bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for DNA recognition by the transcription regulator MetR
Authors: Punekar Avinash S. , Porter Jonathan , Carr Stephen B. , Phillips Simon E. V.
Published: May 2016

MetR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR), has been extensively studied owing to its role in the control of methionine biosynthesis in proteobacteria. A MetR homodimer binds to a 24-base-pair operator region of themetgenes and specifically recognizes the interrupted palindromic sequence 5′-TGAA-N5-TTCA-3′. Mechanistic details underlying the interaction of MetR with its target DNA at the molecular level remain unknown. In this work, the crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of MetR was determined at 2.16 Å resolution. MetR-DBD adopts a winged-helix–turn–helix (wHTH) motif and shares significant fold similarity with the DBD of the LTTR protein BenM. Furthermore, a data-driven macromolecular-docking strategy was used to model the structure of MetR-DBD bound to DNA, which revealed that a bent conformation of DNA is required for the recognition helix α3 and the wing loop of the wHTH motif to interact with the major and minor grooves, respectively. Comparison of the MetR-DBD–DNA complex with the crystal structures of other LTTR-DBD–DNA complexes revealed residues that may confer operator-sequence binding specificity for MetR. Taken together, the results show that MetR-DBD uses a combination of direct base-specific interactions and indirect shape recognition of the promoter to regulate the transcription ofmetgenes.
Cyclization strategies of meditopes: affinity and diffraction studies of meditope–Fab complexes
Authors: Bzymek Krzysztof P. , Ma Yuelong , Avery Kendra A. , Horne David A. , Williams John C.
Published: May 2016

Recently, a unique binding site for a cyclic 12-residue peptide was discovered within a cavity formed by the light and heavy chains of the cetuximab Fab domain. In order to better understand the interactions that drive this unique complex, a number of variants including the residues within the meditope peptide and the antibody, as well as the cyclization region of the meditope peptide, were created. Here, multiple crystal structures of meditope peptides incorporating different cyclization strategies bound to the central cavity of the cetuximab Fab domain are presented. The affinity of each cyclic derivative for the Fab was determined by surface plasmon resonance and correlated to structural differences. Overall, it was observed that the disulfide bond used to cyclize the peptide favorably packs against a hydrophobic `pocket' and that amidation and acetylation of the original disulfide meditope increased the overall affinity ∼2.3-fold. Conversely, replacing the terminal cysteines with serines and thus creating a linear peptide reduced the affinity over 50-fold, with much of this difference being reflected in a decrease in the on-rate. Other cyclization methods, including the formation of a lactam, reduced the affinity but not to the extent of the linear peptide. Collectively, the structural and kinetic data presented here indicate that small perturbations introduced by different cyclization strategies can significantly affect the affinity of the meditope–Fab complex.
The SecB-like chaperone Rv1957 fromMycobacterium tuberculosis: crystallization and X-ray crystallographic analysis
Authors: Lu Zuokun , Wang Han , Yu TingTing
Published: May 2016

Protein export is important in all bacteria, and bacteria have evolved specialized export machineries to fulfil this task. InMycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, the general secretion pathway (Sec pathway) is conserved and is essential in performing the export of proteins. The bacterial Sec pathway post-translationally exports unfolded proteins out of the cytoplasm, and the core of the Sec pathway is composed of a heterotrimeric membrane-embedded channel, SecYEG, and two cytosolic components, SecA and SecB. SecB functions by stabilizing unfolded proteins, maintaining them in an export-competent state. Although SecB is mainly found in Proteobacteria, a SecB-like protein, Rv1957, that controls a stress-response toxin–antitoxin system, is found inM. tuberculosis. Rv1957 can also functionally replace theEscherichia coliSecB chaperone bothin vivoandin vitro. In this work, the production, crystallization and X-ray crystallographic analysis of Rv1957 are reported. Notably, diffraction-quality crystals were obtained only at high concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide,i.e.about 12%(v/v). The crystals of Rv1957 belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 64.5,b= 92.0,c= 115.4 Å.
Crystal structure of a chimaeric bacterial glutamate dehydrogenase
Authors: Oliveira Tânia , Sharkey Michael A. , Engel Paul C. , Khan Amir R.
Published: May 2016

