bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-neutron crystallographic data collection and preliminary refinement of left-handed Z-DNA d(CGCGCG)
Authors: Harp Joel M. , Coates Leighton , Sullivan Brendan , Egli Martin
Published: September 2018

Crystals of left-handed Z-DNA [d(CGCGCG)]2diffract X-rays to beyond 1 Å resolution, feature a small unit cell (∼18 × 31 × 44 Å) and are well hydrated, with around 90 water molecules surrounding the duplex in the asymmetric unit. The duplex shows regular hydration patterns in the narrow minor groove, on the convex surface and around sugar–phosphate backbones. Therefore, Z-DNA offers an ideal case to test the benefits of low-temperature neutron diffraction data collection to potentially determine the donor–acceptor patterns of first- and second-shell water molecules. Nucleic acid fragments pose challenges for neutron crystallography because water molecules are located on the surface rather than inside sequestered spaces such as protein active sites or channels. Water molecules can be expected to display dynamic behavior, particularly in cases where water is not part of an inner shell and directly coordinated to DNA atoms. Thus, nuclear density maps based on room-temperature diffraction data with a resolution of 1.6 Å did not allow an unequivocal determination of the orientations of water molecules. Here, cryo-neutron diffraction data collection for a Z-DNA crystal on the Macromolecular Neutron Diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the outcome of an initial refinement of the structure are reported. A total of 12 diffraction images were recorded with an exposure time of 3.5 h per image, whereby the crystal was static for each diffraction image with a 10° φ rotation between images. Initial refinements using these neutron data indicated the positions and orientations of 30 water molecules within the first hydration shell of the DNA molecule. This experiment constitutes a state-of-the-art approach and is the first attempt to our knowledge to determine the low-temperature neutron structure of a DNA crystal.
Ethyl 2-(5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)pent-4-enoate
Authors: Lahmidi Sanae , El Hafi Mohamed , Moussaif Ahmed , Benchidmi Mohammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: September 2018

In the title molecule, C13H16N4O2, the fused triazolopyrimidine ring system is planar. In the crystal, inversion-related C—H...O hydrogen bonds form dimers that are linked into chains extending along the a-axis direction by inversion-related C—H...π(ring) interactions.
Can museums find male or female audiences online with YouTube?
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigates if and why audience gender ratios vary between museum YouTube channels, including for museums of the same type.

Design/methodology/approach

Gender ratios were examined for public comments on YouTube videos from 50 popular museums in English-speaking nations. Terms that were more frequently used by males or females in comments were also examined for gender differences.

Findings

The ratio of female to male YouTube commenters varies almost a hundredfold between museums. Some of the difference could be explained by gendered interests in museum themes (e.g. military, art) but others were due to the topics chosen for online content and could address a gender minority audience.

Practical implications

Museums can attract new audiences online with YouTube videos that target outside their expected demographics.

Originality/value

This is the first analysis of YouTube audience gender for museums.
Developing the CSO case studies
Authors: Norton John , Gibson Terry David
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the iterative process which led to the production of the case studies prepared by Civil Society Organisations which are at the core of this Special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the papers has been a process of “case study authors” peer group (editors included) exchange and discussed development, in a reactive or “stepwise” process encouraging authors to develop their material to reflect very varied contexts and cases related to community-driven actions and vulnerabilities.

Findings

The collaborative process has enabled authors to develop and share both the breadth and depth of complex local issues that address emerging vulnerabilities and barriers to community-driven action.

Originality/value

Encouraging local authors to critically explore their local experience and action has deepened our understanding of how communities actually assess and address their local reality and the challenges they face, whether these are locally considered as “disasters” or not, or indeed seen as long-term evolving risks and threats to survival.
Intergenerational influences on children’s food preferences, and eating styles
Authors: Moore Elizabeth S.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the roles family members play in shaping young children’s food preferences and habits, as well as the extent to which these effects endure into adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on research in public health, marketing, nutrition and psychology, this paper examines how intergenerational influences (IGs) are manifested in the dietary domain.

Findings

Evidence suggests that the influence of early socialization is substantial, and that such impacts constitute an interesting yet sometimes overlooked set of forces that can help to guide our consumption behaviors as adults.

Originality/value

A detailed agenda for future research is proposed.
Moving on the connectivity continuum: performing gender in times of constant connectivity
Authors: Loeschner Isabell
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Given the reality of expectations of constant connectivity with work anytime, anywhere, this paper aims to investigate the gendered implications of these new expectations in the workplace focusing on the gender gap in work connectivity as well as the reasons behind it.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a large cross-national mixed methods study, using a quantitative survey within one multinational technology company (N = 7,256) and 69 in-depth interviews with female employees from five different countries all employed by the case study organization, exploring the extent and reasons behind the gender gap in work connectivity.

