bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy Extraction of Jaw Muscles During Mastication Based on Principal Components Analysis of Electromyogram Signal
Authors: Vatanpour Marjan , Tahami Ehsan , Namdari Hamideh
Published: April 2018

Disorder in chewing food is a major problem in patients with stroke, some of those who suffer from brain lesion, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases such as head and neck cancer. This kind of disorder causes significantly decreased food consumption and consequently malnutrition or dehydration and in severe cases leads to suffocation. It can also increase the rate of death during the first year after the stroke to 45%. Therefore, finding an appropriate and common pattern of cooperation of jaw muscles in the act of chewing can have a very important role in assisting the process of rehabilitation in these patients. In this article, to improve current rehabilitation techniques for patients with chewing problems, attempts have been made to investigate the physiology of human chewing and involved muscles in this process. Extracting synergy patterns of jaw muscles during chewing action was also carried out in this article using analysis of the main components of electromyogram signal and quantification of muscle activity. The results show that each individual applies the same motion during different times for chewing action. Moreover, cooperation and interaction of the involved muscles are maintained in this process during various times in which the share of masseter muscle is more than temporal one in this collaboration.
Influence of Chronic Pain on Perceived Health Status and Physical Activity in Elderly People After Lumbar Surgery
Authors: Higuchi Daisuke
Published: April 2018

This present study investigated perceived health status and physical activity in elderly people after lumbar surgery to assess the effect of postoperative chronic pain on perceived health status and daily living. A total of 171 people were divided into the moderate to severe pain group and the nonpain/slight pain group. Effect sizes (r) of the assessed item scores were calculated from intergroup comparisons. The r values for the perceived health status and physical activity scores were as follows: physical, 0.49; mental, 0.43; social health, 0.24; and physical activity, 0.31. Chronic pain after lumbar surgery negatively influences perceived physical/mental health and physical activity.
The Effects of Ridged Perimeter Insoles on Gait Parameters in Older Adults
Authors: Evans Kimeran W. , Mancinelli Corrie
Published: April 2018

Investigated:

The effects of prolonged ridged perimeter insole use on gait parameters in older adults.

Methods:

Twenty-two older adults were tested at baseline and after 6 weeks of insole wear using an instrumented walkway to determine the effects of insole wear on double limb support and gait velocity.

Conclusions:

Ridged perimeter insoles have a positive effect on gait characteristics when ambulating on level surface terrain. A statistically significant difference in double limb support time (P = .0297) was found. Gait velocity was not found to be statistically significant (P = .0947) but did demonstrate a mean increase of 0.06 m/s from baseline to 6 weeks.
Parenteral Nutrition–Dependent Patient With a History of Crohn's Disease Complicated by Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Feasel-Aklilu Sarah , Roberts Kristen , Ziegler Jane
Published: April 2018

Crohn's disease (CD) is complex to manage nutritionally because of the heterogeneity in clinical presentation and medical conditions that ensue. Patients with CD can be difficult to assess because of persistent inflammation, recurrent CD-related flares affecting intestinal absorption, and unclear surgical histories. In addition, patients managed through a remote home parenteral nutrition program highlight other challenges with nutrition assessment and medical management. The remote management of a complex patient on parenteral nutrition requires the oversight of a skilled, advanced practice registered dietitian nutritionist. This case report illustrates the nutritional care of a patient with CD who is dependent on parenteral nutrition in the home with a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Cyclophosphamide for Refractory Acute Cellular Rejection After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Naik Chetan , Moore Cody , Pipeling Matthew , D’Cunha Jonathan , Ruppert Kristine , Ensor Christopher , Morrell Matthew
Published: April 2018

Background

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a major risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Acute cellular rejection can persist or recur despite augmentation of immunosuppression by conventional methods. There are limited therapeutic options in treating these recurrent and refractory ACRs. We describe our experience with cyclophosphamide therapy for recurrent and refractory ACR in lung transplant recipients.

Methods

Six consecutive patients who were treated with cyclophosphamide for recurrent or refractory ACR were included in the series. The primary outcome measures were improvement in ACR score and forced expiratory volume at 1 second. Secondary outcome measures included adverse drug events including bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal side effects, and infections.

Results

Five of the 6 patients treated demonstrated complete resolution of ACR on follow-up biopsies. Acute cellular rejection score improved after cyclophosphamide treatment (P = 0.03). None of the patients had high grade (≥A3) ACR in the 3 months after cyclophosphamide administration. Cyclophosphamide had no effect on forced expiratory volume at 1 second trend or bronchiolitis obliterans score. All patients tolerated cyclophosphamide with minor gastrointestinal side effects, mild bone marrow suppression, and nonfatal infections that were amenable to treatment.