Glutamate dehydrogenases (EC 1.4.1.2–4) catalyse the oxidative deamination of L-glutamate to α-ketoglutarate using NAD(P)+as a cofactor. The bacterial enzymes are hexameric, arranged with 32 symmetry, and each polypeptide consists of an N-terminal substrate-binding segment (domain I) followed by a C-terminal cofactor-binding segment (domain II). The catalytic reaction takes place in the cleft formed at the junction of the two domains. Distinct signature sequences in the nucleotide-binding domain have been linked to the binding of NAD+versusNADP+, but they are not unambiguous predictors of cofactor preference. In the absence of substrate, the two domains move apart as rigid bodies, as shown by the apo structure of glutamate dehydrogenase fromClostridium symbiosum. Here, the crystal structure of a chimaeric clostridial/Escherichia colienzyme has been determined in the apo state. The enzyme is fully functional and reveals possible determinants of interdomain flexibility at a hinge region following the pivot helix. The enzyme retains the preference for NADP+cofactor from the parentE. colidomain II, although there are subtle differences in catalytic activity.
Crystal structures of two monomeric triosephosphate isomerase variants identifiedviaa directed-evolution protocol selecting forL-arabinose isomerase activity
Authors: Krause Mirja , Kiema Tiila-Riikka , Neubauer Peter , Wierenga Rik K.
Published: May 2016

The crystal structures are described of two variants of A-TIM: Ma18 (2.7 Å resolution) and Ma21 (1.55 Å resolution). A-TIM is a monomeric loop-deletion variant of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) which has lost the TIM catalytic properties. Ma18 and Ma21 were identified after extensive directed-evolution selection experiments using anEscherichia coliL-arabinose isomerase knockout strain expressing a randomly mutated A-TIM gene. These variants facilitate better growth of theEscherichia coliselection strain in medium supplemented with 40 mML-arabinose. Ma18 and Ma21 differ from A-TIM by four and one point mutations, respectively. Ma18 and Ma21 are more stable proteins than A-TIM, as judged from CD melting experiments. Like A-TIM, both proteins are monomeric in solution. In the Ma18 crystal structure loop 6 is open and in the Ma21 crystal structure loop 6 is closed, being stabilized by a bound glycolate molecule. The crystal structures show only small differences in the active site compared with A-TIM. In the case of Ma21 it is observed that the point mutation (Q65L) contributes to small structural rearrangements near Asn11 of loop 1, which correlate with different ligand-binding properties such as a loss of citrate binding in the active site. The Ma21 structure also shows that its Leu65 side chain is involved in van der Waals interactions with neighbouring hydrophobic side-chain moieties, correlating with its increased stability. The experimental data suggest that the increased stability and solubility properties of Ma21 and Ma18 compared with A-TIM cause better growth of the selection strain when coexpressing Ma21 and Ma18 instead of A-TIM.
catena-Poly[[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)lead(II)]-di-μ-bromido]
Authors: Zhang Bi-Song , Wu Chang-Sheng
Published: May 2016

The polymeric title compound, [PbBr2(C10H8N2)]n, consists of1∞[PbBr4/2] chains running parallel to [001]. Each PbIIatom is additionally chelated by a 2,2′-bipyridine ligand, completing a distorted octahedral Br4N2coordination set. In the crystal, weak C—H...Br hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions link the [PbBr2(C10H8N2)]nchains into a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
2-Methylpyridinium 2-carboxybenzoate–benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid (2/1)
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Sudhahar S. , Gunasekaran B. , Israel S. , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: May 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C6H8N+·C8H5O4−·0.5C8H6O4, contains a 2-methylpyridinium cation, a 2-carboxybenzoate monoanion and half of the co-crystallized benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid molecule, which lies on a mirror plane. The N atom of the pyridine ring is protonated, while the anion of this salt is generated by deprotonation of the OH group of one of the carboxylic acid substituents of the benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid molecule. The pyridine ring of the cation is inclined to the benzene ring of the anion at an angle of 2.27 (11)°. The benzene ring of the anion makes dihedral angles of 2.8 (2) and 6.0 (2)° with the carboxylate and carboxyl substituents, respectively. An intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond in the anion closes anS(7) ring. In the crystal, weak N—H...O, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network. Weak offset π–π contacts [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.852 (1) Å] are also observed.
1,3-Dimethoxy-2-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide
Authors: Partl Gabriel , Lampl Martin , Laus Gerhard , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: May 2016

The title molecular salt, C6H11N2O2+·C2F6NO4S2−, was obtained by the methylation of 1-hydroxy-2-methylimidazole 3-oxide and subsequent ion metathesis. In the crystal, C—H...O=S hydrogen bonds and O...π interactions are observed.
Economic impacts of climate change and variability on agricultural production in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Alboghdady Mohamed , El-Hendawy Salah E.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of climate change and variability on agricultural production in Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) where the deleterious impacts of climate change are generally projected to be greatest.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a production function model using Fixed Effect Regression (FER) analysis and then using marginal impact analysis to assess the impact of climate change and variability on agricultural production. Therefore, the study utilized panel data for the period 1961-2009 pooled from 20 countries in MENA region.

