bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Hyperlactatemia as the Predictor of Poor Outcome in Critically Ill Children: A Single-Center, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Antin Jennifer , Khare Shweta , Patki Vinayak
Published: November 2016

Objective To study incidence of hyperlactatemia and its correlation with outcome in critically ill children.

Design Single-center, prospective cohort study.

Setting Eight-bedded PICU.

Method Serial serum lactate levels were measured in 140 critically ill children at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Results A total of 45% children had hyperlactatemia. Lactate levels were significantly (p = 0.000) higher in nonsurvivors at all intervals. Lactate levels decreased significantly (p = 0.000) in survivors while increased in nonsurvivors. Normalized lactate load was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (p = 0.023).

Conclusion Persistent hyperlactatemia serves as a possible predictor of poor outcome in critically ill children.
Effect of nutritionally induced hyperlipidaemia on in vitro bovine embryo quality depends on the type of major fatty acid in the diet
Authors: Marei Waleed F. A. , Alvarez Maria Arias , Van Hoeck Veerle , Gutierrez-Adan Alfonso , Bols Peter E. J. , Leroy Jo L. M. R.
Published: November 2016

The present study examined whether the effects of dietary-induced hyperlipidaemia on preimplantation embryo development depend on the predominant fatty acid (FA) type in the diet. In a combined in vivo–in vitro bovine model, two groups of cows (n = 3 in each group) were fed with three diets consecutively (4 weeks feeding for each): (1) a maintenance control diet (CONT); (2) a high-starch diet rich in saturated fat (SAT); and (3) a high-starch diet rich in omega-3 unsaturated fat (UNSAT). Two feeding sequences were used to test for carry-over effects: Group A was fed CONT, SAT1 and then UNSAT2, whereas Group B was fed CONT, UNSAT1 and then SAT2. Serum was collected after each dietary period, analysed and tested in bovine in vitro embryo culture. Introducing SAT and UNSAT diets induced hyperlipidaemia (specifically hypercholesterolaemia and elevated free FAs) and reduced insulin sensitivity. Carry-over effects in serum metabolites and FA profile were dependent on the diet and feeding sequence. SAT1 and SAT2 serum decreased blastocyst rates and altered blastocyst mRNA expression related to apoptosis and oxidative stress. UNSAT1 and UNSAT2 serum resulted in normal embryo development and quality. Other in vitro effects depended on the sequence of feeding. In conclusion, substitution of saturated fat with omega-3 fat in a high-caloric diet induced hyperlipidaemia with an FA profile yielding similar rates and quality of blastocysts compared with normolipidaemic controls.
Diffusion-weighted imaging uncovers likely sources of processing-speed deficits in schizophrenia
Authors: Kochunov Peter , Rowland Laura M. , Fieremans Els , Veraart Jelle , Jahanshad Neda , Eskandar George , Du Xiaoming , Muellerklein Florian , Savransky Anya , Shukla Dinesh , Sampath Hemalatha , Thompson Paul M. , Hong L. Elliot
Published: November 2016

Significance

Advanced, non-Gaussian diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measurements that probe white matter microstructure across a range of diffusion contrasts were sensitive to diagnosis-specific abnormalities in schizophrenia and independently predicted patient–control differences in processing speed. Two orthogonal statistical factors extracted from DWI measurements explain most of diagnosis-related differences in processing speed. Moreover, DWI measurements explained a similar degree of variance in processing speed in patients and controls separately and in siblings of patients. This link remains contiguous across the diagnostic boundary and was not driven by subject selection or antipsychotic medication. The non-Gaussian diffusion white matter metrics are promising surrogate imaging markers for modeling cognitive deficits and perhaps, guiding treatment development.
Influence of laser surface melting on tribological behaviour of AZ31B
Authors: Cui Y.
Published: November 2016

The laser surface melting was used to improve the microstructure and tribological behaviour of the AZ31B magnesium alloy. The microstructure from the bottom to the surface of the fused layer is bulky dendrites, fine cellular dendrites and finer equiaxed crystal. The grain size of fused layers is increased with the increase of laser power, but it is finer than that of substrate. The phase of the substrate and fused layers are α-Mg and β-Mg17Al12. When the laser power is 2000 W, the content of β-Mg17Al12 reaches the maximum. After laser surface melting, fused layers have higher dislocation density, the shape of β-Mg17Al12 phase becomes uniform spherality, and the size of β-Mg17Al12 phase is about 20 nm. The grain size, dislocation density, β-Mg17Al12 content and distribution et c. improved the wear resistance of AZ31B magnesium alloy. When the laser power is 2000 W, the wear resistance of the fused layer achieves the optimal value.
Modernism and Reification in the Music of Frank Bridge
Authors: Earle Ben
Published: November 2016

