bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and Breastmilk Viral Load: Impacts of Adherence on Peripartum HIV Infections Averted—The Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition Study
Authors: Davis Nicole L. , Miller William C. , Hudgens Michael G. , Chasela Charles S. , Sichali Dorothy , Kayira Dumbani , Nelson Julie A. E. , Fiscus Susan A. , Tegha Gerald , Kamwendo Deborah D. , Rigdon Joseph , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Juliano Jonathan J. , Ellington Sascha R. , Kourtis Athena P. , Jamieson Denise J. , van der Horst Charles ,   for the BAN study team
Published: August 2016

Background:

Antiretroviral (ARV) interventions are used to reduce HIV viral replication and prevent mother-to-child transmission. Viral suppression relies on adherence to ARVs.

Methods:

A 2-phase study was conducted using data from the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study. We included mothers randomized to 28 weeks of postpartum ARVs with ≥1 plasma or breastmilk specimen. All mothers who transmitted HIV to their infants from 2–28 weeks (n = 31) and 15% of mothers who did not (n = 232) were included. Adherence was measured by pill count [categorized as poor (0%–80%), partial (81%–98%), and near perfect (>98%)]. Associations between adherence and breastmilk RNA were assessed using mixed-effects models. Cox models were used to estimate associations between breastmilk RNA and HIV transmission. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we estimated the number of transmissions that would occur had everyone randomized to maternal ARVs been 90% and 100% adherent.

Results:

Partial or near perfect ARV adherence significantly reduced the odds of having detectable (≥40 copies/mL) breastmilk RNA, compared with poor adherence (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.67; OR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.81, respectively). Detectable breastmilk RNA was associated with increased breastmilk transmission compared with undetectable breastmilk RNA (hazard ratio 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2 to 12.1). All transmitting mothers had ≥1 plasma viral load specimen >100 copies per milliliter. An estimated similar number of transmissions would occur with 90% adherence compared with 100%.

Conclusions:

Helping patients adhere to ARVs throughout breastfeeding is important for realizing the full potential of recommended ARV interventions to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. Maintaining plasma viral load <100 copies per milliliter may prevent breastmilk transmission.
Performance of the Bio-Rad Geenius HIV1/2 Supplemental Assay in Detecting “Recent” HIV Infection and Calculating Population Incidence
Authors: Keating Sheila M. , Kassanjee Reshma , Lebedeva Mila , Facente Shelley N. , MacArthur Jeffrey C. , Grebe Eduard , Murphy Gary , Welte Alex , Martin Jeffrey N. , Little Susan , Price Matthew A. , Kallas Esper G. , Busch Michael P. , Pilcher Christopher D. ,   on behalf of the Consortium for the Evaluation and Performance of HIV Incidence Assays (CEPHIA)
Published: August 2016

Objective:

HIV seroconversion biomarkers are being used in cross-sectional studies for HIV incidence estimation. Bio-Rad Geenius HIV-1/2 Supplemental Assay is an immunochromatographic single-use assay that measures antibodies (Ab) against multiple HIV-1/2 antigens. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Geenius assay could additionally be used for recency estimation.

Design:

This assay was developed for HIV-1/2 confirmation; however, quantitative data acquired give information on increasing concentration and diversity of antibody responses over time during seroconversion. A quantitative threshold of recent HIV infection was proposed to determine “recent” or “nonrecent” HIV infection; performance using this cutoff was evaluated.

Methods:

We tested 2500 highly characterized specimens from research subjects in the United States, Brazil, and Africa with well-defined durations of HIV infection. Regression and frequency estimation were used to estimate assay properties relevant to HIV incidence measurement: mean duration of recent infection (MDRI), false-recent rate, and assay reproducibility and robustness.

Results:

Using the manufacturer's proposed cutoff index of 1.5 to identify “recent” infection, the assay has an estimated false-recent rate of 4.1% (95% CI: 2.2 to 7.0) and MDRI of 179 days (155 to 201) in specimens from treatment-naive subjects, presenting performance challenges similar to other incidence assays. Lower index cutoffs associated with lower MDRI gave a lower rate of false-recent results.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that with additional interpretive analysis of the band intensities using an algorithm and cutoff, the Geenius HIV-1/2 Supplemental Assay can be used to identify recent HIV infection in addition to confirming the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies.
Hospitalization for Anxiety and Mood Disorders in HIV-Infected and -Uninfected Gay and Bisexual Men
Authors: Moore Cecilia L. , Grulich Andrew E. , Prestage Garrett , Gidding Heather F. , Jin Fengyi , Petoumenos Kathy , Zablotska Iryna B. , Poynten I. Mary , Mao Limin , Law Matthew G. , Amin Janaki
Published: August 2016

Background:

Prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders (AMDs) in HIV-infected individuals has varied widely because of the variety of measurements used and differences in risk factor profiles between different populations. We aimed to examine the relationship between HIV status and hospitalization for AMDs in gay and bisexual men (GBM).

