bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early events of the endophytic symbiotic betweenOryza sativaandNostoc punctiformeinvolve the SYM pathway
Authors: Álvarez Consolación , Brenes-Álvarez Manuel , Molina-Heredia Fernando P. , Mariscal Vicente
Published: April 2021

Symbiosis between cyanobacteria and plants is considered pivotal for biological nitrogen deposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite the large knowledge in the ecology of plant-cyanobacteria symbioses, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the crosstalk between partners. A SWATH-mass spectrometry has been used to analyse, at the same time, the differential proteome ofOryza sativaandNostoc punctiformeduring the first events of the symbiosis.N. punctiformeactivates the expression of thousands of proteins involved in signal transduction and cell wall remodelling, as well as 11 Nod-like proteins that might be involved in the synthesis of cyanobacterial-specific Nod factors. InO. sativathe differential protein expression was connected to a plethora of biological functions including signal transduction, defense-related proteins, biosynthesis of flavonoids and cell wall modification.N. punctiformesymbiotic inspection ofO. sativamutants in the SYM pathway reveals the involvement of this ancestral symbiotic pathway in the symbiosis between the cyanobacterium and the plant.
False gene and chromosome losses affected by assembly and sequence errors
Authors: Kim Juwan , Lee Chul , Ko Byung June , Yoo DongAhn , Won Sohyoung , Phillippy Adam , Fedrigo Olivier , Zhang Guojie , Howe Kerstin , Wood Jonathan , Durbin Richard , Formenti Giulio , Brown Samara , Cantin Lindsey , Mello Claudio V. , Cho Seoae , Rhie Arang , Kim Heebal , Jarvis Erich D.
Published: April 2021

Many genome assemblies have been found to be incomplete and contain misassemblies. The Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP) has been producing assemblies with an emphasis on being as complete and error-free as possible, utilizing long reads, long-range scaffolding data, new assembly algorithms, and manual curation. Here we evaluate these new vertebrate genome assemblies relative to the previous references for the same species, including a mammal (platypus), two birds (zebra finch, Anna’s hummingbird), and a fish (climbing perch). We found that 3 to 11% of genomic sequence was entirely missing in the previous reference assemblies, which included nearly entire GC-rich and repeat-rich microchromosomes with high gene density. Genome-wide, between 25 to 60% of the genes were either completely or partially missing in the previous assemblies, and this was in part due to a bias in GC-rich 5’-proximal promoters and 5’ exon regions. Our findings reveal novel regulatory landscapes and protein coding sequences that have been greatly underestimated in previous assemblies and are now present in the VGP assemblies.
The Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline at Diamond Light Source
Authors: Quinn Paul D. , Alianelli Lucia , Gomez-Gonzalez Miguel , Mahoney David , Cacho-Nerin Fernando , Peach Andrew , Parker Julia E.
Published: April 2021

The Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline, I14, at Diamond Light Source is a new facility for nanoscale microscopy. The beamline was designed with an emphasis on multi-modal analysis, providing elemental mapping, speciation mapping by XANES, structural phase mapping using nano-XRD and imaging through differential phase contrast and ptychography. The 185 m-long beamline operates over a 5 keV to 23 keV energy range providing a ≤50 nm beam size for routine user experiments and a flexible scanning system allowing fast acquisition. The beamline achieves robust and stable operation by imaging the source in the vertical direction and implementing horizontally deflecting primary optics and an overfilled secondary source in the horizontal direction. This paper describes the design considerations, optical layout, aspects of the hardware engineering and scanning system in operation as well as some examples illustrating the beamline performance.
Practical measurement of the energy resolution for meV-resolved inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Ishikawa Daisuke , Baron Alfred Q. R.
Published: April 2021

Several different ways of measuring the energy resolution for meV-resolved inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) are compared: using scattering from poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, using scattering from borosilicate glass (Tempax), and using powder diffraction from aluminium. All of these methods provide a reasonable first approximation to the energy resolution, but, also, in all cases, inelastic contributions appear over some range of energy transfers. Over a range of ±15 meV energy transfer there is good agreement between the measurements of PMMA and Tempax at low temperature, and room-temperature powder diffraction from aluminium, so we consider this to be a good indication of the true resolution of our ∼1.3 meV spectrometer. The resolution over a wider energy range is self-consistently determined using the temperature, momentum and sample dependence of the measured response. The inelastic contributions from the PMMA and Tempax, and their dependence on momentum transfer and temperature, are then quantitatively investigated. The resulting data allow us to determine the resolution of our multi-analyzer array efficiently using a single scan. The importance of this procedure is demonstrated by showing that the results of the analysis of a spectrum from a glass are changed by using the properly deconvolved resolution function. The impact of radiation damage on the scattering from PMMA and Tempax is also discussed.
Different patterns of supramolecular aggregation in three amides containingN-(benzo[d]thiazolyl) substituents
Authors: Mahesha Ninganayaka , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Nagma Banu Holalagudu A. , Kalluraya Balakrishna , Foro Sabine , Glidewell Christopher
Published: April 2021

