bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meeting Challenges of Late Life Disability Proactively
Authors: Kahana Eva , Kahana Jeffrey S , Kahana Boaz , Ermoshkina Polina
Published: August 2019

Discussions of disability in the gerontological and the disability studies literatures have seldom considered unique perspectives and needs of older adults. Disability has often been stigmatized and viewed as antithetical to successful aging. We call for expansion of prevailing paradigms of disability to address the resilience and continuing human potential of older adults living with disabilities. In addition to recognizing the environmental context of disability, we propose greater attention to adaptive potential of disabled older adults. We discuss 6 types of proactive adaptations that can contribute to empowerment, meaning, enhanced quality of life and psychological well-being among persons living with late-life onset disabilities. These include: (a) helping others, (b) planning for future care, (c) marshaling intergenerational support, (d) self-advocacy for responsive health care, (e) making environmental modifications to improve safety and comfort of the home, and (f) finding strength in spiritual pursuits. Enacting proactive adaptations can contribute to resilience in facing late life impairments and functional limitations. Such efforts can complement utilization of services and obtaining accommodations. Maintaining life satisfaction among older adults living with disabilities also involves focus on transcendent personal goals and acceptance of an altered self. We note how a more integrative view of medical and social dimensions of disability, infused with concepts of human agency, contributes to rapprochement between alternative disciplinary orientations to late life disability. Without negating society’s important responsibilities for accommodating to needs of older adults living with disability, we reaffirm their potential for greater control and self-determination through proactive adaptations.
Animal welfare and ecology in the contested ethics of rodent control in Cape Town
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , Stephens Jed , Loubser Jorich Johann
Published: August 2019

There is growing concern globally about the inhumane treatment of ‘pest’ animals, including rodents, and about the ecological consequences of rodenticides, notably the poisoning of non-target wildlife like raptors and scavengers. Recent contestation between Environmental Health (EH) officials in Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest African township, and the National Council for Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) illustrates the tension that can arise between innovative ecologically-focused strategies and existing legislation and animal protection practices. In 2013/14 EH officials introduced a job-creation project to trap and drown rats, describing it as ‘humane’ because it avoided poison thereby posing no danger to wildlife such as owls. The NSPCA, however, halted the project, arguing that drowning was both inhumane and illegal. Death by poison is also inhumane but the South Africa’s Animals Protection Act (1962) allows it (and trapping and hunting) to be used against ‘pests’/‘vermin’. The NSPCA, which has never challenged the Act for allowing the inhumane treatment of these animals, used it to trump local preferences. A representative survey from Khayelitsha showed that there was some support for an NSPCA-like position (14% thought that drowning was cruel and that workers should not be allowed to trap and drown rats) but that the majority (70%) indicated that they were both concerned about the poisoning of non-target animals and supported the continuation of the trapping and drowning project. This was not a contestation over whether animals should be protected, but over how to do this, and which animals to include.
Heat stress increases the use of cytosolic pyruvate for isoprene biosynthesis
Authors: Yáñez-Serrano Ana Maria , Mahlau Lucas , Fasbender Lukas , Byron Joseph , Williams Jonathan , Kreuzwieser Jürgen , Werner Christiane
Published: August 2019

The increasing occurrence of heatwaves has intensified temperature stress on terrestrial vegetation. Here, we investigate how two contrasting isoprene-emitting tropical species, Ficus benjamina and Pachira aquatica, cope with heat stress and assess the role of internal plant carbon sources for isoprene biosynthesis in relation to thermotolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report isoprene emissions from P. aquatica. We exposed plants to two levels of heat stress and determined the temperature response curves for isoprene and photosynthesis. To assess the use of internal C sources in isoprene biosynthesis, plants were fed with 13C position-labelled pyruvate. F. benjamina was more heat tolerant with higher constitutive isoprene emissions and stronger acclimation to higher temperatures than P. aquatica, which showed higher induced isoprene emissions at elevated temperatures. Under heat stress, both isoprene emissions and the proportion of cytosolic pyruvate allocated into isoprene synthesis increased. This represents a mechanism that P. aquatica, and to a lesser extent F. benjamina, has adopted as an immediate response to sudden increase in heat stress. However, in the long run under prolonged heat, the species with constitutive emissions (F. benjamina) was better adapted, indicating that plants that invest more carbon into protective emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds tend to suffer less from heat stress.
Reconstructing complex lineage trees from scRNA-seq data using MERLoT
Authors: Parra R Gonzalo , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Ahumada-Arranz Laura , Kholtei Jakob El , Mottelson Noah , Horokhovsky Yehor , Treutlein Barbara , Soeding Johannes
Published: August 2019