Findings

Results showed that 1 per cent increase in temperature during winter resulted in 1.12 per cent decrease in agricultural production. It was also observed that 1 per cent increase in temperature variability during winter and spring resulted in 0.09 and 0.14 per cent decrease in agricultural production, respectively. Results also indicated that increasing precipitation during winter and fall season and precipitation variability during winter and summer seasons had negative impact. The estimated parameters of square temperature and precipitation indicated that climate change has significant nonlinear impacts on agricultural production in MENA region.

Originality/value

Despite there are many studies on the impact of climate change on agricultural production, there is a lack of publications to address the economic impact of both climate change and variability on agricultural production in MENA region. Thus, these results are more comprehensive and more informative to policymakers than the results from field trials.
The effects of transformational leadership and organizational commitment on hotel departmental performance
Authors: Patiar Anoop , Wang Ying
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of hotel general managers’ transformational leadership (TLS) and department managers (DMs)’ organizational commitment (OC) on their department’s performance in upscale hotels in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by surveying DMs in four- and five-star hotels. The survey instrument included measures of comprehensive sustainable performance, TLS and OC adapted from the literature. The data were analyzed through factor analysis and regression with a resampling method of bootstrapping.

Findings

The findings indicated that TLS influenced hotel departments’ non-financial as well as social and environmental performance dimensions directly and indirectly through OC. However, the mediation effect of OC did not exist for financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The key theoretical contribution is the use of performance assessment based on critical success factors of hotel businesses and the bootstrapping regression model.

Practical implications

Senior managers should pay attention to TLS qualities when appointing core managers, provide on-going structured TLS training and concentrate on leading performance dimensions for performance assessment.

Originality/value

This study responds to the call for leadership research to move beyond its emphasis on individual performance and to address performance more holistically by considering its multidimensionality and the processes underlying effective performance.
Revenue management systems and hotel performance in the economic downturn
Authors: Ortega Bienvenido
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether hotels that use a revenue management system (RMS) outperform non-RMS-users in a context of decreasing demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A database of chain hotels with a rating of three or more stars was used to estimate MANOVA and ANOVA models to analyse the role of RMSs in hotel performance.

Findings

In a context of strong competition in prices and surplus capacity, the findings suggest that RMSs have been more effective in improving occupancy than in achieving higher rates. Also, the use of RMSs did not have a significant impact on hotel labour productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Managers may believe that they have adopted an RMS when, in fact, they have not fully done so. In addition, establishment-level unobserved heterogeneity, such as the quality of management or unobserved quality of service, cannot be fully controlled because of the nature of the data used. The main implication of this paper is that the potential of RMSs as revenue enhancer might be influenced by unstable market and economic conditions. However, the absence of significant effects on RevPAR performance might be also the result of firms’ adopting inadequate RM strategies. Further research could investigate whether the findings are context-specific or whether firms are failing to implement effective RMSs for other reasons.

Originality/value

The approach used in this paper is new to the literature, given that it uses statistical methods to analyse the impact of implementing an RMS on hotel performance under specific economic conditions and using alternative indicators.
When security and medicine missions conflict: confidentiality in prison settings
Authors: Allen Scott A. , Aburabi Raed
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– It is a simple fact that prisons cannot exist – practically, legally, ethically or morally – without the support of physicians and other health professionals. Access to adequate healthcare is one of the fundamental measures of the legitimacy of a jail or prison. At the same time, there is a fundamental tension in the missions of the prison and doctor. The primary mission of the prison is security and often punishment. Reform and rehabilitation have intermittently been stated goals of prisons in the last century, but in practice those humane goals have rarely governed prison administrative culture. The primary mission of the physician is to promote the health and welfare of his or her patient. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– At times, what is required to serve the patient’s best interest is at odds with the interests of security. Much of the work of the prison physician does not conflict with the operation of security. Indeed, much of the work of the prison physician is allowed to proceed without much interference from the security regime. But given the fundamental discord in the legitimate missions of security vs medicine, conflict between the doctor and the warden is inevitable.

Findings

– In this paper, the authors consider the example of patient confidentiality to illustrate this conflict, using case examples inspired by real cases from the experience of the authors.