Drawing on the tradition of Formenlehre, this article puts forward a methodological historicism as a means of mediating between the disciplinary expectations of musical analysis, on the one hand, and philosophical aesthetics, on the other. Stylistic developments in the later music of Frank Bridge, perhaps British music's best claim to a high modernist of the generation of Schoenberg and Stravinsky, are illuminated by means of Theodor W. Adorno's notion of musical ‘reification’. A comparative analysis of the complementary modernism of Bridge's contemporary Ralph Vaughan Williams is also put forward, and a critical light shone on recent writing on British musical modernism in general.
Interpretation and Performance Practice in Realizing Stockhausen's Studie II
Authors: Williams Sean
Published: November 2016

In the 1950s, using electronic devices to make music seemed a new paradigm for composers eager to remove the effects of interpretation on their relationship with their audience. The promise was that compositional ideas could be directly made into sound with the help of a technician whose task it was to carry out instructions. By making a new realization of Stockhausen's Studie II, composed in 1954, I interrogate many of the original techniques and practices, and show that there are many sites which require interpretation and raise issues of performance practice. The implication of these discoveries is that there may be advantages to an analysis of early electronic music of the 1950s and 1960s from the perspective of the practice of instrumental music, and that where there are references to ‘technicians’, great care should be taken to understand and appreciate the range of musical skills often required by such individuals. This approach to realization also raises serious questions about the ontology of electronic music.
Progress Toward Lake Trout Rehabilitation at a Stocked and Unstocked Reef in Southern Lake Michigan
Authors: Patterson Kristen A. , Stein Jeffrey A. , Robillard Steven R.
Published: November 2016

Sustained efforts to restore naturally reproducing populations through the stocking of marked juvenile Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush have occurred since the 1960s but have been largely unsuccessful in achieving that goal. Julian's Reef in southwestern Lake Michigan has been a targeted Lake Trout rehabilitation site since 1985 and was designated a first-priority site in a revised management strategy for Lake Trout rehabilitation in 2011. We evaluated progress toward rehabilitation objectives for spawning Lake Trout at Julian's Reef and compared that progress to unstocked Waukegan Reef nearby in light of a recent increase to approximately 50% unmarked adults at both sites, as detected by annual fall spawning assessments. We observed significant progress toward meeting the rehabilitation objectives for adult Lake Trout in southern Lake Michigan. The spawning populations at Julian's Reef and Waukegan Reef did not differ in relative abundance, sex ratio, age structure, or spawner sources (stocking location; clipped or unclipped) except that the sex ratio at Waukegan Reef during the assessment period favored female spawners. These results suggest that the adult Lake Trout population is strong enough to permit natural recruitment in southern Lake Michigan, warranting the need to identify the source of natural reproduction so as to fully evaluate factors related to rehabilitation success. We propose that management agencies should consider investigating other unstocked sites where Lake Trout may be spawning and should revise their rehabilitation plans to include actions that could limit detrimental impacts on naturally reproducing populations where they exist.

Received October 15, 2015; accepted July 22, 2016 Published online November 10, 2016
Dispelling Assumptions about Stocked-Trout Fisheries and Angler Satisfaction
Authors: Hyman Amanda A. , McMullin Steve L. , DiCenzo Vic
Published: November 2016

We investigated three assumptions about stocked-trout fisheries: (1) stocking densities (trout/km or trout/ha) correlate with angler catch rates, (2) catch rates decline with time after stocking, and (3) angler satisfaction correlates with catch rates. We interviewed 5,689 anglers on 14 put-and-take trout waters in Virginia from October 2013 to May 2014 and from October 2014 to May 2015 to assess their fishing effort for stocked trout, catch, and level of satisfaction with their fishing experience that day. Stocking density did not affect the stocked-trout catch rate on streams or lakes, and catch rates remained relatively constant from the day after stocking up to 1 month after stocking. The type of water body affected both angler effort and catch rate. We found that catch rates above thresholds (0.46 trout/angler-hour on lakes; 1.21 trout/angler-hour on streams) had minor effects on angler satisfaction, but below those threshold values, satisfaction increased greatly with increasing catch rates on both lakes and streams. Given the concerns over increasing costs to maintain stocking programs, our results suggest that agencies could reduce their stocking densities and frequencies without appreciably reducing angler satisfaction.