Advances in single-cell transcriptomics techniques are revolutionizing studies of cellular differentiation and heterogeneity. It has become possible to track the trajectory of thousands of genes across the cellular lineage trees that represent the temporal emergence of cell types during dynamic processes. However, reconstruction of cellular lineage trees with more than a few cell fates has proved challenging. We present MERLoT (https://github.com/soedinglab/merlot), a flexible and user-friendly tool to reconstruct complex lineage trees from single-cell transcriptomics data. It can impute temporal gene expression profiles along the reconstructed tree. We show MERLoT’s capabilities on various real cases and hundreds of simulated datasets.
Induction of ALP and MMP9 activity facilitates invasive behavior in heterogeneous human BMSC and HNSCC 3D spheroids
Authors: Wessely Anja , Waltera Anna , Reichert Torsten E. , Stöckl Sabine , Grässel Susanne , Bauer Richard J.
Published: August 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells capable of differentiating into adipocytic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic lineages. There is growing evidence that MSCs home into the tumor microenvironment attracted by a variety of signals such as chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines. Tumor‐homing stem cells may originate from bone marrow–derived MSCs (BMSCs) or adipose tissue‐derived MSCs. Recent scientific data suggest that MSCs in combination with tumor cells can either promote or inhibit tumorigenic behavior. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), BMSCs are reported to be enriched with a potential negative role. Here, we evaluated the effect of BMSCs from 4 different donors in combination with 4 HNSCC cell lines in a 3‐dimensional multicellular spheroid model. Heterogeneous combinations revealed an up‐regulation of gene and protein expression of osteogenic markers runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) together with a substantial secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 9. Moreover, heterogenous BMSC/tumor spheroids showed increased invasion compared with homogenous spheroids in a Boyden chamber invasion assay. Furthermore, inhibition of ALP resulted in a substantially decreased spreading of heterogeneous spheroids on laminin‐rich matrix. In summary, our data suggest a prometastatic effect of BMSCs combined with HNSCC.—Wessely, A., Waltera, A., Reichert, T. E., Stöckl, S., Grässel, S., Bauer, R. J. Induction of ALP and MMP9 activity facilitates invasive behavior in heterogeneous human BMSC and HNSCC 3D‐spheroids. FASEB J. 33, 11884–11893 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Hypothalamic leptin sensitivity and health benefits of time‐restricted feeding are dependent on the time of day in male mice
Authors: Boucsein Alisa , Rizwan Mohammed Z. , Tups Alexander
Published: August 2019

Synchronization between biologic clocks and metabolism is crucial for most species. Here, we examined the ability of leptin, important in the control of energy metabolism, to induce leptin signaling at the molecular as well as the behavioral level throughout the 24‐h day in mice fed either a control or a high‐fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of time‐restricted feeding (TRF; a limitation of HFD access to 6 h each day) on energy metabolism during different periods throughout the 24‐h day. In control mice, molecular leptin sensitivity was highest at zeitgeber time (ZT)0 (lights on), declining during the light phase, and increasing during the dark phase. Surprisingly, leptin resistance in HFD‐fed mice was only present from the middle of the dark to the middle of the light period. Specifically, when TRF occurred from ZT21 to ZT3 (when leptin resistance in HFD‐fed mice was most profound), it resulted in a disruption of the daily rhythms of locomotor activity and energy expenditure and in increased plasma insulin levels compared with other TRF periods. These data provide evidence that leptin sensitivity is controlled by the circadian rhythm and that TRF periods may be most efficient when aligned with the leptin‐sensitive period.—Boucsein, A., Rizwan, M. Z., Tups, A. Hypothalamic leptin sensitivity and health benefits of time‐restricted feeding are dependent on the time of day in male mice. FASEB J. 33, 12175–12187 (2019). www.fasebj.org
The role of cancer-associated autoantibodies as biomarkers in paraneoplastic myositis syndrome
Authors: Lu Xin , Peng Qinglin , Wang Guochun
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current insight about the clinical utility of cancer-associated autoantibodies (CAAs) as biomarkers in paraneoplastic myositis syndrome (PMS). In addition, the possible mechanisms of the relationship between malignancy and myositis onset are discussed.

Recent findings

It has become increasingly clear that a subgroup of the myositis-specific autoantibodies could be considered as CAAs because they are closely related to the PMS. Increased risk of cancer was found in patients with antitranscriptional intermediary factor 1-γ (TIF1-γ), antinuclear matrix protein-2 (NXP-2), anti3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) or antismall ubiquitin-like modifier 1-activating enzyme (SAE) antibodies. However, the diagnosing sensitivity and specificity of these CAAs for PMS are different among different cohort studies. Abnormally expressed or mutated autoantigen genes in tumor could possibly induce cross immunity against self-proteins and subsequently lead to the development of PMS.