Originality/value

– The authors provide an ethical and practical framework for health professionals to employ when confronting these inevitable conflicts in correctional settings.
A critical look at the use of SEM in international business research
Authors: Richter Nicole Franziska , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Ringle Christian M. , Schlägel Christopher
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Structural equation modeling (SEM) has been widely used to examine complex research models in international business and marketing research. While the covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) approach is dominant, the authors argue that the field’s dynamic nature and the sometimes early stage of theory development more often require a partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) approach. The purpose of this paper is to critically review the application of SEM techniques in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors searched six journals with an international business (and marketing) focus (Management International Review,Journal of International Business Studies,Journal of International Management,International Marketing Review,Journal of World Business,International Business Review) from 1990 to 2013. The authors reviewed all articles that apply SEM, analyzed their research objectives and methodology choices, and assessed whether the PLS-SEM papers followed the best practices outlined in the past.

Findings

– Of the articles, 379 utilized CB-SEM and 45 PLS-SEM. The reasons for using PLS-SEM referred largely to sampling and data measurement issues and did not sufficiently build on the procedure’s benefits that stem from its design for predictive and exploratory purposes. Thus, the procedure’s key benefits, which might be fruitful for the theorizing process, are not being fully exploited. Furthermore, authors need to better follow best practices to truly advance theory building.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors examined a subset of journals in the field and did not include general management journals that publish international business and marketing-related studies. Fur-thermore, the authors found only limited use of PLS-SEM in the journals the authors considered relevant to the study.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the literature by providing researchers seeking to adopt SEM as an analytical method with practical guidelines for making better choices concerning an appropriate SEM approach. Furthermore, based on a systematic review of current practices in the international business and marketing literature, the authors identify critical challenges in the selection and use of SEM procedures and offer concrete recommendations for better practice.
Ensuring safety in human-robot coexisting environment based on two-level protection
Authors: Zhang Ping , Jin Peigen , Du Guanglong , Liu Xin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel methodology based on two-level protection for ensuring safety of the moving human who enters the robot’s workspace, which is significant for dealing with the problem of human security in a human-robot coexisting environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this system, anyone who enters the robot’s working space is detected by using the Kinect and their skeletons are calculated by the interval Kalman filter in real time. The first-level protection is mainly based on the prediction of the human motion, which used Gaussian mixture model and Gaussian Mixture Regression. However, even in cases where the prediction of human motion is incorrect, the system can still safeguard the human by enlarging the initial bounding volume of the human as the second-level early warning areas. Finally, an artificial potential field with some additional avoidance strategies is used to plan a path for a robot manipulator.

Findings

Experimental studies on the GOOGOL GRB3016 robot show that the robot manipulator can accomplish the predetermined tasks by circumventing the human, and the human does not feel dangerous.

Originality/value

This study presented a new framework for ensuring human security in a human-robot coexisting environment, and thus can improve the reliability of human-robot cooperation.
Technology use within meetings: a generational perspective
Authors: Sox Carole B. , Campbell Jeffrey M. , Kline Sheryl F. , Strick Sandra K. , Crews Tena B.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine generational formative referents as factors that influence meeting attendees’ adoption and technology use within virtual and hybrid meetings, and test the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) as presented by Davis (1986). This study investigates how attendees’ experiences from their respective formative years (i.e. generational formative referents), the basis of the Generational Cohort Theory (GCT), influence the TAM model constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A partial least squares analysis test is utilized to determine technology acceptance within meetings across three generations: Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1978) and Generation Y (1979-2000).

Findings

The multi-group comparison determined all three generations responded similarly with regard to the paths being tested, indicating each of the three generational cohorts within this study are influenced by the experiences of their formative years, which are different for each generation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings add to the limited foundation for scholars wanting to further analyze technology use within meetings, and for those interested in generational influences.

Practical implications

This study provides useful information for marketers and planners to increase meeting attendance, enhance attendee satisfaction, and further explore meeting engagement opportunities.

Originality/value

Underpinning the GCT, this study is the first within hospitality and tourism studies to investigate a theoretical model on generational technology use within meetings.
Translating emotional insights into digital channel designs
Authors: Straker Karla , Wrigley Cara
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and understand the emotions behind a passenger’s airport experience and how this can inform digital channel engagements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the emotional experience of 200 passengers’ journeys at an Australian domestic airport. A survey was conducted which implemented the use of Emocards and an interview approach of laddering. The responses were then analysed into attributes, consequences and values.

Findings

The results indicate that across key stages of the airport (parking, retail, gates and arrivals) passengers had different emotional experiences (positive, negative and neutral). The attributes, consequences and values behind these emotions were then used to propose digital channel content and purpose of various future digital channel engagements.