Crystal structures are reported for three amides containingN-benzo[d]thiazole substituents. InN-(benzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)-3-bromobenzamide, C14H9BrN2OS, where the two ring systems are nearly parallel to one another [dihedral angle = 5.8 (2)°], the molecules are linked by N—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds to form ribbons ofR33(19) rings, which are linked into sheets by short Br...Br interactions [3.5812 (6) Å].N-(6-Methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-nitrobenzamide, C15H11N3O4S, crystallizes withZ′ = 2 in space groupPna21: the dihedral angles between the ring systems [46.43 (15) and 66.35 (13)°] are significantly different in the independent molecules and a combination of two N—H...N and five C—H...O hydrogen bonds links the molecules into a three-dimensional network. The molecules of 5-cyclopropyl-N-(6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)isoxazole-3-carboxamide, C15H13N3O3S, exhibit two forms of disorder, in the methoxy group and in the cyclopropylisoxazole unit; symmetry-related pairs of molecules are linked into dimers by pairwise N—H...N hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made with the structures of some related compounds.
Ethyl 2-amino-4-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate
Authors: Khanum Ghazala , Fatima Aysha , Sharma Pooja , Srivastava S. K. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: April 2021

The title compound, C8H11NO2S, crystallizes with two molecules, A and B, in the asymmetric unit. Each molecule features an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond and the same H atom is also involved in an intermolecular N—H...S bond to generate A + B dimers. Further N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the dimers into a [010] chain.
4-(Diphenylmethoxy)-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Samoľová Erika , Dehno Khalaji Aliakbar , Eigner Václav
Published: April 2021

In the title compound, C22H20O3, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings linked by the methine group is 81.265 (4)° and the ethoxy side chain adopts an extended conformation [C—O—C—C = 177.24 (10)°]. In the crystal, weak C—H...π and C—H...O interactions link the molecules into sheets.
Remodelling public sector knowledge management system using key knowledge management processes
Authors: Dikotla Maoka Andries
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a framework for remodelling a public sector knowledge management system (KMS) using key knowledge management (KM) processes. The rationale is to provide insight and guidelines to organisations that struggle with KM.

Design/methodology/approach

This desktop study adopted the qualitative approach and literature to support the understanding regarding the remodelling of the public sector KMS using key KM processes.

Findings

The study found that if KM processes are not considered, the prospect of KM is limited. The best way to manage public sector knowledge is following KM processes using information technology. Without proper KM, organisations may not know how knowledge is generated, codified, stored, shared and used in an organisation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework to guide public sector organisations in the implementation of electronic KM. Thus, proposing a new way of managing knowledge by using the electronic KM processes in the public sector organisations. The study will also benefit other organisations implementing KM programmes.
Numerical algorithm for two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integral equations and fractional integro-differential equations (of Hammerstein and mixed types)
Authors: Wang Jiao
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an efficient and convenient numerical algorithm for two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integral equations and fractional integro-differential equations (of Hammerstein and mixed types).

Design/methodology/approach

The main idea of the presented algorithm is to combine Bernoulli polynomials approximation with Caputo fractional derivative and numerical integral transformation to reduce the studied two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integral equations and fractional integro-differential equations to easily solved algebraic equations.

Findings

Without considering the integral operational matrix, this algorithm will adopt straightforward discrete data integral transformation, which can do good work to less computation and high precision. Besides, combining the convenient fractional differential operator of Bernoulli basis polynomials with the least-squares method, numerical solutions of the studied equations can be obtained quickly. Illustrative examples are given to show that the proposed technique has better precision than other numerical methods.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithm is efficient for the considered two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm integral equations and fractional integro-differential equations. As its convenience, the computation of numerical solutions is time-saving and more accurate.
After the disclosure: measuring the short-term and long-term impacts of data breach disclosures on the financial performance of organizations
Authors: Avery Atiya
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate changes to the financial performance of organizations in the 1–4 quarters following a data breach event. The study introduces two new variables, “intangible assets” and “extraordinary losses” to the discussion on the impact of data breaches on an organization’s financial performance. Intangible assets allow us to gauge the data breach’s impact on the organization’s brand reputation and intellectual capital reserves. Extraordinary losses allow us to gauge if organizations considered data breaches truly detrimental to their operations that they rose to the level of “extraordinary” and not an event that could be incorporated into its usual operating expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a matched sample comparison analysis of 47 organizations to understand the short-term and long-term impacts of data breach events on an organization’s financial performance.