Conclusions

Cyclophosphamide therapy is an option in treating recurrent and refractory ACR in patients who have failed conventional treatments. Cyclophosphamide is tolerated well without serious adverse drug events (ADE).
A decay effect of the bacterial growth rate associated with genome reduction
Authors: Tsuchiya Kouhei , Cao Yang-Yang , Kurokawa Masaomi , Ashino Kazuha , Yomo Tetsuya , Ying Bei-Wen
Published: April 2018

Bacterial growth is an important topic in microbiology and of crucial importance to better understand living cells. Bacterial growth dynamics are quantitatively examined using various methods to determine the physical, chemical or biological features of growing populations. Due to methodological differences, the exponential growth rate, which is a parameter that is representative of growth dynamics, should be differentiated. This study experimentally verified the differentiation in growth rates attributed to different methodologies, and demonstrated that the most popular method, optical turbidity, led to the determination of a lower growth rate in comparison to the methods based on colony formation and ATP abundance, due to a decay effect of reading OD600 during a population increase. Accordingly, the logistic model, which is often applied to growth data reading the OD600, was revised by introducing a new parameter: the decay rate, to compensate for the lowered estimation in growth rates. The modified logistic model not only presented an improved goodness of fit in comparison to the original model but also led to an intriguing finding of a correlation between genome reduction and the decay rate. The decay effect seemed to be partially attributed to the decrease in cell size accompanied by a population increase and was medium dependent. In summary, the present study provides not only a better theoretical tool for the high-throughput studies on bacterial growth dynamics linking with experimental data using optical turbidity to the theoretical analysis with biological importance, but also a valuable insight for understanding the genome evolution and fitness increase in microbial life.
Experimental increases in glucocorticoids alter function of the HPA axis in wild red squirrels without negatively impacting survival and reproduction
Authors: van Kesteren Freya , Delehanty Brendan , Westrick Sarah E. , Palme Rupert , Boonstra Rudy , Lane Jeffrey E. , Boutin Stan , McAdam Andrew G. , Dantzer Ben
Published: April 2018

Hormones such as glucocorticoids (colloquially referred to as “stress hormones”) have important effects on animal behavior and life history traits, yet most of this understanding has come through correlative studies. While experimental studies offer the ability to assign causality, there are important methodological concerns that are often not considered when manipulating hormones, including glucocorticoids, in wild animals. In this study, we examined how experimental elevations of cortisol concentrations in wild North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) affected their hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, and life history traits including body mass, litter survival, and adult survival. The effects of exogenous cortisol on plasma cortisol concentrations depended on the time between treatment consumption and blood sampling. In the first nine hours after consumption of exogenous cortisol, individuals had significantly higher true baseline plasma cortisol concentrations, but adrenal gland function was impaired as indicated by their dampened response to capture and handling and to injections of adrenocorticotropic hormone compared to controls. Approximately 24 hours after consumption of exogenous cortisol, individuals had much lower plasma cortisol concentrations than controls, but adrenal function was restored. Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) concentrations were also significantly reduced in squirrels treated with cortisol. Despite these profound shifts in the functionality of the HPA axis, squirrel body mass, offspring survival, and adult survival were unaffected by experimental increases in cortisol concentrations. Our results highlight that even short-term experimental increases in glucocorticoids can affect adrenal gland functioning and CBG concentrations but without other side-effects.
Ataxin-7 and Non-stop coordinate SCAR protein levels, subcellular localization, and actin cytoskeleton organization
Authors: Cloud Veronica , Thapa Ada , Morales-Sosa Pedro , Miller Tayla , Miller Sara , Holsapple Daniel , Gerhart Paige , Momtahan Elaheh , Jack Jarrid L. , Leiva Edgardo , Rapp Sarah , Shelton Lauren G. , Pierce Richard A , Martin-Brown Skylar , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P , Mohan Ryan D.
Published: April 2018

Ataxin-7 (Atxn7), a subunit of the SAGA chromatin remodeling complex, is subject to polyglutamine expansion at the amino terminus, causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a progressive retinal and neurodegenerative disease. Within SAGA, the amino terminus of Atxn7 anchors the Non-stop deubiquitinase to the complex. To understand the consequences of Atxn7-dependent regulation of Non-stop, we sought substrates for Non-stop and discovered the deubiquitinase, dissociated from SAGA, interacts with Arp2/3 and WAVE regulatory complexes (WRC). Protein levels of WRC subunitsuppressor of extracellularcAMPreceptor (cAR) (SCAR) are regulated by a constant ubiquitination/proteasomal degradation mechanism. Loss of Atxn7 frees Non-stop from SAGA, leading to increased Non-stop interaction with SCAR and also increased SCAR protein levels. A Non-stop enzymatic pocket mutation that increases binding to ubiquitin increased interaction with SCAR, while an enzymatic pocket mutation reducing binding to ubiquitin also reduced binding to SCAR. Loss of Non-stop increased polyubiquitination of SCAR and reduced SCAR protein levels although SCAR protein levels were rescued by protease inhibition. Dependent on conservedWRC interactingreceptorsequences (WIRS), Non-stop overexpression increased SCAR protein levels and directed subcellular localization of SCAR, leading to decreased cell area and decreased number of protrusions.In vivo, heterozygous mutation of Atxn7 rescued haploinsufficiency of SCAR to produce F actin, but heterozygous mutation of SCAR did not significantly rescue retinal axon mistargeting upon knockdown of Atxn7.