Anti-TIF1-γ, anti-NXP-2, anti-HMGCR and anti-SAE antibodies may act as CAAs in PMS. It is necessary to closely screen and monitor for cancer in patients with CAAs. The recent studies of the relationship between CAAs and PMS provided important new insights into the disease mechanisms.
Ventilation Rates and Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Outcomes*
Authors: Sutton Robert M. , Reeder Ron W. , Landis William P. , Meert Kathleen L. , Yates Andrew R. , Morgan Ryan W. , Berger John T. , Newth Christopher J. , Carcillo Joseph A. , McQuillen Patrick S. , Harrison Rick E. , Moler Frank W. , Pollack Murray M. , Carpenter Todd C. , Notterman Daniel A. , Holubkov Richard , Dean J. Michael , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Berg Robert A.
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to associate ventilation rates during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation with 1) arterial blood pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 2) survival outcomes.

Design:

Prospective, multicenter observational study.

Setting:

Pediatric and pediatric cardiac ICUs of the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network.

Patients:

Intubated children (≥ 37 wk gestation and < 19 yr old) who received at least 1 minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Arterial blood pressure and ventilation rate (breaths/min) were manually extracted from arterial line and capnogram waveforms. Guideline rate was defined as 10 ± 2 breaths/min; high ventilation rate as greater than or equal to 30 breaths/min in children less than 1 year old, and greater than or equal to 25 breaths/min in older children. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Regression models using Firth penalized likelihood assessed the association between ventilation rates and outcomes. Ventilation rates were available for 52 events (47 patients). More than half of patients (30/47; 64%) were less than 1 year old. Eighteen patients (38%) survived to discharge. Median event-level average ventilation rate was 29.8 breaths/min (interquartile range, 23.8–35.7). No event-level average ventilation rate was within guidelines; 30 events (58%) had high ventilation rates. The only significant association between ventilation rate and arterial blood pressure occurred in children 1 year old or older and was present for systolic blood pressure only (–17.8 mm Hg/10 breaths/min; 95% CI, –27.6 to –8.1; p < 0.01). High ventilation rates were associated with a higher odds of survival to discharge (odds ratio, 4.73; p = 0.029). This association was stable after individually controlling for location (adjusted odds ratio, 5.97; p = 0.022), initial rhythm (adjusted odds ratio, 3.87; p = 0.066), and time of day (adjusted odds ratio, 4.12; p = 0.049).

Conclusions:

In this multicenter cohort, ventilation rates exceeding guidelines were common. Among the range of rates delivered, higher rates were associated with improved survival to hospital discharge.
Accelerated Versus Standard Corneal Cross-Linking for Progressive Keratoconus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To compare the clinical results of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACXL) to standard corneal collagen cross-linking (SCXL) in progressive keratoconus by summarizing randomized controlled trials using a meta-analysis.

Methods:

Trials meeting the selection criteria were quality appraised, and data were extracted by 2 independent authors. A comprehensive search was performed using the Cochrane methodology to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ACXL and SCXL for treating progressive keratoconus. Estimates were evaluated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for absolute changes of the outcomes during 12-month observation periods. Postoperative demarcation line depth was also compared.

Results:

We identified 6 randomized controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria for this meta-analysis. SCXL resulted in a significantly better outcome in postoperative changes in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (WMD = −0.02; 95% CI, −0.03 to −0.01; P < 0.0001); however, the small differences may not be clinically significant. ACXL provided a significantly better improvement of cylindrical refraction after the 1-year follow-up (WMD = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05–0.26; P = 0.005). Demarcation line depth at 1 month after SCXL was deeper than that after ACXL (WMD = −102.25; 95% CI, −157.16 to −47.35; P = 0.0003). No differences in the changes in maximum keratometry, central corneal thickness, uncorrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent refraction, corneal biomechanical properties, and corneal endothelial cell density were found among both groups.

Conclusions:

An ACXL shows a comparable efficacy and safety profile at the 1-year follow-up, but it has less impact on improving best spectacle-corrected visual acuity when compared with the Dresden protocol. Overall, both methods similarly stop the disease progression.
Smoke screen: The teen vaping epidemic uncovers a new concerning addiction
Authors: Huey Sally W. , Granitto Margaret H.
Published: August 2019

The use of nicotine products among adolescents is now designated as a national epidemic by the United States Surgeon General. The largest one-year increase ever recorded for substance use in the adolescent population should sound the alarm for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) practicing in family health and pediatrics. Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), has been purported by the vaping industry as a less harmful alternative for tobacco users in their attempt to quit smoking. In adolescents, vaping represents a dangerous and highly addictive health behavior. Initiatives on both the state and federal levels have begun to address marketing and access to young users. However, the active involvement of NPs on the front line of primary care will be necessary to combat this imposing threat. The protection of our young patients from nicotine addiction and the education of patients and families about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes are imperative to prevent harm. This article addresses concerns related to e-cigarette use in the adolescent population and the important role NPs can play in promoting their health and well-being.
Thyroid disease and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mehran Ladan , Amouzegar Atieh , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

To summarize recent developments in the association of thyroid function with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Recent findings

Although thyroid hormones even within low normal range are associated with various metabolic abnormalities, the risk of MetS remains a controversial issue. Hyperthyroid state might be associated only with insulin resistance and dysglycemia. Autoimmune thyroid diseases may be a potential risk factor for metabolic abnormalities even in those with low normal thyroid function.