Received January 13, 2016; accepted July 17, 2016 Published online November 10, 2016
A role for Gle1, a regulator of DEAD-box RNA helicases, at centrosomes and basal bodies
Authors: Jao Li-En , Akef Abdalla , Wente Susan R.
Published: November 2016

Control of organellar assembly and function is critical to eukaryotic homeostasis and survival. Gle1 is a highly conserved regulator of RNA-dependent DEAD-box ATPase proteins, with critical roles in both mRNA export and translation. In addition to its well-defined interaction with nuclear pore complexes, here we find that Gle1 is enriched at the centrosome and basal body. Gle1 assembles into the toroid-shaped pericentriolar material around the mother centriole. Reduced Gle1 levels are correlated with decreased pericentrin localization at the centrosome and microtubule organization defects. Of importance, these alterations in centrosome integrity do not result from loss of mRNA export. Examination of the Kupffer’s vesicle in Gle1-depleted zebrafish revealed compromised ciliary beating and developmental defects. We propose that Gle1 assembly into the pericentriolar material positions the DEAD-box protein regulator to function in localized mRNA metabolism required for proper centrosome function.
Surgical resection of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the spine
Authors: Kadhim Muayad , Binitie Odion , O’Toole Patrick , Grigoriou Emmanouil , De Mattos Camila B. , Dormans John P.
Published: November 2016

Intraoperative radiographic guidance has traditionally been utilized in orthopedic surgery through 2-D navigation with the C-arm and recently with 3-D navigation with the O-arm. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of surgical treatment of spinal osteoblastoma and osteoid osteoma with the utilization of the O-arm and conventional C-arm guidance. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with spinal osteoid osteoma and or osteoblastoma who were treated at our institution between 2002 and 2011. Seventeen patients were examined in this study including seven with spinal osteoblastoma and 10 with spinal osteoid osteoma. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 11.5±3.9 years. The O-arm was used in seven patients and the C-arm in 10 patients. The C-arm failed to identify the tumor in one case and needed transport to perform a computed tomographic-scan. The length of surgery was shorter when the O-arm was used, especially in the osteoblastoma group. Thirteen patients were pain free at the last follow-up visit and two patients developed recurrence. Radiographs at the last follow-up did not show signs of vertebral instability following tumor resection. Safe and effective localization of spine tumors and confirmation of tumor removal during surgery was achieved by intraoperative radiographic guidance specifically with the O-arm 3-D navigation system. Level of Evidence: III.
Curve progression risk in a mixed series of braced and nonbraced patients with idiopathic scoliosis related to skeletal maturity assessment on the olecranon
Authors: Charles Yann Philippe , Canavese Federico , Diméglio Alain
Published: November 2016

We aimed to determine the curve progression risk of idiopathic scoliosis in patients at the time of peak height velocity by plotting curve magnitudes against olecranon stages of skeletal maturation. Register data of 372 patients with juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis followed at 6-month intervals from onset of scoliosis to skeletal maturity were reviewed. At the onset of the pubertal growth spurt, curves greater than 30° have a 100% risk of progressing over 45° (P<0.0001). Curves 21–30° have a progression risk of 72.5% (P=0.0034). A curve progression velocity 6–10° per year represents a risk of 71.8% (P=0.0001) to require surgical treatment and a velocity greater than 10° per year represents a risk of 100% (P<0.0001). Plotting curve magnitudes against height measurements and the stages of olecranon maturation offers a reliable prediction of curve progression risk in idiopathic scoliosis during Risser 0.
Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Meaningful Use Technologies
Authors: Kaye Scott P.
Published: November 2016

Nurses comprise the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. As such, their perceptions of any new technology are important to understand, as it may ultimately mean the difference between acceptance and rejection of a product. The three-stage meaningful use program is intended to help improve and standardize data capture and advance clinical processes to improve patient and population outcomes in the US. With more than 471 000 healthcare providers having already received meaningful use incentive payments totaling more than $20 billion as of June 2015, it is critical to understand how these technologies are being viewed and utilized in practice. Understanding nurses’ attitudes toward healthcare technology may help drive acceptance, as well as maximize the inherent potential of the new technologies toward improving patient care. Thus, the purpose of this integrative review is to highlight what is known about nurses’ attitudes toward meaningful use technologies.
Long-term use of opioids for nonmalignant pain among community-dwelling persons with and without Alzheimer disease in Finland: a nationwide register-based study
Authors: Hamina Aleksi , Taipale Heidi , Tanskanen Antti , Tolppanen Anna-Maija , Karttunen Niina , Pylkkänen Liisa , Tiihonen Jari , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: November 2016

Persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) commonly present with chronic nonmalignant pain, but long-term use of opioids among this population has not been studied previously. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of long-term (≥180 days) use of opioids for nonmalignant pain and associated factors among community-dwelling persons with AD and to compare the prevalence with a matched cohort without AD. The Medication use and Alzheimer's disease (MEDALZ) cohort was used for this study, comprising all community-dwelling persons diagnosed with AD in Finland during 2005 to 2011 and their matched comparison persons without AD. After exclusion of persons with active cancer treatment, 62,074 persons with and 62,074 persons without AD were included in this study. Data were collected from nationwide registers. Opioids were used by 13,111 persons with and by 16,659 without AD. Overall long-term opioid use was more common among persons without AD (8.7%) than among persons with AD (7.2%, P < 0.0001). However, among opioid users, prevalence of long-term opioid use was slightly higher among persons with AD than among those without AD (34.2% vs 32.3%, respectively, P = 0.0004). Long-term use of transdermal opioids was more than 2-fold among opioid users with AD (13.2%) compared with users without AD (5.5%). Factors associated with long-term opioid use included AD, age ≥80 years, female sex, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, low socioeconomic position, history of substance abuse, and long-term benzodiazepine use. Prevalence of long-term opioid use was somewhat similar among both groups. Among persons with AD, long-term opioid use was strongly associated with transdermal opioids.
Pulmonary Arterial Compliance Improves Rapidly After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Masri S. Carolina , Tedford Ryan J. , Colvin Monica M. , Leary Peter J. , Cogswell Rebecca
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary artery compliance (PAC) contributes to right ventricular (RV) afterload, is decreased in the setting of increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressures, and may be an important component of World Health Organization (WHO) group II pulmonary hypertension (PH). Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can rapidly change LV filling, but its relationship with PAC is unknown. Right heart catheterization was performed preoperatively, postoperatively (between 48 and 72 hours), and >30 days post-LVAD implantation in a cohort of 64 patients with end-stage systolic heart failure. Within 72 hours, LVAD implantation was associated with an increase in PAC (2.0—3.7 ml/mm Hg, p < 0.0001), a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (3.5—1.7 Wood units, p < 0.0001). Pulmonary arterial compliance did not increase further at the >30 post-LVAD time point (3.7 ± 1.7 to 3.6 ± 0.44 ml/mm Hg, p = 0.44). Pulmonary artery compliance improves rapidly after LVAD implantation. This suggests that more permanent changes in the pulmonary vascular bed may not be responsible for the abnormal PAC observed in WHO group II PH.
Herpes Simplex Virus Suppressive Therapy in Herpes Simplex Virus-2/Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Coinfected Women Is Associated With Reduced Systemic CXCL10 But Not Genital Cytokines
Authors: Andersen-Nissen Erica , Chang Joanne T. , Thomas Katherine K. , Adams Devin , Celum Connie , Sanchez Jorge , Coombs Robert W. , McElrath M. Juliana , Baeten Jared M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) may heighten immune activation and increase human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) replication, resulting in greater infectivity and faster HIV-1 disease progression. An 18-week randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 500 mg valacyclovir twice daily in 20 antiretroviral-naive women coinfected with HSV-2 and HIV-1 was conducted and HSV-2 suppression was found to significantly reduce both HSV-2 and HIV-1 viral loads both systemically and the endocervical compartment.

Methods

To determine the effect of HSV-2 suppression on systemic and genital mucosal inflammation, plasma specimens, and endocervical swabs were collected weekly from volunteers in the trial and cryopreserved. Plasma was assessed for concentrations of 31 cytokines and chemokines; endocervical fluid was eluted from swabs and assayed for 14 cytokines and chemokines.

Results

Valacyclovir significantly reduced plasma CXCL10 but did not significantly alter other cytokine concentrations in either compartment.

Conclusions

These data suggest genital tract inflammation in women persists despite HSV-2 suppression, supporting the lack of effect on transmission seen in large scale efficacy trials. Alternative therapies are needed to reduce persistent mucosal inflammation that may enhance transmission of HSV-2 and HIV-1.
Cladogenetic and Anagenetic Models of Chromosome Number Evolution: a Bayesian Model Averaging Approach
Authors: Freyman William A. , Höhna Sebastian
Published: November 2016

Chromosome number is a key feature of the higher-order organization of the genome, and changes in chromosome number play a fundamental role in evolution. Dysploid gains and losses in chromosome number, as well as polyploidization events, may drive reproductive isolation and lineage diversification. The recent development of probabilistic models of chromosome number evolution in the groundbreaking work by Mayrose et al. (2010, ChromEvol) have enabled the inference of ancestral chromosome numbers over molecular phylogenies and generated new interest in studying the role of chromosome changes in evolution. However, the ChromEvol approach assumes all changes occur anagenetically (along branches), and does not model events that are specifically cladogenetic. Cladogenetic changes may be expected if chromosome changes result in reproductive isolation. Here we present a new class of models of chromosome number evolution (called ChromoSSE) that incorporate both anagenetic and cladogenetic change. The ChromoSSE models allow us to determine the mode of chromosome number evolution; is chromosome evolution occurring primarily within lineages, primarily at lineage splitting, or in clade-specific combinations of both? Furthermore, we can estimate the location and timing of possible chromosome speciation events over the phylogeny. We implemented ChromoSSE in a Bayesian statistical framework, specifically in the software RevBayes, to accommodate uncertainty in parameter estimates while leveraging the full power of likelihood based methods. We tested ChromoSSE’s accuracy with simulations and re-examined chromosomal evolution inAristolochia, CarexsectionSpirostachyae, Helianthus, Mimulussensu lato (s.l.), andPrimulasectionAleuritia, finding evidence for clade-specific combinations of anagenetic and cladogenetic dysploid and polyploid modes of chromosome evolution.
Differential protein expression marks the transition from infection withOpisthorchis viverrinito cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Khoontawad Jarinya , Pairojkul Chawalit , Rucksaken Rucksak , Pinlaor Porntip , Wongkham Chaisiri , Yongvanit Puangrat , Pugkhem Ake , Jones Alun , Plieskatt Jordan , Potriquet Jeremy , Bethony Jeffery , Pinlaor Somchai , Mulvenna Jason
Published: November 2016