SAGA subunits Ataxin-7 and Non-stop regulate stability and subcellular localization of WRC subunit SCAR. Loss of Ataxin-7 increases, while loss of Non-stop decreases, SCAR protein levels and F-actin network assembly.
Broad-spectrum adaptive antibiotic resistance associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucin-dependent surfing motility
Authors: Sun Evelyn , Gill Erin E. , Falsafi Reza , Yeung Amy , Liu Sijie , Hancock Robert E.W.
Published: April 2018

Surfing motility is a novel form of surface adaptation exhibited by the nosocomial pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the presence of the glycoprotein mucin that is found in high abundance at mucosal surfaces especially the lungs of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis patients. Here we investigated the adaptive antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa under conditions in which surfing occurs compared to cells undergoing swimming. P. aeruginosa surfing cells were significantly more resistant to several classes of antibiotics including aminoglycosides, carbapenems, polymyxins, and fluroquinolones. This was confirmed by incorporation of antibiotics into growth medium, which revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition of surfing motility that occurred at concentrations much higher than those needed to inhibit swimming. To investigate the basis of resistance, RNA-Seq was performed and revealed that surfing influenced the expression of numerous genes. Included amongst genes dysregulated under surfing conditions were multiple genes from the Pseudomonas resistome, which are known to affect antibiotic resistance when mutated. Screening transposon mutants in these surfing-dysregulated resistome genes revealed that several of these mutants exhibited changes in susceptibility to one or more antibiotics under surfing conditions, consistent with a contribution to the observed adaptive resistance. In particular, several mutants in resistome genes, including armR, recG, atpB, clpS, nuoB, and certain hypothetical genes such as PA5130, PA3576 and PA4292, showed contributions to broad-spectrum resistance under surfing conditions and could be complemented by their respective cloned genes. Therefore, we propose that surfing adaption led to extensive multidrug adaptive resistance as a result of the collective dysregulation of diverse genes.
Construction of a novel phagemid to produce custom DNA origami scaffolds
Authors: Nafisi Parsa M. , Aksel Tural , Douglas Shawn M.
Published: April 2018

DNA origami, a method for constructing nanoscale objects, relies on a long single strand of DNA to act as the “scaffold” to template assembly of numerous short DNA oligonucleotide “staples”. The ability to generate custom scaffold sequences can greatly benefit DNA origami design processes. Custom scaffold sequences can provide better control of the overall size of the final object and better control of low-level structural details, such as locations of specific base pairs within an object. Filamentous bacteriophages and related phagemids can work well as sources of custom scaffold DNA. However, scaffolds derived from phages require inclusion of multi-kilobase DNA sequences in order to grow in host bacteria, and thus cannot be altered or removed. These fixed-sequence regions constrain the design possibilities of DNA origami. Here we report the construction of a novel phagemid, pScaf, to produce scaffolds that have a custom sequence with a much smaller fixed region of only 381 bases. We used pScaf to generate new scaffolds ranging in size from 1,512 to 10,080 bases and demonstrated their use in various DNA origami shapes and assemblies. We anticipate our pScaf phagemid will enhance development of the DNA origami method and its future applications.
The histone chaperone FACT modulates nucleosome structure by tethering its components
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Yang , Edwards Garrett , Krzizike Daniel , Scherman Hataichanok , Luger Karolin
Published: April 2018

Human FACT (hFACT) is a conserved histone chaperone that was originally described as a transcription elongation factor with potential nucleosome assembly functions. Here we show that FACT facilitates tetrasome assembly and H2A-H2B deposition to form hexasomes and nucleosomes. In the process, FACT tethers components of the nucleosome through interactions with H2A-H2B, resulting in a defined intermediate complex comprised of FACT, a histone hexamer and DNA. Free DNA extending from the tetrasome then competes FACT off H2A-H2B, thereby promoting hexasome and nucleosome formation. Our studies provide mechanistic insight into how FACT may stabilize partial nucleosome structures during transcription or nucleosome assembly, seemingly facilitating nucleosome disassembly and nucleosome assembly.
A Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm Based on Silhouette Index for Cancer Subtype Discovery from Omics Data
Authors: Nidheesh N. , Abdul Nazeer K.A. , Ameer P.M.
Published: April 2018

Cancer subtype discovery fromomicsdata requires techniques to estimate the number of natural clusters in the data. Automatically estimating the number of clusters has been a challenging problem in Machine Learning. Using clustering algorithms together with internal cluster validity indexes have been a popular method of estimating the number of clusters in biomolecular data. We propose a Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering algorithm, namedSilHAC, which can automatically estimate the number of natural clusters and can find the associated clustering solution.SilHACis parameterless. We also present two hybrids ofSilHACwithSpectral ClusteringandK-Meansrespectively as components.SilHACand the hybrids could find reasonable estimates for the number of clusters and the associated clustering solution when applied to a collection of cancer gene expression datasets. The proposed methods are better alternatives to the ‘clustering algorithm - internal cluster validity index’ pipelines for estimating the number of natural clusters.
Investigation of high-pressure planetary ices by cryo-recovery. II. High-pressure apparatus, examples and a new high-pressure phase of MgSO4·5H2O
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Fortes A. Dominic , Dobson David P. , Howard Christopher M. , Bowles John , Hughes Neil J. , Wood Ian G.
Published: April 2018