Findings

Data breach events have some negative impacts on the organization’s profitability more than likely leading to a depletion of the organization’s assets. However, organizations do not perform better or worse in the short-term or long-term due to a data breach event; the organizations can be considered financially sustainable in the 1–4 quarters following a data breach disclosure.

Originality/value

This study takes two approaches to theory development. The first approach extends the current literature on data breach events as negative, value declining events to the organization’s performance, which is referred to as the “traditional view.” The second view posits that a data breach event may be a catalyst for enhanced long-term organization performance; this is referred to as the organizational sustainability and resiliency view.
Investigation of AEC/FM practices in adaptive reuse projects
Authors: Hamida Mohammad B. , Hassanain Mohammad A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the current practices of adaptive reuse projects, within the context of architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management (ACE/FM) industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, was followed. Literature review was performed to comprehend various aspects pertaining to building adaptive reuse. Three questionnaire surveys were administered on 90 AEC/FM practitioners, to investigate the current practices of adaptive reuse projects in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire surveys were directed to 30 architects/engineers (A/Es), 30 contractors and 30 facilities managers, respectively, through face-to-face interviews. The qualitative and quantitative findings of each questionnaire survey were analyzed. Recommendations were proposed for each of the professional domains, to enhance the overall AEC/FM performance in future adaptive reuse projects.

Findings

The findings pointed out the necessity of accurately planning and designing the adaptive reuse in accordance with the spatial, technical, legislative, economic and functional considerations. The findings revealed the significance of contractors' role in conducting effective supervision over the managerial and technical processes during the implementation of the change of use. It also indicated the importance of the facilities managers' role in performing all daily operational activities, to maintain satisfactory performance of the adaptively reused buildings.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the relevant literature to the building adaptation, through investigating the perspectives of AEC/FM practitioners on adaptive reuse projects. The findings would enable AEC/FM practitioners to improve their professional practices in future adaptive reuse projects, in an integrated manner.
Using positive deviance to enhance employee engagement: an interpretive structural modelling approach
Authors: Sharma Naman
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Organisations today seek high engagement levels from their employees for their superior performance amid the highly competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of positive deviance facilitators (PDFs) in enhancing employee engagement at work.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to understand the process of how positive deviance may fuel employee engagement in an organisation. Because of the lack of empirical evidence on the relationship between employee engagement and positive deviance, ISM approach was adopted as it helps in understanding the subjective experience and learnings of experts involved in the field. The MICMAC analysis classifies the relevant factors into four clusters and helps in understanding the dynamics involved.

Findings

Based on the opinions shared by industry and academia experts, a structural model was developed to understand the hierarchy and interactions among the eight PDFs leading towards employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers both theoretical and practical implications. The model developed in the current study could be used as a base model for future studies concerning employee engagement and deviance. The importance of human resource management practices in fuelling positive deviance and employee engagement is also highlighted. The study discusses various practical implications for human resource managers and top management.

Originality/value

The literature on positive deviance at work is still at a nascent stage. Empirical studies on deviance largely focus on the destructive/negative side of workplace deviance, and studies on positive outcomes from workplace deviance are rare. This present study provides a unique opportunity to understand how positive deviance can be used to enhance the engagement levels of employees.
Measuring total factor productivity in agriculture: a bibliometric review
Authors: Kryszak Łukasz , Świerczyńska Katarzyna , Staniszewski Jakub
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Total factor productivity (TFP) has become a prominent concept in agriculture economics and policy over the last three decades. The main aim of this paper is to obtain a detailed picture of the field via bibliometric analysis to identify research streams and future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The data sample consists of 472 papers in several bibliometric exercises. Citation and collaboration structure analyses are employed to identify most important authors and journals and track the interconnections between main authors and institutions. Next, content analysis based on bibliographic coupling is conducted to identify main research streams in TFP.

Findings

Three research streams in agricultural TFP research were distinguished: TFP growth in developing countries in the context of policy reforms (1), TFP in the context of new challenges in agriculture (2) and finally, non-parametric TFP decomposition based on secondary data (3).