Parts of Southeast Asia have the highest incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in the world due to infection by the liver flukeOpisthorchis viverrini(Ov). Ov-associated CCA is the culmination of chronic Ov-infection, with the persistent production of the growth factors and cytokines associated with persistent inflammation, which can endure for years in Ov-infected individuals prior to transitioning to CCA. Isobaric labelling and tandem mass spectrometry of liver tissue from a hamster model of CCA was used to compare protein expression profiles from inflammed tissue (Ov-infected but not cancerous) versus cancerous tissue (Ov-induced CCA). Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to verify dysregulated proteins in the animal model and in human tissue. We identified 154 dysregulated proteins that marked the transition from Ov-infection to Ov-induced CCA, i.e. proteins dysregulated during carcinogenesis but not Ov-infection. The verification of dysregulated proteins in resected liver tissue from humans with Ov-associated CCA showed the numerous parallels in protein dysregulation between human and animal models of Ov-induced CCA. To identify potential circulating markers for CCA, dysregulated proteins were compared to proteins isolated from exosomes secreted by a human CCA cell line (KKU055) and 27 proteins were identified as dysregulated in CCA and present in exosomes. These data form the basis of potential diagnostic biomarkers for human Ov-associated CCA. The profile of protein dysregulation observed during chronic Ov-infection and then in Ov-induced CCA provides insight into the etiology of an infection-induced inflammation-related cancer.

Abbreviations

CCA

cholangiocarcinoma

Ov

Opisthorchis viverriniic

NDMA

N -nitrosodimethylamine

IHC

immunohistochemistry

MMTS

methyl methanethiosulfonate

TPP

Trans Proteomic Pipeline
Cis-regulatory divergence in gene expression between two thermally divergent yeast species
Authors: Li Xueying C. , Fay Justin C.
Published: November 2016

Gene regulation is a ubiquitous mechanism by which organisms respond to their environment. While organisms are often found to be adapted to the environments they experience, the role of gene regulation in environmental adaptation is not often known. In this study, we examine divergence incis-regulatory effects between twoSaccharomycesspecies,S. cerevisiaeandS. uvarum, that have substantially diverged in their thermal growth profile. We measured allele specific expression (ASE) in the species’ hybrid at three temperatures, the highest of which is lethal toS. uvarumbut not the hybrid orS. cerevisiae. We find thatS. uvarumalleles can be expressed at the same level asS. cerevisiaealleles at high temperature and mostcis-acting differences in gene expression are not dependent on temperature. While a small set of 136 genes show temperature-dependent ASE, we find no indication that signatures of directionalcis-regulatory evolution are associated with temperature. Within promoter regions we find binding sites enriched upstream of temperature responsive genes, but only weak correlations between binding site and expression divergence. Our results indicate that temperature divergence betweenS. cerevisiaeandS. uvarumhas not caused widespread divergence incis-regulatory activity, but point to a small subset of genes where the species’ alleles show differences in magnitude or opposite responses to temperature. The difficulty of explaining divergence incis-regulatory sequences with models of transcription factor binding sites and nucleosome positioning highlights the importance of identifying mutations that underliecis-regulatory divergence between species.
Inactivation of thermogenic UCP1 as a historical contingency in multiple placental mammal clades
Authors: Gaudry Michael J. , Jastroch Martin , Treberg Jason R. , Hofreiter Michael , Paijmans Johanna L.A. , Starrett James , Wales Nathan , Signore Anthony V. , Springer Mark S. , Campbell Kevin L.
Published: November 2016

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is essential for non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and is widely accepted to have played a key thermoregulatory role in small-bodied and neonatal placental mammals that enabled the exploitation of cold environments. Here we mapucp1sequences from 133 mammals onto a species tree constructed from a ∼51-kb sequence alignment and show that inactivating mutations have occurred in at least eight of the 18 traditional placental orders, thereby challenging the physiological importance of UCP1 across Placentalia. Selection and timetree analyses further reveal thatucp1inactivations temporally correspond with strong secondary reductions in metabolic intensity in xenarthrans and pangolins, or in six other lineages coincided with a ∼30 million year episode of global cooling in the Paleogene that promoted sharp increases in body mass and cladogenesis evident in the fossil record. Our findings also demonstrate that members of various lineages (e.g., cetaceans, horses, woolly mammoths, Steller’s sea cows) evolved extreme cold hardiness in the absence of UCP1-mediated thermogenesis. Finally, we identifyucp1inactivation as a historical contingency that is linked to the current low species diversity of clades lacking functional UCP1, thus providing the first evidence for species selection related to the presence or absence of a single gene product.
Crystal structure of vilazodone hydrochloride methanol monosolvate
Authors: Hu Xiu-Rong , Ye Jia-Li , Gu Jian-Ming
Published: November 2016