Findings

New communication technologies enable us to work temporally and spatially flexibly by providing us the opportunity for constant work connectivity from anywhere, anytime. This paper finds that women across a diverse set of cultural backgrounds reject the possibility for work connectivity significantly more often than their male peers leading to a gender gap in connectivity and it brings to the fore how and why women negotiate their level of connectivity as they do.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing work-family-balance and gender workplace study literatures by statistically and qualitatively expanding our knowledge on the gender gap in work connectivity across multiple countries and cultural contexts and by dismantling a further mechanism that leads to the glass ceiling.
Drivers and inhibitors adopting renewable energy: an empirical study in Malaysia
Authors: Zahari Abdul Rahman , Esa Elinda
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the drivers and inhibitors of the adoption of renewable energy by residential users. Based on the theoretical framework of consumer decision-making behaviour, an empirical study of the adoption of renewable energy in Malaysia was conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 501 residential users from the Klang Valley participated in this study. The data were analysed using partial least square (PLS) with Smart PLS 3.0 software.

Findings

The results indicated that the perceived utility of new technology, perceived utility of renewable energy and the perceived benefit of new technology were seen as the drivers of the adoption of renewable energy. At the same time, two inhibitor constructs, namely, perceived risk and perceived no need, were not seen to create a negative connection relating to the adoption of renewable energy. By contrast, as hypothesized, the perceived expense was the only factor that negatively correlated with the intentions to adopt renewable energy. To foster the intention to adopt renewable energy by residential users, more effort should be expended on capitalizing on the constructs of perceived benefits of new technology and the perceived utility of this new technology.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the use of renewable energy in the country and indirectly to global renewable energy strategies.
Productivity improvement using lean manufacturing in manufacturing industry of Northern India
Authors: Singh Jagdeep , Singh Harwinder , Singh Gurpreet
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the significance of lean manufacturing technique in manufacturing environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean manufacturing is a management approach focused on incremental improvements in operations. Different lean strategies are being utilized by manufacturing industry to improve the performance of current manufacturing system processes. This study attempts to evaluate the performance of different lean manufacturing tools in the manufacturing industry of northern India. The importance level of different lean tools, important benefits achieved after successful implementation of lean manufacturing approach and benefits occurred after implementation of different lean tools have been identified. A questionnaire survey in the case company has been performed and the most important element of lean manufacturing has been implemented.

Findings

Results explicitly depict that just-in-time manufacturing is the most important element of lean manufacturing. Results indicate the net savings of rupees 242,208 annually after implementing lean manufacturing technique in a case company.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the practical application of lean technique showing how it can bring real breakthroughs in saving cost in the manufacturing industry.
Does cultural capital matter for individual job performance? A large-scale survey of the impact of cultural, social and psychological capital on individual performance in Brazil
Authors: Santos Adailson Soares , Reis Neto Mário Teixeira , Verwaal Ernst
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of cultural, social and psychological capital on the individual job performance. The authors propose and empirically test a combination of models, which originate from sociology and positive psychology, and demonstrate that cultural capital – in addition to social and psychological capital – is an important driver of individual job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a large-scale survey research design. The sample consists of employees in several occupations who had formal contracts with companies from the public and private sector in Brazil. The measurement instrument is developed and tested by using data collected among 369 valid respondents in 2016. The methods applied include exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis through partial least squares estimation.

Findings

The results obtained indicate that there is a significant simultaneous positive effect of cultural, social and psychological capital on individual job performance. The results indicate that cultural, psychological and social capitals together were able to explain 57 percent of the respondents’ individual job performance, with psychological capital being the dominant driver. The authors also find that cultural capital is at least as important as driver of individual job performance as social capital.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may have limited generalizability and may suffer from potential bias in terms of social desirability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions in different country contexts using different research methods.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to quantify the relevance of Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory to the study of individual job performance, and offers tools with validated psychometric properties for its empirical assessment.
Customer decision-making styles as a tool for segmenting digital products market in Iran
Authors: Mohsenin Shahryar , Sharifsamet Seyedamir , Esfidani Mohammad Rahim , Skoufa Lucas A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define and develop digital products market segments in Tehran based on consumers’ buying decision-making styles (CDS) and testing applicability of Sproles and Kendall’s model [consumer style inventory (CSI)] for this steady growing market in Tehran and contributing to theories of market segmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore and identify digital products shoppers CDS. In addition, to determine whether the selected items and factors loaded, measured the identified CDS correctly, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to substantiate the number of explored CDS. Then, cluster analysis was executed to pinpoint decision-making groups and demographic characteristics such as gender, marital status, age, education and digital shopping experience to profile the diagnosed clusters.