Originality/value

This research indicates agenda of future TFP research, in particular broadening the concept of TFP to the problems of policy, environment and technology in emerging countries. It provides description of the current state of the art in the agricultural TFP literature and can serve as a “guide” to the field.
Supportive study climate and academic performance among university students: the role of psychological capital, positive emotions and study engagement
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Lien Gudbrand , Evenstad Solveig Beyza Narli , Onshus Terje
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The overall aim of this study is to explore factors associated with academic performance among university students. Specifically, it explores whether a supportive study climate is directly related to academic performance and whether students’ psychological capital (PsyCap), positive emotions and study engagement play a role in the relationship between supportive study climate and academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 588 bachelor students from a range of academic programs participated in a survey. The partial least squares (PLS)-based structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the conceptual models and the hypothesized relationships, using the software SmartPLS.

Findings

No support was found for a direct relationship between supportive study climate and academic performance. However, the results show that PsyCap, positive emotions and study engagement have a mediating role between supportive study climate and academic performance. In addition, the findings reveal a multifaceted pattern among PsyCap, positive emotions and study engagement that promotes academic performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study that simultaneously explores the role of PsyCap, emotions and study engagement between supportive study climate and academic performance among university students. Consequently, it broadens and deepens previous research and offers both theoretical and practical implications.
Educated professionals of sustainability and the dimensions of practices
Authors: Salovaara Janne J. , Soini Katriina
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the competence-led structuring and understanding of sustainability education by analysing the practices of professional individuals who have completed university education geared to the development of sustainability change-makers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research scope was initially on examining professional practices following the boundary work theory. Social practice theory was used as a methodological approach in conducting and analysing thematic interviews with 19 sustainability-focused master’s programme alumni. The interviews were analysed against the theoretical framework while also noting findings that fell outside of this framework.

Findings

A framework for understanding materials, competences and meanings of practices connected to the professional field of sustainability was introduced. The framework suggests that in the practices of sustainability-educated professionals, meanings emerge as a top priority and are conveyed using position-based materials and various complexes of competency.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest that boundary theory informs well the emergence of the professional field of sustainability, and the utilisation of a practice theory furthers the understanding of sustainability professionalism and its education.

Practical implications

The authors’ suggest that practice theory could thus provide deeper insights on how sustainability science alumni use their education after graduation, how they practice their profession and in return offer applicable reflections to sustainability education.

Originality/value

Research using practice theory in reflection on sustainability education and the professional practice of sustainability has not been widely conducted and in the authors’ opinion brings value to the education and practice of sustainability and to the research of sustainability education.
Building a hierarchical framework of corporate sustainability transition challenges using the qualitative information approach
Authors: Tseng Ming-Lang , Kurrahman Taufik , Hanita Asik , Lim Ming K. , Negash Yeneneh Tamirat
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to form a valid measure and hierarchical framework to achieve corporate sustainability transitions (CSTs).

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) is applied to validate and eliminate challenges in sustainability transition regarding qualitative information. Fuzzy interpretive structural modeling (FISM) is used to build a hierarchical framework under uncertainties.

Findings

This study finds that technology investment, data management, eco-management and sociospatial embedding challenges are the highest hierarchical framework levels and affect CST.

Practical implications

A lack of awareness and knowledge, a lack of commitment, a lack of strategy, tolerance of unsustainable practices, a lack of stakeholder participation and a fragmented market are perceived as the challenges that show the highest driving and dependence power. These challenges serve as a reference for government and construction firms in the transition to sustainable corporate practices.

Originality/value

Unsustainable corporate practices have caused large amounts of energy consumption, resource depletion and environmental impacts. There are challenges in transitioning to corporate sustainability that must be addressed. The most significant challenges that need to be solved to facilitate the transition to corporate sustainability are identified and arranged in a hierarchical model. By identifying the hierarchical relationships among the challenges, a theoretical framework that extends the existing models is developed to assist decision-makers.
Why do consumers engage in online brand communities – and why should brands care?
Authors: van Heerden Danita , Wiese Melanie
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumers’ motivations for engaging in Facebook brand communities, and what outcomes brands can gain from online engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online consumer panel was used to collect data through convenience sampling; 497 useable questionnaires were collected.

Findings

The results of the structural equation modelling show that hedonic motivations are more prevalent in Facebook brand communities than utilitarian motivations. When considering the outcomes of online engagement, loyalty towards the brand community is the strongest outcome, followed by word-of-mouth and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research indicates that marketers should focus on creating content on Facebook brand communities that appeals to the hedonic needs of consumers, such as brand likeability, entertainment and interpersonal utility. This type of content will motivate members of these brand communities to engage online. When consumers engage online, it creates benefits for the brand such as loyalty, word-of-mouth and purchase intention.

