusing on the ways that three successive ruling coalitions used the first plural pronoun “we” to promote contrasting energy policy orientations. Our analysis of policy documents and government news releases confirms that all three coalitions used the “we” form as a strategic device to define priorities, prescribe courses of action, and broadcast achievements. However, they also used the ambiguity of the “we” form to obscure alternative perspectives, claim credit for rivals’ accomplishments, and gloss over harmful and differentiated impacts of policy choices. The paper concludes by reflecting on broader questions about power and justice relevant to energy transition scholars.
Is open innovation always the best for SMEs? An exploratory analysis at the project level
Authors: Marullo Cristina , Di Minin Alberto , De Marco Chiara , Piccaluga Andrea
Published: April 2020

Open innovation (OI) projects are increasingly adopted by small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet, undertaking OI is not only a source of opportunities for SMEs as it can, at the same time, present risks. How SMEs manage the balance between the potential benefits and the emerging challenges of OI is still an overlooked topic in the literature. Using evidence gathered through multiple case studies and drawing upon the relational view of the firm, we explore how and why value creation opportunities and different managerial challenges emerge for SMEs pursuing OI projects. We analyze different stages of OI projects in several different contexts of their implementation. Our analysis sheds light on the different nature and dynamics of knowledge involved within OI projects as important boundary conditions affecting successful search paths, learning processes, and the development of appropriability mechanisms. By offering a contextualized view of OI in SMEs, this study also provides insights to business managers on the situational opportunities and constraints of OI, including managerial suggestions on actions to manage tensions within differing OI projects.
Type 2 deiodinase Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density: A community‐based korean genome and epidemiology study
Authors: Kang Yea Eun , Kang Young Mi , Park Boyoung , Shong Minho , Yi Hyon‐Seung
Published: April 2020

Objective

Type 2 deiodinase (DIO2)‐mediated thyroid hormone synthesis stimulates osteoblast activity and increases the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers, but there are no large cohort studies to identify the role of the DIO2 polymorphism in bone mineral density in humans.

Methods

To investigate the hypothesis that individuals with theDIO2gene polymorphism are susceptible to osteoporosis, we assessed the polymorphism of theDIO2gene in 7,524 Koreans drawn from the large‐scale Ansan‐Anseong cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. All of the participants underwent genotyping of theDIO2Thr92Ala polymorphism (rs225014).

Results

A total of 6,022 participants were recruited; 1991 (33.0%) were homozygous for the Thr allele, 2,967 (49.3%) were heterozygous (Thr/Ala), and 1064 (17.7%) were homozygous for the Ala allele. The effects of theDIO2Thr92Ala polymorphism on axial speed of sound (SOS) and the T‐score in the tibia and radius were assessed, with age, gender, oestrogen status, body mass index (BMI), serum calcium, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) included as covariables. Female subjects carrying theDIO2Thr92Ala polymorphism had significantly lower SOS and T‐scores than control participants. Cox regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between theDIO2polymorphism and diagnosis of osteoporosis in female participants.

Conclusion

DIO2Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with decreased SOS and T‐scores in the tibia of female subjects independent of other clinical parameters, where this indicates a potential functional role of DIO2 in the maintenance of bone mineral density.
Creating a better kinship environment for children in Ghana: Lessons from young people with informal kinship care experience
Authors: Abdullah Alhassan , Cudjoe Ebenezer , Manful Esmeranda
Published: April 2020

Traditionally, the involvement of the extended family in nurturing children is seen as an essential cultural practice in most communities in Ghana. Though not formally regulated, often in the absence of birth parents, kin and kith continue to be involved in the care of children to promote family relations and culture. Yet there is little empirical evidence on how to improve the well‐being and safety of children in informal kinship care in Ghana. Thus, this study reports findings from in‐depth interviews with 15 young people, 18 to 23 years, from Banda—an ethnic group where informal kinship care is an accepted cultural practice. Data from the interviews were subjected to the constructivist grounded theory analysis. Adequate income for provision of basic needs, education and training, and supervision emerged as useful measures to promote the safety and well‐being of children in kinship care. It was recommended that informal kinship caregivers must be registered with the Department of Social Welfare to enable them access support and training. Further, social workers should create awareness among kinship caregivers in Ghana about their availability to provide counselling services for caregivers facing challenges.
Enabling and disabling emotional diversity: Negotiating autism spectrum disorder in therapeutic encounters
Authors: Jaysane‐Darr Anna
Published: April 2020