Research limitations/implications

By gaining emotional insights, airports are able to generate digital channel engagements, which align with passengers’ needs and values rather than internal operational motivations. Theoretical contributions include the development of the technology acceptance model to include emotional drivers as influences in the use of digital channels.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique method to understand the passengers’ emotional journey across the airport infrastructure and suggest how to better design digital channel engagements to address passenger latent needs.
Coping with stress: the experiences of service-users with intellectual disabilities in forensic services
Authors: Burns John , Lampraki Alexandra
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– It is now widely acknowledged that stress negatively impacts holistic and well-being and has been identified as a major global concern. The purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative research study which sought to explore the experiences of stress and the use of coping strategies from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) currently residing within the forensic in-patient services of one National Health Service Trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were gathered via focus group discussions involving 20 service-users with an ID. The data were subject to thematic analysis.

Findings

– Data analysis produced three key themes: experiencing stress; sources of stress and coping with stress.

Practical implications

– The findings of the research study have implications for practice. These include the need to utilise appropriate stress assessment measures and implement effective stress reduction and management programmes to address the holistic needs of people with ID, to ensure forensic services are truly high quality, person-centred and recovery focused.

Originality/value

– Whilst stress experienced by people with ID residing in community settings has been explored, no studies have focused on how stress is experienced by people with ID residing in forensic services. This paper seeks to address this gap in the literature.
Development of the community based individual risk mitigation profile (IRMP) for people who have intellectual disability and are at risk of offending
Authors: Hutchinson John , Dunn Vicky
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of the community-based individual risk mitigation profile (IRMP) and to examine its effectiveness for people who have an intellectual disability, and are at risk of offending, through the use of a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case study and literature review.

Findings

– The tool has been found to be useful and accessible by clinicians. It has a particular focus on joint sharing of opinion on risk and decision making in a structured and contained multi-disciplinary forum, that is evidence-based and defensible. This multi-disciplinary approach meets recommendations in best practice in relation to risk.

Research limitations/implications

– A current limitation is that the IRMP has not been evaluated for reliability and validity, though a research study is being planned.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the usefulness of a community-based risk profile assessment and linked risk mitigation process.
Institutional distance, firm heterogeneities, and FDI location choice of EMNEs
Authors: Zheng Ying , Yan Daying , Ren Bing
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated framework combining the cost-reduction rationale and the institution-leveraging rationale to explain how institutional distance, both formal and informal, influences emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs)’ foreign direct investment (FDI) location choice. This paper also explores the moderating role of EMNEs’ FDI experience and strategic intent on value chain positioning as a reflection of firm heterogeneities, on the link between institutional distance and location choice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tests the hypotheses based on a firm-level longitudinal data set of FDI by Chinese EMNEs. The unique data are manually collected from Chinese companies listed on Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchanges, composed of 250 FDI entries of 122 manufacturing firms from 2006 to 2010. The conditional logit model is used to estimate the proposed main effect and moderating effect.

Findings

Cultural distance does not deter Chinese EMNEs’ entrance in general, but firms investing in low value-added manufacturing subsidiaries are more likely to choose culturally similar countries than those investing in high value-added subsidiaries such as in upstream R&D and downstream marketing. Formal institutional distance with positive direction promotes Chinese EMNEs’ entrance, and this effect is enhanced when firms have less FDI experience and have the strategic intent to invest in high value-added subsidiaries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current literature by identifying a holistic view of the institutional influences on FDI location choice of EMNEs and revealing how firm-level heterogeneities, particularly FDI experience and strategic intent of subsidiary value chain positioning, shape the boundary conditions of the institutional effects in different ways.
The value relevance of “assured” environmental disclosure
Authors: Fazzini Marco , Dal Maso Lorenzo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insight into how environmental information is reflected in the market value of listed Italian companies. In particular, it investigates the value relevance of voluntary environmental information disclosed by companies and the influence of environmental policies assurance.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is the accounting-based valuation model used by Cormier and Magnan (2007), analogue to the one developed by Ohlson (1995), which considers market value of equity as a function of book value, accounting earnings and environmental indicators as provided by Bloomberg. The analysis in this paper is based on the environmental disclosure score (i.e. proxy of a company’s transparency in reporting environmental information) and the assurance practice (i.e. whether or not the company’s environmental policies were subject to an independent assessment for the reporting period).

Findings

Results partially support initial conjectures, i.e. the environmental voluntary disclosure represents value-relevant information positively correlated with firms’ market value. Furthermore, when such information is subject to an independent assessment for the reporting period, an incremental benefit deriving from the assurance of such information cannot be found. This is similar to the findings of Choet al.(2014), i.e. the market perceptions on assurance may need to be developed before the environmental report assurance market in Italy can develop.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are related to the small sample located in a single country, meaning that results may not be generalisable. The implications are that other methods may provide further value, but these may need to be based either on different data or larger samples (i.e. cross-country analysis).