Originality/value

This study presents a framework for investigating consumers’ motivation to engage online, based on a theoretical underpinning of both sense of community theory and uses and gratification theory. It also identifies three outcomes for brands that explain why it is worthwhile for firms to invest in engaging with consumers in Facebook brand communities while including a wide range of brand communities.
Right to health and access to health-care services for refugees in Turkey
Authors: Gokalp Aras N. Ela , Kabadayi Sertan , Ozeren Emir , Aydin Erhan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of factors that contribute to refugees’ exclusion from health-care services. More specifically, using institutional theory, this paper identifies regulative pillar-, normative pillar- and cultural/cognitive pillar-related challenges that result in refugees having limited or no access to health-care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on both secondary research and empirical insights from two qualitative fieldwork studies totaling 37 semi-structured meso-level interviews, observations and focus groups in three Turkish cities (Izmir, Ankara and Edirne), as well as a total of 42 micro-level, semi-structured interviews with refugees and migrants in one large city (Izmir) in Turkey.

Findings

This study reveals that systematically stratified legal statuses result in different levels of access to public health-care services for migrants, asylum seekers or refugees based on their fragmented protection statuses. The findings suggest access to health-care is differentiated not only between local citizens and refugees but also among the refugees and migrants based on their legal status as shaped by their country of origin.

Originality/value

While the role of macro challenges such as laws and government regulations in shaping policies about refugees have been examined in other fields, the impact of such factors on refugee services and well-being has been largely ignored in service literature in general, as well as transformative service research literature in particular. This study is one of the first attempts by explicitly including macro-level factors to contribute to the discussion on the refugees’ access to public health-care services in a host country by relying on the institutional theory by providing a holistic understanding of cognitive, normative and regulative factors in understanding service exclusion problem.
A solution for the chicken and egg paradox in taxi e-hailing platforms: some evidence from the MyTaxi – FreeNow case
Authors: Tani Mario , Troise Ciro , Basile Gianpaolo
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the chicken and egg paradox in the taxi e-hailing business contributing to define a condition of system emergence. This paradox is a meaningful one as these platforms represent a system where the passengers systems have no reason to participate if they have no drivers-systems to answer their call, but, at the same time, the platform is not useful to the drivers-system if there are no passengers-systems using the platform.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand how this paradox has been dealt with in the taxi e-hailing business, this study focused on a case study on a best practice in Italian taxi e-hailing industry (i.e. MyTaxi/FreeNow). This study wants to comprehend which actions have been implemented to solve this paradox and has tried to identify the interconnections between the various strategies to create a closed loop diagram for further testing.

Findings

This study has found that the company did not choose a single “subsystem” (passenger or driver), but it has stimulated the creation of several mutually reinforcing motivation for have both subsystems interact to help the company grow.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paradox has never been studied using the complex adaptive system perspective. This perspective is particularly useful in this case and in the similar ones with several different interacting factors that cannot be really studied without using a higher order perspective.
What matters most in achieving customer satisfaction in banking? A study from the perspective of employee characteristics
Authors: Aslam Wajeeha , Farhat Kashif , Arif Imtiaz , Goi Chai Lee
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the factors that influence customer satisfaction in the banking sector from the perspective of employee characteristics. More specifically, this study identifies the impact of employee etiquettes, employee performance, technical selling skills and customer-oriented behavior on customer satisfaction in the banking industry. The study also seeks to investigate the mediating effect of employee etiquettes, employee performance and technical selling skills on the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer-oriented behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected with the help of a Likert scale questionnaire from the active banking customers in Karachi, Pakistan, who visit bank branches once a month minimum. For 268 responses, partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results showed a positive and significant relationship between customer-oriented behavior and employee etiquettes, technical selling skills and performance. The employee’s customer-oriented behavior, etiquettes, technical selling skills and performance were also found to be significantly related with customer satisfaction. Finally, the results revealed that technical selling skills, employee performance and employee etiquettes partially mediate the relationship between customer-oriented behavior and customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

It is recommended that banking employees should adopt customer-oriented behavior in order to achieve and maintain customer satisfaction. The bank managers should also work on improving the etiquettes and performance of the employees and provide them detailed technical knowledge of the services and products offered by the bank.