An apparatus is described for the compression of samples to ∼2 GPa at temperatures from 80 to 300 K, rapid chilling to 80 K whilst under load and subsequent recovery into liquid nitrogen after the load is released. In this way, a variety of quenchable high-pressure phases of many materials may be preserved for examination outside the high-pressure sample environment, with the principal benefit being the ability to obtain high-resolution powder diffraction data for phase identification and structure solution. The use of this apparatus, in combination with a newly developed cold-loadable low-temperature stage for X-ray powder diffraction (the PheniX-FL), is illustrated using ice VI (a high-pressure polymorph of ordinary water ice that is thermodynamically stable only above ∼0.6 GPa) as an example. A second example using synthetic epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O) reveals that, at ∼1.6 GPa and 293 K, it undergoes incongruent melting to form MgSO4·5H2O plus brine, contributing to a long-standing debate on the nature of the high-pressure behaviour of this and similar highly hydrated materials. The crystal structure of this new high-pressure polymorph of MgSO4·5H2O has been determined at 85 K in space groupPna21from the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of a sample recovered into liquid nitrogen and is found to differ from that of the known ambient-pressure phase of MgSO4·5H2O (pentahydrite, space group P {\overline 1}), consisting of corner-sharing MgO6–SO4ion pairs rather than infinite corner-sharing chains.
Confusion over the description of the quartz structure yet again
Authors: Glazer A. M.
Published: April 2018

In a recent paper [Huang, Gog, Kim, Kasman, Said, Casa, Wieczorek, Hönnicke & Assoufid (2018). J. Appl. Cryst.
51, 140–147], a description of the structure of quartz was given that is incorrect. There is a long history of such errors in publications describing the quartz structure. This was fully and correctly discussed in 1978 [Donnay & Le Page (1978). Acta Cryst. A34, 584–594], and yet these errors still persist. In the present paper the description by Huang et al. is corrected and the seminal work of Donnay and Le Page revisited.
(E)-2-{[(2-Aminophenyl)imino]methyl}-5-(benzyloxy)phenol and (Z)-3-benzyloxy-6-{[(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)amino]methylidene}cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one
Authors: Ghichi Nadir , Benboudiaf Ali , Bensouici Chawki , DJebli Yacine , Merazig Hocine
Published: April 2018

The title Schiff base compounds, C20H18N2O2(I) and C20H16ClNO3(II), were synthesized from 4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde by reaction with 1,2-diaminobenzene for (I), and condensation with 2-amino-4-chlorophenol for (II). Compound (I) adopts the enol–imine tautomeric form with anEconfiguration about the C=N imine bond. In contrast, theo-hydroxy Schiff base (II), is in the keto–imine tautomeric form with aZconfiguration about the CH—NH bond. Neither molecule is planar. In (I), the central benzene ring makes dihedral angles of 46.80 (10) and 78.19 (10)° with the outer phenylamine and phenyl rings, respectively, while for (II), the corresponding angles are 5.11 (9) and 58.42 (11)°, respectively. The molecular structures of both compounds are affected by the formation of intramolecular contacts, an O—H...N hydrogen bond for (I) and an N—H...O hydrogen bond for (II); each contact generates anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal of (I), strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds form zigzag chains of molecules along theb-axis direction. Molecules are further linked by C—H...π interactions and offset π–π contacts and these combine to form a three-dimensional network. The density functional theory (DFT) optimized structure of compound (II), at the B3LYP/6–311+G(d) level, confirmed that the keto tautomeric form of the compound, as found in the structure determination, is the lowest energy form. The antioxidant capacities of both compounds were determined by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) process.
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of 2-[(4,6-diaminopyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-N-(pyridin-2-yl)acetamide and 2-[(4,6-diaminopyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-N-(pyrazin-2-yl)acetamide
Authors: Choudhury Manisha , Viswanathan Vijayan , Timiri Ajay Kumar , Sinha Barij Nayan , Jayaprakash Venkatesan , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: April 2018

In the title compounds, C11H12N6OS (I) and C10H11N7OS (II), the diaminopyrimidine ring makes dihedral angles of 71.10 (9)° with the pyridine ring in (I) and 62.93 (15)° with the pyrazine ring in (II). The ethanamine group, –CH2–C(=O)–NH– lies in the plane of the pyridine and pyrazine rings in compounds (I) and (II), respectively. In both compounds, there is an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond forming anS(7) ring motif and a short C—H...O interaction forming anS(6) loop. In the crystals of both compounds, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers withR22(8) ring motifs. In (I), the dimers are linked by N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to (1\overline{1}\overline{1}). The layers are linked by offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.777 (1) Å], forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. In (II), the dimers are linked by N—H...O, N—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, also forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-oxo-13-epi-manoyl oxide isolated from Sideritis perfoliata
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Atioğlu Zeliha , Aksit Huseyin , Demirtas Ibrahim , Erenler Ramazan , Akkurt Mehmet
Published: April 2018