Design and Methods:

HIV-infected (n = 557) and HIV-uninfected (n = 1325) GBM recruited in Sydney, Australia were probabilistically linked to their hospital admissions and death notifications (2000–2012). Random-effects Poisson models were used to assess HIV risk factors for hospitalization. Cox regression methods were used to assess risk factors for mortality.

Results:

We observed 300 hospitalizations for AMDs in 15.3% of HIV-infected and 181 in 5.4% of HIV-uninfected participants. Being infected with HIV was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in risk of hospitalization for AMDs in GBM. Other risk factors in the HIV-infected cohort included previous hospitalization for HIV-related dementia, a more recent HIV diagnosis, and a CD4 T-cell count above 350 cells per cubic millimeter. Being hospitalized for an AMD was associated with a 5.5-fold increased risk of mortality; this association did not differ by HIV status. An association between substance use and mortality was observed in individuals hospitalized for AMDs.

Conclusions:

There is a need to provide more effective strategies to identify and treat AMDs in HIV-infected GBM. This research highlights the importance of further examination of the effects of substance use, neurocognitive decline, and AMDs on the health of HIV-infected individuals.
The human gut microbiome of Latin America populations: a landscape to be discovered
Authors: Magne Fabien , O’Ryan Miguel L. , Vidal Roberto , Farfan Mauricio
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

The gut microbiome is critical for human health, and its alteration is associated with intestinal, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Numerous studies have focused on prevention or treatment of dysbiotic microbiome to reduce the risk or effect of these diseases. A key issue is to define the microbiome associated with the state of good health. The purpose of this review is to describe factors influencing the gut microbiome with special emphasis on contributions from Latin America. In addition, we will highlight opportunities for future studies on gut microbiome in Latin America.

Recent findings

A relevant factor influencing gut microbiome composition is geographical location associated with specific genetic, dietary and lifestyle factors. Geographical specificities suggest that a universal ‘healthy microbiome’ is unlikely.

Several research programs, mostly from Europe and North America, are extensively sequencing gut microbiome of healthy people, whereas data from Latin America remain scarce yet slowly increasing. Few studies have shown difference in the composition of gut microbiome between their local populations with that of other industrialized countries (North American populations). Latin America is composed of countries with a myriad of lifestyles, traditions, genetic backgrounds and socioeconomic conditions, which may determine differences in gut microbiome of individuals from different countries. This represents an opportunity to better understand the relationship between these factors and gut microbiome.
Situation of Sri Lanka, where autochthonous malaria is no longer a problem, and other infections dominate, such as dengue, leptospirosis and rickettsioses
Authors: Agampodi Suneth , Wijerathne Buddhika , Weerakoon Kosala
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

Sri Lanka achieved a major milestone in communicable disease control in 2012 by reporting zero incidence of autochthonous malaria. However, reduction of malaria was associated with concurrent increase of several tropical diseases. This review looks into the time trends and epidemiology of these communicable diseases in Sri Lanka.

Recent findings

Reduction of malaria cases coincides with an increase of dengue, leptospirosis and rickettsioses in Sri Lanka. Although the case fatality rate of dengue has reduced and maintained below 1%, leptospirosis in clinical management is questionable. Despite having national focal points for control and prevention, these emerging diseases are completely out of control. Whether the holding back of vector control activities of malaria after a successful control programme is having an effect on emergence of other vector-borne diseases should be studied.

The communicable disease control programme in Sri Lanka should be further strengthened with availability of proper and rapid diagnostic facilities. Malaria control could not be considered as a great achievement due to the fact that other emerging infectious diseases are replacing malaria.
Chikugunya and zika virus dissemination in the Americas: different arboviruses reflecting the same spreading routes and poor vector-control policies
Authors: Fernández-Salas Ildefonso , Díaz-González Esteban E. , López-Gatell Hugo , Alpuche-Aranda Celia
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

This review gathers the most recent investigations about chikungunya and zika viruses in America and would help in creating new research approaches.

Recent findings

Clinical descriptions of chikungunya fever have been performed in the American outbreak observing that fever, polyarthalgia, myalgia and rash are the most common symptoms in the acute phase, while chronic arthralgia has persisted in 37–90% of small cohorts. The Asian origin of American strains of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and zika virus (ZIKV) evidences a dissemination route in common and both are being transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Regarding zika fever, the association of congenital malformations with previous ZIKV exposure of pregnant women and potential sexual transmission of ZIKV are the most important discoveries in the New World.