Originality/value

Arguably, it is one of the first studies to examine the mediating effects of employees' technical selling skills and employees' performance on the relationship between customer orientation and customer satisfaction, specifically in the banking industry.
Vitamin retention during the canning of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) with different filling media
Authors: Cobas N. , Piñeiro‐Lago L. , Gómez‐Limia L. , Franco I. , Martínez S.
Published: April 2021

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is an economically and nutritionally important fish. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of the various steps of the canning process and of different filling media (olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and high oleic sunflower oil) on the fat‐ and water‐soluble vitamin contents of swordfish. An HPLC‐based method was used for this purpose. The canning process led to loss of some vitamins, particularly of vitamin D3. Loss of this vitamin mainly occurred during storage and although important (89.34% to 91.36%), canned swordfish can be considered a good source of vitamin D3, providing between 50% and 64% of the RDI. The frying process also caused significant loss of vitamin B9 (73.7%). However, the vitamin E content increased due to contributions from the frying and filling oils. The canned swordfish packed in olive oil had lower vitamin A (107.35 µg/100 g) and E (1.58 mg/100 g) contents than the fish packed in sunflower oil (193.28 µg/100 g and 2.28 mg/100 g, respectively). The swordfish packed in sunflower oil also had the highest B2 (0.036 mg/100 g) content. The swordfish packed in corn oil had the lowest vitamin A (80.17 µg/100 g) and B2 (0.012 mg/100 g) contents, while the samples packed in high oleic sunflower oil had the lowest contents of vitamins B9 (0.14 µg/100 g) and B12 (2.37 mg/100 g).

Practical Application

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is consumed worldwide and is economically very important in the seafood industry. The canning process caused losses of some vitamins, particularly of vitamins D3 and B9; however, the vitamin E content increased due to the frying and filling oils. The study findings may contribute to increasing knowledge about how processing, storage and the filling medium influence the composition of canned fish.
The role of androgens in clitorophallus development and possible applications to transgender patients
Authors: Grimstad Frances , Boskey Elizabeth R. , Taghinia Amir , Estrada Carlos R. , Ganor Oren
Published: April 2021

Background

The clitorophallus, or glans, is a critical structure in sexual development and plays an important role in how gender is conceptualized across the life span. This can be seen in both the evaluation and treatment of intersex individuals and the use of gender‐affirming masculinizing therapies to help those born with a clitoris (small clitorophallus with separate urethra) enlarge or alter the function of that structure.

Objectives

To review the role of testosterone in clitorophallus development from embryo to adulthood, including how exogenous testosterone is used to stimulate clitorophallus enlargement in masculinizing gender‐affirming therapy.

Materials and Methods

Relevant English‐language literature was identified and evaluated for data regarding clitorophallus development in endosex and intersex individuals and the utilization of hormonal and surgical masculinizing therapies on the clitorophallus. Studies included evaluated the spectrum of terms regarding the clitorophallus (genital tubercle, clitoris, micropenis, penis).

Results

Endogenous testosterone, and its more active metabolite dihydrotestosterone, plays an important role in the development of the genital tubercle into the clitorophallus, primarily during the prenatal and early postnatal periods and then again during puberty. Androgens contribute to not only growth but also the inclusion of a urethra on the ventral aspect. Exogenous testosterone can be used to enlarge the small clitorophallus (clitoris or micropenis) as part of both intersex and gender‐affirming care (in transmasculine patients, up to 2 cm of additional growth). Where testosterone is insufficient to provide the degree of masculinization desired, surgical options including phalloplasty and metoidioplasty are available.

Discussion and Conclusion

Endogenous testosterone plays an important role in clitorophallus development, and there are circumstances where exogenous testosterone may be useful for masculinization. Surgical options may also help some patients reach their personal goals. As masculinizing gender‐affirming care advances, the options available for clitorophallus modifications will likely continue to expand and improve.
British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) consensus document: management of bladder and ureteric injury
Authors: Sahai Arun , Ali Ased , Barratt Rachel , Belal Mohammed , Biers Suzanne , Hamid Rizwan , Harding Christopher , Parkinson Richard , Reid Sheilagh , Thiruchelvam Nikesh ,   Section of Female, Neurological, Urodynamic Urology, British Association of Urological Surgeons
Published: April 2021

Injuries to the bladder and ureter are uncommon but usually require prompt urological management. Due to their infrequent nature, Urologists maybe unfamiliar with managing these acute problems and may not work in specialist centres with readily available expertise in open and abdominal surgery. We aim to provide advice in the form of a consensus statement led by the Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology (FNUU) Section of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), in consultation with BAUS members and consultants working in units throughout the UK, to create a comprehensive management pathway and a series of statements to aid clinicians.
Corporal Punishment and Elevated Neural Response to Threat in Children
Authors: Cuartas Jorge , Weissman David G. , Sheridan Margaret A. , Lengua Liliana , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: April 2021