The interrelation between thyroid stimulating hormone, free T3, freeT4 and metabolic parameters is complex and might be affected by age, sex, BMI, insulin resistance, smoking, iodine intake and inflammatory markers.
The effects of stress on the driving abilities of paramedic students: a pilot, simulator-based study
Authors: Duncliffe Trevor Hines , D’Angelo Brittany , Brock Michael , Fraser Cal , Lamarra Jake , Austin Nick , Pusateri Matt , Batt Alan M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous research has suggested that stress may have a negative effect on the clinical performance of paramedics. In addition, stress has been demonstrated to have a negative impact the driving abilities of the general population, increasing the number of driving errors. However, to date no studies have explored stress and its potential impact on non-clinical performance of paramedics, particularly their driving abilities.

Methods

Paramedic students underwent emergency driving assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stressful medical scenario. Number and type of errors were documented before and after by both driving simulator software and observation by two observers from the research team. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was utilised to record self-reported stress levels.

Results

36 students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students demonstrated no increase in overall error rate, but demonstrated an increase in three critical driving errors, namely failure to wear a seatbelt (3 baseline v 10 post stress), failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (7 v 35), and losing control of the vehicle (2 v 11). Self-reported stress levels also increased after the clinical scenario, particularly in the area of mental (cognitive) demand.

Conclusion

Paramedics are routinely exposed to acute stress in their everyday work, and this stress could affect their non-clinical performance. The critical errors committed by participants in this study closely matched those considered to be contributory factors in many ambulance collisions. These results stimulate the need for further research into the effects of stress on non-clinical performance in general, and highlight the potential need to consider additional driver training and stress management education in order to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors.

Key points

Paramedics are exposed to stressful clinical scenarios during the course of their work

Many critical and serious clinical calls require transport to hospital

Ambulance crashes occur regularly and pose a significant risk to the safety and wellbeing of both patients and paramedics

This simulated clinical scenario followed by a simulated driving scenario has highlighted that stress appears to affect driving abilities in paramedic students