Massive outbreaks of chikungunya fever in 2014 and then followed by zika fever epidemics of lower magnitude in the next year throughout the American continent have their origins in Asia but may have used Pacific Islands as a path of dissemination. Reports of chronic arthralgia have been little described in the continent and more research is needed to measure the economic and health impact in patients who contracted CHIKV before. On the contrary, zika is menacing newborns’ health because of its link with congenital microcephaly and sexual health by prolonged presence of viral particles in semen and urine.
Supporting Children With Severe-to-Profound Learning Difficulties and Complex Communication Needs to Make Their Views Known
Authors: Greathead Scot , Yates Rhiannon , Hill Vivian , Kenny Lorcan , Croydon Abigail , Pellicano Elizabeth
Published: August 2016

All children have the right to shape decisions that influence their lives. Yet, children with severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities and complex communication needs are often marginalized from this process. Here, we examined the utility of a set of tools incorporating ethnographic and structured observational methods with three such children. We specifically examined the communicative behavior that these children used to share their views and the ways in which adults recognized and responded to them. The three case studies illustrate (1) that these children have ways to make their intentions known, even though they may use idiosyncratic ways of doing so; (2) that adults play important roles in supporting their communicative bids; and (3) that this set of tools was sufficiently sensitive to subtle and fine-grained nonverbal cues that might otherwise be overlooked.
Treating Adult Asthma Exacerbations With a 2-Day Course of Dexamethasone in the Emergency Department
Authors: Evans Dian Dowling , Clinton Shedd Glenn
Published: August 2016

The Research to Practice column is intended to improve the research critique skills of the advanced practice registered nurse and emergency nurse (RN) and to assist with the translation of research into practice. For each column, a topic and a research study are selected. The stage is set with a case presentation. The research article is then reviewed and critiqued, and the findings are discussed in relation to the case presented. In the current column, we examine the findings of J. Kravitz, P. Dominici, J. Ufberg, J. Fisher, and P. Giraldo (2011) from their article, titled “Two Days of Dexamethasone Versus 5 Days of Prednisone in the Treatment of Acute Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint and Relocation Procedures
Authors: White Thomas , Hedderick Viki , Ramponi Denise R.
Published: August 2016

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation requires prompt medical attention due to the crucial impact of airway, nutrition acquisition, and communication. Recognition of this injury by the practitioner, based on clinical presentation and history, is paramount for identification of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of TMJ dislocation. Relocation or reduction methods vary on the basis of the severity of the injury and whether it is an acute or chronic dislocation.
Case Report
Authors: Czerwinski Eileen M.
Published: August 2016

Peripartum/postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare condition associated with pregnancy in which there is left ventricular (LV) dysfunction resulting in symptoms of heart failure (Givertz, 2013). This occurs in previously healthy women and is seen in the last month of pregnancy or during the first 5 months postpartum (Givertz, 2013). Incidence ranges from 1 in 1,300 to 1 in 15,000 pregnancies in the United States (A. L. McGregor, R. Barron, & K. R. Montella, 2015). A case study is presented of a patient with severe impairment of LV function seen in the emergency department (ED). The ED is a common location for initial presentation; therefore, the ED provider should be cognizant of key features of PPCM. The differential diagnosis and medical management of PPCM are discussed. Emergency department management should focus on 3 key elements: an increase in inotropy and a reduction in preload and afterload. Differences between postpartum and peripartum states are outlined.
Large Amplitude Cortical Evoked Potentials in Nonepileptic Patients. Reviving an Old Neurophysiologic Tool to Help Detect CNS Pathology
Authors: Martín-Palomeque Guillermo , Castro-Ortiz Antonio , Pamplona-Valenzuela Pilar , Saiz-Sepúlveda Miguel Á. , Cabañes-Martínez Lidia , López Jaime R.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Although large amplitude evoked potentials (EPs) are typically associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsy patients, giant EPs imply central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability and can be seen in various nonepileptic disorders.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review including history, physical examination, imaging and diagnostic studies of nonepileptic patients with large amplitude somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) during 2007 to 2013. Large amplitude EPs were defined as follows: VEPs (N75-P100) >18 μV; and SSEPs (N20-P25) >6.4 μV. Recording montage for VEPs was Oz-Cz and SSEPs C3′/C4′-Fz.

Results:

Fifty-two patients (33 females, 19 males; age range, 9–90 years) were identified. No CNS pathology was detected in 7 patients. All remaining patients were diagnosed with new CNS disorders including: vascular (37%); myelopathies (13%); demyelinating (11%); space occupying lesions (8.7%); syringomyelia (8.7%); hydrocephalus (6.5%); Vitamin B-12 deficiency (4.3%); multiple system atrophy (4.3%); and toxins (2.2%).