In the title compound, C26H28N5O2+·Cl−·CH3OH {systematic name: 4-(2-carbamoyl-1-benzofuran-5-yl)-1-[4-(5-cyano-1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]piperazin-1-ium chloride methanol monosolvate}, the protonated piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. The indole ring plane is nearly perpendicular to the benzofuran ring system, with a dihedral angle of 85.77 (2)°. In the crystal, the organic cations, Cl−anions and methanol solvent molecules are linked by classical N—H...O and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, and weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
2-(4-Chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-5-[4-(propyloxy)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole
Authors: Limbach Daniel , Detert Heiner , Schollmeyer Dieter
Published: November 2016

The title compound, C17H14ClN3O4, was prepared by the Huisgen reaction of 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoyl chloride and 5-(4-propyloxyphenyl)tetrazole. The diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole unit is nearly planar. The oxadiazole ring is inclined to the 4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl ring by 7.77 (8)°, and by 7.93 (8)° to the 4-propyloxyphenyl ring. The benzene rings are inclined to one another by 1.32 (7)°. The nitro group is twisted out of the plane of the benzene ring to which it is attached by 73.59 (16)°. The propoxy chain mean plane is inclined to the benzene ring to which it is attached by 4.46 (13)°. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds connect the molecules, forming ribbons propagating along theb-axis direction. The ribbons are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming slabs parallel to theabplane.
1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone
Authors: Mills-Robles Heather A. , Desikan Vasumathi , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: November 2016

The title compound, C10H12O3, has a single near planar molecule in the asymmetric unit, with the non-H atoms possessing a mean deviation from planarity of 0.132 Å. The molecules dimerize in the solid state through C—H...O interactions. These dimers are further linked through parallel slipped π–π interactions of the aryl rings [intercentroid distance = 3.5444 (11) Å, interplanar distance = 3.3998 (12) Å, slippage = 1.002 (2) Å].
Water-soluble thiosemicarbazide-imidazole derivative as an efficient inhibitor protecting P110 carbon steel from CO2 corrosion
Authors: He Yi , Yang Ranran , Zhou Yanqiu , Ma Lan , Zhang Lei , Chen Zhao
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt both the fragments of imidazole and thiosemicarbazide as reaction centers, to synthesize a water-soluble corrosion inhibitor named as thiosemicarbazide-imidazole derivative (TH-IM).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents potentiodynamic polarization tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests and morphology study of metal surface by scanning electron microscope and thermodynamic study.

Findings

In the aggressive condition of CO2 saturated Wt. NaCl solution at 333 K for 72 h with 400 ppm inhibitor dosage, the efficiency of inhibition increases approximately 98 per cent through the method of weight loss.

Originality/value

This paper finds a new corrosion inhibitor about TH-IM which has a good solubility in water.
Characterizing biofilms for biofouling and microbial corrosion control in cooling water systems
Authors: George R.P. , Kamachi Mudali U. , Raj Baldev
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the metal-Microbe interaction playing a crucial role in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling of materials in cooling water systems. Treatment regimens should be planned based on this understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempts were made in the past decades to characterize and understand biofilm formation on important power plant structural materials such as carbon steel (CS), stainless steel (SS) and titanium in fresh water and in seawater to achieve better control of biofouling and minimize MIC problems.

Findings

This report presents the results of detailed studies on tuberculation-formed CS because of the action of iron-oxidizing bacteria and the effects of algae- and bacteria-dominated biofilms on the passivity of SS. The preferential adhesion of different bacterial species on SS under the influence of inclusions and sensitization was studied in the context of preferential corrosion of SS weldments due to microbial action. Detailed characterization of biofilms formed on titanium (the likely condenser material for fast breeder reactors) after exposure for two years in Kalpakkam coastal waters revealed intense biofouling and biomineralization of manganese even in chlorinated seawater. Studies on the effectiveness of conventional fouling control strategies were also evaluated.