The findings of this study, although conducted in paramedic students in simulated environments, highlight the need to further investigate the effects of stress on driving abilities among paramedics
Myelin-reactive B cells exacerbate the severity of CD4+T cell-driven CNS autoimmunity in an IL-23-dependent manner
Authors: Fazazi Mohamed Reda , Ignatius Arokia Doss Prenitha Mercy , Pereira Resel , Fudge Neva , Regmi Aryan , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Akbar Irshad , Yeola Asmita Pradeep , Mailhot Benoit , Baillargeon Joanie , Grenier Philippe , Bertrand Nicolas , Lacroix Steve , Droit Arnaud , Moore Craig S. , Rojas Olga L. , Rangachari Manu
Published: August 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that has traditionally been considered a T cell-mediated disease. However, accumulating evidence points to a crucial role for B cells in disease processes. IgH[MOG]mice possess a transgenic immunoglobulin heavy chain derived from a monoclonal antibody specific to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a key target for autoimmune responses. Here, using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we investigated the susceptibility of IgH[MOG]mice to CD4+T cell-driven disease that was induced by active immunization with MOG[35-55]autoantigen. We found that immunized IgH[MOG]mice rapidly developed severe EAE, characterized by the aggregation of T and B cells in the CNS meninges. We observed an increased presence of class-switched and inflammatory cytokine-positive B cells in the IgH[MOG]CNS, as well as a greater frequency of IL-17- and GM-CSF-producing CD4+T cells. Production of the Th17 maintenance factor IL-23 was increased from IgH[MOG]CNS-infiltrating B cells, andin vivoblockade of IL-23p19 strongly attenuated disease severity in IgH[MOG]mice. Strikingly, we observed an increased frequency of PD-1+CXCR5-T peripheral helper (Tph)-like cells in the CNS parenchyma and dura mater of IgH[MOG]mice. Both Tph accumulation in the CNS, as well as meningeal inflammation, were again sharply reduced upon IL-23p19 blockadein vivo. Notably, CNS-infiltrating B and Tph cells from IgH[MOG]mice showed an upregulation of genes related to neurodegeneration and oxidative phosphorylation, and IL-23 blockade reduced ROS production from these cellsin vivo. Altogether, these data show that MOG-specific B cells contribute to severe CD4+T cell-driven EAE by promoting CNS accumulation of Th17 and Tph cells, as well as tertiary lymphoid organs in the CNS meninges, in an IL-23 dependent manner.
Tumor heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance in FGFR2-fusion-positive cholangiocarcinoma through rapid research autopsy
Authors: Krook Melanie A. , Bonneville Russell , Chen Hui-Zi , Reeser Julie W. , Wing Michele R. , Martin Dorrelyn M. , Smith Amy M. , Dao Thuy , Samorodnitsky Eric , Paruchuri Anoosha , Miya Jharna , Baker Kaitlin R. , Yu Lianbo , Timmers Cynthia , Dittmar Kristin , Freud Aharon G. , Allenby Patricia , Roychowdhury Sameek
Published: August 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly aggressive and lethal malignancy, with limited treatment options available. Recently, FGFR inhibitors have been developed and utilized in FGFR-mutant cholangiocarcinoma; however, resistance often develops and the genomic determinants of resistance are not fully characterized. We completed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 11 unique tumor samples obtained from a rapid research autopsy on a patient with FGFR-fusion-positive cholangiocarcinoma who initially responded to the pan-FGFR inhibitor, INCB054828. In vitro studies were carried out to characterize the novel FGFR alteration and secondaryFGFR2mutation identified. Multisite WES and analysis of tumor heterogeneity through subclonal inference identified four genetically distinct cancer cell populations, two of which were only observed after treatment. Additionally, WES revealed anFGFR2N549H mutation hypothesized to confer resistance to the FGFR inhibitor INCB054828 in a single tumor sample. This hypothesis was corroborated with in vitro cell-based studies in which cells expressingFGFR2–CLIP1fusion were sensitive to INCB054828 (IC50value of 10.16 nM), whereas cells with the addition of the N549H mutation were resistant to INCB054828 (IC50value of 1527.57 nM). Furthermore, theFGFR2N549H secondary mutation displayed cross-resistance to other selective FGFR inhibitors, but remained sensitive to the nonselective inhibitor, ponatinib. Rapid research autopsy has the potential to provide unprecedented insights into the clonal evolution of cancer throughout the course of the disease. In this study, we demonstrate the emergence of a drug resistance mutation and characterize the evolution of tumor subclones within a cholangiocarcinoma disease course.
Molecular heterogeneity of the cerebriform connective tissue nevus in mosaic overgrowth syndromes
Authors: Keppler-Noreuil Kim M. , Burton-Akright Jasmine , Lindhurst Marjorie J. , Shwetar Jasmine , Sapp Julie C. , Darling Thomas , Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: August 2019

The clinical diagnostic criteria for Proteus syndrome were defined before the discovery of the AKT1 c.49G>A; p.(Glu17Lys) causal variant and used a combination of general and specific phenotypic attributes that could be combined to make a clinical diagnosis. The most heavily weighted specific criterion was the cerebriform connective tissue nevus (CCTN). Here, we describe two individuals with connective tissue nevi (CTNs) and some general attributes of Proteus syndrome who were found to have mosaic PIK3CA variants. CTNs on the soles of individuals with PIK3CA-related overgrowth typically exhibit thickening of the soft tissues with at most a wrinkled surface, but these two patients had firm plaques with ridges and furrows characteristic of CCTNs, which was histologically confirmed in one. These data show that CCTNs are not specific to Proteus syndrome and that clinicians should be cautious in diagnosing individuals with Proteus syndrome based on the CCTN alone. Rather, a complete evaluation should include careful assessment of other attributes of the diagnostic criteria and, whenever possible, genetic analysis of affected tissue.
Diamond nanofocusing refractive X-ray lenses made by planar etching technology
Authors: Lyubomirskiy Mikhail , Boye Pit , Feldkamp Jan M. , Patommel Jens , Schoeder Sebastian , Schropp Andreas , Burghammer Manfred , Wild Christoph , Schroer Christian G.
Published: August 2019

The manufacturing steps and first tests of a refractive lens made of polycrystalline diamond are described. A fabrication process based on electron-beam lithography and deep reactive ion etching is introduced. Experimental tests on beamline ID13 at the ESRF have been performed. A spot size of 360 nm (FWHM) at an energy E = 24.3 keV is observed.
Human resource managers as liaisons between firms and labour
Authors: O’Donnell Michael , Williamson Sue , Adikaram Arosha , Foley Meraiah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how human resource (HR) managers in garment factories in a Sri Lankan export processing zone (EPZ) navigated the tension between their role as stewards of employee welfare and their role to maximise firm productivity in response to time and production pressures imposed by international buyers. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of HR managers as liaisons between firms and labour. This omission is significant, given the importance of human resource management in the recruitment and retention of labour and the role of HR managers in organisational performance and regulatory compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used based on interviews with 18 HR managers, factory managers and other key informants, and 63 factory workers from 12 firms in the Katunayake EPZ. The interviews and focus groups in English were transcribed and coded into themes arising from the literature and further developed from the transcripts. Initial codes were analysed to identify common themes across the data set.