Autistic youth are often understood as emotionally suspect in schools, workplaces and households, and autistic behaviour is strongly regulated. In contrast, neurodiversity advocates suggest that all sociality exists on a spectrum, and that autistic people represent the diversity of that spectrum. Situated within this debate, this paper examines the narratives of specialists who navigate pedagogies of emotional suspicion in their work with autistic youth. I draw on interviews with autism professionals in Massachusetts, USA to elucidate how they negotiate the tensions between regulating emotional behaviour and recognising emotional diversity as they mediate the construction of autistic youth as emotional suspects.
Understanding the Divergent Logics of Landlords: Circumstantial versus Deliberate Pathways
Authors: Shiffer–Sebba Doron
Published: April 2020

Landlords are important gatekeepers in the rental market, and scholars have studied landlord perceptions across different markets. But differences between landlord logics within a market, which drive landlord behaviors, have been largely unexamined. Drawing chiefly on 30 in–depth landlord interviews and 20 observations with property managers in Philadelphia, I argue that landlords exhibit a range of logics. When faced with rental market decisions, some employ profit–maximizing criteria, whereas others consider social closeness with tenants or the meanings of properties. These differences relate to pathways into property ownership: landlords who obtain property circumstantially focus on profit maximization less than those who purchase property deliberately to pursue profits. This paper extends our understanding of landlords, connecting their pathways to a range of logics within a single market context. It also suggests that policies should consider the logics of landlords they seek to influence.
Impact of disease duration and β‐cell reserve on the efficacy of switching to iGlarLixi in adults with type 2 diabetes on glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist therapy: Exploratory analyses from the LixiLan‐G trial
Authors: Del Prato Stefano , Frias Juan Pablo , Blonde Lawrence , Aroda Vanita R. , Shehadeh Niam , Saremi Aramesh , Dex Terry , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Souhami Elisabeth , Liu Minzhi , Rosenstock Julio
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of iGlarLixi by C‐peptide levels and duration of diabetes in an exploratory analysis of the LixiLan‐G study.

Methods

LixiLan‐G was a 26‐week, randomized, open‐label study in adults with type diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled while on a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA), with metformin, with or without pioglitazone and/or a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor. This analysis investigated the efficacy of switching to iGlarLixi by fasting baseline quartile C‐peptide levels and baseline quartile of duration of T2D compared with continued GLP‐1 RA use.

Results

Change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 26 was significantly greater with iGlarLixi compared with continued GLP‐1 RAs across all fasting C‐peptide quartiles (−1.00% to −1.06% vs. –0.23% to −0.54% range, respectively) and irrespective of all T2D duration quartiles (−0.94% to −1.07% vs. –0.25% to −0.50% range). A significantly greater proportion of participants in the iGlarLixi arm achieved an HbA1c of <7% across all C‐peptide quartiles (51%‐73% range) than in the GLP‐1 RA arm (19%‐32% range). The greatest reductions in HbA1c in participants receiving iGlarLixi were observed in those with the shortest duration of disease, although consistently greater than reductions observed with continued GLP‐1 RAs. Reductions in HbA1c were comparable across C‐peptide quartiles within the iGlarLixi arm.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that iGlarLixi is an effective treatment option, irrespective of C‐peptide levels or duration of diabetes, in adults with insufficiently controlled T2D receiving GLP‐1 RAs.
COVID‐19 infection and treatment with hydroxychloroquine cause severe haemolysis crisis in a patient with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Beauverd Yan , Adam Yannick , Assouline Benjamin , Samii Kaveh
Published: April 2020

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited genetic disorder caused by red cell enzymatic defects and is associated with haemolytic crisis when patients are exposed to oxidative agents (fava beans, drugs, infections). Hydroxychloroquine is suspected to trigger haemolytic crisis in G6PD‐deficient patients, and off‐label administration of this drug to patients infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) could cause concern. We report here the first case of severe haemolytic crisis in a patient with G6PD deficiency, initiated by severe COVID‐19 infection and hydroxychloroquine use. With worldwide spread of COVID‐19, especially in regions with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency, our case should alert physicians to this possible correlation.
Korean Adoptees as Parents: Intergenerationality of Ethnic, Racial, and Adoption Socialization
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Kim JaeRan , Lee Heewon , Lee Richard M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Using a socialization framework, this study aimed to understand the intergenerational patterns of ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization practices.