Conclusions:

This study supports the notion that large amplitude EP implies CNS hyperexcitability and CNS disease. These results confirm the utility of EP studies in patients with suspected CNS pathology.
The spatial distribution of African savannah herbivores: species associations and habitat occupancy in a landscape context
Authors: Anderson T. Michael , White Staci , Davis Bryant , Erhardt Rob , Palmer Meredith , Swanson Alexandra , Kosmala Margaret , Packer Craig
Published: August 2016

Herbivores play an important role in determining the structure and function of tropical savannahs. Here, we (i) outline a framework for how interactions among large mammalian herbivores, carnivores and environmental variation influence herbivore habitat occupancy in tropical savannahs. We then (ii) use a Bayesian hierarchical model to analyse camera trap data to quantify spatial patterns of habitat occupancy for lions and eight common ungulates of varying body size across an approximately 1100 km2landscape in the Serengeti ecosystem. Our results reveal strong positive associations among herbivores at the scale of the entire landscape. Lions were positively associated with migratory ungulates but negatively associated with residents. Herbivore habitat occupancy differed with body size and migratory strategy: large-bodied migrants, at less risk of predation and able to tolerate lower quality food, were associated with high NDVI, while smaller residents, constrained to higher quality forage, avoided these areas. Small herbivores were strongly associated with fires, likely due to the subsequent high-quality regrowth, while larger herbivores avoided burned areas. Body mass was strongly related to herbivore habitat use, with larger species more strongly associated with riverine and woodlands than smaller species. Large-bodied migrants displayed diffuse habitat occupancy, whereas smaller species demonstrated fine-scale occupancy reflecting use of smaller patches of high-quality habitat. Our results demonstrate the emergence of strong positive spatial associations among a diverse group of savannah herbivores, while highlighting species-specific habitat selection strongly determined by herbivore body size.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation’.
Short-term evolution of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 between two food-borne outbreaks
Authors: Cowley Lauren A. , Dallman Timothy J. , Fitzgerald Stephen , Irvine Neil , Rooney Paul J. , McAteer Sean P. , Day Martin , Perry Neil T. , Bono James L. , Jenkins Claire , Gally David L.
Published: August 2016

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is a public health threat and outbreaks occur worldwide. Here, we investigate genomic differences between related STEC O157:H7 that caused two outbreaks, eight weeks apart, at the same restaurant. Short-read genome sequencing divided the outbreak strains into two sub-clusters separated by only three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the core genome while traditional typing identified them as separate phage types, PT8 and PT54. Isolates did not cluster with local strains but with those associated with foreign travel to the Middle East/North Africa. Combined long-read sequencing approaches and optical mapping revealed that the two outbreak strains had undergone significant microevolution in the accessory genome with prophage gain, loss and recombination. In addition, the PT54 sub-type had acquired a 240 kbp multi-drug resistance (MDR) IncHI2 plasmid responsible for the phage type switch. A PT54 isolate had a general fitness advantage over a PT8 isolate in rich medium, including an increased capacity to use specific amino acids and dipeptides as a nitrogen source. The second outbreak was considerably larger and there were multiple secondary cases indicative of effective human-to-human transmission. We speculate that MDR plasmid acquisition and prophage changes have adapted the PT54 strain for human infection and transmission. Our study shows the added insights provided by combining whole-genome sequencing approaches for outbreak investigations.
Angular vibrations of cryogenically cooled double-crystal monochromators
Authors: Sergueev I. , Döhrmann R. , Horbach J. , Heuer J.
Published: August 2016

The effect of angular vibrations of the crystals in cryogenically cooled monochromators on the beam performance has been studied theoretically and experimentally. A simple relation between amplitude of the vibrations and size of the focused beam is developed. It is shown that the double-crystal monochromator vibrations affect not only the image size but also the image position along the optical axis. Several methods to measure vibrations with the X-ray beam are explained and analyzed. The methods have been applied to systematically study angular crystal vibrations at monochromators installed at the PETRA III light source. Characteristic values of the amplitudes of angular vibrations for different monochromators are presented.
Surface-layer protein fromCaulobacter crescentus: expression, purification and X-ray crystallographic analysis
Authors: Jones Michael D. , Chan Anson C. K. , Nomellini John F. , Murphy Michael E. P. , Smit John
Published: August 2016

Protein surface layers are self-assembling, paracrystalline lattices on the surface of many prokaryotes. Surface-layer proteins have not benefited from widespread structural analysis owing to their resistance to crystallization. Here, the successful expression of a truncated version of RsaA, the surface-layer protein fromCaulobacter crescentus, from aCaulobacterprotein-expression system is reported. The purification, crystallization and initial X-ray diffraction analysis of the truncated RsaA, the largest surface-layer protein studied to date and the first from a Gram-negative bacterium, are also reported.
N-(Pyrazin-2-yl)adamantane-1-carboxamide
Authors: Dziuk Błażej , Ośmiałowski Borys , Ejsmont Krzysztof , Zarychta Bartosz
Published: August 2016