Findings

HR managers were acutely aware of the competitive pressures facing the EPZ garment factories. While examples of company welfarism were evident, HR practices such as incentive payment systems and the management of employee absences reinforced a workplace environment of long hours, work intensification and occupational injury.

Originality/value

This paper goes some way towards filling the gap in our understanding of the roles played by HR managers in garment factories in the Global South, raising theoretical debates regarding the potential for HR managers in developing countries to distance themselves from the negative consequences of HR practices such as individual and team reward systems.
Artificial intelligence treating the problem of uncertainty in quantitative risk analysis (QRA)
Authors: Hellas Mohamed Seddik , Chaib Rachid , Verzea Ion
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Nowadays, artificial intelligence computational methods, such as knowledge-based systems, neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic, have been increasingly applied to several industrial research studies, the purpose of this paper is to study the contribution of fuzzy and possibilistic techniques to quantitative risk analysis (QRA) in the presence of imperfect knowledge about the occurrence and consequences of accidental phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve the problem of uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences, the authors used fuzzy logic. Using this type of analysis, it is possible to visualize the contours of the dead or fuzzy injury by fireball thermal effect (first- and second-degree burn, death) and lesions caused by vapor cloud explosion overpressure (lung damage, eardrum rupture, head impact, whole-body displacement). The frequency and severity of fuzzy results are calculated by extended multiplication using the alpha-cuts method.

Findings

This research project aims to reflect the real situation in the in Amenas industrial area (SONATRACH company), specifically the liquefied petroleum gas storage tank On-Spec 05-V-411A, to deal with this type of risk. Using this analysis allows us to estimate the fuzzy individual risk using the approach of fuzzy logic to treating this uncertainty in the parameter information of accident scenarios. This index individuel risk (IR) was evaluated against the criterion of acceptability and then used for decision-making in the field of industrial risk analysis and evaluation.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is to identify the weak points of the classical QRA to solve the problem of the uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences to visualize the fuzzy risk contours. On the one hand and the development of software to calculate the probability of death by the overpressure effect and classify the most sensitive organs on the other hand. Given the importance of this study, it can be generalized for similar sites in the region.
Impact of processing parameters on tensile strength, in-process crystallinity and mesostructure in FDM-fabricated PLA specimens
Authors: Luzanin Ognjan , Movrin Dejan , Stathopoulos Vassilis , Pandis Pavlos , Radusin Tanja , Guduric Vera
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of layer thickness, extrusion temperature, extrusion speed and build plate temperature on the tensile strength, crystallinity achieved during fabrication (herein, in-process crystallinity) and mesostructure of Poly(lactic acid) specimens. Both tensile strength and in-process crystallinity were optimized and verified as the function of processing parameters, and their relationship was thoroughly examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The four key technological parameters were systematically varied as factors on three levels, using the statistically designed experiment. Surface response methodology was used to optimize tensile strength and crystallinity for the given ranges of input factors. Optimized factor settings were used in a set of confirmation runs, where the result of optimization was experimentally confirmed. Material characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis, while the effect of processing parameters on mesostructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

Layer thickness and its quadratic effect are dominant contributors to tensile strength. Significant interaction between layer thickness and extrusion speed implies that these parameters should always be varied simultaneously within designed experiment to obtain adequate process model. As regards, the in-process crystallinity, extrusion speed is part of two significant interactions with plate temperature and layer thickness, respectively. Quality of mesostructure is vital contributor to tensile strength during FDM process, while the in-process crystallinity exhibited no impact, remaining below the 20 per cent margin regardless of process parameter settings.

Originality/value

According to available literature, there have been no previously published investigations which studied the effect of process parameters on tensile strength, mesostructure and in-process crystallinity through systematic variation of four critical processing parameters.
High inter‐ and intraspecific niche overlap among three sympatrically breeding, closely related seabird species: Generalist foraging as an adaptation to a highly variable environment?
Authors: Dehnhard Nina , Achurch Helen , Clarke Judy , Michel Loïc N. , Southwell Colin , Sumner Michael D. , Eens Marcel , Emmerson Louise
Published: August 2019

Ecological niche theory predicts sympatric species to show segregation in their spatio‐temporal habitat utilization or diet as a strategy to avoid competition. Similarly, within species individuals may specialize on specific dietary resources or foraging habitats. Such individual specialization seems to occur particularly in environments with predictable resource distribution and limited environmental variability. Still, little is known about how seasonal environmental variability affects segregation of resources within species and between closely related sympatric species.