Findings

Five CDS were distinguished for digital products customers (four former styles and one new one’s named “Premeditated buying”) through EFA and CFA analysis as a tool for segmenting; four clusters are, namely, “Best Seekers”, “Premeditators”, “Innovation Seekers”, and “Price Insensitive”.

Practical implications

It will be beneficial to companies focussing on the Iranian digital market. This study identifies each cluster behaviour based on demographic data too.

Originality/value

This is the first study focussing on market segmentation using extracting digital products decision-making styles. As the new shopping style, “Premeditated buying”, has been explored from this analysis and due to the nature of digital products, this CDS has not been found in previous studies and is unique to Iranian digital products shoppers.
Mavenism and e-maven propensity: antecedents, mediators and transferability
Authors: Darley William , Lim Jeen-Su
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Using social cognitive theory as a theoretical backdrop, this paper aims to investigate antecedents and mediators of e-maven propensity and evaluates the transferability of physical market maven to online channel. A conceptual model capturing the links among information seeking tendency, physical market maven, e-shopping attitude and e-satisfaction as determinants of e-maven propensity is developed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 199 adult consumers were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling with multi-group analysis.

Findings

The results show the direct and indirect effects of physical market maven on e-maven propensity. Additionally, the relationship between physical market maven and e-maven propensity is moderated by e-shopping intensity such that the relationship is stronger for the high e-shopping intensity group than for the low e-shopping intensity group.

Practical implications

In a multi-channel environment, being able to share marketplace information across different channels takes on greater significance. Developing a customized strategy in managing e-word-of-mouth and e-maven behaviors within the context of the level of consumers’ e-shopping intensity is needed. E-mavens could be invited not only to serve as co-creators but also as significant influencers for a company’s products and services.

Originality/value

The study draws an interesting parallel between physical mavens and their online characteristics, as well as captures the conditions under which transferability of physical maven behavior to online channel occurs. Two distinct patterns are exhibited depending on the level of e-shopping intensity.
Prediction of short and medium term PM10 concentration using artificial neural networks
Authors: Schornobay-Lui Elaine , Alexandrina Eduardo Carlos , Aguiar Mônica Lopes , Hanisch Werner Siegfried , Corrêa Edinalda Moreira , Corrêa Nivaldo Aparecido
Published: September 2018

Purpose

There has been a growing concern about air quality because in recent years, industrial and vehicle emissions have resulted in unsatisfactory human health conditions. There is an urgent need for the measurements and estimations of particulate pollutants levels, especially in urban areas. As a contribution to this issue, the purpose of this paper is to use data from measured concentrations of particulate matter and meteorological conditions for the predictions of PM10.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure included daily data collection of current PM10 concentrations for the city of São Carlos-SP, Brazil. These data series enabled to use an estimator based on artificial neural networks. Data sets were collected using the high-volume sampler equipment (VFA-MP10) in the period ranging from 1997 to 2006 and from 2014 to 2015. The predictive models were created using statistics from meteorological data. The models were developed using two neural network architectures, namely, perceptron multilayer (MLP) and non-linear autoregressive exogenous (NARX) inputs network.

Findings

It was observed that, over time, there was a decrease in the PM10 concentration rates. This is due to the implementation of more strict environmental laws and the development of less polluting technologies. The model NARX that used as input layer the climatic variables and the PM10 of the previous day presented the highest average absolute error. However, the NARX model presented the fastest convergence compared with the MLP network.

Originality/value

The presentation of a given PM10 concentration of the previous day improved the performance of the predictive models. This paper brings contributions with the NARX model applications.
Brand orientation and brand performance in SMEs
Authors: Odoom Raphael , Mensah Priscilla
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating effects of innovation capabilities and social media capabilities on the relationship between brand orientation and brand performance among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the size differential feature from the organizational ecology theory, the paper further tests variations in these conditions across disaggregated SME levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical part of the study was carried out with a sample of 484 enterprises in an emerging market context via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, along with a moderated hierarchical regression.

Findings

Results from the moderated hierarchical regression analysis indicate that although the two capabilities generally offered positive moderating effects across all enterprises, these are conditional and not invariant when disaggregated based on enterprise sizes (small vs medium).

Originality/value

The study suggests the need for enterprise owners/managers to identify optimal combinations of enterprise capabilities, based on their sizes, for which their complementarities with brand orientation efforts are more potent.
Workaround behaviour in information systems research
Authors: de Vargas Pinto Aline , Maçada Antônio Carlos Gastaud , Mallmann Gabriela Labres
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the studies about workaround behavior in the Information Systems (IS) area, addressing its positive and negative aspects and raising the key related issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to verify how workaround behavior has been approached in IS studies. A qualitative method was adopted and implemented in two stages: selection of articles from the time period 2007-2017 in the databases Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus and analysis of the selected articles.