Originality/value

The detailed studies of different metal/biofilm/microbe interactions demonstrated the physiological diversity of microbes in the biofilms that were formed on different materials, coupling their cooperative metabolic activities with consequent corrosion behaviour. These interactions could enhance either anodic or cathodic reactions and exploit metallurgical features that enhance biofilm formation and/or the capacity of microbes to mutate and overcome mitigation measures.
Corrosion behavior of low pressure cold sprayed Zn-Ni composites coating
Authors: Huang Guosheng , Li Xiangbo , Xing Lukuo
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the performance of low-pressure cold-sprayed zinc–nickel (Zn-Ni) composites coating, i.e. whether it has the same performance as Zn-Ni alloy coating.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Zn-Ni composites coatings containing four different nickel contents were prepared with commercial DYMET 413 low-pressure cold spraying system under the same parameters. Corrosion behaviors of four kinds of coatings were examined with potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods, combined with scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Findings

Corrosion behavior of Zn-Ni composites coating is similar to Zn-Ni alloy coating. In the early stages of immersion, the anodic dissolution of zinc happens, which results in the formation of a zinc hydroxide layer. With the continuous infiltration of chloride ion, zinc hydroxide will get converted to zinc oxide, basic zinc chloride and basic zinc carbonate. The presence of nickel in coatings can prevent zinc hydroxide from converting into zinc oxide.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be done on improving the deposition efficiency, as the deposition efficiency of low-pressure cold spray is lower than 30 per cent.

Practical implications

Low-pressure cold spray coating can be used in cyclic dry/wet conditions to prolong the life of a steel structure.

Social implications

Low-pressure cold spray Zn-Ni coating is an environmentally friendly anticorrosion method which can be used as an alternative of hexavalent chromium passivation coating.

Originality/value

Zn-Ni composite coating can be deposited on steel directly by low-pressure cold spray by mechanically mixing the powders together. The composite coating also has the same long-term anticorrosion performance as Zn-Ni alloy coating.
Creating micro-videos to demonstrate technology learning and digital literacy
Authors: Frydenberg Mark , Andone Diana
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Short videos, also known as micro-videos, have emerged as a platform for sharing ideas, experiences and life events via online social networks. This paper aims to share preliminary results of a study, involving students from two universities who created six-second videos using the Vine mobile app to explain or illustrate technological concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Students were assigned the task of creating a Vine video to demonstrate their understanding of an assigned technological concept. A survey, performed after creating their micro-videos, asked students about the technology tools they use that allow them to be creative, their current personal digital literacy skills and the extent to which they are able to express a complex concept in a simple way. The study categorizes the students’ micro-videos to determine which formats might be most effective in demonstrating technology learning.

Findings

An analysis of their videos shows that the six-second constraint often inspires creativity and critical thinking, as students need to carefully consider the message they wish to convey, and how they can do so effectively in a compelling micro-video. The creation of such videos provides an effective way to demonstrate student learning and digital literacy skills.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents preliminary results gathered during one semester, with 68 videos created by 75 students.

Practical implications

Micro-video platforms are popular among today’s students, whose increased use of social media, dependence on mobile devices and desire for constant connectivity enable new outlets for creativity and communication. This study examines the introduction of a micro-video platform, which many students already use in their personal lives, in an educational context to develop their technology and digital literacy skills.

Social implications

Students learn to use an emerging social media platform as a vehicle to inspire creativity and learning.

Originality/value

This study explores and shares preliminary results related to the use of micro-videos for demonstrating technology learning and developing digital literacy skills in the information technology classroom.
Differentiating customer engaging behavior by targeted benefits – an empirical study
Authors: Braun Corina , Batt Verena , Bruhn Manfred , Hadwich Karsten
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Relationship marketing scholars and managers have recognized the potential of customer engagement to enhance business performance and customer value. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects that different types of customer engagement behaviors have on their perceived benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two empirical studies. In the first step, 69 in-depth interviews were held to identify important customer engagement behaviors and targeted benefits. Then, in the second step, a quantitative study with 255 participants was used to match the identified customer engagement behaviors with the targeted benefits.

Findings

The results reveal that there are three aggregated types of customer engagement behaviors (“value creation-focused customer engagement”, “online-focused customer engagement” and “customer-to-customer interaction-focused customer engagement”). These types of customer engagement behaviors lead to different targeted benefits (social, relationship, autonomous, economic, altruistic and self-fulfillment benefits).

Research limitations/implications

A consideration of the influencing factors of the different customer-engagement-behavior types, including customers’ motives for their engagement with a company, would potentially enhance the findings. Furthermore, a closer investigation of the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and customer engagement types can also provide deeper insights into the reasons for engaging with a certain firm or brand.

Practical implications

The findings provide managers with information on how to segment customers according to their customer engagement type and associated benefits and thereby enable them to manage customer engagement behaviors more profitably.

Originality/value

The results make a key contribution to the emerging research field of customer engagement by gaining deeper insights into the benefits associated with different customer engagement behaviors. It becomes clear that different customer engagement types aim at receiving various benefits.
GREEN consumption values and Indian consumers’ response to marketing communications
Authors: Bailey Ainsworth Anthony , Mishra Aditya , Tiamiyu Mojisola F.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a study that assessed Indian consumers’ response to green marketing communications, based on their GREEN consumption values. GREEN (Haws et al., 2014) refers to consumers’ tendency to express their environmental concern through their consumption behaviors. This study applies this construct in a marketing communications context.