The title compound, C20H32O2 (systematic name: 3-ethenyl-3,4a,7,7,10a-pentamethyldodecahydro-9H-benzo[f]chromen-9-one), was isolated from Sideritis perfoliata. In the crystal, molecules pack in helical supramolecular chains along the 21 screw axis running parallel to the a axis, bound by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. These chains are efficiently interlocked in the other two unit-cell directions via van der Waals interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis shows that van der Waals interactions constitute the major contribution to the intermolecular interactions, with H...H contacts accounting for 86.0% of the surface.
Crystal structure of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 4-fluorobenzoate
Authors: Abou Akoun , Yoda Jules , Djandé Abdoulaye , Coussan Stéphane , Zoueu T. Jérémie
Published: April 2018

In the title compound, C16H9FO4, (I), the benzene ring is oriented at an acute angle of 59.03 (15)° relative to the coumarin plane (r.m.s deviation = 0.009 Å). This conformation of (I) is stabilized by an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, which closes a five-membering ring. In the crystal, molecules of (I) form infinite zigzag chains along the b-axis direction, linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the crystal structure is supported by π–π stacking interactions between neighbouring pyrone and benzene or coumarin rings [centroid–centroid distances in the range 3.5758 (18)–3.6115 (16) Å], as well as C=O...π interactions [O...centroid distances in the range 3.266 (3)–3.567 (3) Å]. The theoretical data for (I) obtained from quantum chemical calculations are in good agreement with the observed structure, although the calculated C—O—C—C torsion angle between the coumarin fragment and the benzene ring (73.7°) is somewhat larger than the experimental value [63.4 (4)°]. Hirshfeld surface analysis has been used to confirm and quantify the supramolecular interactions.
Density and electron density of aqueous cryoprotectant solutions at cryogenic temperatures for optimized cryoprotection and diffraction contrast
Authors: Tyree Timothy J. , Dan Ritwik , Thorne Robert E.
Published: April 2018

The glass-phase densities atT= 77 K of aqueous solutions of the common cryoprotective agents (CPAs) methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, glycerol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD), ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 200 and polypropylene glycol 425 were measured as a function of CPA concentration. Individual drops with volumes as small as ∼65 pl were rapidly cooled to achieve the glass phase, and their densities atT= 77 K were determined by cryoflotation. These densities were used to determine the glass-phase electron density of each solution and its volume thermal contraction between room temperature and 77 K. When combined with data for the critical cooling rates required to achieve the glass phaseversusCPA concentration, these yield alternative measures of cryoprotectant effectiveness. These reference data will aid in minimizing sample stresses and mechanical damage in cryocrystallography, in cryogenic temperature X-ray imaging and in vitrification-based cryopreservation protocols, and in maximizing electron-density contrast between cryoprotectant solutions and biomolecules in cryogenic temperature small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and cryo-electron microscopy.
Linkages between tourism and agriculture for inclusive development in Tanzania
Authors: Anderson Wineaster
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how local agricultural communities are integrated into the tourism value chains and provide insights into how this can contribute to poverty reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the value chain approach to gain an understanding of the linkages between tourism and agriculture. Interviews involving local suppliers of agricultural products and tourism businesses (n=195) were conducted in Lushoto, Tanzania. The livelihood portfolios (range of activities – farming, employment, tourism, etc.) were analyzed in terms of the resources (economic, natural, human, physical and social assets) available to individuals and households and how these are optimally used to achieve inclusive growth.

Findings

The findings show that the form of tourism business ownership and the presence of specific social networks between tourism businesses and local suppliers dictate the mode of buying and the strength of supply chains. Community-based tourism is dominant in the area, allowing tourists to interact with agrarian rural communities. However, the optimal local linkages have been hampered by the quantitative and qualitative mismatch between locally supplied products and the tourism sector’s requirements. The failure of many initiatives aimed at addressing the mismatch creates a need for empowering local communities to enable them to take the opportunities that tourism provides.

Practical implications

Least developed countries need to build on the lessons learned from the development of tourism in their local settings, and pursue strategies which bring hope, confidence and real benefits to the majority of the struggling population. This study gives an insight on how inter-sectoral linkages could be embraced among the strategies or means of reducing rampant poverty.

Originality/value

Linking local agricultural production to tourism has long been seen as a promising way to make tourism more economically inclusive. However, the use of value chain approach in studying the tourism-agriculture linkages for inclusive development, especially in the developing economies is not common. While employing Porter’s value chains analysis, this study provides insights into how local farmers can be incorporated in tourism food supply chains in an ethical and beneficial way.
A stress distribution modelization of a neat fit pin-loaded hub
Authors: Marouani Haykel , Hassine Tarek
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Pin-loaded hubs with fitted bush are used in industrial connector-type elements. They are subjected to varying radial forces leading to variable stress distribution. The literature provides various pressure distribution expressions adapted essentially for symmetric geometries and fixed load condition (circular hubs, half-infinite geometries, axial load, tangential load, etc.). This study aims to take into account the geometrical conditions of industrial connector-type elements and presents a model for pressure distribution based only on geometric parameters, maximal pressure and contact angle value for the case of fit pin-loaded hub.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element computation for the contact problem shows that the pressure distribution of the pin-loaded hub under various inclined forces (from 0° to 180°) is a parabolic distribution. This distribution can be defined by three parameters which areθA,θBandPmax. The study assumes that the distribution is symmetric and thatPmaxcan be modeled using forceF, hub radiusR, hub thicknessband the half contact angle areθA.