Findings

The results showed that many studies have been concerned with identifying the principal reasons for the manifestation of workaround behavior and the measures taken to reduce its impacts. Many studies from international journals examined the implementation of an ERP along with the workaround behavior. The need to expand the national studies on workaround behavior is emphasized, because the majority of the identified studies are international.

Research limitations/implications

The key limitation is related to the period of analysis, because only articles published since 2007 were selected.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to both theory and practice, bringing relevant concepts about workaround behavior, and corroborating the importance of the studies on workaround in the IS area. The literature review of the 20 articles analyzed reveals the main features in each article, such as theoretical and methodological aspects that support the research. Based on this analysis, a conceptual map was developed presenting the most relevant points about workaround behavior, where the causes, the negative and positive consequences, the types of solutions and the organizational and individual impacts are presented.

Originality/value

Research into workaround behavior has increased in recent years, however very few studies have been conducted in Brazil. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no articles regarding Brazil and this subject were published between 2007 and 2017. Thus, this paper seeks to redress this imbalance.
IL‐4 dysregulates microRNAs involved in inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Bao Lei , Chau Cecilia , Bao Jeremy , Tsoukas Maria M. , Chan Lawrence S.
Published: September 2018

IL‐4 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) by dysregulating many key factors at the transcriptional level. In this study, a microRNA array technique and IL‐4 transgenic mice were used to demonstrate that IL‐4 dysregulates microRNAs involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and apoptosis. Of the 372 common microRNAs examined, 26 and one microRNAs were found to be up‐ and down‐regulated, respectively. MicroRNA‐101‐5p, −122‐5p, −142‐3p, −204‐5p, −335‐3p, −376a‐3p, −378a‐5p, −639 and −9‐5p are among the most significantly up‐regulated microRNAs. MicroRNA‐147a, the only one that was down‐ regulated in the present study, attenuates TLR‐induced inflammatory responses. These dysregulated microRNAs may provide post‐transcriptional regulation of key genes in AD.
Alpha‐ and beta‐mannan utilization by marine Bacteroidetes
Authors: Chen Jing , Robb Craig S. , Unfried Frank , Kappelmann Lennart , Markert Stephanie , Song Tao , Harder Jens , Avcı Burak , Becher Dörte , Xie Ping , Amann Rudolf I. , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik , Schweder Thomas , Teeling Hanno
Published: September 2018

Marine microscopic algae carry out about half of the global carbon dioxide fixation into organic matter. They provide organic substrates for marine microbes such as members of the Bacteroidetes that degrade algal polysaccharides using carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes). In Bacteroidetes genomes CAZyme encoding genes are mostly grouped in distinct regions termed polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). While some studies have shown involvement of PULs in the degradation of algal polysaccharides, the specific substrates are for the most part still unknown. We investigated four marine Bacteroidetes isolated from the southern North Sea that harbour putative mannan‐specific PULs. These PULs are similarly organized as PULs in human gut Bacteroides that digest α‐ and β‐mannans from yeasts and plants respectively. Using proteomics and defined growth experiments with polysaccharides as sole carbon sources we could show that the investigated marine Bacteroidetes express the predicted functional proteins required for α‐ and β‐mannan degradation. Our data suggest that algal mannans play an as yet unknown important role in the marine carbon cycle, and that biochemical principles established for gut or terrestrial microbes also apply to marine bacteria, even though their PULs are evolutionarily distant.
Dichomitus squalens partially tailors its molecular responses to the composition of solid wood
Authors: Daly Paul , López Sara Casado , Peng Mao , Lancefield Christopher S. , Purvine Samuel O. , Kim Young‐Mo , Zink Erika M. , Dohnalkova Alice , Singan Vasanth R. , Lipzen Anna , Dilworth David , Wang Mei , Ng Vivian , Robinson Errol , Orr Galya , Baker Scott E. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Hildén Kristiina S. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Mäkelä Miia R. , de Vries Ronald P.
Published: September 2018

White‐rot fungi, such as Dichomitus squalens, degrade all wood components and inhabit mixed‐wood forests containing both soft‐ and hardwood species. In this study, we evaluated how D. squalens responded to the compositional differences in softwood [guaiacyl (G) lignin and higher mannan content] and hardwood [syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) lignin and higher xylan content] using semi‐natural solid cultures. Spruce (softwood) and birch (hardwood) sticks were degraded by D. squalens as measured by oxidation of the lignins using 2D‐NMR. The fungal response as measured by transcriptomics, proteomics and enzyme activities showed a partial tailoring to wood composition. Mannanolytic transcripts and proteins were more abundant in spruce cultures, while a proportionally higher xylanolytic activity was detected in birch cultures. Both wood types induced manganese peroxidases to a much higher level than laccases, but higher transcript and protein levels of the manganese peroxidases were observed on the G‐lignin rich spruce. Overall, the molecular responses demonstrated a stronger adaptation to the spruce rather than birch composition, possibly because D. squalens is mainly found degrading softwoods in nature, which supports the ability of the solid wood cultures to reflect the natural environment.
Modelling dimethylsulfide diffusion in the algal external boundary layer: implications for mutualistic and signalling roles
Authors: Lavoie Michel , Galí Martí , Sévigny Caroline , Kieber David J. , Sunda William G. , Spiese Christopher E. , Maps Frédéric , Levasseur Maurice
Published: September 2018