Molecules of the title compound, C15H19N3O, are composed of an adamantine unit and a pyrazine ring connected to each other through an amide bond. The H—N—C=O moiety is close to planar [C—N—C—O and C—N—C—C torsion angles of 4.7 (2) and −173.8 (1)°, respectively]. The N3—C5 bond has partial double-bond character [1.370 (1) Å]. The geometries of the pyrazine ring and the adamantane substituent are normal and in good agreement with closely related structures. In the crystal, molecules are connected by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains in the [001] direction and are arranged in a herringbone fashion.
Logic workflow structure modeling of product variant design and activity path generating
Authors: Xu Xinsheng , Huang Tiequn , Wang Cheng , Yuan Jun , Zhu Fanfan
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Product variant design process consists of a series of asynchronous activities. These activities and the logic relations among them are important in constructing general logic workflow structure, which is the foundation of deriving an activity path for variant design business. Traditional process modeling approaches have not defined activities for product variant design and cannot describe the complex relations among these activities because of the lack of logic express elements. Thus, logic workflow structure modeling method is anticipated to meet the requirements of logic description and path generation in product variant design application. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies the variant design modes of different types of parts and defines their variant design activities. The procedure of constructing general logic workflow structure of product variant design is proposed. Simultaneously, the principles of inferring logic relations among activities are put forward based on their adjacency information and connectivity probability. A general logic workflow structure of product variant design is constructed. Based on this, activity path corresponding to a variant design business can be generated. The algorithm of generating activity path is designed as well. In addition, Boolean vectors of activity path, based on the functional contour matrix of polychromatic set theory, can be inferred, which denotes the functional character of activity path.

Findings

A general logic workflow structure for product variant design has been established, which comprises variant design activities and basic process logic nodes. The logic relations among activities can be inferred based on their in-degree/out-degree and connectivity probability. The function character of activity path can also be expressed based on the polychromatic set theory.

Originality/value

The combination of variant design activity and basic process logic node makes diverse variant design business descriptions possible in a general workflow structure. The proposed approach provides evidences for designer to plan and develop product variant design system effectively.
Parallel autonomous guided vehicle assembly line for a semi-continuous manufacturing system
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a parallel automated assembly line system to produce multiple products in a semi-continuous system.

Design/methodology/approach

The control system developed in this research consists of a manufacturing system for two-level hierarchical dynamic decisions of autonomous/automated/automatic-guided vehicles (AGVs) dispatching/next station selection and machining schedules and a station control scheme for operational control of machines and components. In this proposed problem, the assignment of multiple AGVs to different assembly lines and the semi-continuous stations is a critical objective. AGVs and station scheduling decisions are made at the assembly line level. On the other hand, component and machining resource scheduling are made at the station level.

Findings

The proposed scheduler first decomposes the dynamic scheduling problems into a static AGV and machine assignment during each short-term rolling window. It optimizes weighted completion time of tasks for each short-term window by formulating the task and resource assignment problem as a minimum cost flow problem during each short-term scheduling window. A comprehensive decision making process and heuristics are developed for efficient implementation. A simulation study is worked out for validation.

Originality/value

Several assembly lines are configured to produce multiple products in which the technologies of machines are shared among the assembly lines when required. The sequence of stations is pre-specified in each assembly line and the components of a product are kept in machine magazine. The transportation between the stations in an assembly line (intra assembly line) and among stations in different assembly lines (inter assembly line) are performed using AGVs.
Guaranteed cost design for model-based cyber-physical assembly: a convex optimization approach
Authors: Liu Bin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a guaranteed cost control design procedure for model-based cyber–physical assembly (CPA) systems. To reflect the cyber–physical environment, the network-induced delays and disturbances are introduced in the mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the linear matrix inequality approach, the guaranteed cost controller is designed such that the guaranteed cost can be satisfied and the corresponding convex optimization algorithm is provided. Moreover, H-infinity theory is used to deal with the disturbance with the given H-infinity attenuation level.

Findings

By constructing appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, delay-dependent sufficient conditions are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities and the controller design procedure is given.

Originality/value

A simplified CPA model is given based on which the designed controller can allow us to control the closed-loop CPA systems with the guaranteed cost.
Enhancing Black Belts via academic mastery
Authors: Savage Barbara M , Sreevathsan Sampath Kumar
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– In May 2010, a new collaborative initiative was launched between the Portsmouth Business School and Hewlett Packard, wherein trained Black Belts (BB) were enabled to pursue an MSc in strategic quality management. Five years on from its commencement, the purpose of this paper is to explore the development and impact of this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inductive, exploratory, multi-viewpoint participant-observer case study that triangulates the academic, student and employer reactions to the programme.