Originality/value

The increasing importance of environmental issues for economic decision-making and the presence of ethical investors create incentives for environmental information disclosure, which is becoming increasingly significant for comprehensive firm valuation. However, for this information to serve its role, disclosure must be credible. Hence, there are many companies that resort to voluntary assurance of environmental policies, motivated by a need to demonstrate credibility with external stakeholders. Notwithstanding, the influence of verification practice over environmental disclosure on a low regulation country has not yet been completely explored. This paper aims to fill this gap.
Innovative partnerships for the utilization of confiscated assets previously owned by mafias
Authors: Mazzanti Giovanni Maria , Ecchia Giulio , Komatsu Tamami
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The third sector is a producer of trust and positive social interactions, while the mafias destroy trust and social norms. Confiscation of assets and reusing confiscated assets are important tools from an economic and symbolic point of view for contrasting the mafias and promoting a sustainable and fair economy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of the third sector for reusing confiscated assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a theoretical analysis of why a third sector role is utilized for reusing confiscated assets, thus focusing on the economic, social and cultural dimensions. Italian legislation and data are presented for showing the relevant and innovative role of the third sector for reusing confiscated assets. A case study of the city of Forlì, based in Northern Italy, is presented and is of particular interest because it is a part of Italy that does not have a historical presence of the mafias. The University of Bologna is now a partner of the project through the Observatory of Legality. Five hectares of confiscated, urban land have been given to two social cooperatives for organic agriculture and social gardening, which are managed by disadvantaged people working in the cooperatives.

Findings

The case study offers useful implications for other national and international situations. The results support that the third sector can be an effective partner in managing and restoring the goods to their community.

Research limitations/implications

A suggested focus on a European framework toward a more integrated approach for reusing confiscated assets.

Practical implications

An opportunity for policy decisions to be made toward a stronger approach for reusing confiscated assets via the third sector and civil society actors, starting from positive cases, such as the Forlì case study.

Social implications

Possibility of a stronger civic engagement for reusing confiscated assets previously owned by mafias.

Originality/value

Scaling up from a pioneering activity to a large-scale network of social enterprises and partnerships could make the difference.
A texture‐based region growing algorithm for volume extraction in seismic data
Authors: Orozco‐del‐Castillo M.G. , Cárdenas‐Soto M. , Ortiz‐Alemán C. , Couder‐Castañeda C. , Urrutia‐Fucugauchi J. , Trujillo‐Alcántara A.
Published: May 2016

We present a novel approach to automated volume extraction in seismic data and apply it to the detection of allochthonous salt bodies. Using a genetic algorithm, we determine the optimal size of volume elements that statistically, according to the U‐test, best characterize the contrast between the textures inside and outside of the salt bodies through a principal component analysis approach. This information was used to implement a seeded region growing algorithm to directly extract the bodies from the cube of seismic amplitudes. We present the resulting three‐dimensional bodies and compare our final results to those of an interpreter, showing encouraging results.
Effects of transthyretin on thyroxine and β‐amyloid removal from cerebrospinal fluid in mice
Authors: Chen Ruoli , Chen Carl P , Preston Jane E
Published: May 2016

Transthyretin (TTR) is a binding protein for the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), retinol and β‐amyloid peptide. TTR aids the transfer of T4 from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but also prevents T4 loss from the blood‐CSF barrier. It is, however, unclear whether TTR affects the clearance of β‐amyloid from the CSF. This study aimed to investigate roles of TTR in β‐amyloid and T4 efflux from the CSF. Eight‐week‐old 129sv male mice were anaesthetized and their lateral ventricles were cannulated. Mice were infused with artificial CSF containing 125I‐T4/3H‐mannitol, or 125I‐Aβ40/3H‐inulin, in the presence or absence of TTR. Mice were decapitated at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 minutes after injection. The whole brain was then removed and divided into different regions. The radioactivities in the brain were determined by liquid scintillation counting. At baseline, the net uptake of 125I‐T4 into the brain was significantly higher than that of 125I‐Aβ40, and the half time for efflux was shorter (125I‐T4, 5.16; 3H‐mannitol, 7.44; 125I‐Aβ40, 8.34; 3H‐inulin, 10.78 minutes). The presence of TTR increased the half time for efflux of 125I‐T4 efflux, and caused a noticeable increase in the uptake of 125I‐T4 and 125I‐Aβ40 in the choroid plexus, whilst uptakes of 3H‐mannitol and 3H‐inulin remained similar to control experiments. This study indicates that thyroxine and amyloid peptide effuse from the CSF using different transporters. TTR binds to thyroxine and amyloid peptide to prevent the loss of thyroxine from the brain and redistribute amyloid peptide to the choroid plexus.
Comparison of three‐dimensional and two‐dimensional visualization in video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy
Authors: Dong Song , Yang Xue‐Ning , Zhong Wen‐Zhao , Nie Qiang , Liao Ri‐Qiang , Lin Jun‐Tao , Wu Yi‐Long
Published: May 2016