Dimethylsulfide (DMS), a dominant organic sulfur species in the surface ocean, may act as a signalling molecule and contribute to mutualistic interactions between bacteria and marine algae. These proposed functions depend on the DMS concentration in the vicinity of microorganisms. Here, we modelled the DMS enrichment at the surface of DMS‐releasing marine algal cells as a function of DMS production rate, algal cell radius and turbulence. Our results show that the DMS concentration at the surface of unstressed phytoplankton with low DMS production rates can be enriched by <1 nM, whereas for mechanically stressed algae with high activities of the enzyme DMSP‐lyase (a coccolithophore and a dinoflagellate) DMS cell surface enrichments can reach ~10 nM, and could potentially reach μM levels in large cells. These DMS enrichments are much higher than the median DMS concentration in the surface ocean (1.9 nM), and thus may attract and support the growth of bacteria living in the phycosphere. The bacteria in turn may provide photoactive iron chelators (siderophores) that enhance algal iron uptake and provide algal growth factors such as auxins and vitamins. The present study highlights new insights on the extent and impact of microscale DMS enrichments at algal surfaces, thereby contributing to our understanding of the potential chemoattractant and mutualistic roles of DMS in marine microorganisms.
Isotope discrimination by form IC RubisCO from Ralstonia eutropha and Rhodobacter sphaeroides, metabolically versatile members of ‘Proteobacteria’ from aquatic and soil habitats
Authors: Thomas Phaedra J. , Boller Amanda J. , Satagopan Sriram , Tabita F. Robert , Cavanaugh Colleen M. , Scott Kathleen M.
Published: September 2018

RubisCO, the CO2 fixing enzyme of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle, is responsible for the majority of carbon fixation on Earth. RubisCO fixes 12CO2 faster than 13CO2 resulting in 13C‐depleted biomass, enabling the use of δ13C values to trace CBB activity in contemporary and ancient environments. Enzymatic fractionation is expressed as an ε value, and is routinely used in modelling, for example, the global carbon cycle and climate change, and for interpreting trophic interactions. Although values for spinach RubisCO (ε = ~29‰) have routinely been used in such efforts, there are five different forms of RubisCO utilized by diverse photolithoautotrophs and chemolithoautotrophs and ε values, now known for four forms (IA, B, D and II), vary substantially with ε = 11‰ to 27‰. Given the importance of ε values in δ13C evaluation, we measured enzymatic fractionation of the fifth form, form IC RubisCO, which is found widely in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Values were determined for two model organisms, the ‘Proteobacteria’ Ralstonia eutropha (ε = 19.0‰) and Rhodobacter sphaeroides (ε = 22.4‰). It is apparent from these measurements that all RubisCO forms measured to date discriminate less than commonly assumed based on spinach, and that enzyme ε values must be considered when interpreting and modelling variability of δ13C values in nature.
Does Effectiveness of Weight Management Programs Depend on the Food Environment?
Authors: Tarlov Elizabeth , Wing Coady , Gordon Howard S. , Matthews Stephen A. , Jones Kelly K. , Powell Lisa M. , Zenk Shannon N.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To estimate the causal effects of a population‐scale behavioral weight management program and to determine whether the program's effectiveness depends on participants’ geographic access to places to purchase healthy and less healthy foods.

Data Sources

Secondary data from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinical and administrative records (2008–2014), retail food environment measures from commercial databases (2008–2014), and the American Community Survey (2009–2014).

Study Design

We estimated the effect of the VA's MOVE! weight management program on body mass index after 6 months using difference‐in‐difference regressions to compare participants with a propensity score‐matched control group. We estimated treatment effects overall and in subgroups with different access to supermarkets, fast‐food restaurants, and convenience stores.

Principal Findings

MOVE! reduced BMI by about 0.71 units among men and 0.70 units among women. The program was slightly less effective for men living near fast‐food restaurants or convenience stores. We found no evidence that treatment effects varied with the food environment among women.