Findings

The new proposal pressure distribution parameters are easy to identify. Even for the non-symmetric pressure distribution, the study denotes that the errors on evaluatingθAandθBkeep the analytical model still in good agreement with finite element computations.

Research limitations/implications

Only the neat fit case was studied.

Practical/implications

Pin-loaded joints are connector-type elements used in mechanical assemblies to connect any structural components and linkage mechanisms such as connecting rod ends of automotive or shear joints for aircraft structure.

Originality/value

The good correlation between finite element computations and model results shows the validity of the assumptions adopted here. Analytical fatigue models, based on this stress distribution, could be derived in view of a fatigue lifetime calculation on connecting hub. Friction, pin deformation and local plastic effects under pin-loading are the main phenomena to take into account to further enrich this model.
The influence of ABCB1 and P2Y12 genetic variants on clinical outcomes in Chinese intracranial artery stenosis patients
Authors: Li Xingang , Jiang Liqun , Sun Shusen , Li Wei , Li Xiaoqing , Miao Zhongrong , Zhao Zhigang , Ma Ning
Published: April 2018

For intracranial artery stenosis patients, high inter‐individual variability in response to antiplatelet drug therapy results in recurrent ischaemic events. We aimed to evaluate the association of drug‐related genetic polymorphisms with adverse clinical outcomes. We consecutively enrolled 157 patients receiving dual‐antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel), and adverse clinical events occurred in 10 patients during the 1 year follow‐up. The P2Y12 polymorphisms (rs9859538 and rs10935842) were associated with increased likelihood of relapse events (OR = 2.934, 95% CI = 1.022‐8.425, P‐value = .045), and the 2 variants are in complete linkage disequilibrium. The mutation of ABCB1 rs1128503 may decrease the recurrence of clinical events (OR = 0.211, 95% CI = 0.046‐0.957, P‐value = .044). Genetic testing (ABCB1 and P2Y12) may provide useful information to prevent ischaemic events prior to the initiation of antiplatelet therapy.
Low doses of Paclitaxel repress breast cancer invasion through DJ‐1/KLF17 signalling pathway
Authors: Ismail Ismail Ahmed , El‐Sokkary Gamal H , Saber Saber H
Published: April 2018

Paclitaxel (taxol) is an important agent against many tumours, including breast cancer. Ample data documents that paclitaxel inhibits breast cancer metastasis while others prove that paclitaxel enhances breast cancer metastasis. The mechanisms by which paclitaxel exerts its action are not well established. This study focuses on the effect of paclitaxel, particularly the low doses on breast cancer metastasis and the mechanisms that regulate it. Current results show that, paclitaxel exerts significant cytotoxicity even at low doses in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Interestingly, paclitaxel significantly inhibits cell invasion and migration, decreases Snail and increases E‐cadherin mRNA expression levels at the indicated low doses. Furthermore, paclitaxel‐inhibiting breast cancer metastasis is associated with down‐regulation of DJ‐1 and ID‐1 mRNA expression level with a concurrent increase in KLF17 expression. Under the same experimental conditions, paclitaxel induces KLF17 and concurrently represses ID‐1 protein levels. Our results show for the first time that paclitaxel inhibits breast cancer metastasis through regulating DJ‐1/KLF17/ID‐1 signalling pathway; repressed DJ‐1 and ID‐1 and enhanced KLF17 expression.
PRIVATIZING PUNISHMENT: TESTING THEORIES OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE PRISON AND IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITIES
Authors: ENNS PETER K. , RAMIREZ MARK D.
Published: April 2018

The transfer of authority over the supervision of inmate populations from state and federal governments to private corporations is one of the most significant contemporary developments in the criminal justice system. Yet, the controversy surrounding the private prison industry has occurred in U.S. criminal justice policy circles without any understanding of the public's preferences toward these institutions. In this article, we test several theories that potentially explain opinions toward privatizing carceral institutions: the racial animus, business is better, conflict of interest, and problem‐escalation models. These models are tested with original data from the 2014 Cooperative Congressional Election Survey. The data show that opinions toward the privatization of carceral institutions do not neatly fall along partisan or ideological divisions but are explained by beliefs about racial resentment, corporate ethics, and the potential ability of private companies to provide services cheaper than the public sphere. The results hold important implications for how we understand the future of private carceral institutions in the United States.
Redescription of Gigantspinosaurus sichuanensis (Dinosauria, Stegosauria) from the Late Jurassic of Sichuan, Southwestern China
Authors: HAO Baoqiao , ZHANG Qiannan , PENG Guangzhao , YE Yong , YOU Hailu
Published: April 2018