Background

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has emerged as a safe and effective technique for treating early‐stage lung cancer. Novel three‐dimensional, high‐definition (3D HD) imaging has removed this technical obstacle and is increasingly used in laparoscopic surgery. We compared our initial experience of 3D HD VATS with standard two‐dimensional (2D) HD VATS to identify the advantages and disadvantages of 3D HD visualization in VATS.

Methods

The data of consecutive patients diagnosed with lung cancer who underwent 2D or 3D thoracoscopic lobectomy or bilobectomy at the Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute from July 2013 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Operation duration, estimated blood loss, length of postoperative stay, major complications, and mortality were recorded for each patient.

Results

In total, 359 patients were enrolled in the study. Lobectomy was performed in 339 patients and bilobectomy in 20; the 3D HD system was used for 178 of the 359 patients, and the 2D HD system for 181. Tumor size, distribution of the resected lobes, and the demographic characteristics of the patients were matched between the two groups. The mean operative time for 3D VATS was 163 minutes (range 60–330), whereas 2D VATS required 184 minutes (range 75–360; P < 0.001). The volume of blood loss was 109 and 144 mL in the 3D and 2D VATS groups, respectively (P = 0.064).

Conclusions

The new‐generation 3D HD imaging system is feasible and safe for thoracic lobectomy. The 3D system required a shorter operative duration.
Identifying the best climatic predictors in ecology and evolution
Authors: van de Pol Martijn , Bailey Liam D. , McLean Nina , Rijsdijk Laurie , Lawson Callum R. , Brouwer Lyanne
Published: May 2016

Ecologists and many evolutionary biologists relate the variation in physiological, behavioural, life‐history, demographic, population and community traits to the variation in weather, a key environmental driver. However, identifying which weather variables (e.g. rain, temperature, El Niño index), over which time period (e.g. recent weather, spring or year‐round weather) and in what ways (e.g. mean, threshold of temperature) they affect biological responses is by no means trivial, particularly when traits are expressed at different times among individuals.

A literature review shows that a systematic approach for identifying weather signals is lacking and that the majority of studies select weather variables from a small number of competing hypotheses that are founded on unverified a priori assumptions. This is worrying because studies that investigate the nature of weather signals in detail suggest that signals can be complex. Using suboptimal or wrongly identified weather signals may lead to unreliable projections and management decisions.

We propose a four‐step approach that allows for more rigorous identification and quantification of weather signals (or any other predictor variable for which data are available at high temporal resolution), easily implementable with our new R package ‘climwin’. We compare our approach with conventional approaches and provide worked examples.

Although our more exploratory approach also has some drawbacks, such as the risk of overfitting and bias that our simulations show can occur at low sample and effect sizes, these issues can be addressed with the right knowledge and tools.

By developing both the methods to fit critical weather windows to a wide range of biological responses and the tools to validate them and determine sample size requirements, our approach facilitates the exploration and quantification of the biological effects of weather in a rigorous, replicable and comparable way, while also providing a benchmark performance to compare other approaches to.
Perspectives on the intrinsic rate of population growth
Authors: Cortés Enric
Published: May 2016

The intrinsic rate of population increase (rmax) is a fundamental metric in ecology and evolution of immediate practical application in conservation and wildlife management. I examine the interpretation of rmax by revisiting the theory behind the density‐independent and density‐dependent paradigms. The criticism that density‐independent approaches underestimate rmax per se, often expressed in the field of fisheries, is shown to be theoretically unfounded. The difficulty in estimating rmax is due to lack of knowledge on the depletion level of the population rather than theory.

I reviewed a method commonly used to estimate extinction risk of marine and terrestrial populations and show that it has been used incorrectly. I also examined five other methods to calculate rmax, the Euler–Lotka equation, and four other methods derived from it.

I used the same data inputs for a suite of 65 shark populations with a broad range of life histories as an example to show that the incorrectly used extinction risk method overestimates rmax. I compared the rmax values for sharks obtained with the incorrectly applied extinction risk method to published values for other vertebrate taxa to further show that this method generates implausible values for this group of predators.

I advocate focusing on obtaining estimates of all required vital rates simultaneously when possible while taking into consideration the exploitation history of the population under study as a pragmatic way to provide plausible estimates of rmax.