Conclusions

The residential food environment modestly alters MOVE! effectiveness among men. A greater understanding of environmental barriers to and facilitators of intentional weight loss is needed. This study highlights important potential intersections between health care and the community.
Costs Associated with Health Care Services Accessed through VA and in the Community through Medicare for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Nelson Richard E. , Suo Ying , Pettey Warren , Vanneman Megan , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Byrne Thomas , Fargo Jamison D. , Gundlapalli Adi V.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To estimate health care utilization and costs incurred by homeless Veterans relative to nonhomeless Veterans and to examine the impact of a VA homelessness program on these outcomes.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Combined Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative and Medicare claims data.

Study Design

Observational study using longitudinal data from Veterans engaged with the VA system and enrolled in Medicare. Veterans with administrative evidence of homelessness at any point during 2006–2010 were matched on period of military service to Veterans with no evidence of homelessness.

Principal Findings

Experience of homelessness was associated with 1.37 (95 percent CI = 1.34–1.40) and 0.16 (95 percent CI = 0.14–0.17) more outpatient encounters per quarter in VA and non‐VA settings, respectively, and 1.31 (95 percent CI = 1.30–1.32) and 0.49 (95 percent CI = 0.48–0.49) more inpatient days per quarter in VA and non‐VA hospitals, respectively. These were associated with higher costs. Relative to stably housed Veterans less than 65 years of age, those enrolled in a VA homelessness program had 94.4 percent (95 percent CI = 90.7 percent–98.1 percent) more VA outpatient visits but 5.5 percent (95 percent CI = 3.0 percent–7.9 percent) fewer Medicare outpatient visits.

Conclusions

Homelessness was associated with an increase in VA and Medicare utilization and cost. A VA homelessness program decreased use of Medicare outpatient services.
A Forensic Entomological Analysis Can Yield an Estimate of Postmortem Interval, and Not Just a Minimum Postmortem Interval: An Explanation and Illustration Using a Case
Authors: Wells Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2018

Several authors claimed that a forensic entomological analysis can never be interpreted as the postmortem interval (PMI), but that it can be interpreted as a minimum postmortem interval (PMImin), or dead for not less than X amount of time. Because in most instances, a PMI estimate should be a range, that is, the set of values from maximum postmortem interval (PMImax) to PMImin, objections to PMI estimation are objections to PMImax estimation. The arguments for this position did not address the substantial body of literature describing estimation of both PMImax and PMImin using insect succession analysis. This report reviews the scientific issues and presents a recent homicide investigation in which several forensic entomology experts used the absence of carrion insects on the corpse, a kind of succession analysis, to estimate PMI or PMImax.
Rare manifestation of Neurofibromatosis type 1: A plexiform neurofibroma involving the mediastinum and lungs with endobronchial neurofibromata
Authors: Pascoe Heather M , Antippa Phillip , Irving Louis , Christie Michael , McCusker Mark W
Published: September 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystem phakomatosis. The intrathoracic manifestations of NF1 are protean. We describe a rare case of a plexiform neurofibroma infiltrating the mediastinum and lungs with multiple endobronchial neurofibromata. To our knowledge, a mediastinal plexiform neurofibroma extending into the lungs on CT has not been reported.
CLEARED (Chemicals and Litmus testing with Effective Alkaline Range for Eye Damage): A Prospective, Interventional Study
Authors: Breazzano Mark P. , Day H. Russell , Tanaka Sarah , Tran Uyen
Published: September 2018

Objectives

While immediate diagnosis and irrigation is standard chemical eye burn practice, it is unknown to what extent specific pH measurements influence management, given the frequent clinical availability of narrow‐spectrum nitrazine pH strips. We hypothesize that exclusive broad‐spectrum pH strip implementation leads to more accurate measurement and expedited ophthalmologic consultation.

Methods

At a Level I trauma center over 25 months, all emergent adult ophthalmology consultations for chemical burns were included in a pre‐intervention (n = 22) and post‐intervention (n = 20) study design. During this time, narrow‐spectrum nitrazine pH strips available to non‐obstetric emergency department (ED) staff were exclusively replaced by broad‐spectrum strips. Causative chemical, time from triage to ophthalmology consultation, examination findings, ocular pH by ED and ophthalmology staff, and irrigation quantity were analyzed.

Results

Most burns were alkaline. Time from triage (p = 0.043) and irrigation quantity following consultation (p = 0.047) each decreased following exclusive ED implementation of broad‐spectrum pH strips. There was greater pH congruence between consulting and primary physicians after intervention (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Exclusive non‐obstetric implementation of broad‐spectrum pH strips may allow greater accuracy and faster management of ocular chemical burns. Availability of narrow‐spectrum pH strips may be dangerous clinically by falsely reassuring the examiner with inherent inaccuracy.
The social location of harm from others’ drinking in 10 societies
Authors: Room Robin , Callinan Sarah , Greenfield Thomas K. , Rekve Dag , Waleewong Orratai , Stanesby Oliver , Thamarangsi Thaksaphon , Benegal Vivek , Casswell Sally , Florenzano Ramon , Hanh Hoang T.M. , Hettige Siri , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Obot Isidore , Rao Girish N. , Siengsounthone Latsamy , Laslett Anne‐Marie
Published: September 2018

Aims

Survey data from 10 diverse countries were used to analyse the social location of harms from others’ drinking: which segments of the population are more likely to be adversely affected by such harm, and how does this differ between societies?