Spanking remains common around the world, despite evidence linking corporal punishment to detrimental child outcomes. This study tested whether children (Mage = 11.60) who were spanked (N = 40) exhibited altered neural function in response to stimuli that suggest the presence of an environmental threat compared to children who were not spanked (N = 107). Children who were spanked exhibited greater activation in multiple regions of the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), including dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, dorsomedial PFC, bilateral frontal pole, and left middle frontal gyrus in response to fearful relative to neutral faces compared to children who were not spanked. These findings suggest that spanking may alter neural responses to environmental threats in a manner similar to more severe forms of maltreatment.
Zebrafish modeling mimics developmental phenotype of patients with RAPGEF1 mutation
Authors: Li Na , Zhou Pei , Yang Miaomiao , Fang Xiang , Krämer Nadine , Mughal Tauqeer Ahmed , Abbasi Ansar A. , Yang Ye , Kaindl Angela M. , Hu Hao
Published: April 2021

RAPGEF1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor responsible for transmitting extracellular signals to the Ras family of GTPase located at the inside of membrane. Here, we report for the first time a homozygous mutation of RAPGEF1 in a consanguineous family with two siblings affected by neuropsychiatric disorder. To confirm the correlation of the mutation and the phenotype, we utilized in silico analysis and established a zebrafish model. Survival rate was reduced in the rapgef1a‐knockdown model, and the zebrafish showed global morphological abnormalities, particularly of brain and blood vessels. Co‐application of human RAPGEF1 wildtype mRNA effectively rescued the abnormal phenotype, while that of RAPGEF1 mRNA carrying the human mutation did not. This work is the first report of a human Mendelian disease associated with RAPGEF1 and the first report of a zebrafish model built for this gene. The phenotype of zebrafish model provides further evidence that defective RAPGEF1 may lead to global developmental delay in human patients.
Visualizing and Interacting with Geospatial Networks: A Survey and Design Space
Authors: Schöttler Sarah , Yang Yalong , Pfister Hanspeter , Bach Benjamin
Published: April 2021

This paper surveys visualization and interaction techniques for geospatial networks from a total of 95 papers. Geospatial networks are graphs where nodes and links can be associated with geographic locations. Examples can include social networks, trade and migration, as well as traffic and transport networks. Visualizing geospatial networks poses numerous challenges around the integration of both network and geographical information as well as additional information such as node and link attributes, time and uncertainty. Our overview analyses existing techniques along four dimensions: (i) the representation of geographical information, (ii) the representation of network information, (iii) the visual integration of both and (iv) the use of interaction. These four dimensions allow us to discuss techniques with respect to the trade‐offs they make between showing information across all these dimensions and how they solve the problem of showing as much information as necessary while maintaining readability of the visualization. https://geonetworks.github.io.
Who can spot a potential problem gambler? Testing “it takes one to know one” and acquaintanceship effects in a university student population
Authors: Vorauer Jacquie D. , Anderson Shelby , Badejo Adefemi
Published: April 2021

How easy is it for individuals to detect low to moderate levels of problem gambling tendencies in others? Are individuals who have problem gambling tendencies themselves, or are close relationship partners, more accurate judges? We examine these questions in two studies involving a total of 336 interacting dyads drawn largely from a university student population. In Study 1 all pairs were strangers, whereas in Study 2 approximately half of the pairs were close. After the “judge” observed the “target” complete a gambling task, the dyad had a face‐to‐face discussion, with topics including favorite pastimes and personal weaknesses. Judges estimated the target's problem gambling tendencies, and both judges and targets self‐reported their own gambling tendencies. There was evidence of modest, albeit somewhat inconsistent, accuracy in individuals’ judgments of the other person's problem gambling tendencies, but no “it takes one to know one” or acquaintanceship effects were apparent. Results also indicated that judges evidenced a projection bias, whereby they saw the target as similar to themselves, especially within close pairs. These results reveal that even after minimal interaction with a stranger individuals can be able to judge the person's gambling tendencies with some accuracy. At the same time, our findings indicating that close others and those with problem gambling tendencies themselves are not more or less tuned in to the early signs of a problem than anyone else suggest that it would be inappropriate to be especially convinced by—or skeptical of—these individuals’ judgments.
Towards a better understanding of adult idiopathic epidermal necrolysis: a retrospective study of 19 cases
Authors: Monnet P. , Rodriguez C. , Gaudin O. , Cirotteau P. , Papouin B. , Dereure O. , Tetart F. , Lalevee S. , Colin A. , Lebrun‐Vignes B. , Abe E. , Alvarez J.‐C. , Demontant V. , Gricourt G. , de Prost N. , Barau C. , Chosidow O. , Wolkenstein P. , Hue S. , Ortonne N. , Milpied B. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Most cases of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are drug‐induced. A small subset of cases remain with unknown aetiology (idiopathic epidermal necrolysis [IEN]).