The aim of the study was to investigate the foraging behaviour of three closely related and sympatrically breeding fulmarine petrels (Antarctic petrels Thalassoica antarctica, cape petrels Daption capense and southern fulmars Fulmarus glacialoides) in a seasonally highly variable environment (Prydz Bay, Antarctica) with the aim of assessing inter‐ and intraspecific overlap in utilized habitat, timing of foraging and diet and to identify foraging habitat preferences.

We used GPS loggers with wet/dry sensors to assess spatial habitat utilization over the entire breeding season. Trophic overlap was investigated using stable isotope analysis based on blood, feathers and egg membranes. Foraging locations were identified using wet/dry data recorded by the GPS loggers and expectation‐maximization binary clustering. Foraging habitat preferences were modelled using generalized additive models and model cross‐validation.

During incubation and chick‐rearing, the utilization distribution of all three species overlapped significantly and species also overlapped in the timing of foraging during the day—partly during incubation and completely during chick‐rearing. Isotopic centroids showed no significant segregation between at least two species for feathers and egg membranes, and among all species during incubation (reflected by blood). Within species, there was no individual specialization in foraging sites or environmental space. Furthermore, no single environmental covariate predicted foraging activity along trip trajectories. Instead, best‐explanatory environmental covariates varied within and between individuals even across short temporal scales, reflecting a highly generalist behaviour of birds.

Our results may be explained by optimal foraging theory. In the highly productive but spatio‐temporally variable Antarctic environment, being a generalist may be key to finding mobile prey—even though this increases the potential for competition within and among sympatric species.
Comparing ageing and the effects of diet supplementation in wild vs. captive antler flies, Protopiophila litigata
Authors: Mautz Brian S. , Rode Nicolas O. , Bonduriansky Russell , Rundle Howard D.
Published: August 2019

Few studies have simultaneously compared ageing within genetically similar populations in both laboratory and natural environments. Such comparisons are important for interpreting laboratory studies, because factors such as diet could affect ageing in environment‐dependent ways.

Using a natural population of antler flies (Protopiophila litigata), we conducted separate factorial experiments in 2012 and 2013 that compared age‐specific male survival and mating success in laboratory cages versus a natural field environment while supplementing their diets with protein or sugar.

We found consistent and substantial increases in both survival and mating rates in the laboratory compared to the field, but remarkably, despite these large differences actuarial ageing was only higher in the laboratory than in the field in 2012 and similar in the two environments in 2013. In both years, there was no difference between environments in reproductive ageing.

We found that males fed protein had a higher mortality rate than males fed sugar (strong and low support in 2012 and 2013, respectively).

In contrast, diet did not strongly impact average mating rates, actuarial ageing or reproductive ageing in either experiment.

Our results provide the first evidence that the negative effect of protein on life span reported in many laboratory studies can also occur in wild populations, although perhaps less consistently. They also highlight how laboratory environments can influence life‐history traits and suggest caution when extrapolating from the laboratory to the field.
Dead missionaries, wild Sentinelese: An anthropological review of a global media event
Authors: SCHÖNHUTH MICHAEL
Published: August 2019

This article aims to shed light on the background to a media event that occupied the world press, and even more the digital media, for a few weeks at the end of last year. The trope of the violent ‘murder’ of a white missionary by one of the last ‘uncontacted tribes’ is likely to evoke a variety of Western projections. Ultimately, it is about power over images, interpretations and how we want to behave towards isolated groups of people in today’s world: leave them alone? Protect them from the culture of violence at the fringe of their territories or contact them now and support them in the long term? An anthropological reading of the case does not lead to a simple answer to this question, but it might help in getting a more informed perspective on a complex subject matter.
Cannibalism & politics: The English Renaissance revisited
Authors: WORKING LAUREN
Published: August 2019