Methods

General‐population surveys in Australia, Chile, India, Laos, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Vietnam, with a primary focus on the social location of the harmed person by gender, age groups, rural/urban residence and drinking status. Harms from known drinkers were analysed separately from harms from strangers.

Results

In all sites, risky or moderate drinkers were more likely than abstainers to report harm from the drinking of known drinkers, with risky drinkers the most likely to report harm. This was also generally true for harm from strangers’ drinking, although the patterns were more mixed in Vietnam and Thailand. Harm from strangers’ drinking was more often reported by males, while gender disparity in harm from known drinkers varied between sites. Younger adults were more likely to experience harm both from known drinkers and from strangers in some, but not all, societies. Only a few sites showed significant urban/rural differences, with disparities varying in direction. In multivariate analyses, most relationships remained, although some were no longer significant.

Conclusion

The social location of harms from others’ drinking, whether known or a stranger, varies considerably between societies. One near‐commonality among the societies is that those who are themselves risky drinkers are more likely to suffer harm from others’ drinking.
Human papillomavirus and oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma: the essentials
Authors: Yakin M , Seo B. , Hussaini H , Rich A , Hunter K
Published: September 2018

There is a global increase in the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in Australia and New Zealand. Risk factors for HPV‐positive OPSCC are male gender, white race, age older than 40 but younger than 59 years old, having multiple lifetime sex partners, having oro‐genital and oro‐anal sex. High‐risk HPV subtypes play a major role in the pathogenesis of OPSCC, however, they play a much lesser role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Among the laboratory tests used to detect oncogenic HPV infection, polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive method but does not reflect the role of HPV in oncogenesis. While widely used, p16 immunohistochemistry is both a sensitive and a specific surrogate marker for oncogenic HPV infection in OPSCC, but not in OSCC. However, it is a useful prognostic marker in OPSCC. The current gold standard to accurately detect oncogenic HPV infection is E6/E7 mRNAin situ hybridization. Because both HPV‐positive and p16‐positive OPSCC have better short‐term prognoses there is current debate and trials on treatment de‐escalation in HPV‐positive OPSCC. Dental practitioners can play an important role in early diagnosis of HPV‐positive OPSCC.
As Above, So Below: Anti‐Black Violence as Environmental Racism
Authors: Wright Willie Jamaal
Published: September 2018

Activists and scholars often describe environmental racism as an immoral and illegal dumping of toxic waste into poor, Black, and people of colour communities. Yet, the use of environmental habitats in (and with) which Black people are mutilated, concealed, and contained has gone under‐conceptualised as a mode of environmental racism. I propose an expansion of familiar understandings of environmental racism to include the use of environmental habitats to commit and conceal acts of anti‐Black violence. This proposition draws from an understanding that environmental racism includes the mutual devaluation of Black bodies and the spaces in which they inhabit. I ground this study in Afro‐Pessimist and Black geographies thought, research on environmental racism and cultural analyses of Black literary and performance art. Finally, I draw from the spatial and racial analyses imprinted within James Baldwin's immense catalogue to put forth Blackness as an alternate human ethic imbued with political possibilities, an ontological conceptualisation which may push activists and scholars to seek redress beyond the policy rationales and recommendations commonplace among today's struggles for environmental justice.
Strain out a gnat and swallow a camel? – vision and driving in the Nordic countries
Authors: Bro Tomas , Lindblom Bertil
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study describes the present legislation for visual requirements for driving in the Nordic countries in relation to the European Driving License Directive.

Methods

Information about the formal legislation was gathered from each countries legal text. Further information about the implementation and common practices were achieved from national authorities in vision and driving.

Results

Even though the Nordic countries use the same framework of legislation, the implementation varies widely. Sweden and Norway have more specified visual field requirements than the others. On the other hand, no periodic testing of visual acuity (VA) is performed in Sweden as in all other Nordic countries. Physicians on Iceland are not obliged to report a person no longer fulfilling the visual requirements, as in other Nordic countries. In Denmark, Finland and Norway a person may apply for dispensation from the requirements by performing a practical driving test. In Sweden, a person applying for dispensation can undergo a traffic simulator test.