Gigantspinosaurus sichuanensis is one of the six Stegosauria genera discovered from the Sichuan basin, which preserves the first skin impressions of stegosaurs around the world and a huge pair of ‘comma’ ‐shaped parascapular spines kept in situ, and being named after the latter feature. The holotype was firstly named and reported in an abstract of a lecture by Ouyang, 1992, since when it has never been detailed studied and the taxonomic position of Gigantspinosaurus is also vague. The morphological redescription shows that G. sichuanensis is a medium‐sized stegosaur, with external mandibular foramen developed. The ratio of femur to humerus is large, and the intersacral fenestrae are big. According to the wear degree of teeth, the holotype of G. sichuanensis is regarded as an adult individual. On the basis of the recent data matrix of stegosaurs and the characters revisions of G. sichuanensis, its phylogenetic position has been determined again. By our detailed morphological and phylogenetic analysis, G. sichuanensis is considered to inherit some primitive traits, but it is more derived than Huayangosaurus, and located in a transitional position between Huayangosaurus and Tuojiangosaurus, as a kind of evolved stegosaurs. The ancestors of Stegosauria are small and quadruped, with primitive ornithopod‐like skull, and grow leaf‐shaped teeth, a large number of bone plates.
Late Triassic Granites From the Quxu Batholith Shedding a New Light on the Evolution of the Gangdese Belt in Southern Tibet
Authors: MENG Yuanku , XU Zhiqin , XU Yang , MA Shiwei
Published: April 2018

The Gangdese magmatic belt formed during Late Triassic to Neogene in the southernmost Lhasa terrane of the Tibetan plateau. It is interpreted as a major component of a continental margin related to the northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab beneath Eurasia and it is the key in understanding the tectonic framework of southern Tibet prior to the India‐Eurasia collision. It is widely accepted that northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic crust formed the Gangdese magmatic belt, but the occurrence of Late Triassic magmatism and the detailed tectonic evolution of southern Tibet are still debated. This work presents new zircon U‐Pb‐Hf isotope data and whole‐rock geochemical compositions of a mylonitic granite pluton in the central Gangdese belt, southern Tibet. Zircon U‐Pb dating from two representative samples yields consistent ages of 225.3±1.8 Ma and 229.9±1.5 Ma, respectively, indicating that the granite pluton was formed during the early phase of Late Triassic instead of Early Eocene (47–52 Ma) as previously suggested. Geochemically, the mylonitic granite pluton has a sub‐alkaline composition and low‐medium K calc‐alkaline affinities and it can be defined as an I‐type granite with metaluminous features (A/CNK<1.1). The analyzed samples are characterized by strong enrichments of LREE and pronounced depletions of Nb, Ta and Ti, suggesting that the granite was generated in an island‐arc setting. However, the use of tectonic discrimination diagrams indicates a continental arc setting. Zircon Lu‐Hf isotopes indicate that the granite has highly positive ∊Hf(t) values ranging from +13.91 to +15.54 (mean value +14.79), reflecting the input of depleted mantle material during its magmatic evolution, consistent with Mg# numbers. Additionally, the studied samples also reveal relatively young Hf two‐stage model ages ranging from 238 Ma to 342 Ma (mean value 292 Ma), suggesting that the pluton was derived from partial melting of juvenile crust. Geochemical discrimination diagrams also suggest that the granite was derived from partial melting of the mafic lower crust. Taking into account both the spatial and temporal distribution of the mylonitic granite, its geochemical fingerprints as well as previous studies, we propose that the northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab beneath the Lhasa terrane had already commenced in Late Triassic (∼230 Ma), and that the Late Triassic magmatic events were formed in an active continental margin that subsequently evolved into the numerous subterranes, paleo‐island‐arcs and multiple collision phases that form the present southern Tibet.
Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Intracontinental Basaltic Volcanism on the Northwest Arabian Plate, Gaziantep Basin, Southeast Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: KÜRÜM Sevcan , BÖLÜCÜ Abdurrahman , URAL Melek
Published: April 2018

Volcanism along the northwest boundary of the Arabian Plate found in the Gaziantep Basin, southeast Turkey, is of Miocene age and is of alkaline and calc‐alkaline basic composition. The rare earth element data for both compositional series indicates spinel–peridotite source areas. The rare earth and trace elements of the alkaline lavas originate from a highly primitive and slightly contaminated asthenospheric mantle; those of the calc‐alkaline lavas originate from a highly heterogeneous, asthenospheric, and lithospheric mantle source. Partial melting and magmatic differentiation processes played a role in the formation of the petrological features of these volcanics. These rocks form two groups on the basis of their87Sr/86Sr and143Nd/144Nd isotopic compositions in addition to their classifications based on their chemical compositions (alkaline and calc‐alkaline). These isotopic differences indicate a dissimilar parental magma. Therefore, high Nd isotope samples imply a previously formed and highly primitive mantle whereas low Nd isotope samples may indicate comparable partial melting of an enriched heterogeneous shallow mantle. Other isotopic changes that do not conform to the chemical features of these lavas are partly related to the various tectonic events of the region, such as the Dead Sea Fault System and the Bitlis Suture Zone.
Petrological and Geochemical Constraints on the Protoliths of Serpentine‐Magnetite Ores in the Zhaoanzhuang Iron Deposit, Southern North China Craton
Authors: MENG Jie , LI Houmin , LI Lixing , SANTOSH M. , SONG Zhe , YANG Xiuqing
Published: April 2018