Findings

– The paper evaluates how the academic dimension provided by the MSc has impacted on candidates’ work as BB.

Practical implications

– Employee engagement and enthusiasm has been increased, as has the depth and breadth of the knowledge base among the participating BB, who are then applying these new skills in their improvement projects to make them more sustainable as well as financially valuable. They have been able to transfer knowledge to team members.

Originality/value

– This approach provides a model for accelerated development of groups of quality professionals within larger organisations. There is evidence that the community spirit that grows within and across cohorts has a multiplying effect that enhances the impact for the sponsoring organisation beyond the simple sum of the performance and skills improvement on a student by student basis.
The influence of a mounting manner of power MOS transistors on characteristics of the Totem-Pole circuit with RLC load
Authors: Górecki Pawel , Górecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to consider the problem of the influence of mounting power metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors operating in the Totem–Pole circuit on energy losses in this circuit.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the computer simulation in SPICE software, the influence of such factors as on-state resistance of the channel of the MOS transistor, the self-heating phenomena in this transistor and resistance of wires connecting transistors with the other part of the circuit on characteristics of the considered circuit operating with resistor, inductor and capacitor (RLC) load is analyzed. The selected results of calculations are compared with the results of measurements.

Findings

On the basis of the obtained results of calculations, some recommendations concerning the manner of mounting the considered transistors, assuring a high value of watt-hour efficiency of the process of energy transfer to the load are formulated.

Research limitations/implications

The investigations were performed in the wide range of the frequency of the signal stimulating the considered circuit, but the results of calculations were presented for 2 selected values of this frequency only.

Practical implications

The considered analysis was performed for the circuit dedicated to power supplied of an elecrolyser.

Originality/value

Presented results of calculations prove that in some situations, the value of watt-hour efficiency of the considered circuit is determined by the length and the cross-section area of the applied wires bringing the signal to the connectors of the transistors and to load. On the other hand, self-heating phenomena in the power MOS transistors can lead to doubling power losses in these devices.
Reduction of dielectric constant of LTCC substrates by introduction of controlled porosity
Authors: Synkiewicz Beata
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a method for the reduction of dielectric constant of low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) substrates with the use of controlled internal porosity.

Design/methodology/approach

A glass-ceramic green tape with addition of graphite as a pore former was developed. The green tapes were laminated and then sintered into multilayer structures with porous interior and thin external dense layers. Microstructure of green and fired structures was studied using optical and scanning microscopy. The behavior of the samples during heating was examined in a heating microscope. Impedance spectroscopy was applied for investigation of dielectric properties of the fabricated substrates.

Findings

Microstructure and dielectric properties of the fabricated LTCC structures were compared with the characteristics for non-porous samples with the similar composition. Introduction of 50 Wt.% admixture of graphite in the internal layers of the LTCC substrate was found to result in decrease in dielectric constant value down to about 3. Application of non-porous outer layers improved mechanical strength of the structure and smoothness of its surface, allowing screen printing of conductive pastes on both sides of the substrate.

Practical implications

The rapid growth of the wireless communication industry has created a great demand for the development of new and improved materials and devices operating properly at high frequencies. The fabricated materials can be useful for substrates of microwave devices.

Originality/value

The paper presents an innovative method of dielectric constant decrease of substrate materials. Getting insight into the phenomena responsible for formation of pores is crucial for designing materials for microwave electronics.
CSR maturity and motivation in the water sector
Authors: Lauesen Linne Marie
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the literature of CSR motivation and presents research results from a case study of the water sector (water companies from Denmark, the UK, the USA and South Africa) and its motivation for and maturity in its CSR work.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper is first a literature review followed by research done with ethnographic methods such as participant observations, interviews and document analysis.

Findings

Based on a literature review and research in water companies’ motivation and maturity based on Crowther (2006) and Crowther and Reis’ (2011) CSR maturity typology, the paper suggests an extension of this into a CSR Maturity Framework by adding profit-making, legitimacy and business ethics as clusters of motives for businesses to engage in CSR work. The concrete findings of the water sector suggest it as semi-mature according to the proposed CSR Maturity Framework, because it has only reached the level of CSR reporting, but neither suggests definitions of sustainability nor shows any particularly good transparency and accountability yet.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to water companies in four regions – Denmark, the UK, the USA and South Africa – which means that such companies in other regions may differ from the findings in this paper. However, these companies are especially chosen according to their similarities, which means that it is not the point of the paper to cover all water companies in the world, but to retrieve findings from a specifically chosen type of water companies that share a specifically institutional setup.