Background

Understanding the impact of ethnicity, race, and adoption is a lifelong process for transracially, transnationally adopted individuals. Few studies, however, have explored how adult adoptees socialize their children on ethnicity, race, and adoption and to what extent this socialization is informed by their own transracial, transnational adoption experiences.

Method

On the basis of 51 interviews, we investigated adopted Korean Americans' reappraisal of their ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization experiences growing up transracially and transnationally, as well as their current ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization practices with their children.

Results

Despite the generally limited ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization from White adoptive parents, we found via thematic analysis that Korean adoptee parents used strategies such as reculturation with their children, birth family involvement, and emphasis in multiculturalism in response to the need for ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization in the next generation.

Conclusion

These themes reflect the unique intergenerational transmission of ethnic heritage, racial experiences, and adoption history based on having grown up in transracial and transnational adoptive families.

Implications

Findings can inform evidence‐based practice in working with adopted individuals and their families, particularly in addressing ethnic, racial, and adoption socialization practices.
Tolcapone, a potent aggregation inhibitor for the treatment of familial leptomeningeal amyloidosis
Authors: Pinheiro Francisca , Varejão Nathalia , Esperante Sebastian , Santos Jaime , Velázquez‐Campoy Adrián , Reverter David , Pallarès Irantzu , Ventura Salvador
Published: April 2020

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a disease characterized by the extracellular deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils. Highly destabilizing TTR mutations cause leptomeningeal amyloidosis, a rare, but fatal, disorder in which TTR aggregates in the brain. The disease remains intractable, since liver transplantation, the reference therapy for systemic ATTR, does not stop mutant TTR production in the brain. In addition, despite current pharmacological strategies have shown to be effective against in vivo TTR aggregation by stabilizing the tetramer native structure and precluding its dissociation, they display low brain permeability. Recently, we have repurposed tolcapone as a molecule to treat systemic ATTR. Crystal structures and biophysical analysis converge to demonstrate that tolcapone binds with high affinity and specificity to three unstable leptomeningeal TTR variants, stabilizing them and, consequently, inhibiting their aggregation. Because tolcapone is an FDA‐approved drug that crosses the blood–brain barrier, our results suggest that it can translate into a first disease‐modifying therapy for leptomeningeal amyloidosis.

Databases

PDB codes for A25T‐TTR, V30G‐TTR, and Y114C‐TTR bound to tolcapone are 6TXV, 6TXW, and 6XTK, respectively.
The common marmoset as suitable nonhuman alternative for the analysis of primate cochlear development
Authors: Hosoya Makoto , Fujioka Masato , Murayama Ayako Y. , Okano Hideyuki , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: April 2020

Cochlear development is a complex process with precise spatiotemporal patterns. A detailed understanding of this process is important for studies of congenital hearing loss and regenerative medicine. However, much of our understanding of cochlear development is based on rodent models. Animal models that bridge the gap between humans and rodents are needed. In this study, we investigated the development of hearing organs in a small New World monkey species, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). We describe the general stages of cochlear development in comparison with those of humans and mice. Moreover, we examined more than 25 proteins involved in cochlear development and found that expression patterns were generally conserved between rodents and primates. However, several proteins involved in supporting cell processes and neuronal development exhibited interspecific expression differences. Human fetal samples for studies of primate‐specific cochlear development are extremely rare, especially for late developmental stages. Our results support the use of the common marmoset as an effective alternative for analyses of primate cochlear development.
Cypriniform fish in running waters reduce hyporheic oxygen depletion in a eutrophic river
Authors: Hübner Dirk , Gerke Madlen , Fricke Roman , Schneider Jörg , Winkelmann Carola
Published: April 2020

The hyporheic zone is an important habitat for benthic invertebrates and early‐developmental stages of gravel spawning fish. However, the eutrophication of running waters and, in turn, the excessive periphyton biomass leads to its biological clogging. The result of these processes is oxygen depletion and a reduction in the habitat quality of the hyporheic zone.

This study assessed whether top‐down effects of two important European river fish species, the large herbivorous cypriniform common nase (Chondrostoma nasus, L.) and the large omnivorous cypriniform European chub (Squalius cephalus, L.), can reduce eutrophication effects in the hyporheic zone. A 4‐week mesocosm‐based field experiment in a eutrophic river was conducted using cage enclosures stocked or not with either nase or chub.

The top‐down control of periphyton was expected to reduce biological clogging and thereby increase oxygen availability in the hyporheic zone. Accordingly, we hypothesised that in enclosures stocked with either fish the concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the hyporheic zone would be higher and the periphyton biomass would be lower than in enclosures without fish stocking.