The uncommon Mg‐rich and Ti‐poor Zhaoanzhuang serpentine‐magnetite ores within Taihua Group of the North China Craton (NCC) remain unclear whether the protolith was sourced from ultramafic rocks or chemical sedimentary sequences. Here we present integrated petrographic and geochemical studies to characterize the protoliths and to gain insights on the ore‐forming processes. Iron ores mainly contain low‐Ti magnetite (TiO2 ∼0.1wt%) and serpentine (Mg#=92.42–96.55), as well as residual olivine (Fo=89–90), orthopyroxene (En=89–90) and hornblende. Magnetite in the iron ores shows lower Al, Sc, Ti, Cr, Zn relative to that from ultramafic Fe‐Ti‐V iron ores, but similar to that from metamorphic chemical sedimentary iron deposit. In addition, interstitial minerals of dolomite, calcite, apatite and anhydrite are intergrown with magnetite and serpentine, revealing they were metamorphic, but not magmatic or late hydrothermal minerals. Wall rocks principally contain magnesian silicates of olivine (Fo=83–87), orthopyroxene (En=82–86), humite (Mg#=82–84) and hornblende [XMg=0.87–0.96]. Dolomite, apatite and anhydrite together with minor magnetite, thorianite (Th‐rich oxide) and monazite (LREE‐rich phosphate) are often seen as relicts or inclusions within magnesian silicates in the wall rocks, revealing that they were primary or earlier metamorphic minerals than magnesian silicates. And olivine exists as subhedral interstitial texture between hornblende, which shows later formation of olivine than hornblende and does not conform with sequence of magmatic crystallization. All these mineralogical features thus bias towards their metamorphic, rather than magmatic origin. The dominant chemical components of the iron ores are SiO2 (4.77–25.23wt%), Fe2O3T (32.9–80.39wt%) and MgO (5.72–27.17wt%) and uniformly, those of the wall rocks are also SiO2 (16.34–48.72wt%), MgO (16.71–33.97wt%) and Fe2O3T (6.98–30.92wt%). The striking high Fe‐Mg‐Si contents reveal that protolith of the Zhaoanzhuang iron deposit was more likely to be chemical sedimentary rocks. The distinct high‐Mg feature and presence of abundant anhydrite possibly indicate it primarily precipitated in a confined seawater basin under an evaporitic environment. Besides, higher contents of Al, Ti, P, Th, U, Pb, REE relative to other Precambrian iron‐rich chemical precipitates (BIF) suggest some clastic terrestrial materials were probably input. As a result, we think the Zhaoanzhuang iron deposit had experienced the initial Fe‐Mg‐Si marine precipitation, followed by further Mg enrichment through marine evaporated process, subsequent high‐grade metamorphism and late‐stage hydrothermal fluid modification.
A Multi–fluid Constrain for the Forming of Potash Deposits in the Savannakhet Basin: Geochemical Evidence from Halite
Authors: REN Qianhui , DU Yongsheng , GAO Donglin , LI Binkai , ZHANG Xiying , LIU Xiuting , YUAN Xiaolong
Published: April 2018

The Khorat Plateau on the Indochina Terrane is known to have formed during the closure of the Tethys Ocean, although the origin of its potash mineral deposits is a topic of current debate. Data from a borehole on Savannakhet Basin is used in this study to re‐define the evaporation processes of the study area. Geochemical analyses of halite from various borehole‐derived evaporite strata have elucidated the fluid sources from which these ores formed. Measured δ11B indicated that ore deposits formed primarily due to evaporation of seawater, although non‐marine fluids affected the later stages of the evaporation process. Fluctuations in B and Br concentrations in carnallite‐ and sylvite‐rich strata indicate the influence of fresh water. Boron concentration in carnallite unit indicated the influence of hydrothermal fluids. From the relative timings of these various fluid influxes, the evolution of these evaporates can be divided into four stages: (1) an initial marine evaporation at the beginning of the deposit's formation, where seawater (and minor fresh water) trapped on the uplifted Khorat Plateau produced sediments and salts with Br contents lower than those of normal marine‐derived evaporites; (2) a transgression stage, where seawater recharged the basin; (3) a hydrothermal infiltration stage, which was coeval with the late Yanshan movement; and (4) a stage of fresh water supply, as recorded by fluctuations in B and Br contents, inferring intermittent fresh water influx into the basin. Thus, although evaporites on the Savannakhet Basin primarily formed via marine evaporation, they were also influenced to a significant degree by the addition of non–marine fresh water and hydrothermal fluids.
Customer‐based Concentration and Firm Innovation
Authors: Shen Huayu , Xia Ning , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2018

Based on a sample of listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China from 2007 to 2015, this paper discusses the relationship between customer concentration and corporate innovation. The results show that this relationship is nonlinear and U‐shaped. In addition, this paper finds that when the bargaining power of large customers is weak and the level of supply chain integration is high, the U‐shaped relationship becomes more significant. Additional analyses show that the U‐shaped relationship between customer concentration and corporate innovation is more significant for non‐state‐owned enterprises and those with lower levels of cash holding.