Objective

We sought to better describe adult IEN and understand the aetiology.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in 4 centres of the French national reference centre for epidermal necrolysis. Clinical data were collected for the 19 adults hospitalized for IEN between January 2015 and December 2019. Wide toxicology analysis of blood samples was performed. Histology of IEN cases was compared with blinding to skin biopsies of drug‐induced EN (DIEN, ‘controls’). Available baseline skin biopsies were analysed by shotgun metagenomics and transcriptomics and compared to controls.

Results

IEN cases represented 15.6% of all EN cases in these centres. The median age of patients was 38 (range 16–51) years; 68.4% were women. Overall, 63.2% (n = 12) of cases required intensive care unit admission and 15.8% (n = 3) died at the acute phase. Histology showed the same patterns of early‐ to late‐stage EN with no difference between DIEN and IEN cases. One toxicology analysis showed unexpected traces of carbamazepine; results for other cases were negative. Metagenomics analysis revealed no unexpected pathological microorganism. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted a different pro‐apoptotic pathway in IEN compared to DIEN, with an overexpression of apoptosis effectors TWEAK/TRAIL.

Conclusions

IEN affects young people and is a severe form of EN. A large toxicologic investigation is warranted. Different pathways seem involved in IEN and DIEN, leading to the same apoptotic effect, but the primary trigger remains unknown.
Impact of the Microstructure of CAD/CAM Blocks on the Bonding Strength and the Bonded Interface
Authors: Abouelleil Hazem , Colon Pierre , Jeannin Christophe , Goujat Alexis , Attik Nina , Laforest Laurent , Gauthier Remy , Grosgogeat Brigitte
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the microstructure of CAD/CAM blocks and the quality of adhesion as function of the surface treatment and resin cement type.

Materials and methods

Two nano‐ceramic composite resin CAD/CAM blocks, Lava Ultimate (LU) and Cerasmart (CS), and two Leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic CAD/CAM IPS blocks, Empress® CAD (EM) and InitialTM LRF (IR), received either Hydrofluoric acid (HF) or sandblasting (SB) surface treatments. The blocks were then luted using two dual‐cure resin cements, LinkForce (LF) and Multilink Automix (ML) with their corresponding silanes, resulting in 16 study groups. The luted blocks were then thermal‐cycling (TC) for 5000 cycles and subjected to a microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the treated surfaces were analyzed using ImageJ software and XRD analyses were performed for the two ceramic blocks. The data obtained were submitted to Games‐Howell post‐hoc nonparametric test to compare combinations of groups or treatments and a linear mixed‐effects model for the factors surface treatment, block type, and resin cement, together with their first‐degree interactions (α = 0.05).

Results

The lowest mean μTBS values were obtained with LU‐HF, whereas the highest mean μTBS values were obtained with CS regardless of resin cement type and surface treatment method. IR‐HF mean μTBS were significantly higher than IR‐SB, EM‐SB, and EM‐HF. Analysis using ImageJ software demonstrated significant differences in the density and pore size after HF surface treatment.

Conclusions

The specific microstructure of each block material within the same family group impacted the micromechanical retention and the bonded interface strength.
A simple x‐ray scoring system for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Ramachandran Priya , Savio Jayanthi , Padaki Priyadarshini , Chhabra Ruchita , Veluthat Chitra , Devaraj Uma , Venkatanarayan Kavitha , Krishnaswamy Uma M. , Ghosh Santu , D’souza George A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a severe form of post‐tuberculosis lung disease (PTBLD). Considering the high burden of TB in India, it can be concluded that the prevalence of CPA is also high. Chest x‐ray though most feasible, interpretation is subjective. Therefore, decision on evaluation for CPA cannot be based on x‐ray alone.

Objective

Present study evaluated an x‐ray score as a marker for extent of lung damage in patients with PTBLD presenting with haemoptysis and its utility to predict Aspergillus serum IgG levels.

Methods

We used a modified scoring system developed by Anna Ralph et al X‐ray score cut‐offs of >71 and 40, with or without history of massive haemoptysis, were compared with serum IgG levels.

Results

With a chest x‐ray score cut‐off of 71, specificity was 88%. With an x‐ray score of >71 combined with history of massive haemoptysis, 86% cases were found to be IgG positive. The specificity of this combination was 96%.

Conclusion

This study concluded that a simple chest x‐ray scoring system in addition to the symptom of massive haemoptysis helped in the decision on further evaluation of the subject for CPA, especially in resource constrained settings.