Design/methodology/approach

Two conceptual models involving GREEN were developed, and data to test the models were collected in a survey conducted among a convenience sample of 284 Indian consumers.

Findings

The results show that GREEN can enhance understanding of consumers’ green attitudes and intentions. GREEN consumption values have an impact on how Indian consumers respond to advertising and public relations stimuli, as GREEN influences perceptions of green brand trust, attitudes toward green marketing communications and green brand support and purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The research adds to the growing literature on green marketing in emerging economies and extends the application of the GREEN construct from the domain of consumer behavior to that of green marketing communications.

Practical implications

The results suggest that marketers should focus on developing green marketing communications strategy, rather than just green advertising strategies, and they can position their green products to appeal to consumers based on GREEN consumption values.

Originality/value

The study is the first to apply the GREEN construct in assessing consumer response to a brand’s green marketing communications; it also explores this issue in an emerging economy.
Integrating alternative technologies to improve built environment sustainability in Africa
Authors: GhaffarianHoseini Ali , Tookey John , GhaffarianHoseini Amirhosein , Naismith Nicola , Bamidele Rotimi James Olabode
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review extant literature and to provide perspectives on approaches to enhancing built environment sustainability in Africa. There is a mismatch between global societal resources and the increasing demand for natural resources. The consequences of this mismatch are prevalent in many African countries, causing the need to implement of built environment sustainability as a matter of cause.

Design/methodology/approach

Little research has been undertaken to date with a focus on the environmental sustainability of Africa. With this in mind the review was undertaken through a series of incremental steps. It began with an initial review, before developing through exploratory and development phases. The process culminated with the refined literature review presented.

Findings

The paper finds that a different approach is required to achieve built sustainable development for developed and developing countries, with a clear difference in terms of its application observed between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Current energy and water crisis facing Africa is brought to the fore and an evaluation is provided of the systems being used to ameliorate its effects. The study explores a range of technological solutions that are appropriate for consideration in the African context. It also examines the barriers that need to be overcome to facilitate the widespread use of the suggested solutions in Africa.

Originality/value

This study examines built environment sustainability through the Africa lens. It highlights its importance and the contextual factors inhibiting the widespread uptake of built environment sustainability solutions. The study offers a number of recommendations for the future to encourage long-term built environment sustainability in Africa and more specifically the Sub-Saharan region.
Extent of incorporation of green features in office properties in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Komolafe Markson Opeyemi , Oyewole Matthew Oluwole , Kolawole John Temitope
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which green building features are evident in office properties in Lagos, Nigeria; and consequently determine the degree of compliance with green standards in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study purposively sampled two (2) office properties from the management portfolio of 88 registered Estate firms in Lagos. Data were collected using physical observation on the properties and interview with two users purposively selected from each of the properties. The data were analysed with the use of frequency distribution, percentages and measures of green features availability index.

Findings

The result revealed a low extent of green features incorporation in existing office properties with the value of availability indices on most features falling below 2.5 on a five-point scale. Feature relating to material use and conservation is the most incorporated green feature (mean score of 2.62) while those relating to owner and occupant education were least in incorporation (mean score of 1.895).

Practical implications

From the findings, it is apparent that green retrofitting may be necessary in Nigeria due to the low extent of green practices in existing office properties. Also, reinforcement of existing government policies and increased sensitisation of stakeholders on impact of current building practices are pertinent to green building success in Nigeria.

Originality/value

Most existing studies of similar focus are based in the developed economies where stronger implementation framework exists for green building. Besides, they are mostly based on evaluation of green certified buildings using few criteria. This study differs in that it presents the existing building sustainability practices in a less pronounced green property market, with varying architectural styles using more robust criteria. Information provided is applicable in Nigeria and other emerging economies.
How drought affects the financial characteristics of Australian farm businesses
Authors: Kingwell Ross S. , Xayavong Vilaphonh
Published: November 2016

The financial performance of 240 farms in a drought‐affected agricultural region of Australia is analysed. The decadal study period included some years of widespread drought, as well as years with only subregional droughts or no drought. Some droughts created larger adverse financial impacts than others. Mostly, the more droughts farms experienced, the worse was their financial performance relative to farms within the same quantile of farm performance. Despite the incidence of drought, by the end of the decade, almost all the farm businesses were wealthier from increasing their farm size and becoming more crop dominant. Unexpectedly, consecutive years of drought had a significant positive effect on the operating profit per hectare and retained profit per hectare of farms in a majority of their respective quantiles. Many farms that experienced consecutive drought were forced to make structural changes, shifting away from livestock production towards additional cropping. These structural changes boosted farm performance over the decade. The incidence of drought affected some measures of farm performance differently whilst others were affected similarly. Understanding these metrics of farm performance and the structural changes underway in an agricultural region helps form a more complete view of drought impacts.