Hyporheic oxygen concentrations were significantly higher in enclosures stocked with either nase or chub than in enclosures without fish stocking. However, periphyton ash‐free dry mass was significantly reduced only in enclosures stocked with nase, not in those stocked with chub. Thus, the positive effects of nase and chub on hyporheic oxygen availability were caused by different mechanisms.

Our results demonstrate that nase and chub can reduce eutrophication effects in the hyporheic zone of running waters. Hence, protecting and enhancing stocks of herbivorous and omnivorous fish will contribute to restoring the hyporheic zone in efforts to preserve biodiversity in eutrophic rivers.
Ecotype differences in aggression, neural activity and behaviorally relevant gene expression in cichlid fish
Authors: Baran Nicole M. , Streelman J. Todd
Published: April 2020

In Lake Malawi, two ecologically distinct lineages of cichlid fishes (rock‐ vs sand‐dwelling ecotypes, each comprised of over 200 species) evolved within the last million years. The rock‐dwelling species (Mbuna) are aggressively territorial year‐round and males court and spawn with females over rocky substrate. In contrast, males of sand‐dwelling species are not territorial and instead aggregate on seasonal breeding leks in which males construct courtship “bowers” in the sand. However, little is known about how phenotypic variation in aggression is produced by the genome. In this study, we first quantify and compare behavior in seven cichlid species, demonstrating substantial ecotype and species differences in unconditioned mirror‐elicited aggression. Second, we compare neural activity in mirror‐elicited aggression in two representative species, Mchenga conophoros (sand‐dwelling) and Petrotilapia chitimba (rock‐dwelling). Finally, we compare gene expression patterns between these two species, specifically within neurons activated during mirror aggression. We identified a large number of genes showing differential expression in mirror‐elicited aggression, as well as many genes that differ between ecotypes. These genes, which may underly species differences in behavior, include several neuropeptides, genes involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones and neurotransmitter activity. This work lays the foundation for future experiments using this emerging genetic model system to investigate the genomic basis of evolved species differences in both brain and behavior.
Rebaling of silage and haylage and its effects on forage microbial and chemical composition—A pilot study
Authors: Müller Cecilia E. , Johansen Astrid
Published: April 2020

Use of big bale silage and haylage can be difficult on farms where daily forage consumption is comparatively low as speed of deterioration of forage after bale opening may be faster than feed‐out rate. Production of smaller bales at harvest is possible, but expensive and work‐intensive. Therefore, a pilot study of rebaling forage stored in big bales to smaller bales was conducted. Three separate experiments were included, where microbial and chemical composition of silage and haylage was studied before and after rebaling. In Experiment III, residual big bale forage stored and opened together with rebaled forage was included. Results showed that rebaled haylage and silage had higher yeast counts compared to initial forage; however, residual bales in Experiment III had yeast counts similar to rebaled forage, indicating an effect of storage time rather than of rebaling. In Experiment II, mould counts were higher in rebaled compared to initial silage, but not in haylage. Chemical composition was similar in initial and rebaled forage except for ammonia‐N. In Experiment III, ammonia‐N was higher in rebaled compared to initial and residual forage and was the only chemical variable affected by rebaling. Bale temperature during aerobic storage followed ambient temperature until day 6–8 in Experiment I and until day 14 in Experiment III where ambient temperature was lower. In conclusion, rebaling can be done without large changes in chemical composition of the forage, but yeast and mould counts may be higher in rebaled forage, and this risk should be considered when using this procedure.
Revolving doors in international financial governance
Authors: SEABROOKE LEONARD , TSINGOU ELENI
Published: April 2020

‘Revolving doors’ is a well‐suspected phenomenon of skills and knowledge transfer between the private and public sectors. It is thought to be especially notable among elites in transnational policy networks, where mobility can accrue status. In this article, we investigate revolving doors in the area of international financial governance. We target policymakers linked to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and the International Monetary Fund's Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). We test for revolving doors by examining the career histories of those working with the BCBS on the development of the Basel II accord, and staff on policy teams for financial systems monitoring via FSAP missions. Using sequence analysis, we trace career histories between 1971 and 2011 to observe the extent of revolving doors. Revolving doors are observed in club‐like elite policy communities but are less prevalent in policy teams in intergovernmental organizations. We find that revolving doors are important in establishing intellectual capture in how an issue is treated within transnational policy networks.