Originality/value

The originality and value of the paper is based on the findings of the research in motivation and maturity in the cases of water companies, which have been used to elaborate on an existing CSR framework – the CSR maturity typology suggested by Crowther (2006) and Crowther and Reis (2011) into a CSR Maturity Framework incorporating businesses’ motives of profit-making, legitimacy and business ethics. The CSR Maturity Framework will be applicable for analyzing the CSR maturity for any business sector, and it adds value for businesses in its clarifying and suggesting themes that business sectors need to elaborate.
Is citizen science an open science in the case of biodiversity observations?
Authors: Groom Quentin , Weatherdon Lauren , Geijzendorffer Ilse R.
Published: August 2016

There is a high demand for biodiversity observation data to inform conservation and environmental policy, and citizen scientists generate the vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity observations. As this work is voluntary, many people assume that these data are openly available for use in conservation and scientific research.

Here, the openness of biodiversity observation data that are contributed to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility is examined by the data provider. Contrary to what many people assume, data sets from volunteers are among the most restrictive in how they can be used.

Policy implications. The assumption that voluntary data collection leads to data sharing does not recognize the wishes and motivations of those who collect data, nor does it respect the crucial contributions of these data to long‐term monitoring of biodiversity trends. To improve data openness, citizen scientists should be recognized in ways that correspond with their motivations. Furthermore, organizations that manage these data should make their data sharing policies open and explicit.
Experience of inundation or drought alters the responses of plants to subsequent water conditions
Authors: Wang Shu , Callaway Ragan M. , Zhou Dao‐Wei , Weiner Jacob
Published: August 2016

The availability of water is often highly variable over the life of a plant in nature, and most plants experience episodic extremes in water scarcity and abundance. The importance of plant plasticity in coping with such experiences is widely recognized, but little is known about how plastic responses to current conditions are affected by prior environmental experiences.

Our objectives were to investigate the effects of early inundation or drought on the subsequent responses of plant species to the same, opposite or more favourable conditions.

To address these questions, we subjected four invasive and four native herbaceous perennial species from different habitats (xeric, mesic, hydric) to two rounds of hydrological treatments (drought, moderate water, inundation) and analysed the effects of the early treatments on survival and performance (total biomass and relative growth) of individuals in the later treatments.

In general, (i) early drought reduced the performance of more species than did early inundation, and decreased the final total mass of all species; (ii) early inundation and early drought did not lead to lower survival immediately or later, but improved the relative growth of survivors across all late conditions; (iii) late drought resulted in the highest mortality and lowest performance after any early treatment.

With respect to habitat of origin: (i) early inundation was more beneficial for species from wet habitats than for other species; (ii) species from xeric habitats had the strongest drought tolerance after early drought; (iii) mesic species were more likely to suffer reduced later growth after either inundation or drought experience. Invasive species benefitted more from early inundation than did native species, but native species grew better after experiencing early drought.

Results indicate that early exposure to inundation or drought conditions alters how plants respond to later conditions and suggest that exposure to extreme events can induce physiological or morphological changes that improve tolerance for either extreme conditions later. This increased tolerance can be at the cost of poorer performance under more benign conditions.

Synthesis. Early inundation or drought experience may be harmful immediately, but can be beneficial for the later growth of plants. The ability of species to utilize early hydrological experiences was associated with the water range of their habitats and whether the species is invasive or native. The ability to modulate future plastic responses may be as important as short‐term plasticity in adapting to temporal environmental heterogeneity. Such ‘metaplasticity’ can optimize current performance, while avoiding the potential costs of maintaining a high degree of plasticity throughout life.
Engineered Nanoparticles as Potential Food Contaminants and Their Toxicity to Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Mao Xiaomo , Nguyen Trang H.D. , Lin Mengshi , Mustapha Azlin
Published: August 2016

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), such as metallic or metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs), have gained much attention in recent years. Increasing use of ENPs in various areas may lead to the release of ENPs into the environment and cause the contamination of agricultural and food products by ENPs. In this study, we selected two important ENPs (zinc oxide [ZnO] and silver [Ag] NPs) as potential food contaminants and investigated their toxicity via an in vitro model using Caco‐2 cells. The physical properties of ENPs and their effects on Caco‐2 cells were characterized by electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (EDS) techniques. Results demonstrate that a significant inhibition of cell viability was observed after a 24‐h of exposure of Caco‐2 cells to 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐mM ZnO NPs or 0.5‐, 1.5‐, and 3‐mM Ag NPs. The noticeable changes of cells include the alteration in cell shape, abnormal nuclear structure, membrane blebbing, and cytoplasmic deterioration. The toxicity of ZnO NPs, but not that of Ag NPs after exposure to simulated gastric fluid, significantly decreased. Scanning transmission electron microscopy shows that ZnO and Ag NPs penetrated the membrane of Caco‐2 cells. EDS results also confirm the presence of NPs in the cytoplasm of the cells. This study demonstrates that ZnO and Ag NPs have cytotoxic effects and can inhibit the growth of Caco‐2 cells.
Gender, Sexuality, and Gender Nonconformity: Understanding Variation in Functioning
Authors: Martin‐Storey Alexa
Published: August 2016