This article explores how anthropological approaches to Anglo‐Native American exchanges in the 16th and 17th centuries – thinking through and beyond terms like ‘cannibal’ – can draw attention to different facets of encounter and shed light on the influence of indigeneity on English heritage. Using the Englishman Anthony Knivet’s travels to Brazil in the 1590s as a case study, what emerges is the importance of interdisciplinary approaches which acknowledge the complicated and at times surprising interactions between representations and lived experience, between rituals and their appropriations. Further, acknowledging the influence of indigenous American people and artefacts on English history has important implications for addressing the legacy of imperialism in cultural institutions, opening up new possibilities for collaboration, display and reconciliation.
Characterisation of cow and buffalo ghee using fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Saleem Muhammad
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been utilised to characterise ghee extracted from buffalo and cow milk. Using an excitation wavelength of 320 nm, emission spectra of buffalo and cow ghee; vitamins A, B12, D, E, K; and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were acquired by using spectrofluorometer. The bands at 390, 440, 480 and 525 nm were assigned to fat‐soluble vitamins, CLA, vitamin A and beta‐carotene. Moreover, spectra of vitamins and CLA confirmed their presence in both ghee types. The spectral differences were highlighted through principle component analysis that has been applied for the detection of adulteration of cow  milk  in buffalo ghee.
Armenian teachers’ dichotomous perspectives on children with high‐functioning autism
Authors: Allan David , Hallett Fiona , Hallett Graham
Published: August 2019

This article uses the views of student teachers and serving teachers from a post‐Soviet context in order to better understand current thinking around teachers’ perceptions of children with what might be termed ‘hidden’ disabilities. Drawing on social comparison theory, and adopting a phenomenographical approach, the study explores teachers’ perspectives of autism in the Republic of Armenia, offering an insight into the impact of its social, cultural and political history. Whilst serving teachers demonstrated contrastive and downward comparisons when presented with a vignette of a young person with Asperger's Syndrome, student teachers expressed more connective comparisons. The data suggest, then, that Armenian student teachers represent progressive attitudinal change towards individuals with disabilities. These results also shed light on how social comparison theory might be used to tease out assumptions and taken‐for‐granted attitudes in the global West.
Oral health and healthcare utilization in Belgian dentate adults
Authors: Bottenberg Peter , Vanobbergen Jacques , Declerck Dominique , Carvalho Joana C.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

In 2012‐2014, the Belgian National Oral Health Data Registration and Evaluation Survey, integrated in the Health Interview Survey (HIS), was carried out. The present study investigated, in a sample of 1340 dentate adults (≥25 years), the association between oral healthcare utilization, oral health status and sociodemographic status.

Methods

A multistage, stratified cluster sampling procedure was used. Oral examination for caries experience (World Health Organization, D3MFT‐Index), periodontal status (Dutch Periodontal Screening Index, DPS‐Index), number of teeth present and occlusal contacts without wearing removable dentures was performed by calibrated examiners. Oral healthcare utilization data were retrieved from the records of the Belgian Intermutualistic Agency. Participants' oral health and sociodemographic data were linked to registered oral care utilization in the previous 5‐year period. Regular attenders (annual attenders and those with at least one registered contact in three different years) were compared with irregular attenders (those having had dental visits but not according to the definition of regular attenders) and nonattenders. Data were weighted to compensate for sampling and participation bias.

Results

Six hundred and seventy‐nine participants attended regularly, of whom 276 annually; 256 did not attend in the reference period. The overall D3MFT‐Index was not noticeably different between attendance patterns (varying between 11 and 13), although regular attenders had more restored teeth than nonattenders (P < 0.01). No difference was seen for DPS‐Index and number of teeth/occluding pairs (χ2 test, P > 0.05). Females, participants with higher education, older participants and those in employment had higher rates of regular attendance.

Conclusions

Regular attenders had fewer untreated caries lesions, but neither lower caries experience nor lower DPS‐Index than irregular attenders. Regular attendance was associated with sociodemographic variables.
Presidential Address and record of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) AGM 2019
Authors:   The Rt. Hon. the Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
Published: August 2019

In her first Address as President of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), The Rt. Hon. the Baroness Chalker of Wallasey reflected on the importance of supporting rural communities in the developing world, through education and sustainable employment opportunities, alongside animal and habitat conservation efforts.
EZH2 promotes invasion and tumour glycolysis by regulating STAT3 and FoxO1 signalling in human OSCC cells
Authors: Zheng Min , Cao Ming‐xin , Luo Xiao‐jie , Li Li , Wang Ke , Wang Sha‐sha , Wang Hao‐fan , Tang Ya‐jie , Tang Ya‐ling , Liang Xin‐hua
Published: August 2019

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), known as a member of the polycomb group (PcG) proteins, is an oncogene overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Here, we found that EZH2 correlated with poor survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients using immunohistochemistry staining. EZH2 overexpression led to a significant induction in tumour glycolysis, Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Conversely, silencing of EZH2 inhibited tumour glycolysis, EMT, migration and invasion in OSCC cells. Ectopic overexpression of EZH2 increased phosphorylation of STAT3 at pY705 and decreased FoxO1 expression, and FoxO1 expression was enhanced when inhibiting STAT3. In addition, EZH2 overexpression led to a significant decrease in FoxO1 mRNA levels in nude mice xenograft. These results indicated that regulation of EZH2 might have the potential to be targeted for OSCC treatment.