Conclusion

Because of the national legislation in the Nordic countries, a person with a visual impairment may be given different permissions depending on which country they live in. As the inhabitants in the Nordic countries frequently cross the regional borders, a harmonization of the legislation would be of value. More research in this field could provide future standards, combining the greatest autonomy with the highest possible safety.
Isolated pigment epithelium detachment: evidence for relation to central serous chorioretinopathy and effect of photodynamic therapy
Authors: Arif Farah , Pryds Anders , Larsen Michael
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To describe clinical characteristics and response to verteporfin therapy (PDT) in eyes with retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED) in the absence of primary disease other than characteristics compatible with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods

Retrospective review of 634 consecutive patients diagnosed with isolated PED or CSC in one or both eyes in the period from 2007 to 2014 at a single institution.

Results

Pigment epithelium detachment (PED) in the absence of primary pathology other than angiographic choroidal hyperpermeability in the incident or fellow eye or manifest CSC in the fellow eye was found in 22 eyes in 19 patients. Follow‐up ranged from 4 to 61 months. Five of 19 patients (26%) had classic CSC in the fellow eye. Transition from isolated PED to manifest CSC in the eye with PED was observed in seven eyes (33%) over a median untreated period of observation of 11 months (range, 1–32 months). A single session of PDT followed up 1–6 months later showed full resolution of the PED in seven (78%) of nine eyes. Of the 13 untreated eyes, five eyes (38%) underwent spontaneous resolution of the PED.

Conclusion

Fellow‐eye findings, conversion to CSC, resolution of PED after PDT or, less commonly, spontaneously support that isolated PED is a manifestation of CSC that represents an intermediate stage between pachychoroid and classic CSC. The chance of experiencing resolution of the PED was roughly twice as high with PDT as with untreated observation.
Efficacy of collagen matrix implant on adhesions in restrictive strabismus: An experimental study in a rabbit model
Authors: Yoo Yung Ju , Hwang Jeong‐Min , Choe Gheeyoung , Yang Hee Kyung
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of a biodegradable collagen matrix implant (Ologen, Aeon Astron Europe BV, Leiden, the Netherlands) in reducing adhesions in a rabbit model of restrictive strabismus.

Methods

A prospective, masked‐observer, controlled experimental study was performed. Sixty superior rectus muscles of 30 rabbits were resected and Marlex mesh was fixed beneath the resected muscle using nonabsorbable suture. Forty eyes underwent one of two different procedures; the resected muscle was wrapped with preserved human amniotic membrane (AM group) or Ologen (Ologen group). Randomly selected 20 eyes served as controls. Eyes were enucleated at 4 weeks after surgery to measure the severity of adhesion using a push pull gauge. Histopathological examination was performed.

Results

At postoperative week four, the average tensile strength of the myoscleral adhesion was significantly lower in the Ologen group (151.8 ± 42.7 gram force) compared to controls (347.9 ± 68.6 gram force) and AM group (193.0 ± 44.3 gram force) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). Ologen group showed significantly lower degree of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation and rectus muscle fibrosis compared with controls (all p < 0.01). The degree of chronic inflammation was significantly lower in the Ologen group compared with AM group (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Compared to amniotic membrane, Ologen is more effective in reducing mesh‐related extraocular muscle adhesions in a rabbit model of restrictive strabismus.
Oral sweet solution to prevent pain during neonatal hip examination: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Olsson Emma , Pettersson Miriam , Eriksson Mats , Ohlin Andreas
Published: September 2018

Aim

To determine if oral glucose can have a pain‐relieving effect during routine hip examinations in newborn infants.

Methods

In this randomised controlled study 100 newborn infants undergoing the routine physical examination including the potentially painful hip examination were included between March 2016 and April 2017. Fifty infants were randomised to water (control) and 50 to oral glucose (intervention) before their examination. Pain was assessed using crying time, Astrid Lindgren and Lund Children's Hospital Pain and Stress Assessment Scale (ALPS‐Neo) and Visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Total crying time (p = 0.006), crying time during the hip examination (p = 0.026), ALPS‐Neo (p = 0.004) and VAS (p = 0.006) (when assessed by the physician) were all significantly decreased in the group of infants receiving glucose. VAS assessment made by the parents did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.127).

Conclusion

Oral glucose given before the examination has a pain‐relieving effect during the hip examination in healthy newborn infants.
A Research Note on Bargain Purchase Gains on Acquisition
Authors: Kabir Humayun
Published: September 2018

This research note explores the incidence, amounts, disclosure and potential sources of bargain purchase gains reported by an Australian sample of firms during 2013–15. It finds that 7.58% of the sample acquirers reported bargain purchase gains during this period. The median gain as a percentage of consideration transferred was 18.90%. In contravention of IFRS 3 Business Combinations, not all acquirers with material bargain purchase gains disclosed in notes why the gain arose. Finally, the note reports preliminary evidence suggesting uncertainty about the sources of the gain.