The Euler–Lotka equation and its derivations are recommended for different degrees of data availability, particularly for slow‐ and medium‐growing populations, to provide sensible advice for conservation and management of living vertebrates in situations where a series of credible abundance estimates are not available as is often the case in marine systems. Methods that combine allometry and demography should also be further explored.
Nationwide reduction in the number of corneal transplantations for keratoconus following the implementation of cross‐linking
Authors: Godefrooij Daniel A. , Gans Renze , Imhof Saskia M. , Wisse Robert P. L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Keratoconus is characterized by corneal ectasia and irregular astigmatism, which can lead to diminished vision and corneal scarring. Approximately 10–20% of patients with keratoconus eventually require a corneal transplant. Corneal cross‐linking (CXL) is a relatively new treatment that may help prevent the need for corneal transplantation. Here, we investigated whether the introduction of CXL has reduced the number of corneal transplants performed annually.

Methods

Data regarding the transplantation procedures performed in patients under the age of 50 years were extracted from the Dutch National Organ Transplant Registry. The number of corneal transplants performed prior to (i.e. in 2005 through 2007) and following the introduction of CXL (i.e. in 2012 through 2014) were compared. Furthermore, a trend analysis on annual keratoplasties over time was performed.

Results

Approximately 25% fewer corneal transplants were performed in the 3‐year period following the introduction of CXL compared to the 3‐year period prior to the introduction of CXL (201 versus 269 transplants, respectively; p = 0.005). Age, gender and visual acuity were similar between the patient groups in the two time periods. Trend analysis also demonstrated a significant decrease in the amount of corneal transplants (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Significantly fewer corneal transplants were performed for treating keratoconus following the nationwide introduction of CXL. This reduction suggests that corneal cross‐linking can significantly reduce the need for corneal transplantation.
Global change, life‐history complexity and the potential for evolutionary rescue
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Burgess Scott C. , Connallon Tim
Published: May 2016

Most organisms have complex life cycles, and in marine taxa, larval life‐history stages tend to be more sensitive to environmental stress than adult (reproductive) life‐history stages. While there are several models of stage‐specific adaptation across the life history, the extent to which differential sensitivity to environmental stress (defined here as reductions in absolute fitness across the life history) affects the tempo of adaptive evolution to change remains unclear. We used a heuristic model to explore how commonly observed features associated with marine complex life histories alter a population's capacity to cope with environmental change. We found that increasing the complexity of the life history generally reduces the evolutionary potential of taxa to cope with environmental change. Our model also predicted that genetic correlations in stress tolerance between stages, levels of genetic variance in each stage, and the relative plasticity of different stages, all interact to affect the maximum rate of environmental change that will permit species persistence. Our results suggest that marine organisms with complex life cycles are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic global change, but we lack empirical estimates of key parameters for most species.
A single loop is essential for the octamerization of vanillyl alcohol oxidase
Authors: Ewing Tom A. , Gygli Gudrun , van Berkel Willem J. H.
Published: May 2016

The VAO/PCMH family of flavoenzymes is a family of structurally related proteins that catalyse a wide range of oxidation reactions. It contains a subfamily of enzymes that catalyse the oxidation of para‐substituted phenols using covalently bound FAD cofactors (the 4PO subfamily). This subfamily is composed of two oxidases, vanillyl alcohol oxidase (VAO) and eugenol oxidase (EUGO), and two flavocytochrome dehydrogenases, para‐cresol methylhydroxylase (PCMH) and eugenol hydroxylase (EUGH). Although they catalyse similar reactions, these enzymes differ in terms of their electron acceptor preference and oligomerization state. For example, VAO forms homo‐octamers that can be described as tetramers of stable dimers, whereas EUGO is exclusively dimeric in solution. A possible explanation for this difference is the presence of a loop at the dimer–dimer interface in VAO that is not present in EUGO. Here, the role played by this loop in determining the quaternary structure of these enzymes is investigated. A VAO variant where the loop was deleted, loopless VAO, exclusively formed dimers. However, introduction of the loop into EUGO was not sufficient to induce its octamerization. Neither variant displayed major changes in its catalytic properties as compared to the wild‐type enzyme. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the presence of the loop is conserved within putative fungal oxidases of the 4PO subgroup, but it is never found in putative bacterial oxidases or dehydrogenases. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanism of homo‐oligomerization of VAO and the importance of oligomerization for its enzymatic function.

Enzymes

p‐cresol methylhydroxylase (4‐methylphenol:acceptor oxidoreductase (methyl‐hydroxylating), EC 1.17.99.1); vanillyl alcohol oxidase (vanillyl alcohol:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.38).