Disparities in health and mental health between sexual‐minority and heterosexual individuals emerge in early adolescence, in large part because sexual‐minority individuals are stigmatized. In this article, I review and synthesize the role of gender nonconformity in shaping how adolescents experience the stigma associated with sexual‐minority status. Then, I review research with adolescents and emerging adults that shows that gender nonconformity is associated with variation in harassment and mental health outcomes both within sexual‐minority groups and between sexual‐minority and heterosexual groups. Next, I discuss gender nonconformity as a construct that influences the association between sexual‐minority status and peer relations, and between peer relations and individual psychosocial outcomes. Finally, I discuss the importance of addressing stigma related to gender nonconformity.
Identification of a second HOXA2 nonsense mutation in a family with autosomal dominant non‐syndromic microtia and distinctive ear morphology
Authors: Piceci F. , Morlino S. , Castori M. , Buffone E. , De Luca A. , Grammatico P. , Guida V.
Published: August 2016

Microtia is a congenital defect affecting external ears, which appear smaller and sometimes malformed. Here we describe a five‐generation family with isolated bilateral microtia segregating as an autosomal dominant trait. Similar features have been previously observed in an autosomal dominant family with non‐syndromic microtia and hearing loss segregating with a HOXA2 nonsense variant. HOXA2 biallelic mutations were also described in an inbreed family with autosomal recessive microtia, hearing impairment and incomplete cleft palate. In our family, sequence analysis detected a heterozygous protein truncating nonsense variant [c.670G>T, p.(Glu224*)] segregating in all affected individuals and absent in public databases. This study confirms the role of HOXA2 gene in dominant isolated microtia and contribute to further define the dysmorphogenetic effect of this gene on ear development.
Clinical and subjective evaluation of implants in patients with hypodontia: a two‐year observation study
Authors: Allen P. Finbarr , Lee Samuel , Brady Paul
Published: August 2016

Background

Hypodontia compromises appearance and function and is challenging to manage clinically.

Objectives

To assess the impact of implant retained crowns on quality of life of patients and to determine clinical performance of implant retained crowns in these patients.

Methods

In a 24‐month prospective observation study, patients with non‐syndromic mild hypodontia manifested with missing teeth in the anterior maxilla were included. Pre‐treatment screening included a clinical and radiographic examination and completion of an OHIP‐20. Narrow neck SLActive TiZr implants (Roxolid®, Straumann AG, Switzerland) were provided and restored with single unit crowns. Implant stability was recorded at time of placement and abutment connection. Standardized radiographs were recorded at time of surgery, abutment connection and 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up visits, and distance between implant shoulder and first bone contact was measured. Oral health‐related quality of life was calculated using OHIP‐20 scores at 12‐ and 24‐month visits compared with pre‐treatment scores. Pink (PES) and white (WES) aesthetic scores were used to objectively assess aesthetic outcome of treatment.

Results

Twenty implants were placed in 12 patients (seven females, five males; mean [SD] age 19.33 [2.37] years). There was a significant improvement in oral health‐related quality of life following treatment (P = 0.026), and the effect size of this change was 1.17 indicating a large clinically meaningful change. Mean PES and WES scores were high, indicated a satisfactory aesthetic outcome at 24 months. Crestal bone‐level changes were considered small.

Conclusion

Favourable clinical outcomes were observed. Implant retained crowns had a large and clinically meaningful impact on quality of life of patients with hypodontia.
Effectiveness of amphibians as biodiversity surrogates in pond conservation
Authors: Ilg Christiane , Oertli Beat
Published: August 2016

Amphibian decline has led to worldwide conservation efforts, including the identification and designation of sites for their protection. These sites could also play an important role in the conservation of other freshwater taxa. In 89 ponds in Switzerland, we assessed the effectiveness of amphibians as a surrogate for 4 taxonomic groups that occur in the same freshwater ecosystems as amphibians: dragonflies, aquatic beetles, aquatic gastropods, and aquatic plants. The ponds were all of high value for amphibian conservation. Cross‐taxon correlations were tested for species richness and conservation value, and Mantel tests were used to investigate community congruence. Species richness, conservation value, and community composition of amphibians were weakly congruent with these measures for the other taxonomic groups. Paired comparisons for the 5 groups considered showed that for each metric, amphibians had the lowest degree of congruence. Our results imply that site designation for amphibian conservation will not necessarily provide protection for freshwater biodiversity as a whole. To provide adequate protection for freshwater species, we recommend other taxonomic groups be considered in addition to amphibians in the prioritization and site designation process.